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Chapter Text

ACT I: SUMMER SKIES

Drip, drip, drip, let the paint drip on the blank canvas. Let one's mind be free of strife, as they mindlessly stroke upon the canvas. Tap, tap, tap, the soft sound of the paintbrush kissing the lid of the small container of paint truly sings a beautiful melody to her ears. My, how therapeutic.

"(Y/N)?" Her mother softly called, leaning against the doorframe- arms crossed, with a soft smile on her face. She watched her daughter break out of her artsy trance and slowly lower her paintbrush to turn to her, her beloved child's face still as stoic as ever. She couldn't help but snort at the uncanny resemblance to her husband, who is as lovably stoic and emotionally constipated as her daughter. (Y/N) simply sat there, slightly tilting her head in confusion, wondering what her Mamí found funny.

"Aha, it's nothing Mija. I just came here to remind you that to not forget to take Niko out in the town square today; he's been raring to go and play with his friends as of late." 

Peppering her daughter with kisses before turning to leave the room, she had always been such an affectionate mother. Too affectionate to the point (Y/N) would just stiffen up like a log as her mother smothers her with hugs and kisses in public. The poor teen likes hugs and kisses but not in public! Her Papí would certainly agree with her.

Picking up and fixing her things, she readied herself to go. A sketchbook and a pencil was all that she needed to bring in this little venture- besides her little brother of course. As she made her descent on the stairs, she was immediately met with an overly enthusiastic hug from her little brother.

"(Y/N)! (Y/N)! Are you ready to go out now hermana?" 

"Of course, Niko. Sorry to keep you waiting, let's go, best not to keep your friends waiting now, do we?" 

She sat on a nearby bench listening to the the townfolk's mirthful chattering whilst she scribbled away. Her ears perked up at the sound of her brother's joyful laughter, she looked up to see one of the Madrigals, Camilo (or 'Cheeky Chameleon' she'd always call him, as she's bad at remembering names.) shapeshifting to different people amusing the children.

She couldn't help but notice the tiredness in his eyes as he played around with the kids, it was almost unnoticeable if not for her spending to much time observing her surroundings whilst she draws. Taking note of minut details, as to make her drawings 'come to life' as her mother would always say about her art. 

'Knowing the subject is quite important, if your subject is human, then make it human. Give it life. Capture, feel the very essence of what makes it alive; integrate it to your art, and draw.'

With a flick of her wrist she sketched her subject, from the curly light brown locks that framed his freckled face to the chameleon patterned poncho that he wore everyday. Yet something is still missing, something she couldn't quite put a finger on. 

'In drawing a live subject, you must take note of their emotions, try feel their emotions yourself to get a better grip on what they're feeling. Look on a mirror if you have to-'

Glancing on her reflection, the window pane near her, showing the very emotion she's feeling as of the moment. Her dainty hand reached to touch her face, dissatisfied and unsurprised at what she saw; a face devoid of emotion, emotionally constipated her mother lovingly calls. What she feels didn't quite reach her face as she honestly felt very happy to be out and about in town right now.

"But what if I can't?" She mumbles, focusing her attention back at her sketchbook, hands touching the graphite on the paper. Unbeknownst to her, Camilo caught sight of the unusual girl by the bench sketching and doodling her life away. A small tug on his poncho made him divert his attention from the odd girl to a little boy, age not far from his brother, Antonio's.

"That's my big sister, (Y/N)! Wanna meet her, Camilo? She makes very cool and awesome drawings, like trees and stuff!" 

Trees, mhm yes trees are very awesome and cool. 

Camilo almost blurted out if not for the child pushing him to (Y/N)'s direction. Eyes fixated on her sketchbook, she stared at her drawing. She couldn't help but feel unsatisfied at her art, frustrated at herself of being unable to capture the emotion she wanted to portray. Cons of being emotionally constipated I guess, with a sigh she looked up at whoever's beside her, only to meet face to face with herself.

Scary.

Was the first thought on the girl's mind, to suddenly look up and see the exact copy of you was certainly startling for the teen. Yet she couldn't help but feel fascinated at the thought of being able to shapeshift to whoever, whenever you wish. 

"As marvelous as your gift is, I'd still prefer if I'd talk to the great Chameleon himself, rather than another me."

Her initial scare had died quickly like a candlelight blown from the winds, she tapped two fingers on Camilo's nose as a gesture to shift back to his normal self. 

"Chameleon eh? That's new." He said as he shifts back to himself, a charming smile adorning his freckled face. 

His eyes caught sight of her sketchbook, green orbs widened at what he saw. A detailed sketch of him, it's almost as if he was looking at a photo of him took secretly while he was doing his chores. 

"Is that... Me?" 

Chapter Text

Ah, Her eyes followed the young Madrigal's as he stared at her sketchbook. Her thumb gently rubbed the edge of the paper, glancing at her drawing of him once more before answering.

"Yes, I'm certain that's you. Unless you have a twin frolicking around here that I wasn't aware of." 

"Well, it is an honor to be drawn so wonderfully by a lady as beautiful as you, Señorita.." 

"(Y/N), and who are you?" She asked with a slight tilt of her head, ignoring the teen's flirting. She could see her brother in the background feigning hurt, clutching his chest dramatically as he listened to Camilo's attempt to fluster her. Dios mio! The harsh rejection! She could read her brother's lips as he went on on his theatrics. She wonders why her brother is acting like he's watching a telanovela.

Camilo on the other hand, shifted into three different people before ending on her little brother, 

"I'm whoever you want me to be, Hermosa." He replied with a smile. (Which she finds a bit weird in her opinion, seeing Niko, her brother- a literal 5 year old, sending a flirtatious smile on her way.) She couldn't help the small, almost unnoticeable frown forming on her face at his statement, whatever I want him to be? What if I tell him to turn into the Boogeyman? Or to the person he loathes the most? Would he still agree to that? Nevermind, She broke that train of thought for a moment to look at Camilo, who by now is back to his normal self, he had seemingly noticed her discomfort at him shifting as her brother. A charming smile still sent her way as he patiently waited for her response, the girl couldn't help but be saddened by this. Surely with all those shapeshifting that he does on a regular basis he'd eventually forget what he truly looks like, right?

With that smile of his, he'd do anything to please the public. To please his family.

She concluded with a sigh escaping her lips as she stood up. Dusting the invisible dirt from her skirt she glanced at him once more, his eyes flooded with confusion when she suddenly offered her hand to him. Hesitantly, he reached out and grabbed it. Warm and soft. He noted, before suddenly getting pulled closer to her. Breathing hitched as he was inches away from her face, breath fanning his face as she spoke softly- as if fearing someone would hear.

"I'd prefer it much better if you'd just be yourself." She gave a tight reassuring grip on his hand before letting him go, he still feel the lingering warmth of her hand on his; his other hand unconsciously reached the other as he stared at the teen in front of him. An uncomfortable feeling on his stomach began to form, and yet for some reason, he didn't want such feeling to go away.

"I'm certain that pretending something you're not can be quite tiresome. All actors take breaks more often than not, and you should as well." She told him before turning around and raising her hand blocking the hot rays of noon as she looked up at the sky. Lunchtime. She noted, and with one last glance she spoke:

"I'd hate to see you lose sight of who you are-" she then began to tear the page she drew Camilo on, and gave it to him. With a miniscule smile she continued, her calm voice flooded his ears a gentle tune of serenity.

"A gift is a gift, don't make it as if it makes up everything of who you are."

With that, she left alongside her brother for lunch. Camilo stood there for a while, wondering what the actual heck just happened and why is his stomach feels like it's going to implode. 

Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump, the sound of one's heartbeat rapidly beating. Swosh, Swish, Splash, an unfamiliar feeling coursing through him like ocean waves. A peculiar feeling, yet not unwelcome. Tic, toc, tic, toc, the sound of the clock seemingly singing to the beat of his rapidly beating heart, it's time for lunch.

"MAMÍ!" Niko exclaimed, running to his mother attacking her with a big hug- to which the mother enthusiastically reciprocated back. Peppering him with her signature barrage of kisses, as she was about to ask how was their day out on town, Niko pulled his mother closer to whisper something to her.

"Hermana met Señor Camilo earlier and she wasn't even aware that he was flirting at her. It was so sad."

The mother stifled a laugh at this, she remembered when she shamelessly flirt at her husband and getting frustrated that he was very oblivious to her advances. She sent a silent prayer to Camilo, may the Lord above bless that boy with patience akin to that of a saint. 

"I wonder what they're whispering about, Papí." The teen mindlessly asked as she helps set the table, her father who's still cooking huffed and pouts, he too wants to know what those two were whispering about, much more so than his daughter, but is too shy to ask his wife.

"Beats me." He replied with a small pout, (Y/N) sweatdropped at her father looking like a child whose mother didn't let them play with friends. If you're that curious just ask them. She thinks with a sigh, she sat on the chair as she patiently waits for the whole family to settle down and eat, fingers unconsciously drawing circles on the tablecloth whilst her mind wanders to Neverland.

Pepa Madrigal would like to think she knows her son like the back of her hand, as he'd confide to her with almost anything. But this, she stared at the dazed expression her son made as he walked into the dinning room, it was almost as if he's on autopilot as his mind wanders into his own little world. He didn't even get seconds! He always gets seconds! Pepa has no idea what in heavens happened to her son, maybe someone berated him? Did he got into a fight? Oh, if someone dares to even lay a hand on her precious children they-

"Mi vida, mi corazon, a cloud is forming above you." 

Ah, clear skies, clear skies, clear thoughts. She chanted like a mantra, her husband rubbing loving circles on her back- asking her what what's wrong whilst fixing the stray hair that covered her face.

"Lo siento, Felix, I'm just worried about Camilo that's all. He's been acting odd, don't you think?"  

Odd?

He glanced at his eldest son, who is in fact acting odd. But he could recognize that kind of look from a mile away, for he too, used to look like that- and still does when thinking of his love of his life. His beautiful wife.

"Mi sol, I think our Chiquito isn't so little anymore."

What?

"He's in love~"

Chapter Text

'What motivates you to draw?'

There she stood, in the middle of the bustling street of Encanto hugging her sketchbook as she looks for a place to draw. She didn't mind the vendors calling out to her as she walked by, as she had her vision zeroed in on the grassy field not too far out from the bustling town.

'Is it the calming view of nature? Or perhaps it's the white-noise that you hear when you enter a busy street?'

She sat on the soft grassy plain, grass kissing her feet as they were finally relieved from all that standing and walking she had done. She watched the blades of grass dance amongst the winds and the two ladybugs buzzing about on the ground, with a butterfly or two fluttering around her.

'The simplicity of life and the mundanity of it all, is that what motivates you?'

She stared at the blank page for a moment, before letting her hand move on its own. She let her mind be free; not even thinking clearly at what- or rather who she's drawing. The sound of the pencil tip as it slides through the paper left a satisfying tingle on her ears, each pencil stroke conveys a meaningful impact on your drawing. She thought to herself, still mindlessly drawing upon the paper.

'Or is it perhaps..'

She abruptly ceased from drawing, as it had only dawned upon her what she had drawn, her heart almost stopped from the shock at what she had done. Tracing her finished art (colored and all) with her fingertips, she can't help but stare at it.

'A certain individual that was intriguing, interesting enough to make you unable to draw anything but them?'

Curly hair, freckled face, yellow poncho, and that... That smile that makes her stomach feel weird and uncomfortable. She might visit Señora Julietta after this, she thinks might have a bad case of a stomachache and that's no bueno if she wants to draw. 

"The mountains, the fields, the people around us- everything is the same, I find nothing interesting to draw."

"Is that why you drew me?" Camilo asked, a bit unnerved at the girl who noticed him despite her back turned. I guess that's what makes her intriguing to him, she's so... Different, she's odd, but in the good kind of way. He leaned closer to her to take a better look at her drawing, still, he couldn't help but be enamored at her art. A soft smile reached his freckled face as he stared at the drawing of himself, and wow, he's no artist but he's certain that what he's looking at is some high quality art, that, or he's just being a bit of a narcissist.

"Am I really that interesting to the point that amidst the beautiful scenery that surrounds us, you'd rather draw me instead?"

He's got a point, the scenery is wonderful, the perfect blend of both nature and humanity, the Casita and the town, the simplicity of human life and the miraculous gifts and bountiful blessings given by nature. It would be a beautiful sight to paint and draw, however, despite it's beautiful scenery, She didn't find it interesting enough. 

"Perhaps." Was all she said to him, eyes locked at the scenery that is in front of them. The wind singing a mirthful tune to her ears as she basked at the scent of nature, soft locks flowing with the gentle breeze as she leaned back slightly.

"You are quite an interesting individual, a... Breath of fresh air, as mi Abuela used to call it."

There goes his stomach doing something weird again, not now, he telepathically said to his stomach, the familiar weird feeling is back once more and it came back tenfold, his heart beats an erratic rhythm that not even the worst drummers can do. in a desperate attempt to calm himself down, he changes the subject:

"So uh, when did you get, y'know... The motivation to draw?"

Motivation?

Such a question was asked to her a long time ago, a question she wasn't able to answer at the time and perhaps even now- no, she does have an answer, and this time, she'll answer with no hesitation, no uncertainty. She turned to face him, eyes locked with Camilo as she spoke with confidence lacing her tone.

"Happiness is but a fleeting moment, human lives are like a flickering candlelight- gone in an instant with a simple blow of the winds."

 A yellow butterfly landed on her fingertips, staring at it's details- she continued:

"In life, there are certain moments- certain people that are too hard to let go. So you'd wish to immortalize that moment, that someone, so that you'd have a fond memory to look back to."

The butterfly fluttered away as the breeze grew a bit too strong for the little critter. Camilo's breath hitched, enamored by the teen in front of him. Is she even aware that what she just said is basically insinuating that she likes him too much to let go? Such thoughts circled his mind like a vulture. Her soft honeyed voice just sent his heart to overdrive, the flowery words that spilled out of her mouth so effortlessly that could rival his prima, Isabela's. Change the subject, he said, it'll make you calm down, he said. 

"I... I see..." He struggled to reply, he feels like he's going to puke from whatever happening in his stomach. Dios mio, she's going to be the death of him.

Unbeknownst the two, Camilo's parents, Pepa and Felix Madrigal— who were just out to buy some ingredients for Julietta, just so happen to notice their son going somewhere, uh, peculiar? No, they just want to find an excuse to follow their son and find who the mystery girl is. They simply found an opportunity (Julietta needing some ingredients.) and took it. Well, Pepa took it, and dragged Felix along with her.

As they 'discreetly' followed their son out on the field, they took sight of the teenage girl sketching blissfully on the ground with Camilo sneakily behind her.

"Our son has good taste-"

"Ashush shush shush! You need to quiet down Feli or we're going to get caught!" She whisper shouted at him, Pepa's pointer finger raised to Felix's lips as an attempt to quiet him down. 

"Aye, it's not like we're going to steal something precious, mi sol."

"Felix!"

"Lo siento, mi vida."

They watched as the two conversed, they could see the soft smile that Camilo makes when he looked at her drawings, the flustered expression that he makes when she talks, the lingering gaze he gives to her— He's smitten. 

Her son is truly in love, truly smitten with someone and she couldn't be anymore happier. A beautiful rainbow formed above her head as they watched the two interact, they stayed for a few more minutes before deciding they've already seen enough. 

They've arrive at Casita with smiles on their faces before hearing a loud 'ahem' that came from the kitchen. They whipped their heads to see Julietta, in all her angry fury— arms crossed as she saw the two came back empty handed. Uh oh.

Omake (Extra):

— Following the events that happened at the end of the previous chapter—

"In love? To whom?" Pepa whispered, another flurry of emotions came crashing down and yet another cloud had appeared. What if they're just using her beloved son just to get some more fame? What if they're a heartbreaker? Oh, she couldn't handle seeing her Chiquito heartbroken and sad by someone, her poor heart can't take it!

"To some girl he just met on the town square, she gave him a drawing she drew of him. Hmn." Dolores said as she suddenly popped up behind them.

She drew him? 

Well, she got to admit- that's kinda cute. She kind of want to see the drawing she made, that is if Camilo would let her.  

"Drawing? What drawing? I don't know any drawing of me, nope!" Camilo said quickly, as quick as the reddish hue that spread through his neck and face. The piece of paper that (Y/N) drew upon, now hidden behind him in attempt to hide it from the peering eyes of his mother and father. When all of the sudden, a toucan swoops in and swipes the piece of paper from Camilo's hands. 

"We got it!" Antonio exclaimed, with toucan in tow, he came running to Pepa whilst waving the piece of paper on the air for everyone to see.

"¡Muy Bien Antonio!"

"MAMÍ!"

Chapter Text

"Mamí I'm telling you, hermana is acting weird!" Niko animatedly tells her mother, hands exaggerating and flailing all over as he stood behind her whilst she tends her beloved garden, her honorary 3rd child. Not that her actual children would know that, she would never let them know that— she would like to not die from embarrassment at tender age of 42, thank you very much.

"She's been out at town everyday, which is weird because she hates walking long distances, her stamina is basically non-existent! And she's socially incapable to make friends on her own, no offense sis. Wha- ow!" 

The mother flicked her son's forehead, her other hand situated on her waist as she gave a light warning glare at him.

"Sorry, sorry, but she IS acting weird though!"

He pulled his mother closer to him, the woman let out a small yelp of surprise at her son's antics.

"I noticed her drawing the same boy over and over again. It's, it's like she's... Frustrated that all she could draw is him." He said in a hushed whisper, her eyes widened at this, shocked that her daughter- who has trouble articulating her emotions, fancied someone— or perhaps she just wasn't aware she fancied someone. On one hand, she's very happy that her beloved daughter had found someone interesting enough to draw them over and over again. On the other hand, she was rooting for that Madrigal boy dang it! She saw that boy once or twice when she was out and about in town and he was absolutely charming! He even offered to carry some of her things, what an absolute gentleman! 

"I'm going out to buy stuff for lunch, bye." Her husband suddenly popped his head from the door, perfect. She thinks to herself, a creepy smile formed on her face as she formulates her ultimate game plan:

'Mamí and Niko's Super Secret Spy Mission ft. Papí' 

Her husband, who is just standing on the doorway, watched the whole thing. He suddenly feels like something bad is going to happen, in a desperate attempt to flee his beautiful wife's chaotic shenanigans, he fast walked to the front door to leave. But not before his wife, oh his beautiful wonderful wife, caught his wrist and and gripped it tightly.

"We're coming."

Oh, no.

Unbeknownst to the mother, it was actually Camilo who her daughter was actually drawing over and over, not some random boy. Niko just didn't specify, I mean does he have to? Besides his Mamí is having so much fun with this Super Secret Spy Mission.

(Y/N) is once again outside, she decided that being holled up on her room is not helping at being unable to draw anything but Ca- Carlos? No. Cami-lo? Yeah, Camilo. she kept forgetting his name. Unsurprising. Best not to say his name just to be safe then, I need to save the one ounce of dignity left for myself. She noted, passing by the houses and vendors.

'Emotions are quite confusing, isn't it?'

The sudden tightness in her chest when she saw Camilo made her bolt to the other direction. She arrived in a secluded place, crouched down next to a puddle looking at her own reflection, her usual stoic face panting heavily in an attempt to catch her breath. She doesn't know why she suddenly ran away from him, she doesn't know why she has the sudden urge to punch his charming face just so the mysterious stomachache to disappear. She really needs to see Señora Julietta after this.

'One moment you are as calm as tranquil waters, the next moment a huge wave of undescribable emotion came coursing through within you like a huge tsunami.'

Her eyes fluttered to a close, heart beating fast, an unfamiliar heat spread through her face. His face, it was all she could see when she closed her eyes. She feels like she's going to puke from all the emotions swirling within her, it was too much for her poor heart.

"You okay there?"

Speak of the devil.

She looked up to see Camilo in all his glory, his eyes swirled in concern when he saw her crouched down in a secluded area. If not for her visibly shaking like a little leaf, he would have thought she just found something interesting on the ground. It was quite difficult to discern what she's feeling when she doesn't show not even an ounce of emotion.

"I... I don't feel okay..." She spoke quietly, hands tightly clenched on her arms; she trying to keep herself together, her mind together. It's such an unfamiliar feeling that it terrifies her to the core, humans are afraid at what they could not understand after all. 

"Why aren't you feeling okay?" Camilo asked her, his voice soft and comforting— the kind of voice he uses when he tries to calm his Mamí down, the one he uses when he's out babysitting children.

Why am I not okay?

"I... I don't know, I don't understand what I'm feeling and it terrifies me. One moment I feel fine, the next moment I could feel my chest tighten up and makes it hard to breathe— my stomach churning like... Like it's doing gymnastics or something." She told him, her usual eloquence had gone and has been thrown out the window. 

Camilo could relate to what she's feeling, he isn't dumb, he knew what he's—or rather, what the both of them are feeling. He just refuses to believe it. It's the first sign of a budding crush, his hermana told him. 

"(Y/N) I think that-"

"I think that I'm terminally ill."

Excuse me, what?

"Mamí look! Señor Camilo followed hermana!" 

Her eyes followed the yellow poncho wearing boy as he walked to where her daughter went. Ohohoho~, her mind went cheering for the teen as they discreetly observed from afar. Whilst they walk around the marketplace she suddenly bumped into something, a loud grunt and a sound of a clay potted plant hitting someone made her look to her husband immediately. 

"Mi Amor! Lo siento, lo siento, I wasn't looking where I was going!" She exclaimed, rushing to his side as she checked him for any injuries. Oh my, they might need to go to Julietta for some food. Spying her precious hija can wait for a bit.

Her husband was right, something bad did happen. He should've stayed at home, in the bed, all nice and cozy, but no, he decided to buy ingredients to make lunch while his wife and son play their little spy game. At least he'd have a free arepa from Julietta.

"No, (Y/N). You are not terminally ill, what you're feeling is—" 

"But this is the first time that I've felt this, and I feel like puking, puking isn't normal, so does the sudden urge to punch someone."

She has the sudden urge to what now?

Camilo tries to restrain his laughter at the girl's nonsense, he took a deep breath and held both of (Y/N) shoulders as to snap her out of her nonsensical rambling. His face merely inches away from her to make her focus on him, and him only.

"(Y/N), listen to me, you're in love." 

In love? 

Never in her life did she ever think that she had the capacity to fall in love. Never in her life did she think that she, in all her emotionless glory could ever experience or feel love outside of her familial circle. The realization that had dawned upon her like an opened dam, a wave of mental exhaustion came rushing in on her.

Without thinking, she rested her head on Camilo's shoulder, his words circled her brain yet she still refuse to believe it.

"I didn't know I was capable to fall in love.." she muttered softly, face burying on the crook of Camilo's neck as to calm the warmth she feels on her face.

Heat spread through Camilo's face when she rested her head on his shoulder, she smelt like the nice scent of freshly brewed coffee— it filled his lungs satisfactorily like nicotine, it was almost addicting. 

"Dios mio, are they hugging? Niko, hijo, are they hugging?"

"I don't know Mamí, I have a body of a five year old. I'm small."

"Damn."

The two conversed as they munch on an arepa they secretly took from Julietta while she was busy healing their Papí. What? It was delicious! How can they not steal one, it's basically just sitting there begging to be stolen and eaten.

"Are you two done? I wanna go home.."

"Just a moment, Mi corazon, I wanna see how this goes."

Chapter Text

There she stood on her mother's garden, her hand methodically moved across the canvas as she paints, her eyes selfishly drinking every detail of her subject. 

The perspective doesn't look right. 

She walked backwards, looking at the picture she painted. Her head tilting from left to right, double checking her art. If only she has a way to somehow flip the drawing. The butt of the paintbrush now tapping on her chin as she thinks to herself, with a sigh, she resumed drawing her piece. 

"(Y/N)?"

She stared at the finished drawing, seemingly deep in thought. Eyeing the intricacies of each stroke she had made, she can't help but feel like something is missing.

"(Y/N)."

Would adding a person in the midground make it better? If so, then who? 

"(Y/N), hija!~"

The first person that came into mind was Camilo, her eyes narrowed at the thought of him, the audacity of that boy to plauge her mind! She bets he revels at knowing that she's having difficulties at drawing everything but him. Her collection of drawings, paintings, and doodles of him is growing exponentially and is now stocked in a small pile on the corner of her room. Cheeky chameleon. She huffed, gripping her brush tightly, you win this time. 

"(Y/N)!"

The sudden shout of her name dragged her out of her trance, she looked behind her to see the owner of the voice, her own mother- who is holding a basket full of her Papí's empanadas looking at her expectantly.

"Finally! Dios mio, I thought I lost my daughter for a moment there!"

Her mother handed her the basket she was previously holding and pushed her out to the front door. The teen was too confused on what to do or even react at the moment, she was just suddenly pushed out the house by her mother without any context.

"I want you to give this to Señora Julietta as an apology gift for stealing her arepas that one time, it's your Papí's super special empanadas!~"

"What-"

"Okay off you go now, chop chop!"

Before she was even able to get any word out, the door was slammed shut at her face. Welp, to the Casita she goes then. Her eyes shifted to the Madrigal household, the distance is so far from her house that she feels exhausted just by looking at it. Begrudgingly, she complied to her mother's wishes and gathered the will to walk towards there.

Actions speak louder than words. 

Words are meaningless without tangible evidence that proves what the person says. Actions, compared to words, are concrete and have an everlasting impression— the words that Camilo's father told him once. He stared at the piece of drawing (Y/N) gave to him, eying every detail she noticed from that chance encounter that day. It was an honorable attempt to make him see himself as... Well, himself. 

But Camilo Madrigal, was and is but a Chameleon. And that was all he was before he met her, the entirety of his life he thought that just simply being himself wouldn't be enough for everyone. That he isn't enough for anyone.

'A gift is a gift, don't make it as if it makes up everything of who you are.'

He recalled her words that day, but what good is he? What good is all of him, if all he's good at pretending someone he not. Someone he could never be. For all he is, is just him.

He couldn't fathom why she finds him interesting, intriguing, out of the ordinary. Without his gift, he's just Camilo- an ordinary teen, with no interesting qualities. He is just an insecurity-ridden boy, even when he tries his best, they could never be enough to shine as brightly as their family.

The eyes are the window of the soul.

The lamp of one's body, one intellectual once said. She stared at the window where Camilo is at- seemingly to be deep in thought about something, she'd dare say that he looks quite distressed. She often wonders what is going on inside that pretty head of his, but with a family such as his, she would like to bet that it's filled with longing for a sense of purpose. To be enough.

How unfortunate that no one holds ceremonies for self-improvement.

Before she was even able to knock on the door, it abruptly flew open right before her eyes. Startled, she just stood there for a good two minutes- hand still raised in the air as if she was about to knock. Not knowing what to do she just stood there, finding it rude to just waltz inside the Madrigal household without them knowing, it wasn't until Pepa- who was just coming down the stairs was she able to enter.

"Holá hija! What brings you here to La Casita?" Pepa greeted cheerfully- perhaps too cheerfully, the rainbows that appeared above her head shined so bright that it strained her eyes. Was she really that exited to see me? She thought to herself.

"Oh, I'm here to see Señora Julietta to give her this." She gestured to the basket she was holding, readjusting her grip as she spoke.

"Oh, I see. She's at the kitchen right over there you wouldn't miss it!"

The teen didn't miss the slight disappointed look on the woman's face as she spoke, actually, it was hard not to miss as the vibrant rainbow that was once on top of her head disappeared as quickly as it came.

"Oh and please do tell Camilo I said hi, Señora. Have a nice day." 

As she turned away from Pepa, one thought came to the teen's mind, Camilo's mom is really pretty. Her clothes truly match her sunny personality, she thinks that her Mamí and Señora Pepa would get along pretty well.

"Camilo, hey. (Y/N) is here." Dolores whispered to her younger brother, she would hate to see Camilo ending up like her before. Hiding her feelings to the one she loves, who had already had eyes for someone else. She wants her brother to make the first move, to get her before someone else does. 

She's here, she's here, she's here. Not even a single second did he waste as he bolted out to look for her. Casita helping him slide down the stairs with ease, he basically speedran to the kitchen- passing by his mother in a flash.

"I would like to apologize on behalf of my mother and brother for their unruliness and audacity to steal your arepas, Señora Julietta." 

"Oh, it's quite alright (Y/N), No need to apologize!" Julietta raised a hand to wave off the teen's apology but she isn't having it.

"No I insist, You work so early in the morning to create all those arepas for the town on your own. For us to simply steal some it, is unfair for both to you and the people who desperately needed it."

To say that Julietta was moved would be an understatement, she was very very moved. For once, she felt as if for the first time in her life that all her hard work and patience was finally noticed and appreciated by someone outside their family. Most of the people only appreciate her gift, not the tiresome work that came with it. Not the years upon years of practice she went through just to perfect making edible food for everyone to enjoy.

"For a golden hand such as yours, I would like to give you my father's special empanadas. It may not be as good as what you make, but it's the thought that counts."

"Special, oh my- what is it made out of?"

"Made with love and— Camilo?"

Julietta turned around to see her nephew panting and wheezing as he leaned the door frame, who looked like he ran a marathon. The girl walked closer to him to check if he's okay,

"Are you alright there?"

He looked up at her and smiled fondly with eyes that shined brighter than his mother's sunshine, his hand catching her wrist as he spoke.

"I'm better now that you're here."

The sheer audacity of that boy to make her feel this way.

Extras:

-author's doodles and sketches of (Y/N)-

Fun Fact: author was too lazy to think of a name for an OC so she just decided to make the fanfic an x reader instead.

also (Y/N)'s appearance is still up to you! I didn't make her appearance as vague as possible for no reason after all!

Chapter Text

Tack, tack, tack. The sounds of footwear hitting the wooden floor- reverberating throughout the empty halls. Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump. The sound of his heartbeat beating erratically as he dragged the girl off to somewhere, he could feel the tepid heat on the hand that held her. It was satisfyingly electrifying. It was a nice sensation.

Once they reach their destination, she stood in front of the glowing wooden door of Camilo's room. Her hand reached to trace the glowing lines, mesmerized at the sight of the illuminated mural, it was the first time she got to see the magic door up close. Camilo couldn't stop the grin reaching his face as he watched the girl be fascinated at the intricacies of his door.

"Wanna come inside, Hermosa?"

Half listening, she nodded- still at awe at the glowing wooden door. She followed Camilo inside his room, fully immersing herself in the interiors of his room, she noted the little details- such as the fact that the boy had one too many mirrors than what is needed; the room almost looks like the backstage of a theater. She noticed that there is another door leading to somewhere, she could only guess that it's some kind of stage, a stadium of some sort.

Her eyes went and found Camilo's, who she wasn't aware is staring at her with an expression she didn't quite understand. Though, the expression disappeared as quickly as it came as he immediately looked away in embarrassment, flustered at the fact that he got caught staring.

"Are you okay?" She asked once more, concerned at her friend's unusual behavior- one moment he looks so despondent then the next he's all sunshine and cheers, and now he's acting like a shy school girl. Just how many personas does this boy has?

"I'm fine! I'm fine, I'm just a—y'know a bit flustered from all that cardio. Phew, really took the breath 'outta me." 

Her eyes slightly narrowed as she walked closer to him, her hand raising to place it on the boy's forehead to check his temperature. With a simple 'ah' she checked his temperature, he's perfectly fine, albeit a bit warm but that's probably from the running we did. She thinks, still stoically unaware of Camilo basically steaming with face painted colored with a pretty dark reddish hue.

"I was talking about you staring at nothing by the window earlier, you were looking like a princess waiting for her knight and shining armor to save her." 

He scoffed at her statement, and rebutted that he is not a princess but rather a handsome prince. His Mamí said so everyday. She slowly retracted her hand, her eyes never leaving his for even a few seconds.

"From what I've recalled, you had a certain expression on your face,"

Her hands slowly lowering to reach his wrist, making him focus on her. Her thumb gently rubbing circles as if to make him feel at ease, though her face may not show anything, her eyes truly said a different story if you observed hard enough. Her eyes swirled with worry for her friend as she continued.

"like you weren't quite sure what or who you are supposed to be in this Earth."

His eyes widened in shock when she said that, he wonders if he was that obvious that the teen in front of him can read him like an open book. He looked away from her, unable to come up with a cheeky reply. But even if he tried to deny it, the two of them knew that- yes, he is unsure of what he is, what he's supposed to be.

"I'm always needed somewhere different. And eventually I realized- I realized that maybe I was needed to be someone different, too."

The crack in his voice was enough evidence to prove how long he has been holding back, how much he had to hide. His family has been through a lot, he didn't want them all to worry— he didn't want to be a burden. He's Camilo Madrigal after all, and he won't stop until he makes you smile! After all, he is Camilo, and he is a Madrigal. A Madrigal who everyone wants him to be anyone else but him, for he isn't worth to look at anyways.  

He was so deep in his inner turmoil that he didn't notice the salty tears that fell from his glistening green orbs. It wasn't until (Y/N) gently wiped the streaming tears with a soft swipe of her thumb, her hand cupping his freckled face was he torn away from his self-depricating thoughts. He looked at the girl in front of her, her eyes filled with concern as the rest of her face remained the same, stoic as she always was. 

"Y'know,"

She started softly, her gentle voice soothing his turbulent mind. He cries so quietly, she noted as her nimble hand brushes away the stray strands of his curly hair that covered his face.

"At night, I go outside and lay on the field to count the stars." 

"Why count the stars? There's millions out there, it's pointless."

"It's also pointless to count freckles, but I know you have roughly around 23 on the edge of your left cheek."

A small smile adorning her face as she spoke, wait. A smile! She smiled, she smiled at him. He could feel his soul soaring at the rare sight of her smile, it was endearing. How he wishes to take a picture to immortalize this moment, it deserves to be hung in a museum— no, Camilo would prefer to keep it to himself. That smile was for him, and him only. Hmph. 

"So you counted my freckles, well isn't that stalker behavior." 

Her expression didn't change, still beautifully smiling at him like— like he is someone worth looking at. His breathing hitched at the thought; the butterflies fluttering aggressively in his stomach. People might say that Camilo is the sun as she is the moon, but Camilo would beg to differ.

For she is moon and he is the sky, she accompanied him amidst the darkness that surrounds them all while giving him the stars to remind him of them when they are not around, to remind him that she- although not physically there, would always be there for him. 

"Be that as it may, for I think the inspiration—the motivation that I've been looking for has been right before my eyes all along."

She leaned in closer to him, a shiver ran through his spine as he could feel her warm breath tickling his ear as she softly whispered to his ear,

"I know it's not much, but to me, you're enough. More than enough. Worry not about me wanting you to be someone else, for the only one I want you to become is you."

Her voice lulling, calming him to comfort. A brief— a momentary respite from all uncertainty. For a moment, all his insecurities ceased. 

Chapter Text

Camilo came into a sudden epiphany— well, more like he had finally accepted the fact that he had fallen in love. Madly in love with his aloof friend.

 He sighed dreamily as he held his cheek, the same place that she had placed weeks before— it's imaginary warmth still tingles on his skin. Her eyes shone brighter than any glimmering gem that exists, it was like he found a random gem- not knowing it was one of the most precious jewel in the world. Her voice smooth butter, sweet like honey, intoxicating—

He abruptly sat up from his bed, his hands aggressively rubbed his freckled face as to push such thoughts away. As his hands runs through his curly hair, he tries to quell the erupting volcano that is his feelings. God, he's too whipped.

"Papá, I wanna ask you about som—"

"Is it about that little señorita, from a few weeks ago?" 

His eyes widened, face flushed with crimson as his father merely smirked at his son's reaction. It's quite hard to ignore the lovesick gaze Camilo gave to the oblivious girl as he bid her goodbye that day, not to mention the speed he ran just to see her was phenomenal in Felix's opinion.

"It was so obvious, hijo. You are down bad for her, man. Now what do you want to ask your old man, eh?"

"Well it's just, how did you know that— y'know, that Mamá is the one that you'd want to spend the rest of your life with. Why her?"

"Why anyone else if she exists?" Felix replied with no hesitation. His eyes filled with overflowing admiration to Pepa, she was the sun that brightens up his entire day— no, life. They see each other every single day, yet Felix could not help but fall in love with her over and over again. He couldn't believe that so many years had passed as it felt like it was merely yesterday that he and Pepa were married, amidst the hurricane and rain, it was the best day of his life. 

Why anyone else if she exists?

Why must he find something else when everything he needs is already right in front of him? Love is such a finicky thing, Camilo concludes, it's unfamiliarity was terrifying yet he couldn't get enough of it. It was euphoric. 

This is a bad idea. He thought, his eyes stared at front door of his friend's home. He doesn't have a plan, his legs just simply followed what his heart truly desires deep in inside. Her. It's been weeks since he last saw her, and he felt so deprived of her existence. I guess Camilo Madrigal is an insatiable being, he just couldn't get enough of her.

"Camilo?"

Ah.

He blinked, he didn't even notice the that door had opened. He was standing there for god knows how long that it was kind of concerning for the girl, who was peeking through the curtains every few minutes waiting for Camilo to actually knock on the door, or perhaps he was used to Casita opening the door for them that he's not used to normal doors anymore. Either way, she's going to open the door for him; he looks pathetic just standing there like an abandoned puppy anyways.

"Holá cariño! I just wanted to know if- if you wanna hang out today?"

He mentally cursed himself for stuttering, he wanted to be smooth, dang it! But the girl didn't seem to mind as she let him in to her humble abode. 

"Let's come to my mother's garden, I was painting there earlier."

Like hell as if she's going to let him come to her room, all her stockpiled art of him was in there!

 Her mother's garden was filled with a menagerie of plants and flowers, arranged beautifully as if to convey hidden meaning, or perhaps her mother was just borderline obsessed with plants. It can be either of the two. 

"I was kind of hoping that one of the magical Madrigals would miraculously come and visit me." 

Speed walking to her painting, she took the canvas from the easel it was formerly resting upon and gave it to Camilo. Once again he was at awe at her work, it was a painting of Camilo's parents in a field of sunflowers, with his mother even holding a few. Their faces filled with mirth as a beautiful rainbow formed above his mother's head. As he was enamored by the painting, his eyes caught sight of a little message on the bottom corner of the canvas, 

'May your hearts be filled with mirth and love, just like these flowers that bloom on this sunny field.' - With love, (Y/N).

His parents would be elated to see this, he could imagine the utter joy on his mother's face when she sees this. It'd be a wonderful sunny day for a few days when they see this painting she made, Camilo would also like to have something similar to this hung on his bedroom wall. 

"Gracias, mi Mamá would absolutely love this!" 

"I'm glad, it was cloudy for a few days and I couldn't help but worry for Señora Pepa, she must've been feeling down lately and I hope this would make her feel a little better."

His heart warmed at the thought of her being worried for his beloved mother's emotional well being, his Mamá is his number one after all. Could she be anymore perfect? Camilo wonders. She's kind and patient, understanding and talented, and so much more! At this point Camilo feels far too inadequate to even stand beside her, more less to even try to court her. 

"Then I'll go back to the Casita and give this to Mamá then, see ya!" He said in a hurry, a valiant attempt to forget about the blooming insecurity that started to grow in the pit of his stomach, and before the girl was even able to retaliate, he ran off straight out of the door with her hands slightly reaching out to his direction.

"I... I thought we were supposed to hang out today..." She muttered softly, her hand now placed on the chest as a sudden unfamiliar feeling had appeared. And this time, it was unbearable— uncomfortable. She was used to being alone in the house, and barely making friends in town, she was used to be alone, but never once had she felt lonely. Not until she met Camilo. Being with him was like the coffee she drinks every day, downright addicting— mood souring if suddenly deprived of it.

She didn't expect that loneliness was supposed to hurt.

The moment he took a single step inside the Casita, painting secured around his arms, he was greeted with an unimpressed Dolores. Her arms crossed as her eyes bore through his being, silently judging her brother. He was certain that she definitely heard the way he just not so smoothly excused himself just to run away from her.

"You left her hanging there."

I know. He said to himself, walking away from his sister, lips pressed into a thin line as he knew it's wrong to just run away from his friend so suddenly.

"Were you aware how sad you made her feel?"

That made him stop walking, his hand tightly clutched the piece of artwork on his hands. The guilt settling in within him, the ugly feeling of regret clawed its way in to his chest. He didn't mean to run away, he just feels like he isn't worth enough to be even be within her vicinity, she was just too perfect.

"I'm aware, it's just that— it's, I don't know. I don't understand why I did that, I just did, okay?"

He turned to face Dolores, face swirling with confusion— uncertainty as he spoke to her. Camilo is still a growing teen after all, still unable to fully understand what emotions he's feeling and why he feels this way.

Dolores softly sighed at the sight of her brother, walking away with his head full of confusion and thoughts lost in translation. Perhaps he needed time, perhaps he needed guidance from their parents, she's not sure, but she's certain that he needs help for whatever is on his mind right now.

No amount of mirrors would let him see the amazing things that they see in him, for the eyes and mind only focus on the bad things rather than the good. 

"Mamí?"

Camilo called out to his mother as he entered her room, painting still in hand. 

"Yes Camilo, hijo, what do you need?"

He held out the painting, showing his mother the beautiful artistry that the young girl had made. With a gasp, Pepa covered her mouth as she takes a good look at the painting, it was absolutely lovely and the little message on the bottom corner warmed her heart as she read it.

"(Y/N) made it for you, she said that it's been cloudy for a few days and couldn't help but worry about you. So she made this— to, uh, hopefully make you happy."

And happy did it truly made her, the sentiment made the rainbows that appear on her head shone so brightly. She had to come and thank that girl personally for the wonderful painting she did, she's hang it up on the hallway for everyone else to see. It was an amazing gift and Pepa is certain that she'll cherish it forever.

Taking it from her son's hands Pepa noticed the faint gloomy expression on Camilo's face, her mood dampened a bit at this. Did the two fight or something?

"Bebé, what's wrong?" Pepa cooed, brushing the stray hairs off of his face. Camilo looked away and sighed, the guilt of suddenly leaving his friend, and let alone make her sad, it was eating him in the inside. All because he feels like he's not enough.

"I... I don't know."

"Is it about her again?"

With a long sigh he nodded, now sitting on his mother's arm chair with a hand on his chin. Apparently it was clear as day how his mood changed when he came back, and to her mother, it was apparent that it's about that little friend of his.

"It's just that she's so... So perfect Mamí! While I'm just me... Camilo who doesn't know who or what to be in life, Camilo who can be anything but himself!" 

Insecurities run deep within oneself, it festers and grow exponentially overtime until it consumes their very being. Insecurity is an ugly thing indeed, yet that is what makes humans strive to be the best versions of themselves.

"Oh, baby... I used to think like that before I married your Papí, y'know?" Pepa started, beginning to understand her eldest son's worries. She held Camilo's hand and squeezed it reassuringly as if to tell him that he's not alone in this.

"I used to think that I'm far too much to handle, that my gift is nothing but a hassle to deal with. But Feli, oh would always say otherwise— he looks at me like I'm worth all the hardship he'll encounter, he reminded me that in every storm there is a rainbow that comes right after."

She cupped Camilo's cheek, making him look at her loving gaze. It was filled reassurance and understanding, it was warm like the morning sun.

"Until now, I feel like I don't deserve to be with a man such as him. But here I am! Happily married to him for God knows how long, and I cherish every bit of it." 

Love is truly a finicky thing, it comes in mysterious ways. He concluded, his eyes never leaving his mother as she spoke:

"In love, there will be confusion, but in confusion, there will always be understanding and acceptance. But of course, before you'll be able to love others you need to learn how to love yourself. I believe that's what she's been trying so hard to make you see."

Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump, Ba-Dump, the sound of his heartbeat beating in revelation. Drip, drip, drip, the sound of paint trickling down her canvas. Her heart aches with each stroke she makes, another painting of him. She is at the pinnacle of her loneliness.

Extras:

Fun Fact: Author was very scared to color this in fear of being accused of whitewashing, she really really tried her hardest in matching the colors to suit him. Author decided to put on a brave face and will accept any criticism that will come her way.

Fun Fact #2: Author's dad finally agrees on letting her buy a drawing tablet, she is very happy.

Chapter Text

There was  once a young actor— not that old, he was talented, he was gifted. 

Everyday when the sun kiss the vast blue sky, he wear masks to entertain guests of all ages. With each new act, a new mask is worn— a new persona, all his life he pretends, and pretends, and pretends. Yet his audience just could not be satisfied, and he feels tired.

But as tired as the young actor may become, he could not just leave his audience. He was an entertainer after all, he is meant to please the people, and entertain he did.

With the masks, upon masks, and upon masks that he wore, he slowly forgot who he is. 

"Who am I?" The young actor asked the mirror, staring at the very reflection of who he is. fingers tracing its cool surface as he awaits for an answer.

Yet the mirror did not heed his call, for it too is not quite sure who he is.

"Who am I?" He asked once again, but this time to a stray cat sitting near a puddle. The young actor crouched down to their level as he awaits for an answer.

"Whoever you see on the puddle next to me is who you are." The stray cat purred, motioning to him to look at the puddle.

Yet all he sees are nothing but a splash of random colors, not even a single figure can he discern from it. 

"I don't know what I see." The actor replied with a despondent sigh as he walked away.

"Who am I?" He asked to no one in particular, as he had given up all hope for knowing who he is. 

"You are you." To his surprise, a voice answered. It was a fairy, whose hair glistened like water illuminated by the moon's rays at night. She was ethereal.

"I am me? How can I be me when I don't even know who is me?"

With a laugh she approached the young actor and replied, her soft voice lulls him to a calming stupor.

"To look for something important, you shouldn't look for it in the first place. Eventually, it'll return to you before you know it, it just takes time."

Her sweet voice laid gentle caresses on his turbulent mind, slowly lulling the poor actor to sleep.

"One day, the world will see the person behind that mask of yours and be at awe, and realize that they want you for you and not for anyone else."

There was once a young boy— not that old. He was a mischievous little boy with a big heart, he brings smiles to everywhere he goes, he loves his family with his whole existence, and most of all, he was gifted.

Blessed was he with a family so magical, so enchanting. Yet his heart couldn't help but feel confused, unsure— uncertain of who or what he was supposed to be. 

"Hey..." He said with a gentle knock on his friend's front door. 

However, as unsure he was of himself, he was certain to go make it up to his friend. She was very important, very special. She made him feel, well, himself. To suddenly lose her for a stupid reason, the young boy might never forgive himself.

A long creak resonated throughout the empty space of the house. It seems as though no one is here, yet the door is left open for anyone else to enter. It'd be rude for him to waltz right in, yet his curiosity weighed heavier than his rationality as he took a step inside his friend's humble abode.

"You know it's wrong to barge into someone's house without permission, especially when no one is around. Señor Camilo." A soft whisper tickled Camilo's left ear the moment he stepped inside his friend's house, he whipped his head to see the owner of the voice, only to see (Y/N), merely inches away from his face. 

Startled, he walked backwards only to comically tripping on air, his butt landing on the floor of her home. With a soft click of the front door, it was locked shut, her plan worked. Now what? She didn't exactly planned this thoroughly, well, she said she'll make up a much thorough plan—but she procrastinated. Oh well, she can improvise. 

"You locked the door? I didn't know I was such a keeper." 

...

"Okay, fine. I'm sorry I went inside your house, in my defense, it was unlocked. What am I supposed to do? Not check if somethings wrong? What if there's a robber, huh? What is there's a murderer?" 

He gets more and more anxious with each step the girl makes as she moves closer to him. Her face remained stoic and unchanging, which did not help his nerves in any way.

"I'm sorry I just suddenly left you that day even though I asked if you wanna hang out and I even ignored you for a few days and I know that you're mad and stuff but—" he paused to take a breath, (Yes, he said that without stopping.) his sunkissed face now red from both embarrassment and forgetting that pausing between sentences exists.

"Please, forgive me?" 

He pleads with a soft voice, still sitting on the cold floor watching her crouch down to his level. She stared at him for a bit, observing every inch of his face as he nervously fidgets under her calculating gaze.

"Who are you?" 

"Wha- huh? Who am I? Chica, I'm your friend!" He replied frantically, surprised at the question his friend suddenly threw at him.

Friend, huh? 

Her eyes squinted slightly, not satisfied with Camilo's answer. For some odd reason, her chest stung slightly at the mere mention of the word, 'friend', yet she simply brushed such feeling off as she has much more important matters to deal with.

With a sigh she stood up and walked toward her room, leaving a confused Camilo sitting on the floor watching her walk away from him. He could only assume that he's supposed to follow her? Standing up, he dusted off some invisible dust from his poncho and followed her to her room.

Upon entrance, he was once again met with a painting (Y/N). 

"Camilo, when you look at this painting, what does it make you feel?" She asked, not even turning to look at him. Her eyes glued to the still life painting of an intricate vase.

"Nothing."

"How so?"

"It just looks so lifeless, like looking at a fancy rock or something."

She gripped her paintbrush tightly, not tearing her gaze from her painting as she spoke once more:

"How about me then, when you look at me, what do I make you feel?"

His breath hitched at her question, his heart rapidly beating just from the thought of her. 

"Many things."

"Such as?"

Love, admiration, care, longing.

"Good things."

How very vague. She thinks, her eyes closing slowly quite satisfied with his rather vague answer. "I see, how intriguing." She spoke, her paintbrush now raised to continue painting on the canvas.

"I used to think that this lifeless vase and I are not so different—unable to show any emotions worth feeling."

That's not true.

She smiled once! The rest of her body and face may not show it, but her eyes shine everytime she see or talk about something she finds interesting, they squint a little when she didn't like something, and so much more. 

"But enough about me, Camilo."

She gestured to make him sit on the wooden stool next to her, Camilo watched her removing the previous painting nestled on the easel and replacing it with a new blank canvas. 

"Look at me." She softly spoke, her fingers touching the bottom of his chin as to make him look at her. She had always wanted to paint Camilo up close like this, yet she never found the chance to. 

Pretty little stars on your face, with each form beautiful and unique constellations. How wonderful.

"I'm still quite upset at you, Señor."

"I already said I'm sorry, hermosa! Also don't call me that, it makes me feel old."

With a small hum, her fingers found it's way to his cheeks, gently tracing each freckles. The green of his eyes shun similarly to that of an emerald sheen, precious. 

Begrudgingly, she diverted her attention back to the blank canvas and started her piece. Camilo watched in awe at her skill, to think that only by looking at him for a few moments, she was able to draw him so wonderfully. 

"Y'know," She started, her eyes still fixated on the canvas she was working on.

"They say artists are nothing but sad people, unaccepted by society of who they are. Masking themselves in personas to fit in." She turned to him, placing her beloved paintbrush on the table with her face adorning a beautiful miniscule smile that he wouldn't dare miss. 

"Now I ask of you again, who are you Camilo Madrigal?" 

Who are you?

Who are you?

Who are you?

Who...

Am I?

'Worry not about me wanting you to be someone else, for the only one I want you to become is you.'

"I'm..."

'I'd prefer it much better if you'd just be yourself.' 

"Me. I'm Camilo, and no one else."

Chapter Text

"dislikes?"

"Being homeless."

"I see, very random— but understandable. How about likes?" 

"Annoying my prima Isabela."

She let out a small yet quiet huff of laughter at Camilo's answers, paintbrush at hand as she tries to paint her friend again— but this time, with added difficulty: Camilo kept on shifting to different people and making weird poses to make her job harder. (He wouldn't admit it, but he just wants to hang out with her more.)

"Please hold still Camilo— and turn back to yourself please." 

He did as he was told, his smile still as charming as ever as he watched the girl paint her. She's been drawing him a lot lately, not that he minds or anything— in fact he's quite flattered that she likes drawing him. 

"I'm starting to think that you like me with how many times you've been drawing me, hermosa."

"But I do like you though."

His heart skipped a beat at her statement but quickly calmed down as he stared at her innocent face— unknowing of the implications of the words she had said. Ah, she meant as a friend. Ouch. 

"Oh yeah, haha! I really like you too—as a friend." He said the last part bitterly, his smile straining a bit at the thought of just being her friend forever.

She should not be saying such words so haphazardly.

"I most especially like this—" she walked towards him, paintbrush at hand. She then circled the right corner of his lips with paint—washable, of course.

"H-hey! what was that for?" Camilo cried, attempting to wipe off the cold paint on his face but to no avail, somehow the girl was much faster in catching his hands.

"I really like it when you smile, it's just as bright and pretty as your mother's sunshine."

She really really should not be saying such words so haphazardly.

But certainly two can play at that game, it's not fair that Camilo is the only one who gets red and flustered here, she has to as well. He's supposed it won't be that difficult to fluster the girl, right?

Right?

"Well, I really like your smile as well. It's like a shooting star, fleeting and beautiful, I rarely get to see it— but I can't help but wish to see it again." 

"How flattering, thank you." 

Her face did not change, nor did the color of her cheeks tinted even to the faintest shade of red, it's like she's used to it. (she is, Camilo. She is.) 

Hands still holding hers, she painted a circle on the back of his hands—her thumb circling his knuckles, caressing it affectionately.

"I also like your hands, not too rough—nor it is too soft. It's just right."

Slowly she lead her hand to intertwine with his, Camilo doesn't know what's even happening anymore. One moment he was trying to fluster her, (albeit, failing quite hard.) the next their hands now intertwined with each other as she showered him with complements.

"And I really like the fact that it perfectly fits mine."

Is... Is she really flirting with him? Because is she's not then she really do be sending mixed signals to poor old Camilo— who mind you, is quite down bad for his little girl—friend over here. Who is seemingly oblivious to his obvious flirts, and the endearing nicknames that he always hear his parents say to each other.

"Y'know what fits more perfectly than this?" He asked, his hand gripped hers a bit tighter as a cheeky smirk spread across his freckled face.

Two can most certainly play at that game.

"What is it?"

"Changing your last name to Madrigal."

...

The silence was deafening, and Camilo is nervous. She had not moved an inch since he said that, in fact, she did not even blinked once. He tried pulling away from her, but her hand gripped his tighter— refusing to let him go.

"Hello? Earth to (Y/N)~" He waved his other hand in front of her face, out of all the outcomes he had predicted that might happen, this is not one of them.

Was his words so insulting to the point that she stopped responding all together?

"Hey, look I'm so—"

"You're so mean Camilo." She finally spoke, cutting Camilo off but she didn't care. She inched closer, her head now resting on the crook of his neck with their hands still intertwined with one another—refusing to let go.

"You keep making me feel confusing things, feelings I wasn't even aware I'm capable of feeling." 

Camilo could feel her breath tickling his neck, the hairs of the back of his neck rising from the contact. This is too much. Too close. He thinks, her usual scent of freshly brewed coffee once again filled his lungs— it was like a drug, he truly can't get enough of it.

Her words aren't registering in his head anymore from all the stimulus he's getting. Her scent, her voice, her touch— it was too much, overwhelming even, he wants to pull away to take a breather but at the same time, he wants more.

Greedy, greedy Camilo that's what he is, and he's not ashamed of it. The heavens graciously blessed him with a goddess, who was he to decline? He'd accept such a blessing and appreciate it with neverending gratitude.

"It's getting late by the way, you should go home." 

It's been that long already? Camilo wanted to stay much longer with her, but it's best not to worry his family too much— especially his Mamí. 

But her warmth, it's so comforting. 

"I can't leave with you all over me, y'know?"

Ah, begrudgingly, she slowly let go of him. Giving a gentle squeeze on his hand before letting go, as if wordlessly telling him she likes his touch.

"I'll come and visit your Casita sometime, probably." She told Camilo as the two walked towards the front door, both still itching each other's touch and warmth. 

"Really, when?" 

"Soon, now off you go mi cielo."

Huh, wait what? 

Before was he even able to reply he was pushed out of the door, with it slamming on his face when he turned around. 

Oh, she was totally trying to flirt with him. And Camilo is all for it.

Chapter Text

Mirror, mirror, can you be a dear lend me your thoughts? Am I good looking enough to stand by their side? Do tell me.

Mirror, mirror, please lend me your thoughts, is my smile too wide—too unnatural? Or perhaps it's my eyes, is it too dull? Should I widen it up in public so I won't look angry all the time?

 I tried to be normal, I tried to make friends- I really did!

But being one with the crowd is too exhausting, pretending to like what you don't is draining, talking with others is tiring; maintaining relationships with others is too troublesome. But I'm trying, I really am.

Mirror, mirror, please I'm scared. I don't want to lose them too. They're fun and different, and very charming, they make my dull life so exhilarating. 

What if one day I won't find them exciting anymore? What if I slowly ignore them like I did to other people? What if I hurt them? Oh god, I don't want to do that— I'd never want to do that.

Mirror please tell me what I should do, they're the best thing that has ever happened in the 16 lonely years of my life. I don't want to lose them— I can't.

Mirror, mirror, mirror, why does every truth you show me hurts? Every imperfections, every impurities you reflect back to me, why must you show it? Why can't you just show the good things? It hurts less.

I see, I see, of course how can I forget? Without imperfections, there will be no strive for improvement. Yes, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. You shouldn't be the one to blame, I asked what I wanted to see and you simply gave an unbiased answer, after all. Silly me.

"I thought it's a novel, but I guess it's Abuelo's fancy old diary of some sort." The girl said as she turned page after page on the dusty old book. She was just supposed to take a little peek at it's contents but she can't help but relate to every entry he wrote, she was able to see what he was like back then, very similar to her, she concludes. She was yet to be born to be even able meet her grandfather back then, all she knows is that he looks like her Papá due to the photos that hung upon their humble living room.

Mirror, mirror, mirror, did you know that Encanto's infamous seer, Bruno, told me I was going to die before I'll get to see my grandchild?

The poor child immediately ducked down and muttered a myriad of apologies to me, I wonder why? I wasn't even mad, not even my wife was. I want to tell him that it's okay, that it's fine, but I don't know how to. I just stood there as he looked at me as if I'm going to hit him, the poor child been through so much hate that I wish I can apologize for asking him a vision instead.

I want to tell him that I'm happy with the vision he gave me, for at least I knew that my family would be as prosperous as before left them. Thank you Bruno Madrigal, I hope that everyone in the village understand that you cannot control what you show them. And to my future grandchildren, I hope you know that your Abuelo loves you very much and is watching you from the stars.

Her heart squeezed whilst reading this, her grandfather is such a caring and understanding man, no wonder her Abuela fell so hard for him. I bet Abuelo is a ladies' man, the teen assumed as she closed her grandfather's diary and stuffed it on her bag. 

I guess my visit to the Casita would be earlier than I anticipated. She thought, her hand gripping the strap of her bag tightly as she walked out the door. 

The white noise she hears as she walks out to the town was almost calming, almost. If not for the muted whispers she hears amongst the wind as she walks by. 

'Associating with the Madrigals? What an ambitious little child you are.' A taunting voice whispered on the teen's ear, its cool breath tickling their neck; it sends shivers down her spine.

'I wonder how long they can tolerate such an annoying little bug such as you, meddling with their lives.' it's almost as if there's an invisible being looming over her; like a village overcast with morning fog— it was gloomy.

Not now.

'Smile a bit more, maybe then others won't find you so intimidating.' A different voice called from the abyss, its foggy hand gently caressing the corner of her lips as if urging her to smile. 

I can't.

'Stop saying you can't, saying that you can't do something means knowing that there is always someone who can do things you can't for you. You need to learn. You have to learn, you can't just depend on others your whole life.' The voice held her cheeks tighly as it spoke, its touch felt like it was burning on her skin the longer it stays. 

'What? Don't tell me you're going to make someone smile for you, make him smile for your sake? Make him cry for your sake? Now that's what we call a leach, you take and take but never give anything in return.' The voice laughed, its booming sound painfully runged in her ears with each syllable, almost deafening her ear drums.

I won't, I won't.

'You treat people like some kind of toy to play with, don't you?'

No I don't.

'Things you find interesting would eventually be boring, wouldn't it?'

Please, I beg of you. Stop.

'And boring things would eventually be thrown out and discarded, they would eventually discarded.'

No, no they won't. I won't do that, I would never.

A choir of laughter reverberates throughout the abyss, mocking the teen before them. She felt like she's drowning, unable to breathe under shallow waters.

"Just lift your head, that's right."

'We'll see about that.'

No, no, I would never do such a thing, never.

"It's okay, just breathe. I'm here." A voice so familiar, so soothing; caressing gentle strokes upon her weary head. She was finally brought back to reality, her vision blurry— she search for the owner of the voice.

"Ca... Milo?" 

"Welcome back, mi amor." He said with a relieved smile, brushing stray strands of hair away from her face. 

"Y'know, this is the second time I've seen you like this; crouched down on the ground muttering to yourself with words I don't understand— I'm worried for you." 

She reached out, gripping the edge his yellow poncho tightly— almost like a cry for help. The words she'd like to say seems to be stuck on her throat, unable to come out, she doesn't know what's happening to her and she's terrified.

"Hey, hey, I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. Just breathe with me, okay?" 

He gently took one of her hands and placed it closer to his chest, making her feel his steady heartbeat as Camilo breathes in and out, waiting for his friend to mimic him.

"I'm sorry." She meekly replied, finally calm at last. Her eyes refusing to meet his, shameful at the fact he had to see her pathetic state once again.

"Don't worry, hermosa. It happens to the best of us, and it's perfectly normal— no need to feel sorry for it." 

He is ready to see and handle the worst of her, if it means he'd get to see front row seat of the absolute best of her. 

"And I guess that makes us even then, you saw me cry and I get to see you do the same."

Cry?

She touched her cheek, fingers gently touching wet salty tears that cascaded from her eyes down to her now glistening cheeks. 

No wonder her vision looked so blurry. She was crying.

Aggressively rubbing her eyes in an attempt to hide the shameful tears that guiltily fell from her eyes. I'm fine, I'm fine, you're okay. She tries to convince herself, slowly standing up with Camilo hovering above her worriedly just in case she suddenly trips or fall.

"Are you okay now? Calm?"

"Calm, cool and collected." She reassured, reaching for his hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. A simple gesture and a reassuring grip, it was enough for Camilo to know that she's fine. 

Though he can't help but frown at her puffy eyes, red from crying earlier. Yet he can't deny that she's still very pretty amidst the ugly tears she had shed. (Anything she'd do he'll find it cute, he's a big simp, yet he still kept denying it in his mind. Camilo, your whole family knows you're down bad for her.)

Dusting off the invisible dirt that stuck on her skirt once she had fully stood up, one of her hands gripped the strap of her bag— thumb caressing it's leather texture as the other remained interwined with Camilo's. 

"Is your tió Bruno available, Camilo?"

Available? What does she mean by that? Camilo ponders a bit, staring at her—searching for clarification.

Don't tell me she's asking if tió Bruno is single?! His heart wrenching at the thought of her being interested with someone, with his uncle no less! He's more than half of her age! 

He could hear the wedding bells of his tió and his friend's wedding and him being the best man. Oh, the absolute heartbreak.

"I was wondering if I can talk to him, I simply would want to give him some... Unsaid apologies from my grandfather."

Oh. 

Camilo wanted to punch himself for even thinking such a thought. Of course she wouldn't be interested in his tió, she barely even met the guy! Stupid, stupid, stupid! Camilo said to himself, mentally slapping his forehead.

"Camilo?"

"Oh! Uh, yeah! Yeah, he's available today. I'll, I'll just tell him beforehand and you'll be good to go and meet him!" 

Curse his imaginative brain.

"Thanks Camilo, after that we can hang out if you have the time." She said to him as they head towards to his home— hand in hand, her smooth voice swam gracefully into his ears. Her voice is truly his favorite sound.

"I'd always make time for you, hermosa. Any time I spend with you is a time well-spent."

Once they've reached the Casita, Camilo made her sit down as he went and informed his uncle of her sudden visit.

She did not think this through.

What is she going to say? Yo, my old grampapi said don't worry about it, oh by the way your vision came true, he dead now.

 Maybe that they were right, maybe she shouldn't meddle into people's business.

"Hey, you can come in now." Camilo informed her, his boyish smile calmed her for a bit. 

Upon entering Bruno's room, her anxiety peaked once again. She felt her body stiffen when she made eye contact with the older male.

She did not think this through.

Bruno Madrigal did not know what to expect when Camilo came knocking on his door telling him that his friend wanted to talk and meet him, he certainly did not expect a stone-faced teen to enter next to his nephew. (He would also like to add how they are complete polar opposites with each other, opposites attract I guess.) He was definitely startled when the girl's face hardened when they made eye contact, it's as if she was glaring at him. (No Bruno, that's just how she looks.)

How can a teenage girl be so intimidating?

And also why is her vibe so familiar to him?

Camilo don't just leave me with her!

"Holá, Señor. I apologize for appearing in such short notice, I just would like to ask if you happen to remember of a man named, Alejandro Galicia?" Her voice cool and smooth as she spoke, very formal. Bruno noted.

Alejandro? Ah, no wonder she seems a bit familiar.

"Yeah, he's... he asked me for a vision once. And heh, whoo— let me tell you, he was not happy about it." That man's silent glare when he saw that vision he gave him still bring shivers down Bruno's spine to this day, if looks could kill, he'd be ash right now. And the girl's stare right now is giving him flashbacks.

"Not happy? Did he say anything unpleasant to you?"

"Oh! No, no, no, he didn't, he just... Scowled at me and walked away. Pretty sure he curses me on his deathbed.."

She watched him knocked several times on a wooden surface, and muttering words about knocking on wood. What a superstitious man. She thought. 

"Quite the opposite actually, Señor."

Huh?

"He was actually quite happy about the vision you gave him." She continued, now digging in her bag to get her Abuelo's journal. 

But... But the glare and...

"He wrote it here," turning page after page to search for that specific journal entry her Abuelo wrote.

"'I want to tell him that I'm happy with the vision he gave me, for at least I knew that my family would be as prosperous as before left them. Thank you Bruno Madrigal, I hope that everyone in the village understand that you cannot control what you show them.'"

He wasn't mad after all? 

"Abuelo also would like to apologize to you for asking you for a vision, you must've beaten yourself over it at the time. To show a man the day he will pass away, surely it's not the first time however," she paused, grabbing one of her father's freshly made empanadas she randomly stuffed on her bag and giving it to Bruno.

"It doesn't mean it doesn't take a toll on you. Take a break, it seems as though you have a lot in your mind lately. Physical health is important, yes, but mental health is just as important as the physical body." 

Perhaps, Bruno didn't observed her grandfather well enough, perhaps he judged too quickly. Don't judge a book by its cover, they always say after all.

"Thank you..." He was at a loss for words, this kid, made time on her day to walk to his house to clear up and apologize for the misunderstanding between him and her grandfather— whom she never even met by the way! For some reason, he felt like he didn't deserve such an apology.

"No problem, Señor."  

Camilo knows that eavesdropping is bad, and only his sister Dolores has a pass due to her gift, but he can't help but listen in to the two converse behind the door. A smile reaches his face at his friend's understanding nature, his heart fluttered at the sight of her caring for his family. Could she be anymore perfect? He thought with a dreamy sigh.

"Lo siento, Camilo did I made you wait long?"

"No, of course not! Besides, you'll always worth the wait." He told her, his hand sneakily reaching and interwining with hers.

I wouldn't mind waiting for an eternity just to be with you.

Omake (Extras): 

—Following the events after the previous chapter—

Camilo, with a pep on his step, walked home with a huge smile on his face. Not minding the stares he's getting as he passes by them, he was too joyful to care about it anyways. 

"Hermano, look he's a weird funny man!"

"Yes, a weird funny man, ignore him okay? He has dn, it's a very contagious disease."

"What does dn stands for?"

"Deez nuts."

A loud slap and a scream for help can be heard, as Camilo walked by holding in his laughter. Wait, weird funny man? He looked around him to find this- weird funny man, but alas, no one in sight fits the description of 'weird funny man', but it couldn't be him right? He didn't even do anything weird and funny at all!

"Poor kid must've gotten pranked by their friend, oh my..."

"I know right? I mean look at their face, oh dear. And they haven't got a clue what happened."

The townspeople whispered as he reached his home, still oblivious at the fact he was the one the people outside are talking about. 

Upon entering his home, he went straight to the kitchen to hopefully snag some of his Tia Julieta's food. 

"Holá, Tia!" 

"Holá, Ca..milo?" She trailed off upon seeing his face all dirtied with paint. He was still blissfully unaware of his vandalized face coated with paint as he continues to take some of his Tia's deliciously cooked food.

"Um, Camilo—your, uh- your—"

"Oh, this?" He cut her off, gesturing to his hand with dried paint on it. 

"(Y/N) and I just played with the paint at her house." He nonchalantly continued, walking out of the kitchen with food at hand, not even giving Julieta any room to speak.

"... Your face.." Julieta muttered as she watched the young teen walk away. 

Oh well.

Isabela, who was minding her own business, stumbled upon Camilo's paint ridden face and decided that she's going to be a nice older cousin and point it out.

"Camilo, your face."

"Handsome, I know."

Nevermind, she would like to retract her statement.

"No, you look like an overused wet mop." She spat as she walked away after spouting out flowers to his face. Screw him, he can deal with the embarrassment himself. 

"Hey! My food! Jeez, people these days."

Dolores who has been listening to the whole thing, doesn't know if he should tell him about the paint on his face or not. She thinks it's funny that he's still blissfully unaware of the state of his face, but looking back at his brother's shenanigans he pulled on her and to others.

Yeah, he'll figure it out on his own.

Walking to his room, a small hill of food at hand, Camilo is still very oblivious of that stupid paint on his face. And Antonio, god bless sweet little Antonio, finally told him. 

"Hermano?"

"Antonio! What's up? If you want some of my food, I'm afraid I have to say no, I worked hard stealing— I-er, getting this from Tia Julieta's kitchen."

Antonio's face cringed at the small hill of food on his brother's plate, Hermano's stomach is like Tió Bruno's old tower, almost bottomless. He thought.

"Your face has paint on it." Antonio deadpanned, arms crossed as he spoke.

Paint?

Oh, paint.

Wait, paint?!

With that he rushed to his room and slammed the door a bit too loudly. Lo siento, Dolores. Camilo mentally apologized, rushing to the nearest mirror he encounters.

He stared at his reflection, seeing the dried bright yellow paint etched upon the corner of his lips. A weird big yellow circle.

He's the weird funny man that those people were talking about.

He went outside looking like this, looking like he drank paint or something.

The people must've think he looks so weird.

Must've? Bro, he looks weird!

He felt like he could shrivel up from embarrassment now.

"(Y/N)... I'll get you back next time."

Chapter Text

Soft pitter-pattering of gentle drizzling rain calms her weary mind, a momentary respite from all the internal struggle— the weird voices that suddenly whispered to her ears so mysteriously. If not for Camilo's appearance, she would have broken down like smashed porcelain-ware run over by a cart on the street.

"I love it when it rains, it reminds me that even the clouds get tired from holding—carrying whatever burden they have for so long." 

"You speak like a 40 year-old woman, chica."

Her eyes tore away from the window to look at Camilo, who is staring at her with a smirk etched upon his freckled face. He really enjoys staring at her up close, as he could see every single detail of her pretty face. Certainly a blessing to be with her up close.

"My mother is 42, yet not once did I hear nor witnessed her say the things I say."

"I guess your mom's different then." He replied arms crossed, leaning on the table resting his chin on it, his eyes closing for a moment. He should really fix his posture, the girl noted, eyes still fixated on the curly-haired boy in front of her. She really wants to touch his floofy hair, it looks quite soft to the touch. One day, she'll get the opportunity to do so. (Sweetie you can just ask him, he'll be quite happy to comply. Perhaps a bit too happy—)

"All of us are different, you and I are different. Not even identical twins are the same." 

"I don't think I'm different. I mean, my gift is shape-shifting— I can be anyone but me." He said to his friend, voice muffled from burying his face on his arm; refusing to meet her eyes, fearing she'd see right through him. See his so-called ridiculous dilemma.

"Be anyone but you? Camilo, all I see is no one else but you." She immediately retorted, he could feel her gaze staring down at him, ready to stomp down or pluck out whatever negative thought that had sprouted on Camilo's mind like an unwanted invasive weed.

"Right now, all I see is a nice boy who's very caring to his friend." She began, standing up from the comfy chair she once sat on to stand behind Camilo's hunched form, she then held his shoulders to gently ushered him to sit up.

"I see..." She leaned down and whispered, her warm breath tickling his ear as she spoke, sending satisfying shivers down his spine.

"A very loving boy who loves his family more than he loves himself."

Gently squeezing both shoulders, she listed down everything that makes Camilo... Well, Camilo.

"I see a boy who makes people smile."

A boy who can't do anything.

"I see a boy who is unsure of himself, yet is unaware that he has all the time of the world to figure out who he is—that there is no one rushing you to do so."

How come you can read me like a book? It's just isn't fair, I want to be the one who should comfort you. You literally broke down in the middle of a street, yet you pretend that nothing even happened.

"Someone who has an insatiable appetite."

Camilo let out a small laugh at this, he is not one to deny seconds after all. His Tia Julieta's cooking is just simply a blessing made from the heavens.

"Someone who makes the corniest jokes."

"Hey! You said you like my jokes!" He huffs, slightly offended that she called his jokes corny.

"I do, because it makes makes you, you."

It's not fair, I want to be the one who's saying these words, I want to be the one who make you happy.

"All I'm saying is, you are already different. You just haven't seen it for yourself yet." 

Do I plague your thoughts the same way you plague mine? 

"No amount of mirrors would let you see how amazing you are, Camilo."

Her head now leaning on his, curly hair tickling the side of her face; she rubbed gentle circles on his shoulder with her thumbs for reassurance. 

"No amount of mirrors would let you see the good things me and your family sees in you."

Does your heart race as fast as mine when I see you?

Camilo felt overwhelmed with many emotions at the moment to the point that her touch felt too warm to touch, pulling away from her— to stare at his friend's face, who in turn, was unknowingly looking at him in such a soft way—almost so lovingly.

"Stop looking at me like that." 

"Like what?"

"Like—"

"Like you're the only star in the sky?" She breathes, inching closer and closer to his face forcing him to look her in the eyes.

"Like you're the only pretty flower in the garden?" Fingers featherly touching his hands all the way to his freckled face, since when did she learn to act like this? Camilo wonders, he could feel his own face heat up from the girl's endearing actions and words that she effortlessly spouted out from her mouth.

"I, I think I get it—" 

"Camilo, you are a work of art." Cupping his warm face with both of her hands, squishing his cheeks. 

I could say the same to you, Camilo would like to say, however words refuse to spill from his mouth instead prefers to get stuck on his throat. 

Her face is but a hair's breadth away from his, they were close, incredibly close. Camilo closed his eyes, unable to handle being so close to her. He could smell the herbal scent of the tea he gave to her, frolicking in the air— sweetly tickling his nose.

He wonders if she could hear his heart beating so loudly for her, as if she was his lifeline.

A loud creaking sound of the door made the girl's eyes tore away from Camilo to the person in front of the door. 

"Hey Camilo— woah! Whoops, I hope I wasn't interrupting something.." Mirabel's eyes widened at the close proximity of the two. She was totally interrupting something.

"Not really, we're just chatting."

You're certainly interrupting something. Camilo grumbled, sad and a bit salty at the sudden loss of her warmth from his.

"You should come and join us Mira, it's been a while since we've last talked."

Wait, they've met before and they never told me? Also Mirabel I beg of you decline, it's rare for me to hangout with her alone already! He tried telepathically telling his cousin, to his surprise, she miraculously understood.

"As much as I love to sit down and chat with you, I—uh, have to help my Tió Bruno with something."

"Oh, what a shame. Tell Señor Bruno I said hi, see you around, Mira." The girl waved as she watched Mirabel walk out and closing the door. A busy bee as always, that Mirabel. She thought to herself, turning to face Camilo again, who was pouting and seemingly deep in thought.

"Now what's on your mind again, Camilo?"

Camilo wouldn't admit that he jealous, but he is. They've been friends for who knows how long now and he wasn't aware that she's friends with his cousin, Mirabel. To make matters worse, she gave his prima a nickname! Are they that close?

"Didn't know you met Mirabel before..." He murmured with a slight bitter aftertaste, looking away from his friend.

"Yeah, we got acquainted when all of us were rebuilding the Casita." 

Rebuilding the Casita? How come he never noticed her before?

"I guess I just wasn't interesting enough for you to notice at the time."

"No! You're plenty interesting! I was just busy with the rebuilding and stuff, I don't like the thought being homeless y'know?" Camilo was quick to interject, hands practically flailing around in attempt to prove his point. 

Simple moments such as these are the ones she appreciates the most. For simplicity is beauty after all, there is no need to be or go somewhere extravagant to enjoy one's company. Sometimes, two people stuck in a closet could make pleasant memories, two people stuck on a deep hole would be a memory reminisced to laugh and jest at. Nothing has to be fancy, just the mere presence of another would suffice.

The sun came to rest as the moon arises to the east, poking it's luminous head from the horizon.

The girl laid on her bed staring at the ceiling, mindlessly counting sheep for who knows how long.

8997...

8998...

8999...

9000...

 It was now 10:30 at night, she muttered to herself, an arm covering her eyes in a pathetic attempt to lull herself to fall into humble slumber. She twisted and turned on her bed yet she is still unable to fall asleep.

Frustrated, she finally stood up from her bed and sat on a chair in front of her messy desk. 

"Glistening moonlight, your ivory orbs shone so beautifuly under night's gaze." She recited, holding her grandmother's favorite novel— the girl never did finish reading it, it was always given the next time and maybe later's for her each time she stumble upon the book again.

"Yet I, but a mere worthless sky, was able to caught your eye. How honored I was to be given such privilege to be here by your side." It was cringey, it was cliche, but she couldn't help but continue reading it— just to see how it ends. Mi Luna, Mi Estrella. The title itself was already foreshadowing it's upcoming cliches and common tropes, it's predictable drama and tooth rotting flirting. 

'Perhaps life is but a whole big cliche, don't you think mi vida?'

Perhaps, Abuela.

'One day you'll get what I mean, one day you'll stumble upon a certain person— a chance encounter, and feel like something inside of you clicked when you meet their gaze.'

The small flame danced inside the lamp, providing decent candlelight for her to read.

'And suddenly in your mind, it'll make you go— ‘oh, they're the one. They're the one I want to get to know with for a long time.’ and when that moment comes to fruition, it'll feel like a whole splash of colorful paint was thrown into your life. And finally you'd realize how dull your life was before.'

"O, my sweet oblivious sky, you are not worthless nor that you are a burden. Look at the glistening sea and the twinkling stars, it is vast and almost endless."

The flame flickers as time passes by, its fuel almost used up— clinging to its last ends of its life.

"Just like my love for you." 

Two hearts beats for each other at a far distance, in the dead of night, unbeknownst to them, the wind sings a mirthful and hopeful song. For they too wished to see the sky and the moon fall for each other once again.

•ACT I FINISHED•

Extra: 

Author decided to draw Camilo crying instead of writing yes. 

-edit as author is fixing the photos-

she is now very confused to what is actually his eye color.

Chapter Text

ACT II : HIBISCUS SUNSETS

Flower fields, hibiscus-colored skies, they bask in complete serenity. Two hearts, one life, enjoyed in a lifetime. They frolic, they mingle, hearts interwined with each other, they refuse to let go.

"Amor, I made you coffee! Just the way you like it!~" He spoke, walking to the woman painting flower beds and orange sunsets, he gave her a loving kiss on the cheek before placing the cup of coffee on the makeshift table next to her, his other hand slither its way to her waist and giving it a gentle squeeze. She leaned into his touch, almost melting into it. It felt so right to be in his arms, she felt so complete, so whole.

"Took you long enough, mi cielo." She replied, reciprocating his affection with a shy kiss on the bottom of his chin, unable to reach his cheek. She still can't get used to the amount of love he selflessly pours to her, it was overwhelming, in a good way of course.

"Keep saying that, or else I'm never making coffee for you again."  

"I merely jest, you make such amazing coffee, the best things comes to those who wait after all. I wouldn't mind the wait, as long as you make it." 

Leaving a quick kiss on her forehead, he turned to look at what she's drawing. It was her mother's garden, with two figures standing in the middle of it, he was yet to discern who the two figures are, but he could tell the two are making some kind of flower crown.

"It's not finished yet, but it was supposed to be you and I."

Of course it is, it was where the two of them had their first quote on quote "date". And also the place he proposed to her, albeit out of the blue and extremely unprepared.

"Well, it looks beautiful already, mi Luna." He complemented, smiling at the fond memory that flooded through him. 

"Would you ever make a better constructive criticism other than 'it's beautiful' or 'so amazing' or even the 'better than da Vinci's'? As much as I absolutely adore the complements you throw at me, I don't feel like I would be improving from it." She told him, nearing him and the canvas she was painting on. Her fingers lightly fluttering on his back before standing next to his side, a meek request for a side hug.

"I don't think I have the ability to do so, amor. Your skills is as amazing as it is already! You're my perfect little moon."

His arm making it's way to her waist, his thumb gently rubbing small circles on her side whilst she leans on his shoulders, basking in his warm inviting touch.

"It is human nature to strive for perfection, to strive to better themselves. Therefore I'd naturally would want to improve in my strengths, or else what else would I be if without my strengths?" 

"You'd still be mine, obviously."

"Of course, of course, mi cielo. I am always yours in this life and the next infinite lifetimes that comes after." 

"Pinky promise?"

"Pinky promise." 

The two vowed to each other, linking their pinkies underneath the setting sun. Their love was immesurable and overflowing, that the heavens above took pity on their mortal souls and blessed them. 

For wherever they may be, no matter how far, nor how near, fate and love would always lead them back to each other.

"How I wish this moment would last." Murmured he, his emerald eyes shimmering as they filled with sudden saddness, hugging his beloved a little tighter. He knows that none of this is real, he could feel himself slowly slipping away, he doesn't want to let this go yet. But he has to.

"Never stop trying, even if it feels that all is lost. If nothing else, we have the present moment." She told him, her voice slightly echoing as he slips in and out of consciousness. She held his cheek, forcing him to look at her amidst the blurriness. 

"I'd be waiting for you in reality, and in your dreams, mi cielo. Now it's time to wake up, you have a long day ahead of you."

He opened his eyes, only to see the familiar sights of his bedroom. Lately, he's been having similar dreams such those these past few nights. Dreams of a domestic life with her, like making dinner, helping her tend a garden, washing the dishes, so on and so forth. Yet for some reason the house that they're living in that dream was not the Casita nor her home, it was a different house each time. It was that odd detail that made Camilo mildly confused. It was almost as if it wasn't a dream to begin, but instead someone's memory.

Covering his eyes with his arm, he groaned, woefully wishing that dream was reality instead. Begrudgingly, he stood up from his bed and made his way downstairs to eat something.

Warmth, how very warm. Tepid heat gently interwining with his hands as he hovers it above the freshly made coffee that he just brewed, it was only now that he gained the habit of making coffee for himself every morning to start the day. He loves the smell of coffee nowadays, it always reminded him of her— her warmth, the scent of coffee that somehow follows her wherever she goes, he absolutely adores it.

Taking an experimental sip on his coffee, touching ever so lightly upon his lips. 

It's a bit too bitter, he mumbles to himself with a sigh. He wants to replicate the exact same thing that she makes, shifting to her can't suffice anymore– it doesn't feel authentic, he wants to be closer to her, to feel as if she was right beside her. What a shame he can't mimic their skills, though.

"This is the 4th time you've sighed this morning, Camilo."

With a yelp, Camilo switched to his beloved friend for half a second before switching back to himself. He whipped his head to the side and glared to the person behind him only to see Mirabel, her face adorning an amused smirk upon seeing her cousin's reaction.

"Oh thinking about her again, I see. Just a little cousin...ly advice, just confess to her already, primo. It's been almost a year— aaaand Tia Pepa is getting impatient, she wants her precious soon-to-be daughter-in-law to come home very soon~"

I'm just 16 though, I'm far too young to marry...

"Okay first off, I wasn't thinking about her—" 

Just as soon as those words left from his mouth, Mirabel crossed her arms and rolled her eyes, clearly unamused at the obvious false statement that Camilo shamelessly spilled out of his mouth.

"And secondly, I only see her as a friend!" Camilo continued, closing his eyes whilst taking a sip of his warm coffee. Whereas Mirabel cackled at the words that came out from his mouth. The audacity to lie at her face, when she saw how red Camilo's face looked when (Y/N)'s was close to his that one time. 

"Wow, okay Mr. 'She's just a friend'! You wouldn't mind if I date her then, right?" 

"You wouldn't, Mirabel." Camilo rebutted, his voice almost certain that she wouldn't dare do such a thing. 

"You're right, I wouldn't. But that doesn't mean that there won't be other people out there who wouldn't try to snatch the girl of your dreams right under your nose, Camilo." She warned the boy, flicking his nose as she spoke before walking away.

"Time awaits for no one but itself after all." Mirabel is wise for someone in her age, Camilo would oftentimes forget. Most people said that wisdom comes with age, however, Camilo would beg to disagree, wisdom comes with experience. A sheltered adult would not know what it's like to be a poor orphaned child, a husband would not know the pain of child birth as well as his wife could, and so on an so forth.

But anyways, she's right. Yet he couldn't find it in himself to tell the her what he felt about her. Camilo is afraid what she might think or say, he's scared that it might ruin everything that they had, their friendship. 

Yet his heart couldn't take it, imagining her with someone else, it just doesn't feel right. It's almost as if his heart screams to not let her go, it yearns for her. But in his mind he's aware that she's not his.

A boy can dream.

"What a strange dream." The girl told to no one in particular, her head leaning against the window pane as she ponders about what she dreamt.

"What did you dreamed about, Mija?" 

"Was on the moon, looking down at earth. And the stars, it looked far more different than what I've imagined it to be, it was absolutely mesmerizing." She replied, her gaze still fixated to whatever is happening outside. Niko and her Papi playing pretend in front of the house, with Niko dramatically falling over and screaming 'curse you, Diego the dog!' whilst her father expressionlessly crawled away on all fours from the scene with a monotone 'woof, woof.' 

"That doesn't sound like a strange dream, Mija. In fact it was more of a comforting one."

"No, Mamá. That wasn't all, there was a Camilo look-a-like in there too." 

"Oh? Are you sure this isn't about your super secret crush on Camilo?"

She finally faced her mother, standing up to fully face her. Her arms slightly flailing around as she spoke and explained her dream to her mother.

"No Mamá, he—we were wearing different clothes, we're in a weird house— he kept calling me My dove and little moon or whatever that means. He suddenly kissed me on the cheek, telling me about his day and what not—"

"Mija, breathe... C'mon, you can do it!" The mother cut her off, her hands both placed on her daughter's shoulders snapping her out of her rambling. Her daughter is finally experiencing emotions she had never felt before in her years as a young child, on one hand she's happy that her child is finally growing up, on the other she's worried that she might not be able process her thoughts and emotions properly. She fears the she might lose herself in these flooding emotions.

"You really like that Camilo, huh?"

"I... don't.. I don't know..." 

Her mother's hand reached her face and caressed her cheeks comfortingly, the daughter's face was flushed with emotions she couldn't quite pin point out. The mother pulled the girl closer to her, caging her in a loving embrace, a silent comforting gesture.

"Oh, mi vida, you don't have to know right now. You have all the time in the world to figure it out, there's no rush."

"Okay Mamí... I'll take my time."

Chapter Text

"kid?"

This is definitely not the way Bruno expected his afternoon to go. The grandchild of the man he once feared long ago is once again on the doorstep of his room. It seems as though Casita had taken a liking to the young teen as she willingly brought in the girl even knowing that no one but Bruno was around the home.

"If you're looking for Mirabel or Camilo, all of them besides me are out and about in town."

"Si, I'm aware Señor. However, I came here to see you, I, I just would like to chat with you for a while if you have the time."

"I- wha- surely you have other friends besides Camilo and Mirabel to hang out with instead of me?"

The girl merely stared at him emotionlessly, adjusting the strap of her bag as she stood there wordlessly in front of Bruno. A long pregnant silence surrounded the two before the young teen decided to shamefully admit:

"... I don't."

One of my kin, I see. Bruno thought to himself, his hand combing salt and peppered locks as he silently chuckled at the introverted teen in front of him. Widening the door to his room, ushering and welcoming her to come inside. He made her sat on a small stool as he sat on the floor, he wasn't prepared for any visitors at all. 

"So... What do you want to talk about?"

He rested his chin on the palm of his hand as he patiently waited for the girl to talk. She was rubbing her ring finger to calm her nerves as she tries to articulate her thoughts, she read it on a book once that telling your problems to someone you barely know would be easier and would feel better as they would give you an unbiased opinion on your thoughts. But to someone such as her, who barely talks to anyone but her close friends and family, doesn't know how to say things that doesn't come off as rude or apathetic.

She handed him one of her father's empanadas, still warm and fresh and wrapped delicately in a paper bag. A silent bribe to let her vent to him— not that Bruno would know, but he'd gladly take the free food anyways. 

"I don't know what I'm feeling."

"Very straight to the point, nice." He replied, taking a munch on the empanada he was given. Kudos to the chef, he would like to say if not for the nervously fidgeting child in front of him. A stark contrast to her previously calm and mildly intimidating demeanor the first time he met her, she must've have a hard time with dealing with emotions, huh?

"And it's all Camilo's fault." She continued, eyes glaring down to her lap with her hand tightly gripping her dress leaving evident creases after. 

She didn't hold back, dang. 

"He once said that what I'm feeling is love, with the weird feeling in my stomach and with my heart beating ever so quickly."

"Yup, definitely love symptoms."

"But is love supposed to hurt at times, Señor?"

Is love supposed to hurt?

"What do you think, is love supposed to hurt?"

The girl ponders for a bit, a hand reaching her chin as to focus on giving the most probable answer. 

"I don't think so, Señor."

A common answer, and the most sensible one he supposed.

"I see, well in my experience, love can hurt at times, and it's perfectly normal! We're human after all, it's perfectly normal to make mistakes as long as you sincerely apologize and learn from it." He began, standing up from the slightly sandy floor he once sat upon to walk near the girl.

"Love hurts sometimes because of miscommunications, not telling them what's wrong and that what they're doing is hurting you, trust me, oh I'm definitely not one to tell people my problems, that's why I ruin almost every relationship I've been on. I overthink too much, my, my anger issues, self-esteem issues—oh, I definitely have those, eheh." 

"But what if you told them everything you feel and they still didn't change? What if they still continue to hurt you?" The girl asked, not minding Bruno's rambling and going slightly off topic.

Bruno took another bite on his empanada as he pat her shoulders gently, a little rat climbed up to his shoulders quietly peeking its little snout at the girl.

"That mi Amiga, is what we call a toxic relationship. Best to get out of those as soon as possible, that is certainly no bueno." 

The young teen could see the little rat nodding its tiny head, as if agreeing to Bruno's words. That rat must've been through a rough relationship to have reacted like that.

"But anyways, you're asking a single old man for advice. You should ask mi hermana, Pepa about those kind of things, she's... Much better than me with emotions. Wait a minute, who's this mystery person that you love anyways?" Bruno asked, once again taking a bite on the empanada on his hand, it really is tasty. He might ask Julieta to make his some if she has the time.

"Camilo." 

He choked on his food, coughing for a bit. His hands rubbing circles on his own chest as he tries to recuperate. The girl in front of him, flinched as she watched the man choking on her father's specialty, she concludes that he might like empanadas a bit too much. He was not expecting the straightforwardness of this girl. Also, his sobrino? Actually nevermind, it was quite obvious. Those too have been basically inseparable ever since they've met, almost as if it was fate that brought them together. He should right that down, a wonderful prompt for his telanovelas.

"My sobrino, eh? Good luck with that, he can be quite the handful."

"Please don't tell anyone..." The girl murmured, eyes looking away from Bruno as she nervously rubs her ring finger once again. The little rat that once was on Bruno's shoulder has reached its way to the young lass and nuzzled it's face on her hands, as if trying to comfort her. And it was definitely working. She found the little critter's actions to be cute and sweet, gently petting the rat with her two fingers.

"Don't worry kid, I'm good at keeping secrets! I, uh, I don't think Dolores is quite good at that department though." 

Dolores! She gasped, she felt like a fool as letting such information slipped out on her mind. The little rat skittered away as the girl stood up, who is almost frozen in place, unable to think of what she should do.

How could one gasp so emotionlessly? Are the thoughts that circled Bruno's mind as he watched her slowly and robotically move in place. It was almost comical.

"You should go now, you might catch her on the way, they're probably already walking home at this hour. I'll make myself very busy... Eating this empanada, yeah! Yeah."

He ushered the young girl out of his room, empanada hanging on his mouth almost clinging for dear life. As he was closing the door, a few mere inches from actually closing it, she spoke once more before walking:

"Gracias Señor, I'm quite glad to have been able to talk to you again. I truly like chatting with you, it feels as if like I'm talking to an uncle that I've never had." 

"No problem, kid. Anytime." He replied with a grateful smile as he finally closes the door.

Rhythmic footsteps reverberated throughout the Casita as the young teen speed-walked out of the magical home, hoping to catch Dolores on the way home. But instead of Dolores, she encountered with Pepa and Felix instead, not that she minds, both are wonderful people.

"Oh, Mija! What brings you here today?" Pepa chirped, gleefully waving at the girl with Felix following suit. 

"I came to visit Señor Bruno, Señora." She replied, readjusting the strap of her bag once again. She couldn't help but notice the bright rainbow that had formed on top of Pepa's head as she spoke to her, something good must've happened to make her feel very happy this afternoon. 

"Señora Pepa really has such pretty smile..." She unintentionally muttered, not expecting for the two to hear. It reminded her of Camilo's smile, albeit his was more of the cheeky kind most of the time.

"I know right? She's like the morning sun! Bright and beautiful~ I'm really lucky to have her." 

"Felix!"

"What? I'm just telling the truth, Amor!" 

What an absolutely cute couple, she would also wish to add. The two has such a sweet dynamic compared to her own parents, which is more of the lovingly chaotic kind. (To which she absolutely adores, there is never a dull moment in her house if her parents are around.)

"Anyways Mija, You should have dinner with us if you'd like!" Pepa suggested, her mirthful smile never leaving her face. Her green orbs shone the exact same way as when Camilo ask her to hang out with him, filled with anticipation and excitement— it makes it difficult for her to decline. 

"Si, si! We would love to get to know you better during dinner time, niña!" Felix added, his voice filled with such enthusiasm that he increasingly made it difficult for to reject such offer. 

"... I would love to."

She can't say no to these people.

Dolores suddenly stopped walking, eyes wide at what she had heard. Her eyes darted immediately to Camilo who had also stopped walking to look at her in worry. The girl Camilo has the biggest crush on, likes him back. But she can't say it, she mustn't say it. For both of their sakes.

"Are you okay hermana? Do you want to take a detour to someplace quiet?" Camilo asked taking a step closer to Dolores, who seemed to be a statue with how she's barely moving in place.

"I think I just heard something I'm not supposed to."

"Don't you do that all the time though?" 

"It's about (Y/N)." Just as soon as she said that she slapped her mouth with both of her hands as a desperate attempt to stop herself from spilling anymore. 

"What about her? Wha—hey! Don't just walk away!"

"She'll be having dinner with us, so it'd be best if we came home in time, si?" She quickly replied, smoothly covering up the little hiccup that she made earlier, knowing her brother would be distracted about thinking about his friend— she breathes a sigh of relief knowing she didn't blew it, immediately.

They better get a hold of their emotions quickly for Dolores isn't sure how long she could keep this a secret, especially when they're painfully pining for each other for who knows how long.

Chapter Text

The faint sound of the ground hitting the girl's shoes rhythmically sung with the mirthful hum of summer air. It seems as though Pepa is in a very good mood this afternoon as she finally had the chance to ask Camilo's friend over for dinner tonight, she's been trying to do so these past few months but for some reason the girl has the ability to methodologically dodge almost every attempt of possible interaction with her. 

Whether this is on purpose, or simply Pepa's unluckiness, the world would never know. 

"Go fish." 

"Papí, we're playing poker, honey." 

"I want to play go fish though..."

"Ay, fine we'll play go fish."

She could hear her parents voice from outside, they seem to be playing card games while her brother is taking his afternoon nap. Upon entering her home, agressive shuffling of cards can be heard in the living room the two adults are currently located in. Mamí must've really wanted to play a poker game, huh? 

"Mamí, Papí." The girl called her parents' attention, to which they didn't hear, they were far to busy playing their card games. She could see her mother's flame of determination began to ignite as she held the cards at hand, her mother had always been the competitive type in any type of games.

"Mama, Papa."

"Ma, Pa, oi."

Still no reply. 

"Mamá, Papá. I'm pregnant and I don't know who the father is."

"WHAT?!" Her mother whipped her head to face her daughter, shock filling her entire being as her husband on the other hand, stared at his only daughter, petrified at what he had heard.

Heh, works everytime.

"T'was but a joke, aha, silly me." 

"Hija! Don't scare us like that! For a second there I thought I need to whoop Camilo's butt in front of his family!" Her mother breathed a big sigh of relief, standing up from the floor to walk to her daughter, greeting her with her signature barrage of kisses and a tight hug.

"Why did you immediately assume it'd be Camilo though?" She teen asked, voice slightly muffled from still being engulfed in her mother's tight hug.

"Because he's the only boy your age that you talk to."  

"Understandable, however I don't think he would do such a thing." 

"You do not, and must not underestimate the lack of self-restraint hormonal teenagers have, mi Luna." 

Mi Luna? 

"Do you understand, hija?" The mother touched both side of her daughter's cheeks making her look at her in the eyes.

"Ah, of course Mamí."

‘you mustn't believe at what that noble boy say to you, my sweet moon. It's all just sweet words and candied lies, men are absolutely nothing but disgusting pigs! They'll play with you like a toy and throw you away like a bottle cap, abandoned and used. Unwanted.’ 

Wait what? She turned to look at her mother once again but was simply met with them happily playing their go fish with her father. She could've sworn she heard someone's voice. It was vaguely familiar.

She must've been hearing things.

"Oh, before I forget. Mamá, Papá, Señora Pepa invited me for dinner, so I won't be joining you guys tonight."

The two turn to look at their daughter once again, her father expressionlessly gasped at the news whilst her mother excitedly squealed. Their daughter is finally sociable enough to get invited over dinner, a new milestone had been reached! Her mother would be drinking wine tonight, baby!

"Can I come, hermana?" Niko groggily said, rubbing the sleep off of his eyes. Unruly hair stubbornly sticking out from place to place, the usual bedhead. Niko also wanted another taste of Señora Julieta's cooking.

Even better! The mother silently cheered, fist pumping the air as she can take a much longer break away from responsibilities.

"Of course, I'm sure they wouldn't mind one unexpected guest. Well, I reckon they already know since Dolores might've heard us already."

Dolores! The teen completely forgot to look for her on her way home, she was fully immersed on remembering to tell her parents about the dinner invite as she walked the it completely slipped out of her mind.

‘Keep in mind that the way one dresses portrays one's personality. So choose the best one that perfectly portrays your personality and what you are currently feeling at the moment.’

She stared at her cabinet of clothes, pondering on what is the best clothes to wear, there was a myriad or reds, yellows, and off-whites, she took out what she think are the best ones and decided to choose from there. A menagerie of skirts, blouses, and dresses covered up the bed, as she set everything there, walking backwards, she was able to dessiminate everything.

"Hermana, I like how you spent fifteen minutes in your room just to choose the exact same clothes that you wear everyday."

"Like yours is any better."

"I'm a kid so I get a pass."

It's fine it's not like she's attending somewhere fancy like an after wedding party or whatever.

"Everything has to be perfect, no visions of the house breaking please. Oh god-"

"You're starting to sound like Mamá with how much you're nervously muttering, Camilo." Dolores told her brother, arms crossed as she watched him nervously pace around the house. Quite an amusing sight to see, honestly.

"Okay, but what if—"

"Ayadadadada! No buts, no what ifs, just focus on the present and that is what's important at the moment." Dolores placed a pointer finger on Camilo's lips as she stopped him from overthinking things once again.

"And it's not like this is an engagement over dinner, Camilo. It's just dinner with her and her brother."

"Hermano's girlfriend is going to eat with us tonight?" 

"Si, Tonito. Best we make a good impression!"

"She's not my girlfriend!" Camilo exclaimed, shifting into a child, arms crossed and red in the face, flustered at Antonio's assumption of her being Camilo's girlfriend. Though the thought of it does seem awfully appealing.

"She's just a friend."

Dolores rolled her eyes at this, not this whole ‘just a friend’ shtick again. May summer rise, and autumn fall, and Camilo would still insist that she's just a friend. 

Stubborn was he, who thinks that he's not good enough for her to like him back. Stubborn was the boy, who thinks that he needs to change every part of him to at least be worth something to her. And oblivious was the boy, who is both blind and deaf to everything she said and do for him. 

Words blanketed in a comforting embrace so sweet and warm that it felt so surreal to him, he just couldn't believe it. Her touch was pure happiness, fleeting and only lasts but mere second, it was beautifully haunting. She looks at him as if he was her nightly sky, fondly gazing at each constellation that he shows every night. But alas, he couldn't see it, he fervently refused to see it. 

For the moon shined so bright that he couldn't help but cower away from the blinding love she gives to him. It was warm, it was comforting, and it was overwhelming. He doesn't deserve it. 

"She's here." Dolores softly said to her brother, effectively cutting off his negative train of thoughts. His face immediately brightened up as he raced towards the front door to greet her and her brother, okay, act cool Camilo, act normal.

"Holá cariño, looking beautiful as ever I see."

Nice one Camilo, you didn't stutter this time. 

"It's the same thing I always wear, Camilo."

Niko raised an eyebrow at Camilo, his tiny hand resting on his waist as he discreetly smirked at the not-so-sneaky nickname Camilo gave for his sister. 

"Hey, Niko! How's life lil' dude?" Camilo greeted the little boy, shifting into him and giving him a high five and a hug. 

"Life's great! Because I'm eating Señora Julieta's cooking tonight, and her cooking it the best!" 

"I have to agree with you on that one."

The three entered the dining room, her eyes immediately found Dolores', the young woman gestured her lips shut. She can finally breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Dolores would keep her secret safe, thank heavens.

"Hija! I'm so glad you can make it!"

"It'd be awfully rude of us, if we dare not to make an appearance." The girl formally replied, her brother nodding alongside her. Her eyes finally met the family matriarch herself, Alma Madrigal. She sat on the middle, face wrinkled with age and experience, the teen needn't anyone to tell her that the woman is a person who has been through a lot over the years. She is a strong woman, to which she admires and at the same time, a bit terrified of.

"You must be the girl that Camilo and Pepa talks about, (Y/N), si? Come sit, hija." 

"Buenas noches, Señora AaaAalm—" she was immediately cut off by the house dragging her and her brother closer the table to sit. Situated in-between Camilo and Antonio, she was frozen in shock. 

"Lo siento, Casita is just excited to have you in for dinner!" Antonio whispered apologetically to the teen, his voice is adorable and oh so sweet. The girl almost wished that her brother was like that instead.

"It's okay Antonio, I was simply startled. nothing to fret about."

Antonio finds the girl to be nice, she's just... A bit lacking in the emotion department. Her brother on the other hand however, is quite literally vibrating in excitement staring at the food on the table. Quite the contrast to the older sister, to which Antonio finds it fun and interesting.

Antonio's hair looks so fluffy.

The girl thought to herself closing her eyes as attempts to quell the urge to touch his hair. 

I want.. to touch it, so, so bad. It looks even fluffier than Camilo's. She unknowingly muttered that part under her breath, to which only Dolores was able to hear.

"Dolores, are you okay, hija?" The woman simply nodded, wiping her mouth after drinking and almost spitting the water. Camilo fake-coughed as sneaked a glance to the girl beside him, despite wearing the same clothes, he still gets caught off guard at how effortlessly beautiful she is. 

"Alejandro Galicia is your grandfather, correct?" 

The teen politely nodded whereas Niko enthusiastically exclaimed ‘Si, Señora!’ to the family matriarch, before taking a bite on an arepa. 

"He was a good man, he and his wife used to babysit my triplets when they were toddlers. He was exceptionally kind, despite his cold demeanor." 

The girl's eyes lit up at the mere mention of her grandparents. Quickly chewing and swallowing her food she spoke more confidently:

"Si, Señora. There were a couple of entries on his journal about his days on babysitting children, he also wrote how cute Señor Bruno is and how they wanted a son as charming as him one day."

Bruno choked on his food at what he just heard, red in the face while Alma let out a small chuckle at what the girl had told her, who knew those two were that fond of her little Brunito back then.

"You should let me read your Abuelo's journal, I might find something juicy about Mamá's childhood—wha! Hey!" Camilo not-so-discreetly whispered on his friend's ear before getting elbowed on the side by Dolores. He could see his mother giving him the side glare, a small thunder cloud forming above her head, a silent warning from which Camilo quickly behaves.

Dinner went on as normally as it could and it's about time for the two siblings to come home. 

"Tonight was wonderful Señora Pepa, we are absolutely honored to have eaten dinner with your family." 

"Oh, please hija, drop the Señora on me. Just call me Pepa, and of course, you're always welcome in Casa Madrigal! You're free to come anytime you want." 

She replied with a curt ‘Thank you’ before carrying her brother's sleeping form, Niko quickly got aquatinted with Antonio and played non-stop till they dropped. Riding on jaguars and swinging on snakes on the little Madrigal boy's magical room was definitely not what she expected as playing though. But oh well.

"The moon looks beautiful tonight, doesn't it Camilo?" She spoke to the teen next to her, her brother now on his arms as he offered to walk her home. She would like to thank the heavens for Camilo offering her to carry her little brother home as she definitely can't carry him all the way there, her noodle arms can only hold a paintbrush and a color palette. She is not built for carrying five year olds.

"Yeah you do." He breathes, eyes never leaving hers. He gazes at her oh so lovingly as if she was the moon itself. 

"You are such a sap, you know that right?"

"Yeah, I know. But only for you." 

Her heart beats increasingly fast as she tore her eyes away from him to look at the sky once more, she stopped walking— face painted with a slight tinted red perfectly illuminated by the beautiful moonlight. 

"I oftentimes wonder what you see in me."

"I oftentimes wonder what you see in me." Camilo whispered, now staring at the moon. 

"Compared to the rest of my family, they outshine me in everyway. I felt worthless." His grip on Niko tightened ever so slightly, his face showed such a forlorn expression that it made the girl's heart crack.

Just how low does he see himself?

"And then I met you, you are the absolute best thing that has ever happened in my life. For once, you made me feel I was needed for me and not for anyone else." His eyes softened slightly, his gaze never leaving his beloved moon as he continued to speak.

"You made me feel like I'm worth it. You put me in a much better place than I was before, and I will forever be eternally grateful for that. I'd be damned if I lose you for whatever reason."

"Camilo, can assure you that I won't ever leave your side."

"Pinky promise?" Camilo said with a smile, holding out his pinky to the girl, holding Niko with one arm.

"Pinky promise." She smiled softly, linking her pinky finger with his as they continued to walk underneath the beautiful moonlight. The gentle breeze affectionately kissing their skin as it passes by humming a mirthful tune, they too felt complete as they watch the two long lost lovers slowly reconnect once more. They can never get tired of watching them reunite in each and every lifetime.

For moment, everything felt right in the world. Hearts beats for each other as their fates intertwined for eternity. Forevermore. 

Chapter Text

There was once a lonely moon, unloved by the people she tried so hard to shine brightly for. But alas, they always wish for her to go away. She felt unneeded, unloved even by the sun who always told her that they'll come around soon.

The sun and the moon are like parallel lines, always next to each other, side by side yet they never seem to meet. Their thoughts had always been a bit different.

"Tell me dearest sun, why do the people not love me as much as they love you? I tried everything to shine just like you and yet they never seem to bat an eye at me, whatever have I done wrong?"

"Why be me when you are you?" The sun replied, their backs turned never meeting her gaze. 

"Someone out there will appreciate your light, you simply haven't found it yet. All you have to do is wait." 

And with that, the sun walked away and left the lonesome moon confused and doubtful. For she has been waiting for millennias and no one has yet appreciated everything that she had done.

"What if I cannot wait any longer?"

Despondent she grew, and cold she became, no longer was she the once hopeful child she previously was. 

"They never wanted my light anyways, why make the effort?" She bitterly spat, the once bright moon shined duller and duller until it's no more. 

Little did the moon knew how much a certain sky misses her so, her absence hurt him badly, no longer can he see the dazzling light she shines from up above, no longer can he quietly stare at her beautiful presence sitting so ethereal from afar.

Who is he supposed to be if she's not here by his side. Without her, there is no purpose of putting effort into things anymore. 

It truly hurt him badly, the winds churn and howl in sadness, they were harsh and unforgiving, cold and dark. His world is not complete without her presence.

His purpose is her after all.

The people were scared, downright terrified. The seasons and climates changed, the tides fall, everything is in absolute chaos. 

"Bring her back!" The sky cried, his heart broken and incomplete with her absence. 

"Please, come back to me... My sweet little moon." Snow fell harder and colder until the entire earth had almost turned to ice. 

The sun merely watched as the chaos unfolds in a distance, their eyes turned to look at the moon, who's light shined no longer as she refuses to look at the people she once cared so deeply about.

"They need you." The sun pleaded, trying to convince the moon, but to no avail. She is far too stubborn.

"You can solve it, they prefer you anyways."

"They cannot handle my light it is much too warm, I'll burn them all." The sun reasoned, their voice desperate to help both their people. But the moon refuses to listen to their plead.

"At least listen to the sky as he cries for you!" 

Her ears perked at the mere mention of the sky. He'd always been kind enough to give her the clearest of skies at nighttime as to let her shine her light ever so brightly.

"I never knew they cared that much about me.." she muttered in utter disbelief, her heart racing at the thought of someone missing her absence. Of someone caring. 

The winds howl in utter anguish, their hearts heavy for the sky had abandoned it's duty long after his beloved moon is no where to be found, broken was he to be stripped away from his favorite light, to be stripped away of the one he loves. 

"If they don't appreciate you as much as I do, I'll make them yearn for you. I'll make the days much darker than ever before, much colder as the days go by, they'll beg for you to come back. Maybe then you'll return to me." He cried once more, desperate and longing for her presence.

"That won't be necessary." She replied, a faint glow illuminated the darkness that surrounds them. She approached the restless sky as he poured down heavy rain from below, her gentle, cold hand felt so warm to him as she touches his cheek; brushing away large dewdrops of painful tears that had pitifully from the saddened sky.

"I'm sorry I made you worry, it was not my intention to just leave like that, I was just... Sad and frustrated and done things that I don't mean." Her voice shaking with each syllable that slipped out from her lips, sweet tears fell from her porcelain-like face as she neared him, faces merely inches apart.

She felt like she failed the only being that believed in her. 

"No, I'm sorry I kept quiet, that I simply watched you hurting from afar. I should've done something, but I didn't. I was but a coward, nothing but a coward." He sobbed, hugging her tightly as if she'd leave once more, his face buried on the crook of her neck as he sobbed and sobbed.

 Her heart shattered at the sight of him breaking down, she minded not getting soaked in the rain he made, what she minded was a absolute pain she unknowingly caused to him. She hugged him a little tighter, the fresh scent of morning breeze filled her lungs amidst the raging hurricane of emotions the both felt at the moment.

"I won't leave you ever again," she breathes, her warm breath tickling the sky's ear.

"Until death do us part."

The young teen opened her eyes, dried tears staining her face as she slowly sat up from the bed. She tried recalling what she dreamt about but nothing but tears kept spilling from her eyes, as if it was a memory meant to be locked away.

What is happening to me? 

She stood up from her bed and immediately went to her easel, not even bothering to go out and eat breakfast.

Their face, I mustn't forget it.

Her beloved paintbrush at hand, she swiped the tip unto the canvas, messily splashing paint hear and there, undeterred by the mess she had made. It's as if her body went on autopilot as she wasn't even thinking straight anymore, her hands moved on its own as they draw and draw. 

I don't want to forget it. 

A tidal wave of tears streamed down her face as she painted, vision blurry. It was their desperate attempt to stop the girl from ever seeing, remembering such a memory. It was locked for a reason.

"(Y/N)?" 

She stopped, snapping back into reality, head raising acknowledging their presence. Paintbrush still glued to the canvas, she dared not to utter a single word.

"Are you okay? Your room is an absolute mess." 

She finally turned to them, eyes wide as the tears still spilling out from her eyes down to her rosy cheeks. Not a word came out from her mouth. She still refused to speak, instead it's as if the tears fell even harder than it was before when she met their gaze.

To say that Camilo was stunned was an understatement, he was confounded at the sight of his dear friend. He went out to come visit the girl's home, to which her mother happily let him in before leaving themselves.

He was not prepared for was he saw, the door was wide open, paint splattered everywhere, and the girl was painting frantically— hair a mess and still on her nightgown. Everything is in disarray. 

The moment he saw her eyes streaming with tears he immediately ran next to her. Fixing her hair and wiping off the crystalline tears that fell on her face. He didn't mind the paint sticking on his skin as he touched her, what worried him was how red her eyes were from crying so long.

Who hurt her so much that they made her cry this badly?

His eyes trailed off to the mess of a painting she had made, it was a painting of woman he finds vaguely familiar, with her eyes looks ever so serene, it reminded him of his beloved friend. The woman in the painting was hold what looks like a man crying, hugging her as if she was his only lifeline. As if he'd lose her once more. 

His vision blurred the longer he stared at the painting, unwanted tears fell from his face— dripping down on the girl's head. 

"What the..." Camilo whispered, his hold unto the girl tightened slightly. His heart is beating so quickly as more and more tears began to fall like waterfalls. 

"I don't know, I don't know, I don't know." She chanted like a mantra, her face buried on Camilo's chest soaking his poncho with salty tears. Her arms embraced him in a tight hug, tightly gripping the yellow fabric he wears.

"Shhh, let's, let's just not look at it okay?" Camilo cooed, removing the canvas from the easel and flipping it around so they'll see the back of it instead. He could feel the small nod of her head on his chest as he said that, she refused to let go of her grip on him. 

"There, I flipped it now, see? Everything is fine, I'm here, you're here, we're fine."

"We're fine..." She whispered, slowly looking up to Camilo, eyes still glistening with tears as the both stared at each other's eyes. Camilo leaned in pressing his forehead with hers, he closing his eyes as he chuckled.

"You gave me quite a scare, Cariño."

"I'm sorry." 

His hands found it's way to both sides of her face, his left thumb rubbing circles on her cheeks caressing it affectionately. 

"You have absolutely nothing to be sorry about, what matters is that you're okay."  

"What matters is that you're here." She replied, voice still hoarse from all that crying. Her eyes never stopped gazing at him even for a brief moment, she wishes to immortalize this moment for eternity.

Eternity. Infinite and unchanging, like the state of a boundless stretch of calm water with not even a single ripple can be seen.

Her hand reaching the back of his, slowly melting to his warm touch. 

Eternity, is nothing but prison if without you by my side, Mi Cielo.

But with you, it is the most wonderful paradise that God would ever make.

Chapter Text

"Okay, what in the world just happened?" Camilo asked as he vigorously scrubbed the paint-stained floor. It was quite a workout he must say, but he didn't mind, he gets to spend time cleaning probably the whole day with his crush. 

"I'm not quite sure myself, I woke up from a weird dream that I barely remember to just suddenly painting mindlessly." A soft voice replied from the doorway, she held two cups of coffee in her petite hands; carefully setting the warm coffee on the now cleaned table. 

The painting was still flipped from behind, both teens fervently refused to dare touch the darn thing. That was the cause of their unwanted waterworks spilling from their eyes for unknown reasons after all, curse that painting, the two of them grumbled under their breaths. What a way to start their mornings.

"What made you come here so early in the morning, anyways?"

"Cariño, it's already 9 A.M. it's not early anymore."

"Just, just answer the question." 

Camilo smirked as he stood up from the floor, wiping his hands on his pants as he turned to face the girl, who patiently awaits for his response. He took her hand and neared it to his face, his eyes bore straight to hers as if he wanted to tell something else but decided not to, he then gently kissed the back of her hand and finally spoke:

"I wanted to ask you if you wanted to spend the New Year's with me this month, I heard from Isabela and Dolores that they'll be getting fireworks and everything."

"I just ate dinner with your family already, now you're inviting me to spend the New Year's with your family too?" The girl inquired, quite baffled at Camilo's bold actions, it had her heart racing faster than Antonio's friend Jaguar.

"You're not spending the New Year's with mi familia, mi Luna. I want you to spend the New Year's with me, that is if you'd let me."

‘If it's not so much to ask, I would wish to spend the Christmas Eve with the Viscountess herself, if the sweet moon would generously let me.’

"Just the two of us? Alone?"

"If possible, yes. Just the two of us." He confirmed, interwining his hand with hers as he awaits for an answer. His smile never leaving his freckled face. 

"Okay." She breathes, tightening her hold on his as she never broke her gaze with him even for a second. She watched as Camilo neared her face, his breath tickling her skin, leaving small goosebumps on the back of her neck. Unconsciously, she closed her eyes—merely awaiting whatever is about to happen, happen.

"Let's continue cleaning, shall we?" He whispered on her ear, his voice sending satisfying shivers down her spine with each syllable he uttered. 

She didn't know what she was expecting, but she can't help but feel woefully unsatisfied of what just happened. Lower your expectations as they all say.

She's been reading too much of her Abuela's romance novels.

As Camilo turned his back from the girl, he smiled in triumph when the image of her looking slightly shoked and disappointed flashes back in his mind once again. Now you know what I felt at the time, he huffed quietly, grabbing the wet towel and began scrubbing vigorously on the floor once again.

"This is taking longer than what I have expected." 

"Yeah, and I'm exhausted." 

"I told you I'll handle cleaning the floor."

It was already noon when they've finished cleaning half of the mess, some of the paint had already dried which made it even more difficult to clean. The girl offered Camilo the extra help, however he stubbornly insisted that he can handle most of it alone. She awkwardly just stood there as she watched him clean the mess she made, shadowing him from behind.

"I can cook you up a snack if you want."

"Wow, you can cook?"

"... That was rude, of course I can." 

"Doubt it." He teased further, smirking as he wiped of the sweat on his forehead. She felt awfully guilty that she made him clean all the mess she had done, but him teasing her cooking skills made her feel slightly less and less guilty.

"I'm making you eat our cold leftovers, while I make myself some nice warm and delicious aborrajados then."

"No, no, no! I'm just kidding, I want you— I, er, your cooking! I'd eat anything you cook, amor!" Camilo quickly exclaimed, almost slipping from the wet floor as he tries to catch up to his friend, who was speed-walking out the door.

"Can I help?" 

"No, you've done quite enough already. You merely sit down there and look pretty, as you watch me cook." She quickly shut down his offer, tying up the ribbon on her father's apron— to which as Camilo snorted upon seeing the embroidered text sewn into it saying, ‘I'm the tastiest snack you'll ever eat <3’

Her mother must've sewn that in.

"Glad to know you think I'm pretty, Cariño."

"You are though." She replied monotonously, pouring oil unto the pot and preheating it. She replied with no hesitation as if it was the most obvious thing in the entire world, it made Camilo's cheeks warm a bit at her lack of hesitation.

"Your freckles, your eyes and how they shimmer in such joy when you talk about Señora Julieta's food, your smile and how effortlessly charming it is. Yeah, everything about you is pretty." She listed on the top of her head, slicing the end of the plantains before removing its peel, she then proceeded to slice the plantains into thick pieces, blissfully unaware at how fast she just made his heart beat when she said that.

"Flowers really like to spill out from your mouth, huh?" He told her, resting his head with the palm of his hands, drinking in the sight of her cooking for him. It felt like deja vu, yet he knows in his mind that this moment never happened before. His heart screamed otherwise, however.

"Really how so?" Putting the sliced plantains on the oil to fry, leaving a satisfying sizzle as she drops it on the pot one by one. 

"You speak in riddles—in words that I don't understand at times."

"I guess you just need to improve your vocabulary then." She replied, watching the plantains slowly turn golden brown before taking them all out from the pot. 

"Hey! I'd like to say that I've become quite the eloquent individual as the days go by." The young Madrigal watched as the girl drain the pieces of plantain on a paper towel. Her hands delicately placing each slice on the paper towel as she waits for it to cool.

"That would be my doing."

"True, there's no denying that." 

He continues to watch her struggle to flatten the plantains with great difficulty using the flat bottom of a glass. She really has no stamina and strength, Camilo sweatdropped at the scene, the girl was already panting with only successfully flattening around 6. With a small laugh and a sigh, he stood up and walked over to the girl—gently taking the glass from her petite hands and continuing where his friend left off.

"I'll take over this one, I'll just have to flatten this right?"

"Yeah, like around a 1/4 inch in thickness."

"Just flatten it, gotcha."

... 

"What? I can't eyeball it as well as you, Hermosa."

With a sigh she began to sandwich conveniently grated cheese in-between 2 slices of plantain carefully, pressing around it around the edges to seal in the cheese. Camilo had already finished flattening the plantains, his attention is now diverted to the girl next to him, who was fully focused on the task given to herself. 

"It doesn't have to be perfect, amor. It's called ‘homemade’ for a reason, all that matters is that it's tasty and edible." He told her, his hands resting on her shoulders, giving it a light squeeze. 

"It's innate for people to strive for perfection, it's normal for me to do the same."

I just want everything I make to be perfect for you.

"Everything you make, say, and do is perfect in my eyes." He smiled, brushing stray strands of hair away and tucking it behind her ear.

I just want to impress you, I don't know why, but I just do.

"Flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them all together please." She shoved a bowl to Camilo, giving the dry ingredients all in correct measurements to him. Anything to try to quell the erupting volcano of emotions she's suddenly feeling. "Si, Señora!" He obeyed, whisking everything while happily humming a mirthful tune.

She then added two large eggs on the mix, she proceeded to add milk until it turned into a thick batter while Camilo is still happily stirring. Ah, I'm loving this domesticity. You could almost see the hearts and flowers floating above his head of curls.

"Ay, dios mio Camilo, you almost spilled everything."

"Lo siento, mi vida. Ehe." She was for certain he was doing it on purpose, but she didn't quite mind it that much. Her brother makes a much bigger mess than Camilo anyways, baking time with Niko is disastrous, it is a fun disaster.

"I have a question, well more like a random thought." Camilo began, wiping off the spilled batter from his clothes with a tissue. "Go on, I'm listening."

"What's, what's your thoughts about relationships in general?" 

The girl hummed absentmindedly, coating the plantain "sandwich" with the batter as she thinks of a consice answer. "Relationships are... I have to admit, quite troublesome. You have to put a lot effort into building, and maintaning that bond you had created with that person, and that in of itself is tiring." 

Oh.

"People pass and go by like the wind, they are fleeting, they last for but a moment. Perhaps that's why I don't have many peers, they simply find me too difficult to get along with." 

That's not the case for me, though. You're very easy to get along with, they just refuse to understand you.

"However..." Slowly leaning to his side, her eyes fluttering to a close, inhaling citrusy scent with each inhale. 

"A relationship with you is an effort that I wouldn't mind spending my entire lifetime maintaining."

God, you make it easy as breathing to fall in love with you.

Chapter Text

Camilo Madrigal, ever so famous for his talent in entertaining the crowds, is a true actor indeed. His jokes and natural charm truly capture the hearts of the people in town, shapeshifting here and there, impersonating people left and right. My, what a people pleaser. 

Camilo Madrigal, a teen who prioritizes others more than his own, a young boy who loves his family more than his entire being despite his self-eccentric demeanor he likes to portray. 

Portray, what does he like to portray himself to others? Why of course the picture-perfect version of himself, obviously. Where his smile is never changing, only his very being. Where his insecurities are non-existent, completely comfortable in his own skin.

"You truly remind me of the moon," the wind mirthfully frolicking amongst the cold evening, lightly caressing brown curly locks as if agreeing with his thoughts. "So simple yet so beautiful." 

Heh, I'm starting to sound like you.

With a sigh, he walked and walked mindlessly throughout Encanto's dimly illuminated street. Sneaking out of the Casita at night to take a walk is certainly not a good idea for a young teen such as himself. 

God, I wish you were here.

Longing, it's such an annoying emotion, Camilo would like to bitterly mention. For he can do absolutely nothing about it, only to wallow—drown in such a feeling. He oh so wished that fate would miraculously let him see her, but alas, lady luck can only give him so much.

"It's fine, she agreed to spend New Year's with me. I'll, I'll tell her for sure." Shoving his hands on his front pocket, briefly ceasing his steps. "But what if she doesn't feel the same way?" He murmured, the ugly feeling of doubt swirled within him, slowly but surely consuming his very being.

A myriad of what-ifs and maybe's filled his mind like a turbulent gust of storm, a hurricane in the making. 

No, no, she said she doesn't mind relationships if it's with me.

"But what if she meant that as a friend, and nothing more?" He began pacing in a circle, anxious thoughts circling his brain like a vulture on a corpse. "What if she never wanted to be something more? She said it's too troublesome, didn't she?"

But her touch, her words, her actions said otherwise. It confuses him, it confuses him greatly, What ever should I do to you, Cariño? Look what you've done to me.

"You made me turn into a huge mess of emotions."

And I don't know what to do with them. 

"God, even if you liked me back, I would've wished you find someone better than— than this, this huge mess that's me."

I would never find myself to be deserving, no matter how much you tell me that I am. 

He bit his lower lip in an attempt to stop more negative thoughts flowing through his weary mind, His heart in denial that he was deserving of it, deserving of all of this, deserving of her. He didn't even do anything! He just shapeshifted into her and called her beautiful, then suddenly they're almost inseparable.

Confusion, life is certainly filled with it, Questions left unanswered by life as if mocking us in our ignorance and stupidity, pushing us to the ground as they laugh at us in chorus. Tch, how bothersome.

"I know I don't deserve you, but it hurts to imagine you being happy with someone who isn't me." 

Selfishness, to be selfish is to be concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself. Selfishness is a sneaky little thing, it comes in many forms —from self-indulgence to self-pity to self-righteousness. 

I always give and give and leave nothing for myself, it wouldn't hurt to be selfish at least once?

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry that you choose to stick with someone as undeserving as I." 

Insecurity is such a mischievous creature, quite a menace. It looms over behind you, trailing your back with each step you take, its fingers caressing your face as it whispers sugar-coated lies with sprinkled words of discouragement while you stare at yourself in the mirror. What a disgusting thing. 

I hope you don't mind seeing all the worst parts of me.

Little did the boy know, that she is more than willing to see every part of him, even the worst parts of him, most especially the worst parts of him. For that is what love is, to be true, to be understanding, to have patience.

I truly wish that you are here by my side, mi luna.

"The sky looks wonderful tonight," Eyes twinkled in wonderment as the girl stood at her backyard, her usual paintbrush, and canvas at hand. "it reminds me of a certain someone in mind."

If only he was here.

Paint dripped down her precious brush as she simply stared at her somewhat blank canvas; her mind drawing to a blank as she couldn't think of anything to draw. "You fill my head with images you, it's getting relatively infuriating as the days come and go." 

I hate the way you changed me in a way I couldn't imagine myself to be, I hate the way I like being the way I am today.

She envisioned herself being this hermit that lives on the outskirts of Encanto, selling some of her art just to get by. Never in her wildest dreams that a chance encounter (initiated by her brother, Niko, mind you.) would lead to something so, so remarkable, so exhilarating. Gone were her thoughts of her life spending the rest of her lonesome days by herself, instead it was replaced with a life spent with him, with her friends, with her family. 

It was only now that I have truly realized how dull my life was before.

"I truly owe you a lot, Camilo." Flicking petite hands as she finally drew in her canvas, now knowing what to draw.

 "My muse." She breathes.

Realization, an epiphany— a sudden revelation. A feeling of which you and I are somewhat familiar with, that Eureka moment that you felt when you finally know the answer to a certain riddle or crossword puzzle. Yeah, that. 

You are a piece of abstract art that I wish to understand.

Stars twinkle from up above, they sparkle, they glimmer in delight as they watched the two from above. They'll figure out themselves eventually, they always do. They sang, unfazed with the events unfolding, they've seen how this story goes, after all.

"One day I'll find the right words to say to you, until then, I'll make myself to be deserving to stand next to you." He declared not to her but himself, for he already knew she sees him as someone great. 

He simply wishes to live up to the image she had meticulously curated in her mind.

Oh, my sweet, sweet sky. There is no need for you to do such a thing.

"One day." 

You are perfect just the way you are in her eyes.

"I gave my heart on a silver platter, my heart, who's been broken, and forced itself to mend, all for you to hold. You ought to care for it well, my love." She spoke, it was from her grandmother's menagerie of romance books she had religiously collected from her time. Boredom had taken its toll on the teen to have resorted to reading a myriad of literary romantic fiction.

Its texts speak of such unrealistic occurrences of things such as ‘in a crowd of thousands, I see you in the middle of it.’ the man must've had god-like eyesight to have seen the love of his life in that sea of people.

The most infuriating thing she had possibly read is the inaccurate descriptions of a woman written by a man, an uneducated, inexperienced man. God, it makes her blood boil.

 But she digresses, romance books aided her in comprehending some of the emotions she had felt, such as jealousy, longing, and most importantly, love. It was surprisingly helpful. Despite its, uhm —colorful imaginations that can be downright unrealistic.

The cold wind tickled dewy skin as she sat outside, relishing underneath the evening light. The night deserves to be appreciated sometimes, after all.

"I hope you're sleeping well, mi Cielo." Hands skillfully painted the canvas, she drew another picture of him. "If you're not, then I hope you eventually rest your weary head and free yourself from whatever thoughts that plauge you." She spoke, lamp flickering and clinging to its last ends of its life, the oil is running out.

‘Perhaps life is but a whole big cliche, don't you think mi vida?’

"I agree, Abuela. Such a big cliché, an overused trope. But I can't help but love it either way.” she spoke, cleaning and picking up her things as she prepared to retire for the night. 

"I can't help but love him either way."

Chapter Text

Morning dew slowly slide down from the green leaf it was once perched upon, the girl merely laid upon the soft grass on the field, her trusty sketch book securely placed on her lap as she stared at her beloved sky. Painted with it's normal beautiful blues and whites, she still can't help but feel mesmerized at it's sight.

She raised her hand to reach out to the sky, seemingly enticing it to hold her hand. She often wonders what it felt for the sky to hold her petite hands. She hopes it'd be warm and comforting.

"Hi." A little voice called from above her head, it was little Antonio, sweet little Antonio. His eyes shone with child-like innocence that she can't help but feel slightly protective of him. It's most likely the fluffy hair, she still very much so wish to touch it.

"Holá, Antonio. What brings you here?" The young girl inquired, still laying down on the soft grassy field. "I saw you just laying there out on the field and you were barely moving, I thought something happened to you."

Bless this young boy.

"It just finished drizzling, the grass is soft and cool to the touch —the perfect weather to cloud gaze. Come, lay down with me if you so wish, we can gaze at the clouds together." Her face ever so serene, she felt quite content these past days —she felt unusually complete for some reason; as if she had done something that had lifted a big weight on her chest.

"Cloud gazing sounds kind of boring though, just staring at the sky." The little boy said, however he still sat on the ground letting the grass tickle his feet as the soft breeze passes by. "Then you can just talk to me then, I know you have a few things you'd like to say to me."

Antonio wonders if the teen has some sort of gift of mind reading, he was a bit surprised at how she was able to know what he was currently thinking. But then again, she does look like an intellectual person; someone who knows a lot and has a lot to say about things. 

"Well, I, I heard that you're really good at drawing... And I was wondering if you can draw something for me." The girl finally sat up from her grassy bed, bits of grass stuck to her hair as she sat up. "Who, what do you wish for me to draw then?" Opening her sketchbook, flipping each page as she spoke.

The little boy's eyes brightened, no longer nervous, he shuffled a little closer to the girl. "Parce! Draw Parce please, he's my friend Jaguar!" He said with an excited smile. 

Ah, so that's his name. 

"Of course, I would love to—" she stopped herself from speaking any further, as a much better idea had popped up inside her head. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she'd draw someone other than Camilo for a change.

"On second thought, how about I'd come to your house in a few days instead and I'll paint Parce and you together?" She suggested, her eyes glimmering in delight at her own idea. "Really? Like my very own painting? Like, like the one you made for Mamí and Papí?" 

Antonio's smile widened as he spoke, incredibly excited at the idea. His very own painting with Parce! He'll hang it up on the wall like what his Mamí did with hers, his mother's mood always brightens everytime she looks at the painting —he wonders if the painting she's going to make for him would give the same effect on him. He'll still love it either way.

"Yes, your very own painting. Very much deserved for a charming little boy such as yourself." She feels very giddy inside, finally something to draw, and even better that it's Antonio.

Back in the Galicia household a certain little Niko suddenly had shivers down his spine. He was in the middle of having a one act play about Diego the dog's heroic endeavors in the city when he felt it. 

"Hijo, are you okay?" Asked his mother, who was previously watching his son doing his one act play when her little boy suddenly froze up mid sentence.

"Mamá, I feel like I'm getting replaced." 

"Pardon?" 

Rythmic footsteps can be heard from Camilo as he loitered around the market humming a simple tune. Chores had truly became light and unburdensome ever since the whole fiasco with the magic happened, very relieving he'd do say so himself.

"You." 

Camilo suddenly ceased from walking as he suddenly heard a deep voice from behind him, he turned around only to see his friend's father in all his intimidating glory. Oh god, he's a bit intimidating up close, he thought to himself, feeling the cold sweat trickle down his neck —he's getting more and more nervous the longer he stayed within the vicinity of the man.

How does she do this so effortlessly? The father wondered as he stiffened up, he got a bit too ambitious to try and talk to his daughter's friend, only to realize that his wife isn't here to do the talking.

"S, sí Señor?" Camilo gulped as the man's gaze hardened, his brain spiralled back to the past wracking his brain if he ever did anything to offend the man, or if he ever said anything offending to his friend. He doesn't think he did, well he sure hopes he didn't.

How do I say that I want to invite him to eat lunch with me without accidentally saying it in a mildly threatening manner?

"Come with me."

"Sí Señor." The teen said immediately, almost cutting the man off.

"For lunch..." 

"Oh, oh, OH. You want me to eat lunch with you, Señor?"

The man nodded pointing to a small restaurant across the street, he feels as if he reached a new milestone in his life as he was able to ask someone out for lunch all on his own. He let out a small huff of satisfaction, the sense of achievement filling his bones as they entered the building. 

He will call this a big win on his part.

The sound of people bustling out and about in the small restaurant filled their ears, there was in fact a few people eating inside —mostly friends and couples. 

Camilo sat quietly and awkwardly in his seat, looking at the menu set on the table. The man in front of him had yet to say a single word to him ever since they've set foot in the establishment they are currently in, it slightly unnerved him. (Y/N) is quite a quiet person, but never this quiet. It's literally just dead silence, minus the background noise that is. 

"My daughter said that you invited her to spend the New Year's with you." The father spoke, finally breaking the silence. "Sí, I did. I hope I didn't ruin any plans you had with your family, I can just say to her tha—"

"No need, I'm quite glad she'd gotten more sociable these past few months." The waiter arrived, the two had chosen their pick before he leaves once again. "Besides, we don't have any plans besides sleeping."  

"I oftentimes wonder why of all people you somehow chose my daughter to be your friend."

"She's a wonderful person, despite her difficulty in showing and discerning her own emotions, she somehow was able to easily understand mine." He began to stare at the glass of water, its liquid swirled around just as his mind swirled to try and perfectly convey the right words to him. 

"And, Señor. I didn't chose her, it just so happen that a series of events lead us closer to each other. Though I did had a choice to simply ignore her, but I didn't. And I'm glad I didn't, she is the best thing that had ever happened in my life." The waiter arrived once again and set their food on the table, Camilo paused at looked at the father straight in the eyes, his emerald eyes shone with such love and determination that it reminded the man of when his wife confessed to him that day. 

That was when the man realized that this boy in front of him, held his only daughter in such a high regard that Camilo is ready give his everything to her. 

"She made me realize my self-worth, she made me realize who I am and who I want to be." 

"Who do you want to be then?" The father asked, despite already knowing the answer.

"I want to be the person who'd make her happy." 

My child, you had made her happy for more times than you might think.

"I know I don't deserve her, and I don't think I'll ever will. But I'll try my best to be the best friend that I'll ever be." The word 'friend' left an awful bitter taste on Camilo's mouth, he doesn't want to be simply just friends anymore. Yet, he doesn't believe that he'll ever move out of that stage even if he confesses to her.

The father saw how Camilo's face twisted to that of bitterness as he said the word friend. Ah, he really loves her, doesn't he? He thought to himself, finishing up the food on his plate before standing up to walk closer to Camilo.

The young boy watched as the man laid a gentle hand on his shoulder, squeezing it reassuringly. 

"Treat her well, son." 

Camilo's heart felt so full when he heard him say those words, his smile was bright and mirthful. It was as if he was given a blessing— not that he was asking for her hand in marriage no, no, no! Not yet that is. 

"I will." He smiled, an entertainer in his own heart, he was eager to please. 

Why her? The man asked himself, his eyes never leaving the boy's glimmering emerald ones. 

Why anyone else if she exists? The young teen recalled his father's words, it echoed in his ears repeatedly. His heart felt so sure that it belongs to her, he felt so sure that it hurts. 

Amidst the raging waves of emotions that he felt, he can't help but drown in it. The waters felt so unusually comforting; tranquil waters bathing in beautiful moonlight, it was somewhat heavenly. 

I wonder what it feels like to be kissed by the moon?

Chapter Text

Sweet tunes the little song bird hummed, it was faint, it was gentle, and most of all, it was loving. "Good morning, my love. We meet again." She spoke, her voice ever so gentle as she sat on the bed they shared. 

Stroking curly strands as he laid in the loving comforts of the bed, "You have so much planned today, I can't wait." Her hands slowly lowered to his face, affectionately caressing his freckled cheek. 

"You don't have to speak, mi cielo. Waste your energy later, once you're awake." She whispered, leaving lingering kisses on his forehead and eyelids. 

"Te Quiero, Mi Corazon. I'll be waiting patiently for you, even if it takes several lifetimes." 

His eyes slowly opened as it his the morning sunshine, it's bright rays seeped through the curtain blinds greeting him in an intrusive manner. 

With a groan, he covered his face with a blanket and turned. He wanted that dream to be much longer, he thought to himself, twisting and turning around as to lull himself back to sleep, but to no avail. His body is basically fully awake now, much to his dismay.

This is it, New Year's Eve. 

Agressively rubbing his face to calm his growing nervousness, he doesn't have a concrete plan, it's just hang out with her, wait 'till midnight, confess and hope for the best. He in fact, had not even prepared his confession yet! He's sure to be a fumbling mess when midnight eventually arrives.

The days flew by so quickly, he was so sure that he still had enough time to prepare. "Dios mio, what do I do, what do I do?" He muttered, ruffling his curly hair in frustration, this is what he gets for procrastinating.

"You worry too much, hermano." Dolores softly sighed, arms crossed as she leaned on the doorframe. "Everything is going to be fine, trust me. She'll say yes and you'll have your dream girl with no issue." 

Yeah, okay, but what if I'm the issue here?

"Don't you trust your older sister? Who, mind you, can hear everything?" 

"I suppose you're right, but I don't believe the she'll say yes part of what you said moreso than the everything would be fine part."

"Oh and, before I forget. She's here by the way, she currently talking to Antonio and Mamá downstairs." She said before leaving the teen in his room, Camilo immediately stood up from his bed as began to immediately fixing himself up to look presentable to the girl.

Why didn't she tell me sooner?!

"Thank you so, so much for the painting! Me and Parce love it very much!" Antonio beamed at the girl, holding her hand as to show her where he hung the painting that she had made. 

"We can't thank you enough, Mi Vida. Tonito absolutely adores the painting you made for him, it always brings a smile to his face the same way I do when I look at the one you made for me." Pepa linked her arms to the girl's free ones as they walked, she absolutely adores the young teen, Pepa once had doubts of the stoic girl before, however such thoughts was immediately washed away the moment she realized how sweet and caring the girl is behind the stony exterior she presents.

"I'm glad you guys liked it just as much as I enjoyed painting it." She softly spoke, her voice almost in a hushed whisper as she felt overwhelmed with the complement being thrown at her. 

"Oh, hija. We love it to bits!" Pepa squeezed the girl's arm in attempt to convey the appreciation they felt for the little things she had done. Antonio on the other hand, hummed enthusiastically in agreement as he as well greatly appreciated the beautiful art she made.

"I can't wait to call you hermana when you become part of the family!" Antonio gleefully cheered, hugging the girl's leg as she finally had the chance to touch his hair. It's so fluffy, I feel like I'm touching the clouds— wait a minute.

"Part of the family? What do you mean by that Antonio?" She asked, her head tilting slightly as she wondered what the little boy meant. Pepa on the other hand, unconsciously creating a small cloud from above her head. She's afraid that Antonio might blow Camilo's chance of properly confessing to the girl if he continued speaking, Pepa butted-in discreetly ushering Antonio to leave the two alone for a bit.

"What Antonio meant by that is that, hehe, uhm, he's excited for you to become a family... Friend! Yes, family friend." The small drizzle that had dropped from above Pepa's head did not help this case, but luckily the girl was easily convinced enough by her quick explanation. 

"Oh, I now I'm getting you all soaked. Lo siento mi vida, I'm such a nervous trainwreck." She apologetically spoke as it rained even more. 

"It's quite alright, Pepa. I actually love it when it rains, it's gives off such a calming atmosphere." The teen reached out to gently hold Pepa's upper arm, reassuring her that it's okay, that she doesn't have to feel the need to suppress her emotions when she's around. 

"But, but your clothes... It's all soaked."

"In every storm, there's a rainbow. By that I mean it'll all come to pass, it'll dry out eventually." 

Pepa would like to scold his son for not finding this girl sooner. 

Barely anyone besides her family actually appreciates or even like her gift, they were always cautious not to annoy her, sadden her, heck, even make her too happy! 

She's scared that if she let out her emotions she might accidentally hurt somebody, she's scared that she might ruin a special occasion, and the list goes on and on.

The once happy go lucky child she once was, was reduced to an emotionally repressed woman who's afraid to even cry and be too happy. She felt the inherent need to not ruin everyone's day even if her's was absolutely horrible, chanting ‘clear skies’ like a mantra in a desperate attempt to quell the raging hurricane bottled up inside of her.

"You are such a wonderful child, I hope you know that." Pepa smiled, the rain cloud that was once on her head was now replaced with a beautiful rainbow. 

She truly appreciates how the girl in front of her didn't even immediately try to calm her down, instead she simply lets her let everything out first before speaking.

Sometimes it's good to let go of your emotions every once in a while.

"Mamí? (Y/n)?" 

Camilo asked, perplexed at the sight in front of him. His mother and his friend is quite soaked despite the bright rainbow formed above her head, did they had some kind to disagreement before he arrived? 

"Milo, mi Chiquito! Right on cue, could you be a dear and ask Mirabel to lend your friend here some dry clothes for a bit while I dry her wet ones? Sorry again, mi vida." 

"Like I said earlier señora, it's fine. But what's not fine however is the need to bottle up your emotions, please refrain from doing that as it's just not healthy." 

Oh, she is so going to scold her son for not finding her sooner.

There they sat upon the grassy plain of the Casita's backyard, basking in the sounds and scent of nature. Isabela's menagerie of plants meticulously placed in such a manner that makes it oh-so pleasing to one's eye, it was a nice change than the almost eye straining amount of roses she makes. The girl is quite glad that Isabela allowed herself to let loose and finally be able to express and grow herself into such a beautiful woman.

"I'm sorry about Mamá, I hope that wouldn't change your perception of her." 

"Why are you apologizing of things you can't control, of the things she can't control?" She stared at the plants that Isabela grew, she wore Mirabel's clothes for a bit while they await for her clothes to dry. "Your mother is a wonderful woman, a strong woman indeed. To have to hold in her emotions just so to not inconvenience others... I think I'd go insane if I were her."

The ability to suppress one's emotions and the inability to show emotions are obviously two different things but both is still just as frustrating and tiring as the other. 

"Mamá is definitely a strong woman, kinda scary if you get on her bad side." The boy shivered, recalling the lighting that almost hit him that one time as he picked a yellow carnation and gave it to the girl.

She stared at the flower and to Camilo with much amusement, she doubts that Camilo would be knowlegeable of flower language, and simply gave the flower to her as it looked quite pretty. 

"Did you know that carnations mean different things depending on its color?" 

"I didn't really know that flowers have meanings..."

She continued to stare at the yellow flower, twirling it around as she continues to speak. "Pink carnations symbolizes gratitude or a mother's undying love, white carnations represents pure love and good luck, while dark red carnations symbolizes love and affection or could signify my ‘heart-aches for you’." 

"What does the yellow carnation represent then?"

Her eyes flickered back to the boy, her eyes glinting in feign hurt, she watched how Niko dramatically acts when he's doing his theatrics.

"Yellow carnations is given to someone you don't particularly like, it symbolizes disappointment and rejection."

Camilo's eyes widened as he fumbled around. "W-wait, I didn't know, cariño!" He reasoned, trying to convince her that, no, he doesn't dislike her. 

"You could've told me straightforwardly instead of pretending to like someone such as I. To say I'm deeply hurt would be an understatement, I feel as though I've been toyed with." She exaggerated, her hand gripping the yellow flower tightly as her other hand clutched her chest to further emphasize how "hurt" she is.

"No, that's not true! I don't hate you, I really, really lo-like you! And I really appreciate all that you've done for me and my family thus far, and I won't let no flower tell you otherwise, mi Luna!"

The winds howl in laughter as they watch the two, it seems as though the winds are much more nosey than Dolores would ever be.

"T'was a joke, aha, silly me." 

"And not a very funny one." Camilo deadpanned, crossing his arms as he shifted into a child and sat on the ground, pouting childishly at the girl.

He does not appreciate getting teased like that, only he is allowed to do so, hmp.

"Seriously, what does the stupid yellow flower mean?" Camilo grumbled, still shifted into a child, he flails his limbs like a child on a tantrum. 

"What I said is actually true, yellow carnations mean rejection and disappointment. It's usually given to a lover you no longer love."

The boy stood up and snatched the yellow flower off of her hands and stuffed it in his pocket. "I'll find a red carnation for you." He muttered walking around the backyard searching for a red carnation.

Isabela and Dolores just so happen to have been watching the two interact from afar, in fact they were actually just eavesdropping on the two quite shamelessly. "Isa, 'milo is looking for red carnations. Hurry!" Dolores whisper shouted, agressively nudging on Isabela's side. 

"Okay, okay, jeez!"

Dolores promised her Mamá that she'll help Camilo successfully pursue the woman of his dreams and just dragged Isabela along with her, and also the fact she's a sucker for a good romance scene every now and then.

She's been listening to her tió Bruno's telanovelas for years after all.

"Did Camilo confess already?" Mirabel suddenly popped up from behind them only to be bombarded with a series of hushes and be quiet's. 

"No, not yet. I heard he'll be doing that by midnight."

"Make sense, all the fireworks adds to the romantic atmosphere." Mirabel dramatized, her hands gestured —quoting the air. 

God, they're taking too long. Just kiss already! The three thought in unison, frustrated at this slowburn of a romance.

Chapter Text

Blessed Moon my love, I take refuge in You; save me and deliver me from all who wronged me. 

Blessed Moon my darling, Your heart is my refuge; shield me in Your loving embrace, protect me and guide me with Your glistening Moonlight, shall I somehow ever lose my way.

Wonderful Moon, my beloved, how majestic is Your name in all the Earth! You have set glory in the heavens and stars alike. 

Through the song of crickets and critters that loves the night almost as much as I, they revel in soft light of which You glow.

The Moon is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. My beloved.

In the Moon is where I take refuge. Your warm embrace houses my weary soul; You, the scent of home.

"I bought some snacks and some other stuff to entertain us throughout the night." Camilo spoke, flopping the bag down on the ground as he sat beside the girl, who was doodling mindlessly on her sketchbook —the bright lamp they brought provided her enough light to have been able to see what she's drawing.

"Your company alone is enough to entertain me 'till midnight." Pencil at hand she still scribbled mindlessly, not bothering to look at Camilo. Yet she could feel his gaze lingering on her as she continued to draw.

An open field, not too far from the Casita —and the perfect view to watch the fireworks. It's almost as if it was perfectly made for this certain occasion.

"Ay, Camilo we haven't reached an hour and yet here you are, eating all the snacks. We still have five more hours to wait on." 

"Lo siento, amor. You know how heavenly Tiá Julieta's cooking is! How can I not eat it when it's just there, basically begging to be eaten?" Camilo complained, laying down on the grass with a big dramatic sigh:

 "Oh, mi arepas, my one true love! Why must fate be so cruel as to separate us from each other?" he theatrically monologues, one hand on his forehead as he choked out a fake sob.

"Now I know why you and Niko get along so well."

"Heh, I guess I just have this natural charm bestowed upon me."

"... Sure, whatever helps you sleep at night." She was about to say that they're both idiots but oh well. 

The girl laid down beside him, stretching a bit before getting comfortable. Her back aches at the prolonged time she had sat down on the ground hunched over whilst she draws, Camilo often compares her posture to that of a shrimp as the girl simply bit back as if his was any better.

4 hours left 'till midnight.

"Camilo, tell me a haiku." She asked, her eyes never leaving the starry sky. "A hai- what now?"

"Abuela told me it's a type of poem originated from the East, it only consists of three lines with five syllables on the first one, seven on the second, and five at the third." 

"Sounds hard, no way, chica. I highly doubt I have the mental capacity to make one, you do it instead." Camilo groaned, turning to the side to face her, beautifully lit was her under the moonlight; his heart beats truly, and only for her. 

The girl pondered, eyes fluttered to a close. 

"My courageous love, 

longing was I for your touch; 

Sweet kiss of the sky." 

Sweet honeyed words filled his heart and ears, oh, how he wished it has he she was referring to, and not anyone. It was wishful thinking. 

"That was, uhm... Romantic." 

"Funny, because it was meant to be romantic." 

Look how beautiful You are, my darling! Oh, how simply marvelous! Your eyes ever so mesmerizing, eyelashes perfectly veil Your doe eyes like weeping willows. Your hair flow like the waterfalls glistening under the moon's gaze; my heart is the orchard of the love I willingly grew for You. All for You.

"And I thought I was the romantic one." Camilo breathed, pulling out some of the grass on the ground, separating it from the ground it lives upon. "Seeing as I basically flirt with you all time." 

"You were flirting at me?" 

"I have for a long time actually, but I appreciate it for realizing it just now."

The girl turned her head away from his teasing gaze, Camilo's smirked widens upon seeing the tips of her ears tinting faint pink. "You are such a dork, Camilo."

"Running out of flowery words to say, eh?" 

"Perhaps, I am." She whispered, covering half of her face with a sketchbook, her heart hammering in her chest —threatening to burst out. There's that weird feeling again, the annoying floaty feeling to get close to Camilo and punch his gut —the sudden urge to hug and, and slap his face or whatever. She can't properly describe the feeling.

3 hours left 'till midnight.

"I don't like to play this game anymore." 

"You don't like it because you keep losing." 

Exactly. 

Camilo groaned and flopped himself back to the grassy bed, he regrets bringing a chess board on his bag of entertainment. It all about strategy, moves, rules, and more strategy it's much too late in the night (not really, Camilo is just a sore loser) to use his brain to win at chess.

The lamp shined brighter than ever as they continue to lightly bicker during their session of chess. "Okay, now you're just letting me win." Camilo pouted, his voice lacing in a bitter tone as he stared at the girl in front of him.

She merely shrugged at his statement with a miniscule smile, barely noticeable as ever. "Perhaps you're getting better at chess." She spoke. "I don't believe the lies that spill out from your mouth." 

2 hours left 'till midnight.

Tic, toc, tic, toc, her wrist watch sang, its hands danced with each passing second, it danced along with the song of their heartbeats; hearts that unknowingly long for each other.

"I'm getting tired, Camilo." The girl yawned as she leaned back, her hand supporting her weight. "Then sleep, I'll wake you up when midnight comes." He suggested, cleaning up the chess pieces and stuffing it back on the bag.

"... Okay." She murmured, making herself comfortable on the soft grass, kissing and tickling her skin as she laid; eyes slowly fluttering to a close as she slowly wandered into dreamland.

"Goodnight, mi Luna. I'll make sure to wake you up by 12." He sweetly whispered, brushing stray strands of hair away from her face; his touch lingering on her skin —basking on her warmth.

"I hope you dream of me as you sleep."

Her eyes are like doves by the water streams, washed in milk, mounted like jewels. So beautiful.

Where has your beloved gone, most beautiful of women?

In my heart, forever She shall be. Housing my very being.

I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine.

He stared at her, shamelessly. Drinking selfishly every detail of her face —her lips. God, no! she's sleeping, don't think of doing anything stupid Camilo! He agressively scolded himself, lightly slapping his face. Get a grip, will ya? 

She trusts you not to do anything, why else would a girl such as her would let her be vulnerable next to a boy? 

30 minutes left before midnight.

"G'morning, sleeping beauty~ did you rest well?" He spoke, caressing her hair as she slowly stirred awake. "Is it midnight already?" Rubbing the tiredness out of her eyes as she slowly stood up, few stray grass stuck into her hair and clothes.

"Nope, we still have about 30 minutes to spare." Camilo answered, dusting off the grass and dirt off of her clothes as the girl let out a sleepy hum in reply.

"I had a nice dream, but I forgot what it's about." 

"Well, I never forget mine." He spoke, resting his chin on the palm of his hand, eyes discreetly shifting to her lips ever so often. It looks so soft.

"What do you often dream about?" 

You.

"Nice things, pleasant things." 

How vague, she thought her eyes narrowed slightly at his response, quite unsatisfied. "Stop being so vague, Camilo. Just tell me, is it really that embarrassing?"

"If I tell you, I'm afraid you might see me differently." He muttered, eyes now fully focused on the moon; he dared not to look in her eyes.

"I won't."

"I doubt it." 

"Fine, I won't press you any further." She huffed, grabbing her sketchbook and began to doodle once again. He could see the small pout of her lips as she begrudgingly drew on the sketchbook. So cute.

How beautiful You are tonight, my Moon. The sun may not admit it, but they envy Your beautiful glow, never blinding.

My heart and soul belongs to You, my beloved, and Your desire belongs to me, and me alone. 

You kissed the twinkling stars of my face with much love, it was overwhelming. Yet I can't get enough of it. 

"You." He spoke, he promised himself he'll tell it by midnight, but his heart can't take it no longer. 

"Me?" 

He turned to her, his face adorning a soft smile as he clarified. "You asked me what I often dream about, and my answer is you. I often dream of you." 

"Why, why me?"

"Because I love you, silly." His smile was filled with so much love and adoration, acceptance and commitment. He was prepared for her to reject him.

"I love you for quite a while now, and not telling you what I feel is suffocating."

Quiet, too quiet. But he expected this silence, he rummaged his bag and took out a small canteen of water and gave it to her.

"Here some water, you –you can just forget everything I said if that helps." 

She stared at the canteen of water, fiddling with it as she tries to recollect her thoughts. "I, I like you too, Camilo." She stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

The boy merely smiled as he watched her struggle to form a sentence. "You don't have to force yourself to like me back, y'know? I can handle rejection, don't worry."

What? Her head turned to face him, her eyes slightly widened, shocked at what he just said.

"But, but I do like you Camilo." She said again, much louder this time. However, the boy's expression did not change in the slightest.

He, he doesn't believe me?

"Hey it's fine—" 

She's having none of this. 

She grabbed Camilo's arm and hurriedly dragged him away from the place they once sat upon, not minding the abandoned bags they left there.

If he's not going to believe her words then she'll show him.

15 minutes remaining.

"Amor, you don't have—"

"Shut up, Camilo." She snapped, her grip on his arms only faltered when they reached her room. Camilo stiffened at the sound of her voice, it was as cold as ice. It was the first time he'd ever seen her so angry, he can't help but stand there in her room obediently like a scolded puppy.

The girl honestly felt like crying as she agressively rummaged her closet, she is very upset at the fact Camilo refused to believe her words. To say she's frustrated would be the understatement of the century, she was sincerely distraught.

She threw a multitude of papers, sketchbooks, and canvases onto her bed all for Camilo to see. It was every drawing she made of him.

"There, see? Is this enough proof now?" 

He stared that every drawing she made, the sketchbooks' pages was filled with drawings of him. Wow.

"I'm sorry that I don't sound believable enough for you, I'm sorry I don't look believable enough to you." She spoke, her voice cracking as she tries to hold back a sob.

"It's, it's, my face isn't it? I don't show enough emotions, right?" 

20 seconds.

"I should try to smile more, people like that, you like that, right?" 

"Amor, no—"

"Trust me when I say, I try, I really do. I really, really do!" Tears flowing freely down her cheeks as she spoke, almost shouting. She's glad her family isn't home right now.

"Please, just—" 

15 seconds.

"I love you! Is it really so hard to believe? God, I wish I wasn't like this, maybe then you'll believe me!" Her arm vigorously rubbing her eyes, wiping all the ugly tears away.

10

"My heart and my mind is filled with nothing but images of you!" 

9

"I hate how you plague my mind, I hate how you effortlessly slipped into my mind like you were my missing puzzle piece."

8

"Please, just lis—"

"No you listen to me," her voice broken yet commanding, she stood firm. His heart broke at the sight of her tears that fell, he made her cry.

He made her cry, all because he believed that she'll never accept his feelings. 

He made her cry, because he was stupid enough to believe that she should never, and will never like a guy such as him. 

He's basically useless in the family, he wasn't shunned like Mirabel because he was lucky enough to have been given a gift.

He wasn't shunned like his tió Bruno, because they don't see the past nor the future. He just shapeshifts, the great pretender.

7

"Because clearly, you find my words to be unbelievable."

"No, that's—" he walked towards her, holding her shoulders to stop her rambling but she continued to cut him off. She is determined to make her words reach his ears and straight to his heart and mind.

6

"You are the best thing that has ever happened in my entire life!" Her hands tightly held his yellow poncho, she held him like he was the edge of a cliff; she was falling, falling so hard and she fears that he might let go.

5

"Must I scream it to you for the whole world to hear?"

4

"I love you so, so much! I'd say it for eternity to you if I have to!" Her eyes shined and glistened with an overwhelmingly amount of passion; her love overflowing, words locked in her mind are now shown to the world. Her world; him. 

His heart beats faster than the fastest animal of earth, he didn't knew, he didn't knew that she felt the same. Deep in his mind he's scared to know what she felt, for he knew his heart would shatter. But he couldn't be anymore wrong.

3 

"And I'm, I'm sorry that I can be dense most of the time,"

2

"I just don't know social cues. But I try, I'll try for—"

Camilo finally cuts her off, his hands situated on both sides of her face as he closed the gap between the two of them. The faint sound of fireworks can be heard from the distance, the timing couldn't get any more better.

"I believe you, Mi Luna. You don't have to change anything about yourself, you're perfect just the way you are." He breathes as he pulled away, resting his chin on top of her head —lovingly caressing and fixing her hair as an attempt to cease her crying.

"I'm sorry I didn't believe you at first, I was blinded by my own insecurity." He chuckled softly upon feeling the weak punches she did on his chest, it felt like she was basically a little kitten pawing him at this point, he kissed the top of her head apologetically with a small laugh.

"You're so stupid, Camilo..."

"I know."

"I hate you."

"I know, and I love you." He whispered, his heart felt finally complete.

"... I love you too." She breathes, as if he was her only lifeline.

Your lips drop sweetness as the honeycomb, my Moon; flowers spill out from Your mouth so beautifully, yet I do not understand it.

You, the anchor of the ship I sail as I fought against the great waves of emotions I feel.

You, the splash of paint; You color my previously dull life. Brighten them You did, and brighten them You shall.

You, my love, my darling, my everything. My sweet Moon. 

My heart belongs to You, forevermore.

Chapter Text

❦❦

"My, my, the Moon and Sky unite once again! How joyful!" The Sun sang, it's rays shone brighter as they watched from above.

"How wonderful!"

"A wonderful day, indeed!" 

"Agreed, agreed!" The heavens chorused. They all rejoiced in mirthful laughter as they all celebrate for the union.

"Better than their last life, don't you agree?" They shivered, recalling the two lovers' previous life. They wish not to remember that ever again.

"Yes, it was tragic."

"Mhm, tragic."

"So tragic."

"So much blood, so much pain." The Sun sighed, their light dimming ever so slightly. Even them felt unsettled at the two's previous life.

Their love was much too great, much too strong. 

The winds blew in anguish, they watched as the two looked at each other for the last time. They smiled at their lover so serenely as they accepted their fate, the other watched helplessly as they faced their lover in front of the guillotine. 

Their clothes regal as ever, almost mocking the high status that they held within society, the complete opposite of their lover, who's ragged and plain. A commoner. A mere commoner who fell in love with an aristocrat, who was forced to wed another. 

Christmas Day 1793

"Please, monsieur! I beg of you spare them!" They pleaded, they begged, and they cried. But they were but a mere commoner after all. They will not heed their call. 

The clouds darkened, dulled, and saddened. Much like their heart, without their beloved, their sweet, sweet, love.

"If you can't, then please let me die alongside them!"

The man stared at them for a bit before turning to look at his accomplice, who merely shrugged —not really caring who lives or dies.

"Eh, Il n'y a pas de quoi fouetter in chat."

Their eyes widened at what they said, anger bubbling within them. 

No big deal? 

Hands clenched into a fist so tight that it's enough to draw blood. They were livid.

Hundreds —no, thousands of innocent people died, and to you it's no big deal?

The love of their life is going to get killed, their love, their beloved, so sweet, so innocent. They made them stand there —like a sacrificial lamb all for Paris to see.

"Let me die with them. This lonely commoner is asking for their last wish, and nothing more."

How they so want to hurt the men in front of them, but they knew it wouldn't do anything —help in anything. If nothing else, it might only worsen the situation. That, or they're a coward. A coward who'd rather die alongside their lover than to find a way to save them, a filthy, filthy coward.

It is the nature of human beings, to wish to change everything. Especially when one is filled with regrets, unsaid apologies in their deathbed. 

They stood side by side, they mouthed a sorry to them and the other merely smiled. For they too, would rather die than to let death separate them from each other.

For the last time they held hands as death awaits in front of them, 'till death may do us part.

They had a dream, and that was all.

"No, one wish not to remember that any longer." The heavens cried, that memory was painful, heartbreaking.

"I agree."

"So do I, it's far too much."

"Too much indeed." The Sun agreed, shaking their head as they much wished to focus on the much, much better scene in front of them. It was much more wholesome that the heartbreaking life the two had previously.

May this life be filled with mirth and love. May life bless them with little to no strife.

For heavens would be angered as to see such tragic endings befall on their beloved children once again.

❦❦

Chapter Text

Beautiful morning ray of the sun kissed her skin, awoken was she by the annoying shifting and shuffling she felt nuzzling on the crook of her neck. Her hands slowly moved to touch whoever was sharing her bed, only to feel familiar curly locks that she oh-so love to run her hands through. Camilo.

She had almost forgotten that they both passed out in her room, they spent the rest of midnight just talking about random things 'till they just fell asleep. Though, did Camilo carry her to bed? No, that's not quite probable, Camilo fell asleep first before her. It's far too early to think so hard in the morning. (It was her Papí, they where heavy he would like to add. Especially Camilo, he was shocked at how heavy a thin-looking boy like him weigh in his arms.)

She wanted to stand up and get ready for the day, however, Camilo's grip on her was like an anchor in the bottom of the ocean. Heavy and strong. But she'll feel so bad just waking him up from his peaceful slumber, it's probably the first time he's been able to sleep in.

With a soft sigh, she let herself melt into his warm embrace, a comforting blanket of warmth and security lulled her back into dreamland. Like a siren's song in the seven seas, it was alluring, and she, the unsuspecting sailor, the ever so curious being, followed the heavenly sound to the depths of the sea. I guess it doesn't hurt to stay like this a little longer...

Camilo, who woke up much later, felt as if he was in heaven —waking up next to the girl of his dreams. Just, wow. It feels so surreal.

Never in his wildest dreams that he'll wake up to the sight of her. To be next to her. He shifted slowly, as to not wake the girl up. He wanted to get a better view of her face, he cherished every impurity she had, every imperfection, he found it so cute, so perfect. God, he doesn't deserve her. 

Hands leaving feathered touches on her skin, brushing her hair every so often. Is this okay? I'm not crossing boundaries, am I? Thumb gently rubbing little circles on her cheek, eyes lovingly staring at her sleeping figure, he couldn't help but leave a small kiss on her forehead, care, and sincerity, an act of adoration.

He visibly stiffened when the girl stirred in her sleep, he fears that he might get caught. He definitely does not want to see that angry look on her face again from last time.

"Please stop staring at me, it's weird." The girl spoke, her eyes still half-lidded as she met Camilo's emerald ones. Since when was she awake? And how come he didn't notice until now? (Camilo you're too busy daydreaming and making love hearts with your eyes at her to notice.)

"L, lo siento, amor... I'll, I'll stand up now..." 

It's too inappropriate for a boy to be laying on a bed next with a girl anyways.

Just the simple realization of that made Camilo's face turn embarrassingly red. 

"Oho, ho, ho~ it seems that the two lovebirds have finally woken up!" The girl's mother called, a teasing tone laced upon her sugary voice. 

"Did you wrestle like all the adult couples do?" 

"No we didn't ‘wrestle’ Niko, we just talked. And besides, we're not even adults." She groaned, slowly getting up from her bed and rubbing the sleep away from her face.

"Pshh, boooring!"

Camilo choked on his spit when he heard that spill from Niko's mouth, he'd rather not want to know where and how did the child came to the conclusion that every adult couple would "wrestle".

"Niko! We'll be talking about that later —don't you think about sneaking out to play with your Papí after this." The mother scolded, ushering away her child in a hurry before glaring at her husband who was shrinking away at the sight of his wife's piercing glare. "You're not safe either."

"Come! We just finished eating breakfast, you two should eat as well!" Her mother beamed, her smile still ever so bright as she rushed back to the dinner table, presumably to prepare their plates when they arrived.

"Your family is... Something alright."

"Mmhm, never a dull moment in this house with them around." 

Camilo could feel the somewhat scalding gaze the girl's father shot at him, slowly and discreetly, he turned his head to face the man, despite knowing how practically harmless her father is, he can't help but feel very intimidated at how the man unknowingly projects himself. 

"You..." 

"Me...?"

"You... Look like a seahorse."

A seahorse??

"Uh... G, gracias Señor..?" Camilo stammered, giving the father a big confused smile. Quite unsure if that was meant to be a complement or an insult.

"Good job Papí, you did it." The girl said, softly patting her father's back. "You've successfully complemented someone." Her father's huffed in triumph at the praise his daughter gave him, a new milestone has been reached.

"Hay~ Camilo, isn't he so romantic?" The mother cooed, fawning at her own husband like a teenager, you could almost see the hearts forming in her eyes as she spoke. "Ay, no —I'm supposed to be mad at him!" She grumbled immediately after, setting up the table with a pout.

Romantic???

"Seahorses are so cool! Right, hermana? They're like birds in the water! It's also so cool and weird that the dad poops out the babies."

"You have to admit, seahorses are pretty cute.They look like tiny dragons swimming in the sea."

Okay what's with this family and their fascination with seahorses?

"I guess, seeing as I got called one." 

"Now that I think about it, you do kinda look like one." 

"Is that a complement or an insult?" Camilo deadpanned, he did not miss the mischievous glint in her eyes when she spoke.

...

"Oi!"

A beautiful rainbow overhead formed on top of the Casita, vibrant and beautiful for everyone in Encanto to see. Pepa was and still is quite elated at the events last midnight, Camilo's —and technically also the girl's confession was a success! Albeit a few, maybe a lot of tears were shed but it turned alright in the end.

Camilo should prepare himself for some good ol' sermons and probably a tiny butt whooping from his dear old Mamá and Papá for making the girl cry. How did they know? Obviously from Dolores, who has been religiously listening to the whole thing.

To say that Dolores was frustrated at how Camilo did not believe the girl when she first said that she liked him back would be an understatement, she was very infuriated to the point she was almost pulling her hair out in public.

"Is Hermano's girlfriend going to be part of the family now, Mamá?" 

"Hopefully soon, Toñito. Hopefully soon."

• ACT II FINISHED •

—Extras—

This unfortunately did not make into the final cut of the chapter but still quite canon in this fanfic.

She stared at the young man in front of her, the two had been in a staring contest for quite a while in front of the Casita. The man looks oddly familiar, yet she just couldn't put a finger on it. 

"... Hi?" The man finally spoke as he found the girl's staring a bit intimidating and uncomfortable. He surely hoped that he didn't do anything wrong to the girl before.

"Holá." 

"So uh... Are you waiting for Camilo?" 

The girl's eyes widened as she let out a small gasp, her body stiffened at the man's words. How did he know? Is he psychic? Is he a secret Madrigal love child that she didn't know about?

"Dolores... Told me, if you're wondering."  

Of course, Dolores, makes sense. Her body relaxed as she nodded, quite satisfied with his answer —wait.

Dolores told him? That means he's —Dolores and him are —He's Dolores' boyfriend! Oh god, and she totally forgot his name. Was it Mario? Or was it Manuel? Or, or maybe—

"Chica? Are you okay?" The man asked, getting quite worried at the girl who was muttering incoherent words in such a fast pace that it's sounded like she's muttering satanic curses at him, all while having such a blank expression. Does she dislike being near him that much?

"Mariano, hijo! Oh, hija! You're here as well! You're up quite early, Camilo is still sleeping in his room, you can go wake him up if you wish!" Pepa beamed, kissing both of their cheeks as a greeting and ushering them inside. 

Mariano! It was Mariano! She was close, so close. Sorry Dolores, she forgot your boyfriend's name...

She stood in front of the door of Camilo's room, she felt like she was intruding if she just barged in without knocking, but then again if she knocked, she might disturb his peaceful sleep instead! 

"Ay, (Y/N). Just go inside, hija. He would definitely would not mind if you came in." She jumped at the sound of Félix's voice, how did he even get there without her knowing? We'll never know. Félix cackled at the startled look the girl showed when he suddenly spoke, she looked like a stray kitten waiting for her favorite human to open the door and give her some food. It was kinda sad in Félix's opinion.

Heeding his advice, she came inside without knocking. She felt so disrespectful, and especially intrusive upon stepping forth inside his room. 

"Camilo?" She softly called, his room looked the same as ever, the same ungodly amount of mirrors, the same backstage looking bedroom. The only difference is that some the paintings she made of him are now hung on the wall, talk about self-love. Dang.

She's feeling so weird these past few days, probably because of Camilo's confession and her sudden declaration of love in her room that faithful night made her feel... Different, a good kind of different.

She stared at Camilo's sleeping form, her hand itches to stroke Camilo's unruly head of curls. She doesn't want to wake him, he looks so cute all snoozing peacefully in dreamland. 

She slowly sat on the edge of his bed, pulling out her trusty sketchbook and began to draw him, drawing a person sleeping isn't weird, right? He wouldn't mind, right? Thoughts circled in her mind as she continued to draw him, the sun perfectly illuminated his sun-kissed face; her beautiful sky. 

"Camilo, mi Cielo, wake up." Her voice unknowingly dripped with sweet honey as she spoke, her hand slowly running through brown curls to slowly lull him awake; she basked in the peacefulness of morning sunshine.

"Amor..." he stirred, half-awake, unconsciously leaning into her warm, inviting touch. What a way to start a morning. 

"Wake up, Camilo." 

Camilo pouted still not fully awake, his hand reached hers and squeezed it tightly. Fearing that if he let go, he'll wake up longing for her touch once more. "I don't wanna... Because if I do, you'll disappear again..." 

"I can assure you, I won't." 

"You won't?" 

"I won't."

She linked her pinky with his, her other hand brushes away stray curls that covered his freckled face as she stared lovingly at his emerald orbs, half-lidded, still groggy. 

"Pinky promise." 

"Man, I don't wanna wake up from this dream..."

"Camilo, this isn't a dream." She deadpanned, the urge to slap Camilo awake had now emerged from inside of her. 

"Yeah, no. Why else would you be in front of me when I quote on quote, woke up."

The urge to slap Camilo hard is real.

"I'm pregnant, Camilo. And I think it's Mirabel's." 

"WHAT!?" Camilo abruptly stood up from his bed, forehead almost crashing with hers. His eyes wide and shocked at what he heard, a horrible dream, a terrible dream. 

You can almost hear Dolores laughing in the distance.

Works everytime.

"T'was a joke, ehe." 

Camilo flopped himself back unto the bed and covered his face with a pillow, "Not. Funny!" He exclaimed, voice muffled from the pillow. 

"Hey, at least I got you to fully wake up." 

"I would've preferred if you, I dunno... Woke me up normally?"

She turned to look at him, you could almost see the ominous aura radiating from the girl the longer he stared at her. It's almost telling him that she, in fact, had tried waking up him up normally.

"Okay yeah, I'll shut up now." He finally stood up from is bed, fixing himself in front of one of his mirrors. He could see the girl, arms crossed as she still sat on his bed —presumably pouting at him. Cute.

"No good morning kiss?" He teased, his usual smirk adorning his face once again. 

"Ew, no. You have morning breath." 

"Wow, you wound me, mi vida."

The two finally stepped out from the room, and went downstairs. Soft sounds of footsteps filled the air as they went down and were greeted by Mirabel —to which Camilo shot her a dirty glare, you are not stealing her away from me.

Mirabel doesn't know how her friend woke her cousin up, but she sure as hell knew that it wasn't a very good one. Whatever she did made Camilo be all cranky on Mirabel. 

"Y'know what, I'll just leave you two lovebirds alone." 

"Good— ow! What?" 

"Be nice." 

Chapter Text

ACT III : ROSE QUARTZ AND SERENITY

There was once a young actor —not that old, he was talented, he was gifted.

This young actor, now bright and bold, no longer wore the masks his crowd of thousands once adored. No longer was he the young naive actor who feeds on the validation of others —the smiles of the people he entertains. 

The myriad of masks he once kept, now thrown away, drowning in the river of the past. Not past long forgotten, but a past worth looking back to. The past is what made him who he is today after all. He'd dare not to forget it.

"Who are you?" The mirror asked, shocked at the growth the young actor had made. Gone were the days he'd ask the old mirror who he is every single day. But shocked the mirror was, it was relieved to finally see him flourish into a wonderful person that he is today.

"I am me." The actor replied with glee, staring at his reflection with love. 

"My, my and who could you be?" The stray cat asked, licking their paws, Intrigued at how far the young actor had come. They reminisced on that faithful day where the young actor was but mere hopeless being, unsure of himself and what to be in life. 

"Someone who is living their best life." He said with a smile, stepping on a puddle as he passed by. 

"You're looking pretty swell. My dear. Has life treated you well?" A familiar voice called, it was the sweet little Moon fairy. With a smile, she made her descent from the heavens to the ground he stood upon with his mortal feet.

"Better than ever." 

"Have you figured out who you are?" She finally asked, her smile still ever so serene underneath the moonlight, her hair glistened like precious silk as it danced amongst the wind. 

"Yes." He replied with confidence, his heart racing by the second. 

"Who are you then?"

"Someone who finally learned to love himself as he is." He breathes, finally he was able to open up his eyes and learned to love and appreciate everything. Finally, he was able to love himself.

There was once a young boy —now a man, who seeks worth from the people around him. He was uncertain, insecure, and most of all, he felt useless.

Uncomfortable he felt as himself, wearing his own skin felt unnatural the longer he shifted into different people. He doesn't feel like himself. 

Groomed to be an entertainer, to serve, and self-sacrifice. He was molded into a person who gives and gives but never takes, ‘put others' well-being first before your own.’ his grandmother would say. 

‘We serve our community. Keep the candle's flame bright and forever burning.’

"But what about me? But what about us?" He asked to the photo of his grandmother, he would never had the guts to speak his mind to her. They all do.

He watched his own mother be drenched in the rain she made, watering the crops outside with a frown. The constant repressing of emotions to the point she fears the she might eventually forget what it feels to love, to be genuinely happy.

He watched as his sister, his beloved sister, drown in the voices of the people every night, every second of the day. He watched her slowly lose her mind with everything that's going around her, the secrets she has to keep in order to not disrupt the community's peace. Her cries begging to make everything stop did not go unheard of by him. Her gift is hardly a blessing at all, it was a curse.

He watched the exhausted look her Tiá Julieta tries so desperately to hide from everyone, the endless cooking and cooking she'd done everyday for the citizens of the village. He could also see how little she eats at the dinner table, it was obvious that she can't stomach her own cooking anymore.

He watched Mirabel get shunned —disregarded by everyone, as she desperately tries everything to be of use to the family. He watched her crestfallen face when she got simply ignored by everyone, he watched her force a smile when their Abuela softly and offhandedly told her to stay out of everyone's way.

He watched everyone in his family try to hide their dispair, their troubles. All of them collectively knew, that Abuela wouldn't bat an eye at their woes, just as long it doesn't hurt the magic.

"What about us? You said we have to protect our family, but why does it feel like it's slowly falling apart the more we tried?"

He watched and he watched, helplessly as he doesn't know how to approach the matter properly. So he does the only thing he could do best, distract.

A momentary respite, a small distraction to make you avert your eyes from the slow cracks forming on the so-called ‘picture-perfect family’ the Madrigals are famed to be.

His troubles seem miniscule compared to the rest of the family, the least he could do is to at least make them smile, distract them from their woes. After all, they're fighting a much harder battle than what he's fighting against anyways.

"Camilo?" His head turned to face the owner of the voice, he was glad that everything that had transpired was over. He's relieved that he doesn't need to live up to anyone's expectations anymore, he's relieved that he can freely do what his heart wants.

"Yeah?" 

"Are you okay? You've been staring into the abyss for so long, that I thought I've lost you." He smiled at her, her hands and face dirtied with paint as she was painting the town's new mural. She generously offered his Abuela to paint a new mural at the town's square, to which Alma happily agreed. Camilo brushed a stray strand of hair away from her face, tucking it in behind her ear with a loving smile.

"I'm just thinking how lucky I am to have you." 

"You're such a sap, mi Cielo." She rolled her eyes at him, she diverting her attention away from him and back to the mural. He did not miss the small tint of pink coloring her paint riddled face.

"Yeah, but only for you." He couldn't help but steal a small kiss from her, she's just to cute not too. 

His love, his everything. Call him obsessive, but he'll be truly lost without her. He'll plant a meadow of red and white carnations all for her to see if he has to. 

The five years they've been together, was the best years of his life. He never felt so alive, her family is absolutely charming and loving. Her mother treats him like her own, and her father, who's still expressionless as ever, does the same in his own quirky way.

He feels too much, loves too much. He fears that it might be too much for her, he doesn't want to cross any boundaries he's not allowed to step on. He loves her, yes, very very much. However,

With love comes with respect, he oftentimes tells himself.

If you do not respect her, then you do not love her. Simple. That is no longer love, that is obsession, lust, or any of the negatives at this point. 

‘Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind.’

He has quite a long way in properly understanding and projecting the emotions he feels, he knows she definitely does too. But it's fine if it takes a long time, because a long time feels less lonely if they're together.  

"Camilo?"

"You want coffee?"

"Ay, you know me so well." 

Of course I do.

Chapter Text

Camilo did not like what he saw, what he is seeing. And he made that abundantly clear to Mirabel, who felt exasperated at her cousin's obvious jealousy.

"She's been hanging out with, with that hotshot, Ignacio all the time now!" He is irritated at the fact that Ignacio looks handsome, (Shut it Camilo, you're handsome too.) and a lot buffer than him. 

He's been busy babysitting Dolores' kids these past few days, and never got the time to hang out with his girlfriend —nor did she had the time to visit the Casita, as she herself has things to do as well. They're both adults now after all.

"She can have friends with the opposite sex, Camilo."

Friends? The way that man looks at his woman, clearly doesn't have any intention of just making acquaintances with her. 

"I know what you're thinking, Camilo. And I personally think that you're just overthinking it."

"Overthinking? Look at him, Mira! Shamelessly making googly eyes at mi Luna, ugh, the nerve!" He huffed, he wanted to snatch her away from Ignacio, but they look like they're having a nice conversation out there. Without him.

"Have you tried talking to her about what you felt?" 

Camilo shifted into Antonio and visibly deflated on his seat, his body leaning on the circular table on a coffee shop they're currently stayed on. "That's the problem, Mirabel. We haven't talked in days, the two of us have been so busy lately and I loathe every second without her."

He watched as the woman bid her goodbyes to the man and started to walk over to the two of them. Camilo —still shifted into Antonio, turned his head away from her, fearing that she might recognize him when they locked eyes.

"Holá Antonio, holá Mira. Have you two seen Camilo lately?" 

Mirabel shifted her eyes to Camilo, who's head resting on the table, avoiding his girlfriend's gaze. "Nope! He's been all over the place, eheh... So much work, so little time." 

"Oh, I see... I guess I shouldn't bother looking for him then, I don't want to be a burden." She spoke, her voice slightly wavered upon hearing that he's so busy today.

You're not a burden.

"And, please do remind him to take breaks. I'd hate seeing him all tired everytime I was lucky enough to catch a glimpse of him." 

"Will do!" Mirabel replied, her eyes not-so discreetly squinting at Camilo, telepathically telling him "You heard her, rest." To which Camilo shrunk on his seat further.

"Oh and Antonio? Are you okay?" He stiffened at the sound of her voice so close to her, he tried to quell the shivers running down his spine when she pat his hair, he oh so wanted to melt into her touch —he missed this, he missed her. God, stop being so touch-starved Camilo. You're going to blow your cover!

"He's fine! He just ate something bad that's why, ahaha! We're actually about to go to my Mom right now. So uh, yeah!" Mirabel butted in, nervously laughing as she stood up and saved Camilo from his touch-starved self. 

"O-oh, okay... If it's not too much trouble, please tell Camilo I miss him."

With his back facing the girl, he desperately fought the urge to look at her. Ultimately, he failed and sneaked a glance only to see her already looking at him with saddened eyes. It's as if she knew that he was Camilo all along, and she just chose to keep silent about it. 

Why he didn't just shifted back and talk to her? He doesn't know, he doesn't know why. He probably can't at the moment, as an ugly goo of jealousy just swirled in his insides and clouds his judgement. 

"I love you..."

While he's no Dolores, but he certainly heard her. Her voice filled with nothing but longing that he couldn't help but feel his heart crack as he walked farther away from her. 

"My, my, the sweet-talking sugar-coated Camilo Madrigal, a heartbreaker. How devastating."

"Oh, shut up Mirabel. I didn't break her heart."

"Sure looks like it though, and oooh~ if Tiá Pepa hears of this, expect heavy thunderstorms for a looong time." Mirabel teased further, smirking as the frown on his face deepened with each word she utters. 

"You act like we broke up, which we didn't, mind you!"

"Seeing as you guys haven't really talked for days already, you might as well be." 

Is it really that bad? It's not like they're ignoring each other on purpose, their schedules just couldn't align. Still, his heart felt undeniably empty without her, it's truly dull without her by his side. 

Perhaps he's quite overdue for a break.

There she sat, upon the soft plain of green grass of Encanto, a bit of a distance from town, but not too far. She mindlessly pulled some grass out from the ground, and sighed sadly.

"Everything is so gray." She told to no one in particular, her hair danced amongst the whistling winds as her lonely heart swam on shallow waters.

She felt like drowning in a foot deep water, her dilemma isn't that deep nor is it that complicated, she just simply don't know what to do about it. Even if she did do something, it's as though her efforts did absolutely nothing. 

She can't do anything when Camilo himself doesn't want to talk to her.

"Why so blue? Or should I say, gray?" Ignacio asked, wavy raven locks tied into a half man bun as he looked at the woman worriedly. 

"Camilo doesn't want to talk to me."

He still has a hard time getting used to the straightforwardness of this woman. 

He ponders for a bit, hand on his chin before coming into an obvious conclusion. "Perhaps he's jealous?" 

The woman looked up at him, eyes slightly widened at the revelation. "Jealous? Why would he be jealous?"

For a smart looking woman such as herself, she's pretty dumb. No offense.

Ignacio deadpanned at her obliviousness, "Because you're hanging out with me more than him obviously!" Facepalming as he let out an exasperated groan. 

Camilo probably caught him (but not heard him) that one time all red faced, asking the woman if she would do an art commission —a very self-indulgent one about him and you guessed it his possible unrequited crush on a certain someone. Who shan't be named. (Ignacio threatened the author on a gunpoint to not tell.)

Ignacio agressively rubbed his face in frustration as he might accidentally make a relationship crumble, all because he wanted the woman to draw him an art piece.

What an annoying situation to be in.

Chapter Text

Ignacio felt like he simply added more fuel to the flames. Camilo's fiery look as he stood in front of him, almost ready to throw hands at the slightly larger male. All Ignacio wanted was to clear things up between the two, but, uh, let's say things took quite a turn with him simply showing his presence to the curly haired male.

"How bold of you, to show your face in front of me right after throwing lovey-dovey eyes at my girlfriend." 

"I wasn't—" 

Camilo neared him, his arms crossed as an attempt to refrain himself from hurting the man. Jealousy had completely taken over his entire being the very moment Ignacio was nearing his vicinity, he hates how he's almost everything he's not.

"Just because you're good looking, confident, and have muscles and other stuff I'd rather not mention as it'll only make my blood pressure rise—"

Wow, okay...

"Doesn't mean you can just try and woo someone's girlfriend, okay?" Camilo tried to talk civilly as he could, the grip on his arms tightened significantly the longer he stared at the man in front of him.

"You have a lot of personal issues you have to work on." Ignacio couldn't help but slightly bit back, he did not appreciate him just throwing false accusations on him when he didn't know what actually transpired.

Ignacio certainly did not like how slightly possessive he is at his girlfriend, like he's going to lose her a second time. 

"Ya think? That's generational trauma for you."

I- 

Ignacio does not want to think about that.

"Also before you go accusing me of ‘stealing’ your girlfriend, how about you actually talk to her, like I don't know... Like any rational adult would do?" 

Camilo bitterly laughed, eyes averting Ignacio's gaze. "I can't talk to her when you're basically coddling her."

Coddling?!

"Excuse me? Listen here, amigo. And I mean, listen." He placed a hand on Camilo's shoulder, gripping it tightly. "You've been in a relationship longer than I could ever have, surely you know that communication is vital in every relationship?" 

"And also, don't give me the excuse that you can't talk to her when she told me that she tried talking to you once and you refused to even face her, even shifted into Antonio mind you!"

"She... told you?" 

Jealousy is such an ugly thing indeed, it festers and grows. An invasive weed in a garden of flowers, with thorns prickling your heart with every move you make.

It hurts.

Maybe because you didn't try hard enough.

What?

She found something —someone who is much easier to manage.

No, that's not true.

Possessive, too possessive.

Shut up.

It wouldn't be a surprise if she'll leave you for him.

Shut up!

"What are you...?" His grip on Camilo loosened, he saw his fist tightly clenched, alarmed, he backed away slowly. He does not want to engage in any fight right now.

What are you waiting for? He's right there, are you just going to let him take her away?

"I said, shut up already!" 

The woman's body froze, panic-stricken as she saw the scene unfold before her eyes. "Stop it you two!" She shouted, her heart beating fast as they still didn't cease their fighting. 

She knew getting in-between the two in the middle of a fight is an incredibly horrible idea, but if it'll make them stop fighting, then so be it. 

"Camilo, please!" Her calls are only left unheard of by him; a mere barbed wire fence, she fears if she ever comes close to even touching it, she'll only get hurt. And hurt she did.

His elbow hitting the side of her face, but a mere hairsbreadth away from hitting her eye. The force of the impact made her recoil back, stumbling slightly backwards. 

"Come Mierda!" Camilo shouted, or was it Ignacio? She couldn't will herself to know who. The two are just too immersed in fighting to even notice the woman.

Like a newly born doe, she stumbled away to get help. And right on cue, Félix and Agustin came rushing towards her, it seems as though Dolores had already informed the two fathers of what's going on. What a godsend.

"Hija! Are you okay?" Félix worriedly asked, frantic as he saw her covering the side of her face. "Dios mio, who did that to you?" Agustin added, seeing the nasty red mark forming on the woman's face. Agustin cringed at the sight, that's certainly going to bruise.

"It doesn't matter, Señor. Camilo, Camilo is, he got into a fight, and I tried to stop it but—" 

"Cálmate, hija. We'll take it from here, just go to Julieta and get yourself all fixed up, sí?"

With a heavy heart, she nodded. She wanted to go and follow them, but she also knew she'll only get in the way of things. Like she always do.

"What the hell did I even do to you, man?" Ignacio asked, heaving heavy breaths as he tries to dodge every punch Camilo throws at him. 

You're not good enough.

Stop it.

Camilo used to think that he couldn't go a day without her presence, her eyes, her voice, her everything. And it's true, he still and does think like that. 

So when the day arrived when he couldn't see her, talk to her everyday like he used to, it was so damn painful for him. Touch had always been his mode of affection, and to be deprived from it, it felt like hell. 

So to see her, talking to Ignacio all happily like that, it flipped a switch within him. He thought, he told himself that, that should've been me. That should be me, not him. 

He didn't notice he was being held back by his own father, his angry voice booming in his ears was slightly muffled as he slowly returns back from reality. 

"What in the world were you thinking, Camilo? Picking a fight with someone who clearly has no intention to fight you!" Félix scolded, his hands both on his son's shoulders to make him snap out of his trance.

"Not the smartest idea I tell you." Agustin added, helping Ignacio stand up from the ground. The man had a busted lip and a broken nose, he... Did that? 

He stared at his hands, all red and bloody he was sure his knuckles are going to bruise so badly. "You're lucky your mother doesn't know of this or else we'll be in biig trouble." 

"I know..."

The woman had just arrived in front of the Casita's door before being dragged in to the kitchen as quickly as the magical house could.

Julieta and Bruno's eyes widened at the sight of her red face, the mother hurriedly stuffed an arepa on the woman's mouth and made her sit down.

"You looked like crap, what in the world happened, chica?" Bruno asked in a hushed tone, head turning left and right to see if Pepa is around, blocking the view on the doorway just in case. He knows how much Pepa loves her future daughter-in-law.

"Bruno!"

"What? Don't tell me she doesn't look like crap before you stuffed an arepa on her face!" 

Seeing the two banter for a bit, immediately calmed her nerves. "I, I was being stupid and tried to stop two men fighting and got caught in the crossfire instead." 

"Two men fighting? Who?" Julieta inquired, fixing the woman's hair as clearly, it looked like she had walked through a hurricane.

"... Camilo and Ignacio.." she replied in a meek voice, eyes looking everywhere but the two people in front of her. 

"That's... Certainly a surprise."

"What surprise?" 

The three jumped at the sound of Pepa's voice. Who hurriedly engulfed the young woman into a hug, rainbow formed above her head, to which she gladly reciprocated. "Hija! It's been so long since you visited the Casita, we missed you!" 

Brushing away stray strands of her hair as Pepa continued to speak, "And also, what's this surprise that I haven't heard about?" The young woman's eyes immediately darted to Bruno and Julieta asking, almost begging to help her.

"Well, you see this chica here found out that Camilo—"

"Is planning to propose to her! Yeah, yeah." 

Julieta glared at Bruno, whisper shouting, "Bruno, what are you thinking!?" To which the latter whispered back, "I panicked, sorry!" 

The young woman wanted to facepalm so hard at the two, but hey, at least Pepa looks jolly!

"Oh my! Another addition to the Madrigals! I'm so excited for you to be part of the family, hija!" Pepa beamed, her smile ever so radiant as ever. She can't help but go along with it.

"Shh, it's a secret Señora. You mustn't tell anyone else, even Señor Félix." The other two siblings behind her rapidly nodded in agreement. 

"Okay, okay, I'll try, oh, I'm so excited!"

The three watched as Pepa walks out of earshot, before Julieta hit Bruno with her elbow, and pinched him on the sides. 

"Señor..." 

"Sí, sí, I've done goofed.."

Chapter Text

There came an allegory of the selfish man.

"Two stars, my Moon, where are you?" He thoughtlessly sang,

"Two stars, my heart, what must I do?" He sung all the time.

He stared at the evening sky which his Moon had, eyes shut and fell asleep, arms outstretched. "I reach for you," he whispered. 

He is selfish for he loves, he is selfish for he longs, he is selfish for he fears.

"I reach for you everyday, my mind and heart cries, longing for you." Breathed he, breathed as if the bright moon was his only reason that he lives.

Spinning-wheel, spinning reel, whir— whir— whir. And around it goes.

"Craft I did, the most elegant of silk. All for you, love." 

Spinning-wheel, spinning reel, whir— whir— whir. And broken it goes. Overused.

"Selfish, selfish, selfish man. You cannot buy genuine affection." The winds howl, it blew his rooftop off in spite. One is not shallow enough to be bought with such useless lavish gifts.

Selfish man, dear broken man. How I told you so. 

You spend too much on useless things, now you reap what you had sown.

Selfish man, selfish man, my broken man. You love too much, give too much, now you left where you began.

"Everything I give and do, it is all for you." 

"Everything you offer and do, is not what I want, you fool." Sweet moon cried, heavy dew drops fell on cloud-like forests; saddened and frustrated were they, for the man had yet to realize that:

"Silly, silly, silly man. All I want is you and nothing more, you buffoon."

Silly selfish man, he who asked for love, he who wants the Moon. Silly selfish man.

Flowers given withering and wilted at the doorstep of her little workshop, Camilo did not fail to leave bouquets of flowers to her everyday, and today is no exception, it was a silent gesture of an apology. He could not forgive himself for accidentally hitting her in a fit of blinding jealousy, disgusting, childish jealousy.

"I'm sorry, amor." He spoke, not expecting an answer. Sitting on her doorstep, his back leaning against the wooden door. 

"I, I didn't mean to hurt you. You know I will never intentionally hurt you. I'm sorry."

He looked pathetic in public, but he did not care. All he cared about is her forgiving him.

All he cared about is to be with her again.

"Please forgive this fool of a man of yours."

If you'd call him a man, that is. A sorry excuse of a man.

A child.

There she sat and leaned, the other side of the door; quiet salty tears hitting wooden floor. She's scared to face him, she doesn't know why, she knew it was just an accident, she knew he never meant it to happen. He will never will it to happen.

She hears footsteps fading like echoes, yet she still couldn't will herself to open the door. She felt much too scared. 

Jealousy is one thing she can understand, but his seemingly lack of trust is something that caused a ripple in her being. 

In this lifetime, she wished for never-ending happiness. Was it too much to hope for? Perhaps she's the one who's selfish.

She is ivory and indifference, the people call her; eyes cold and hard like gemstones of the earth, wintry gaze will send you freezing in place. But the people couldn't be anymore wrong, she was but a murmur of a lonely girl. 

With trembling hands she took his, and whispered words that blanketed her soul to rest. He is heaven, her sky. What ever had happened to you?

"I'm sorry as well, I should've known better." She whispered, hugging her knees as she bitterly wept on the cold floor. 

Days passed on, the same routine is done. Same sorry's, same flowers, same hearts. Everything is the same and Camilo loathes it.

"Papá, what should I do?" Camilo cried, what a broken man he became without her. Her very existence had become the an extension of him, he could not function without her side.

"She still wouldn't talk to me." Ugly tears streamed down his freckled face, cheeks glistening with the light. Félix felt his heart shatter at how lost and broken his son is, he became a mere husk of his former self. 

"Hijo, give her some time, she's still probably startled at what happened before." 

"Startled? More like terrified of me." He sniffed, tears still shamefully fell upon his rosy starry cheeks. "That's not true, 'milo! I'm sure she still loves you just as much as before." 

He doubts it.

With a flick on his forehead Félix spoke: "I know what you're thinking, and no. I wholeheartedly believe she still does, she just needs time. Both of you need time. Especially you Camilo, get your mind out of the gutter, hijo!" 

Perhaps it's also Félix's fault for not telling his son that too much of one thing can be unhealthy.

"I understand your fear of losing her, I really do. But have you thought how your actions effect her? Have you thought that maybe, just maybe, because of your overprotectiveness, she felt as though you don't trust her?"

And for that he'd like to apologize too. 

"I do trust her though! I trust her with everything!" 

He'd like to apologize for being so forgetful, so lacking. 

"It probably don't seem that way to her."

Maybe if he was blessed with a gift, maybe then he'd be more useful. But for now, talking some sense into him would suffice.

The amount of trees she'd been drawing is astounding, she's been trying to keep her mind off of things ever since that day. Sometimes she could still feel the lingering pain on the side of her face, the furious look Camilo gave to Ignacio with every punched he threw at him.

Everything happened so suddenly, so much happened in a single day that it was overwhelming. Too much to keep up.

The familiar knock on the door broke her out of her trance, it was Camilo again. 

She had already memorized his patterns of knocking at how many times he had been on her doorstep. The two sat on the floor; the wooden door was their only thing that's keeping them apart. So close, yet they felt so far.

"Holá cariño, it's me again. You're probably annoyed at me being at your doorstep so often, huh?" He let out a broken laugh, gripping the small basket of snacks tightly. He'd rather not cry right now.

"I, I have some fresh arepas Tiá Julieta made especially for you, amor. I know you haven't been eating well couped up inside, so I'll, uh, leave it here." 

He stood up, dusting dirt off his clothes before speaking one last time: "I miss you, mi corazon. I miss you so, so much and I'm sorry." His hands touched the door, leaning his forehead against the wood. 

"I'm sorry for hurting you, I could never forgive myself for what I did. I'm sorry for being so overprotective, I literally have no excuse aside from getting scared that I'll lose you, but that in of itself is not a valid excuse." He couldn't help but choke up a sob, his free hand covering his mouth a valiant attempt to hide his cries. But the woman on the other side heard it loud and clear, her own tears flowing freely down her cheeks. 

"I love you, I love you so much."

She had long since forgiven him, she just simply couldn't face him at the moment. Her heart screamed to open the door, yet her mind was not ready to talk to him. Not yet.

"I love you too..."

My love, we both drowned under the waters of words we left unsaid.

Yet for some reason, drowning doesn't sound so terrifying —knowing that I'd be drowning alongside with you.

Chapter Text

Little lizard sat and sighed staring at their opened window, sighed and sighed they did all afternoon. 

"Why so blue, little lizard? Did someone bother you?" Little Owl said, flapping tiny wings as they watched the tiny reptile sulk. "This is the sad time of day where I wait for Mr. Pigeon to give me a letter." They replied, little tail wrapping around Little Lizard's body for comfort.

"Why is that?" Asked little Owl.

"Because no letter comes, and it makes me unhappy. Is it because no one likes me, that no letter arrives in my window?" Said Little Owl

"I like you." Hooted little Owl, nuzzling its feathery face on Little Lizard.

"Oh."

"Yeah." 

The world feels a little less lonely for Little Lizard.

Camilo sighed at the sight of the basket of arepas he offered last time, being eaten by stray cats and dogs at her doorstep.

Dolores told him that the woman had never bothered to leave her little workshop not even once, which made him grow increasingly worried for her health.

"Shoo! Shoo! Go away!" He shooed the animals away, placing a new batch of food for her to hopefully eat. 

He stared blankly at the wooden door, that God-forsaken wooded door. It was literally the only thing that was separating the two of them —he so badly wants to kick it down, but he knew he'll only make the situation worse for the two of them.

He sat on the ground, hugging his knees —probably a few inches away from the door. "I miss you." He spoke, watching the stray dogs fighting over the basket of stale arepas in the distance.

"I miss you every day, every second, every hour, every night." His eyes felt so tired from crying each night, but not once did he care.

"If you don't want to see me right now, I understand —I'll give you all the space you need! Just, just, please... Take care of yourself, eat." 

Maybe he'd become rather observant nowadays, I guess being apart from her had made him realize things, notice things he hadn't before. But he could've sworn he heard shuffling from the other side, but he still refused to face the stupid door —he had grown to hate her front door the more he continued his fruitless visits.

"Please at least eat Tiá's food, so for the most part you, you won't get sick." 

He buried his face in-between his knees, with a muffled voice he spoke once more: "I only have one of you, so please take care of yourself for me —if not for me, then for your family."

A small wave of silence ensues, Camilo still continued his one-sided conversation.

"Never once in my life did I feel like I deserve you, you were like that falling star that I just couldn't somehow reach, despite how close you are to me." he chuckled, yet the laughter did not reach his eyes, now pooling with a new set of tears; they await their free fall.

"So when I finally got to have you, in my arms; Kiss you, for real..."

He wants to run away and start over, wipe the slate clean.

"I felt so, so scared to lose you."

He wants begin again like a blank white canvas. 

"Because I knew in my heart and mind —my entire being, that you deserve someone better. Yet I just couldn't in my heart to just, y'know... Forget my feelings, I just couldn't let go." 

Sometimes, when people yearn to be selfish, it's because they've been too selfless for too long.

Camilo Madrigal. The talented, enthusiastic Madrigal, who greets guests with a bright smile. Truly had been reduced into a broken lonely man that he is, how tragic.

Please.

Please.

Please.

"Please, just let this selfish man of yours see you one more time!" His eyes widened as he turned to look at the door, only to be met with the woman he oh-so longed to see.

She stared blankly at him, salty tears falling from her reddened cheeks —as if she tried agressively rubbing shameful tears away. 

He slowly stood up, his vision blurred from the tears rapidly —and threatening to fall from his freckled cheeks. 

"Can, can I touch you, please?" He's scared, so scared she might say no, so scared to hurt her again. 

With a silent nod, she raised her arms: gesturing for a hug. 

The floodgates had opened, tears now shamelessly shed with relief. Finally, finally, oh god finally.

He ran to her for a hug, stumbling a bit as he cried, sobbed, and wept. Her scent filled his lungs once more, god he missed this, he missed this so much.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry—" he muttered.

"I'll never hurt you again, I'll never be stupid again, I promise, please, please don't leave me." He muttered again and again.

Tears kept falling and falling from both their reddened cheeks, they both missed the warmth that each other had brought. They both felt so empty without each other.

"I- I, I was so, so scared. You scared me, Camilo." She struggled to say amidst her sobs and hiccups. She held him a little tighter, her hand wandering through the thicket of his curly hair.

"I know, I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry." He pulled away slightly, taking a good look of her face. His hand rubbing gentle circles on her the side of her face of which he accidentally hit, he did not miss the small flinch she did when he touched it. It shattered his heart even more, how could he let himself come to this?

"I'm sorry... I'll never do it again. Never." He said in-between kisses he smothered her face with, mostly focusing on the area he hurt. 

"I love you, I love you the moon and back." He whispered as they slowly kneeled on the floor, he buried his face on the crook of her neck —he sobbed like a child who went through a horrible nightmare, clinging to his mother for comfort. 

"I love you too, from the skies and to the galaxies beyond, mi cielo." 

Little Lizard patiently waits on their humble windowsill they sighed and sighed. 

"Still waiting for a letter?" Asked Little Owl.

"Still waiting." Said Little Lizard.

Little Owl sat beside Little Lizard, staring off to the lovely field of white tulips and purple hyacinths. What a lovely view.

"You needn't wait any longer then." Huffed Little Owl, flapping tiny wings in mirth.

"And why is that?" Little Lizard asked, eyes now focused on their feathery friend.

"Because I wrote you one." Little Owl smiled, shifting a little closer to the tiny reptile, who's eyes brightened than the sun that shone in the morning. "What did the letter say?" They couldn't help but ask. 

" ‘To my dearest, Little Lizard, 

Tomorrow and tomorrow I cherish the kindness you give me from day to day, I like how you make tasty coffee, very heavenly. I like your silly jokes, it's so corny —yet I can't help but like it anyways. And I am very honored to have met a person as wonderful as you.

Very truly yours, Little Owl.’ "

Little Lizard stared at Little Owl, "You changed the meaning." 

"Change what?" Owl asked, tilting their feathery head.

"You— never mind, thank you Little Owl. I love the letter! And I'll love it even more when it arrives!"

Little Owl made Little Lizard happy, so they are happy too. For their happiness is theirs as well.

All feels right in the world.

Dolores heaved a sigh of relief, "They made up, all is good now. Everyone can stop holding their breaths already." 

"Does that mean we can pester Camilo to propose to her, so Pepa won't make the entire village flood because we lied?" 

"Bruno!"

Chapter Text

Camilo drank in the feeling of every inch of her body he's allowed to venture on, fingers fluttering on her skin —ingraining on his mind every second of it. 

"You've gotten thinner." He noted, his voice in a small murmur as he rested his head on her shoulder. He felt absolutely drained from crying, being apart from her for so long took a huge toll on his mental state. 

"I did?" 

"Yeah, and I don't like it. I'd rather have you looking plump than skin and bones." He closed his eyes, nuzzling on her neck once more —his hands resting on the small of her back, drawing little circles ever so often. 

"Too much of one thing can be unhealthy."

He knows, he learned.

"I know, but that it doesn't stop me from worrying." He replied, begrudgingly pulling away from her touch. He could feel his heart scream to not let go, yet he did not heed its calls.

He finally got the chance to take a good look at his surroundings, and boy, he was astounded at what he saw, so astounded that he rubbed his eyes a little more just to check if he's hallucinating.

"That's, uh, nice trees I guess?" 

Damn, it was a ton of drawings of trees.

"I appreciate it if you don't insult my paintings of trees, thank you very much." 

"Hey! I didn't insult them, I infact complemented them." He replied in a matter-of-factly, crossing his arms to further emphasize his point. "The tone of your voice says otherwise." 

A small knock on the door interrupted their little banter, to which Camilo groaned upon seeing Ignacio's face —still slightly bruised from their little brawl from before. He claimed to be a ‘battle scar’ to Julieta who insisted on healing the man.

"Camilo, yo."

"Yo."

The Camilo begrudgingly apologized to the man, despite his heart's protests. They were able to clear up any misunderstandings between the two of them and now are in talking terms with each other, but that still doesn't stop each other from throwing half-hearted insults at each other though.

"I know I'm probably interrupting something—" 

"Yeah, you did." Camilo butted-in, half-heartedly glaring at the man in the front door

"—but you said I can get the painting by this time..." Ignacio continued through gritted teeth, giving the woman a strained smile. One could almost see the pulsing vein popping out from his neck from irritation. 

"Oh, of course, I'll be right back. For now, be on your best behavior you two." 

A few waves of silence filled the air around the two, Ignacio is currently looking everywhere but Camilo at the moment as his stare has gotten a tad bit uncomfortable. "Are you trying to intimidate me by your stare? Because I do not feel intimidated by the slightest bit. Infact, I feel more uncomfortable than anything else."

"You're not going to get them to notice you with that ugly bruise on your nose." Camilo pointed out, crossing his arms and finally looking away from him —much to Ignacio's relief. "And your hair looks like a rat's nest. No offense." 

"You're just jealous that I can rock a man-bun better than you. Besides, your hair looks like a wet mop." 

First off, Rude. Secondly, where has he heard that insult before? And lastly, he looks quite good with a man-bun, his girlfriend said so. Thank you very much. Her validation is the only thing he needs. (Camilo, you can wear a clown outfit with the makeup and everything and she'll still tell you that you look good.)

He watched Ignacio huffed in triumph, with his teasing smirk adorning his —according to Camilo, very punchable face. 

"The two of you argue like little children." The woman spoke, holding the canvas, to which Camilo's eyes widened at. Damn, this man's down bad. (What a hypocrite.)

"Are you open to suggestions?" Ignacio asked with a charming smile so bright that Camilo and the woman was almost blinded by it. He was very happy with his little painting it seems, seeing as he can't stop looking at it.

"Yeah, what is it?" 

"Put your boyfriend over there on a leash. He looks like he 'bouta bite the hell outta me." He said with a playful sneer. 

Definitely not good for business if a feral guard dog scaring them off, Ignacio would also like to add. However, Camilo would like to argue that he is the best guard dog thank very much, woof woof, bi—

"Duly noted."

"Oi!"

Such betrayal. Much hurt.

With a pep on his step Camilo happily returned to the Casita, his heart light as every burden —every weight he was previously carrying was now lifted. But his moment of respite didn't really last long as Bruno, Julieta, and his sister, Dolores dragged him away into a very secluded area in the Casita to corner him.

"Hi...?" Camilo asked with a nervous smile, he felt like a baby lamb in front of hungry predators with the weird smile they gave at him.

"Camilo, you know we love you right?" 

"Usually, I would say yes. But in this situation... I don't know if I should." Eyes nervously shifted between the three of them, the cogs in his mind twisting and turning as it searched for what shenanigans they had happen to get themselves into, whilst he's busy begging his sweet girlfriend for forgiveness.

"Well you see..." Julieta started, letting out a nervous laugh before getting cut off by the one and only man himself who put themselves into this situation to begin with.

"I kinda—well, not really kinda— I actually told Pepa that you're going to propose to— y'know, your Novia, just so she wouldn't know that you went out and threw fists on someone, you know what she's like when she's angry—"

Bruno continued to ramble and Camilo stared at him, flabbergasted at the amount of info that spilled from that mouth of his. 

"But you love your Novia, right? So it wouldn't be a problem if you proposed to her, unless you're not ready, or she's not ready —which I doubt seeing as she didn't really react when I said that—"

"Wait, wait, wait." Hang on a hot second, did he hear his Tió correctly? Or was he just hearing things?

"She knew?"

The three people in front of him slowly nodded, a bit scared at how he might react.

"She knew, and she didn't tell me?"

"In her defense, she probably thought Mamá might forget about it in a few days so she didn't take Tió Bruno's words seriously..." Dolores butted in, both of her hands clasped tightly together. 

Camilo looked outside, it has been very sunny these past few days and not a single drizzle dare drop from the sky. No wonder.

Also his mother would totally not forget about something as big as a proposal?! Speaking of proposal, don't tell him that he's going to plan to propose to her this year!?

"Don't tell me," he turned to the three once more, eyes blown wide as it suddenly dawned upon him the reason they dragged him here.

"You want me... To propose to her?" The young man finally asked, another new wave of stress came flowing through his being. He can't catch a break can he?

"Yeah."

"Mhm."

"Pretty much."

The three chorused, nodding in confirmation.

With a loud groan he shifted into a young boy and laid flat on the floor, rubbing his face in frustration and combing his curly hair with his fingers.

"Do you think we broke him?"

"I swear to God, Bruno..." 

Chapter Text

She often wonders what is going on in his mind right now. The young man usually stares off into the distance, chin resting on the palm of his hand, a frown adorning pretty freckled face. Sometimes, she'd feel his stare lingering on her back —and when every time she could sneakily catch a glimpse of him, he'll have this silly but undeniably cute lovesick smile plastered upon his face.

"I wonder what's on that pretty mind of yours, Cielo." She whispered to his ear, embracing him from behind as he stared off to the lovely meadows. 

Her voice and touch never fails to send shivers down his spine, it was electrifying, yet he couldn't help but let himself melt into it. He was the candle and she was his flame, ever so bright and beautiful. 

"My mind is always filled with thoughts of you." He replied with a smile, his other hand wandered to find hers —rubbing knuckles affectionately.

"If you're thinking of me, then why do so with a frown etched upon your pretty face?" She leaned her head, resting her chin on his shoulders; curly locks of his tickling her cheeks as she as well, stared off to the distant meadow.

"I was just remembering how horrible my confession was, and how I didn't accept yours at first." And how I even made you cry, Camilo would also like to add, but decided not to. "I don't mind it, I find it quite unique —the stress was very worth it." 

He, but a mere sketch of a pencil, unsure and lost. He knew he was art, he knew he was a piece of work, yet somehow he never felt like he was worth something to look at. She, his artist, his humble painter of crescent moon, paint did she —the most wonderful of colors; thus, he realized that life he previously lived was dull and barren. Opened his eyes he did.

"Have you had strange dreams ever so often?" The young man asked, eyes never leaving lovely meadow from acres away. 

"Yeah, it's always about you and I. Different clothes,"

"Different places and different people." 

She pulled away to look at him quizzically as he turned to look at her with a smile. Camilo was no fool —a fool in love, yes. But not a fool in a situation such as this, where similar yet different dreams kept appearing very often, it was hard to not get suspicious.

Funny how fate does things, not that he minds though. Just as long they find each other, fine by him.

"In my next life, I don't want to forget about you. I don't want to forget about this." He declared to her, pulling her into an embrace, squeezing her a little. 

"I don't want to forget about you too. And even if I do, please make me remember."

"Yeah, I will."

He definitely will.

Off in the distance, one could see a mother and her son wearing binoculars spying on our favorite couple.

‘Mamí and Niko Super Secret Spy Mission Season 2’

"You said that they fought, they don't look like they're fighting." The mother complained, munching on his husband's empanada as they grumbled away.

"Mamá obviously, they made up already! You're so late to the show." Niko groaned, face planting on the grass. 

"Well— I really don't have an excuse." 

"Yeah, because Mamá is so busy replacing her own beloved children with plants. Oh, we're never enough for you are we Mamá —to the point you love your dear plants more than us?" He spoke, wiping fake tears from his face.

The mother flicked a finger on the little boy's forehead, "Stop being so dramatic, hijo. I love you all equally."

Niko deadpanned at her statement, arms crossed and blew a raspberry at his mother. "Equally?? Shouldn't me and Hermana —I don't know, rank a little–if not, much higher than your plants?"

"Oh look, are they doing something? Niko are they hugging or what?" The mother suddenly exclaimed, pointing at the couple at the distance. To which Niko did not appreciate, so with a huff, the young boy spoke:

"Stop changing the topic Mamí!"

Sweet little Antonio, who's not so little anymore, was perplexed. Pico, his little friend toucan, reported that his dear friend Niko is doing something pretty suspicious. To his curiosity, he followed his toucan friend to where Niko is currently located, and my what a sight.

"Niko? Señora Galicia? What are you two doing?" 

The two jumped and screamed, jumpscared by the sudden voice behind them. "Dios mio! Oh, Tonio, it's just you, you sure gave us quite the scare." 

"Pico said you were doing something suspicious, so I went to check." Antonio said with a smile, relieved that they look like they weren't really doing something bad.

"Me and Mamí are playing spies, wanna join?" Niko invited, excitedly patting the grass next to him. 

"So, uhm, who are spying then?" A pair of binoculars was shoved to Antonio to use, quite shocked was he that the two were actually spying on the happy couple in the distance.

"The longer you watch them, the more you feel the flowery and rainbow-y aura that surrounds them, trust me." 

The longer he watched the two, the more what Niko said was right, he feels the flowery and rainbow-y aura. It was almost disgustingly sweet, but he's a kid, and he likes disgustingly sweet things.

"Disgusting, right?"

"Ew, I want more." 

Future blackmail. Antonio thinks, Niko is certainly a bad influence.

‘Mamí and Niko's Super Secret Spy Mission With Antonio and Friends™’

"Why do I feel like someone's watching us?" Camilo shivered, an uncomfortable feeling ran through his spine the longer they stayed in place. 

"You're probably just imagining it, Camilo." The woman shrugged, doodling on the back of Camilo's hands. A little cartoon-ish Camilo next to a similarly styled Ignacio with a heart in-between the two of them— excuse me what? 

Camilo quickly retracted his arm back, a small glare was thrown to the woman, who looked relatively amused at his reaction. 

"What?" 

"Not funny."

"Just imagine, an enemies to lovers troupe. The people would love it. Especially the women." She told him, hands waving around dramatically to further emphasize her point. To which Camilo faked a gag at her idea.

"I prefer if you'd write a story about you and I." Kissing the back of her hand, his lips lingering for a bit before pulling away and staring at her eyes.

"Well, I guess that would be much safer to. Write.. About..." He intertwined his fingers with hers, as he inched closer to her, breath fanning her face —her words trailing off bit by bit.

"Everything from how difficult it is for you to notice my flirting, to you making my heart flutter with every word that effortlessly slipped out from that pretty mouth of yours." His eyes darting from her eyes to her lips, a quiet permission to ask for a kiss.

"How it felt for me to touch you, your skin ever so beautiful —scars, marks, and all. How your voice lulls and traps me like a siren does to an unknowing sailor. Ay, so perfect to me, so perfect for me." He whispered, inching closer until they are but centimeters apart from each other. The satisfying scent of coffee continued to fuel his lungs with each inhale, the pink hues painted upon her face —so ethereal in his eyes.

"I love you."

"I love you too." 

She kept calling him her heaven, but my dear, you were his garden of Eden, you are the steward of his heart. His tears, his doubts, his saddness, washed away by the rushing waves of her love. Your love.

Chapter Text

-SPECIAL CHAPTER-

She tastes like deliciously bitter coffee, absolutely addicting, gentle eyes stare just for me, only for me. 

"Amor..." Camilo breathed, inhaling her scent —he can't get enough of it. He held her body tighter, his sweet oblivious love, his one and only.

"I love you..." He whispered lovingly in her ears, caressing and combing her hair affectionately. 

Say it back.

Say it back.

Say it back.

"I love you too..." She softly replied, touching his hand that held her reddened cheeks, her head of hair formed an almost a halo from above her head as she laid on the mattress.

She was not oblivious, she knew, the signs were clear as day —yet she let it happen. Perhaps she herself was obsessed as well, in her own little way.

He kissed her as if it was his last, honeyed words dripping unto her ears and to her mind, hands roamed her body like he was touching fine silk, he treated her like a goddess. And like a goddess she was, he worships her every being.

She nearly cried as her ears picked up his low hums, so beautiful, goodness it was absolutely heavenly.

"You're mine, only mine. Not to that man, to any woman, or to anyone else. Just mine." 

"Just yours, and only yours." She replied, eyes half-lidded as she basked in the love he graciously poured unto her. 

Peppermint kisses and candied words, their love taste like licorice, such a delicious poison. They wouldn't have it any other way.

"You don't understand, Cariño. I'd willingly kill a man for you if you so wish." His hand tangled with hers, his other comfortably situated on her waist —giving it a light squeeze ever so often.

He leaned in, leaving kisses on her jawline —her free hand tangled with the thicket of his curly locks as she sighed in content, pupils dilating from being smothered with love by him. 

How fascinating how a sweet young teen such as him, grew into a love-crazed obsessive man. A very possessive man. Very fascinating indeed.

The human mind is certainly an interesting thing.

"I know." She replied, her voice breathy as she felt overwhelmed with him. But somehow she can't get enough of it.

"If you knew, then why look at him then?" 

I like you all riled up like this.

"Why must you hurt me so, didn't you say you love me?"

I like how you shower me with affection.

"I gave you my everything, yet you still look the other way." He gripped her hand tighter, almost blocking circulation.

"Mi Cielo, mi Rey." She cooed, her free hand caressing his freckled cheeks, drawing gentle circles.

You are a beautiful piece of art, I wish to paint every inch of you with my love.

"I love you so much, forgive me for looking the other way, his face felt familiar, and it sparked an unpleasant memory within me. That's why I looked at him." 

"Unpleasant? Should I dispose of them for you?" He kissed the back of her hand, as he stared at her, awaiting for her reply.

"Do as you wish."

You look quite handsome in red anyways.

"My, what a liberty."

Chapter Text

He stared at the small shop in front of him with a sigh, catching a glimpse of the menagerie of jewelry by the window. 

"Fancy anything you see, Señor?" A voice popped up from behind him, making the young man jump a bit. It was the nice old lady who owns the little jewelry shop in Encanto.

"A-ah, no I was just looking..." 

The old woman smiled knowingly, "Planning an engagement, perhaps?" Which made Camilo's eyes widened, the old woman let out a small chuckle escape from her lips as she simply shrugged. ‘Experience’ she would simply say.

Eyes glossing over glass shelves meticulously, as he scanned every ring the eye can see, observing every Minute detail like a hawk. But alas, he is no artist nor is he skilled in the skill of craftsmanship to know and understand jewelry.

His eyes caught one banded with shining silver, with it etched upon was a gem of emerald green and bits of diamond on its sides. It was simple, perhaps a bit modest, and most importantly, it was not as expensive as others. Camilo doesn't want to unknowingly pressure his woman to say yes out of guilt with how expensive the engagement ring he bought if he were to buy something fancy.

Simplicity is beauty, they would say.

"Has something caught your eye?" 

"Yeah, but uh, like I said Señora... I'm just looking." He pointed at the ring of his choice with a sigh, now shoving his hands to his pockets and looking away. Even if it's less expensive than everything in the shelf, he still couldn't afford it right now with the money he currently have at the moment. He'll just come back some other time, that is, if the ring wasn't bought yet when he returns.

"I see, I can offer a discount if—"

"No need!" Pepa bursts in the humble store, leaves and twigs stuck on her hair holding a bag of money and pleasantly shocking both the old lady and Camilo quite a lot.

"Mamá?! How, what, why??!" Camilo stammered, whereas Pepa simply laughed and patted her son on the shoulders with a bright grin, accompanied by her signature rainbow above her head.

"No need to worry, hijo. Mamí is here to take of everything." 

"You don't have to—"

"We'll buy everything!" 

"NO!"

This is probably the third time Camilo sighed today, probably more. He held the little paper bag tightly, his thumb rubbing gently on the brown paper. "You didn't have to do that..." He spoke with a small voice, eyes locked gazes with the road in front of him.

"Nonsense, hijo! Also what are you thinking, going inside a jewelry shop with little to no money in your person?" His mother nagged a bit, arms crossed and her chin held high.

"Like what I said to the old lady, I was just looking Mamá. Besides, I don't think, she'll... I don't know." 

"You don't think she'll say yes?" 

Camilo nodded, doubts and insecurity nagged his mind once again, swirling into a spiral of overthinking. Pepa certainly didn't miss how quiet he became when she said that, obviously, his girlfriend would say yes. That's already a given, she's not letting that young woman to not be her daughter-in-law.

"Camilo, the two of you have been dating for, what? Five years?" She's pretty sure five years of being lovey-dovey with each other is more than enough time to get to know each other.

"But what if she's not ready? What if I'm going too fast? What if she needs more time?" 

The more Pepa watched her son overthink the more she sees herself in him, the anxiety filled man who feels the need to make everything perfect and in order. Is that how she looked when she's a nervous trainwreck? 

"Hijo, listen to me." She spoke, her hands holding his shoulders to cease his train of thought. Her eyes gleamed in much seriousness that it made the son focus on her.

"Do you love her?"

"More than anything else." 

If I had a thousand lives, I'd gladly offer it all to her. And I will continue do so even if I were to be blessed with a million.

"Do you think she'll say no?"

"Yes... No... Maybe??" He replied, voice changing in tone with every word he uttered, Pepa did not like that answer, so she did what every sweet mother would do:

Smack him lovingly on the back of his head. Quite hard.

Maybe that might knock some sense into him.

"Camilo, hijo, mi vida, you're being stupid." She spoke, clouds forming from above her head, he can hear the threatening rumbling of thunder from above them. 

"Listen, you're going to propose to her," Pepa's and now reached her son's freckled cheeks, sandwiching them firmly. "Make her your pretty wife," Camilo could only shrink further from where he stood, holding the paper bag of the precious box of engagement ring higher.

"And give me cute Nietos and Nietas, got it?" 

Camilo nodded vehemently in fear of suffering his mother's thundering wrath. "Yes, Mamá." He squeaked like a mouse on a cage.

"Good, you already asked Señor Galicia his blessing, right?"

...

"Camilo, have you or have you not asked for her father's blessing?" She asked once again, the sound of thundering amplified with each second.

"Well, kinda? But that was like five years ago before we got together, does that count Mamí?"

Please say yes.

Please say yes.

Oh god, please just say it counts.

"Of course it doesn't count!—"

Damnit!

His eyes widened in fear upon seeing how big his mother's thundercloud had became, it loomed above him ready to strike it's lighting upon him. 

Desperate to free himself from the terrifying clutches of his mother, he shifted into a small child and made a run for it. "I'll be asking for his blessing right now, Mamá! Bye! Love you! Muah, muah!" 

Terrifying cracks of thunder can be heard in the distance as he ran away huffing and puffing as he sprinted.

The father did not know what to expect when he saw his daughter's lover on his front door, huffing and puffing like he ran the longest marathon yet. He definitely did not expect the words that spilled out from the young man's mouth: 

"Let... Let me... Your daughter... Blessing... Yes..." He croaked, still breathless from running.

"What?" 

"Water..." 

"Oh."

Downing the water like a starving man, Camilo basically inhaled the cup of water given to him in almost milliseconds. The father reckoned it was some kind of quirk their family has —gulping all the water within less than a second without choking. 

"Please, let me marry your daughter." The glass hitting the table as he spoke, eyes swirling with unyielding determination. There is certainly one thing her family likes to do, and that is being straight to the point. 

And like a Roman Legionary, he struck his point across his enemy with his mighty spear—

"Sure." 

Wait what?

"Wait... Really?"

"Yeah, you're a good man. Not afraid to admit his faults, and most of all," with a small smile on his face he spoke with much sincerity:

"You make my daughter incredibly happy."

Now he gets how her mother fell in love with him. Because for a scary looking man, he sure has a soft smile —much like his daughter. Not that his daughter is scary, no no no! 

Also internally doing those dramatic shebang earlier when he asked for the father's blessing, was completely unnecessary on his part. 

"Hold onto her, hijo. For as long as time allows you to." 

"I'll never let her go." He promised, standing up from the chair leaving a loud creak. His back turning, facing the father as he reached the front door; with one last grin, Camilo spoke:

"She is the woman that I plan to spend every waking moment with, so rest assured I have no intention of letting her slip away from my fingers easily."

With a triumphant smile, he walked out the Galicia household with his heart less heavy.

Until death may do us part.

Chapter Text

I've always felt drawn to you for some reason, like gravity, you pull me back towards you —grounding me. Your voice, still as serene as ever; it never fails to soothe me. Your hands, goodness, your hands, so wonderful they are. Gentle touches, loving caress fluttering on my skin —I know I say it a lot, but I truly can't get enough of it. I'd say it a million times if I had to.

Everything you create with your own two hands, will never cease to amaze me. You're just that amazing. 

Now that I see you, so close to me, lounging in your mother's garden, it felt like the epitome of serenity. Your pretty hands moves with such skill, so much precision, with so much care. Ay, Mi Luna. I really love you so much you couldn't begin to understand. Perhaps you do, but chose to keep silent about it, always patiently waiting for me to tell you. 

"Be anymore perfect amor, I would think that the heavens made you just for me." 

I could see your lips twitch up to a small giddy smile, slowly leaning in to press on my jaw a little kiss. You looked up at me with your eyes filled with tenderness, almost saying, I'd like to think fate made me just for you, and you for me.

Or perhaps it's just me fantasizing once again, I seem to do that quite a lot ever since I met you. Or perhaps you are telling me that through your gaze, the world would never know.

Silence crowded the space between us, it was more of the comforting kind. The sound of nature and the soothing music that you make with that paintbrush of yours made such a wonderful background noise, I can almost fall asleep.

"Cielo, I wanna take a break." 

"We can cloud gaze if you want."

"Sounds absolutely lovely." 

We laid on the soft grassy bed, your hand interlaced with mine. Sometimes I often wonder how you trust me so much, for you to let yourself be vulnerable next to me as you slip off to dreamland, I am a man after all. You shouldn't just completely trust someone just because you love them, in my opinion that is.

"Amor..." I couldn't help but whisper, brushing hair to see your face better. I wouldn't mind seeing this everyday.

"I'd like to think that I'm a patient man, willing to wait. Willing to go such lengths and idiocy just for you." I want to smother you with kisses, drown you with my overflowing love. 

But I can't. Not right now that is.

"But I want you to be mine, for real." Kissing the back of her hand, letting my lips linger for a bit before speaking once more: 

"I want the whole world —no, the entire universe to know that you're mine, and I am yours. I want everyone to know we belong together."

Please let me be yours.

Rummaging through pockets I held the ring, slowly sliding it on her ring finger. I can't help but blush like a teen at doing such an act like this, it feels so childish.

It fits, it actually fits. It looks so beautiful on your finger, mi vida. Dios mio, it suits you so well.

You twisted and turned in your sleep, so adorable. Your fingers lightly clutching my clothes with a miniscule smile plastered on your face as you sleep —I simply couldn't help but coo a bit, peppering you with kisses on your face as you slowly stirred awake, letting out a content sigh.

I could feel hands roaming on my back and chest as I continued to paint you with kisses. Your touch never felt less than satisfying; it would always leave shivers down my spine.

"Well, hello to you too." You spoke, voice still groggy upon suddenly waking up from your nap. Head slightly tilting as I trailed down your neck, goodness your scent is truly alarmingly addictive.

"I can't take it anymore, amor." 

"What do you mean?"

"Please be mine." I breathed, holding you tighter as I buried my face on your neck.

"But I'm already am yours, Camilo." You softly said to me, voice brimming with reassurance and comfort as you gently stroked my hair.

"I want you to marry me." My eyes closed, as I do not trust myself opening them, holding your waist a little tighter I felt you stiffen. You probably noticed the ring on your finger, etched with gems of green and white. 

My eyes are still closed. I can not will myself to to open them.

I don't want to see you look sadly at me and say you can't. I refuse to see you force yourself to say yes out of pity and guilt. I vehemently refuse. 

I could hear you choke up at what seemed like a sob, it was as if memories suddenly flowed back into you. "Is, is this for real?" You croaked.

With a small nod, face still buried on the crook of your neck, I replied in a whisper, "Yes, this is real." 

I could feel the tears began to form the longer you keep silent. 

Please say yes.

I know this isn't probably what you expected a proposal should be, I bet you're expecting me to be fancy —take you out for dinner by candle light, stroll in the forest near the river, or something similar to the books you oh-so love to read.

Please say something.

But instead we're in your mother's garden, kissed by afternoon sun, just asking you to marry me out of the blue. I swear I had a plan, but the longer I looked at you, the harder it is to wait. 

Anything.

"Camilo, look at me." 

I don't want to, I'm scared to. I'm afraid at what you might say.

"Please?" 

I pulled away to look at you with tear-filled eyes, only to see you look the same as well. Eyes soft like cotton, you pulled me back in for a kiss, your hands roaming in my neck and hair —embracing me with your love.  

I can't help but pull away once more as the tears flower freely down my cheeks. Your hands, interlaced with mine, I held it tighter. Caging you.

"Please do. Please take me as your wife, Camilo."

God, I can't help but cry in happiness when you said that. It feels like a dream, even if it is, I wish never want to wake up. I choked up a laugh right before your mouth crashed with mine once again. 

You've gotten so bold as the days go by, is that my fault? Or are you just slowly showing your true colors to me? Not that I mind really.

Your kisses had always been my favorite, you've always been my absolute favorite. 

Set me ablaze, my love. And I will flourish in it.

In the flames that you make I will make a whole kingdom and a throne just for you. If the universe allows it. Dramatic, I know.

Tió Bruno's telanovelas just never stops even in my thoughts.

I can't wait to be finally be married to you.

I can't wait to spend my whole life with you.

I love you.

❦

It seems as though forever is never enough. But isn't forever just a lifetime? Since we can't live forever, we can only live for a long time. 

There is so much I'd want to do and say to you, so many places I wanted to go with you. Yet I can't to it all in one life. 

I wanted to walk the streets of Paris with you, lounge in the library sipping coffee and tea in the city of London, Watch fireworks light up the evening sky in lakes of Biwako. If we're ambitious enough, we could trek up a hill or a mountain if you so wished.

Even so, it would never be enough. Human want is difficult to satisfy. 

Time and time again I always feel drawn to you, I always feel connected to you. Fate had been so good this life and I am relieved. So relieved.

Happy I am for I am with you. 

Till our next life, and to the others that come next, I wish to remember each and every one of them. So please don't forget about me.

Much love, your heaven, your sky. 

Chapter Text

"Wonderful book you're reading there." A man suddenly spoke from in front, royally startling the woman. She was sitting on the back corner of an old library her family handled, hunched back on the cold floor.

"Yeah, it's a wonderful book. How unfortunate that it seemed unfinished." She replied, fingers fluttering on the last page. 

"Unfortunate indeed. The original texts was sadly burned during a sudden wildfire, the author could only save so many." He began to sit on the floor beside her, his eyes never once leaving her form. 

"Oh, I see. Now it makes wonder what the ending is." The woman wonders how the man knew what happened to the book, as little was really known about the author. Perhaps he did his research more thoroughly than hers.

"Well..." he began, his smile widened as he shifted closer to the woman.

"Maybe you already knew the ending, you just happened to forgot." 

"In my next life, I don't want to forget about you. I don't want to forget about this."

"I don't want to forget about you too. And even if I do, please make me remember."

"Wait what..." She muttered, clutching the book a little tighter. She watched as his gaze softened, he stared at her knowingly —she'd dare say almost lovingly.

"Just, just who are you?" 

With a charming smile never leaving his freckled face, he took her hand and boldly kissed the back of it and spoke, "I can be whoever you want me to be."

What is this déjà vu?

"I can be an old friend, a stranger, or perhaps even your lover —if I'm lucky."

His voice felt familiar yet at the same time, so foreign to her. She just couldn't put a finger on it. "But what I can assure you is that," he leaned in and whispered to her, his voice low and smooth —sending shivers down her spine.

"I've spent two decades searching for you, and I'd be damned to let you slip off my fingers once more, Mi Luna."

Mi Luna?

Mi Luna.

My Moon.

"Hija, are you ready?" Her mother asked, watching her beloved daughter's hair getting fixed by Isabela. Hair adorned with flowers and the veil of white, beautifully framing her face with upmost perfection.

"Yeah, so ready." 

Isabela smirked as she looked at her now-finished hair. She held the bride's shoulders and and leaned in, looking at her by the mirror. "Camilo is so going to cry in joy when he sees you."

Isabela's goal was to make this bride of his like a goddess, and like a goddess she did. She can't wait to see Camilo cry at his wedding day.

And Camilo certainly did, she was absolutely heavenly, so beautiful. Even after the ceremony has ended, he still cried. Everything felt unreal to him, like a dream. But he knew this is real and he is so floored, everyone knew that she's his, and only his, and vice versa.

So when he laid down on their now shared bed, he couldn't help but whisper. "This is it, I'm married, we're married." Hand desperately searching hers, holding it tightly. "And you were so beautiful out there." And you still are.

"I would say the same for you. It felt so surreal."

Never in her wildest dreams had she ever thought she would get married. Never would she had thought it would be with Camilo. 

Now she had finally know what it's like for the sky not only hold her hands, but also to love her unconditionally.

Clouds of thoughts filled his head with words he don't know how to say out loud, he showered her with affection and filled her empty lake that she didn't know needed filling, clouding her thoughts to the point that all she could think of is him. Him.

Him, who used to be so lost in himself, who felt useless in his own family. Him, who felt had no purpose in life —only for fate to slap him in the face and told him directly. His purpose was to be happy.

His purpose was her.

"I love you." Saying that felt easy as breathing for him.

"I love you too." Honestly, she felt the same.

She drew him in her little world in her head, day dreaming a life with him. 

She drew him in her little world, and memorized every freckle.

She drew him in her world, and made it brighter.

Little artist in love.

"Ca, Camilo?" Everything slowly felt so clear to her now.

Songs of wedding bells sung in the distance, the priest, her family —their family, their vows, their everything.

His smile, his charming smile when he saw her, all dressed beautifully in white. His touch, still ever so gentle as ever, always fearing he'd cross boundaries despite her not minding being smothered with love by him. His kiss, filled to the brim with love that could last millions of lifetimes. Goodness, how dare she forget?

Yet the man only smiled, brushing her hair —tucking away the strands behind her ears. "Welcome back, cariño. It's been a while, hasn't it?"

She leaned in for a hug, his scent filling her lungs with much nostalgia as she cried softly. 

"I missed you, so much."

She could only choke up a sob in reply and held him tightly.

"You made me search for you, you made me scour the entire world just to find you." 

Well, searching for two decades is worth it as long as he gets to hold her in his arms once again.

❦

Like I said before, one life will never be enough for the two of us, life is constantly moving —flowing like the river stream. 

And there are always things we wish to change when we reflect in our past, I mean, who doesn't?

Was it the ending I want? Perhaps, I learned to be satisfied with what life gives me. Though, there are things I wished I could've done differently or I wished life did differently.

Was I satisfied? Of course, I get to be with you, again, and again, and all over again. It's enough to satiate my never-ending longing and craving for you. Heh.

My life will never be the same without you. 

Ah, I'm running out of space to write this. So until next time, mi Luna.

I'll be waiting for you as always.

Forevermore.

Very truly yours, your love, 𝓒. 𝓜𝓪𝓭𝓻𝓲𝓰𝓪𝓵