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Chapter Text

It was the last night of summer vacation, and Maya was pacing her room. 

She didn't know how she was supposed to feel. Nervous? Excited? A bit of both?

When Maya had told her parents that she wanted to switch schools, they insisted that she finish her freshman year first. She was relieved that she wouldn't have to go to that school any longer, but now that her first day at a new school was tomorrow, all she could feel was anxiety. 

She heard her door open and turned to see her mother walk in her room, "Maya? Is everything alright?" 

"Yeah, just a little pre-first day jitters." Maya said, sitting on the edge of her bed. 

Her mom sat down next to her and put her hand on Maya's shoulder, "I know starting a new school year's hard. But think of it this way; you're going to your brothers' school. They can help you make friends and find your classes."

"That's true. And I don't think I want my brothers to help me make friends." 

"You know what I mean. To be honest, I don't know why we didn't enroll you in your brothers' school in the first place. It would've been cheaper." 

Maya felt something walk across her lap. She looked down to see her black cat, Chiapa, walk across her bed and snuggle next to the other side of her mom. 

"I think I'm the one in need of snuggles." Maya chuckled with her mom.

"You're going to be great, mija. But I'll also tell you this; I don't want you getting into any trouble. I know why you chose to switch, but don't think we didn't know about the things you got yourself into." 

Maya sheepishly looked at the floor. Yes, she hated it at her old school, but she couldn't deny that she was a bit of a trouble maker. 

"I'll try not to." She said. 

"That's my girl." Her mom said. She gave Maya a kiss on her forehead and said, "I promise you'll make friends. And even if you don't, you have your brothers. And if they don't help, I'll make them help." 

"Mama." 

"I'm serious. Come on, now." She picked up Chiapa and started to walk out of the room, "Why don't we watch a movie with everyone?" 

Maya smiled as she got up and followed her mom out of the room. 

Maybe she was overreacting after all. It'll be fine. 

Joaquin: U excited 4 ur next chapter, college boy?

Manolo: I'm a little nervous, but yeah.

Joaquin: Just don't overthink it too much. We'll see each other during the day and I'll be there to help u with anything u need. 

Manolo: Thanks brother. 

Manolo: I gotta go. I'm with Maria.

Joaquin: I'll leave u to it. And don't u kids have too much fun ;) ;) ;)

Manolo: You're gross =1

Manolo sighed as he set his phone down. Maria just finished setting up the TV to watch a movie. She sat next to Manolo as he wrapped an arm around her. 

"Hey, are you ok?" He asked when he noticed her frown. 

"I'm gonna miss you." Maria said, "You're going to the community college and I'm starting school... I just don't think we'll be seeing each other as much. One summer's not enough."

Manolo chuckled as he gently cupped her face for her to look at him, "What are you talking about? We're not going to war. I'm only going to be forty minutes away, I'm still living here. Of course we'll still see each other. And in case you forgot, I'm going to be your ride to school."

Maria grinned and rested her head against his shoulder, "You have a point. I guess I'm overreacting a little. Jerk."

"Excuse me for pointing out the obvious." 

Maria laughed as she looked up at him. 

The two leaned into each other before hearing, "Ahem." 

They turned to see Maria's dad staring at them from the stairwell, his eyes narrowed and his arms crossed.

"I'm not seeing enough distance between you two." He muttered. 

"Papa!" Maria hissed. 

Her dad raised his arms in defense as he ascended the stairs.

Manolo chuckled as he played the movie, Maria snuggling into him. 

"This summer really was something, huh?" Manolo whispered, his hand moving down her side right above her hip.

"Yeah, it was." Maria replied, gripping his hand firmly, "What matters now is that we're all ok, and we're together." Manolo let out a sigh at her words. He sometimes needed reminders like that.

Maria brought her face to his and gave him a gentle, firm kiss.

"I love you." She said when they pulled away. 

"I love you, too." He whispered. 

The two simply spent the rest of the night in peaceful intimacy until they had to go home. Despite what they've been through that summer, it brought them closer together. Even at that age, they knew nothing would tear them apart. 

Not again. 

Chapter Text

Maya took a deep breath as she took in her new school. 

It wasn't a large building, but it was significantly smaller than her last school. The large parking lot was filled with students making their way inside. 

"You nervous?" Shield asked as they all stepped out of the car and walked towards the school.

"A little." Maya admitted, "But hey. I get a fresh start, I'll meet new people, and if all else fails, I'll eat in the library with you guys." 

"That's the spirit!" Daggers said, "It's a good thing we all have homeroom together."

"We'll teach you the ins and outs of this place, which teachers you should look out for, and where to go." Lance said, "We know this school like the back of our hand." 

"Though, we should warn you about Vice Principal Xtabay." 

"What about her?" Maya asked. 

"She's ruthless." Shield said, "I swear, she's made it her mission to make students' lives miserable." 

"How bad can she be? Vice Principals love me. She'll be a piece of cake." 

"You have no idea what you're saying." Daggers said, "But don't worry, Maya. You'll meet people." 

Maya didn't have that many classes with her brothers, but she had lunch with Daggers and Shield and had a class with Lance at the end of the day.

She didn't pay that much attention to her fellow classmates, but she noted a few that stuck out like a sore thumb.

When Maya stepped out of her English class to go to lunch, she heard someone say, "Hey! Give that back!"

She turned her head to see a girl in a purple bandana holding a black book running from a boy in a blue tie-dyed shirt.

"You want it?" The girl mocked, "Fetch!" She threw the book across the hall, Maya going after it.

She found the book on the ground open to a page. When she picked it up, she saw the pages were filled with colorful patterns, shapes, texts, and doodles in ink. The one that stood out to her the most was a design that said "SHOUT IT OUT" that took up half the page, colored in blue ink, behind a yellow smokey background, surrounded by colorful shapes.

"Hey!" The boy said as he caught up to her, "That's... that's mine." 

"Oh!" Maya said as she handed the book back to him, "Oh, right. Sorry." 

"How much did you see?"

"Just the one page. Did you draw those?"

"Uh... yeah."

"They're really cool." 

"Oh. You think so?" 

"Yeah."

"I-I-I don't think I've seen you around here before." 

"I'm new. I'm, uh, Maya. I'm a sophomore." 

"Same. I'm Rico. Were you just going to lunch?" 

"Yeah! Are you going there now?" 

"Yeah, let's go." 

The school had some tables outdoors to let students eat outside if the weather was nice. It was a cloudy day out, so Maya and Rico were sitting outside. 

"So, what brings you here to Sun Valley High?" Rico asked. 

"I chose to come here." Maya explained, "I was picked on a lot at my old school, but my parents wanted me to finish my freshman year before making the switch." 

"Huh. Kids can be so c-cruel. I don't know if you noticed, but I have a small stutter, so I've had my fair share of being bullied." 

"Oh, no." 

"Don't worry about it." 

"Maya!" Shield came over and sat by Rico and Maya, "Look at you, my little sister's making friends already."

"You didn't tell me you were related to Daggers, Lance, and Shield." Rico said. 

"Oh, yeah." Maya said, "I forgot you guys were, like, the local celebrities of sports."

"What? No." Shield scoffed, "Just in football."

Maya's brothers were part of the school's football team and were considered star players.

Something caught Shield's eye, his face turning serious, "Oh..." 

Maya and Rico turned to what he was looking at. "Speaking of bullies..." Rico said. 

In the grass by the fence was the girl with the purple bandana with another girl, who could only be her twin, in a red bandana. They were both cornering an albino girl wearing a teal shirt, her white hair tied up in a messy bun. The girl's face was hardened, and whenever she tried to leave the bandana girls, one of them would push her back against the fence aggressively. 

It broke Maya's heart to see that. She knew what it was like to be the girl on the fence. 

She was about to get up to help the albino girl when Rico grabbed her arm, "What are you doing?"

"What do you think?" She replied, "We gotta help that girl."

"That's Skull and Bone. They'll pummel both of you alive without- huh?" 

A girl got up from her seat and walked towards Skull and Bone, grabbing everyone's attention, even the student's inside the cafeteria.

The girl had her long, brown, wavy hair tied up in a high ponytail, and was wearing a white shirt and red skirt. Maya recognized her in her English class doodling in her notes.

"Who's that?" Rico asked as Daggers made his way over to their table.

"That's Maria Posada." Daggers said, "She transferred here as a senior. I met her in Chemistry." 

Maya watched as Maria confronted Skull and Bone. She didn't understand what was being said, but she didn't have it in her to just sit back and watch. 

"Ugh!" Maya said, "Come on, we have to go up there."

"No need." Daggers said, "She's ridiculously strong. She studied martial arts in her free time." 

Maya, Rico and Shield watched in intrigue as did the rest of the students. 

"Do you really have nothing better to do than picking on someone?" Maria said to Skull and Bone.

"You're a little far from the city, linda." Skull said, "Might want to prance on home instead of telling us what to do."

"Hey, Skull, doesn't this school have a 'no spoiled princesses allowed' rule?" Bone mocked.

"Seems to have an open door policy for bitches, though." Maria said. 

Skull and Bone stayed silent for a second before Bone said, "Hold her arms." 

They charged towards Maria in an effort to attack her. In what looked like a flash, Maria leg-swept Skull, knocking her on her back. Maria then shoulder threw Bone, landing on her back.

Skull and Bone wouldn't give up so easily, however. They got up and tried attacking a few more times, but for every attack they made, Maria had her own blow. The fight ended with Maria bashing Skull and Bone's heads together.

Everyone's jaws dropped during the short fight.

Someone had just stood up to Skull and Bone. And won. 

"Whoo!" Daggers cheered. 

"Awesome." Shield marveled. 

"Dang." Rico said, "She's got skill."

Maria sat in the Vice Principal's office about the fight that happened. 

"So, Maria Posada." Xtabay said as she read from her file, "Your records show that you transferred from a private school out of town, a golden student."

"Yes, ma'am." Maria said.

"Interesting how a student of your status suddenly started a fight, and on the first day of school, no less."

"Ma'am, they were bullying a girl, I didn't want to fight, but they-"

"I don't want to hear any excuses. You should know that this school doesn't have any tolerance for this kind of behavior. I should have you suspended for this."

"I'm telling the truth." Maria said, "I was just trying to stand up for that girl. They were the ones who started the fight."

"A very likely story."

Daggers and Shield were outside the room, listening by the door.

Xtabay had shown up as soon as the fight ended, calling for everyone involved. She had spoken with Skull and Bone and dismissed them from her office. It was clear they had received little punishment. 

Daggers and Shield had followed them all to her office, knowing full well Xtabay would most likely place all the blame on Maria.

And from what they heard, they were right. 

"Oh, no." Daggers said, "She's not getting in trouble for this."

"I've seen your type before." Xtabay continued, "You have the most perfect records and grades, all to hide your true nature. But don't think I don't know who you are. Week's detention."

Shield and Daggers burst through the door, Xtabay and Maria looking at the two with shock.

"Actually, Vice Principal Xtabay, Maria was just defending herself." Shield said.

Daggers held up his phone and said, "Look, we recorded the whole thing."

Xtabay looked at the video and saw that Skull and Bone had indeed moved first in the fight.

"Hmm. I see you were telling the truth." Xtabay sighed, "But you still engaged in a fight on school grounds. You still have detention at the end of the day. Don't forget everything I told you, Posada. We'll see who you really are. You all may return to class."

Maria stood up and sighed, "Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am."

She left the office as quickly as she could, Shield and Daggers following her.

Maria's face was hardened as she stopped by her locker to get her stuff for her next class. 

"Hey, I don't know if this helps, but we think what you did back there was really cool." Shield said.

"We know Xtabay's impossible with stuff like this, but everyone knows what you did." Daggers added.

Maria looked back at them, her face softening into a small smile, "I'm the one who should be thanking you. If it weren't for you guys, I would've gotten expelled."

"You're the first person who had the guts to stand up to Skull and Bone, and you won!" Shield said, "We weren't about to let that happen to you."

"Thanks." Maria said as she closed her locker.

"You already know me; I'm Daggers and this is my brother, Shield." Daggers said, "We have another brother, Lance."

"I don't know if you can tell, but we're triplets." Shield said, "We also have a little sister, Maya, and our younger siblings, Jaguar and Eagle."

"Sounds like quite the family." Maria said, "I don't have a family nearly as big as that."

"Well, hey. You made some new friends. Maybe we can hang out sometime." 

"That sounds great. I'll see you around." Maria turned away to get to her next class, "Oh, and before you have any ideas, I have a boyfriend."

When Maria turned around to walk away again, Daggers facepalmed himself as Shield patted his back.

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful and normal.

Maya climbed into the car with a small grin, still in awe of the fight earlier. 

"Enjoy your first day, Maya?" Lance asked as he got into the driver's seat. 

"Not too eventful." Maya said, "But I think this place has potential."

"I knew you'd like it here."

Chapter Text

Maya felt more relaxed going back to school the next day. After all, she made a friend. She also knew she had to keep an eye out for Skull and Bone. 

Maya went straight to her locker before homeroom, but she found that her locker wouldn't open. She tugged on the locker a few times, but it still wouldn't budge. She didn't know what else to do except to pull harder. 

"Need help with that?" 

Maya turned her head to see a tall, white-haired boy leaning against the lockers a few lockers down from her. He had a black and green hoodie on with a black gaiter scarf, covering most of his face. Even from under his bangs, she could tell he had an eyepatch, his visible eye was red with black eyeliner. 

"No, no." Maya said, "I got it." She continued to pull on her locker as hard as she could. She put her foot against the lockers to give herself more strength, only to lose her grip on the handle, falling to the ground on her back. 

The boy watched it all with his arms crossed, leaning against the lockers. After she fell, he walked over to her locker and banged it once with his fist. He pulled on the handle and opened the locker.

Maya was somewhat bitter seeing the boy so effortlessly open her locker after she struggled so much. She got up from the ground and started to organize her books. 

"Thanks." She mumbled under her breath. 

"You're welcome." The boy said, "I've never seen anyone so stubborn and pathetic at the same time."

Maya froze in the middle of gathering her books. She slowly turned to look at the boy, "What's that supposed to mean?"

She could imagine a smirk under his gaiter scarf as he said, "Not gonna lie, I was interested in seeing how far it would go. I only helped because it was sad seeing you be so pathetic. Gotta say, I'm disappointed. I've never seen stubbornness lead to something so sad."

Maya slammed her books back into her locker as she felt her blood pressure rise.

"Well, smart guy, what would you have rather seen?"

"I thought you'd figure it out by the time you lifted your foot. But then again, you actually tried to win in a fight against a locker, so I don't know what I was hoping for."

Maya gritted her teeth. This was the first person she spoke to at this school who got under her nerves. 

"I'm sorry to disappoint, but my 'stubbornness' isn't meant to entertain."

"After seeing that, I'll have to agree, princesa."

Maya walked up to the boy and leaned up to his face, "Don't call me princesa." She snarled. 

"Ok." The boy placed a hand on her head and pushed her back, "Princesa." Maya started fuming at that.

This guy clearly enjoyed bothering her. 

Almost without warning, the boy was pulled away from Maya by Lance and Daggers and was held against the lockers.

"This guy bothering you, Maya?" Shield asked.

"As a matter of fact, he is." Maya said as she smirked and crossed her arms. Leave it to her older brothers to stand up for their little sister. 

"Listen, you little prick." Lance said to the boy.

"No one, and we mean no one, messes with our little sister." Daggers added, "He's all yours, Shield."

Maya was a little confused until she saw Shield pull his fist back, ready to punch the boy. 

"No, no, no, no, no, wait! Don't pummel him!" Maya said getting in front of Shield, "Guys, I appreciate this, but he's not bothering me enough to punch him. It's fine, really."

Without another word, Daggers and Lance let go of the boy, who's face didn't change throughout the whole thing. 

"Thanks for the save." He said as he grabbed his stuff from the floor, "I hope to be impressed by your stubbornness one day. See you around."

The boy then walked away down the hall. Maya's face was flushed with annoyance as she groaned, "Who is that guy?"

"No idea." Lance said.

"If he ever does need a smack down, give us a call." Shield said as they all walked to homeroom together. 

Standing a few feet away from them was a girl in a black shirt and purple skirt. The girl watched the whole interaction between the boy and Maya with gritted teeth. The moment they were gone, she slammed her locker closed with a loud bang.

Yesterday's fight made Maria a bit of a local celebrity, people constantly coming up to her saying how awesome she was.

She simply smiled politely as everyone spoke to her, being as humble as possible. 

The moment she was dropped off at school, she saw the albino girl from yesterday running towards her.

"Hey!" The girl said as she caught up, "Hey, I don't know if you remember me, but-"

"What?" Maria said, "Yeah, I remember you. You're the girl they were picking on yesterday. You ok?"

The albino girl seemed caught off guard by the question before saying, "Oh. Uh, yeah. Yeah, I'm ok. I just, uh... wanted to say thanks for sticking up for me. People don't often do that for me, so... thank you."

Maria smiled as she said, "I couldn't just stand there and do nothing, but you're welcome. I'm Maria, by the way."

"I'm Chimi."

Maya was no exception when it came to complimenting Maria for the fight. 

She once again saw Maria in her English class doodling in her notes. She sat next to her, so she could see that Maria was drawing beautiful flowers and leaves.

After class, Maya made a beeline for Maria, "Hi."

"Oh, hello." Maria said, startled. 

"I just want to say, what you did yesterday, was awesome. It takes guts to do something like that."

"Thanks." 

Maya followed Maria as she walked to lunch, "I also noticed your drawings. I know that sounds intrusive, but I wasn't being creepy, it just caught my eye. I think they're really cool, too."

"Thanks. Though, I wouldn't really call them good, I was just doodling."

"Oh, come on. Give yourself some credit. With those designs, you could open a tattoo parlor." This comment made Maria laugh.

They chatted some more as they grabbed their lunch. As they were looking for a place to sit in the cafeteria, Maya heard Rico saying, "Hey, Maya! Over here!"

Maya turned her head to see him sitting with the albino girl Maria defended yesterday. 

Maya walked over to them and sat down with them, "Hey, what's going on?"

"I was just chatting with Chimi, here." Rico said gesturing to the albino girl, "Chimi, this is Maya."

"Sup?" Chimi said raising her brows, "Oh, hey, Maria."

"Hey." She said, "Oh, you're in my art class, right?"

Rico thought for a second before his eyes lit up, "Oh, yeah, we do. You're really talented, by the way."

"You're not so bad yourself." Maria grabbed her tray and stood up, "Gotta run. I promised your brothers I'd sit with them today. It was nice meeting all of you." 

The group waved as Maria walked away to a nearby table. 

"Wow." Rico said, "She's only been here a day and she's already the coolest kid in school."

"I am nothing but honored to have spoken to her." Chimi said, making everyone chuckle.

Maya noticed that behind Rico, was the boy from this morning sitting with his back towards her. She narrowed her eyes at him as she drank from her water bottle.

Just then, someone shoved Maya's shoulder aggressively, making Maya spill her water a little, "Hey!"

Maya wiped her mouth and turned to look at her attacker, "What?!"

Standing in front of her was a girl in a black shirt and purple skirt. Her black hair was tied back in a high ponytail, her bangs died purple. She was wearing purple eye shadow with black lipstick. 

"Well, we're screwed." Rico muttered.

"Hasn't anyone told you about sticking your nose where it doesn't belong?" The girl snarled.

"I don't know what you're talking about." Maya said.

The girl grabbed Maya's shoulder, turning her to look at the girl in the face, "Don't play dumb with me, new girl. I saw your little encounter with Zatz this morning."

Maya glanced to the boy on the other side of the room, "Him?" She scoffed and said, "Ok, I don't know what you thought was going on, but you should know I don't--"

The girl grabbed Maya by her collar and pulled her up to her face.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, ok." Chimi said, "There's no need for hostility-"

"Stay out of this, blanca." The girl said. She turned her attention back to Maya and snarled, "If you know what's good for you, stay away from my boyfriend, got it?"

Before Maya could reply, the girl dropped Maya and walked away to sit with Skull and Bone. 

"What the...?" Maya said to herself. 

"Just ignore her." Chimi said, "She's delusional. Zatz broke up with that crazy bitch over the summer."

"Hm." Maya said, "She has nothing to worry about, anyway. I want nothing to do with him. Who is she, anyway?"

"That's Acat." Rico said, "Y-Youre gonna wanna steer clear of her and Skull and Bone. They're a deathly trio."

"Yay."

Maya noticed Maria sitting with Daggers and Shield. She knew her brothers too well to know that based on his smile, Daggers was attracted to Maria. 

She was gonna have to motivate him to ask her out later.

At the end of the day, Manolo waited in the parking lot for Maria. To pass the time, he sat on the nearest bench working on a new song on his guitar.

"What are you working on?" 

He turned his head to see a few girls watching him play.

"Oh, it's just a new song I'm working on." He said politely. 

"That's amazing." One of the girls said, "You must be so talented."

"Uh, thank you." Manolo knew what the girls were thinking. He decided not to say anything just yet in case one of them would try anything.

The day ended with Maya having biology with Lance, where she realized she also had with Zatz, something she wasn't too thrilled by.

When class ended, she gathered her things to walk to her locker. Chimi and Rico found Maya in the hall once they had they had their backpacks and walked with her to her locker.

"I mean, it's the second day of school." Rico said, "You can't expect me to be so open to participation right away."

"I hate it when they do that." Maya said. 

Maya accidentally bumped into another student, "Oh."

The student turned around to reveal a tall muscular boy looking back at her.

Maya stared up at him a little intimidated, "Uh... I'm-I'm sorry."

She quickly walked away, Rico and Chimi catching up to her. 

"That was scary." She said as she opened her locker.

"Pichu?" Chimi said, "Nah, he's just a big old teddy bear. He's on the football team with your brothers."

"Oh, I think I've heard my brothers talk about him a few times."

When Maya closed her locker, she noticed a sign up sheet on the wall for the soccer team.

She lit up as she went over to write her name.

"Uh, you sure about this, Maya?" Rico said, "You should know Acat's on the soccer team."

"And?" Maya said, "I'm not gonna let some crazy ex-girlfriend tell me what to do. I played soccer at my old school and I wanna play soccer here. End of sto..."

Maya's voice trailed off as she saw Zatz walk to his locker.

His hood was down, revealing his shoulder-length white hair, and his gaiter scarf was lowered, revealing his face.

Maya saw pink and the world turned to slow motion as Zatz flipped his hair. She felt her face go hot as she stared at his perfect... dreamy... hot face.

"So much for not wanting anything to do with him." Chimi said, pulling Maya out of her trance.

She looked back at Chimi and Rico, who both had smirks on their faces. 

"No, no, no." She said, "I-I hate him. He's so- I'm not- ugh. Come on."

They all walked outside and sat on a bench talking while they waited for their respective rides home. 

"Check out that hottie." Chimi said.

Maya and Rico turned to see a guy with a guitar on a bench. He was wearing a white shirt with jeans, his black hair tied back in a ponytail. He was pretty hot. Behind him was a group of girls who were obviously fawning over him.

"Ugh." Rico said, "Unbelievable. Guys will really do anything to pick up girls these days."

"He's barely even looking at them." Maya said, "That's so rude."

"He's probably filtering them for the hottest one to lure her into his trap." Chimi said, "The guitar is effective bait, I'll give him that."

"How much you wanna bet he does this once a week?"

"Hey, there's Maria." Rico said, "Maybe she'll talk some sense into him."

They saw Maria walking in his direction. They saw the guy turn his head, a smile growing on his face as he got up from the bench and walk toward Maria. The girls that were behind him looked insulted as they walked away.

Maria smiled as she saw walked towards Manolo, who stood up when he saw her, strumming his guitar, circling her as he sang softly, only for her to hear.

So don't you worry your pretty, little mind

People throw rocks at things that shine

And life makes love look hard

And don't you worry your pretty, little mind

People throw rocks at things that shine

But they can't take what's ours

They can't take what's ours

The stakes are high, the water's rough

But this love is ours

Maria blushed as Manolo set his guitar down on the bench they walked back to.

"That was a really nice song, Manolo." Maria smiled.

"It's all I have so far." Manolo said, "I'm still working on it."

"Well, it's really nice. Those girls seemed to have thought so, too." 

Manolo was caught off guard as he said, "Hey, you know I'd never-"

"I'm kidding. Gotta say, I wish I was there sooner to see them. It's almost funny seeing other girls think they have a chance with you."

Manolo chuckled as he wrapped an arm around her waist as she leaned in for a kiss. 

Maya, Rico and Chimi had their jaws on the floor as they saw Maria and the guitar guy kiss.

"Really?" Maya asked, "She fell for it?"

"Aw, man. Poor girl." Rico said, "He's gonna use her and throw her out after a week."

"I guess even the sensible ones have their stupid moments." Chimi said. 

Maria and the guitar guy walked to a red Vespa and put on their helmets as they rode away.

"Ponytail, guitar and Vespa?" Rico said, "That's a recipie for the perfect douche bag."

"Dang." Maya said, "I could tell Daggers kinda liked her. And as luck would have it, she's dating a player."

Maya saw her brothers with their car, honking the horn.

"Oh, there they are." Maya said getting up, "See you tomorrow!"

Rico and Chimi waved her goodbye as she left. 

"I hate to break it to you, Daggers." Maya said as she stepped in the car, "Maria has a boyfriend."

"Yeah, she told us." Daggers said, "She gave us the heads up before I could even say anything."

Maya slumped in her seat at the events of the day. She made a new friend, met a few jerks, and found out her other friend is dating an asshole.

Yet, she could still feel her heart thumping over one of the jerks, Zatz.  

Chapter Text

Manolo and Joaquin were doing a shift at the town’s bowling alley “Sun Valley Alley” working behind the snack bar after school.

“I mean, he seems nice enough, but something tells me he’s gonna be difficult.” Manolo said. 

“Yeah, go with that gut instinct.” Joaquin said, “If a professor makes you feel uneasy, they’re gonna be impossible. I had a professor last semester that gave me that feeling, and she was so, darn picky about every essay.” 

“Well, thanks for the tip, but I don’t think I can blame her for that. Have you seen how you write?” 

“Exactly. I deserved a C.” 

They noticed a girl walking up to the counter and turned their attention to her. 

“So, what’ll it be?” Joaquin asked, ready to write down her order. 

“Uh, I’ll have a hot dog, please.” The girl said. 

“You got it. Name for your order?”

“Maya.”

Joaquin jotted down her order in his notebook, “Anything else with that?” 

“A Mountain De….” The girl’s voice trailed off as she noticed Manolo, “Wait a minute, I know you. You were outside the school with a guitar.” 

“Oh, you saw?” Manolo asked. 

“Yeah, I did…” Maya put her hand on her hip and quirked her brow as she read guitar guy’s name tag, “…Manolo.” 

Guitar guy nodded with a smile, “We’ll call you when your order’s ready.”

Maya paid for her order as she walked back to the lane she and her brothers were in. She wasn’t expecting to see guitar guy, or Manolo, at the bowling alley, but she was kinda glad she did if it meant getting his name. 

Lance had just came back from his turn and Shield was about to walk up. 

“Hey, guys.” Maya said pointing at the snack bar, “You see that guy with the long hair?” 

“What about him?” Lance asked. 

“That’s Maria’s boyfriend. I saw him playing guitar outside of school.”  

“Huh.” Shield said, “I don’t think I’ve seen him around before.”

Daggers got up from his seat and made his way to the snack bar, catching Maya off guard.

“Daggers, what are you doing?” Maya asked. 

“We’re friends with his girlfriend.” Daggers said as he turned back to them, “Might as well introduce ourselves.”

Maya watched in shock as Daggers walked to the snack bar and started talking to Manolo and the other guy.

“You gotta admit, they’re kinda hot.” Lance said.

“I mean, yeah, but I gotta bad feeling about that Manolo dude.” Maya said.

“What do you mean?” Shield asked.

“Rico, Chimi, and I saw him playing guitar outside school, and was straight up ignoring the girls fawning all over him. Maria’s so cool and she’s gonna get her heart broken by this guy, using his guitar to attract girls. I know Daggers is into her, too, and I don’t want him to get caught up in any drama.”

“That does sound pretty scummy.” Lance said, “But he and Daggers seem to be getting along just fine.”

Maya saw Daggers, Manolo, and the other guy laugh at something. 

“We’ll keep an eye on him.” Shield said, “But let’s not try anything to break them up, even if he is trouble.”

“Maya, number 17, your order is ready.” The other guy said through a microphone from the snack bar.

Maya got up from her seat and walked over to pick up her order.

“Your brother just told us you just transferred to Sun Valley from another school.” Manolo said, “What made you switch willingly?” 

“I needed a change of scenery.” Maya said taking a bite from her hot dog, “My brothers were already attending Sun Valley, so I thought I’d torture them in a place that isn’t home.” 

Manolo and the other guy, whose name tag said Joaquin, laughed as Daggers rolled his eyes. Maya started to drink her soda.

“Well, hey. We can confirm that you chose the right school.” Joaquin said, “Sun Valley High was the best four years of my life. At least I get another some years at Moonlight.” 

Maya choked on her soda at his words. Moonlight? The community college?!

Daggers, Manolo, and Joaquin looked at her with concern and shock.

When she regained her composure, Maya glanced between Manolo and Joaquin with wide eyes and dropped jaw.

“Y-y-you’re… c-c-college students?!” She finally said. 

Joaquin and Manolo glanced at each other, “Uh… yeah.” Manolo said, “I started yesterday. Joaquin’s already a sophomore there.”

“Huh. I’m not really that surprised that Maria’s dating a college boy.” Daggers said.

“I’m only one year older than her.” Manolo sheepishly said.

“My point still stands.” 

Maya took a deep breath and said, “I think I’m gonna go outside for a bit.” 

“Oh, you should check up on Chiapa while you’re at it.” Daggers called as she walked away. Maya replied by giving him a thumbs up. 

Maya stepped out the door, the warm breeze hitting her face. She turned to her left to see Chiapa, his leash tied to a post as he sat in the shade. Maya unhooked him from his leash and sat next to him, petting his soft black fur. 

“What the heck does Maria see in that creep?” She said to herself, “The guy was playing guitar to pick up other girls. Not only did he ignore them, but he did all that at a freaking high school. Just when I thought he couldn’t get any worse. A college frat boy picking up other girls at a high school.” 

She took a deep breath, thinking as she kept eating her hot dog. Maya had to listen to Shield and Lance when they said to not do anything to break them up, but truth be told, it’s gonna be hard. Maybe she could still try to talk to Maria about her dating that Manolo guy. Nothing too obvious, just subtle hints here and there. 

Yeah. That’s what she’ll do. 

“Oh, hey. You’re that girl I bumped into in the hallway today.” A voice said. 

Maya looked up to see Picchu looking down at her. While Chimi said he was harmless, his muscular physique was still a bit intimidating. 

“Oh, y-yeah. Hey.” Maya said. 

“You’re Lance, Shield and Daggers’s little sister, aren’t you?”

“Uh, yeah. How’d you know?”

“Eh, I saw their car in the parking lot. And I saw you in gym class. Are they here?”

“They’re inside.”

“Thanks.” Picchu smiled as he walked inside.

While it wasn’t much of a conversation and was there to see her brothers, he seemed nice. 

When Maya looked back down, she saw Chiapa walking ten feet down the sidewalk.

“Hey!” She said as she got up, running after her cat, “Get back here, I was talking for two minutes!” 

Chiapa turned a corner, disappearing from Maya’s view. 

“Chiapa! Come here, kitty.” 

She turned the same corner as Chiapa to find an interesting sight. 

Sitting on a bench was Zatz with Chiapa and an orange tabby cat at his feet. He was bent down stroking Chiapa’s head, “Where’d you come from, little guy?” He softly asked Chiapa.

Maya froze the moment she saw him. Last time she saw him, he was a huge jerk to her, but something about seeing him with cats was so cute. It might’ve been because of how hot he is, but at the moment, she didn’t care. 

Chiapa began to lick Zatz’s fingers, making him chuckle. Just hearing his laugh made Maya’s face heat up. 

As if on cue, Maya’s phone loudly went off, “No!” She hissed in panic. 

Zatz turned his head to look at her, his gaiter scarf was down, but his hoodie was flipped up.

“Is this little guy yours?” He asked. 

“Uh… y-yeah, he is.” Maya said. 

She sat down next to Zatz and set her soda right next to her.

She gestured to the orange tabby, “Is, uh… that one yours?” 

“His name’s Colmillo.” Zatz picked up his cat and placed him in his lap.

Maya lifted a hand to Colmillo and waited for a reaction. After a bit, the cat walked towards her, allowing her to stroke the cat’s soft orange head. 

“He likes you.” Zatz smiled, “That doesn’t happen often.”

“Chiapa likes you, too.” Maya said, “Uh, that’s my cat’s name, by the way. Didn’t take you for a cat person.”

“I could say the same about you. Is he always this friendly towards strangers?” 

“Pretty much.” Chiapa jumped on the bench and curled into a ball next to Zatz, allowing Zatz to stroke his fur, “Why’s your cat’s name Colmillo?”

“I won’t trim his nails next week so you’ll know why.”

“Ah.”

“Why’d you name your cat Chiapa?”

“I don’t know.” Maya shrugged, “We thought it sounded nice. Do you hang out around here?”

“Sometimes. What about you?”

“Yeah. I’m here with my brothers, I just needed some air. Had to check on Chiapa, anyway.” Maya took a long sip from her soda, letting the carbonation sit in her mouth before swallowing.

“Oh, you should’ve warned me your brothers were here. It would’ve given me a chance to hide.”

“They’re not gonna hurt you.” Maya grinned, “They were being stupid this morning.”

“Don’t worry about it. I know bull crap when I see it.”

Maya and Zatz sat in silence for a second, their cats’ meowing filling the silence.

“I gotta get going.” Zatz said as he stood up. He whistled, calling for Colmillo to jump off the bench and walk next to his emo owner. Zatz started to walk away and said, “See you around, princesa.”

Maya’s breath hitched at the name, her face heated up in annoyance. She wasn’t about to let him win with his sneak attack. She took a deep breath, turned to him and said, “See you later, vampiro.”

Zatz stopped and turned to look at her. Maya held her head high with a proud smirk on her face. Zatz then smirked and winked at her before continuing forward. Even though he had an eye patch, his smirk made it clear that it was a wink.

Maya felt her heart stop and face heat up.

He won. 

Chapter Text

Later that night, Maya and her family were sitting down to have dinner. Her baby brother and sister, Jaguar and Eagle, were in high chairs being fed by her mom and Lance. 

“So, how was everyone’s day?” Her dad asked. 

“I just had the most insufferable day at work.” Mom said, “Ever since I came back from maternity leave, everyone’s been underestimating me, as if I wasn’t one of the doing most of the work when I first started out.”

“Yeesh…”

“Pretty uneventful for us.” Daggers said.

“Coach did say we were gonna start warm-ups tomorrow.” Shield said.

“I hope we can make it to states.” Lance said. 

“The way you boys play, without a doubt.” Dad said. 

“Speaking of sports, I signed up to join the soccer team.” Maya said.

“Oh, you wanna get back on the field?” Mom asked.

“Yeah, why not? Though, my friends did warn me about this one girl on the team.”

“Who?” Shield asked. 

“Some girl named Acat.”

“Oh, I think I’ve had a few classes with her.” Lance said, “We never talked, but from what I saw, she’s nuts.”

“You sure you want to join the team then, mija?” Dad asked, “You remember girls like her were the reason you wanted to transfer in the first place.”

“Don’t worry, papa.” Maya said, “I’m a better person because of that experience. Girls like Acat don’t intimidate me anymore.” She turned to her brothers, “You know that guy from this morning? They used to date, and she’s still hung up on him or something.”

“What happened this morning?” Mom asked.

“I was having trouble opening my locker, and Acat’s ex, Zatz, helped me out. But he was super annoying about it; all rude and sarcastic about it, calling me princesa. Ugh! I ran into him at the bowling alley earlier with his cat. He’s kinda nice, but still, he’s a huge jerk. Apparently, Acat saw that and warned me to stay away from him, like we were flirting or something.”

“Why would she think that?” Lance asked.

Maya leaned back in her chair with her arms crossed, “Cause, she’s insane, I guess. Doesn’t matter, she can have him, I want nothing to do with him. Who does he think he is with his flowy white hair, his way with cats, his… perfect face…” she started to smile as she kept talking, her gaze and voice becoming dreamy, “…his cute smirk, and his beautiful… captivating red eye.” She closed her eyes and let out a dreamy sigh with a large smile.

She heard her dad clear his throat and opened her eyes to see her family staring at her with smirks on their faces, “Wh-what?”

“You know, for someone who hates him, you sure like talking about him.” Daggers said nudging her.

“Does our little sister have a crush?” Shield asked.

“What?!” Maya gasped, her face getting hot, “N-no, I don’t! Did you not hear me? The guy’s a total jerk!” 

“You’re blushing, mija.” Mom smirked. 

This only made Maya’s face burn brighter, “Uh… Can-can I please be excused?” 

The moment her dad nodded, Maya ran from the table straight to her room. 

“She likes him.” Lance said with a knowing smile. 

“How DARE they say I have a crush on him!” Maya shouted as she paced her room, Chiapa sitting on her bed. 

“He’s cocky, he’s condescending, he’s just flat-out rude, and he just made assumptions about me. And you’re a traitor!” Maya angrily pointed at Chiapa, “You had the nerve to let him stroke you. You fell for his trap! What did he do, give you catnip?” 

Chiapa looked at her with a blank stare. 

“Ugh! No. There’s no way I’d ever have a crush on someone as cocky, smug, sarcastic, and dreamy as him.” Maya’s eyes grew wide when she caught her last word.

“No, no, no, no, no! I don’t even like the sound of his stupid, gentle, soothing voice.” Maya’s face burned bright red as she caught herself again and she screamed into a pillow. 

Manolo: You liking the school so far?

Maria❤: I made a few cool friends. Three of them are triplets!

Joaquin: Do they have a little sister?

Maria❤: Yeah, why?

Joaquin: Manny and I met them today at work

Maria❤: Well, would you look at that! Small world =D

Manolo: Their sister said they saw me playing outside the school today

Joaquin: Think she’s in love? ;)

Manolo: Didn’t look like it

Maria❤: You better tell her to back off XD

Maria❤: We should all hang out with them sometime 

Manolo: Oh, yeah, we totally should

Joaquin: We’re gonna have 2 find a big enough place >_>

Manolo: We’ll figure it out =)

Manolo put his phone down and started to finish his camera set up to record. As he was about to start recording, his dad stepped through the door. 

“Oh, hey, papa.” Manolo said, “I didn’t hear you come in. Did you just get back?”

“Yeah.” His dad said walking up to him, “I’m gonna be on the night shift tomorrow, so you’ll have to survive on leftovers.”

“I’ll manage. How was your day?”

“The usual workload. Had a late lunch today. Have you felt the crushing world of college life yet?” 

“Not yet. But I’m sure by this time next week, I’ll never have free time again.”

“It gets easier once you start working out a routine. How’s Maria?” 

“She made a few friends already. I actually met a few of them at work with Joaquin.”

“It’s great that she’s already settling in.” His dad started to turn back to the door, “I’m gonna go get dinner started. Come down when you’re done with…” He gestured to the camera set up, “… your song.”

“I will. I love you.”

“I love you, too, son.” 

Manolo let out a sigh once his father left the room. He knew his dad still had a bit of an issue with him being a musician, but it seemed as though he was coming around. He started to tune his guitar when he got an email notification on his laptop. 

To: Manolo Sanchez

From: Pr. La Muerte 

Subject: Visitor’s Pass

Hello, Manolo. 

It’s wonderful to hear from you again! I hope you and your father are doing well. I just wanted you to know, you’re welcome to visit the school anytime. And because I know you’ll be coming frequently to visit Maria, I thought I’d send you this visitor’s pass (don’t think I don’t know this isn’t a one-time thing). Have this with you every time you visit. It’s already been signed by me, so if a staff member sees you, just show it to them. 

Best wishes, 

Pr. La Muerte 

“Yes!” Manolo said to himself. He had just gotten special permission from Sun Valley High’s principal La Muerte to visit Maria during school hours. His schedule allowed him to visit Maria twice a week. Tomorrow was one of those days, and he intended to surprise her.

Manolo: I have a surprise for you tomorrow ;)

Maria❤: Well, it’s not much of a surprise now, is it? =3

Manolo: Hey… you’re gonna like this one XP

Maria❤: As long as it’s from you UwU

Maria❤: Goodnight <3

Manolo: See you tomorrow

Manolo: I love you <3

Maria❤: I love you too <3 <3

Manolo smiled to himself as he put his phone away. He finished tuning his guitar and finally turned on his camera to start recording. 

Zatz was in his room doing homework, Colmillo curled up by his feet, taking a nap. His dad was in the living room watching TV while his aunt was in the shower. 

Zatz’s phone went off, another text from Acat. He rolled his eyes as he deleted the message, “Give up.” 

Ever since he dumped her last month, Acat’s been texting and calling him nonstop, trying to convince him to get back together with her.

He sometimes missed her, too, but he was smart enough to not get back with her.

Colmillo jumped and curled up on Zatz’s lap, purring as he stroked his back. 

“You never liked Acat.” Zatz said, “Should’ve taken that as a red flag.”

He then remembered the girl from this morning and near the bowling alley, “You liked her, didn’t you? You normally aren’t friendly with just anyone.”

Zatz smiled when he thought about the look on her face when she called him “vampiro.” She seemed so confident and proud of herself. Stubborn, confident, and cute. This girl’s more interesting than he thought. 

Chimi was sitting on the front porch looking up at the stars. The night sky was always how she ended her days. There was something about them that reminded her that she wasn’t alone.

“To think, they’re just lightyears away burning just for us.”

Chimi’s mother had joined her on the porch, “How was your day?”

“I think I made new friends.” Chimi said, “Rico introduced me to this girl, Maya, and I finally thanked the girl who helped me yesterday. Her name’s Maria, and she’s, like, super cool. Seriously, mom, you should’ve seen the way she beat their asses.” 

“I should thank her myself.” Her mom said, “While you know I don’t condone violence, it’s nice to know that someone is standing up for you who isn’t me or Rico. Not that I don’t appreciate Rico, it’s just that-“ 

“Mom, I know what you mean.” 

Chimi’s mom smiled as she got up, gesturing inside, “Come on. Pizza’s getting cold.”

Chimi followed her mom back inside. Her ears were attacked by the sound of loud chirping. Chimi’s bird, Rosa, flew to her and perched on her shoulder, nuzzling her soft head against her jaw. 

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll give you the crusts.” Chimi said, “I fed you, like, half an hour ago. Why are you so needy?” 

Chapter Text

Maya tried opening her locker, but it wouldn’t budge. She was about to try pulling it harder until she remembered how Zatz opened it yesterday, and she banged the door with her fist. This time, the locker opened. 

“Aw, you took my advice.” Zatz said leaning against the lockers next to her. 

Maya side eyed him as she gathered her books, “You didn’t give me any advice, I just remembered what you did.”

“But you still did it. And it worked, right?” 

“Don’t give yourself too much credit. It’s not like I asked for your help, anyway.” 

“You’re right, you didn’t. Your fruitless efforts were loud enough cries for help.” 

Maya looked at Zatz who had a smirk on his face as he started to walk down the hall, “See you around, princesa.” 

Maya groaned in frustration at the name. This guy really gets on her nerves.

She turned around to see Acat right in front of her face, startling her for a second. 

“Oh, uh, hey.” Maya said.

“What did I say about staying away from Zatz?” Acat hissed. 

“First off, I don’t know what you think is going on between me and him, because nothing is. And second, I’m not gonna let you push me around, especially since we’re gonna be on the soccer team together.” 

“What?!” 

“We don’t have to like each other. I’m just saying, might as well get used to me.” 

“You don’t know what you’re talking about, new girl. If I see you near him one more time, I’m going to make your life a living hell.” 

Acat walked walked away as Maya shut her locker. She remembered some of the bullies back at her old school were ruthless. But she wasn’t gonna let herself be so easily intimidated like before. Besides, how bad can Acat really be?

Gym class started out by doing warm up stretches outside on the track. 

“Oh, hey.” 

Maya looked up from her stretch to see Picchu talking to her, “How’re you liking the school so far?” 

“Did my brothers tell you I was new?” Maya asked. 

“Eh, I think everyone knows you’re new at this point. And, yeah, your brothers told me you’re a transfer.” 

“It’s been alright, I guess. Made a few friends.” Her eyes wandered to Acat, a couple feet away from them, “And I think I made a few enemies.” 

“That’s great. You run into Xtabay yet?” 

“Not really. Is she really as bad as people say?” 

“Oh, dude, she’s the worst. She’d consider expelling you for being five minutes late to class. Just ask around, you’ll hear some stories.” 

“She almost expelled me for failing a class.” Zatz said walking up to them, “Sorry, I couldn’t help but overhear.” 

“What’s that story?” Picchu asked. 

“When I was a freshman, I had trouble in science. Xtabay called me in saying that since I was failing a required credit, she’d have to kick me out. Let’s just say, my aunt wasn’t having any of it and talked to principal La Muerte about it. Even she said that was excessive.” 

“So, what happened?” Maya asked. 

“Well, I’m still a student, aren’t I? I barely passed with a C.” 

“Wow, she does sound like a lot.” 

“What did I tell you?” Picchu asked, “But don’t worry about her too much. Just do the homework and remember your pants. Keep a low profile, you know.” 

“Hey, new girl!” Acat yelled.

Maya turned around to see a tennis ball flying towards her, hitting her in the face and sending her to the ground. 

“Maya!” Zatz cried out. 

The class gathered around her to see if she was ok. Maya’s head was spinning as she laid on the track, she could only see stars. 

“Are you ok?” Zatz asked. 

“What… what just happened?” Maya asked, in a daze. 

“Can you stand?” 

“What do you think?” 

“Ok, hop on. You’re going to the nurse.” 

Zatz crouched down and Picchu helped Maya onto his back. Zatz got up and piggybacked Maya away from the track.

“That psycho hit me in the face with a tennis ball.” Maya said.

“I’m so sorry about that. We used to date, and she’s still not over it.” 

“Does it look bad?” 

“Uh… yeah, it’s pretty bad.” 

Maya sighed and closed her eyes, trying to ease her dizziness. She was close enough to catch a whiff of Zatz’s hair. It smelled like cookies. 

For a second, she thought about touching his hair to see if it was as soft as it looked. But she decided that she’d rather not have him know she was touching his hair, let alone smelling it. 

“You good back there, Maya?” 

“Yeah, yeah, I’m good. Thanks for taking me to the nurse.” 

“No problem. Don’t worry, we’re almost there.” 

Maya’s face turned pink as she rested her head against his shoulder. Zatz isn’t so bad, but he was still a douche. She could live with having a frenemy. 

Maya sat at the lunch table holding an ice pack over her eye, still in awe over what happened. 

“Oh, my gosh.” Maria said, “Would you look at that?”

“W-What happened to you?” Rico asked. 

“Acat happened.” Maya said, “She hit me with a tennis ball during gym.” 

“Wow.” Chimi said, “This the first time you got a black eye?” 

“No.” 

“That doesn’t surprise me one bit. You seem like a black eye person.” 

“Is she like this to everyone? Wait, what do you mean ‘black eye person’?” 

“Believe it or not, she is.” Rico said. 

“Ugh. And I’m gonna be with her on the soccer team. Was signing up really a mistake?” 

“No.” Maria said, “You shouldn’t let her stop you from being on the team. Has anyone tried reporting her?” 

“Yes.” Rico said, “I don’t know if she’s a master manipulator or Xtabay’s work, but she somehow hasn’t been caught by Principal La Muerte.” 

“Might be a bit of both.” Chimi said.

“Ok, so, we’ll just keep a good track of what she does.” Maria said, “Pictures, videos, we’ll keep a tab on her.” 

“Do you have a secret file on everyone you meet?” 

“Who knows? Maybe I’m keeping tabs on all of you.” 

From behind Maria, Maya saw Manolo walking closer to their table. He looked at Maya, Chimi and Rico, and held up a finger, telling them to be quiet. When he got close enough, he wrapped his arms around Maria and kissed her on the cheek, making her yelp in surprise. 

“Oh, my god! Hey.” Maria laughed, “What are you doing here?” 

“What does it look like?” Manolo said as he sat next to her, “I’m paying you a visit.” 

“Wait, wait. Was this the surprise?” 

“Yep.” Manolo kissed Maria’s forehead and wrapped an arm around her, making her smile and hug him. 

Maya watched the interaction with disgust. She really needed to talk to Maria about this guy. 

“Are you nuts?” Rico asked, “If Xtabay sees you, she’ll have your head on a stick.” 

“I wouldn’t worry about her.” Manolo pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket and showed it to everyone, "Check it out." 

“Ah, little get out of jail free card, huh?” Chimi asked. 

Manolo held his head high with a smirk, making Maya internally roll her eyes. Cocky and a player. Nice. 

“Whoa. What happened to you?” Manolo asked Maya. 

“Got into a fight at gym.” Maya said, trying to sound intimidating, “I am not one to be enemies with.” 

“She got hit in the face with a tennis ball.” Chimi said bluntly. Maya sighed at her exposure. Did she really think she could be tough in the eyes of a college student?

“But enough about me, let’s talk about you guys. How long have you guys been together?” 

“Oh, we haven’t been together long.” Maria answered, “We’ve been dating since summer.” 

“You’re just starting out, huh? I kinda thought you were a bit more serious.” 

“I’d say we’re pretty serious.” Manolo said, “Are any of you dating anyone?” 

“In my dreams, I am.” Rico said. 

“Yeah, you’re actually rubbing salt in our wounds by displaying your unholy affection.” Chimi added. 

Maria scoffed and scooted closer to Manolo, playfully leaning into him, “Not our fault you’re sad and lonely.” 

“Ha, ha, ha, very funny.” Rico said. 

“Couples are gross, man.” Chimi said. 

Lunch was about to end and Manolo and Maria were saying goodbye at the cafeteria door. 

“I’m glad you came by today, Manolo.” Maria said, “You sure this doesn’t mess with your schedule? Your job, school?” 

“I’m able to visit you twice a week.” Manolo said, “I’ll be back on Friday. If I’m not able to visit you, I’ll let you know.” 

“Yeah, you better.” 

“I’ll see you later, ok?” 

“Mhm.” Maria gave him a quick kiss before turning to go back inside, “I love you.” 

“Love you, too.” 

Manolo started walking down the hall to leave, when he heard, “Hey!” 

He turned around to see Maya quickly walking to him. 

“Oh, hey.” Manolo said, “What’s up?” 

“I haven’t known Maria long, ok. Literally two days.” Maya said, “But I can tell that she’s a really cool, really sweet girl.” 

“Yeah, that shines through in her.” 

“Which is why I don’t want to see her get hurt. I haven’t known you long, either, but I’ll say this, I’m keeping my eye on you.” 

Manolo was a little confused by this lecture, but he decided to let her keep talking. 

“I’m gonna let you play your game for a while, but if you hurt Maria, I’ll tell her what you’ve been up to. And I’m sure those girls would love to know that you have a girlfriend.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” 

“Oh, I’m sure you do. I’m not as dumb as I look, college boy.” Maya slowly walked back towards the cafeteria door, pointing at her eyes and back at Manolo, “I’m watching you, like a hawk.” 

Manolo stood there for a moment, confused at what just happened. What was Maya accusing him of? He’d never do anything to hurt Maria, and he didn’t know what girls Maya was talking about. 

Well, at least Maria made a protective friend. 

“Lance, please just go get the car. We’ll talk about it at home.” 

Lance had asked Maya about her black eye several times the moment he saw it, to which she said she’d explain more at home. Daggers and Shield still haven’t seen it yet, but for now she was fed up with questions from her fellow classmates. 

“You’re really taking this whole ‘getting hit in the face’ thing like a champ.” Zatz said. 

“Please shut up.” Maya said, “People won’t stop asking about it.” They both gathered their books and headed to the door. 

“Good luck with that. You need a spare eye patch? I got plenty.” 

“It’s cool. I got a hand for make up.” 

Zatz and Maya tried going through the door at the same time, resulting in them getting stuck in the narrow doorway, smushed close together against each others’ shoulders. 

“What are you doing?” Zatz asked. 

“What am I doing?” Maya snapped, trying to wriggle herself free, “You’re the one who got in the way.” 

“Oh, so this is my fault?” 

“Yes!” Maya and Zatz dropped their books as they started to shove against each other. 

“Get out of the way, princesa!” Zatz pushed Maya’s side into the doorframe. 

“Can you hold still for five seconds, vampiro?” Maya aggressively pushed Zatz’s shoulder, throwing them both off balance, Maya falling on top of Zatz. 

They stared at each other with wide eyes. 

Maya’s heart quickened as she processed the situation. She was on top of a guy. A hot guy. Six inches away from his face. What was she supposed to do? What was she supposed to say? Why does he smell like cookies?! He smells so good!!

Maya looked up when she heard someone clear their throat. Lance, Chimi and Rico were smirking down at them. 

“Hey, if you w-w-wanted to be alone, all you had to do was ask.” Rico said. 

Maya groaned and quickly got off Zatz, collecting her books, “Lance, what did I say? Go get the car.” 

“Alright, alright, I’m going.” Lance shrugged as he walked away. 

Chimi helped Maya while Rico helped Zatz off the ground, before walking down the hall. 

“You’re really bad at hiding your crush.” Chimi said under her breath. 

“There’s nothing to hide!” Maya hissed. 

Down the hall, Maya saw Acat leaning against the lockers.

“Hey!” Maya called as she walked over to Acat, “What is your problem? Sniping me in the face with a ball?” 

“I warned you to stay away from Zatz.” Acat said, “I was just following through with it.” 

“What did I ever do to you? We never had a conversation! And it’s not my fault that you’re still not over your ex!”

“You’re walking on thin ice, new girl.” Acat got in Maya’s face, “If I were you, I’d pull out of the soccer team.” 

“Is that a threat?” 

“Might be.” 

Maya and Acat glared at each other before Maya backed away, “No. I’m not going to submit to your threats. See you on the field.” 

Maya walked to her locker, Chimi and Rico following her. Zatz looked at Acat, bitterly shaking his head before going to his locker.

“You have no idea what you’re getting into.” Zatz said organizing his things. 

“What?” Maya asked, “You don’t think I can handle her?” 

“I’m just saying you should watch your back. You shouldn’t take Acat’s threats so lightly.” 

“Does she have a body count, or something?” 

“Wouldn’t be surprised if she did.” Chimi said. 

“I made a promise to myself to not let myself get pushed around by bullies anymore. I came here to start fresh, and that’s what I’m gonna do.”

“You go down this route, and you might have to change schools again.” Rico said. 

“Ok, well, let’s not give her too much credit.” Chimi said, “Acat’s just another mean girl. She doesn’t rule with an iron fist, but don’t doubt her when she says she’ll throw a brick in your window.” 

“We’re just saying be careful.” Zatz said.

Maya nodded as she closed her locker, “She ain’t got nothing on Heather Chandler.” 

Chapter Text

Maya looked in the mirror one more time to see how her eye looked. She had covered her black eye with make up, the same way she did yesterday. It wasn’t a work of art, but it did the job of hiding the black eye, which was her intention. 

While she and her brothers went out the door to the car, their dad called out to them, “Have a good day, kids! And stay out of trouble! That means you, Maya!” 

“Ugh, I know, papa!” Maya called out. 

Maya and her brothers piled into the car. 

“First week at school and I didn’t cause any trouble.” Maya said with a proud grin. 

“Don’t forget your eye.” Lance said. 

“That wasn’t my fault! That doesn’t count!”

“It was caused by trouble.” Daggers pointed out. 

“Ok, gray area.” Shield said. 

“Dream killers.” Maya grumbled. 

Rico was showing Chimi and Maya a flyer he had drawn for the art club during lunch.

“Clubs don’t start two weeks from now.” Chimi said, “What the hell are you doing making flyers now?” 

“Just playing around with some ideas.” Rico said, “I want to design flyers for the art club when the time comes. What do you think?” 

“This is really cool.” Maya marveled, “You’re guaranteed the job.” 

“I don’t show my art to just anyone, so consider this an esteemed honor. I’m also gonna show Maria next period.” 

“Where is Maria, anyway?” 

“Eating more than lunch.” Chimi said pointing to her right. 

Rico and Maya turned their heads to see Maria making out with Manolo by the fence. 

Maya groaned and rolled her eyes at the sight, “You have got to be kidding me. She’s all over that prick.” 

“They’ve been together a few months.” Chimi said, “They’re still in that weird honeymoon phase. They’re really going at it, aren’t they?” 

“Can we not stare at them?” Rico asked. 

Manolo and Maria were sitting in the grass, making out against the fence. 

They pulled away when they heard Bone say, “Aw, isn’t that sweet?” Skull and Bone were standing in front of them, arms crossed with condescending smirks, “Public display of affection. How sickening.” 

“Have you no shame?” Skull said, “We might as well tell Xtabay about this.” 

“The school is very lenient on PDA.” Manolo said to Maria as they stood up, “We’re not doing anything wrong.” 

“Are you kidding me?” Bone scoffed, “You were practically ripping each others’ clothes off.” 

With a playful smirk, Maria moved closer to Manolo, pulling up his shirt enough to slightly expose his stomach, “We are now.” Maria said. Manolo blushed a little at the sudden action, but played along, lowering her sleeve to expose her shoulder with a smirk.

Skull and Bone pulled Maria away from Manolo and stepped close to him, backing him against the fence. 

“I mean, not that we blame you.” Skull said leaning into his face and placed a hand on his chest. 

“You do have a fine specimen of a man here.” Bone said gently tracing her finger on his cheek. 

As much as Manolo wanted to back away from the twins who were way too close for comfort, he froze in nervousness. In any other situation, he’d be polite and not engage in whoever was flirting with him, and if it went too far, he’d be vocal about being in a relationship. But now, he didn’t know what to do. It didn’t help that he was literally backed into a corner. 

“Uh, I think it’s pretty clear that I’m taken…” He said awkwardly. 

Out of the corner of Maya’s eye, she saw Skull and Bone leaning into Manolo against the fence, Maria a few feet away. 

“Seriously?” Maya said, “Skull and Bone? He’s all over them, now? And Maria’s right there.” 

“I didn’t think he’d be that desperate.” Chimi said. 

Maria pulled Skull and Bone away from Manolo, looking like she was gonna beat them to the ground. Manolo put his hand on her shoulder, saying something to her. They didn’t know what he was saying, but it seemed to get Maria to back off. 

“Oh, I can’t wait t-to hear what crap he just said to get out of trouble.” Rico said. 

Maria pulled Skull and Bone off of Manolo, her blood pressure rising as she turned to face them, “Are you asking for another beat down?” She threatened, clenching her fists. 

Manolo put a hand on her shoulder, holding her back from doing anything, “Are these the girls you beat up?” He whispered. 

“Yes!” Maria hissed, “You think I’m gonna sit back and-“ 

“Thank you, Maria, but you don’t want to get detention again, especially over the weekend.” 

The more logical side of her knew Manolo was right, so Maria took a deep breath, unclenching her fists.

“If it isn’t too much trouble, you can caress someone else’s chest.” Maria said. 

“Eh, there’s plenty of fish in the sea.” Bone shrugged. 

“But if you’re gonna eat each other’s tongues, save us the display.” Skull said as she and Bone walked away. 

“Don’t look if it bothers you so much!” Manolo said, to which Skull and Bone replied by flipping him off. 

“I’m sorry about that.” Maria said, “I guess we could tone it down a little.” 

“We weren’t doing anything. We weren’t even using tongue. Thanks for the save.” 

Maria smiled and gave him a short hug. 

“I gotta get going.” Manolo said. Instead of walking to the door, Manolo turned around and climbed the fence to the other side. 

When he landed on the grass, Maria’s jaw was dropped in shock, “You are so weird.” She laughed. 

Manolo laughed and smiled warmly, “I’ll see you later. I love you.” 

“I love you, too.” 

She watched as Manolo walked away for a few moments before turning around.

Maya, Chimi and Rico watched as Manolo climbed a fence to the other side. 

“Ugh, show off.” Maya said rolling her eyes. 

Maria lingered by the fence for a bit before walking towards their table with a grin, “Hey, guys. I’m guessing you saw that?” 

“We saw bits and pieces.” Rico said. 

“I’m a little disappointed.” Chimi said, “I would’ve liked to see round two.” 

“Believe me, I wanted to.” Maria said, “I understand if some girls find him attractive, but keep your hands to yourself, you know.” 

“He’s lost track of those hands at this point.” Maya said under her breath. 

“What?” 

“I said, how are things with you and Manolo? What’s he like?” 

“Things have been great, and he’s really sweet. I do miss him a little with his job and school, but we’re going to try to hang out whenever we can.” 

“Huh, that’s nice. You know, Daggers does his best to make time for the people he cares about. He hasn’t had many girlfriends, but he’s faithful.” 

Maria quirked an eyebrow in confusion, “Uh, that’s nice of him.” 

“Your boyfriend’s a bit of a pacifist, isn’t he?” Chimi asked, “He didn’t even let you take a swing.” 

“That’s one way to say it. He’s just trying to make sure I stay out of trouble. I already had detention once.” 

“Can add controlling to the list.” Maya thought.

“Oh!” Rico said, “Before I forget, Maria, what do you think of this?” He handed her the flyer he had designed, “When clubs start, I want to make flyers for art club.”  

“Wow.”  Maria smiled, “This is amazing. You’ll be designing flyers for every club in school.” 

“N-Now, let’s not go crazy.” 

“Are any of you gonna join a club? I’m doing art.” 

“I think I’ll have my hands full with soccer.” Maya said. 

“I’m joining the environment club.” Chimi said. 

The bell rang, marking the end of lunch. Everyone got up from their seats and headed to their next class.

“I’ll see you guys later.” Maria said walking down the hall.

“Bye!” Rico waved. 

“What were you doing earlier talking about Daggers?” Chimi asked. 

“He has a small crush on Maria, and she deserves someone better than that Manolo creep, so I’m helping him out.” Maya explained. 

“D-D-Does he even want to go out with Maria?” Rico asked. 

“I know Daggers, he’d ask her out if she were single.” 

“So, you’re gonna try and break them up?” Chimi asked. 

“I’m not trying to break them up, I’m just dropping subtle hints about other options. I gave Manolo a warning the other day and Maria’s going to find out he’s a jerk is sooner or later. Think of it as… speeding up the process.” 

“Not a bad idea, but count me out.” Rico said. 

“Good luck.” Chimi said as the trio parted ways. 

Acat, Skull and Bone watched as Maya, Maria, Chimi and Rico left the cafeteria, giving them the stink eye. 

“That Maya girl has to be put in her place.” Acat said. 

“You really think a girl like her has a chance with Zatz?” Skull asked. 

“I saw the way he was looking at her. He used to look at me that way when we started going out.” 

“Don’t give up hope.” Bone said, “It’s only been a month, he couldn’t have moved on so quickly. You clearly haven’t.” 

“I’ve been keeping my eye on her. That bitch has made friends with the other losers here.” 

“Along with that city girl who beat our asses on Monday.” 

“Who does she think she is, anyway?” Skull said, “She humiliated us.”

“I’m not letting that new girl steal Zatz and my spot on the soccer team.” Acat grumbled. 

“Someone needs to cut those bitches down to size.”

“Send them running back to whatever hellhole they came out of.” Bone said.

“So, we agree.” Acat said lowly, “Maya and Maria must go.” 

Chapter Text

“Yes!” Maya cheered. She was looking at the list of those who made the soccer team and she got in. 

“Of course you made the team.” Daggers said. 

“We never lost faith in you.” Shield said. 

“Once a player, always a player.” Lance said, giving Maya a noogie. 

“Lance, get off.” Maya laughed. 

When she got out of Lance’s grip, she turned around to see Acat staring her in the face, startling her, “Quit doing that.” 

“It’s not too late to pull out of the team.” Acat said, “This is your last chance.” 

“Listen, I made the team, fair and square.” Maya said, “I don’t care if you throw a brick at my face, but I’m not going anywhere.”

Acat's face hardened as she clenched her fists, “You’ve just made the biggest mistake of your life. I’d watch your back if I were you.”

“She doesn’t need to.” Lance said.

“Because we’re watching it for her.” Shield added, making Maya facepalm. She appreciated what her brothers were trying to do, but they sounded so lame right now.

“So don’t even bother.” Daggers said. 

“Aw, isn’t that sweet?" Acat mocked, “Your brothers won’t always be there for you to hide behind.” 

Maya and her brothers glared at Acat as she walked away. 

“No.” Maya said, taking a deep breath, “She’s trying to get under my skin and I won’t let her. Not anymore.” 

“That’s the spirit.” Lance said. 

“You should really get Principal La Muerte if she’s a lot.” Daggers said. 

“Thanks, but I think I’ll be fine.” Maya said, “Can you guys take me and my friends to the bowling alley after school? I promise I’ll celebrate with you guys after.” 

“Sure.” Shield said, “I can already smell the chicken wings tonight.” 

“You said it.” 

During lunch, Acat, Skull, and Bone were sitting together, talking about Maya being on the soccer team. 

“Didn’t think she’d actually make it.” Skull said, “I was kinda hoping she’d twist her ankle or something.” 

“There has to be a way to take her down a few pegs.” Acat said, “I won’t let her steal Zatz or my spot on the team.”

“Wait, isn’t Maya a transfer student or something?” Bone said, taking a bite of her apple. 

“Yeah.” Skull said, “I think she chose to switch schools. You think she’s running away from something?”

“That’s it.” Acat realized, “If she transferred willingly, her closet’s bound to be full of skeletons. The right kind of exposure would send her running out of here.” 

“Great thinking. Now, how to deal with that Posada girl.” 

“I got it.” Bone said, “We plant a tracker on her and wait for her to be alone. We chloroform her and shove her in a crate, shipping her off to-“ 

“Guys, stop.” Acat said, “You’re thinking too big and illegally. You need to think smaller. What’s something that would break Maria to her core or ruin her reputation?” 

“As far as we know, she’s a disgusting angel.” Skull said, “She transferred from this fancy private school from another town and then there’s that stupid boyfriend of hers.” 

Bone’s eyes lit up, “Skull, that’s it! Her boyfriend! Since school started, that little snack’s been visiting her every week. They’re practically joined at the hip. I bet they’ve been screwing in the janitor’s closet.”

“You’re right! We gotta break her and that little boy toy up.” 

“Now you’re getting it.” Acat said.

“Even they’re not the perfect couple. There has to be dirt on them.”

“Pfft, easy.” Skull scoffed, “We’ll just follow them around.”

“We have to be smart about this, try to be subtle.” Acat said.

“You know us, Acat.” Bone said, “We can be subtle.” 

“Yeah…”

“What part of ‘be subtle’ did you not understand?” Acat said to herself in disappointment.

Skull and Bone didn’t make an effort to hide themselves as they took pictures of Maria. On top of that, they were in such close proximity, that Maria and Maya were watching them, giving them weird looks. 

“What are you doing?” Maria asked them.

“Oh, don’t mind us.” Skull said. 

“Just act like we’re not here.” Bone added. 

Acat rolled her eyes as she texted Skull and Bone to get out of there. After a minute, Skull and Bone noticed the message and walked away from Maya and Maria. 

“What the heck was that about?” Maya asked. 

“Not a clue.” Maria said. Her phone rang, “Oh, hold on, it’s my dad.” Maria got up and walked a few steps away from the bench as she answered, “Hey, papa.” 

“So, I heard you made the team.” 

Maya turned to see Zatz, his black gaiter scarf pulled up and hoodie down. 

“How did you-“ 

“Don’t flatter yourself too much. It was posted on the gym doors. I just came by to congratulate you. I think it’s pretty cool you made it.” 

Maya grinned at the compliment, “Oh, thank you.” 

“It’s especially interesting that an amateur was able to make the team.” 

Maya gritted her teeth, feeling insulted. Who does he think he is?

She stood up and faced Zatz, “I’ll have you know that I was on the soccer team back at my old school and have been playing since I was a kid.” 

Zatz held his hands up in mock defense, “Forgive me, princesa. I didn’t mean to offend, I’m sure you’re an amazing player.” 

“You have no idea.” Maya jabbed her finger into his chest, “I could play circles around you.” 

“I’d like to see you try.” 

Maya pulled his gaiter scarf down, “What, suddenly you’re a soccer expert now?” 

“Not necessarily soccer, but I have played a few sports in my time.” 

“Could’ve fooled me, you look more like the debate team type.”

A car horn honked, startling them both. They turned to see a blue SUV, the woman inside calling out, “Come on, let’s go, Zatz! I’m on a schedule, here!” 

Zatz groaned as he started to walk to the car, “I’ll see you around, princesa.” 

Maya held her breath in annoyance at the name. When she exhaled, she let out a small grin. This guy was annoying as hell, but he was a little cute. 

Maria came back and sat back down, “What was that?” 

“Just Zatz being an obnoxious douche as usual.” Maya said.

“That look doesn’t say he’s a douche.” 

Maya stopped smiling and cleared her throat, “Uh, yes it does.” 

“Seriously, Tía Chaska?” Zatz said looking out the car window. 

“How else was I gonna get your attention?” Chaska shrugged, “I was sitting there for five minutes waiting for you and when you finally come out, you start talking to someone. You know I can’t be waiting around that long.”

“Did you have to embarrass me, though?” 

“If it comes down to it, then yeah.” Chaska glanced over at Zatz and sighed, “But you know, it’s nice seeing you talk to someone. You need to put yourself out there more, talk to people, get a girlfriend. Maybe one that doesn’t have an attitude. I want you to make friends, but not at the expense of me waiting around like this.”

Zatz chuckled and rolled his eyes, “Alright, I’m sorry for making you wait.” 

“All is forgiven.” 

He smiled and looked back out the window, “The one time I talk to a girl and you interrupt me.” He said under his breath.

Chaska heard this and glanced at Zatz with a smirk, “Oh, so that’s what’s going on. Look at you, big boy.” She reached over from the driver’s seat and pinched his cheek.

“Tía!” Zatz grumbled, swatting her hand away. 

“You have a crush on that girl, don’t you?” 

“No, no, no. She’s an acquaintance.” 

“You sure? I saw the way you smiled talking to her.” 

Zatz’s cheeks turned pink as he silently flipped up his hoody, shrinking into his seat, “Ok, maybe a little.”

“I knew it!” 

“But she can also be annoying. This doesn’t mean anything is going on between us.” 

“I don’t buy it. I could tell there’s something going on between you from where I was standing.” 

“The same way there’s something going on between you and Tezcatlipoca?” 

Chaska groaned and rolled her eyes, “That’s not the same. Nothing is going on between me and Tezcatlipoca.”

Zatz snickered, “Other than the screwing.” 

“Exactly. We are just friends with benefits, not a couple. There’s a difference. And speaking of which, I’m going to see him later to help him move into his new place.” 

“Naked?” 

“Zatz!” 

Rico, Chimi, Maya, and Maria were at the bowling alley, celebrating Maya making the soccer team. Chimi had finished her turn, just barely knocking over the last two pins. 

“Ha! Got 'em!” Chimi said as she walked back to the group, “It’s a good thing the school doesn’t have a bowling team, I would’ve kicked everyone’s butt.” 

“Now, now, d-don’t get t-t-too cocky.” Rico said, “We just started playing fifteen minutes ago.” 

“Yet, I’m already wiping the floor with you all.” 

“We’ll just see about that.” 

Rico got up and walked to the pins. 

“Hola, mi amor.” 

“Hey.” 

Maya turned to see Manolo walk to their booth and kiss Maria on the cheek. She tried her hardest not to roll her eyes. 

“Maria told me you made the soccer team.” Manolo said to Maya, “Congratulations.” He held up his hand for a high-five, which Maya reluctantly accepted.

“Thanks.” She replied, side-eyeing him. 

He turned his attention back to Maria, “Sorry again that I wasn’t able to pick you up today."

“Hey, don’t worry about it.” Maria said, “It all worked out by us coming here, anyway. We can go home when your shift ends.”

Rico walked back to the group, slumping into his seat, “Don’t you say a word.” He grumbled, staring at the three pins he failed to knock down. 

“What can I say?” Chimi asked, “Not all of us are the raining champion.”

“I’m not so good at bowling, either.” Manolo said. 

“Then why on earth are you working at a bowling alley?” Rico asked. 

“Eh, pays well.” 

“Don’t you have balls to polish?” Maya asked sarcastically as she got up to take her turn.

“She’s right, you’re still on the clock.” Maria said. 

“Thanks for reminding me.” Manolo rolled his eyes. 

“Ok, you get back to work before your boss catches you. That’s an order.” Maria kissed Manolo’s cheek, his face burning bright red and freezing at the sudden action for a moment before leaving the booth. 

“You broke him.” Rico said, making Maria laugh. 

After getting a strike, Maya sat back down as Maria got up for her turn. She watched as Manolo went through a door labeled “storage.” 

“This guy is everywhere.” Maya thought, “How tight is she wrapped around his finger?” 

Thinking about it, Manolo was visiting Maria during lunch every week. On top of that, Maya sometimes saw him dropping off Maria at school and picking her up at the end of the day. It’s nice of him to do all that, especially considering his schedule. Whenever Manolo and Maria are together, they’re all over each other, holding and kissing each other. They seemed so nice and gentle to- 

“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Maya shook the thoughts out of her head before they went too far, “He almost had me under his spell. Well, it’s not gonna work on me. Manolo’s a player and Maria’s gonna find out sooner or later. They’re just in that honeymoon phase like Chimi said. It won’t last, you’ll see.” 

“So, do any of you guys do sports?” Maya asked. 

“D-Does it look like I do sports?” Rico asked. 

“I did basketball in middle school, but I didn’t have the time for it after that.” Chimi said.

“I do martial arts.” Maria said, “I still practice it, even after I left the group.” 

“That much was obvious when you beat down Skull and Bone.” 

“Are people really still talking about that?” 

“A few.” Maya said, “You can’t just break someone’s spine and expect people to forget about it. What you did was legendary.”

“Thanks, but we’re here to celebrate you, Maya.” 

“Of course we are.”

Chapter Text

Maya’s parents were having a quick talk with her before she and her brothers left for school. 

“Ok, Maya.” Her dad said, “This is your first day of practice.” 

“We know how excited you are, but please remember to not get too cocky.” Her mom added, “You don’t know your team or your coach yet, so don’t think it’ll be easy.”

“I know.” Maya said innocently. 

“And please, don’t get into any trouble with that Acat girl. One black eye is enough.”

“Thank you, guys, but don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” 

“All we’re saying is, don’t get into any trouble.” Maya’s dad said, “Good luck out there.”

“Thanks, Papa.” Maya hugged her parents and kissed them goodbye before heading out the door, “I’ll see you guys later!” 

“Have fun!” Maya’s mom called out, “And you kids be careful!” 

Maria had a YouTube channel, with a couple thousand subscribers, where she’d talk about her life, do art tutorials, and sometimes vlog. She was watching her vlog of her and Manolo at an amusement park on a long weekend over the summer. 

“Ok, so, we’re riding the ferris wheel, right now.” Vlog Maria said, “I wasn’t expecting there to be such a romantic view.” 

“Yes, you did.” Vlog Manolo said, “This ride was your idea.” 

“Shut up.” 

Vlog Manolo suddenly kissed Vlog Maria’s cheek, “What are you doing?” Vlog Maria asked with a smile. 

“What does it look like? I’m trying to steal a kiss.” Vlog Manolo said, “We are on a ferris wheel, after all.” 

Vlog Maria laughed, “No, that’ll be cheesy.” 

“What’s wrong with that? Your viewers will love it.” 

Maria smiled warmly as she watched the video. It only happened two months ago, but it felt like years ago. 

“I’m not gonna kiss you in front of my viewers.” Vlog Maria said. 

“Come on, it’ll be a classic.” Vlog Manolo said. 

Vlog Maria thought for a moment before saying, “Ok, fine.” 

Vlog Manolo covered the camera with his hand, “Mwah. See?” 

“Ok, you were right.” Vlog Maria laughed as their faces came back into view, "It was still cheesy, though."

"That your boyfriend?"

Maria turned around to see a girl with straight, black hair, wearing a tan shirt, sitting behind her.

"Oh, uh, yeah, he is." Maria said, taking out her ear bud.

"Figured." The girl said, "I should've guessed by the way you liked his ice cream. Like, could you be any less sappy?"

Maria frowned at the girl's comment. Maybe she and Manolo can be a little sappy, but what's wrong with that? 

The girl must've noticed her annoyance, and added, "But hey, he seems like a nice guy. And he's hot."

"He is." Maria said, chuckling a little bit. 

"I'm Carolina." The girl said.

"I'm Maria. So, do you have a boyfriend?"

"I used to go out with Picchu from the football team, but it just didn't work out." Carolina said. 

"Oh, I get it. You're just jealous because I have a hot boyfriend and you don't."

Carolina raised her eyebrows at the comment. She and Maria stared at each other for a second before they both laughed.

After school, Maya was outside on the soccer field for her first soccer practice with the girls team.

"Don't expect anyone to go easy on you, new girl." Acat said, "Coach is especially vicious with fresh meat."

"Acat, just give it a rest." Maya said, "You're not going to scare me. I'm already here, so I think I can handle whatever Coach throws at me."

"Even so, I'm not going to be replaced by a washed-up player like you."

Maya narrowed her eyes and stepped closer to Acat, "Washed-up?" 

Coach Cipactli blew her whistle, grabbing everyone's attention, "Alright, ladies! New members on this side of the field!"

Maya and a few other girls quickly made their way to the other side of the field, standing up straight.

Coach Cipactli was a tall woman in her early thirties. She had shoulder-length green hair tied in pigtails, wearing a green tracksuit. 

"When I call your name, raise your hand. Mia, Sandra, Pepa, Julieta, Alma, Maya, Valeria."

One by one, the new team members raised their hands when their name was called.

"Ok, ladies!" Cipactli said, "You already know me, I'm coach Cipactli. To make it in this team, you need to have talent, heart, discipline, fierceness, and bloodthirst. I'm mostly kidding about that last one. You were all chosen to be on the team because you have all or most of these qualities and I'm not expecting any less from you."

Maya felt a sense of pride hearing the coach's words, knowing she had some of the qualities the coach was listing off. Maybe not so much bloodthirst, but that's not important. 

"You won't last five minutes with me if you're not willing to put in the hard work and effort I expect from all of you. This means being able to balance the double life of being a student and a soccer player. So, unless you have the superhero skills to keep an alter ego, you may leave now."

No one said anything as they glanced around the field with wide eyes. Maybe Acat wasn't totally off when she said coach Cipactli was hard on new members. 

"I sent you all an email about the requirements to stay on the team. If, for any reason, you’re struggling to meet any requirement, my office is always open. But it's up to you to take my help. I'm also expecting you to help out each other. You're now, and always were, a team. I expect all of you to make these girls feel welcome, get to know each other, and to pick each other up when you're down."

Maya let out a breath she didn't know she was holding. It seems like coach Cipactli cares about the team, but with a lot of tough love. 

Maybe this would cause Acat to back off a little. She wouldn't do anything to get either of them kicked off the team, right?

"Alright everyone, we're gonna start by two laps around the field. Take advantage of this time to get to know your new teammates."

Acat walked up to Maya, "If you know what's good for you, keep your head down on the field and stay out of my way."

"Wow, Acat. I'm surprised the team isn't made up of just you." Maya sarcastically said.

Acat gave her the stink eye as she jogged away. 

Nothing major happened during practice. Maya was excited for the next practice, but a part of her dreaded seeing Acat more often.

Staying out of trouble may be harder than she thought.

"Come on." Chimi said, looking down at the tablet, "Just a little further." She watched as the little girl focused on her game. 

Chimi’s mom was close friends with one of their neighbors, who had a seven-year old daughter, Willow. She was divorced and had full custody of her daughter. Chimi and Willow were close, and would often babysit Willow to make some extra cash. The shelter made plenty of money, but sometimes they needed help.

Willow didn't break focus from her game, hunched over her tablet as she tried her hardest to beat the level.

"Yes!" Willow cheered, "I did it!" 

"Awesome!" Chimi said, "See, you should listen to me when it comes to this game."

"Your advice also killed me last time." Willow said.

"Ok, so maybe not always."

The doorbell rang and Chimi went to answer. She opened the door to see Willow's mom, "Hola, Chimi." The woman greeted.

"Hello, Ms. Pardo." Chimi said, "Willow, your mom is here."

Chimi and Ms. Pardo went inside to see Willow pack her things in her backpack.

"Did you have a fun time with Chimi, mija?" The older woman asked her daughter.

"Fabiola and I had a great time." Willow said, hugging her doll.

"Wonderful. Did you get your homework done?"

"Uh-huh."

Ms. Pardo turned to Chimi, "Thank you for watching her on such short notice." 

"I'm always happy to look out for her." Chimi said as she was paid. 

"Goodbye, Chimi." Willow said as she and her mother left.

"Bye."

Chimi sighed as she slumped on the sofa. She loved babysitting Willow, but it can be exhausting sometimes. It always felt so quiet whenever she got picked up.

Nutella, Chimi’s pug, leapt on the sofa next to her and rested his head against her lap, allowing her to stroke his back. Her mom still had an hour or two before she came home from the shelter, so she picked up her phone and dialed Rico.

He answered after two rings, "Hey, Chimi."

"Hey, Rico." Chimi said, "What's up?"

"Nothing much, just watching TV. What are you doing?"

"Ms. Pardo picked up Willow just now, so now I'm bored out of my mind."

"Have you thought about doing homework?"

"You did not just say that."

"You're right, that was lame. I t-take it back."

"It's cool. That movie you've been talking about came out recently. You wanna check it out?"

Rico seemed caught off guard by her question, "W-Wait, you mean now?" 

"Well, it doesn't have to be now, it can be whenever. You're the one who was geeking about it. I thought you liked superheroes."

"Uh… y-yeah, we can go see it. I'm not really working right now."

"Great. Just let me get things in order here and I'll meet you at the theater."

"Ok. See you then. Bye."

"Bye."

When Rico hung up, Chimi got up from the sofa to get ready, while calling her mom to let her know where she was going.

Rico set his phone down and took a deep breath.

"Got a date?" Rico's grandfather asked from the kitchen.

"No, Abuelo." Rico said, grabbing his jacket, "I'm just going to the movies with Chimi."

"Why don't you just tell her how you feel, already?"

"I d-don’t want to make anything weird between us." 

"Weirder than your hair?" Rico's grandfather laughed at Rico's deadpan expression, "Ah, I'm just messing with you, mijo. But really, you shouldn't be afraid of expressing yourself. What's the worst that could happen?"

"Rejection, humiliation, shame."

"Well, that's always a possibility, but it's not the end of the world."

"It would be if I did…" Rico mumbled.

His grandfather laughed and said, "Don't worry, Rico. You'll tell her when the time is right. Hopefully, it will work, but if it doesn't, don't doubt that your friendship will end because of it."

Rico grinned. He often had these talks with his grandfather. While he didn't plan on confessing to Chimi any time soon, he still felt better talking about it, "Thanks, Abuelo. I'll be back before dinner."

"Have fun."

Joaquin walked through the front door, coming home from his shift at the bowling alley, "Hey. I'm home."

"Hola, Joaquin." His grandma greeted from the sofa.

He walked over to kiss her cheek before sitting next to her. 

"How was your day?"

"Eh, the usual. I don't have that much homework, so I'll get started on that later."

" I don't want you to work too hard." His grandma said, "You already do enough."

"I do what I gotta do, Grandma." Joaquin smiled, "Besides, Mr. Posada helps us out."

His Grandma's face soured at the mention of the general, "Of course, I do give him credit for that." She never thought much of the general. He helped her raise Joaquin when his father died and mother left, but she often disagreed with him on numerous levels.

Joaquin got up and started to head upstairs, "You didn't eat the rest of the pasta, did you?"

"I thought of you, so I left you scraps."

Chapter Text

The first thing Skull and Bone did to try and break Manolo and Maria up was try and find any dirt on them. Hopefully one of them was hiding something that would ruin their relationship. 

That day, Bone had called sick from school to follow Manolo around for anything shady while Skull did the same to Maria during school. That evening, they were going through what they found, which was nothing.

"What is up with these guys?" Skull asked, "They're absolute squares."

"Maybe we chose the wrong day to do this." Bone thought, "If they are hiding something, they probably have a schedule for it."

"You have a point." Skull was going through Bone’s pictures and videos of Manolo. Like Maria, there wasn't anything interesting, until a video caught her eye. 

"What's this?" She asked. 

"He went to the gym after dropping off Maria." Bone said, "I recorded it for something to happen. He may have distracted me and I… ran into a door."

Skull looked at the bruise on her sister's forehead, and rolled her eyes, "You headbutted against the door because you were staring at his abs?"

"Not his abs, his shoulders."

"You are such a pervert. Although I don't blame you." 

As they kept watching the video, something caught Bone’s eye, "Wait, wait, wait, go back." Skull rewinded the video. 

"There." Bone pointed at the screen.

Skull noticed what was being pointed out and smirked, "Ah. I see where you're going with this."

"If we show this to little miss perfect, she'll get crazy jealous. It's perfect."

"You sure she's the crazy girlfriend type?"

"Of course she is. You'll see."

The next morning, after a bad night's sleep, Zatz went downstairs for breakfast with his headphones on. When he entered the kitchen, he saw Tezcatlipoca behind the stove making eggs.

"Morning, Zatz." Tezcatlipoca said, "Sleep well?"

"I wouldn't know." Zatz said, sitting down, "You and Tía Chaska kept me up all night."

"Which is why I would like to give you a peace offering in the form of a sunny side up." Tezcatlipoca placed a plate of eggs and toast in front of Zatz.

"Gee, thanks." 

Zatz’s dad, Camazotz, came into the kitchen, looking just as tired as Zatz, with Chaska behind him.

"Hello, there, Camazotz." Tezcatlipoca greeted, "Hello, Chaska."

"Hey, Tezcatlipoca." Chaska said.

"Do I need to remind you of the other people who live here?" Camazotz asked Chaska, "Either be a little quieter or take it to his place."

"A little?" Zatz asked, "I had to put my headphones on just to drown you out."

"Hey, passion is something that can't be silenced." Tezcatlipoca said, laughing.

Chaska's face turned red as she threw a bread roll at his head, shutting him up.

"You're right." She said, "We're sorry, guys. Next time, we'll go to your place." 

"Uh, Papa?" Zatz asked Camazotz, "Can you please take me to school on your bike?"

Camazotz sighed, knowing where this was going, "Zatz, you know what I'm about to say."

"I know, I know, but school is just ten minutes away, it won't be dangerous at all."

"For the hundredth time, the answer is no. You're too young and it's too dangerous."

Zatz sighed in disappointment. Since he was a kid, he'd always ask his dad if he could ride his motorcycle, and the answer was always no. That still didn't stop him from trying.

"Can you at least take me around the block?" 

Camazotz raised a brow, making Zatz grumble as he kept eating.

"If you're so against him riding the bike, why do you have one?" Tezcatlipoca asked, eating a piece of toast. 

"I didn't say I was too young for it." Camazotz said, "It's not like I ride it everywhere, either."

"Don't act like you didn't use that bike to flex on everyone in college." Chaska said.

"Hey, I was going through a punk phase."

"I'd say you're still going through it." Tezcatlipoca said.

Camazotz rolled his eyes and handed Zatz the car keys, "Could you start the car for me?"

Zatz nodded as he got up from his seat and walked out the door.

Camazotz glanced out the window to see Zatz walking to his motorcycle in the driveway. He sighed and opened the window, "Don't even think about it!" 

"Uggghhh!!!"

Maria was at her locker when Skull and Bone came up to her.

"Hey, there." Skull said.

Maria rolled her eyes, "What do you want?"

"We know you don’t like us…" Bone said. 

"...And we certainly don't like you…" Skull said. 

"...But we found something that you deserve to see. It's about your boyfriend."

Bone showed Maria their video of Manolo in the gym doing pull-ups on her phone. 

"Ok… what am I supposed to be looking at?" Maria asked.

"That." Bone pointing at the video. 

When Manolo was done doing pull-ups, a girl walked by him, catching his eye for a moment, the video ending there.

"Alright, and?" Maria asked.

"Did you not see?" Skull said, "He was checking out another girl."

"He just looked at her. It's not like he made a move on her or anything."

"He wanted to." Bone said, "You could see it in his eyes."

"How many other girls do you think he's checked out?" Skull asked.

Maria rolled her eyes, "Ok, I don't need this right now. Both of you do me a favor and stop stalking my boyfriend." 

She closed her locker and went straight to homeroom, leaving Skull and Bone standing there.

"I told you this wouldn't work." Skull said, Bone elbowing her.

Maria couldn't believe what Skull and Bone tried to do. They stalked and recorded Manolo at the gym. As if that wasn't bad enough, they tried to say he was flirting with another girl when all he did was look at her. They didn’t even try. 

She almost laughed at the situation. No matter how many pretty girls looked at Manolo and vice versa, Maria knew he was faithful and she'd always be faithful to him.

She couldn't blame other girls for checking out Manolo. He is hot. His long, soft, black hair… his broad shoulders… how hot he looks when he's working out…

"Well, someone's having a good morning." Carolina said, taking her seat, "What's got you smiling, Cheshire Cat?"

"Your feeble mind couldn't fathom the abstraction that is my mind." Maria said, making Carolina chuckle. 

Maria looked at her sketchbook as her mind wandered to Manolo in the video. Her hands were acting on her own when they picked up a pencil and opened the book.

Manolo walked down the halls to the cafeteria to see Maria.

"Mr. Sanchez."

He froze at the all too familiar voice. Xtabay. 

Crap. 

Up until now, he had avoided running into her whenever he visited.

He reluctantly turned around to see Xtabay in front of him, her arms crossed as she looked down at him.

"Uh, hello, Ms. Xtabay." Manolo said, awkwardly. 

"I've noticed you come here during lunch every week." Xtabay said, "May I ask the reason?"

"O-Oh, I'm just here to visit my girlfriend, Maria. She's doing her senior year. I-I have a visitor’s pass, if that's what you're worried about." Manolo gave Xtabay his visitor's pass. He became anxious as she looked over his pass.

"I see." She handed his pass back, "Your frequent visits are… concerning. Maria is a bright, diligent, dedicated student. We wouldn't want any distractions to come her way. I'd say you shouldn't come as often, if not, stop coming all together."

Manolo frowned at her words. One of the things he didn't miss when he graduated was the feeling of Xtabay watching his every move. He paid no attention to what she was saying. He knew he wasn't doing anything wrong visiting Maria.

"Uh, ok." Manolo said.

Just as he turned to walk away, Xtabay called out, "It's quite odd for a college student to make such frequent visits to a high school. I hope this won't turn into something that the authorities would have to worry about."

Manolo stopped in his tracks and looked at Xtabay in shock. The vice principal wore a sadistic smile. 

He pressed his lips into a thin line and nodded, "Don't worry, it won't. Have a good day." He turned around and continued his way to the cafeteria. Xtabay’s threat ran through his head for a while. She wasn't being serious, she was just trying to scare him, right? She did that all the time. Even so, she may follow through with it. She did that sometimes, too. Manolo was gonna have to be a lot more careful whenever he visited from now on.

Maya was sitting with Chimi and Maria during lunch. Rico wanted to get a project done, so he was having lunch in the library. 

"My bird, Rosa, tried to eat my hair last night." Chimi said, "She's a sweetie, but she's stupid as hell."

"Ha. Chiapa’s like that all the time." Maya said, "I often keep forgetting how dumb he is. The other week, he literally tried to jump from the couch to the table." Maya started to laugh, "He did a belly flop on the floor."

"That's hilarious. What about you, Maria? Do you have any pets?"

Maria had her head in the clouds, doodling in her sketchbook with a big, dopey grin.

"Maria. Maria? Maria!"

Maria came back down to earth, blinking rapidly, "Hm? What? What’s happening?"

"What are you drawing?" Maya asked, grabbing the book from her hands.

"No!" Maria tried to grab the sketchbook back, but Maya and Chimi were already looking at her drawings.

Taking up at least two pages were drawings of Manolo. He was shirtless in every one of them in various poses with a sultry gaze. 

Chimi and Maya stared at the drawings in shock. They weren't expecting this . Maya was impressed by how sexy Maria had drawn Manolo. She was a very talented artist. For a douchebag, he is hot.

"Well, well, well, Maria." Chimi said with a smirk, "I didn't know you were one for such scandalous imagery."

"Dang, girl." Maya teased, "You are thirsty. Although, my brother, Daggers, is way more muscular. And I normally wouldn't say something like that, so you know it's something."

Maria’s face went red, shooting death glares between them.

Just then, she felt an arm wrap around her, "Hola, guerrera." 

"Hola, guitarrista." Maria smiled. 

"Perfect timing." Chimi said, "Get a load of this." She handed Manolo the sketchbook, Maria freaking out.

"No, no, no, no, no! Don't look!" She tried to get the sketchbook back, but Manolo put his hand on her forehead, keeping her at arm's length as she reached for the sketchbook. 

"What are you trying to hide?" Manolo asked. As he looked through the sketchbook, his eyes grew wide, not knowing what to say as his cheeks turned pink. 

After a moment, Manolo closed the book, handing it back to Maria, "Oh, I see how it is." He said with a smirk, "You only want me for my body."

Maria’s face burned bright red, "Please don't do this to me."

"What other drawings are you hiding from me, you little pervert?"

"Eh– I am not a pervert!"

"Your book says otherwise." Chimi said.

"You're terrible at hiding your nudes." Maya teased.

Maria rested her head against the table, hiding from everyone's taunts. Manolo brushed a lock of hair from her ear and said, "You know, I wish I had a body like that."

"What are you talking about?" Maria asked, sitting up, turning to him, "Yes you do."

"I'd say you gave me an upgrade. I love what you did with my hair." Manolo wrapped his arms around her, softly kissing her cheek. 

"Well, it's one of the things I love about you."

Maya rolled her eyes at how corny they were being. Young love. Sappy and gross. 

Xtabay was walking with Principal La Muerte down the hall.

"I noticed Manolo Sanchez visits here every week." Xtabay said.

"Yes, he visits Maria." La Muerte said, "He emailed me about it a few weeks ago and I gave him a visitor’s pass."

"So, I see. Don't you find it odd that he comes so frequently?"

"Oh, I expected that to happen. He's a young man in love, who am I to stop him?"

"An eye must be kept on him. He could be a negative influence on the students."

"You're worrying too much, Xtabay. You remember what a good student he was. Manolo’s a good boy, he won't be in any trouble."

Xtabay said nothing else as they kept walking. She was going to keep an eye on Manolo. One can never be too cautious. 

After school, Manolo and Maria were passionately making out on his couch, Maria in his lap with her hands in his hair, Manolo’s hand on the small of her back under her shirt. 

After a few minutes, they heard the front door open.

"Oh, crap, my dad is home." Manolo said.

Maria quickly moved to sit next to Manolo, the two making a half-hearted attempt to fix their clothes and hair. Their tension went away when they saw Joaquin enter the living room. 

"Oh, it's just you." Manolo said. 

"Nice to see you guys, too." Joaquin said, "We gotta work on that research paper."

"Oh, right." Manolo said, "Which war was it again?"

"You know I don’t remember."

Maria sighed and got up from the couch, "Well, you guys have fun with that. I gotta get ready for fencing, anyway."

"As if you needed any more self-defense training." Joaquin said. 

"How else am I supposed to kick your ass?" 

Manolo laughed as Joaquin rolled his eyes. 

"I'll see you both later." Maria gave Manolo a quick kiss, "I love you."

"I love you, too." Manolo said. 

"No love for me?" Joaquin asked. 

Maria rolled her eyes as she walked to the front door. When she opened it, she saw Carlos pushing Manolo’s great-grandmother, Anita, in her wheelchair towards the door.

"Oh, hi, Carlos." Maria greeted, "

"Hola, Maria." Carlos smiled, "How’re you?" 

"I'm doing well. I was just leaving for my fencing class." 

"A strong woman breeds strong children." Anita said.

Maria blushed at the old woman's words. Ever since she and Manolo got together, Anita kept talking about them having children. She definitely wanted to have kids with Manolo in the future, but it's embarrassing for his family to bring it up, especially since they've only been dating for a few months. 

"Abuela." Carlos gently scolded.

"It's alright, Carlos." Maria said, "I'll see you guys later."

"Bye."

As Maria walked to her house across the street, Carlos brought Anita inside, seeing his son and Joaquin. 

"Hola, Papa." Manolo said, "Joaquin and I are going to work on a paper."

"That's alright, mijo." Carlos said, "We'll be down here if you need us."

"How was your visit with your friend, bisabuela?"

"Eh, what is there to say?" Anita said as Carlos pushed her near the couch, "She's more bones than woman."

"We'll be back down for chips." Joaquin said. He and Manolo turned to go to Manolo’s room.

"Oh, Manolo." Carlos called.

"Yeah?" Manolo asked.

"Uh, you might want to wipe that lipstick off your face."

Manolo furrowed his brows in confusion as he looked in a hallway mirror. He saw there was faint red lipstick smeared on his face, his eyes growing wide in shock.

"What?!" He frantically wiped his face, shoving Joaquin, "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wanted to see how long it took for you to notice." Joaquin laughed.

Chapter Text

Maya was running laps in gym class the next morning talking with Picchu. 

"You know Coach Cipactli and Coach Cabrakan are married, right?" Picchu asked.

"Wait, really?" Maya asked.

"I thought you would've figured it out by now. It's pretty obvious."

"Hey, I can be a little slow sometimes."

"You can say that again." Zatz had caught up to Picchu and Maya from behind, "May I suggest you take something to pick up speed?"

Maya gritted her teeth, grunting in annoyance, "I don't need any athletic help, thank you very much. My skills are one hundred percent earned through hard work and-"

"Save me the cheesy speech, princesa." Zatz ran a little ahead of Maya and Picchu. 

"It was getting a little cheesy." Picchu shrugged. 

Maya glared at him before running faster, catching up with Zatz, "Is it really so hard for you to believe that I'm athletic?"

"It's not that, I just don't think you're as great as you say. And if you are, your ego won't get you anywhere."

Zatz ran further from her, Maya picking up speed to get closer to him, "Fine, I'll prove it to you. Race you around the track, right now."

"Hold on, I never-"

"Unless you're scared to." 

Zatz smirked at Maya’s competitiveness, "You're on."

They both broke into a sprint around the track. They were going at the same speed for most of the race. As they got closer to the end of the track, Maya started to get ahead by a hair. Before she could pass Zatz, she tripped over her feet, knocking both her and Zatz to the ground. 

"Well, you sure proved how clumsy you are." Zatz grumbled. 

Maya shoved against Zatz’s shoulder trying to get up, only for Zatz to grab her arm, pulling her back down.

"What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm finishing this." She said, "I was winning anyway, you sore loser."

"You're the loser."

Zatz and Maya shoved each other in an attempt to finish the race and keep the other down. They moved three feet before they heard Coach Cabrakan's whistle.

"If you two lovebirds don't mind, knock it off over there!" Cabrakan called out to them.

Zatz and Maya's faces were bright red with embarrassment. Picchu had caught up to them and pulled them off the ground. 

"How about I referee your next competition?" Picchu said, "There was a lot of foul play."

"Deal." Maya said. She glared at Zatz, "You know this isn't over."

"I look forward to a rematch."

They started to get in each other's faces, Picchu keeping them at a distance.

"Ok, kids, that's enough for one day." Picchu said. 

"He started it." Maya said.

After gym, Zatz, Maya and Picchu found Chimi and Rico in the hall as they walked to class.

As they walked, Maya saw Maria leave the bathroom with her hair… down? That's odd.

"Maria, over here." Maya called. 

Maria walked over to the group, "Oh, hey guys." She said.

"What's with the new hairstyle?" Chimi asked.

"What? I just wanted to shake things up." By the way Maria adjusted the hair covering her neck, Maya knew something was up. She got close to Maria’s face, who awkwardly tried to avoid eye contact.

"Grab her!" Maya said.

In one fluid motion, Picchu grabbed Maria’s arm and dragged her to the nearest empty corner, "Gah! Guys, cut it out! No, stop!"

Maya brushed Maria’s hair from her neck to reveal a small purple mark on her neck. A hickey.

"Oh, my god." Chimi said.

"What the…?!" Rico exclaimed.

"Am I the only one who saw that coming?" Picchu asked. 

"I had a guess." Zatz said.

"Wha- how did you get that?" Maya asked.

Maria’s face burned bright red as she sheepishly said, "Well… I was with Manolo yesterday and things got a little… aggressive. I only noticed it this morning."

"Is this your first hickey?" Chimi asked.

"That's none of our business…" Zatz said, blushing.

"It doesn't hurt to ask."

"Wait, did you and Manolo smash?" Maya asked.

"No!" Maria hissed, "At least not yet."

"Well, at this rate, it's only a matter of time." 

"You get more action than most guys on the basketball team." Picchu said.

"Maria and Manolo, sitting in a tree." Rico teased.

"K-I-S-S-I-N-G." Picchu added, making everyone laugh.

Maria rolled her eyes with a small grin as she covered her hickey with her hair, "Grow up, you guys."

While Maya couldn't help but snicker, she was also pissed off at Manolo for giving Maria a hickey in such a visible spot. Did he seriously not think about that? Maria was lucky that her friends found out, but if anyone else did, she'd be humiliated. 

Just as Maria walked out of the corner she was backed into, she stopped dead in her tracks, her eyes growing wide and face turning red, "What is that?!" She panicked. 

On the wall was an enlarged picture of one of Maria’s drawings of Manolo from yesterday.

Everyone's jaws dropped at the sight.

"Ugh, Skull and Bone have been putting these up." Chimi said as Zatz ripped the picture off the wall. 

"No, no, no, no, no, no, no! How many people saw this?"

"Not a lot. Hopefully."

"How did they get the drawing, anyway?" Maya asked. 

"They must've stolen it from my sketchbook when I wasn't around." Maria groaned, hiding her face in her hands, "Why did I have to be so horny?"

"Hey, it happens to the best of us." Rico said, "It is a good drawing." Zatz smacked Rico's arm at that comment, "Tell me I'm wrong."

"Hey, look on the bright side." Picchu said, "At least no one knows you’re the one who drew it."

"Well, they do now." 

Everyone looked up to see Skull and Bone holding up their phones with a smirk, "But thanks for the confirmation, we really wanted to give the artist credit."

Maria gritted her teeth and walked to Skull and Bone, dragging them to the girl's bathroom. Maya looked back at the group and shrugged before following them.

Maya went into the bathroom to see Maria confronting Skull and Bone, "Delete it, right now."

"Oh, come on." Bone said, "We thought such an artist would want their art to be known."

"At least everyone will know how fine your boy toy is." Skull snickered. 

Maya joined Maria’s side, "I'm not an art expert, but I'm pretty sure spreading art without permission is theft." 

"And we should care why?" Bone asked.

"Give me the phone!" Maya ripped the phone from Bone’s hands and quickly deleted the recording. 

"Hey!" Skull said, "Oh, you just crossed a line. Nobody steals from us."

"Well, we just did." Maria said.

Without warning, Skull and Bone pulled Maria’s shirt over her head, pushing her against the wall.

"Ahh!" Maria yelled.

"What the hell, man?" Maya tried to push Skull and Bone off Maria. During the struggle, Maya noticed a two-inch scar on Maria’s stomach above her hip bone. It looked like she had stitches at one point. Did she have surgery? Was she in an accident?

After a minute or two, Maya was finally able to push Skull and Bone off.

"What is your problem?" Maria asked, adjusting her shirt.

Maria and Maya didn't listen to whatever Skull and Bone yelled after them as they left the bathroom.

"Thanks for helping me back there." Maria said as they walked to class. 

"Anytime." Maya said. She ripped another drawing from the wall and scrunched it into a ball, "Hey, I noticed a scar on your stomach. Did something happen?"

Maria’s face fell and looked down, "Oh… Um… I… I was in an accident over the summer. I don't want to get into it right now." 

Maya saw it on her face. Whatever happened had a major impact on Maria, she thought she saw her tearing up. As much as Maya wanted to know what happened, she didn't want to pry.

"Oh, I understand." Maya said, "I'm sorry."

Maria sighed and smiled, "It's ok. Come on. The sooner we're done with English, the sooner you can make fun of my hickey."

Maya chuckled at her comment as they walked into the classroom, Maria’s scar in her mind. She didn't think too much about it. Maria will tell her when she's ready. 

During lunch, Acat, Skull and Bone were trying to sneak into Principal La Muerte's office to get Maya’s records.

"Hurry up, hurry up." Acat hissed.

"Almost got it." Skull said.

After a few seconds, Skull successfully picked the lock, swinging the door open.

"Ok, you look for Maya’s dirt, we'll look for Maria’s dirt." Bone whispered as they all snuck in.

"What kind of dirt do you think is on miss perfect?" Acat asked, going through files.

"You never know where something juicy will come from." Skull said.

"Found anything yet?" Bone asked.

"Almost… Got it." Skull took out Maria’s file and took pictures of it with her phone. 

"Aha." Acat said, as she found Maya’s file, "Dark secrets must come to light." She took pictures of the file with her phone, "Got it. Let's go."

Skull, Bone and Acat left La Muerte's office, just as Principal La Muerte walked by, "Hello, girls." She said, sweetly. 

"Hello." They said, innocently. 

Lance, Shield, Daggers and Picchu were sitting together during lunch.

"Any of you have a date for homecoming?" Picchu asked.

"Not really." Shield shrugged.

"Yeah, same."

"Homecoming is next month, we still have time."

"You know I'll be the best wingman for all of you." Lance said.

"No way, man." Picchu said. 

"Totally, Daggers can vouch for me." Daggers didn't respond, staring into space with a dopey grin, "Daggers. Hey!"

"What?" Daggers asked, snapping out of his trance.

Picchu turned around to see what Daggers was staring at. He saw Maria Posada sitting with Carolina a few tables away.

"Ah, you have a crush on Maria Posada!" Picchu said.

"Tell the whole school, why don't you?" Daggers asked. 

"What are you waiting for, dude? Ask her to homecoming."

"Oh, no, no, no, she is off limits." Lance said, "She has a boyfriend."

Picchu's jaw dropped, glancing back at Maria. That explains the hickey from this morning. He just assumed she hooked up with someone, but it was more serious than he thought. 

"Wait, wait, wait, you're telling me you have a crush on a girl who’s off the market?"

"She told us before I had the chance to ask her out." Daggers said. 

"Ok, ok. But onto important matters; is he hotter than you?"

"He's tall, lean, long, wavy, black hair, chiseled chin, goes to Moonlight, and plays guitar." Shield said. 

"Yep. He's hotter than you."

Daggers groaned, resting his head in his hand, "Thanks for making me feel worse about this."

"Wait, what do you mean you feel worse?"

"We know the guy." Lance explained. 

Picchu sighed and facepalmed, "Let me get this straight: not only do you like a girl who has a boyfriend, but you're friends with said boyfriend? Did you hurt yourself on the field, man? Of course you're gonna feel guilty."

"I was just going to introduce myself, I wasn't expecting him to be so cool." Daggers said.

"You need to cut yourself off from this guy."

"What? No, we like him." Shield said, "Besides, we're going for tacos with his friend later."

"You can never be friends with your crushes' partner." Picchu said, "You're just asking for so many complications."

"We're not cutting him off." Lance said.

"Well, you can't have your clone drooling all over another guy's girl."

"Don't worry, Picchu." Shield said, putting an arm around Daggers, "We'll help our brother move on from Maria."

"There's plenty of fish in the sea." Lance said.

"I hope so." Picchu said. 

"You're welcome to join us for tacos later, by the way." Daggers said.

"Sure, I got time."

Chapter Text

Maya panted as she skidded to a stop in front of her locker. She and her brothers were running late that morning, practically zooming down the street to school. She opened her locker and unzipped her bag. When she reached into her bag, she touched something warm and soft.

"What the…?" She looked into her bag, only to close it again in disbelief, "Chiapa?!"

Maya slowly opened her bag again to make sure she wasn't seeing things. Nope. Chiapa was in her bag along with the rest of her things. 

"What are you doing here?" Maya asked her pet, "Pets aren't allowed here, you know that right?" 

Maya quickly organized her books and went to homeroom. She found her brothers talking and went up to them, "Guys. We have a bit of a problem." She opened her bag and showed them Chiapa.

"What?" Lance whispered, closing the bag, "How did he get in there?"

"He must've snuck in my bag when I wasn't looking." Maya said, "What are we supposed to do?"

"Ok, ok, ok." Shield said, "Don't worry. We'll just hide him, and during lunch, one of us can drop him off at home."

"Ok, ok." Daggers said, "Good plan, but where do we hide him?"

"He can stay in my bag for a while." Maya said.

"Great." Lance said, "Just make sure no one sees him, especially Xtabay."

"Got it."

Thankfully, Chiapa stayed in Maya’s bag all morning and made very little noise.

When Maya sat down in English, she peaked into her bag to make sure Chiapa was still there, "Ok, you've been a good boy so far, Chiapa. You just have to get through one more class and you'll be home."

"Are you talking to your bag?" Maria asked next to her. 

"Oh, hey, Maria." Maya said, putting her bag down. She leaned toward her and whispered, "It's just that my cat sneaked into my bag this morning and we can't get him home until lunch."

"Aw, can I see him?" Maria asked.

"Sure." Maya got her bag, but when she opened it, her heart stopped. Chiapa was gone.

"Wha-?"

Maya started to panic. Chiapa was fast and good at hiding. If it took him ten seconds to escape, he could be anywhere by now.

She got up from her seat and rushed to the teacher's desk, "Can I please have a hall pass?"

"Class hasn't started yet." The teacher said, "But, alright."

When Maya was given a hall pass, she rushed into the hallway, "Chiapa! Chiapa, come here, kitty!"

Chiapa wandered the halls with curiosity. Was this where his owners spent most of the day? If so, why? There didn't seem to be anything appealing about this place, just endless halls with nothing but walls of lockers. 

He'd occasionally find people in the halls, but he'd rush into the nearest hiding spot before he could be seen. 

"Hey, little guy. What are you doing here?"

Chiapa turned around at the voice. A girl wearing a black shirt and purple skirt, and mostly black makeup had spotted him, kneeling down and holding out her hand. Chiapa slowly walked towards the girl. Before she could so much as touch him, Chiapa jumped back and hissed at her.

The girl backed away, "Ok, you little punk."

Punk? How dare she?

Chiapa walked past her and turned into another hallway. Of course, there were more lockers and the occasional door in the long hallway. He wanted to see what was behind those doors, but the windows were too high for him to look through, and there was nothing he could climb on to reach. He tried reaching for the doorknobs, but many were either locked or he wasn't strong enough to unlock them.

Curse his feeble body.

There wasn't much he could do but keep walking. At least his owners wouldn't have to walk him for a while. If he had to go to the bathroom later, he was doomed, there didn't seem to be any kitty litter and he didn't have a way outside.

The more Maya looked, the more she panicked. She could only hope that Chiapa wasn't seen by anyone, or worse, in any trouble.

She decided to look in the locker rooms. Before she went into the girl's locker room, she saw Zatz walking by. Maya had a brief internal conflict. On one hand, she knew she needed him to check the boy's locker room, but on the other hand… does it have to be him?

Maya knew now wasn't the time to be petty and she needed all the help she could get.

With a groan, she walked up to him, "Zatz."

"Oh, hey, Maya." Zatz said when he saw her.

"Ok, listen, my cat snuck into my bag this morning and he escaped from said bag, and I can't find him anywhere, so I need you to try and look for him in the boy's locker room. Please?"

Zatz gave her a blank stare and said, "Alright, I'll help you look. How were you able to lose track of him?"

"He's a lot faster than you think, so don't blame me."

"I blame you."

Maya grunted in annoyance as they went into the locker rooms. 

She looked around the room and even tried to peek into some of the lockers, but no sign of Chiapa.

"Maya?"

Maya jumped and turned around to see Coach Cipactli carrying a box.

"Oh… Hey, Coach." Maya said with an awkward smile. 

"What are you doing here?" Coach Cipactli asked, "Practice isn't until after school."

"I-I know, I was just… uh, looking for my textbook. I thought I left it in here after gym, but it's… not here."

Coach Cipactli shrugged, "Ok. Good luck finding it. I'll see you at practice later today."

"You too."

Before another word was exchanged, Maya ran out of the locker room and saw Zatz leaving the boy's locker room.

"Zatz. Any luck?"

"Nothing." He said.

Just then, the bell rang.

Lunch.

"Oh, no." Maya panicked, "We have to find him. Now."

Chiapa heard the loud bell ring, which never failed to scare him. He panicked as the hallway suddenly quickly became crowded with people. Chiapa ran to the nearest corner near two large doors, where, thankfully, no one saw him. After a few minutes, the hallway cleared.

Chiapa was about to leave the corner he was in when two large doors near his corner opened. He braced himself for another crowd, but thankfully, it was just a girl. The girl was wearing a white shirt and red skirt, and was on the phone with someone. 

"Ok, I can hear you better. What were you saying?" She asked. The girl frowned and rolled her eyes, "Are you serious? He can't do that. You already worked over the weekend." She sighed, "Hey, you don't have to be sorry, it's your boss that's being a douche."

Blunt. He likes her.

"It's ok, we'll just reschedule. How's tomorrow after my art club?" The girl smiled, "Great. I'll see you later. I love you."

Oh, so it's a lover she's talking to. Gross.

After the girl hung up, she went back through the two large doors, allowing Chiapa to leave from his corner. He didn't walk very far when he saw another girl walk down the hall. She was pale with white hair, wearing a teal shirt with black pants and boots, carrying a stack of papers and a roll of tape. 

Before Chiapa could hide anywhere, the girl spotted him. Oh, no.

"What the…?" The girl asked, stepping closer to him, "What are you doing here?"

Unlike the black and purple girl he ran into earlier, he had a good feeling about this one. Chiapa slowly walked up to the girl and rubbed himself against her leg.

The girl knelt by him and stroked his head, "Aw. Aren't you a sweetie?"

Chiapa relished in the attention the girl was giving him. He caught a glimpse at the papers the girl was holding and saw they were flyers for a… environmental club? Ah, so she's a tree hugger. That might explain the good vibes he's getting from her.

"Now, would you mind telling me where you came from?" 

"Chimi, you found him!" 

Chiapa turned his head to see Zatz and Maya running towards him and the girl. Maya scooped him up in her arms, "There you are. I was starting to worry about you."

Chimi stood up, "Ah, so this is Chiapa."

"The one and only." Maya said. 

"How did he get in here?"

"She snuck him in here." Zatz said.

"That's not what happened. He stowed away in my bag." Maya noticed Zatz petting Chiapa near his face, "Oh, careful, he bites."

Chiapa, however, didn't seem to care, even licking Zatz’s fingers.

"Ferocious." Zatz smirked, making Maya glared at him.

"On the topic of animals, you wanna stop by my mom's animal shelter after school?" Chimi asked.

"Sure." Maya said, "Just send me the address, I'll meet you there after practice." Maya turned to Zatz, "Thanks for helping me find him."

"Any time." Zatz said. He turned to go into the cafeteria, "See you around, princesa." Maya rolled her eyes as he left. "Can you get one of my brothers over here? We have to get this guy home."

After practice, Maya’s brothers dropped her off at Chimi’s animal shelter. There were multiple cages for different animals, mostly dogs or cats. Near the front door was a small pen where some puppies were playing, Maya squealing at the sight of them.

"Oh, hey, Maya." Rico said.

"Oh, hey." Maya said, "I didn't know you worked here."

"I don't. I just like t-to stop by every now and again. I'm not too good with animals."

Chimi walked into the room carrying a box, a woman behind her.

"Hey, gang." Chimi said, putting the box down. She gestured to the woman behind her, "This is my mom. Mom, this is Maya."

"Oh, Chimi’s told me about you." Chimi’s mom smiled, extending a hand, "Nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, too." Maya said, shaking her hand. 

Maria walked through the front door, "Hi, guys."

"Oh, mom, this is Maria." Chimi said.

"Oh, yes." Chimi’s mom shook Maria’s hand, "Chimi told me what you did for her and I want to thank you. It's good knowing she made friends who stick up for her."

"Mom."

"It was nothing, really." Maria said, "You have a lovely shelter here."

"We have all kinds of animals here." Chimi’s mom said, "We do our best to make sure they find good homes. Feel free to look around, maybe play with some of the animals. If you need me, I'll be working right here."

Everyone nodded as Chimi led them to the cages.

"So, where do you find all these animals?" Maya asked, looking at a puppy.

"Most of them are strays, but we get them from all over, including the occasional not great home." Chimi said. She opened one of the cages on the floor, "This little guy was found last night."

Everyone gathered around the cage to see a small pink piglet.

"Aw." Maria smiled, "He's so cute." She extended her hand out to the piglet, who took a few steps back, "It's ok. I'm not gonna hurt you." The piglet slowly approached Maria, sniffing her hand. After a moment, the piglet walked out of the cage to get closer to her, making Maria laugh. She sat down and let the piglet climb into her lap as she scratched its ears.

"Aw." Rico said, "He looks at you the same way Manolo does."

"Hilarious." Maria said.

"Uh, speaking of which, how long have you and Manolo been together again?" Maya asked. 

"Since summer. Why?"

"Just wondering, cause… I've noticed you guys say 'I love you' after a few months. Don't you think that's moving pretty fast?"

"She has a point." Chimi said.

"Well, I guess that does sound weird, now that I think of it." Maria admitted, "But I've known Manolo for a long time, I know I love him."

"Ok…" Maya said, not convinced, "Who said it first?"

"He did, actually."

Not long after they started dating, Manolo and Maria took a long weekend to an amusement park. They had just arrived at the hotel after a long drive and were snuggled in bed, watching TV. Manolo had repeatedly asked Maria if she was comfortable sharing a bed, to which Maria laughed, saying it would be fine. 

“We’re going straight to the merry-go-round first, you know that, right?” Maria asked. 

“Only if you promise we do one of the games afterwards.” Manolo said. 

“Whatever you say, guitarrista.” 

They sat in comfortable silence for a while watching the sitcom they randomly turned on. 

“Maria?” Manolo silently asked. 

“Yes?” Maria asked. 

“I…” Manolo took a deep breath, “I…” He cleared his throat and was silent for a few seconds, “I love you.” 

Maria’s heart stopped and breath hitched. Her face burned red as she looked up at Manolo, who was turned away from her, his jaw clenched and face almost as red as hers. When he finally looked at her, his eyes grew wide before quickly looking away, “I-I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that. I didn’t mean to overwhelm you, but I had to say it, especially after-” 

“Manolo.” Maria grabbed his face, making him look at her. She smiled at the feeling of her heart pounding, “I love you, too.” 

Manolo laughed and smiled as his face burned brighter. He gently cupped her face and they both shared a passionate, tender kiss. 

Chimi and Rico smiled as they listened to Maria’s story, “Aw.” 

Maya, on the other hand, tried her hardest not to roll her eyes. It was clear that Manolo had Maria wrapped around his finger tighter than Maya thought. If he said “I love you” first, it was probably another way to manipulate her. He might not love Maria as much as she thinks he does. It was gonna be a little harder to convince Maria how much of a jerk her boyfriend really is. 

“That was t-the most b-b-beautiful thing I’ve ever heard.” Rico said. 

“He meant it.” Maria said, “I know he did, and I meant it, too.” 

“That’s…” Maya almost said how she still thought the relationship was moving too fast, but she had to admit, the story itself was pretty sweet, even if the couple in question made her gag, “...actually kinda cute.” 

“Well, then you’ll be happy to know he also proposed to me.” Maria said. 

“What?!” 

"Relax, Maya. We were eight.” 

“Hey, hey, hey!” Rico exclaimed. The piglet was chewing his shoelaces. He snatched his foot away from the piglet’s reach, “That’s not lunch.” 

The piglet, non-threateningly, growled at Rico, making everyone else laugh.

“Does he have a name?” Maria asked, patting his head.

“Not yet.” Chimi said, “Do you want to name him?” 

Maria thought for a moment before saying, “How about Chuy?” 

“Alright, good choice.” 

“Are you guys looking for volunteers?” Maria asked. 

“Uh, always. I’ll get you an application.” 

As Chimi went to get the forms, Maria said to Chuy, “You’re gonna be seeing a lot more of me, little guy.”

Chapter Text

Zatz walked into homeroom with his headphones on and sat in his usual seat. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned to see Chimi motioning to his headphones. 

Oh, ok. Social interaction. 

He flipped his hoodie down and took his headphones off, hanging them around his neck, "What's up?" He asked.

"I was just wondering what you were listening to." Chimi said. Zatz held his phone out to her and she looked at the song, "Ah, Paramore. I'm more into Avril Lavigne, but they're good, too."

"What's your favorite Avril Lavigne song?" Zatz asked. 

"What The Hell."

Chimi and Zatz exchanged a small grin before Zatz went back to listening to his music. 

Out of the corner of her eye, Chimi saw some students whispering about something. She didn't think much of it until she heard Maya’s name. 

That's weird. What's up with that?

As Maya was walking to her next class, she noticed a few other students staring at her and whispering. That's weird. What's everyone whispering about?

"Maya!" She turned and saw Picchu and Rico running towards her.

"Where's the fire?" Maya asked.

"Acat’s been telling everyone you sent people to the ER at your old school." Rico said.

"What?!" 

"I heard people saying you'd blackmail teachers for grades and that you broke a few kids' noses." Picchu said.

"No, no, no, no, no! Those didn't happen! I-I mean, yeah, I got into trouble, but I never did any of that!"

"We believe you, but we can't say the same for everyone else." Rico said, "A lot of sheep-le, go to this school."

“You have no idea.” Picchu added.

Just as he said that, Maya saw Acat walking by, her blood pressure rising at the sight of her. She made a beeline towards Acat and shoved her, "What is wrong with you?! Going through my records?"

"I knew there was something off about you, and I was right." Acat said, "I just thought I'd let everyone know what you’re capable of."

"I never sent anyone to the hospital, you psycho!"

"But you admit that you hurt someone?" 

"Ok, yeah, but-"

"Then there you have it." Acat got in Maya’s face, "How do we know that you won't hurt anyone here? It's no wonder you switched schools. It's only a matter of time before you kill someone." 

Maya’s face was flushed with anger. She came to this school to start over with a clean slate, and now her past had caught up to her.

"If I were you, I'd switch schools. Better yet, switch countries."

"At least I'm not as replaceable as you!" Maya shot back.

Acat screamed and tackled Maya to the ground, starting a fight. The fight caught some students' attention and they stopped to watch.

"What the heck is going on?" Zatz asked as he walked over to Rico and Picchu. 

"I don't know if you've heard, but Acat spread rumors about what Maya did at her old school." Picchu said, "She confronted her, one thing led to another and they chose violence." 

Acat and Maya were pulling and shoving each other. Maya pushed and pinned Acat against the lockers.

"You do know this is just proving my point!" Acat said.

"You're the one who jumped me!" Maya exclaimed. 

Acat kneed Maya in the gut, sending her to the ground. She jumped on Maya and they started punching each other.

Zatz’s eyes grew wide. This was starting to get out of hand and he had to do something.

He grabbed them by their shirts and did his best to pull them off and push them away from each other, "Back off! Back off!"

"What is going on here?!" A teacher showed up, who helped Zatz pull Acat and Maya apart.

"I-I can explain-" Maya tried to say. 

"Explain to Principal La Muerte." The teacher said.

Acat and Maya sat outside Principal La Muerte's office, waiting for her to call them in. La Muerte was talking to Zatz about what he saw, since he was the one who tried to break them up. Maya was angry at him for stepping in. It was embarrassing and she could handle herself. 

After a few minutes, Zatz came out of the office and walked down the hall. 

Maya stood up and followed him, "Hey! Vampiro!" He turned around to face her, "What did you do that for?"

"It was getting too extreme." Zatz said, "I had to do something."

"Who cares if it was getting extreme? I could've handled it on my own!"

"If it got any further, you would've broken each other's faces!"

"I didn't need or want your help!"

"You would've eventually! I can't believe you were stupid enough to get into a fight with Acat!"

"You don't think I can handle her?"

"I don't think it's a good idea for you to share a room!"

Maya scoffed as a thought came to her, "Oh, I get it. You're not over Acat!"

"This isn't about her." Zatz said. 

"Why else would you break up the fight? In case you don't know, she started it." 

"I don't care who started it! You would've gotten seriously hurt out there!"

"As if you would've lasted a minute with that eye!"

Maya flinched. Did she really just say that?

Zatz’s eye grew wide for a moment in shock. His face hardened as he stared at her intensely. She went too far and hit a nerve. Maya didn't know what to say to fill the tense silence. 

Zatz pressed his lips into a thin line, "Wow, Maya." He said, "I knew you were stupid, but I didn't think you'd stoop that low." He walked away without saying another word.

"No, wait!" Maya called out, "I-"

"Maya!"

She flinched and turned around. Principal La Muerte gestured her to come into her office. 

Oh, boy.

"Acat has already told me her side of the story." Principal La Muerte said, "She says you pushed her against the lockers, pulled her hair, and almost knocked her tooth out. Please share your perspective."

Maya glanced awkwardly between Acat and Principal La Muerte. She exhaled and said, "Ok, I… may have done those things, but believe me when I say, she started it. She spread rumors about me, and when I confronted her, she jumped on me." She pointed to the punch mark on her face, "She gave me this-"

"Oh, don't act like you're innocent." Acat hissed, "You're just as unhinged as you were in your old school."

"Do you even hear yourself right now?"

"Ladies, please." Principal La Muerte said. Maya and Acat looked down in embarrassment as she continued, "Regardless of what happened beforehand, you fought on school grounds, so you both get detention today. Acat, this isn't the first time I've seen you in my office. You're lucky I haven't suspended you, but you're running out of chances. Maya, I know how you were at your old school. I'm trusting you to not repeat your past mistakes. I understand you're both on the girl's soccer team. For both of yours, and Cipactli's sake, you need to find a way to tolerate each other. If there are any more mishaps like this, there will be consequences. Am I clear?"

"Yes, ma'am." Maya and Acat said.

"Alright. I'll be calling your parents today. Thank you for listening. You may both return to class." Principal La Muerte said.

Maya walked back to class filled with dread. Rumors were spread about her, she got into a fight with Acat, she ruined things with Zatz, got detention, and her parents were going to kill her when she gets home. Could this day get any worse?

A door randomly opened, hitting her square in the forehead. 

Zatz sat during lunch with his music as loud as he could take it, sulking over what Maya said. She never mentioned his eye before, and the one time she did, she slandered him. At this point in his life, he knows the difference between harmless teasing and bullying by how often it happened. 

He mentally kicked himself for being so hurt by what Maya said. He had a small crush on her, sure, but he doesn't like her that much. He shouldn't care. It shouldn't hurt as much as it does… but it does.

Someone took his headphones off, "Hey!" Zatz exclaimed.

Chimi put his headphones on, flinching at the loud music, "Yeesh, man. Are you trying to become deaf?" She listened to the song for a second before giving his headphones back.

"The Kill, huh? It's a bop." Chimi sat across from Zatz, "So, what's wrong?"

"What makes you think there's something wrong?" Zatz asked.

"Everyone can see you moping from a mile away."

"No, I'm not."

"Your shoulders are slumped, you're pouting, and you're isolated from the world. Not that that's a new thing for you, but I can tell you’re moping."

Knowing she wasn't going to get off his case, Zatz said, "Did you hear about the fight between Acat and Maya?"

"Oh, yeah, I heard it was insane. I also heard you were involved. Did they beat your ass, too?"

"More like I tried to prevent them from beating each other's asses."

"Huh. Not what I would’ve done, but it is the better option, I guess."

"Maya didn't think so. She told me off afterwards and…" Zatz flipped his hoodie up, "She said something about my eye that I don't want to talk about."

"I'm gonna kill her." Chimi thought with a frown. No matter how much they'd deny it, Chimi knew Zatz and Maya liked each other from ten miles away. What did she say that genuinely hurt him?

"Hey, Maya was just mad that you got in the way." Chimi said, "She's a tough girl who likes to finish her battles, she's just… prideful like that. Whatever she said, I'm sure she didn't mean it."

"You might be right." Zatz said, "But I wouldn't be too sure."

Chimi pulled his hoodie down hard, "Yes, I am, and you know I'm right."

Zatz laughed as he swatted her hand away and flipped his hoodie down, pulling his scarf up. 

Chimi smirked, "No way, he laughs. I can see why Maya calls you 'vampiro.' You can cut glass with your teeth."

Zatz rolled his eyes, "Where'd you get that nail polish?" He asked, glancing at her black nails.

"There's this new place at the mall. You wanna check it out after school?"

"Yeah."

"Great. I'll see you then, Zatz."

"Later, Chimi."

As Chimi got up and left the table, Rico and Picchu went up to her.

"Oh, hey, what are you doing with Zatz?" Rico asked with a forced smile, "Creepy, spooky, recently single Zatz?"

"Just talking." Chimi said, "He's pretty cool. We're gonna meet up at the mall later after school."

"Oh… so is it like a date, or-" Picchu clapped a hand over Rico's mouth.

"Did you hear that he helped stop the fight?" Picchu asked.

"Oh, sure, make him sound like a knight in shining armor with fangs." Rico thought. 

"Yeah, he told me. And later I'm gonna give Maya a piece of my mind."

"What did she do?" Picchu asked. 

"She said something that got Zatz acting deader than usual."

"I'm sure it wasn't that bad."

"If you heard how loud his music was, you'd know how bad it was."

Rico pulled Picchu's hand off, "Zatz is a tough guy, though. He'll get over it, right."

"Well, yeah. But he needs someone to talk to. We all know how hard it is to make friends."

Rico and Picchu glanced at each other and nodded, "Yeah, you're right."

"Plus, his hair is like the wings of a beautiful dove."

Rico rolled his eyes.

"What were you thinking?!"

Maya and her parents were in the living room after detention. Along with the punch mark, Maya had a bruise on her forehead from being hit by a door. Maya stayed silent on the couch taking in her mother's yelling.

"I thought we said you wouldn't get into any trouble!" Her mom yelled, "You were doing so well! What happened?"

Maya waited for a second to make sure her mom was done before saying, "Acat found my records and told everyone I was a menace at my old school. And, and… she started it. What was I supposed to do, let myself get beat up?"

"Yes- no-" Her dad stammered. 

Her mom sighed, "Just give us a moment."

Her parents went into another room and came back five minutes later.

"We understand you're not at fault here." Her mom said, "You were both attacked and were standing up for yourself. Your principal told us as much."

Maya let out a sigh of relief, "Oh. Thank you for understanding that it wasn't my fault."

"You're not off the hook." Her dad said, "You still got into a fight. You did teach her a thing or two, right?" Her mom cleared her throat and glared at her husband, "But that's besides the point."

"Enjoy your last day of freedom, because you're grounded, which means no leaving the house this weekend."

As much as Maya wanted to, she didn't have the energy to argue with anyone. It could've been worse and she'd be dead, "Ok."

She picked up her phone and made a call. When they answered, she said, "Hey, Diego. If you're not too busy, do you want to go to the alley?"

Chapter Text

Maya was waiting at a booth at the bowling alley for her friend Diego. He was one of her closest, if not only, friends from her old school. They still talked after Maya transferred, but this was the first time they've hung out since.

"What up, loser?"

Maya looked up and saw Diego. He was a few inches taller than her with brown, shaggy hair and wearing a purple t-shirt and jeans.

"Nothing much, doofus." Maya said. She stood up and gave her friend a hug, "Long time, no see, man." Diego sat down at the booth across from Maya, "Did I miss anything back at the hell hole?"

"Eh, nothing to write home about." Diego shrugged, "Tiffany is a bitch, as always, but things have been pretty boring since you left."

"Glad to know I've left a mark. Do any of the teachers miss me? A certain Principal Villanueva?" 

"Eh, if they are, they're not showing it. And I'm pretty sure Villanueva had a confetti cannon ready when you left. So, how's it been going at your new school?"

Maya took a bite of her fries, "It's been alright, I guess. Teachers are nice, at best, annoying at worst. I made some cool friends, met a new Tiffany. There's this one really cool girl who Daggers has the hots for. Her name’s Maria. She's a great artist, knows how to fight, and is super nice. You'd love her."

"I like her already."

"Yeah, the only problem is her stupid boyfriend."

"Diego, number 9, your order’s ready." 

"Hold that thought." Diego said, walking to the snack bar. He came back with a mint chocolate chip milkshake, "You were saying?"

Maya glared back at the snack bar, pointing at Manolo behind the counter, "That's him, actually. He wasn't here fifteen minutes ago."

"Really, that's him?" Diego looked back at Manolo, polishing a glass, "Dang, your friend has good taste. His hair is like silk."

Maya rolled her eyes, "Don't let that fool you, the guy's a total creep. He plays guitar and goes to Moonlight. And yeah, he visits Maria all the time, picks her up, drops her off, and they act all lovey-dovey, but it's all an act."

Diego took a long sip of his shake, "It kinda sounds like you're jealous of their relationship."

Maya's jaw dropped, "Gah- what? No! No, I'm not jealous of him! He's a total player. So many girls flock around him, especially when he plays guitar. And he said 'I love you' after they've been together for months . Doesn't that seem weird to you?"

"That is pretty weird." Diego said, "But it sounds like they have a cute relationship. As long as he hasn't acted on those girls, I'd say he's in the clear."

"I guess you have a point. But he'll be exposed when the time is right. Maria will dump his ass and eventually see that Daggers is the right one for her."

Diego awkwardly looked at Maya, "Uh, yeah."

Maya sighed and fiddled with a fry, "Enough about him, though. Part of the reason I wanted to see you was that I had the worst day at school today. The other reason was that I missed you."

"Spill."

"I joined the soccer team, and the new Tiffany, Acat, spread rumors about me, saying I caused bodily harm at my old school. When I confronted her about it, she attacked me." Maya pointed to her punch mark, "I got detention, obviously, and I'm grounded this weekend."

"Whoa." Diego said, "I mean, yeah, you got into a couple fights, but it was never anything too serious. Most of the time, you were sticking up for yourself or for me."

"The last thing I wanted was to be reminded of my past when I'm trying to start over." 

"That must've been embarrassing for you."

"And the cherry on top, I really messed up with someone and I don't know if he'll ever forgive me."

"What happened?"

"There's this stupid, sexy- I-I mean, sad, emo boy. He's a frenemy."

Diego raised an eyebrow, "Oh?"

"He's Acat’s ex-boyfriend. He's nice sometimes, but other times he's super annoying. He's just so cocky, especially when he does that really cute hair flip. But like, what are you trying to prove with that? And don't even get me started on his-"

"Maya. Is there a point to this?" Diego asked. 

"Right, sorry. He pulled me and Acat apart during the fight. I got mad and I said something that… he's missing an eye."

"Oh-Oooohhh." 

"Yeah… He was just trying to help and I had to open my fat mouth." Maya sighed, "God, I'm such an idiot."

"Ay, Maya." Diego said, "You are an idiot."

"Hey."

"I'm sure he'll forget about it come Monday."

"I don't know. He never mentioned his eye before, but he seemed really hurt."

"All you have to do is apologize."

"Diego, he wouldn't even look at me for the rest of the day. How am I supposed to do that?"

"Hm. Well, how about you write him a note? Ask him to meet you someplace, and apologize there."

"How do I know he'll even show up?"

"You don't. But he might."

"I… guess that's better than nothing."

"Exactly. What do you have to lose?"

Maya smiled, knowing Diego was right. She'd understand if Zatz never talked to her again, but if he showed up, maybe there's hope for forgiveness. 

"If you don't even like this guy, why do you care so much?" 

"Just because I don't like him, doesn't mean I want to hurt him." Maya said, "And like I said, he's a frenemy. Part friend, part enemy, and I want to keep the friend part intact."

"Or you like like him."

 Maya almost choked on her fries, "Oh, come on, not you too!"

"Hey, you were the one who called him sexy. It's your words, not mine."

"I didn't say that, I said sad . Besides, he looks like a vampire, complete with fangs and everything."

"A vampire that does cute hair flips?" 

Maya threw a french fry at Diego, trying to hide her blush as he laughed.

"Thanks for coming, Diego." Maya said.

"Anytime." Diego smiled, "I'm always here for you."

Maya and Diego spent the next hour catching up before Maya had to go. She was glad they could hang out again. Even with her new friends, she'd never forget Diego.

Chapter Text

Maya slid her note in Zatz’s locker and then made a run for it. There was nothing outlandish about the note. All it said was "meet me outside the gym after lunch," but it didn't stop Maya’s heart from leaping out of her chest as she wrote it. 

She hid in a nearby corner, staring at Zatz’s locker, waiting in anticipation. She was mad at herself for getting so worked up over a stupid note. All she was gonna do was apologize, why was she so nervous?

After a minute, Zatz was at his locker. She watched as he opened it and saw her note fall to the floor. He opened it and read it. Maya couldn't read his face, but she was hopeful when he put the note in his hoodie pocket.

At least he didn't reject it. Maybe he'll show up, hear her out. 

"Maya!"

Maya jumped and turned around to see Chimi with a livid face, "What did you say to Zatz?!"

"What? How do you know about that?" Maya asked. 

"The other day, he was a bigger sad sack than usual. Do you have any idea how long we were at the mall for him to feel better? I mean, he's fun to hang out with, but still! You are going to find and apologize to him right now!"

"Hey, hey, relax. I just told him to meet me after lunch so I can apologize."

Chimi’s face relaxed, "Oh. Well… still. I don't know what you said, but whatever it was, not cool."

"I'm well aware of that. Don't worry, I learned my lesson."

"I'm glad."

A few weeks after summer started, Manolo and Maria went on their first date. They went for a walk in the town and talked about life. During the walk, they froze in their tracks. In the distance, they saw a familiar street corner with a street lamp. Not wanting to go near it, they stepped into the nearest building. Lucky for them, they had entered their favorite childhood ice cream parlor, so they ordered a few scoops and sat at a small table.

"I can't believe you still eat bubblegum ice cream." Manolo laughed. 

"This coming from the guy who likes butter pecan." Maria said, "I've been dying to eat here again. You'd be surprised how hard it is to find ice cream as good as this back at the academy."

"Really? You didn't like the gourmet food over there?"

"I did. It's just that the ice cream didn't measure up."

Manolo’s smile fell for a moment, "Are… Are you ok?"

Maria sighed, knowing what he was talking about, "No. Are you?"

"No. Look, I'm sorry-"

"Manolo, stop. You have nothing to apologize for, it just… happened." Manolo looked down out of guilt. Maria smiled, "You want to know something funny? That night, I was actually planning on asking you out."

Manolo looked up at her with raised brows, "What?" Maria nodded. "Uh… you… you can still ask if you-"

"You beat me to it, so it'd be a waste of time." 

They chuckled before Manolo said, "Do you want to try some of mine?"

"Sure, why not?"

Manolo held his spoon out to her, confusing Maria for a moment, "What are you doing?"

"Giving you a taste." Manolo said. 

Maria smiled and ate the ice cream off his spoon, "Ok, I'll admit, not bad."

Manolo smiled, looking down at their hands on the table, close enough to touch. He brushed his finger against hers. They held fingers and blushed at each other as they ate their ice cream, watching the sunset from the store window. 

As soon as they were done eating, they walked back home, the sky pink as the sun set behind them. 

"I had fun tonight." Maria said, as they walked to her house. 

"So did I." Manolo said, "Maybe we could do it again sometime?"

"I'd like that." Maria glanced at her front door, "Well, I'll text you later."

"Mhm. Goodnight."

"Goodnight."

Maria took a few steps towards her door before turning back around. They looked down to see they were holding hands, their fingers intertwined. They looked up at each other, both of them smiling bashfully and blushing.

Without warning, with her hand in his, Maria yanked Manolo towards her, catching his lips on hers, her free hand on his shoulder, bringing him closer. Manolo’s heart stopped and his face burned bright red. It took him a second to process what was happening before kissing her back. This wasn't either of their first kiss, but it was the first kiss they shared. It was as though time slowed down as they floated among the clouds. 

After a while, they broke the kiss. They both had an intense blush on their faces. Maria quickly walked to her door, pausing to look back at Manolo. He was looking back at her with a lovesick gaze that made her giggle. 

"Goodnight." She said as she went inside.

Manolo stood where he was for a second, before walking home with a dopey grin. He was so high on cloud nine that he almost crashed into a jogger.

"And we just started dating after that." Maria said.

Chimi and Rico smiled warmly at Maria’s story while Maya put on her best fake smile. Chimi and Rico had wanted more stories about Maria and Manolo, so Maria told them about their first date and kiss.

"Wow." Chimi sighed, "So, you really just went for it on the first date. Very bold of you."

"My willpower was gone at that point , what was I supposed to do?"

"That's so… nice." Maya said. She had to admit, the stories were nice, but she still refused to buy into them.

"I haven't told you about his channel yet, right?" Maria picked up her phone, searching for something, "Manolo has a YouTube channel where he does his music." She held the phone to the three of them, showing them a video of her and Manolo singing a duet. 

Manolo: Here we are

Maria: The two of us

Both: Like ships (like ships) upon a winding river

And yet, somehow, we found each other, like strangers, you and I 

"Wow." Rico said, "He has the voice of an angel."

"Is it bad to say I have a crush on your boyfriend?" Chimi said, jokingly. 

"Ha, ha." Maria said. She turned serious, "You know, lately something seems off with him."

Maya’s head shot up, "Off how?" She asked.

"Whenever Manolo visits, he's all jumpy, as though he's looking for something or scared."

"Hm. Do you think there's a reason for that?"

"I don't know. He's fine when it's anywhere else."

"Huh, weird. You know, that could be a sign he's hiding something… something Daggers would never do. But, you know, maybe it's nothing."

Chimi, Rico and Maria looked at Maya with confused looks.

"Ok…" Maria replied, "Maya, why do you mention your brother so much?"

"Yeah, Maya." Rico said, with a knowing look, "What's with all the advocacy?"

Maya glanced between them, trying to think of what to say, "Uh… nothing. I just think my brothers are pretty great."

The bell rang, signaling the end of lunch.

"Zatz." Maya said, standing up, "I got to go." She ran out of the cafeteria down the hall where the gym was and waited anxiously by the doors for Zatz to come.

After what felt like an eternity, she heard, "You wanted to see me?" 

Maya turned around to see Zatz standing next to her, almost jumping at the sight of him.

"Gosh, can you make a noise or something?" She asked.

Zatz sighed and rolled his eyes, "What do you want?" 

Maya sighed and rubbed her arm, nervously, "Listen… the other day, what I said… I don't know, it just came out. I-I was upset and… I didn't mean it, at all. You have every right to be mad at me, and I'm sorry."

She couldn't see his face since his scarf was up, but the top half of his face seemed to soften.

He sighed and said, "I forgive you."

"Really?"

"I mean, I would've gotten over it eventually. Maybe after a few days, but I'm glad you apologized. So… thanks."

Maya imagined his smile under his scarf. Her shoulders relaxed in relief. Now they can go back to being frenemies.

She looked down and noticed his fingernails were painted black, "Nice manicure."

Zatz glanced at his fingers, "Gracias."

They didn't say much as they walked to class, playfully shoving each other along the way. 

…

At the end of the day, Rico, Picchu, and Maya were waiting for their respective rides to pick them up from school.

"Coach is gonna make us eat it during practice this week." Picchu said, "He's his toughest before a big game."

"It's only homecoming." Maya said, "It could be worse and you'd be getting ready for states."

"Eh, good point."

"You d-doing anything for the dance?" Rico asked.

"Nah. Homecoming isn't all that fun anyway."

Chimi walked over to where her friends were standing, looking stressed, "I hate my life." She grumbled.

"What's up?" Maya asked.

"I have this huge history project due next week, but I already have to babysit Willow that week." Chimi explained, "Not to mention the shelter- ugh!" There's just so much on my plate right now. I can't do this project while I'm babysitting, it needs all my attention."

"Aw, man, that's tough." Picchu said, "Isn't there something you can do about Willow at least, work something out?"

"I don't know. I guess I could try to find another sitter-"

"I'll do it." Rico said.

Everyone turned to him in confusion. 

"What?" Maya asked.

"Yeah, what?" Chimi said.

"Yeah, what?" Added Picchu. 

"I can babysit Willow for you." Rico said, "She's a nice kid and I don't have that much happening, I can do it."

"Are you sure?" Chimi asked, "You don't have a lot of experience babysitting."

"Not saying it's the easiest thing in the world, but you can tell me what I need to do. Just so you can have one less thing to worry about."

Chimi thought about it for a bit before saying, "Alright. You've convinced me." Her phone buzzed, "Oh, that's my mom. You're a life-saver, Rico, thank you so much." 

The second Chimi left, Maya and Picchu side-eyed Rico.

"What was all that?" Picchu asked.

"What was what?" Rico asked.

"You volunteered to babysit for her." Maya said, "Do you even know what you're doing?"

"A little. Kinda. Not really. But, like, Chimi’s my friend, is it so bad that I want to help?"

Maya and Picchu exchanged a knowing look.

"I knew it." Picchu said, "You like her."

Rico was silent for a minute, "Is it that obvious? Ah! Why did I offer to babysit? I don't know anything about kids!"

"Hey, hey, hey, don't worry." Maya said, "We can help. I'll tell Maria about the situation, and we can all babysit with you."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Picchu said, "I've had my fair share of children, so this shouldn't be too hard."

"Thanks, guys." 

…

Manolo❤️: Hey, what's up?

Maria: Just working at the shelter. The animals are the sweetest, especially Chuy

Maria sent a picture of Chuy in the group chat.

Joaquin: U always had this thing with pigs

Maria: You got a problem with that?

Joaquin: No, not at all

Manolo❤️: I think he's adorable 

Maria: Thank you uwu

Manolo❤️: Do you plan on going to homecoming?

Maria: I don't know. Are they any fun?

Joaquin: They're ok, I guess, but it's not much 2 write home about

Manolo❤️: But you can still go

Maria: I'll take your word for it 

Maria: Oh! You know what we should do? We should throw a homecoming party 

Joaquin: That sounds like fun. Yeah, let's do it

Manolo❤️: Yeah, I'm down for it

Maria: It would just be friends from school and whoever they want to bring along

Manolo❤️: Speaking of which, I don't think your friend Maya likes me

Joaquin: What makes u say that?

Manolo❤️: Just a hunch

Maria: So what?

Maria: She's not dating you. I don't expect everyone to like you

Manolo❤️: You have a point 

Maria: I'll ask my dad about the party when I get home 

Chapter Text

The day was slow and long. Everyone almost rejoiced when the final bell rang. 

"Uh, hey, Zatz." Maya said, walking up to him after class.

"Hey, Maya." Zatz said, gathering his books.

"So, Maria’s throwing this party for homecoming, and she said we can invite whoever we want, so… I was wondering if… you'd… like… to go."

"Not like I have anything else to do, so why not?" 

"Are you really that lonely, vampiro? You can't be the living embodiment of the 'loner emo kid, who has no friends' stereotype."

"I don't need friends. I have you, princesa."

Maya narrowed her eyes at him. She saw a notebook on the table and reached out to give it to him. Zatz reached for the same notebook, causing the two of them to touch hands.

Zatz and Maya's hearts quickened as they locked eyes. They felt an intense heat from the touch, their faces turning pink.

"What is going on here?" 

Zatz and Maya were startled by Picchu's presence, who was looking at them with a raised brow. Maya stammered, not knowing what to do. She sat down across from Zatz and positioned their arms to make it look like they were arm wrestling, "Uh, hey, Picchu. What's up? We're just wrestling." Zatz looked confused for a second before going along with the facade. 

Picchu stared at them suspiciously, "You literally just started three seconds ago."

"No, we didn't." Zatz said.

"...Ok." Picchu pulled out a nearby chair and sat down, "True to my word, I said I'd referee your next competition."

Zatz and Maya smirked at each other as if to say "bring it on."

"And, go!"

The two instantly pushed against the other's arm with all their strength.

"Don't try anything funny." Maya said through her teeth. 

"I don't think I'll need to." Zatz replied, "Your grip is pretty weak."

"Says you with the twig arms. I'll try not to snap your hand off."

"You guys are so weird." Picchu said under his breath, "Just kiss, already."

"What?" The duo asked.

"Oh, nothing."

Twenty-five minutes went by and no progress was made during the arm wrestling match. A small crowd of students had gathered outside the classroom, watching the match through the window and doorway. A teacher had tried to get them to leave, but found himself invested in the match.

"How long is this going to take?" Lance asked.

"I'm sure it won't take much longer." Shield said, "Maya’s got this in the bag."

"You can't be serious." Acat said, "Zatz has nothing on that stupid new girl."

"That 'stupid new girl' is our sister." Daggers said, glaring at Acat. 

"Sorry for telling you the hard truth. Your sister is a loser."

"No, she's not." Shield hissed.

"Alright. Fifty bucks says she's not."

"How about we double it?" Lance suggested. 

Acat’s eyes grew wide for a second before she raised a brow in interest, "I'm listening."

Skull and Bone watched as Maria and Manolo kissed in the parking lot.

"Ugh, get a room, you two." Skull said in disgust. 

"They really are shameless, aren't they?" Bone said, "They're eating each other's tongues over there." The couple broke away and got on the vespa, "Took them long enough."

"I'm surprised she's not pregnant by now." Skull said.

The twins' faces lit up as they looked at each other with mischievous grins.

Zatz slammed Maya’s arm against the table, "Ha!"

"Yep, you won fair and square." Picchu said, "Finally."

Shield, Daggers and Lance had their jaws dropped and eyes wide in shock.

"I guess I'll be expecting my payment, say, next week?" Acat said, deviously, "I guess this makes you three losers, too."

"We are so screwed." Shield said. 

Two teachers, who were watching the match, cleared the crowd away, "Ok, everyone, show's over. Go home, all of you."

Zatz held his head high as he and Maya stood up, "Not bad for twig arms, huh."

"Ok, I guess you're stronger than you look." Maya smiled, as they left the classroom. She noticed Rico paying Chimi.

"Thank you." Chimi said, smugly.

"You… You bet against me?" Maya asked.

"No…" Chimi awkwardly put the money in her pocket. 

"Everyone was betting on this." Rico said, "I-I guess we kind of s-started it."

While Zatz and Maya were slightly offended by this, they couldn't help but laugh.

"Wow." Zatz said, "Didn't think we were that interesting to watch. Although, I'd say you need to work on your upper body strength. Almost half an hour and that was the best you could do?"

"Oh, yeah, you're one to talk, vampiro." Maya said, "You couldn't even move me until the last minute."

"It's called a power boost, princesa."

Zatz and Maya chuckled and looked into each other's eyes, their hearts fluttering. After a moment, they leaned their faces toward each other-

"Maya!"

The two jerked away from each other at the sound of Maya’s brothers, their cheeks burning as they looked down awkwardly. 

"Do you have any idea what you did?!" Lance exclaimed. 

"What are you talking about?" Maya asked. 

"Not now!" Daggers said, "We'll explain at home!"

Her brothers dragged Maya away, "Uh- bye!" She called back to her friends.

Zatz waved with an awkward smile. When she disappeared from his view, he sighed and facepalmed. 

"If you had just moved a little bit faster." Chimi said, smiling. 

"No, no, no, it's not like that." Zatz said.

"It's ok, man. We totally understand." Rico said, "These things take time and patience. It's like making bread. You gotta wait a long time for the dough to rise before you actually get to baking. But when it's done, you'll have something-"

Zatz walked away before Rico could finish his metaphor. 

"Rude. He'll be back."

"No, he won't." Picchu said.

"You bet three hundred dollars on me?!" Maya exclaimed. 

"Acat started at fifty and then we doubled it, next thing we knew we tripled it, and we're in deep crap!" Shield said.

"Why would you do that?" 

"We thought you could win." Daggers said.

"You know, you brought us into this mess with that arm wrestle." Lance said, "It's only fair that you chip in."

"Oh, no, no, no, no, no." Maya said, "I didn't ask you to make this bet. You're on your own."

"Ah! Can you at least not tell Mama and Papa about this?" Shield begged.

"Ok, ok, I won't. I appreciate your faith in me, but don't ever make this kind of bet again."

"Got it." Lance said. 

"You two better not say anything, either." Daggers said, pointing to Jaguar and Eagle. The twins blinked in response and went back to playing on the floor.

"On another note, were you trying to kiss Zatz earlier?" Lance asked.

"What?" Maya asked, blushing, "No. He… had dust in his eye."

"Did you need to pucker your lips a little for that?" Shield asked. Daggers made kissy noises as his brothers laughed at their sister's expense. 

"Shut up, guys." Maya said.

Chapter Text

Manolo leaned against the wall of the cafeteria, waiting for Maria to come. She had to print something for a class during lunch and it was taking her a lot longer than expected. He silently sang to pass the time. 

Among the fields of straw and stover

Clocked in til the word day's over

Time's a gentle stream, longer than it seems 

Patient is the night

How I long to see her face now

Her starry, moonlit gaze now

I know she's never late, still anxiously I wait

Patient is the night 

Manolo whistled the tune and saw Maria enter the cafeteria. She saw him and walked towards him with a smile. 

I know she's never late, still anxiously I wait

Patient is the night 

"Hey." Maria said, "I'm sorry I took so long, I got held up."

"Don't worry about it." Manolo said, "The printers here are crap."

Maya eyed Manolo from her table.

"If they catch you staring, they'll think you're being weird." Chimi said, "Not that isn't on brand for you."

Maya stood up from her seat.

"Where are you going?" Rico asked.

"Maria said he's the one being weird." Maya said, "And I'm gonna find out what he's hiding."

Rico and Chimi exchanged a look before following Maya.

"Hey, guys." Maya said to Manolo and Maria, "What's up?"

"Nothing much." Maria said.

"Great, yeah, that's great. What about you, Manolo? That guilt eating you away from the inside?"

"What?" Manolo asked. 

"All the sneaking around, hiding, it's gotta catch up with you at some point."

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, you know exactly what I'm talking about."

"Maya, what are you trying to say?" Maria asked.

"You've been acting weird whenever you visit." Maya got closer to Manolo’s face, "As if you're being watched."

"Maya, knock it off."

"Care to share it with everyone?"

"I-I have nothing to hide, I promise." Manolo said, getting nervous. 

"You're not acting as innocent as you say you are. Drop the act! What are you trying to hide from your girlfriend?!"

"Maya, stop it!" Maria said.

Manolo broke under pressure, "Ok, ok, ok, fine! Xtabay threatened to arrest me!"

"I knew-" Maya realized what was said, "Wait, what?"

Maria’s jaw dropped, "What? When did this happen?"

"A couple weeks ago." Manolo explained, "She said it's weird that a college student comes here so often and said she'd call the police if she saw me here again."

"Ay, Manolo, why didn't you tell me?"

"I didn't want you to worry about it."

Maya stood awkwardly between Chimi and Rico, who were giving her disapproving side eyes. She clearly misinterpreted the situation. 

"She-She can't do that to you." Maria said, "You're not doing anything wrong."

"I know. I'm just trying to be careful to not get caught by her."

"You said Principal La Muerte gave you permission to come here, right?" 

"Yeah."

"So, you don't have anything to worry about. Even if you do get arrested, which you won't, I'll back you up."

Manolo smiled, "Thanks, Maria. Sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I gotta get going. I'll see you later, ok?"

"Yeah. I love you." Maria said.

"Love you, too." Manolo leaned in for a kiss when Maria shoved him, catching him off guard. 

"That'll teach you to keep things from me." 

Manolo and Maria exchanged a smile before he left.

Maya groaned in frustration, "Are you serious?"

"Uh…" Maria said, "Are you ok?"

"I just don't understand. How the heck did someone like you end up with someone who always has girls flock around him?"

"Excuse me?"

Maya, Chimi and Rico flinched, knowing Maria was mad. Maya instantly knew she messed up.

"You're saying Manolo isn't good enough for me?"

"No, I didn't-" Maya tried to say.

"Are you saying he's a playboy, is that it?"

"Well, that's-"

Maria got in Maya’s face, "I don't know, or care, about what you think of my boyfriend, and I don't know what the hell you saw, but I know that Manolo would never do anything to intentionally hurt me. I thought you were better than slander." 

Maria stormed out of the cafeteria. "Maria, wait!" Maya called out.

"Maya?" Chimi said with a forced smile, "Remember when you said you learned your lesson?" Her face became angry, "No, you didn't!"

"I'm sorry." Maya said, "It just came out."

"You should've k-kept it in!" Rico said, "You roasted her boyfriend."

"Hey, in my defense, I was saying what we were all thinking." Maya said, "You guys thought he was a jerk, too."

"That was before we found out he's just as hot on the inside as he is outside." Chimi said.

"Exac- what?" Rico did a double take at Chimi.

"No, not you guys, too." Maya groaned.

"Listen to me very carefully. The minute you see Maria, you are going to apologize."

"What are you, my mom?" 

"I am technically older than you."

Maya narrowed her eyes in annoyance, "Ok, ok. Just please stop it. I hope she doesn’t hate me now."

"She doesn't." Rico said, "But you gotta work on keeping your mouth shut."

"Ya think?"

Not ten minutes after the next class started, principal La Muerte called Maria to her office over the intercom. All Maria could think about was what trouble she was in. She hadn't done anything recently. The stares and whispers from other students didn't help either.

"You wanted to see me?" Maria asked as she stepped in the office. 

"Yes." Principal La Muerte said, "Please have a seat."

Vice principal Xtabay stood next to La Muerte's desk, staring at Maria with a sadistic smirk, "Are you aware of any rumors, Miss Posada?" She asked.

"Uh, no." Maria said.

"You see, there have been rumors going around that you're pregnant." Principal La Muerte explained, "We just want to know if everything is alright."

"What?!" 

"You should know that we don't tolerate anything of this nature here." Xtabay said, "I've warned you about getting into trouble, but this is beyond acceptable. You, and everyone involved will be-"

"Xtabay." La Muerte said, sternly, "That's enough." She turned to Maria, "You don't have anything to be afraid of. We just want to know what's going on."

Maria looked Principal La Muerte in the eye and said, "I'm not pregnant. I don't know how that rumor started, but I promise, nothing is going on." She had an idea of who started the rumor, but she wasn't about to say that. 

After a moment, La Muerte said, "Alright, if you're so sure. But please don't hesitate to reach out to someone if anything happens. You may return to class."

Maria nodded and thanked her before leaving.

"What was that?" La Muerte asked Xtabay. 

"It's a very serious accusation." Xtabay said, "We mustn't take the situation lightly."

"But you shouldn't patronize her."

"I was merely giving her a warning. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some calls to make."

La Muerte eyed Xtabay as she left her office. She wished she went easier on some of the students. 

Papa: When you get home, we need to talk. 

Manolo read the text Carlos sent him, "Ay…"

"What's up?" Joaquin asked. 

"My dad wants to talk when I get home. It's probably about the car."

"It's one scratch. You'll get around to fixing it."

"I haven't told him yet."

Joaquin’s face fell, "Uh, oh."

"Exactly."

Maria was almost completely drained by the end of the day. So many people had asked her about the rumor the minute she left La Muerte's office and she was trying to hold onto what little patience she had left. She didn't even think it was worth it to confront Skull and Bone about all this.

"Wow, you're really showing." Carolina said.

Maria glared at her and opened her locker, "Don't even start."

"In all seriousness, I know it's not true. Whoever did this is disgusting."

"Tell me about it. I just don't want to deal with it anymore today."

"Maria!" Maya came up to Maria, "I am so sorry about earlier. I didn't mean to-"

"Hey, don't worry about it. Just keep those kinds of things to yourself, please."

Maya sighed in relief and smiled, "I promise."

"Oh, hey, Maria." Picchu walked over and said, "Did you know that there's a pregnancy rumor about you?"

Maria took a deep breath, stuck her head in her locker, and yelled. When she came out, everyone stared at her with wide eyes, "Yes, I've heard." She said.

"Manolo." Carlos said from the sofa. He seemed serious, which only made Manolo nervous.

"Papa." Manolo said as he sat next to him, "Papa, I'm sorry. It was an accident. I… I tried to be careful, but it-"

"Mijo, it's alright. Sometimes things like this just happen. You'd be surprised how many accidents like this happen everyday." Carlos cleared his throat, "What matters now is what you're gonna do next."

"I'll take care of it. I'll save up enough to get it fixed, get a second job if I have to. It'll be like it was never there."

"Hold on. Have you discussed this with Maria yet?"

Manolo was caught off guard, "Wh-What does Maria have to do with anything?"

"Because she's the one who'll have to live with the choice!"

Both men were confused, "Papa, what are you talking about?"

"I got a call from your former vice principal saying that Maria was pregnant."

"I…" Everything clicked in place in Manolo’s head, "No, she isn't. That was just a rumor. Maria told me about it."

Carlos sighed in relief, "Oh, well, that's a relief to hear. But what were you talking about?"

"I scratched your car the other day. I meant everything I-"

"Hey, hey, hey, don't worry about it. It's an easy fix."

Manolo and Carlos chuckled at the new understanding, "So, Maria isn't-"

"Papa, we've never even had sex." 

Manolo started to get up when Carlos said, "Hold it right there, Manolo. There's still something I'd like to discuss with you."

When Maria came home, she needed to decompress after the rumor, so she went to get a snack from the kitchen. Ten minutes later, she heard her dad come in, "Maria!"

"In the kitchen!" She called out.

Her father stormed into the kitchen, his face bright red.

"Is everything ok?" Maria asked with a mouthful of chips. 

"I got a call from your vice principal." The general fumed, "What is this I hear about you being pregnant?"

Maria almost choked. "What?"

"You heard me. What have you been up to?"

Whatever patience Maria had left was gone, "I am not pregnant!"

"How do I know you're not lying?"

"I'm not pregnant!"

"I knew Manolo would bring you nothing but trouble! Now here he is-"

"We didn't do anything!"

"Don't take that tone with me!"

They went back and forth like this for a minute or two before Maria grabbed her father's keys and went to his car. 

"And where do you think you're going?!" The general asked, following her. 

"To prove that I'm not lying!" Maria said, getting in the driver’s seat. 

"Not without me, you're not!" Since Maria only had her learner's permit, she did need the general whenever she drove anywhere. She drove to the nearest drug store and stormed in, her father at her tail.

"Excuse me." Maria said to the cashier, "Do you have pregnancy tests?" Maria glared at the general, "I have to prove to my dad that I'm not expecting." 

The general looked down embarrassed, "You're making a scene." He hissed.

"Certainly." The cashier said, looking awkwardly between the father and daughter. 

Manolo: Having a safe sex talk with my dad, hell on earth

Joaquin: Y though?

Manolo: There was a rumor that Maria was pregnant 

Joaquin stared at the text with wide eyes.

"What's wrong, mijo?" His grandma Carla asked.

Joaquin quickly put his phone away, "Uh, nothing, nothing."

"Come on, if it's nothing, then you should be able to tell me."

"I really don't think you'd be interested."

"Try me."

Joaquin sighed, knowing his grandmother wasn't going to let this go, "Ok. Apparently, there was a rumor that Maria was pregnant and Manny's currently getting a safe sex talk from his dad."

"Ah! It's a shame that Anita won't be a great-great grandmother yet." Carla said. 

Joaquin stared at her with wide eyes, making Carla laugh.

"I'm joking. Oh, and mijo, tell Maria to not rush it. She's still young and not ready for a family yet." She smirked before going upstairs, leaving Joaquin dumbfounded.

"Uh… ok."

"The point is, I trust you to make your own choices." Carlos said, "You're turning nineteen and Maria will be eighteen in January. So if you decide you're ready, please be careful and make safe choices."

"Uh… thanks, Papa." Manolo said. 

Carlos patted Manolo’s shoulder as he got up and left.

Manolo stared at the condoms in his hand, trying to process what just happened. Even though Maria wasn't pregnant, Carlos still wanted to reinform Manolo about safe sex, even giving Manolo a box of condoms. 

If Carlos knew about the rumor, there was no doubt Maria’s dad knew. That could only end in disaster. 

The general stared at the table awkwardly as Maria looked at him. The pregnancy test was negative. 

"I see you were telling the truth." The general finally said.

"I wouldn't lie about something like that." Maria said. 

The general raised a brow, "I wouldn't be so sure." Maria chuckled until he said, "You need to be careful with Manolo."

"Ay, Papa, I'm not-"

"Not yet. I have no doubt that boy will get you into trouble. He already has before this year."

"That wasn't his fault!" Maria said, sternly, "And you know that."

"I'm telling you, Maria. Sooner or later, something will happen. Don't say I didn't warn you." The general left the table. 

Maria sighed in frustration, running her fingers over the scar on her stomach. Her father still blamed Manolo for the… accident. She knew he disapproved of their relationship, but she hated it when the general talked about Manolo that way.

She took a deep breath and called Manolo. When he answered, she ranted about what happened with the general.

"I just can't believe that he believed something like that." She said.

"Wow." Manolo said, "My dad just gave me a safe sex talk." 

"Are you serious?"

"I'm serious."

"I'd rather have gone through that."

"They actually thought you were pregnant. We've never had sex." The young couple laughed at the ridiculousness of their situation. 

A thought came to Maria and she asked shyly, "Uh… well, do you… want to have sex?"

Manolo choked on his water, coughing a few times in surprise. He looked at the condoms his father gave him and shoved them in his dresser drawer, "I, uh…" He cleared his throat, "I guess I'm open to it. What about you?"

"I'd like to, sure, but I don't think I'm ready yet."

"That's ok, that's ok. We don't have to rush into anything. We'll do it when we're ready."

"Yeah, of course. How will we know when we're ready?"

"I don't know. We just will, I guess."

There was an awkward pause for a second before Manolo said, "I-I should get going. I have an assignment to do."

"Yeah, me too." Maria said, "I love you."

"I love you, too."

The couple sighed in relief when they hung up, their faces burning bright red. How did they get to this conversation? They were somewhat glad they had it, but it didn't make them feel any less awkward. 

Before Maria could dwell in her thoughts for too long, there was a knock at the door. When she answered, it was Joaquin. 

"Oh, hey." She said.

"Hey, Maria." He said, twiddling his thumbs, "It's better for me to say this in person. I heard about the rumor, and my grandma says to not rush into anything, that you're still young."

Maria stared at her friend with a blank stare before slamming the door in his face. 

"So, I'll see you at the party, then?!"

"Yeah!" She called from the other side.

"Cool!"

Chapter Text

"You heard us the first time." Skull said outside the boy's locker room, "Acat is getting impatient and she wants her money by homecoming."

"We said we'll pay after the game!" Shield said. 

"How do we know you're stalling because you forgot about your debt?" Bone asked.

"You've done nothing but remind us all week, how could we forget?!" Lance shouted.

"Three hundred by homeroom tomorrow. Or else."

When the twins walked away, the triplets left the locker room to discuss their situation. 

"Ok, so how much money did you get?" Daggers asked.

"Eighty-nine dollars." Lance said.

"And you?"

"Hundred and eight dollars." Shield said. 

"And I have ninety-four dollars, which makes… 291 dollars."

"Dang it, we're nine dollars short." Lance said.

"Well, we already blew our combined allowance." Shield said, "Where else could we get the rest of the money?"

At that moment, Rico walked by and the brothers narrowed in on him.

"Rico, you need to give us money." Shield blurted out.

Rico did a double-take at them, "What d-do you want money for? And why are you asking me?"

"We made a bet with Acat and we lost miserably." Daggers explained.

"We don't need a lot, just nine bucks." Lance said. 

"Alright, hold on." Rico took out his wallet and dug through it, pulling out four dollars, "This is all I've got, man." 

"Thank you, thank you." Shield said, hugging Rico tightly.

"C-Can't breath." 

Maria banged her head against her locker. She was asked about her "pregnancy" for the third time that day and she's had enough.

"That poor locker did nothing to deserve that." Carolina said. 

Maria glanced back at her, "People won't shut up about that stupid rumor."

"Hey, by next week, everyone will have forgotten. Wanna know about drama I'm going through?"

"Sure, why not?"

"This guy, Ian, keeps asking me out and I can't get him off my back. He says he understands when I tell him I'm not interested, but he obviously doesn't want to take no for an answer."

"Oh, my god, I feel for you." Maria said, "There was this guy, Chad, from my old school who was like that. We kissed one time and he thought we were soul mates or whatever."

"That must've been insufferable for you."

"It was. You just need to know when to stop being nice to these guys."

A few lockers away, Skull and Bone were listening to everything. 

After school, Maria, Maya, Zatz, Chimi, Rico and Picchu were gathered by a bench outside.

"My dad's gonna be out of town for the weekend, so I have the whole house to myself." Maria said.

"You mean the p-p-party will have no adult supervision?" Rico asked.

"Dork." Chimi coughed, earning a side eye from Rico.

"Well, Manolo and Joaquin are the closest things to adults we have." Maria said, "But if it makes you feel better, their parents are gonna check in." 

"I'm surprised your dad is cool with you having a party by yourself." Picchu said.

"He isn't, but as long as we don't burn the house down, it's cool."

"Well, now that's the one thing we have to do." Maya said, making Zatz snicker.

"Even if we do, he'll never know. I'm great at hiding things from my dad." Maria turned her back to the group on her spot in the grass, "Gather around. I got this at my old school." She lifted her shirt to reveal a flaming rose tattoo on her lower back. 

"Whoa!" Zatz gasped. 

"Holy cow." Chimi said.

"That's so cool!" Rico said.

"I love the detail." Picchu said.

"Ok, so, I'm gonna guess your dad didn't approve." Maya guessed.

"Pfft." Maria scoffed, "He doesn't even know about it."

"You're amazing."

"There was also that time I jumped out a window to get away from him."

"Wait, what?" Rico asked. 

After Manolo and Maria’s first date, they planned a long weekend at an amusement park. Maria was bringing her bag downstairs, Manolo and her dad were waiting in the living room.

"Alright, you two be careful out there." The general said, "Especially you, Maria."

"I know, Papa." Maria said.

"I'm surprised you were able to pay for tickets, Manolo, especially considering your job."

Maria winced and looked at Manolo, who rubbed his arm and looked down, "Well, the tickets weren't that expensive and-" 

"Papa, there's something you need to know." Maria interrupted. She took Manolo’s hand, "Manolo and I are dating now."

The general's eyes grew wide as he glanced between them, "You can't be serious." He scoffed.

Maria nodded.

Feeling the tension, Manolo let go of Maria’s hand, "I'll just be in the car." He took Maria’s bag and walked out the door.

"What were you thinking, mija?" The general asked, "Is there not someone else? Not even Joaquin?"

"Papa, I really like Manolo. I think I might lo-"

"Maria, that boy is beneath you. He will do nothing but hold you back and bring you trouble."

"He won't. If anything he'll keep me out of trouble."

"How could you even consider him after what he did-" 

"That wasn't his fault! He was the one who- ugh! I-I have to go." Maria headed for the door.

The general blocked her path, "Oh, no, you don't! We are not done talking about this."

"What is there to talk about? I'm dating Manolo now, and that's that. Please let me through, we want to beat traffic."

"I am not letting you take one step out this door!"

Maria saw an open window, "Ok." She quickly climbed out the window and ran across the street.

"Maria!" The general shouted, "Get back here this instant."

She practically jumped into the car, confusing Manolo, "Wh-What happened?"

"Just drive." Maria said. Manolo drove down the street and Maria called through the window, "I'll call you when we get there, love you!"

"MAAAARRIIIIIAAAAAA!!!!!!!" The general yelled.

"Have fun, you two!" Carlos called out as they drove away.

"He was chill when we came back, but he doesn't like us together." Maria said, "I love my dad and all, but he's super strict. I wanted to be with my new boyfriend. Besides, those tickets would've gone to waste."

"I know what you mean." Zatz said, "My dad doesn't let me ride his bike, not even around the block."

"Aw, man, that's a bummer." Chimi said.

"That's actually pretty reasonable." Picchu said. 

"Yeah, your dad doesn't want you to break your head." Maya said, nudging him, "Don't be such a big baby."

"Traitors." Zatz said.

"Oh, that's my ride." Rico said, getting up, "G-Good luck during the game, Picchu."

"Thanks, man." Picchu said. 

In the car, Lance said, "Maya, we need five dollars."  

"No." Maya replied, "I said you were on your own and I meant it."

"Come on, we're so close." Shield said.

"Just ask mom and dad for the money." 

"You know we can't do that." Daggers said.

"You are the reason we're in this mess." Lance said.

"I didn't tell you to bet on me." Maya said. 

"We're aware." Daggers said, "But we're out of options-"

"Ok, ok, fine! I'll give you the money if you shut up."

"Oh, thank you so much." Shield said.

"Whatever.

After the game, Chaska and Cipactli were at a restaurant bar. 

"Those boys really pulled through tonight." Cipactli said, sipping her beer.

"Oh, please, they didn't pull through. The other team was just bad." Chaska said.

"Either way, I'm proud. I just hope my girls can do the same. Acat and a new player have been butting heads and I don’t want drama interfering with how they play. They’ve already gotten into a fight and had detention last week.” 

“They sound like perfect fits for my class.” 

Cipactli stared at Chaska blankly, “Right.” 

“I don’t understand how you haven’t kicked Acat off the team yet. That girl’s a menace. If I were you, I would’ve kicked her off a long time ago.”

“She maintains her grades and is a good player. She gets on my nerves as much as anyone, but she hasn’t done anything that warrants removal. Believe me, I want to, but I can’t get personal. You should’ve seen what other girls I’ve kicked off have done.”

“I wish I had the power to kick people out of my class. Sometimes I feel like they plan on using my class for sometime other than self-defense. They just have that kind of vibe, you know?” 

“For something illegal?” 

“Yep.”

After a couple minutes of talking, Chaska’s phone rang. It was Tezcatlipoca. 

"Hello?" Chaska answered. 

"Hey, Chaska." Tezcatlipoca said, "I'm having a plumbing issue over here. How soon can you get here?" 

"Why can't you just call a plumber?"

"Because you're the one to call for a job like this. And because I don't want to pay anyone."

"Ugh, is this an emergency? I'm with a friend."

"I just need help."

"I'll be there in twenty minutes." Chaska hung up, "I have to go. Tezcatlipoca needs help with something." She started chugging the rest of her beer.

"I understand." Cipactli said with a grin, "You go help your boyfriend."

"He's not my boyfriend."

"Same difference. You're paying next time."

"What were you doing eating a sandwich in the bathroom?" Chaska asked.

"Because why not." Tezcatlipoca said from the couch, "I didn't mean to drop it in the toilet. Thanks for the help, by the way."

Chaska pinched the bridge of her nose, "You are such an idiot. Of course this would happen to you."

"Hey hey, hey. I'm an idiot? Which one of us got all those speeding tickets?"

"Some of those were because of you."

"It's not my fault you drive like a maniac. You're lucky all you got was community service."

After a second of silence, Tezcatlipoca asked, "Wanna bang?"

Chaska sighed, "Sure, why not?"

An hour and a half later, Chaska was back home. She peeked through the front door and saw Zatz on the couch playing a game.

She stepped inside as silently as she could. When Zatz didn't notice her, she began to tiptoe towards the stairs. Before she could go up the stairs, Zatz said, "If you tell me where you were, I won't tell Papa."

Chaska sighed and walked the couch, "I was just with Tezcatlipoca."

"Why are you sneaking into your own house?"

"Well, pardon me for trying to be considerate of you and your father."

"Cut the crap. Why don't you actually start something serious with Tezcatlipoca, anyway?"

"Why do you ask so many complicated questions?"

"It's my job." 

Chaska and Zatz chuckled and she went upstairs, "Don't stay up too long, you have school tomorrow. Plus, you suck at this game."

Chapter Text

Joaquin and Manolo were at Maria’s house an hour before the party to help her set up. 

"I told you the chips were in the pantry, Joaquin." Maria said. 

"I checked there already, I didn't see anything." Joaquin said. 

"Check again."

"I have eyes. They're right underneath MY EYEBROWS!" 

Manolo and Maria laughed at Joaquin’s reference when the general walked in, "Ay, you kids and your childish shows." 

The friends glanced at each other. The show they were referencing wasn't for kids.

"Alright, before I go, I want to remind you of some things. I want you and your friends to act your age, I don't want to hear about any trouble from the neighbors, and I don't want to come home to a mess."

"Yes, Papa." Maria said, "We'll be good."

"Carlos and Carla will call every now and again to check on you, so if anything happens, I'll know about it." The general glared at Manolo, “It would be a shame if any of you had a criminal record.”

Manolo took a deep breath, putting on a fake smile, “Well, trashing the house while you’re gone is a start.”

Joaquin snorted. Maria punched his arm, silencing him. 

The general narrowed his eyes, “I'll have to call the police on you personally, then. Or I could kill you.” 

Manolo looked down, trying to hide that the general hit a nerve. Maria glanced between them, “You should get going, Papa. We’ll be fine.” 

“Alright, I’m gone.” The general grabbed his bag and left, “I’ll see you on Tuesday.” 

There was a tense silence before Joaquin said, “I’ll just order the pizzas.” 

While Joaquin was on the phone, Maria tightly hugged Manolo. He was caught off guard for a second, but exhaled, hugging her back.

“Hello, everyone!” Picchu said as he and his dad walked in, “I have arrived fashionably late!” 

“Picchu, we started twenty minutes ago.” Chimi said. 

“Mood killer.” 

“Don’t stay out too late, mijo.” Picchu’s dad said. He made small talk with Joaquin and Manolo before leaving. 

Maya was humming along to the music and handed Zatz a cup of soda, “Pepsi?” 

“Thanks.” Zatz said, taking the cup from her, “You know, I usually don’t get invited to stuff like this. Maybe the caffeine will help me be more social.” 

“You don’t have to worry about that. We’re all socially awkward here. Just look at my brothers.” Maya and Zatz snorted seeing how horribly Daggers, Lance, and Shield were dancing. 

“Yeah, I guess it could be worse.” Zatz shrugged.

Rico danced by Maya and Zatz, “Forgot your dancing shoes at home? Come on, guys.” 

The two glanced at each other with an awkward smile. Maya dragged Zatz away from the wall and they started to dance. She burped from her soda. She and Zatz looked at each other with wide eyes before laughing.

"Excuse me." Maya blushed.

They smiled and kept dancing, feeling more comfortable. 

“Hey, Maria.” Daggers danced up to Maria, “Great party.” 

“Thanks.” She took a bite of her pizza, “It’s not really much of a party. It’s just friends hanging out.”

“Oh, come on. Based on numbers, this is a party. Plus, I know mostly everyone.” 

"You have a point."

Daggers smiled. He knew he shouldn't like her, but it was hard not to. He panicked when he saw Manolo walking towards them after talking with his brother, “Uh… do you- do you know where I could- Oh, hey, I got a text, I gotta go.” Daggers ran into a hall, leaving Maria confused.

“What was that?” Manolo asked, getting a slice of pizza.

“I have no idea.” She replied. 

Maya noticed Daggers run away from Maria. She excused herself from Zatz and went after Daggers, “Is everything ok?” 

“I don’t know what I was thinking coming here.” He panicked, “I’ve never been with Manolo and Maria in the same room before. They’re gonna find out I like Maria and they’ll want nothing to do with me. Why does she have to be so cool and pretty?! And why do they have to be such a power couple?!"

“Shush.” Maya covered his mouth, “Just be cool and act like everything’s normal. They're only gonna think something's weird if you keep avoiding them. And also, they're not a power couple. What are you talking about?"

Daggers sighed, "Maybe you're right." They went back to the party, "I just gotta keep my cool." He saw Manolo and Maria nearby and immediately turned around, "Nope." 

Maya grabbed him by the shirt collar and dragged him back to the party, "What did I just say?" She hissed.

Joaquin chugged a can of soda before burping loudly.

"Nice one, man." Chimi gave him a high-five, "Hey, do we have any napkins?" 

"Ugh! I knew we forgot something." Maria facepalmed, "I think I misplaced them somewhere, hold on." Manolo and Maria left to find napkins. 

"They're totally gonna bone." Joaquin said. Picchu snorted and Rico rolled his eyes.

"How much you wanna bet I can fit two slices in my mouth right now?" Chimi asked.

"Chimi, no!" Rico said.

Manolo and Maria went into a small room that was used for storage.

"Daggers is acting kinda weird, don't you think?" Maria asked. 

"Yeah, he keeps avoiding us together." Manolo said.

"There they are." She found the napkins under a table, "How did they get there?" She went under the table to get them.

"Do you want me to go down on you?"

"What?" Maria jumped in surprise and bumped her head against the table, "Ow!"

"Whoa! Are you ok?"

Maria nodded, rubbing her head and wincing in pain. Manolo sat on a stool and placed her head in his lap, "Ow, ow, ow, ow. Why the hell would you say that?"

Manolo raised a brow, looking at her confused, "I just asked if you wanted me to go down and help you with the napkins. What did you think I said?"

"Oh… Nothing." She blushed furiously, trying not to make eye contact. 

He thought about what he said and looked down at her with a smirk, "Come on, what did you think I said?"

Maria blushed harder, hiding in his lap, "Stop."

"Hey, do you know where the bathroom is?" Rico asked Joaquin. 

“Second door to the left down that hall.” He replied. 

“T-T-Thanks, man.” Rico left to go to the bathroom. 

“Oh. This pepperoni's a little spicy.” Maya said.

“What?” Zatz said, “You can’t handle a little heat?” 

"As a matter of fact, yes. This is nothing compared to other spicy foods I've eaten."

"Are you sure about that?"

As Rico was leaving the bathroom, he heard laughing from another room. The door was ajar, so he peeked inside. He saw Manolo sitting, his back facing the door, and what looked like Maria… on her knees with her head in his lap?

“What were you thinking?” Manolo asked, “Ow!”  

“Shut up.” Maria laughed.

“Ok, ok. You ok?” 

“Yeah, I feel better.” 

"Just close your eyes for a second. There you go. That's it."

Rico listened with his mouth agape in shock and disgust. Joaquin wasn’t kidding. He closed the door and bolted down the hall back to the party.

“Rico, are you ok?” Picchu asked, “You look like someone twisted your junk.”

“Oh, I’m good. I-I’m good.” Rico said.

After a minute, Manolo and Maria came back, “Ok, we got the napkins. Sorry for misplacing them.” Maria said.

“Eh, don’t worry about it.” Shield said. 

Rico looked at the floor, his face turning red. What he saw was forever burned in his mind.

“Did we miss anything interesting?” Manolo asked, putting the napkins down. 

“Just vampiro over here thinking he can handle more spice than me.” Maya said.

“I grew up on spicy food.” Zatz said.

“So did I.” 

“All of us have, I’m pretty sure.” Chimi said.

Manolo snickered and everyone stared at him.

“What?” Maya asked, narrowing her eyes.

“I’m sorry.” He said, “But I can handle more spice than either of you any day of the week.” Maria and Joaquin looked at him with wide eyes. Manolo wasn’t usually the bragging type.

"He's not wrong." Joaquin said, "He's lost all his taste buds at this point."

“Oh, is that right?" Maya said, getting in his face. She had to stand on her toes from how much taller he was, "Well, I could handle more spice than you… any… hour of the day." 

"I'd like to see you try." Zatz said.

"You're both hilarious." Manolo said. 

"Ok, we'll settle this." Maya said, "Right here, right now. And you know what? Let's all settle this."

"I'm in." Daggers, Lance and Shield said.

"Alright!" Chimi said, "Let's go."

"Calm down." Rico said.

"It's your funeral." Zatz smirked.

Maria took out crackers and the hottest bottle of hot sauce they had. They all started with one drop.

"Pfft. Piece of cake." Chimi said.

"Hey, this sauce is the deadliest thing known to man." Joaquin said, "I wouldn't take it so-"

"Aaahhhhhhhhh!!!" Rico's mouth was already on fire, "I forfeit! I forfeit!"

"Told you."

A handful of people winced from the heat, which only got worse as the contest went on. Lance gave up after three drops, Daggers after four, Chimi after five. 

"Are you guys ok?" Lance asked, "Do you want milk?"

"No… no… We're good." Maya wheezed. The remaining contestants were red in the face with watery eyes.

"Ok, I'm out." Maria said.

"I'm… just warming up." Zatz said.

After a few more drops, Picchu, Shield and Joaquin gave in. Maya and Zatz were bent over, gasping for air. Manolo stood as stiff as a board.

"How are you not dead yet?" Picchu asked.

"It's only now starting to get pretty hot for me." Manolo said.

"You need a doctor?" Lance asked.

"There's no way…" Maya wheezed, "That you… don't feel anything."

"Oh, I feel something." Manolo smirked, "I guess I'm just that invulnerable."

"Don't… get too cocky…" Zatz said, his face flushed, "We're not done."

"Guys, if we keep going, you're gonna die." Joaquin said.

"Yeah, just take the L." Shield said. 

"Hold on, hold on." Chimi said, "Let's give them one more round. I wanna see how this goes."

"Me too." Rico added.

"Ok, but we warned you." Maria said. She went to the fridge and took out jalapeño slices. 

"Bring it." Maya said.

"Let's finish this." Zatz said.

Zatz, Maya and Manolo were given a pepper, the three of them exchanging death glares.

"Count of three." Daggers said, "One. Two. Three."

The contestants ate their peppers. Within seconds, Zatz and Maya collapsed on the floor, the life drained from their eyes. Manolo knelt to them and said, "Who can handle the heat?"

"You can." Zatz wheezed. 

Manolo smirked, "There you go."

Maya narrowed her eyes at him, "I… hate you… so much."

"Dang, hombre!" Rico exclaimed, "You made of stone?! Your stomach is lined with lava!"

"What matters… is that I lasted… longer than you… vampiro."

"In… your dreams… princesa." Zatz said. 

"Ok, let's get you guys something cold." Lance said.

"I can't feel my face." 

While Zatz and Maya were being tended to, Rico awkwardly approached Manolo and Maria, "Hey, so, uh… I don't know if you know, b-b-but I saw you guys in the closet. I'm sorry, i-it was intrusive of me, but I p-promise I won't tell anyone. I-I’m great at keeping secrets."

Manolo and Maria were confused, "What were we doing?" Maria asked.

"You know." Rico whispered, raising his eyebrows.

Manolo choked on his soda when he realized what Rico was talking about, "Oh! Oh, you thought we were-"

"Isn't that what you were doing?"

"No!" 

"What?" Maria asked. Manolo whispered in her ear, her eyes widened and her ears and cheeks turned red, "Oh, my god! No! I can see how you would think that, but I promise it wasn’t like that. I bumped my head and Manolo was helping me. And not like that!"

"Oh, ok." Rico said, "My mistake. I-I, uh… sorry." He walked away with what little dignity he had left.

Manolo and Maria blushed, looking at each other awkwardly, "Well… that was, uh… interesting." Manolo said. 

"Yeah." Maria said. They chuckled awkwardly before going back to the party. 

After a while, the party moved outside. Everyone was gathered around the fire pit eating pizza and drinking soda. 

"Alright, alright, alright, I got one." Picchu said, "Never have I ever broken a bone."

"Does twisting your ankle count?" Shield asked. 

"No."

A handful of people drank from their cups.

"Ok, let's be more generic." Joaquin said, "Never have I ever been to the hospital for any reason."

Almost everyone drank. Manolo squeezed Maria’s hand.

"I remember when I got my wisdom teeth out. You wouldn't stop mocking me with the food I couldn't eat." Maya laughed, playfully shoving her brothers.

"Hey, you would've done the same." Daggers said.

"You're right."

"Oh! I got one." Chimi said, "Never have I ever lost both parents." Everyone stared at Rico and Chimi as they drank.

"Just us?" Rico asked, he and Chimi tapping their cups together.

Picchu looked down as he ate his pizza.

"Are you guys ok?" Maya asked. 

"Yeah, it doesn't really bother us too much." Chimi said, "Mom adopted me when I was four, so I don't remember much of my birth parents. Growing up was fun. There were always a handful of kids who called me 'Blanca', pushed me around. I'd occasionally fight back. My mom always stood up for me. I met Rico back in middle school. He was a fellow twerp, and he's never left my side since."

"Oh." Manolo said, "Do you know anything about your birth parents?" 

"Just that they weren't in a good place to raise a kid. I don't know if I want to meet them later on, but I'm good where I am."

"What about you, Rico?" Picchu asked, "What about your parents?"

"I don't remember much of t-them either." Rico shrugged, "They died in a car crash when I was three. My grandpa raised me. I was always picked on for how I talked. One day in 7th grade, I saw Chimi getting picked on. I t-t-thought it was time for me to step up, do something good."

"They pushed him in the mud with me." Chimi said. Everyone chuckled.

"Hey, the important thing is I tried."

"Yeah. I know what it's like to have a grandparent be your parent." Joaquin said, "My dad died in combat, and my mom's a deadbeat, so my grandma took care of me. And Maria’s dad helped a little."

"Welcome to the club."

"I never knew my mom." Zatz said, "She died in a crash when I was a baby. When I was four, my dad and I moved in with my aunt. She's my aunt, but she might as well be my mom. Though her advice for dealing with bullies was always to beat them up."

"I respect that." Picchu said, fist bumping Zatz.

"I was eight when my mom died of cancer." Manolo said, "She was part of the reason why I became a musician. My dad was against it, saying it wouldn't get me places, but he's coming around now. I don't know what my great-grandma thinks of it. I don't think she cares that much."

"Please." Shield said, "Your voice is like an angel. You bring sailors to their doom." Everyone laughed.

"My parents divorced when I was five." Maria said, "When I was eight, my dad sent me to a private school in my mom's town. Said he wanted to straighten me out. It was great, but I wanted to come home, and here we are. What about you, Picchu? What's your story?" 

"Nothing, really." He said, "Two parents, only child, wild family reunions. Not that I don't have issues, but I'm not interesting."

"Our family just kept getting bigger." Lance said. 

"Us, then Maya, then the twins." Shield said."

"I'm surprised mom and dad didn't lose their minds." Daggers added.

"At least life was never boring." Maya said, "The one thing we all bond over is sports. Only downside was all the brawls we got into."

Everyone was silent for a while, taking in everyone's stories. It was strange and comforting the ways many of them could relate with each other. If only they could bond over something less depressing. 

The silence was starting to get awkward, so Manolo began to awkwardly sing.

The world's smallest violin

Really needs an audience

So if I do not find somebody soon

Everyone exchanged an amused grin. Joaquin stomped his feet as Manolo continued. 

I'll blow up into smithereens

And spew my tiny symphony

All up and down a city street

While tryna put my mind at ease

The song got faster and more upbeat. Soon, everyone joined in, screaming the lyrics at the top of their lungs.

Like finishing this melody

This feels like a necessity

So this could be the death of me

Or maybe just a better me

Now, come in with the timpanis

And take a shot of Hennessy

I know I'm not there mentally

But you could be the remedy

So let me play my violin for you

The party lasted for another two hours before the parents started to pick everyone up around 11:15 p.m. 

"I'll see you Monday." Zatz said as Camazotz picked him up, "Thanks again for inviting me, Maya."

"Yeah, sure." Maya said. 

"Thanks for coming." Maria said. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you both." Camazotz said, "It's great to know my son has friends like you."

"I still beat you during the spice contest." Maya quipped. 

Zatz smiled and rolled his eyes, "I'll let you believe that. Bye." 

Maya smiled as Zatz and Camazotz left. She saw Maria looking at her with a smirk and she nudged her arm, "Shut up."

"Alright, let's get going, Maya." Daggers said, walking to their car, "Great party, Maria."

"Thanks." Maria said, "I'm glad you came." Daggers smiled bashfully.

"See you at school." Lance said.

"We should do this again sometime." Shield said.

"Bye!" Maya said, following her brothers.

"Bye!" Maria waved. She closed the door and sighed, "Well, that was fun."

"You want us to help clean up?" Joaquin said, looking at the mess in the house. 

"Nah, I'll deal with it tomorrow. I'm exhausted." She sank into the couch with a sigh.

"Alright. I'll be heading out, then. You can just send me the leftover pizza."

"It would clear up space in the fridge." Manolo said. 

"I'm not letting you hog the cheese." Maria said.

They all chuckled. 

"Ok, I'll be back in the morning." Joaquin said as he left.

"Bye." 

The doorbell rang and Manolo went to answer, "Oh, hey, Maya." He said.

"Sorry, I left my purse here." Maya said, "I'll just be a second." Manolo let Maya in before joining Maria on the couch.

"Do you promise to leave this time when you're done?" Maria asked.

"Yeah, yeah. Look, I found it." Maya held up her purse, "Goodbye."

"See ya." Maria yawned and leaned against Manolo’s shoulder, "Aren't you gonna go home, guitarrista?" 

"But you're not letting me, guerrera." Manolo said with a smile.

Maya paused as she was leaving. She watched them over her shoulder with her hand on the doorknob. They didn't seem to notice she was still there.

"Then I'm not letting you go." Maria chuckled sleepily.

Manolo laid her head down in his lap and gently stroked her arm and face. He softly sang. 

Heaven knows your name

I've been praying 

To have you come here by my side

Without you a part of me is missing

Just to make you my own I will fight

I love you too much

I love you too much

Heaven's my witness and this is a fact

You live in my soul

Your heart is my goal

Maria sighed happily and closed her eyes. 

There's love above love

And it's mine cause I love you 

There's love above love 

And it's yours cause I love you 

There's love above love

And it's ours if you love me as much

"That was really sweet, Manolo." Maria giggled.

"I love you." He said. 

"I love you, too."

Maya watched them with a grin before walking back to the car. Manolo is a very good singer and the song was really sweet. Maybe his nice guy act wasn't as much of an act as she thought. She was still gonna keep an eye on him, but he might not be that bad.

Chapter Text

Maya slept in the morning after the party. She woke up to something rough and moist rubbing her face, making her giggle.

"Oh, hey, Zatz…" She murmured in her sleep. She opened her eyes and saw it was just Chiapa licking her face, "Chiapa. Knock it off." She gently pushed Chiapa out of her face.

"Maya!" Jaguar and Eagle were standing at the foot of her bed. She got out of bed and went to her younger siblings.

"Hello." She kissed Jaguar and Eagle's heads and gave them a quick tight hug. 

"Oh, you're awake." Maya’s dad said, stepping into the room, "These little monsters got away from me." He gathered the toddlers in his large arms, "So, how was the party?"

"Fun. We laughed, danced, almost melted our faces off, exchanged trauma." Maya smiled, "It was nice."

Her dad decided to not dwell on the trauma bit, "I'm glad. I didn't know you had that many friends."

"I mean, not really, but yeah."

Maria was working at the shelter, feeding a cat when Manolo came in.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" She asked when she went to hug him.

"I wanted to check the place out." He said.

"Come on, I'll show you around." Maria showed Manolo some of the animals, telling their names and letting him play with some of them. Finally, they got to Chuy's cage, "Hey, little guy." Maria sat on the floor, letting Chuy climb happily into her lap.

"Oh, so this is Chuy." Manolo said, sitting next to her.

"Yeah. He's a sweet little baby." She said to Chuy, "This is Manolo. I love him as much as I love you."

"Hilarious." Manolo held out a hand for Chuy to sniff. Chuy leapt from Maria’s lap and jumped onto Manolo’s stomach, knocking the wind out of him, "Oof! Hi." Manolo said. He adjusted Chuy to be in his lap and scratched behind his ears, "Stronger than he looks."

"Aw, he likes you."

"All animals love me."

"The cat with the black spots would say otherwise."

"That stays between us."

Maria snickered, "You know, I've actually been thinking about… adopting Chuy?"

"Really?"

"I haven't decided yet, I still need to do research on piglets. But who can say no to this little face?"

"Your dad might." Manolo pointed out.

"He actually said I could have a pet. Anything but a rat." 

"Fair enough." He chuckled when Chuy licked his hand, "Does he do this a lot?"

"Yeah." 

Chaska walked through the door for her community service, "Hello, Ms. Ramirez. Sorry I'm a little late."

"No worries." Chimi’s mom said, "You must be excited for almost being done with your community service."

"I am. But, you know, this place is kinda growing on me."

"Well, you're free to visit anytime, even when you don't work here anymore."

Chaska smiled as she set her things down. She grabbed a bag of dog food and filled the food bowls before going to open the cages. 

She froze at one particular cage. Inside the cage was a husky staring at her with ice blue eyes. The dog lit up when he saw her, wagging his tail and pressing his nose against the bars. The sight melted Chaska's heart. She held a finger to the bars for the dog to sniff.

"Ms. Ramirez. I don't remember seeing this dog here before." She said, not breaking eye contact with the dog.

"Oh, he came in last week." Chimi’s mom said, "His name is Estrella and he's about a year old."

Chaska got on her knees and opened the cage. The dog took a few steps towards her and sniffed her for a bit. He started licking her face, making her giggle. She scratched his fluffy head, "You're a sweet little guy, aren't you?" 

Chaska liked the animals at the shelter, but she felt a connection with this dog. Which was interesting, cause she didn't think of herself as a dog person. But then again…

Maya was waiting for Diego to finish buying a pair of shoes. She was texting Rico about babysitting Willow on Wednesday. 

"Alright, let's go." Diego said, walking out of the store. Maya got off the bench and followed Diego down the street.

"You still working at the mall?" Maya asked.

"Yeah, but not for much longer." Diego said, "I want to work at the coffee shop now."

"Do you promise to give me free drinks this time?"

"That didn't work when I started working at FYE and it's not gonna work now. You are such a cheapskate"

Maya shoved his arm with a chuckle, "I'm glad you texted me to come here. I missed you."

"No, you don't. You have a lot of friends at your new school."

"First of all, not a lot. Second, I still missed you. You mean a lot to me, Diego. You were the only thing I looked forward to going to that hell hole everyday."

Diego smiled warmly, "You mean a lot to me, too, Maya." He stopped walking to give her a hug.

Maya hugged him with a smile, but started to grimace when he squeezed her a little too tightly, "Diego. Can't breathe."

Diego let go after a second, "Wanna get some donuts?" 

"Sure. It's on me this time."

Maya and Diego walked to a donut shop down the street.

Little did they know, Acat happened to be watching them. She was looking at the picture she took of them with a smirk. 

Skull and Bone were in their room about to send a message. 

"Are you sure this is the right guy?" Bone asked, looking at his social media page.

"I'm, like… eighty-five percent sure." Skull said, "Only one way to find out."

Bone: Hey, Chad! My sister and I are Maria's friends. She doesn't stop talking about you and we want to do something nice for her. She really misses you. You think you can come over sometime?

Chad: Oh, hey. I didn't know Maria was still thinking about me. Yeah, of course, I'll go out to see her!

Bone: Great! How soon do you think you can get here?

Chad: I'll be there by Monday. It's like a four hour drive, right? I'll just call in sick that day.

Bone: Perfect! Maria will be so surprised.

Skull and Bone smiled deviously at the computer. 

"Well, that didn't take long." Skull said, "This is gonna be great jerk off material for him."

"Now we just wait for it all to unfold." Bone said.

Chapter Text

Manolo dropped Maria off at school Monday morning. Just as he was about to ride off, he heard, "Hey!" He looked up and saw Skull and Bone walking up to him, "Manolo, right?" Bone asked.

"Yeah." Manolo said, "Can I help you?"

"We were just wondering how things are with you and Maria." Skull said.

"Things are great. Thanks for asking." He adjusted a few things on his Vespa.

"That's good to know. It's amazing to think that someone like her ended up with someone like you."

Manolo looked at the twins, his brows scrunched in confusion, "What do you mean 'someone like her'?"

"You know, beautiful, charming, kind." Bone said, "There's no doubt that she beats the boys off with a stick. She might’ve broken a few hearts."

"You're probably not her first boy toy." Skull said.

Manolo pressed his lips into a thin line. He knew guys flirted with Maria, but she never intentionally manipulated anyone.

"Maria isn't like that." He said, "And who cares if she's been with someone else? She's with me now."

"You never know." Skull said. They watched as a guy checked out Maria as she walked into the school, "Girls like her love guys like you wrapped around their fingers."

"Don't say we didn't warn you when she breaks your heart." Bone said as she and her sister walked away.

Manolo rode off with a sigh. He knew that Maria was nothing like Skull and Bone said and that they were just getting under his skin. But he had to give them credit for succeeding. 

He didn't want to doubt Maria, but he couldn't help but think. Maria isn't a heartbreaker. She would never do that to anyone, especially not to him. Right?

As Maya walked to her locker, she saw Acat talking to a group of girls. She didn't pay attention to them at first until she heard one of them say, "Wow, she's going to humiliate herself on the field."

"I told her this would happen if she stayed on the team." Acat said.

Maya turned to the group. There was no doubt they were talking about her. She walked to Acat and turned her around, "If you have something to say, why don't you say it to my face?"

"Gladly." Acat smirked. She held up her phone to show a picture of Maya falling into the mud during last week's practice. 

Maya’s face turned red in embarrassment, "W-What's the big deal? Most of us were muddy."

"But the rest of us didn't play as badly as you did." Acat said, "You missed the ball and fell face first into the dirt. Our first game is on Friday and all you're going to do is embarrass the team. Do us all a favor and call in sick. You can say it was from the mud you ate."

Acat and the girls walked away, leaving Maya mortified. She clenched her jaw and looked around before sticking her head in her locker. She silently cried in frustration, hoping no one could hear. She wanted to crawl into the locker and die. Being covered in mud was normal for soccer players after a rainy day, but Acat didn't have to make it worse than it was. 

The worst part was that if she fought back, she'd get in trouble again.

"Maya?" She felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned around and saw Zatz, his hood down and scarf up.

"Zatz." She quickly wiped her tears away, "Hey."

"I saw what happened. I'm sorry she did that to you."

"It wasn't that bad. Had it been you or anyone else, it would've been funny. She was just being a bitch about it. It's not like I can do anything about it. She'd dislocate my shoulder and I'd be the one in trouble."

"This is exactly why I broke up with her."

"What did you even see in her?"

Zatz shrugged and leaned against the lockers, "I don't know. She was the only one who talked to me during my freshman year. I thought she was so cool. She asked me out at the beginning of the year. It was nice at first, but it doesn't take a genius to figure out that she's a bully. My feelings had faded by then, so I broke up with her in July."

"How did she take it?" Maya asked as she gathered her books. 

"Not well. It was hard on me for a few weeks, but I've moved on." He chuckled, "Actually, when I broke up with her, my aunt's 'boyfriend' saw me walking by myself and drove me home. I told him about the breakup. Acat came over to talk, but I didn't want to see her. So, I jumped out the window while Tezcatlipoca covered for me."

Maya snickered, "I wish I was there for that."

"Yeah. I do miss her sometimes, but I know I did the right thing."

"Oh. Uh, but you don’t miss her that much, right?"

"Were you not listening?" 

"I was, I was." Maya looked away and her ears turned pink, "Thanks for that, Zatz. I weirdly needed that."

"Telling you about my first girlfriend?" Zatz asked as he got off the lockers.

"I guess. The story at the end was great." She could faintly see his smile under his scarf.

"Anytime." He said before they went their separate ways.

Before lunch, Zatz was putting his books away when Acat walked up to him, "Zatz."

He sighed and said, "What do you want?"

"I have to tell you something." She said, "It's important." She showed him a picture on her phone. It was Maya hugging some other guy.

Zatz stared at the picture, "Where did you take this?" 

"I saw them when I was out on Saturday. I know you like her, so I thought you had the right to know."

Zatz sighed, "I don't like Maya like that. And even if I did, and I'm not saying I do, why do you care?"

"Because I'm always going to care about you. I don't want you to get hurt, especially by someone who's stringing you along."

"Acat, please stop. I know what you're doing and it's not going to work. I meant it when I said we were over."

Acat said nothing as Zatz walked away. Had she gripped her phone any tighter, it would've broken. She turned around and desperately called out, "But I love you!"

Zatz turned around, looking hurt and frustrated. After a second, he said, "We're done, Acat." He walked away.

She stared at him. This wasn't the first time he shot her down and it hurt as much as the other times. "Ay, Zatz. I'm not giving up on us. Not yet."

Zatz walked to lunch with his mind all over the place. He was disappointed but not surprised that Acat tried to get back with him again. He just wished she'd take the hint. And that picture, what was she trying to do? 

But who was that guy with Maya? Was that her boyfriend? No, she would've mentioned if she was seeing someone. That guy could be anyone. Then again, she looked happy hugging him… and so did he. If they're not dating, does Maya like him?

Maria sat at lunch with Daggers, Shield and Carolina. Her phone went off with a text from an unknown number.

Unknown: Look outside

Confused, Maria turned to one of the large windows in the cafeteria. Her eyes grew wide. Chad was outside by the fence.

"Hey, I'll be right back." Maria said as she left the table. She went outside into the cool fall air and immediately saw Chad. 

Chad was tall and muscular with dirty blonde hair in a denim jacket. When he saw her walking towards him, he smiled and waved, ignoring the intense anger she had on her face.

"What the hell are you doing here?!" Maria asked.

"Your friends wanted to surprise you." Chad said, "They said you couldn't stop thinking about me. I couldn't stop thinking about you, either."

"What?"

"I know this looks very creepy, but it's really good to see you again, Maria." Chad tried to hug Maria, but she stepped away.

"Listen, I don't know who said that, but you can't be here. You have to go."

"You're right, I shouldn’t have come during school hours. You wanna catch up at your place later or-"

"No! Chad, you shouldn't be here!"

"Maria, I've been wanting to see you again ever since you left. I really missed you and I know you missed me, too." He tried to grab her hand, but she pulled away.

"No, I haven't, I really haven't."

"Come on, you can't deny what we have between us."

"I can't deny it because there's nothing there. Please leave."

"I came all this way for you." He stepped closer to her, "Can we at least talk?"

Manolo pulled up to the school on his Vespa. He took off his helmet and stuck his hands in his jacket pockets. As he walked toward the school, something caught his eye, stopping him in his tracks.

By the fence where the cafeteria tables were, was Maria with some other guy. He was leaning in too close to Maria.

Manolo thought about everything Skull and Bone told him that morning. This couldn't be right. There had to be an explanation for this. He walked inside the school, determined to figure out who that guy was. 

He hoped that Skull and Bone were wrong. Maria would never do this.

"Can you at least give us a chance?" Chad asked.

"For the last time, no!" Maria said, "What will it take for you to leave?"

"It'll take an act of God to get me to leave."

"Maria?" Manolo was walking towards her and Chad. She could see on his face that he was confused and hurt.

"Manolo." She said.

Chad looked at Manolo, "Who the hell is this?" 

"I'm her boyfriend." Manolo said, his eyes burning into Chad, "Maria, who is this guy?" 

"I'm the guy she truly loves." Chad said, before Maria could say anything.

"No, he's not." Maria said.

"Maria!" Maya, Rico, Chimi, Zatz and Picchu had shown up, "Is everything ok?" Maya asked. 

"No, he won't leave." Maria said.

"I'm sorry, I just want to talk." Chad said.

"I think it's pretty clear that she wants you to leave." Chimi said, taking a few steps forward. 

"Want us to drag him out by his teeth?" Maya asked. 

"You can't deny it, Maria." Chad said, "You remember our heated kiss under the moonlight? Cause I do."

"What?" Manolo asked.

"It wasn't like that!" Maria said.

"It was the hottest moment of my life." Chad said. He stepped closer to Manolo with a smug smile, "You're nothing but a placeholder, pal. Every time she kissed you, she was thinking of me." 

"Manolo, listen to me!" Maria said, "He's lying! I promise, it's not what it sounds like."

Manolo’s face was hardened. He pushed Chad away from him, "Get out of my face." He grabbed Maria’s wrist, "Let's get out of here."

Chad grabbed Maria’s arm, "Hey, wait-"

"Hey, hey, hey!" Zatz said. 

"Get off!" Maria said.

Manolo shoved Chad off Maria, "Let go of her!"

Out of nowhere, Chad punched Manolo in the face.

"No!" Maria exclaimed. 

Manolo tried to push Chad away from him while Chad kept trying to hit him. Zatz and Chimi went to pull Manolo away from Chad while Picchu helped Maria pull Chad off Manolo.

"What is your problem?" Zatz asked.

"Chad, for the last time, go!" Maria said. 

"Listen-" Maria twisted Chad's arm behind his back until he yelped in pain.

"Just take the L, dude." Maya said, "She's not into you."

"Couldn't have said it better myself." Rico said.

Chad said nothing as Maria let him go. He walked away, not looking at any of them. Maria sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. 

"Oof, you should put some ice on that." Picchu said to Manolo. Manolo’s cheek was bruised with a small cut on his lip.

"Oh, my god." Maria said, "Are you ok?" She walked to Manolo. He grimaced when she touched the cut. She took him by the hand and guided him away from everyone.

"What the heck just happened?" Rico asked as they all walked back inside.

"I don't know, but it was fun seeing a fight that I wasn't a part of." Maya said.

"That guy was a jerk." Picchu said, "Had he not left, I would've thrown him into the sun."

"Is he even from around here?"

"Yeah, like, stalker much?" Chimi said.

"Hey, I'm uh, gonna head to my locker." Zatz said, about to walk away.

"I'll go with you." Maya said, "It's on route to the bathroom." She waved goodbye to Chimi, Rico and Picchu and walked with Zatz. 

"I, uh, kinda want to be by myself for now." Zatz said, "See you around, princesa." He walked away, leaving Maya confused. 

What was that about? He seemed like he wanted to get away from her.

After going to the bathroom, Maya was drying her hands when she heard something outside, "Is it bad?" It was Maria. 

Maya went to the ajar window and stood on her toes enough to see Manolo and Maria alone in a corner. She was dabbing a wet wipe on his cut lip.

"No." Manolo said, wincing as she tended to his bruise. He frowned and said, "Maria, could you please tell me what that was about?"

"That was Chad." Maria explained, "He was at the academy with me. He kept asking me out and wouldn't take no for an answer. I promise everything he said was a lie. I never ever liked him."

"What about that kiss he was talking about?"

"It was spin the bottle! The kiss lasted, like, one second, it was a peck! That kiss just made him more insufferable. I made it super clear that I wasn't interested, that I was into someone else, but he was just-"

"Hold on, hold on, hold on. What do you mean you were into someone else?" 

Maria’s eyes widened and she blushed, "Shoot." She rubbed her arm sheepishly, "I told my friends about you and they teased me, saying that you were my boyfriend. I may not have… always corrected them."

Manolo smiled and raised a brow, "So, you went around telling people we were dating before I asked you out?"

"No. I just… let them think that… sometimes." She sighed and said, "But, Manolo, I promise, Chad means nothing to me. Sure, I went on a few dates with a few guys, but it never went anywhere. All they did was help me realize how much you really mean to me."

Manolo exhaled and smiled softly, "Same with me. I don't care if you dated anyone else before me. And if you say he meant nothing, I believe you. I just don't like the idea of you with other guys."

Maria hugged him, "I would never do that to you."

"I know. I'm sorry I doubted you for a second. I trust you."

"I would've doubted myself, too. I'm sorry that Chad came here."

Manolo kissed her forehead. They hugged for a bit before walking away.

Maya lowered herself from the window. She didn't think Manolo would be so understanding. She still had her doubts about Manolo, but he was… nicer than she thought. 

When the last bell rang, Zatz went straight to his locker and was out the door before Maya could talk to him. He got into the passenger seat of his dad's car with a sigh.

"Is everything alright, mijo?" Camazotz asked. 

"Have you ever been interested in someone, only to find out they might like someone else?" Zatz asked.

"Ay, Zatz, I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't know you had a crush after Acat."

"I don't! I just-" He sighed and leaned back in his seat, "I don't know."

"Well, whether or not you do, all I can say is, you'll move on. It's never easy having your heart broken, but it's part of love. You've felt this way before and you'll feel it again. It'll take some time, I'm sure of it."

Zatz looked at his hands thinking about everything. He knew he shouldn't believe what Acat showed him, but why does he care so much? He doesn't like like Maya. So, why should he care if she's possibly seeing someone else? But he kinda cares. And he hated it.

Chapter Text

"Are you sure you're allowed to do this?" Manolo asked, setting his bag down on the chair. 

"Yeah." Maria said, "There aren't any rules about who I can draw."

"But are you comfortable with this?" 

Maria raised a brow, "Yes? Why wouldn't I be? It's just a sketch, Manolo."

Manolo shrugged, "If you're sure."

Maria got her sketchbook and pencils out of her bag. She was supposed to sketch a model for art club and had asked Manolo to pose for her. When she turned around, Manolo was… in his briefs.

"Whoa! What the–" She dropped her sketchbook and covered her face, "What are you doing?!"

"You asked me to be your model!" Manolo said. 

"You can keep your clothes on!"

"Oh-Oh…" His face turned beet red, "I'm sorry, I thought-"

"No, no, no, no, no! It's fine… it's fine… just… put your clothes back on. I'll be right back." Maria quickly went to the bathroom.

She closed the door behind her. She took a few deep breaths, waiting for her heart to slow down. Her face was burning. 

She had seen Manolo in swim trunks before. That's basically the same as underwear. And Manolo has an amazing body with a lean build. She's seen him shirtless before. So why was she so jumpy about it now? 

After a minute, Maria went back to the living room. Manolo was fully dressed and sitting in a chair, "Hey, I'm sorry-"

"Don't worry about it." Maria said as she sat on the couch across from him, "Can you turn your head this way? Perfect."

It took about fifteen minutes for Maria to finish her sketch. She sometimes stared at Manolo for longer than necessary, trying to imagine him in his underwear again. And every time, she'd push the vivid image out of her head and get back to drawing. Thankfully, Manolo never caught her ogling him.

"Ok, I'm done." She finally said.

"Let me see." Manolo got up from his seat and looked at the sketch over her shoulder, "Hm. That's really good, guerrera."

"Gracias."

"I kind of like the other drawings of me better." He laughed when Maria whacked him in the face with the sketchbook, "But this one's good, too." He gave her a soft kiss, "I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow, ok?"

"Yeah. I love you."

"I love you, too." 

Maria watched as Manolo left. She went to lock the door. She sighed, frustrated with herself. Ever since the pregnancy rumor, there's been tension between her and Manolo. She was looking at him differently. Maria wondered if he was looking at her differently too. 

She didn't have time for this right now. She had homework to focus on… if she could only get his body out of her head.

Maya sat with Chimi and Rico during lunch. 

"There's still time to change your mind about Willow." Chimi said.

"No." Rico said, "Just have a little faith in us, we got this."

"That's what the Donner party thought, and look what happened to them." Chimi laughed while Rico and Maya looked at her blankly, "What?"

"Yeah…" Maya said, "I'm sure Willow is a sweet kid."

"Yeah, she's nice to me, but she's an absolute savage. You should’ve heard some of the things she said about Rico."

“Hey.” Rico said.

"I have five siblings. I'm sure I can handle one little girl." Maya said.

Before Chimi could say anything, Shield ran up to them, "Guys! You have to see this." He held up his phone, showing them a video of Manolo and Chad's fight from yesterday with the caption "Keep Your Men In Line."

"Oh, my god!" Maya exclaimed, "Who made this?!"

"Who do you think?" Rico asked, "Skull and Bone."

"Does Maria know about this?" Chimi asked.

"I don't know." Shield said, putting his phone away, "Picchu and Daggers are telling her ab-"

Maria stormed in the cafeteria, walking straight for Skull and Bone.

"Well, she does now." Maya said. Everyone went to back up Maria.

Maria slammed her hands on the table, "It was you!" She snapped, "You brought Chad here!"

"Oh, oh, oh, what took you so long? Idiot." Bone mocked.

"What is the matter with you two?! Stalking people from my old school and bringing them all the way out here to mess with me? How far is this gonna go?!"

"We don't know." Skull said, "You want to find out?"

"Don't send that video to anyone else. Please leave Manolo out of this. He didn't do anything to you."

"Well, little miss perfect, I think he has every right to be a part of this." Acat said, fiddling with her bracelets, "You love to act like you're so much better than the rest of us, when in reality, you're stringing along a college boy while you cheat on him with an old flame. I say they're doing him a favor."

"Well, joke's on you, your stupid plan didn't work." Maya said.

"It's called having a stable and trusting relationship." Rico said. Shield facepalmed.

"Face it, pageant queen." Bone said, "The sooner everyone finds out you're not as great as you seem, the better."

Maria growled, slamming her fist on the table, "Just stop spreading the video, or-!”

"Alright, alright." Skull said, “It's more fun to tell rather than show, anyway." 

Maria groaned and walked away from them. 

"Get a life." Chimi said as she walking away with everyone.

"Rich coming from you, Blanca." Acat called out. Chimi briefly stopped in her tracks before exhaling. She sat back down at her table with everyone else.

"Do they not have anything better to do?" Maya asked. 

"T-They just like to project their own insecurities onto us." Rico said.

"Sorry you guys have to deal with them." Shield said, "I'll squash any rumors I hear about you, Maria."

"Diddo." 

"Thanks, guys." Maria said, "I really don't care what people think of me. But I'd hate it if Manolo heard any of those rumors. It's the last thing he needs, especially now."

"What do you mean?" Chimi asked.

"Uh- Oh, never mind." Maya saw how Maria tensed at Chimi’s question. She decided to not say anything about it, at least not yet.

"I'll see you guys later." Shield said, walking away.

"Ah. I have to pass this project." Chimi said, changing the subject, "If I don't get a C, I'll be failing history."

"Oh, you're failing?" Maya asked.

"Mr. Dale is impossible. I like history, but he makes it so hard."

"You know, I could tutor you." Rico said. 

Chimi looked at him, "No, no, no, you can't. You're already doing a lot by babysitting Willow for me."

"I don't mind. I-I’m pretty good at history. Not a genius, but passable. I can help you with Mr. Dale's lessons."

Chimi smiled, "You'd do that for me?" 

"I'd do anything for you, Chimi. You're m-my b-best friend." 

"Thank you so much, Rico." She hugged him. 

As everyone left the cafeteria, Maya saw Zatz a good distance away, "Hey! Vampiro!" She called out, waving to him. Zatz looked at her, made an indifferent face and walked away.

Maya’s face fell. She was hurt and confused by this. Sure, Zatz was annoying and she sometimes wanted to punch him, but she kinda liked having him around. 

It was like he wanted to be away from her. He was like that yesterday too. What was going on?

"No…!" Maria shot up in bed, panting. She was in her bedroom and it was pitch black outside. She looked down at herself, making sure she wasn't covered in blood, her hand over her scar. 

She frantically grabbed her phone from her nightstand and video called Manolo. It was just a little past midnight. She was begging for him to pick up.

After a few agonizing seconds, Manolo answered, "Maria?" His voice was quiet and somewhat groggy with his hair messy as he laid in bed.

Maria sighed in relief, "Oh, thank God. I'm sorry, I just wanted to make sure you were ok." 

Manolo frowned, "Another nightmare?" Maria nodded, wiping a tear away, "I'm right here, Maria." A wave of guilt washed over him. She shouldn't be worrying about him like this. They'd both be spared a lot if it weren't for him.

"I'm sorry. I knew you were ok, but I wanted to-"

"Hey, hey, it's ok, I understand. Besides, it's not our first late night call." Maria chuckled a little, "I was gonna send you this video in the morning, but I'll send it now." Manolo sent Maria a link to a funny video he saw earlier that day. 

The video distracted Maria from the nightmare and gave her a much needed laugh. They talked for a few minutes before they went back to bed. This wasn't the first time they called each other late at night, and it certainly wouldn't be the last.

Manolo went to sleep wishing he could go back in time. She doesn't deserve this.

Chapter Text

Maya, Rico, Maria, and Rico were outside Willow's house. Chimi had told Ms. Pardo about her friends filling in for her, and as a result, would be watching Willow in her house. 

Ms. Pardo opened the door, “Hello.” She said, “Are you Chimi’s friends?”

“Yes.” Maria said, “I'm Maria. This is Maya and Picchu, and I'm sure you already know Rico.” The four of them greeted the older woman.

“Great, you're just in time. Come on in.” 

They went inside and looked around, “Nice place you got here.” Picchu said. 

“Willow! They're here!” Ms. Pardo called. A little girl with black hair tied in pigtails came into the living room holding a doll, “Hey.” She said.

“Hi, you must be Willow.” Maria said. They quickly introduced themselves to Willow as Ms. Pardo gathered her things.

“Ok, numbers are on the fridge, if you get hungry, you can order some take-out, and there are hidden cameras.” She turned to Willow, “You be good, ok, sweetie. I'll be back by five. Call me if anything happens.”

“You can count on us, M-Ms. Pardo.” Rico said as she left.

“Alright, so, Willow, what do you like to do?” Maya asked.

“We need to bake cookies for the school bake sale on Friday.” Willow said. 

“Say what, now?” Rico asked.

“Chimi was supposed to help, but I guess you guys have to now.”

“Hold on, she never mentioned-”

“We would love to help.” Maria said, elbowing Rico. 

Willow led everyone to the kitchen where ingredients were laid out on the counter and got started. It wasn't a difficult recipe, just simple frosted sugar cookies.

“Everything alright, Maya?” Picchu asked, measuring the flour.

“Has anyone noticed Zatz has been acting strange recently?” Maya asked. 

“What do you mean?” Maria asked.

“I feel like he's been avoiding me. I mean, it's nice that I don't have to deal with his annoying butt all the time, but I kind of miss it, you know.”

“No, I don't know.” Rico said, “How can you m-miss something you think is annoying?”

“I don't know, I just do. I'm actually starting to miss his stupid hair flip, can you believe it? But why would Zatz be avoiding me? Did I do something? Does he find me annoying? He probably does, but what did I do specifically? I thought we had a good thing going on. I'm not that bad to be around, am I?”

“If all you talk about is your boy drama, then yes.” Willow said. Maya stared at her and her jaw dropped, “If it bugs you so much, just talk to him.”

“Ay, Willow.” Rico said, pouring the baking soda in the mixer, “When you're older, you'll understand the complexity that is romance.”

“You offered to babysit me for Chimi because you don't have the backbone to ask her on a date.” 

Rico turned on the mixer, only for the flour to puff in his face. He turned the mixer down and turned to Willow, “No one asked you.” He wiped the flour from his eyes.

“I mean, she's not wrong.” Maria snickered.

While the cookies were in the oven, everyone did homework. Picchu was helping Willow with her spelling homework, “Ok, the next word is ‘again.’” Willow took a moment to think before writing on her worksheet. Picchu looked at her almost illegible handwriting trying to break down the word, “Alright, good job.”

“Do we have to decorate the cookies a certain way?” Maria asked, not looking up from her book.

“No, just ice them.” Willow said.

“So, Rico, when did you start crushing on Chimi?” Maya asked.

“I don't know.” Rico said, “I-I guess I always liked her. When I helped her back in middle school, I was surprised by how c-c-cute she was. After that, I followed her around. I think I f-freaked her out, but when I showed her my drawings, she warmed up to me.”

“You mean, she gave up on trying to get rid of you?”

“Well, when you p-put it like that.”

“Aw, that's sweet, though.” Picchu said.

“Yeah, I remember when I started crushing on Manolo.” Maria said, “I mean, I always had a crush on him, but I remember when I figured it out. Before I left for the academy, he promised he'd sing for me. And during a video call, he sang Fire Alarms, and that's when I figured it out.”

Maya grinned half-heartedly at the stories. The only thing she could relate to here was the first time she saw Zatz’s face. But that doesn't count because she doesn't have a crush on Zatz.

“Can we shut up with the mushy stuff?” Willow asked, “We have cookies to frost.” Rico and Maria looked at each other, offended by Willow's comment.

Maya went to take the cookies out of the oven while Picchu got the frosting ready.

“When we're done with the cookies, can we play dolls?” Willow asked. 

“Sure.” Maria said, “Are you just about done with homework?” Willow nodded.

“Dolls, yeah.” Rico said, finishing up geometry, “That's the k-kind of regular little girl thing I was expecting.”

Zatz was at the mall and was looking around FYE. He saw something in the corner of his eye and did a double-take. One of the two employees at the store was the guy Maya was hugging in the picture Acat showed him. Shoot.

Zatz kept his head down as he walked to the CDs. They didn't know each other, but he'd rather not- “Can I help you with anything?” Zatz froze. Crap.

He slowly turned around to see the guy looking at him. His name tag said ‘Diego’, “Oh, no, I'm just, uh, looking around.” Zatz said. He turned away and tried to not make eye contact with Diego.

“Alright, just let me know if you… hey, wait a second. Have I seen you somewhere before?”

“I-I don't think we've ever met-”

“Wait, wait, I can get it. Let me see your face one more time.”

“I don't think that's really necessary-”

“Come on, you have to help me figure this out.”

Knowing he wasn't going to let this go, Zatz reluctantly faced Diego. He stared at Zatz for a few moments with his eyes narrowed, “Oh, ok. We've never met before, but my friend knows you. Do you go to Sun Valley, by any chance?”

“Yeah… why?”

“My friend Maya goes there. She told me about you. I'm Diego, by the way.”

“I'm Zatz.” He felt his heart sink to his stomach, “I didn't know she talks about me. I hope she hasn't made you jealous because of it.”

Diego raised a brow in confusion, “What are you talking about?”

“You and Maya. She's your girlfriend or crush… or something?”

Diego snickered, “Oh, god, no. We're just friends.”

Zatz’s face lit up, “You are? I – uh, I mean, ahem – you are?”

“Never thought of her as anything else. Why do you ask?”

Zatz blushed and looked down, “Uh, n-no reason. I don't care.”

“You seem pretty happy for someone who ‘doesn't care.’” He smirked as Zatz turned red, “Let me know if you need help with anything. CDs are on sale today.” Diego walked away, “Nice talking to you.”

So Maya doesn't like him? A part of Zatz kicked himself for believing Acat. He should have asked Maya if she was seeing anyone. But why should he ask? It doesn't affect him. And why was he so happy that she wasn't involved with Diego? A part of Zatz knew why and he tried to shut it up.

Rico and Picchu watched as Maya, Maria, and Willow played with dolls on the rug. 

Willow held her beloved doll, Fabiola, “Victoria.” She said, “For a moment there, I thought you wouldn't show up.”

Maya held a doll with a skull painted on its face, “Please, Dolores. I've been waiting for my chance for revenge after all you put me through. Now let him go!”

“Not until you hand me the money!”

“This is n-not what I was expecting.” Rico murmured uncomfortably.

“Oh, what is she gonna do now?” Picchu asked.

“Run, Cora!” Maria said, holding a doll's hands behind its back, “It's a trap!”

“I will never run, Juan!” Maya said, “You're too important to me.” She tossed a piece of scrap paper at Willow, “Here's your money.”

“I see it's all here.” Willow said, “But not enough to save your precious Juan!”

“What?!” Picchu exclaimed. Rico looked at him, confused.

“Dolores we had a deal!” Maya shouted.

“Silence! His fate has been decided!”

“Cora, run!” Maria screamed.

“Never!” Maya lunged her doll at Willow's, “She has taken too much from me!” Willow, Maria and Maya made their dolls wrestle with each other.

“Give up!” Willow exclaimed, “You're done for!”

“No, Dolores!” Maria said, “You're done for!” 

Willow cried out in fake pain, “What have you done?!”

“I stole your knife!”

“Oh, my god!” Picchu exclaimed, “I did not see that coming!”

“If I'm going down, you're going down with me! Bang!” Maya and Maria cried out.

“No! Wait, she had a gun?!”

“Cora…” Maria said, weakly, “I'm sorry…”

“Don't be…” Maya coughed and gagged, “Our adventure… was the best thing to… ever happened to me.”

“I love you, Cora.”

“I love you… ugh, agh… bleh.”

Rico's mouth was agape while Picchu gave them a slow clap. The three girls laughed, “Aw, man, this takes me back.” Maria said, getting up.

“Do girls always play l-like this?” Rico asked.

“Yeah.” Maya said, “I remember this one time, I had my toys go through the zombie apocalypse and live their last moments before getting infected. You should've been there.”

“What the heck is wrong with all of you?”

“Did you really make up that story, Willow?” Maria asked.

“I saw a few minutes of the telenovela my mom was watching.” Willow explained. 

“And she let you watch that?” Picchu asked.

“I was watching from the corner.”

“I'm impressed.” Maya said, “I used to do that all the time.”

“That explains a lot.” Rico said under his breath.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“I can't thank you guys enough for filling in for me.” Chimi said, during lunch the next day.

“It was nothing, really.” Rico said, “She was an angel.” Maria and Picchu exchanged a look, “Here, you t-take my cut of the money.”

“What? No, you earned it.”

“Nah, I wouldn't know what I'd do with it.”

“Between this and the tutoring, you deserve some compensation.”

“Would you be offended if I said I am gonna keep my cut?” Maya asked.

“Knock yourself out.” Chimi turned to Rico, “Ok, next trip to the movies, I'm buying. Deal?”

“Ok, fine. Deal.” He said.

“Thank you.”

“I don't know what you were talking about, Chimi.” Maya said, “Willow was a lot of fun.”

“Did you play dolls?”

“Yeah, we did.” Maria said.

“Don't remind me.” Rico said, “You know what? Maybe I d-do deserve the money after s-s-she brought out Elizabeth.”

“Aw, I missed Elizabeth Bathory?” Chimi asked.” She chuckled and everyone stared at her.

“That's who Elizabeth was?” Picchu asked.

“Maybe I need therapy.” Rico said, “Where did she hear about her?”

“I know some history.” Chimi said.

Rico was silent for a second before standing up, “I'm gonna go grab s-some food.” 

When Rico left, Chimi slammed the table with her fist, “Ugh! He never gets the hint.”

“What do you mean ‘gets the hint’?” Maria asked. Chimi shrank into herself and looked down. Everyone's eyes grew wide in realization. 

“Wait, you like Rico?” Maya asked.

Chimi nodded, “Mhm.”

Chapter Text

“Sure, at first I thought he was a huge nerd who wouldn't leave me alone, but you should see the way he talks about art.” Chimi leaned her head against her hand with a dreamy look in her eyes, “He's so passionate, it's adorable.”

Maria, Maya, and Picchu exchanged a look, silently agreeing to not say anything.

“So, why not tell him?” Picchu asked. 

“Are you insane? We've been friends for years. If I tell him, things are gonna get all weird and it'll ruin our friendship.” Everyone, minus Chimi, exchanged a ‘seriously?’ look.

“If you've known each other for a long time, you shouldn't let that get in the way of your friendship.” Maria said.

“It's still pretty risky. I've been telling him fun facts to get him to notice something, but he never gets it.”

“Do these ‘fun facts' happen to be dark and disturbing?” Maya asked.

“Maybe a little.”

Maya facepalmed, “What made you think that would work?”

“I don't know. What am I supposed to do?”

“Tell him how you feel.” Picchu said.

“Yeah, it worked for me.” Maria said.

“Overrated.” Chimi said.

Before Maya said anything else, she saw Zatz out of the corner of her eye, “Hold on.” She got up and went to his table, “Hey.”

Zatz turned around, hood up, scarf down, “Oh, hi.”

“Have you been avoiding me?”

“Uh, not any more?”

Maya sat down, “You've been avoiding me all week.”

“I thought you don't like me, so why do you care?”

“I don't like you, but I don't… not like you.” Zatz raised a brow, “Look, you're not exactly a walk in the park, but I don't want you gone. I like being with you… sometimes.”

“Thanks?” Zatz said.

“My point is you avoiding me really hurt. Was it something that I said? Or did I do something?”

Zatz sighed, “I saw you out with someone and… I thought he was your boyfriend. I didn't want to come between you guys.”

Maya thought about who Zatz was talking about for a second, “Wait, you mean Diego?” He nodded, “No, no, no, he's just a friend.”

“Yeah, I know. I met him yesterday, he told me. He's a nice guy. I'm sorry that I avoided you, I shouldn’t have assumed.”

“It's cool. Wait, why do you care if I was seeing Diego or not?”

Zatz looked away, pulling his hood to hide his face, “No reason.” He quickly said, “I-I don't care, princesa.”

“Alright, vampiro.” Maya looked down and twiddled her fingers, “I don't care who you're with either.”

“Fine.”

“Good.”

Zatz and Maya glanced at each other before Maya got up, “Yeah, good talk, man.”

“Good talk.” He said. 

…

That evening, Zatz was watching TV with his father in the living room after finishing homework. 

When Chaska got home, she peeked her head into the room, “Hi, guys.” She said, “How are things?”

“Nothing much.” Camazotz said. By her tone of voice, he became suspicious of his sister, “Why?”

“Nothing. Zatz, do you remember how you wanted a dog as a kid?”

“A little.” He said.

“Well, now you got one!” She whistled and a gray and white husky walked in, “Meet the newest member of the family.”

“Oh, my god.” Zatz said, going to pet the dog.

“His name is Estrella. I got him from the shelter.”

“You got a dog… without consulting me.” Camazotz said through gritted teeth.

Chaska smiled sheepishly, “Sorry.”

Colmillo stared at the new dog, “Look, Colmillo.” Zatz said, “A new friend.” Estrella slowly leaned in and sniffed Colmillo. The cat hissed and ran away, “He'll come around.”

Camazotz held his hand out to Estrella. The dog sniffed and licked his hand, making him chuckle, “He does seem sweet. We'll see how this goes.” He glared at Chaska, “But you and I need to talk.”

“Hey, you'll thank me after he wins you over.” She said.

“Tezcatlipoca has some competition.” Zatz mumbled.

“I heard that.”

…

A few weeks later, Maya was at the Alley by herself eating nachos. 

“Oh, hey, Maya.” She looked up and saw Manolo in his uniform, “Oh, hey.”

“What's up?” 

“Nothing much, just wanted something to eat.”

“What are you doing this weekend?”

“Nothing. Why?”

“The Alley is opening some new rooms for karaoke.” He pointed to a flier behind her advertising the new karaoke section of the bowling alley, “You and your friends should come.”

“Ok.” Maya said, “Sounds like a blast.”

…

On Saturday, Maya, Rico, Chimi, Zatz, Picchu, Maria and Manolo were in a reserved karaoke room. The room had a long sofa with two small tables, a screen for selecting songs, another screen for lyrics, speakers, colorful lights, and a stack of five microphones.

Manolo: I have an idea

Maria: What's your idea?

Manolo: You should be

Maria: I'm not gonna be Mercy

Manolo and Maria: You should've picked Mercy

I'm not gonna be any kind of support

We ended up losing, and it's all your fault

Your tears are what I live for

I'm not gonna be Mercy

You should've picked any kind of support

We ended up losing, and you got all mad

You should learn how this game works

Everyone clapped when the song ended, “Alright, yeah!” Rico said. 

Manolo and Maria took a bow, “Ok, who's next?” Manolo asked, holding out his microphone. 

“Eh, sure, why not?” Zatz said, standing up.

“Didn't take you for a singer, vampiro.” Maya smirked, crossing her arms.

“I'm not.” 

As Zatz went through the song options, Maya chuckled and whispered to Chimi and Rico, “This is gonna be good.”

When Zatz picked a song, he inhaled and flipped his hair back.

Zatz: Show me how to lie, you're getting better all the time

And turning all against the one is an art that's hard to teach

Another clever word sets off an unsuspecting herd

And as you step back into line, a mob jumps to their feet

Maya’s jaw dropped. Zatz sang with an intensity she wasn't expecting and was almost shouting. He put a lot of throat and energy into it. He almost sounded good.

Now dance, fucker, dance, man, he never had a chance

And no one even knew it was really only you

And now you steal away

Take him out today

Nice work you did

You're gonna go far, kid

With a thousand lies and a good disguise 

Hit ‘em right between the eyes, hit ‘em right between the eyes

When you walk away, nothing more to say

See the lightning in your eyes

See ‘em running for their lives 

Clever alibis, Lord of the Flies

Hit 'em right between the eyes

Hit 'em right between the eyes

When you walk away, nothing more to say

See the lightning in your eyes

See 'em running for their lives

Zatz panted a little as the song ended. Everyone stared at him for a second before clapping. Maya realized she was staring at him and clapped half-heartedly. His performance was… kind of hot.

Zatz smirked as he sat back down and Maya tried not to make eye contact, “Uh, not… not bad.”

“Thanks, princesa.” He said.

…

Rico and Picchu: I always thought I might be bad

Now I'm sure that it's true

'Cause I think you're so good

And I'm nothing like you

Look at you go

I just adore you

I wish that I knew

What makes you think I'm so special

If I could begin to do

Something that does right by you

I would do about anything

I would even learn how to love

When I see the way you look

Shaken by how long it took

I could do about anything

I could even learn how to love like you

Everyone clapped while Rico and Picchu bowed, “Thank you, thank you.” Picchu said. 

Joaquin entered the room in his uniform with a tray of drinks, “Hey, gang. I got the drinks you ordered.”

“Thanks, Joaquin.” Maria said, “Why don't you stick around for a bit?”

“Sure. My shift is almost over, it's not like I have much to do.” Joaquin sat next to Manolo at one of the small tables.

“Ooh! I just thought of a song I want to do.” Maria went up and selected a song. When the music started, she smiled at Manolo. 

Maria: Please, remember me like this

Beautiful and talking shit

'Cause things get ugly way too quick

And right now we're just so perfect

So please, remember me just like

No shoes, dancing 'round your living room

Pulling off my t-shirt, putting on a show for you

We look good in black and white

Sipping on a glass of white

Magnify the city lights, right?

Manolo stared at Maria, resting his head in his hand. She had a sweet voice he could listen to all day. His eyes wandered her body as she danced to the song. She was so beautiful.

Swimming naked in the deep end

Make you wanna freeze frame, wait

Okay, I'm ready for my close up

Pin me like a poster

Faster Testarossa

Wait, just in case I'm the one that gets away

Please, remember me like this

Beautiful and talking shit

'Cause things get ugly way too quick

And right now we're just so perfect

So please, remember me like this

Beautiful and delicate

'Cause things get ugly way too quick

And right now, we're just so perfect

So please, remember me just like this (ooh)

Just like this (ooh)

Just like this

As everyone clapped for Maria, Joaquin nudged Manolo, “Hey, we have ourselves a situation.”

“What?” Joaquin gestured downward. Manolo looked down to see what Joaquin was talking about and his face went pale, “Ah!” He blushed intensely and zipped out of the room without a word.

“Uh, what's up with him?” Maria asked.

“He needs some air.” Joaquin said.

Maria stared at him, knowing what he meant, “Right.” She felt her cheeks go hot. Her phone rang, “Oh, it's my mom.” She stepped out of the room to talk on the phone. Joaquin sighed and looked down.

“Hey, are you ok, man?” Picchu asked. 

“I'm-I'm good, why?” Joaquin said.

“You're sulking.” Chimi said, “Not just sulking, you look guilty.” Zatz nodded.

“Come on, you're thinking of something.” Maya said.

Joaquin groaned, “Ok, fine. Can you keep a secret?” Everyone nodded, “Manolo, Maria and I have known each other since we were kids. Manny and I have always liked Maria.” Everyone's brows shot up. “When Maria came back, we were talking and I… kissed her. She pulled away immediately, said she didn't feel the same way. I knew she was talking about Manolo.”

“Aw. That sucks that she rejected you, but why is that so bad?” Maya asked, “It's not like you did it behind anyone's ba…” She saw the guilty look on Joaquin’s face, “You what?”

“Did I forget to mention that I knew Manolo was gonna ask her out and he still doesn't know about it?”

“You are a snake.” Rico said. 

“Harsh. You all wanted me to talk, why are you judging me?”

“We thought you played hooky or something.” Zatz said.

“You think I– No. I still need to do one thing before my shift is over. I don’t want to hear any of it.” Joaquin left the room with the tray.

“Touchy.” Picchu said.

“My god.” Maya said, “I can't believe Maria would do something like that. Manolo, maybe, but Maria?”

“Did you not hear what he said?” Chimi asked, sipping her drink, “He kissed her.”

“The balls on that guy.” Zatz said.

“I a-almost don't b-blame him.” Rico said, “Joaquin j-just took a chance with her like Manolo did. I mean, k-k-kissing her like he did is all kinds of wrong. You gotta feel b-bad for him with how he was rejected. If a girl rejected me after I kissed her…” Rico noticed everyone with wide eyes and making wild hand gestures, “He's right behind me, isn't he?” 

Rico slowly turned around. There Manolo was, standing with a blank expression.

“Hi, Manny.” Picchu said, “Out of curiosity… How much did you hear?” Chimi kicked him under the table. 

Maria walked back in the room and noticed the awkward tension, “Uh, what's going on?”

Manolo turned to look at her, “They said you and Joaquin kissed.” 

“Oh, uh…”

“That's not true, you would've told me right?”

Maria looked down, “I… um, well…” Manolo looked at her in disbelief and anger. He groaned and left the room, “Manolo, wait!” Maria gave everyone the stink eye.

“I'm sorry.” Rico said.

“For once I wasn't the one who blabbed, yes!” Maya said.

Chapter Text

As soon as Joaquin left the employee lockers, Maria shoved him against the wall, “You never told Manolo?!”

“W-What are you talking about?” Joaquin asked. 

“Manolo knows about you kissing me. As of ten minutes ago! You promised me you'd tell him.”

“I was going to, but then you guys started dating, and I thought it'd be weird.”

“So you can tell some random people but not your best friend?”

“Hey, they forced it out of me.”

“Joaquin, if you told him, he would've understood. This is Manolo we're talking about!”

“I know, I know, you're right. I'll talk to him.”

“You will or I'll hang you by your intestines.”

Chimi: Bring me to life

(Zatz: Wake me up) Wake me up inside

(Zatz: I can't wake up) Wake me up inside 

(Zatz: Save me) Call my name and save me from the dark 

(Zatz: Wake me up) Bid my blood to rise 

(Zatz: I can't wake up) Before I come undone 

(Save me) Save me from the nothing I've become 

Chimi: Bring me to life 

Zatz: I've been living a lie, there's nothing inside 

Chimi: Bring me to life 

“That was weirdly beautiful.” Picchu said as everyone clapped.

Maria found Manolo sitting at a small table, his back turned to her, “Hey.”

“Why didn't you tell me?” Manolo asked, not looking at her.

“Joaquin said he would, but, well.”

“And you couldn't have?”

Maria pulled out a chair and sat next to him, but he still wouldn't look at her, “You're right, I should've said something sooner.”

“When did it happen?”

She tensed up, “The night before you asked me out.”

Manolo’s breath hitched, “You mean the night before… The night before we were…”

“I am so, so, sorry.” Maria took his hand, “I promise it was one time. I told him I didn't see him that way-”

Manolo finally looked at her, “It's not about the kiss, Maria. I mean, it is, but I just wish you told me.”

“I know, and you have every right to be angry at us.”

“I'm more mad at Joaquin than you.”

“I know. I'm really sorry, Manolo.” He looked down, “Ok, does this make it better?” Maria kissed Manolo’s cheek. 

“No.” He said.

“How about this?” She kissed his cheek again and then his lips, “A little bit.” He admitted.

“And this?” She deepened the kiss.

“Alright, you have my attention.” Manolo smiled.

“I'll let you kiss me more later.” Maria whispered, making him chuckle.

“Deal. But seriously, I'll forgive you, but I need some time.”

“Yeah, I know. I'm sorry.”

“I know.” They went back to join their friends.

Maya: If you've got a second, you could blow my mind

I wanna kiss you now and make the rumors right

So never mind the people, it's just you and I

If love's a crime, we're running out of alibis

'Cause we can't escape this moment, it's a wild crush

We hear the beating of tiger hearts, we feel the blood rush

I'll take you underneath my raincoat

As we are walking out the door

Can't stop us gliding down the rainbow

It's raining cats and dogs

Everyone clapped for Maya, “Yes, thank you. You've been a wonderful audience.” She said.

“Hey, why don't you and Zatz sing something?” Chimi suggested, smirking at everyone else. They caught on to what she was doing. 

“I-I don't know about that.” Zatz said, blushing.

“Don't be modest, we all heard you.” Maria said, “I'm sure you'll sound great together.”

“And you know what, we'll pick the song.” Picchu added. Everyone that wasn't Zatz and Maya exchanged a mischievous smile. 

“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Maya asked as Rico pushed a tense Zatz next to her.

“P-Positive.” Rico said.

“I really don't-”

“Ooh, this song is perfect for you.” Picchu said.

“Yeah, you have to sing this one.” Manolo said, looking over Picchu's shoulder. 

Maya and Zatz looked at each other nervously and sighed. There was no way out of this, “Ok, fine.” Zatz said, “Let's get this over with.”

Picchu selected the song and sat down. As soon as the song started playing over the speakers, Zatz and Maya tensed. It was a love duet. They sent death glares to their friends who smugly smiled at them.

Zatz’s voice was a little shaky as he sang.

Zatz: Georgia, wrap me up in all your

I want you in my arms

Oh, let me hold you

I'll never let you go again like I did

Oh, I used to say

Zatz became more relaxed as the song went on, only looking at Maya. She looked back at him and softly sang.

Maya: Heaven

When I held you again

How could we ever just be friends?

I would rather die than let you go

Juliet to your Romeo

How I heard you say

Zatz and Maya: "I would never fall in love again until I found her"

I said, "I would never fall unless it's you I fall into"

I was lost within thе darkness, but then I found her

I found you

The two smiled softly as the song ended. They were blushing and gazing into each other's eyes. Their hands holding the microphones gently brushed against each other. 

Their friends clapped, bringing them back down to earth, “See?” Manolo said, “You sound good together.”

“Yeah… we do.” Zatz said. He looked down and left the room, “I need some air.” Maya's face fell as she looked at the door. What was that about?

Maya found Zatz at the end of the hall. He was leaning against the wall staring out the nearest window. She silently walked up to him and tapped his shoulder, “Oh, hey.”

“Are you ok?” She asked, “You left in a hurry.”

“I'm sorry, it's… my mom died today.”

She might not have heard him if it wasn't just the two of them. Maya’s eyes grew wide, not knowing what to say, “O-Oh…”

Zatz shrugged, “I don't have a lot of memories of her, but it still feels sad, you know.”

Her face softened as she looked at him, “Yeah, I do. That's kind of how I feel about my grandpa. He passed away when I was four. The day he died always had a depressing vibe, even though I have, like, five memories of him. I still like hearing stories about him, he sounded fun.”

Zatz looked at her, “I bet he was. My dad tells stories about my mom all the time, too.”

“Which one's your favorite?”

“That she's a star in the sky looking out for me.”

Maya smiled warmly, “That's really sweet. My favorite story with my grandpa was how he yelled at my dad for burning lunch.” Zatz and Maya snickered. She felt some pride from making Zatz laugh.

Maya checked her phone, “Hey, my mom is here to pick me up. I gotta go.”

“Oh, uh, ok.” Zatz said. 

“Yeah. Oh, and, uh, by the way, you can't really sing. But you've got the spirit and the earring, vampiro. Maybe you can get a record deal.”

Zatz rolled his eyes, “Is that supposed to be a compliment?”

“Yes. Don't get used to it. See you at school.” 

“See you around, princesa.” Zatz said. Before she left, she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. Both of their hearts stopped.

Maya ran out of the bowling alley and into her mom's car, her face burning.

“Maya.” Her mom said, “Are you ok?” 

“Yeah, yeah, yeah, everything is great!” Maya replied a little too quickly. Her mom grinned, having an idea of what was going on, but she decided not to bother Maya.

Maya panicked internally, “Why did I do that?! Why did I do that?! Why did I do that?! Why did I do that?! WHY DID I DO THAT?!”

Zatz brought his hand to the spot Maya kissed. His heart beat loudly and his face was pink. He was almost in a daze as he walked back to his friends. Everyone stared at him as he sat down. 

“What's got you so happy?” Picchu asked.

“Yeah, that's not very on brand for you.” Chimi said.

“What do you mean?” Zatz asked, “I'm a regular amount of happy.”

“Your face is gonna cramp by how much you're smiling.” Maria said. 

Zatz’s face immediately fell. He didn't realize he was smiling, “No, I'm not.”

“This wouldn't have anything to do with Maya, does it?” Rico asked.

“Maya? No, she's just an obnoxious friend.”

“Oh, please.” Picchu said, “We all know you like her.”

“Why would you even think that?”

“Your face looks like tomato sauce.” Manolo said. Zatz grumbled and pulled his scarf up.

“We saw you freeze up when she kissed you.” Chimi said. Zatz stared at her, “Not that some of us were watching.”

“Just admit it.” Maria said, “It'll be easier for everyone involved.”

“I'm not admitting anything.” Zatz said, “Because there's nothing to admit! Been there, done that. It's not worth it.”

“What do you mean?” Manolo asked.

“Even if I did like Maya, and I'm not saying I do, it wouldn't work out, anyway. The last time I liked someone, I had… extremely poor judgment.”

“Come on.” Rico said, “Your relationship with Maya is healthier than the one you had with Acat.”

“I'm not taking any chances.” 

“Hey, just because it didn't work the first time, doesn't mean you won't find someone better.” Chimi said, “Maya may be proud and stubborn, but she's a good person. If you ask me, she feels the-” Rico nudged her to keep her quiet.

“Yeah, it's ok if you're in love.” Picchu said.

Zatz bit his lip. They were right. While Maya was annoying and competitive, she wasn't Acat. She was a whole lot nicer, too. Maybe things will be different with her. He exhaled and softly grinned. He had to stop lying to himself. He likes Maya. 

After everyone went home that evening, Manolo and Maria were making out on the couch.

“Manny?” Joaquin knocked on the front door, “Manny. I know you're in there.” The couple ignored him, “I have a key, I'm coming in.” He walked into the living room to see his friends locked at the lips, “Oh, ok. Nice. Look, when you get a chance to breathe, can we talk?”

Manolo opened his eyes to glare at Joaquin and flip him off. Joaquin rolled his eyes. Manolo finally parted from Maria, “Just give us a minute, guerrera.” He said. Maria nodded, giving Joaquin a look as she left.

There was a tense silence before Manolo said, “What do you want, Joaquin?”

Joaquin sat on the couch arm, “So, you know about the kiss. I was meaning to tell you, I just didn't know when. I wasn't planning on doing it, it just happened. You guys weren't even dating yet.”

“But you knew I was going to ask her out.” Manolo said, “Had I known you were going to make a move, I would've tried to be supportive. But you had to kiss the girl we both liked behind my back and lie about it. And on top of that, it was before…” Manolo’s words got stuck in his throat, “before…”

Joaquin’s eyes went wide, “Oh, my god, I didn't even think about that. I'm really sorry.”

“I know.” Manolo turned away from him.

“Manolo, please.”

“I don't hate you, it's just gonna take me a while.”

“Gah! I really am sorry. What do you want me to do? Strip down to my underwear and jump in the pool?” Manolo turned to Joaquin. He realized what he just did, “Oh, no.”

Joaquin was in his boxers, looking down at Manolo’s pool, shivering from the autumn wind, “You sure you want me to do this?”

“This was your idea.” Manolo said, “I say the punishment fits the crime.”

Joaquin huffed, trying to mentally prepare himself, “I really am sorry. We don't have to do this.”

“You made your bed, now lie in it.”

Maria walked outside, “What the heck are you doing?” She saw Joaquin half naked and snickered, “Come on.”

“I'm just scaring him a little.” Manolo whispered, “He deserves it.”

“Do a backflip!” Maria called out.

“Shut up!” Joaquin said.

Manolo chuckled and called out to his friend, “Hey, Joaquin, you can get dressed. You don't have to do this.”

“No, no, yes, I do.” He said, “I have to prove how sorry I am.” Joaquin took a deep breath and jumped in the cold pool. 

Manolo and Maria laughed in shock, “Ok, I forgive you, Joaquin.” Manolo laughed.

“C-Can I get out now?” Joaquin shivered.

“Yes.” Maria said, “Get out before you catch something.”

Maya was watching TV with Jaguar and Eagle, “There has to be a reason why I did that.” She said, “Friends kiss each other all the time, right?” Jaguar looked at her and babbled. She sighed, “I know, they don't. But what other reason is there?”

She looked at Eagle who stared at her and waved her hands around, “Hm.” Maya sighed, resting her chin in her hands, “Do I have to say it?”

“Say what?” Maya jumped, seeing her mom had come in with a smirk, “What are you talking about, mija?”

“Nothing.”

“What's this I hear about you kissing a friend?”

“I don't have a crush on Zatz!”

“Hold on. I never said a name.” Maya’s face went red when she realized she outed herself. 

“Like I said, I don't have a crush.” Maya said, looking around the room awkwardly. 

“Whatever you say.” Her mom had a knowing smile as she left.

“What were you guys talking about?” Maya's dad asked her mom.

“Oh, nothing, dear. Just girl things. I'll tell you later.” 

Maya sat back on the couch with her baby siblings, “Fine, I'll say it. I have a crush on Zatz.”

Chapter Text

Maya sat on the bench outside of school waiting to be picked up after soccer practice. She was exhausted from the games and the first thing she was gonna do was take a nap when she got home. Thank god Thanksgiving break is next week. 

Someone flicked the top of her head, “Ow!” She saw Acat walk by, acting innocent, “Hey!”

“Didn't do anything, slut.” Acat said.

Maya growled and was about to go confront Acat when she heard, “Oh, hey.”

She turned and saw a woman who looked to be in her forties. She had gray hair tied back in a ponytail, wearing a dark blue sports bra and sweatpants, “What's your name?”

“Uh… Maya… why?” 

“You're… You're Zatz’s friend, right?”

“I, uh, think so. Why, what did he say?”

The woman smiled and sat down, “Nothing to get you upset. I'm Chaska, Zatz’s aunt.”

“Oh, yeah, he's talked about you.”

“Nothing bad, I hope.” They were silent for a bit before Chaska said, “How is he? Is he ok?”

Maya looked at her, “What?”

“Zatz. How is he?”

“Uh, I think he's ok. He's kind of annoying, but he's cool.”

“Good. Sorry if I seem intrusive, it's just… good to know he has friends.” She drank from her water bottle, looking up at the sky, “He's had a rough time with making friends, especially with his eye.”

Maya bit her lip, “What happened to him?”

“He never told you?” Maya shook her head, “Of course, he didn't. It's probably not my place to say, but what the heck. After his mom died, may God rest her soul, his dad struggled raising Zatz on his own. I helped out in any way I could; groceries, babysitting. When Zatz was a toddler, he and his dad were in a car crash.”

Maya softly gasped. She didn't need much of an explanation of what happened.

“Thankfully he recovered with no complications. Eventually, it was too hard for his dad to do it alone, so I said they should move in with me. And they've never left since. As you could imagine, Zatz was bullied a lot for his eye. He was lucky if he was ignored, let alone someone who was friendly with him.”

Chaska smiled and looked at Maya, “I've never seen him have a group of friends before. So thank you, Maya. You and the rest of your friends.”

Maya smiled, “You're welcome.”

“Well, I better get going.” Chaska stood up, “You be good, Maya.”

“Bye.” Chaska jogged off. Maya stared at the grass. What Zatz’s aunt said made things about him make a little sense. How reserved and quiet he can be, how he never mentions his eye. She knew he was a loner, but the fact that they were his first real friends was incredibly sad.

That didn't make him any less annoying, of course. 

Maybe one day she'll ask about his eye and he'll talk about it. Hopefully he doesn't deck her for bringing it up.

Zatz was having trouble falling asleep. He picked up his phone and saw it was almost one a.m. Shoot.

He was gonna hate himself in the morning for this, but he went on YouTube to try and fall asleep. The only thing that caught his eye was a video by Manolo.

He heard a meow and scratching. Colmillo. He rolled his eyes and got out of bed. Zatz looked down at his cat when he opened the door, “You're lucky I was already awake.” He said as he picked up the feline.

Zatz could hear Estrella’s silent snoring from the other end of the hall, “You still don't like Estrella? He's been here for a few weeks.” He went back into bed and clicked on the video. The video was posted at the beginning of the school year, less than three months ago.

Manolo in the video took a deep breath, smiling shyly at the camera. He muttered to himself and strummed his guitar.

Manolo: Just one more tear to cry

One teardrop from my eye

You better save it for

The middle of the night

When things aren't black-and-white

Enter, Troubadour:

"Remember 24?"

Estrella walked into the room since Zatz forgot to close the door, “Oh, now you can hear me?” He whispered. He petted the dog's ears, “The minute you bark, I'm kicking you out.” He went back to the video.

This song has started now

And you're just finding out

Now isn't that a laugh?

A major sacrifice, but clueless at the time

Enter, Caroline:

"Just trust me, you'll be fine"

Zatz started getting choked up. He's heard Manolo sing before, but this song did something to him.

And when I'm back in Chicago I feel it

Another version of me, I was in it

I wave goodbye to the end of beginning

You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man

You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man

You take the man out of the city, not the city out the man

You take the man out of the

Zatz wiped the tear off his face.

And when I'm back in Chicago, I feel it

Another version of me, I was in it

I wave goodbye to the end of beginning

(Goodbye)

(Goodbye)

Colmillo nuzzled his head against Zatz’s while he patted Estrella's head again. He went through the comments. A couple saying how talented Manolo was, some from girls saying how hot he is. Zatz decided to leave one, too.

BatLord_22: Thank you for this. I didn't know I needed that. 

While Zatz was watching other videos, he got a notification that Manolo replied to his comment.

Manolo Sanchez: You're welcome, Zatz =>

Chapter Text

Maya and Rico were hanging out at the bowling alley over Thanksgiving break.

“So you finally admit you have a thing for Zatz the emo boy.” Rico said.

“Say it a little louder, why don't you?” Maya said after her turn, “And, yeah, sure, whatever. I guess you and I are on the same boat.”

“What are you talking about?”

“You like Chimi whose goth and Zatz is emo.”

“Hey, she's not goth, she's punk. Get that right.”

Maya rolled her eyes, “I mean that we both like people with the best eyeliner.”

“You're right.” Rico said, “Sometimes I wonder how Zatz d-does his.”

“Right? When did you realize you liked Chimi?” 

Rico got up to bowl, “When I first met her, I guess. I always knew.”

“That's how it was for me with Zatz.”

“Yeah, w-when you saw how hot he was and then you were in hardcore denial.”

Maya pressed her lips together in embarrassment, “Shut up!”

Meanwhile, Zatz and Chimi were at the mall.

“Seriously, Rico?” Zatz asked.

“You got a problem with that?” Chimi asked with a glare.

“No, I'm just a little surprised that he's your type.”

“So am I.”

“When did you realize?”

Chimi shrugged, “Rico always geeked out about anything and everything. He always listens to my little disturbing rants. I think I realized I liked him when we went to see Planet of the Apes. He was so excited, even when everyone else was an ass to him for being a nerd.” Chimi smiled, “It was the best movie day of my entire life.”

“It was the worst movie day of my entire life.” Rico said, sipping his soda.

“Was the movie that bad?” Maya asked.

“No, people were mean t-to me cause I was excited. God f-f-forbid you're happy about something.”

“Come on, that day wasn't a total bummer, right? Chimi was with you.” 

Rico smiled, “Yeah. It wasn't that bad.”

Maya looked at Rico, “Right. So, what do you like about her?”

“She's just so cool, and tough, and pretty, and she has such a way with animals.” 

Maya chuckled, “Everyone is better with animals than you.”

“T-Thank you for that. What about you? Anything you like about Zatz other than his hair?”

“Hey, don't change the subject.”

“You don't change the subject.”

“Ugh.” Maya grinned shyly, “I don't know, he's so mysterious.”

“Of course, he is.” Rico rolled his eyes.

“Competing with him is kinda fun, even though he's obnoxious about it, and he's pretty funny.” Maya let out a dreamy sigh, “Plus, he's cute.”

“She's just so badass.” Zatz said, “And athletic. And really pretty.” He had a dopey smile plastered on his face.

“Mhm.” Chimi said, “Fix your face, man. People are gonna think you're drunk. And it took you how long to finally admit this to yourself?”

“Shut up. But what do I do now?”

“You're asking me this? You're the one with relationship experience.”

“That doesn't make me an expert.”

“And you think I am? My logic is to just spout random fun facts, and I've been doing it for years.”

“Just be cool.” Rico said as Maya bowled, “What you have now is g-good, so something is bound to flourish from it.”

“You're just saying that cause you haven't made a move on Chimi yet.” Maya said.

“And something could flourish with us.”

Maya glared at Rico as he smiled nervously. She sighed and sat next to him, “Let's face it, we don't know what we're doing.”

“I don't even know if I w-want to be with Chimi. What if we get together and it just makes things weird and ruins our friendship?”

Maya thought for a second, “Ok, but what if it does work out? Then you'll have missed your shot.”

Rico groaned, “You think I don't know that? I don't know what I want, man.”

Maya sighed, “I don't know what to tell you. I'm sure you'll figure out what you want at some point, right?”

“I hope so, but, thanks, Maya.”

“And thanks for the advice. I guess.”

“I don't know what I'm doing.” Zatz said.

“Well, how did you get with Acat?” Chimi asked, eating the fries they bought.

“I didn't. She approached me.”

“I see how that's a problem.” 

“So, what? Am I supposed to wait for the same thing to happen?”

“Maybe. Or you could grow a pair of balls and ask her out yourself.”

“And you can't do the same with Rico, why?” 

“Don't make this about me, douchebag.” Zatz rolled his eyes as he grabbed some fries, “The point is just let things happen. If you go out, great, if you don't, crawl into a hole and die.”

Zatz shrugged and nodded, “Thanks, Chimi.”

“It's just what I do, bat boy.”

“Don't call me that.”

Chapter Text

It was winter and time for Sun Valley High School's holiday bake sale. Everyone who volunteered had to bring in something homemade to school.

The day of the bake sale, Manolo was helping Maria load the containers of brownies into the car. “Thanks again for helping me bake all these.” Maria said.

“No problem.” Manolo said, “The bake sale is always fun. Bring back one of everything.”

“Why? So you and Joaquin can get high off sugar?”

“It's for me, mija!” Anita said from her spot on the porch, “And you better give us a cut of the money you make!”

Carlos, Manolo, and Maria laughed. The students could only keep tips, the rest of the money went to the school.

“Alright, Maria.” The general said, getting out of the house, “Let's get going.” The general glared at Carlos, “Carlos.”

Carlos glared back, “General.”

Manolo and Maria glanced at each other. Since the general blamed Manolo for the incident, there was tension between their dads.

“Well, I'll see you later.” Maria said. 

“Have fun, guerrera.” Manolo said, leaning in for a quick kiss. He wasn't expecting Maria to wrap her arms around his neck, pulling him closer and deepening the kiss. She wanted to be petty towards her father.

Anita and Carlos watched in indifference while the general watched in annoyance. 

Maria broke the kiss after a minute, their faces flushed, “Be good, guitarrista.” She managed to sound like she wasn't on cloud nine. 

The general grumbled, grabbing Maria by the arm and dragging her to the car, “We're leaving.”

Manolo was frozen in the driveway as they drove off.

“Hey, Carlos, there's a red, horny, boy who forgot how to walk in your yard. Oh, wait, never mind, it's just Manolo.” Joaquin said, having watched the whole thing.

The bake sale was in the gym with many tables set up for each family. Everyone stood at their respective tables or wandered around the gym buying treats.

“So, what exactly are quesitos?” A dad asked Rico and Chimi’s families.

“It's basically pastry stuffed with cream cheese covered in sugar.” Rico's grandfather explained, “It's a classic Puerto Rican dessert.”

“That sounds wonderful. I'll take one.” The dad paid for a quesito and walked to the next table.

Out of the corner of her eye, Chimi saw Maya’s family a few tables down from them, “Hey, Maya! Over here!”

Maya saw her friends and went over to them, “Hey! What did you guys make?” She asked.

“Quesitos.” Rico said, handing her one, “Here, try one.”

Maya took a bite of the pastry, “Mm! This is super good.” 

“Oh, is this your friend, Rico?” His grandpa asked.

“This is M-Maya, Abuelo.” Rico said.

“Hello!” Maya said.

“It's great to meet you, Maya. I'm Rico's grandfather.” He turned his attention to Rico, “Why don't you go and buy yourselves some treats? Here, take as much as you can handle. It's Christmas.”

Chimi’s mom handed her some money, “Yeah, Juan and I will handle the table.”

“Gracias, Abuelo.” Rico said.

The three of them browsed the different tables and sweets being sold, eventually going to Maya’s table.

“Oh, hey kids.” Maya’s mom said.

“Hey, mo-” Maya lost her voice when she saw Zatz buying cookies from Shield, “Zatz! Hey! What are you doing here?”

Zatz looked at Maya with a raised brow, “I have a table here. I'm looking around like you guys are.”

“Oh, so, you're Zatz?” Maya’s mom asked.

“The one and only.” Lance said with a smirk.

Maya laughed a little too loudly, “Hey! You said you have a table, right? Where is it? Please lead us to it right now!” She pushed Zatz away to go with Rico and Chimi. When they were gone, she turned to her family, “What are you trying to do?!”

“Is that the boy you're always talking about?” Her mom asked with a playful look, “He's cute. Though I never imagined you were into punk.”

“First of all, he's emo. And second, please don't embarrass me.”

“Don't worry, mija, I won't embarrass you. It's your dad and brothers you should worry about.” Maya grumbled. She was lucky her dad was with her younger siblings, “Now, go on. Don't let him get away.”

Maya nodded and followed her friends. She was able to find them at the table with Zatz’s dad and aunt.

“You're back already?” Camazotz asked.

“My friends wanted to check out the table.” Zatz said.

“So, what do you have?” Chimi asked.

“Brownies.” Chaska said, “Take as much as you want, we have like a dozen cases of these.”

“Nice. I'm Chimi, by the way. This is Rico.” All Rico could do was nervously smile and wave. He was a little intimidated by Camazotz's tough exterior despite how nice he was.

“So, any plans for the holidays?”

“We're f-flying down to Puerto Rico to visit family.” Rico said, “We're staying with my aunt.”

“I thought you hated flying.” Chimi said.

“I do.”

“Family is visiting us this year.”

“Same.” Maya said, “But they're not staying with us. Our house is cramped enough as it is.”

“We're staying in.” Zatz said, “Family is visiting through phone calls.”

“Hey, it's just less work for me.” Chaska said, earning a nudge from Camazotz, “What? It's true.”

“Oh, hey, guys!” Picchu said, popping up out of nowhere, “What's up?”

“Gah!” Rico yelped, “You don't sneak up on p-people, man.”

“Nothing much, just talking about what we're gonna do for Christmas.” Maya said. 

“I'm visiting my cousins. It's been so long since I've seen them. Hey, are those brownies?” He walked to the front of the table to buy some, “You should stop by my table, we have peppermint bark.”

“It doesn't have those peppermint chunks in them, does it?” Zatz asked.

After browsing the tables and sampling some sweets, the friends went back to their respective tables to help their families sell. The bake sale was always a big hit for the school, and this year's sale was no different.

“Oh, hey, Maya.” Maya looked up and saw Acat at her table. 

“Acat.” Maya said through gritted teeth, “What brings you here?”

“I think I should be able to get a girl scout cookie if I want to.”

“Girl scout cookie. Ha, ha, well glad to see you support local businesses.”

“I wish I could say the same about you. I didn't even see you at my table.”

“Ha, ha, I didn't see your little stool set up in the back of the gym.”

“Ha, ha, maybe you didn't see it through the swarm of people. I was able to see your table by spotting the ten foot radius of space.”

“Ha, ha, screw you.”

“Maya.” Maya’s mom stepped in to sell the cookie. As Acat walked away, she glared at Maya, biting the head off the cookie she just bought.

Maya growled at Acat, “Mija, what was that?” Her mom asked, "Was that the girl you keep butting heads with?”

“Yes! And don't you dare tell me I have to be friends with her, because one; she hates me, and two; I hate her.”

“I wasn’t going to say that. But I am glad you didn't bite her head off back there.”

Maya twiddled her thumbs, “I kinda wanted to.” She smiled nervously as her mom looked at her with a raised brow.

Her mom sighed, “Just let me know if you want me or your dad to step in, ok?”

“I will. Thanks, Mama.” Maya smiled and hugged her mom. She sometimes forgot how understanding her mom could be.

“Hey, guys.” Maria said, walking up to their table.

“Maria!” Daggers pushed Maya to the side, “What's up?”

“I'm just looking around. What are you guys selling?”

“Some iced sugar cookies. Hey, is that a new scarf? Looks good on you.”

Maria touched the red scarf around her neck, “Oh, thanks. It's not new though, my mom made it when I was younger.”

“Still. If you ask me, red is your signature color.”

Maria smiled, “Thanks, Daggers.”

Before Daggers could say anything else, Shield and Lance pulled him away, “Isn't he a champ?” Lance said.

While Maria paid, Shield asked, “What the hell was that?!”

“I don't know, I just saw her and I panicked.” Daggers said, “She does look good in that scarf though.” He hid his face, “Listen to me! I'm so horrible!”

“Ah, Maya.” Principal La Muerte and vice principal Xtabay came to their table, “It's great to see you and your brothers here.”

“Well, when they showed up with the flier we just couldn't say no.” Maya's mom said.

“I bet you're proud of your children, despite their many problems.” Xtabay said. Maya did her best not to look Xtabay in the eye. 

“With all due respect, what do you mean?”

“Nothing important.” La Muerte cut in, “I assure you señora, your children are wonderful students and there's nothing you need to be concerned about.” 

Maya’s mom smiled at La Muerte while subtly glaring at Xtabay, “That's wonderful to hear. Would you like to buy a cookie?”

“That would be delightful.” Xtabay said. After buying a cookie, the two women wished the family a Merry Christmas. 

Maya's mom turned to her children with furrowed brows and hands on her hips, “Is your vice principal always this passive aggressive?”

“Yes.” Maya said.

By the time Maria got back to her table, La Muerte and Xtabay showed up, “Hello, Maria.” La Muerte smiled, “So, what did you bring in for the bake sale?”

“Brownies. Would you like one?” Maria asked.

“Oh, I'd love one. Thank you.”

“If I may ask, how has my daughter been during school hours?” The general asked.

“Ay, Papa.” Maria sighed.

“She's doing great, Señor Posada.” Xtabay said, “A model student. I'd be surprised if Manolo tutors her during his visits on school grounds.”

“Well, that's my daughter. Always the book-” The general's eyes bugged out and he turned to Maria, “What?! When were you going to tell me about Manolo visiting you?!”

“There was nothing to tell.” Maria said, “Plus, I thought you knew, it's not like I was trying to be secretive.”

“I wouldn't put it past you.”

La Muerte cleared her throat, “It's nothing you need to be concerned about, Señor.” She explained, “Manolo only comes during lunch on some days and I gave him permission to come whenever he pleases.”

The general forced a smile, his eye twitching, “You don't say?”

La Muerte smiled warmly, putting a hand on Maria’s shoulder, “Don't let go of that one, mija. I wish my husband would visit me during my breaks.”

Maria grinned, “Gracias, Principal La Muerte.”

“Young love.” Xtabay said with a wicked grin, “You two have a Merry Christmas.” The general gave his daughter a disapproving look as the women walked away.

After the bake sale, the families packed up the leftover sweets in their cars to go home for the night. Some parents were chatting with each other in the hallway and parking lot.

Camazotz was talking to Picchu's mom by the doors when Maya’s dad walked up to them. He wanted to try and befriend his children's friends’ parents, “Hey, what's up?”

“Oh, hello.” Camazotz said, “You're Maya’s dad, right?”

He chuckled nervously, “Yeah. I'm Jorge.”

“I'm Camazotz, Zatz’s dad.”

“Ofelia, Picchu's mom.”

Maya’s dad looked around nervously, not knowing what to say, “So, what's been happening lately?”

“My family is gonna start packing for our flight to Miami.” Ofelia said, “I'm already dreading the chaos. Picchu isn't the best packer.”

“Neither is my sister.” Camazotz said, “We're not going anywhere for Christmas but we're visiting our mother for new years.”

Maya's dad scoffed, “It's a miracle to get anyone packed in my family.” The parents chuckled. “I gotta ask, what's it like being on the road with nothing but you and your bike?”

Camazotz blinked, “How did you know I had a bike?”

“Oh, you just… seem like the type who'd… have a… motor… cycle.” Camazotz and Ofelia stared at him. “Hey, I think my wife is calling me back to the car.” He started backing away, “I'm just gonna… have a good night.” Maya’s dad turned and sped walked out the door.

“Feliz Navidad!” Ofelia called out.

Chapter Text

By the time the new year came, everyone was back from vacation and was waiting for school to start again. Maya, Rico, Chimi, Picchu and Zatz were at the skating rink one afternoon.

“Ok, ok, ok, ok…” Rico said, slowly stepping onto the ice, “I can do this, I can do this.” Chimi pushed him into the rink, “Aah!”

“You're welcome!” She called out. Chimi and Picchu got on the ice with ease while Maya and Zatz were slower.

“First time skating?” Maya asked. 

“No, but I haven't done this since I was a kid.” Zatz said, “I'm pretty rusty-!” He suddenly lost his balance. Maya snickered at how goofy he looked as he regained his balance.

“Alright!” Picchu said, skating around, “It's like I'm in Yuri on Ice right now.”

“Show off!” Rico exclaimed.

“Not our fault you have no talent.” Chimi said, skating by him with a smirk.

“Ok.” Maya said to herself, “Just push off with one foot… whoa!” She slowly glided to a wall of the rink. She pushed herself off the wall towards the center of the rink again, “Woo-hoo!” She saw Zatz skating a little better than he was before, “Look at you.”

“Look at you.” Zatz laughed. 

“Yeah, look at me.” Picchu mocked, rolling his eyes. 

The rink wasn't too crowded, so everyone was free to skate around as they pleased. The rink was playing music from the speakers, so more experienced skaters were skating as though it was planned choreography.

Seeing how well others were skating gave Maya an idea. She lifted her arms and tried to half skate half dance. Despite losing her balance a few times, she was still having fun, imagining she was a better skater than she was.

Maya tried to spin, but was sent off balance again. It was harder to regain her balance this time. She looked up and saw Zatz skating towards her, “Vampiro!” 

By the time he saw her, it was too late. They crashed into each other and fell onto the ice, “Ow… Would it kill you to watch where you're going?” Zatz muttered. 

“Hey, I tried to warn you. This is your fau…” Maya trailed off when she saw how close they were. Had Zatz moved his head even a little bit, their lips would've touched. Their eyes were wide and their whole faces were red. 

Zatz pushed himself off Maya before things got weirder. Maya could've sworn their lips brushed together, but that could've been her imagination. He awkwardly helped her up, “You… were… doing ok.”

“Really?” Maya asked, “I was just messing around. I didn't know what I was doing.”

“Still, you weren't too bad.” 

“Uh… thanks. I guess.” They skated in different directions. 

“Ugh! That was so embarrassing!” Maya thought, “I should've watched where I was going! Wait, why am I saying that? He was the one who-”

“Cute guy got your tongue?” Picchu asked with a smirk. 

“Wuh-! N-No! It's cold out here!”

“Whatever you say.”

After a few hours of skating, everyone decided to go home. The rink wasn't far from where they lived, so Maya and Zatz walked home together. It started to snow on their way back and Maya was singing to herself.

“I didn't think you were the type to watch Over The Garden Wall.” Zatz said.

“O-Oh, I only just watched it a week or two ago.” Maya said, “The songs are really good.”

“Yeah, they are. You're a season too late, though.” 

“How was I supposed to know it had a fall vibe?” Maya looked up at the snow falling, “Do you ever lay in the snow and stare at the snowflakes?”

“Not really.” Zatz said, “I didn't want the snow to get my pants wet.”

“Makes sense. I still recommend it.” They didn't say anything for a few minutes before Maya sang again.

Maya: Led through the mist

By the milk-light of moon

All that was lost is revealed

Zatz smiled at her. He playfully rolled his eyes and sang along.

Zatz and Maya: Our long bygone burdens

Mere echoes of the spring

But where have we come?

And where shall we end?

If dreams can't come true

Then why not pretend?

“Whoa!” Maya slipped on an ice patch, Zatz catching her before she fell. Once again, their faces were inches away. 

Zatz slowly helped Maya up, not breaking eye contact. They stared at each other for a while. Snowflakes landed in their hair, their noses and cheeks red from the cold. Maya held her breath. She closed her eyes just as Zatz brought his gloved hands to her face and leaned in for a kiss.

Their lips were the warmest thing they felt in the cold as butterflies flew in their stomachs. After a few seconds, they slowly pulled away. 

Zatz and Maya were silent the rest of the way home. At some point during the walk, he grabbed her hand and they didn't let go. 

As soon as Zatz brought her home, Maya went straight to her room to scream into a pillow. 

“What just happened?!” Maya exclaimed, “I-I wasn't imagining things, right?! That… was real? Right? Ugh! Of course it was real! A-Are we dating now?”

Meanwhile, in the next neighborhood, Zatz was having a similar crisis, “I-It doesn't mean we're dating, right?” He asked, hugging his bat plush, “It was a one time thing, right?”

“How am I gonna face him at school?” Maya asked, “Hey, great to see you after we kissed!”

“Did I just make things super awkward?” Zatz asked.

“It's fine.” Maya tried to calm herself down, “Just play it cool.”

“It's not like anything major changed between us.” Zatz said, “Right?”

“Except it did…” They both sighed, collapsing onto bed.

While Zatz and Maya aren't sure if they're a couple, they are a thing.

Chapter Text

A few days later, it was Maria’s birthday. Her friends had sent her happy birthday texts and her mom gave her a call. Manolo took her on a date that night and was dropping her off back at home.

“Ay, Manolo.” She said, stepping out of the car, “Today was so fun.” 

“Wait, wait, wait, let me go inside with you.” Manolo said. He quickly parked the car and followed her to the front door. 

“Oh. Don't you want to park your dad's car? If you want to hang out longer, it wouldn't-”

“No, it's not that. I still haven't given you my gift.”

“I thought-”

“Just come on.” He took her hand and they walked to the door, “Close your eyes.” Maria raised her brow, but did as he said. He guided her inside and shut the door behind them, “Ok, you can look.”

Maria opened her eyes and gasped, her hands covering her mouth, “Oh, my gosh!” 

Chuy ran towards her excitedly and she bent down to catch him in a hug, “Oh, my gosh! You adopted Chuy?!”

“Not exactly.” Manolo said, “I told the shelter you wanted to adopt him and they let me bring him back. You just need to do some paperwork and he's all yours. They know how much you love him.”

Maria threw her arms around him, almost knocking him over, “You're the best, Manolo! Thank you so much!”

Manolo smiled and nuzzled the side of her head, “You're welcome.”

Manolo held his giant plush bull in bed that night. He couldn't stop thinking about how happy Maria was when she saw Chuy earlier. She was going to send him so many pictures of him.

It didn't take much to make Maria happy, but he'd give her the world if he could. He remembered their weekend at the amusement park last summer. It was one of his favorite memories with her. 

Last summer

Carlos was working on his computer when he saw an ad for Luna Park, a theme park outside of town. A thought came to him, “Manolo!”

“Yeah?” Manolo asked, coming into the room.

“When was the last time you went to Luna Park?” 

“Hm. I can't remember, it's been a while. Why?” 

“No reason. I saw an ad for it and thought you might like to go. You could take your friends or Maria.”

Manolo thought about it, “Hm. It does sound like fun. And tickets are cheap.”

“All the more reason for you to go. Make it a weekend trip.”

Manolo smiled, “Thanks, Papa.” He leaned out the doorway to shout to his friends on the other end of the hall, “Maria! We're going to Luna Park!”

“Luna Park?” Joaquin asked. 

“Luna Park?!” Maria asked excitedly. 

“Luna Park!” Carlos called out. 

“SHUT THE FUCK UP!” Anita shouted from upstairs, making everyone shrink.

It was almost an hour and a half to Luna Park. During the car ride, Manolo kept thinking about what Maria said to her dad. Were they really a couple now?

“H-Hey, Maria?” He finally asked.

“Yeah?” Maria replied. 

“You told your dad that we're… dating.” 

Her brows furrowed, “I didn't say anything wrong, did I?” 

“No, I was just… surprised, that's all.”

“No, no, you're right, I'm sorry. I should've talked to you.”

“You don't have to be sorry. I'd… love for you to be my girlfriend.”

Maria smiled, “I thought I already was.” Manolo chuckled.

The next day, after spending the night at a hotel, Manolo and Maria spent the day at Luna Park. Many of the rides were themed after the moon and stars. They went on a few rides, played some games, and walked around the park eating and talking.

While they walked, a small plush duck caught Maria’s eye. 

Manolo noticed, “Do you want that?” 

“Huh? Oh, well, yeah, it's cute.”

“Here, let me win it for you.” Before Maria could protest, Manolo was already paying to play the balloon dart game the duck was a prize for. He clearly wanted to do this for her, so she just let him.

Thankfully, the game wasn't one of the rigged ones, so winning the duck wasn't hard.

“Aw, he's so soft.” Maria gushed, hugging the duck, “Thank you.”

“Anytime.” Manolo said, holding her hand as they kept walking, “Let me know if you see anything else you-” He did a double take at a stuffed bull.

“I got it.” Maria chuckled, pulling him towards the game. She knocked most of the little cardboard moons over with the beanbags and won the bull for Manolo.

“You really went all out.” Manolo said, holding the prize. The bull was big enough for him to wrap his arms around.

“It's only fair that I win you something.” Maria said. She playfully moved her duck in his face as though it was kissing him, making him laugh. 

After putting their prizes away, they walked around the park a bit more and got some moon and star shaped snacks. They took a break to sit on a bench, when a random girl their age walked up to them with a sly smirk.

“Hey.” She said, “Wasn't expecting to see someone like you here.”

Manolo and Maria looked at each other. She was clearly flirting with Manolo, “Uh, hi.” He awkwardly said.

“So, you want to head to the Moon Tunnel of Love and get to know each other better?”

Maria glared at the girl, not acknowledging Manolo putting his arm around her, “I'm already here with my girlfriend.”

The girl eyed Maria for a moment, “Come on, it can't be that serious.”

“Oh, it's pretty serious.” Maria said. She got up and got in the girl's face, “He's not interested. Get lost.” Maria grabbed the hat from the girl's head and aggressively shoved it in her face.

“Hey!” 

“Time to run.” Maria ran the other direction, Manolo following her. 

“Maria!”

Even though they weren't being chased, they kept running until they hid in a random room. They shut the door behind them, laughing from the adrenaline rush.

“What was that?” Manolo wheezed.

“I don't know, I just got mad.” Maria managed to say.

“Don't do that again.”

“I make no promises.”

Once they calmed down, Maria got a little serious, “Hey, uh… Last night when you said you love me… you meant it, right?”

Manolo blinked, “What do you mean? Of course, I did.” He facepalmed, “I knew it was too soon.”

“No, it's not that. I just wanted to be sure.”

Manolo smiled, “I've liked you for most of my life, Maria. I wouldn't be honest with myself if I didn't say I love you by now.”

Maria smiled warmly and hugged him, “I've always loved you, Manolo. Always have, always will.” 

Manolo: I'm not afraid anymore

I'm not afraid

Manolo and Maria: Forever is a long time

But I wouldn't mind spending it by your sidе

Tell me evеry day I get to wake up to that smile

I wouldn't mind it at all

I wouldn't mind it at all

Manolo tilted Maria’s face towards his and they shared a soft kiss.

“Aw, ain't that such a happy display?” A security guard had walked in on them, “It sickens me. GET THE FUCK OUT!”

After getting kicked out of the storage locker they accidentally ran into, Manolo and Maria grabbed a moonshake and watched the sunset from the hotel window.

“I'm glad you came with me, Maria.” Manolo said, “This is the most fun I've had in days.”

“Of course.” Maria took a sip of the milkshake, “We both needed this.” She hugged him from the side and took a deep breath, “I love you, guitarrista.”

His eyes widened at the nickname. This is new, “I love you too, guerrera.”

They both needed an escape after everything.

Manolo smiled at the memories. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for Maria. He sent her a goodnight text and she sent him a picture of Chuy asleep in her bed.

Maria: He won't leave my bed XD

Maria: I can't thank you enough for this. I love you so much <3 <3 <3

Manolo: Happy Birthday guerrera <3 <3 <3

Chapter Text

Maya was at her locker when Zatz went to his. Things have been awkward between them whenever they were alone ever since their kiss.

“Hey.” Maya said, not looking at him.

“Hi.” Zatz said, slowly lifting his hoodie.

“How've you been?” 

“Good. You?”

“Good.” They didn't know what to say to each other, let alone what to do. Thankfully, Chimi showed up.

“What's up?” She asked.

“Nothing.” Zatz and Maya said, grateful for her showing up.

“Everything is peachy.” Maya said, “What's up with you?”

Chimi looked at them with a blank stare, “Weirdness aside, my mom is going on a date tonight. It's her first one in months.”

“Really?” Zatz asked, “I didn't know your mom was single.”

“She adopted me by herself. I'm glad she's putting herself out there, but it feels kinda weird. Like I'm gonna have less of her.” Chimi sighed, “Does that make me a bad person?” 

“Not at all.” Maya said, “You're close with your mom and you're protective of her, that's normal.”

“Yeah.” Zatz said, “I used to feel that way when I was younger when my dad went on dates.”

Chimi sighed, “I just hope the guy won't be weird about her having a kid. The last guy was so condescending.” 

“That's rough.”

As the three friends walked away, Acat was watching Zatz and Maya from her locker. She noticed the tension between them. She knew what that could mean, but she had to find out. Zatz wasn't getting away yet.

That night, Manolo and Maria were hanging out in his room, watching a movie on his laptop. Carlos was out on a date for the first time in months.

“You know, I should be mad that you got me Chuy for my birthday.” Maria said, after the movie ended.

“What? Why?” Manolo asked.

“It sets the bar way too high for your birthday.”

“I don't care what you get, as long as it's from you.” 

“Good to know. I was gonna get you a t-shirt made of cardboard anyway.” Manolo chuckled as he put his laptop on his desk. 

“So, how's your dad been with Chuy?” 

“What do you think? He hates Chuy. But give it time, they'll love each other.” She stood up from the bed, “I got to go. I'll see you tomorrow.” 

“Yeah.” Manolo walked over to her and gave her a kiss. 

When they broke away, they stared at each other. The air was tense and their hearts were beating loud. Maria kissed both of his cheeks and his nose, Manolo giving her face the same treatment. He knew what she wanted. And she wanted it too.

Next door, Carla walked by her bedroom window. She did a double-take and looked through her window to make sure she wasn't seeing things. 

In the Sanchez house, through a curtain, she could see two silhouettes, Manolo and Maria. She lifted his shirt over his head before they wrapped their arms around each other in a kiss. 

Carla pursed her lips and nodded, “You know what? Good for them.” She closed her blinds and went to watch TV.

Alma walked towards the restaurant, looking at her phone to try and find her date. She found a man who seemed just as lost as she was. He was the same man in the profile picture, so at least he wasn't a catfish. 

She took a deep breath and walked up to him, “Uh, Carlos?” She said.

Carlos jumped, startled. He glanced between Alma and his phone a few times, “Yes. You must be Alma.” 

The two went inside and grabbed a table. They were silent for a bit while they ordered their food.

“So, tell me about yourself.” Carlos said, “Your profile said you run a shelter.”

“Oh, yes.” Alma said, “I love animals. I run it with my daughter.”

Carlos blinked, “Oh, you have a daughter?”

Alma sighed to herself, “Yes. I usually don't say it on a first date like this, but I guess it's best if I do. My daughter Chimi is adopted. It's always been me and her. She is very important to me and I'd do anything for her, especially since she's albino and has been bullied for it.” She looked up at Carlos, “I'm not expecting you to understand, but you need to know.”

“No, no, I understand. I'm a single parent, too.” 

Alma choked on her water, “Really?”

“I have a son, Manolo. He's a freshman at Moonlight.”

“Oh. I think our kids actually know each other.” The parents chuckled at the realization, “Well, this is a turn of events.”

“I'll say.”

Zatz was watching TV with Colmillo and Estrella while Camazotz and Chaska were talking.

“I'm telling you, Camazotz, she's really nice.” Chaska said, “I think you two could hit it off.”

“I'm not going on a blind date.” Camazotz said, getting some beers for them, “Especially not after the last one.”

“Ok, that's fair, but I promise this one is different. Please, hermano. Do it for yourself. It's been forever since you've dated.”

“Give me one good reason why I should agree.”

“Because blind dates are like filters in the dating world. You just get straight to it by recommendations from people you know.”

Camazotz sighed and sipped his beer, “Ok, I'll do it.”

“Yes!”

“If you go on a real date with Tezcatlipoca.”

“No.”

“And why not?”

“Because why would I? Especially after he insulted Estrella.”

“What?”

“He got annoyed with Estrella’s howling last night. One thing led to another, and he's dead to me.”

Camazotz rolled his eyes, “Ay, you constantly make excuses to not be with him.”

Chaska drank some of her beer, “They're not excuses, they're facts. We're just banging, it's nothing serious.”

“Then I won't go on that date.”

Chaska groaned, “Fine, I'll talk to him. But I won't guarantee anything.”

“You will when you're in the sack with him.” She punched his arm, “Ow.”

She sighed, “I know things haven't been easy for you since Zyanya died, but going out will be good for you.”

Camazotz grinned, “Yeah, maybe.” He looked towards the living room where Zatz was. He'd have to talk to Zatz about all this. He knew his son never fully minded him dating, but he wanted to check on him.

Carlos and Alma were getting along great. They bonded over music, work, and being single parents.

“Maria is lovely.” Alma said, “Your son is lucky to be with her.”

“I tell him that all the time.” Carlos chucked.

Alma smiled, “I'm glad I'm here with you tonight, Carlos. Usually when I tell someone that I'm a mom, they get uncomfortable. But you're the first single parent I've gone out with. I feel like I'm really connecting with you.”

Carlos returned the smile, “I feel the same, Alma. I'd love to officially meet your daughter one day.”

“I'd love that, too. But I'll have to warn you, it can be hard for Chimi to warm up to some people.”

“I don't think that'll be a problem.”

Later that night, Carlos returned home. After saying goodnight to Anita, he found Maria leaving Manolo’s room. “Hello, Maria.” He said. She froze in place, awkwardly smiling.

“Hi.” She said.

“Shouldn't you be home?”

“Yes… I, uh… lost track of time. I was just leaving. Goodbye.” Maria quickly went off down the hall.

Carlos had an idea of what was going on. He went to his son's door and softly knocked, “Mijo? Are you in there?”

“Uh… yeah.” Manolo replied, “Just give me one second.” Carlos heard shuffling around in the room, which only confirmed his suspicion. He chuckled before Manolo said, “Come in.”

When Carlos opened the door, Manolo was sitting in bed. The blankets were somewhat crumpled, he wore a t-shirt, and his hair was messy. He didn't want to make eye contact with his dad.

Carlos pretended to not notice any of these things, especially not the familiar box that was just barely peeking from under the bed. He sat next to Manolo, “You just heading to bed?”

“Yeah, I, uh… I'm pretty tired.” Manolo said, “How was your date?”

“It was great, actually. We're going to see each other again next week.”

“That's great.

Carlos smiled, “Manolo, you know that even though I'm dating again, none of them will ever replace your mother, right?”

Manolo nodded, “Don't worry, Papa, I know. You deserve love, too.”

“Gracias, mijo.” 

Out of the corner of his eye, Carlos saw a bra. He smirked as he picked it up, “Care to explain this, Manolo?”

Manolo's face went bright red, “I… uh, I-I…”

To make things more awkward, Maria came in. She saw the scene before her, her face turning as red as Manolo’s.

Carlos smiled knowingly, “Hello again, Maria.”

“Hi.” Maria managed to say.

“I believe this is what you came back for?” Carlos held out the bra, Maria’s face burning even brighter. She wordlessly snatched it away from him. There was an awkward silence, the young couple not knowing what to say. Carlos already knew what happened, so they couldn't lie.

All Maria could say was, “Please don't tell my dad.”

Carlos chuckled, “Don't worry, I won't. Goodnight, Maria.”

She nodded with an awkward smile, leaving the room for good this time. Carlos looked back at Manolo who looked away, “Goodnight, Manolo.” He got up and left the room, “Told you they would be useful.”

Manolo hid his face in his hands. This was not how he expected his dad to find out. He didn't let it ruin his night, as he laid in bed with a smile.

The next morning at school, Maria sat in homeroom, unable to stop smiling. She tried not to make it too obvious, but Carolina noticed. 

“What's got you all happy?” She asked.

Maria shook her head, “Nothing.”

“Hm. Did it involve your boyfriend?” Maria nodded. Carolina narrowed her eyes, “You didn't.” Maria smiled wider, “You did. I almost didn't think you had it in you.”

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing bad. How was it?” 

Chapter Text

Rico and Maria were in the art club after school. Rico was staring at his sketchbook and struggling to come up with ideas.

“You ok, Rico?” Maria asked, “Do you have artist block?”

“My grandpa wants me to p-paint a mural at the town history museum, b-b-but I've got nothing!” Rico said.

“A mural? That's amazing!” 

“Yeah, it would be if I had ideas!”

“Oh, come on, it can't be that hard. Does your grandpa have a certain look he's going for?”

“He trusts me to go with my vision or something.” Rico said.

“Ok, yeah, that's annoying. You just need to relax, get the creative juices flowing.” Maria suggested, “And don't make things too hard for yourself.”

Rico sighed, “Maybe you're right. It's not like I have a d-deadline or anything.”

“That's the spirit.”

“So, what are you drawing?”

Maria held her sketchbook close, “Nothing.”

The next day, Acat was walking down the hall when she overheard people talking, “Hey, did you hear about Zatz and Maya?” A girl asked her friend.

“I don't think I did.” He said.

“They finally kissed!”

“No way! Who kissed who?”

“I don't know. But it's about time one of them made a move.”

“I know, right. I bet Maya moved first.”

Acat felt her blood pressure rise. She walked into class, dropping her books on her desk with a loud thud. Skull and Bone jumped at the noise.

“What's wrong with you?” Bone asked. 

“Maya has gone too far.” Acat fumed.

The twin sisters looked at each other, “So, you know?” Skull asked, “We were gonna tell you until you found out just now.”

“Who does she think she is? She's going to regret this.”

After school, Chimi, Zatz, Rico, Maya, and Maria were sitting outside on a bench, waiting to be picked up.

“Aw, man, I miss soccer.” Maya said, “I'm bored.”

“There's auditions for the musical.” Rico suggested, “You could do that.”

“Oh, please, no one wants to hear me sing. Not unless one of the Heathers is supposed to sound like a bird with a sore throat.” 

“Lame.” Chimi said, “I'd make a good Veronica, wouldn't you say?”

“You're more like that weird background girl.” Zatz said.

“Fair enough.”

“I've been thinking about auditioning, but I'm not sure if I'm cut out for it.” 

“Come on.” Maria said, “Of course you are. What part are you going for?”

Zatz shrank in his scarf and hood, “J.D.”

“Pfft.” Maya said, “That role was made for you.” 

“You haven't k-k-killed anyone, have you?” Rico asked, jokingly.

A siren was heard. They looked up and saw an ambulance pull up next to the school. Paramedics came out with a wheeled stretcher and rushed towards the football field.

“Oh, my god.” Maya said, “What happened?”

Everyone watched with concern and confusion. This almost never happened at the school, so it was a shock to everyone. A few minutes later, the paramedics were rushing back to the ambulance, a student on the stretcher.

“Guys!” Picchu was running behind the paramedics and ran to his friends.

“What's going on?” Chimi asked.

“One of the football players had an intense asthma attack.” Picchu explained.

“Oh my gosh, are they gonna be ok?” Rico asked.

“He should be fine. It was really scary, but he'll be ok. I'm supposed to get his stuff for him.”

Before anything else could be said, there was a clattering sound. Manolo was there to pick up Maria. He was staring at the ambulance and had dropped his helmet.

“Manolo, hey.” Maria said, “Someone had an asthma attack, but they're going to be ok.”

He didn't acknowledge her. His eyes were wide and he fell to his knees. 

He could hear the sirens all over again, the hum of frantic people, the rapid heartbeat in his ears. The blood was stained on his hands and clothes again. 

“You've done all you can. Don't worry, she'll be ok.”

“This happened because of you!”

“What did you do?!”

Manolo started trembling, his chest heaving as hot tears streamed down his face, “No… no… NO!” He fell on the concrete, curling into a fetal position as he sobbed.

“Manolo!” The group rushed to Manolo, everyone else watching in concern.

“Somebody get help!” Zatz said. Picchu ran off to do just that. 

“I'm right here.” Maria said, “Just focus on my voice ok?”

“It's my fault…” Manolo mumbled to himself, “I'm sorry… I'm sorry…”

She didn't know if anyone else heard it, but Maya did. She was more confused now, but it wasn't the time to ask questions. 

After everything was sorted, Manolo and Maria went back to her house.

“I didn't mean to embarrass you.” Manolo said.

“You didn't embarrass me.” Maria said, “You worried me.” She tentatively touched his arm, “Are you ok?” She mentally facepalmed. Of course he wasn't ok.

“I…” Manolo rubbed his eyes, which were red and swollen, “This never happened before. I thought I had already dealt with everything.”

“These kinds of things take time. It's not your fault.”

“But you shouldn't be dealing with any of this. It could happen again.”

Maria's eyes widened, “A-Are you saying you want to break up?”

“No, no! I…” He sighed, “I don't know, Maria. It isn't fair for you to put up with my baggage. I've been going through a lot.”

Maria grabbed his face, turning him to her, “I've been going through a lot, too.” She sighed and let him go, “Sorry. You're not alone, Manolo. I have baggage from everything, too. And I'm not putting up with you, I want to be there for you.”

Manolo looked down, “It's not your job to fix me.”

“I know. That's what your therapist is for. But we're on the same boat. I know what you're going through and I can help, if you let me. Just being with you is enough. What do you say?”

She held her hand out to him. He silently took it, pulling her into a hug, “That's my boy.” She heard him silently cry, “You want to have some leftover birthday cake? Watch TV? Netflix and chill?”

He chuckled, “Cake sounds good right now.”

No matter what baggage they had, they'll support each other through it all.

Chapter Text

On Monday, Maria sat with her friends in the cafeteria. 

“Is Manolo ok?” Zatz asked.

“Yeah, he's ok.” Maria said, “Thanks for your help, guys.”

“Anytime.” Picchu said, “He's our friend too.”

Acat stopped by their table, “Oh, hey, Maria. I heard about Manolo’s little breakdown last Friday.”

“Cut it out, Acat.” Maya said. Maria kept her head down, grinding her teeth and clenching her fists.

“I knew you were an attention whore, banging a college guy and all, but I didn't think you'd go that far. But I gotta give him props for his performance.”

Maria’s face was blank as her anger reached its breaking point. She grabbed Acat by her shirt collar and pinned her against the wall. Everyone's eyes were wide with shock, not expecting that. 

“You don't know what his world looks like. So shut up, you heartless bitch.” Maria snarled. She shoved Acat away and stormed out of the cafeteria.

“Maria.” Maya got up and followed her into the girl's bathroom, Chimi right behind them. Thankfully, it was just the three of them in there. Maria’s eyeliner was starting to run down her face as she cried.

“Maria, are you ok?” Chimi asked, “I saw what happened with Acat.” 

“Just breathe.” Maya said. After a few minutes, Maria had managed to calm down, “Do you need some water?” Maria nodded. Maya and Chimi brought her to the water fountain just outside the bathroom.

“Feel better?” Chimi asked as Maria finished drinking.

“A little.” Maria said, “Thanks.”

“Hey, I've had my share of anxiety attacks and breakdowns. I don't like seeing anyone else go through them. Especially after Acat crossed the line.”

“You want to… talk about what's going on?” Maya asked.

Maria thought about it for a second before nodding, “Can we talk in the bathroom?” Maya and Chimi looked at each other with concern before complying. This must be serious.

“It was last summer. Manolo had just graduated and I was back from the academy. One night, we went on a walk and he asked me out. At some point, we… overheard a fight. It was getting aggressive and we were about to call the police.” She began to tear up, “The fight made its way to us… I don't remember exactly how it happened but… I was trying to…” She hid her face in her hands, “I got stabbed.”

Chimi and Maya's eyes widened in horror. Maya remembered the scar on Maria’s stomach. That must've been where it came from.

“I just had to get stitches, so I'm ok. My dad still blames him for what happened. Manolo was going through a lot by that point. At some point they told me… he almost… he almost hurt himself that night.”

Maya gasped softly, “Maria, I'm so sorry…”

Maria took a deep breath, wiping her tears away, “We're both doing better and we're in therapy. I don't feel comfortable going out by myself at night and I have nightmares about what happened.”

Chimi put her hand on Maria's shoulder, “If you ever need someone to talk to, we're here for you.”

Maria sniffed, “Thanks, guys.” The three friends hugged. After fixing her makeup, Maria went back to lunch.

Before going back, Maya looked something up on her phone. She found a news story about that night, “In other news tonight, an arrest was made after a seventeen year-old girl was stabbed. Witnesses say she and a friend had overheard a fight and went to call the police when an assailant from the fight attacked the girl. She is now in the hospital and is expected to be ok. The situation remains under investigation.”

Maya sighed. She had no idea Manolo and Maria went through something like this. She then looked up Manolo’s YouTube channel. After scrolling through his videos, Maya found one that was posted last summer.

It almost looked like Manolo had been crying before recording, “Hey.” He said in the video, “I know it's been a while since I uploaded. I've just been going through a lot. I'm still going through it and maybe one day I'll tell you. But for now, I have a song I hope will help someone out there.” Taking a deep breath, he started playing his guitar. 

Please, don't see

Just a boy caught up in dreams and fantasies

Please, see me

Reaching out for someone I can't see

Take my hand

Let's see where we wake up tomorrow

Best laid plans

Sometimes are just a one night stand

I'll be damned

Cupid's demanding back his arrow

So let's get drunk on our tears

And, God, tell us the reason

Youth is wasted on the young

It's hunting season and the lambs are on the run

Searching for meaning

But are we all lost stars

Trying to light up the dark?

And I thought I saw you out there crying

And I thought I heard you call my name

And I thought I heard you out there crying

Just the same

Oh yeah, yeah yeah yeah yeah

God, give us the reason

Youth is wasted on the young

It's hunting season and this lamb is on the run

Searching for meaning

But are we all lost stars

Trying to light up the dark?

But are we all lost stars

Trying to light up the dark?

Maya almost teared up watching the video. She really had no ideaThis whole time, Manolo was dealing with something horrible. And she assumed all those awful things about him.

That afternoon, Manolo was working at the bowling alley by the snack counter when Maya came in, “Hey, Manolo? Can we talk?” 

Manolo blinked, “Ok, sure. I'm gonna go on break in ten minutes.” Maya waited for a bit when Manolo joined her on the other side of the counter with some chips for the two of them, “So, what did you want to talk about?”

Maya took a chip, took a deep breath and said, “Maria told me about… what happened last summer.”

“Eh…” Manolo grimly nodded, “I guess you would've known at some point.”

“Maybe not. I hate to admit this, but when we first met, I thought you were a player and a terrible guy. I, uh, thought you'd break Maria's heart. But I was wrong. I know how much you love her… I'm sorry for misjudging you.”

Manolo grinned, “You didn't have to apologize. You could've kept all that to yourself.”

Maya shrugged, “I don't know. After hearing about what happened, I felt like I had to.”

“Apology accepted, then.” Manolo took a chip, “When Maria went to the hospital, almost everyone blamed me. It felt like my fault too. I was in a pretty dark place back then, and Maria getting hurt was the breaking point. I went to the hospital roof and…” Manolo took a shaky breath, “I would've jumped if Joaquin didn't follow me.” He chuckled, “Bastard didn't even tell me Maria was going to be ok until after I got off the ledge. But things are ok, now.”

Maya smiled, “You're a good guy.” She held up her hand for a fistbump.

Manolo accepted the fistbump, “Thanks.”

The next day after school, Chimi and her mom were working at the animal shelter.

“Chimi, when Carlos shows up, I want you to be on your best behavior. Please don't try and scare him away like you used to with my other dates.”

“Mom, I haven't tried to scare your dates away since I was ten.” Chimi said, “But, I promise. I… will try to tolerate him.”

“Thank you, mija.” Alma looked out the shop window, “Oh, he's here.” Alma then became nervous as she approached the front door, “Before you meet Carlos, there's something you should know. You may have… met him briefly before.”

Chimi scrunched her brows, “What do you mean?”

The front door opened, revealing Carlos and… Manolo. 

“There you are.” Alma said as the two men entered the shop, “Chimi, this is Carlos and his son, Manolo.”

Chimi and Manolo’s eyes went wide when they realized what was happening. Their parents were dating.

“AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Chapter Text

Camazotz knocked on the bathroom door, “Chaska? Is everything ok?”

“Go away!” Chaska said from the other side.

“Chaska, you've been in there for twenty minutes.”

“Can't a woman get some privacy?”

“I'll break the door down.” 

“Ugh, fine.” Chaska opened the door, letting Camazotz in.

“What's going on?” He got an answer almost immediately. On the sink was a negative pregnancy test, “Oh… But that's good, right?”

“Yes, but… I'm a little disappointed.” Chaska admitted.

“I never thought you wanted kids.”

“Neither did I. I guess Zatz fills that role, huh?”

“Have you talked to Tezcatlipoca about this?”

Chaska scoffed, “What would I say? We're not an official couple. And before you say it, I'm aware of our deal, but I need time.” Camazotz rolled his eyes, “Besides, I'm too old to be getting pregnant.”

“No, you're not.”

“I appreciate the sentiment, but I'm forty-two.”

Camazotz hummed in thought, “Well… what about adoption?”

“Isn't that insanely expensive?”

“You're my sister, Chaska. If money is an issue, I'll help in any way I can.”

Chaska smiled at her brother, resting her head on his shoulder, “Thanks, hermano.”

“What do you think?” Maria asked, showing her friends her phone. Manolo’s birthday was on Friday and she was showing them the gift she got him.

“Wow, he's gonna love it.” Picchu said.

“Yeah, you really know how to shop.” Maya said.

“Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop.” Chimi said, “I don't want to hear another word about Manolo.”

Maria rolled her eyes, “Is this about your mom and his dad-”

“Nope, nope, shut up.” Chimi covered her ears, “I can't hear you.”

“...Dating?”

Chimi sighed, “She could've had any man she wanted, but she had to go with…”

“What’s the big deal?” Rico asked, “You're not even t-that close with Manolo anyway.”

“It's still weird.”

“At least you know your future step-brother beforehand.” Maya teased. Chimi kicked her leg, “Ow!”

“Enough about Manolo. Who cares about him and his dad? What is going on with you, Maya? Still hiding from Zatz?”

Maya blinked and scoffed, “What? Pfft. No way. What are you talking about? I’m not hiding from anyone, least of all him.”

“Oh, Zatz, hey.” Picchu said.

Maya scrambled under the table, “I’m not here!” Her friends started laughing. She looked around and realized Zatz was nowhere near their table. She grumbled as she sat up, “Hilarious.”

“It’s been a few weeks since you guys kissed.” Maria said, “How have you not done anything about it yet?” 

“I don’t know. I didn’t think things would be this awkward. How am I supposed to talk to him?”

“How about ‘hey, we made out, let’s keep doing that.’” Chimi said.

“Sounds about right.” Rico said.

“Sure, sounds great.” Maya said.

After lunch, everyone stopped by their lockers to get what they needed for their next class. When Maya opened her locker, a note fell out.

When she opened it, it said “Meet me at Sun Valley Alley after school. Zatz.”

Maya felt her heart skip a beat. Was Zatz making the first move? Was he gonna ask her out?? She put the note in her pocket and went to class.

After school, Maya’s brothers dropped her off at the alley. The note didn't say what time they should meet, so she just sat in a booth waiting in anticipation. An hour passed and he didn't show up. She texted him to check if he was still coming but no response.

Two hours. She waited for two hours.

“Everything ok, kid?” Joaquin asked, bringing her the burger she ordered. Maya said nothing but hid her face in her arms on the table.

Joaquin sat across from her, “Stood up?” 

Maya looked up, glaring at him, “What does it look like, man?” Joaquin blinked, “Sorry, I know you’re just trying to help. But yeah.”

He exhaled, “That sucks. I can’t believe Zatz of all people would do that.” He looked around before saying, “Look, I can’t relate to you here… like at all, but it’ll be ok. There’s plenty of fish in the sea, right? Maybe you can avoid him at school?”

Maya dramatically sighed and slammed her face against the table. 

Zatz had just gotten home from eating out with his family when he finally checked his phone that night. He noticed a few texts from Maya.

Maya: I’m at the bowling alley! Let me know when ur here!

Maya: R u coming soon? It’s ok if ur running late

The bowling alley? He called her to ask what was going on.

“Oh, look who finally decided to talk to me.” Maya furiously said when he answered.

“I’m sorry, I just saw your texts-”

“Sorry?! You were the one who wanted to meet up, and you’re the one who stood me up! Is this some sort of-”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, slow down.” Zatz finally got a word in, “What are you talking about? I never asked to meet up with you.”

Maya paused, “Y-Yes, you did.” She stammered, “You wrote me a note and put it in my locker.”

“No, I didn’t. Do you still have the note? Send it to me if you do.” He looked over the picture of the note she sent him, “That's not… that's not my handwriting.”

“It's not?” 

“No.”

“Then who–” Maya sighed, “Acat?”

“Most likely.”

Maya dryly chuckled, covering her face in her hand, “I feel so stupid. I'm really sorry, Zatz.”

“It's ok, it was a misunderstanding. I'm sorry Acat did that to you.”

“It's not your fault. So, I, uh… I guess I'll see you at school.”

“Yeah, I'll see you then.” Zatz said.

Maya hung up before they could say anything else. She laid down on the floor, wanting to crawl into a hole and die. She didn't know how she was going to face Zatz at school. As embarrassed as she was, she was furious with Acat. How could she stoop this low? The next time she sees her stupid face, she'll bash her head against the wall.

That Friday, Manolo spent his birthday with his friends and family after school. Later that night, before Maria went home, she pulled Manolo aside into the hallway.

“What are you up to?” Manolo asked when they were alone.

“I want to give you my gift.” Maria said, “Close your eyes and turn around.” Manolo smirked, but did what she asked. He jokingly turned his head towards her, only for Maria to catch him, “Hey!” He chuckled, closing his eyes again. He felt something around his neck and shoulders, “Ok, you can look.”

He opened his eyes and saw a gold pendant necklace, his eyes brightening, “Ay, Maria.”

“Read what it says.” Maria said. 

He noticed the engraving on the front, delicately holding it in his hands, “Always play from the heart – M.”

“Do you like it?”

Manolo smiled warmly as he hugged her tightly, “I love it, mi amor. Thank you so much.” Maria smiled, waving her hand sheepishly before he pulled her in for a kiss. 

When they broke away, she whispered, “My dad is supposed to be gone for another hour. You wanna stop by for a little while?” 

Manolo chuckled, “I don’t see why not. I'll meet you there.” Maria pulled him in for one more kiss before letting him go. After stopping by his room, he went out the front door, “I'll be back in a couple of minutes.”

“Have fun, mijo!” Carlos called back. Manolo winced, blushing as he left.

Chapter Text

When the bell rang, everyone got up to go to their lockers. Maya rushed up to Zatz as he was leaving, “Zatz, hey.”

“Uh, hey, Maya.” Zatz said as they walked out of class.

“There's, uh, something I… want to ask you…”

“Yeah, I want to talk to you, too.”

“O-Oh.” Maya pressed her lips together, “You go first.”

“No, you go first.”

“How about we both go?” Maya internally cringed at the suggestion. What sense does that make?

Zatz blinked, “Ok. Count of three. One. Two. Three.”

They shut their eyes tight and blurted out, “Will you go out with me?” Their eyes snapped back open, “What?”

They stared at each other. After a moment, Maya began to smile, her face heating up, “Are you… asking me out on a date, vampiro?”

“Uh, yeah.” Zatz looked away with a shy smile, his cheeks tinted pink, “Are you, princesa?”

“Yep.” Maya rubbed her arm sheepishly, “So, you want to go to the movies next week?”

“I'd like that. It's a date.” Zatz walked to his locker while Maya stood still. He chuckled to himself, happy they finally made the next move. 

“Yes! Whoo-hoo!” Maya cheered. She stopped herself, looking around in embarrassment when she remembered she was still in school.

The night of Zatz and Maya's date came, close to valentine's day. Maya was getting ready when the doorbell rang, “Maya! Zatz is here!” Maya’s mom called out.

“I'll be right there!” She said.

Maya’s mom opened the door, “Zatz! So nice to see you again. Come on in.” She stepped aside to let Zatz in, “Maya will be down in just a moment.”

The moment Zatz stepped in, he broke into a cold sweat. Maya’s whole family was in the living room, her older brothers and father giving him the stink eye.

“Hello, I'm Zatz.” He waved, smiling awkwardly. 

“Yes, we've met.” Shield said.

“We haven't.” Maya’s dad said, walking up to Zatz. He held out his hand to the younger boy, “Nice to meet you, mijo.”

Zatz looked nervously up at him, scared of how Maya’s dad towered over him. He shook his hand, “You too, sir.”

“So, you finally worked up the courage to ask Maya out.” Lance said.

“Ay, mijo, leave the boy alone.” Maya’s mom said, “You'll scare him off.” She handed Zatz a small cup of water from the coffee table.

“Uh, thank you.” Zatz said, accepting the cup.

“So, Zatz, tell us about yourself.” Maya’s dad said, “What are your hobbies besides necromancy?” He silently yelped when his wife squeezed his hand tighter, cracking his knuckles.

“Well, I like music and games… video editing… and cosplay.” 

“That's wonderful.” Maya’s mom said. She turned to her husband and gritted her teeth, “Right?”

“Yes, it is.” He said, nervously.

“Do you have any pictures of cosplay?” Lance asked.

Zatz felt his heart stop, “Uh… sure.” He instantly regretted saying anything. He pulled out his phone and showed them the least embarrassing cosplay he could show them; the school uniform from Ouran High School Host Club.

“Oh, wow, that looks really good.” Daggers said, “Was this at a convention?” Zatz nodded.

“I'm here.” Maya said, walking down the stairs, “Sorry I took a while.”

“No, no, you're good.” Zatz grinned with a blush.

“Allright, you two.” Maya’s mom said, “Have fun and be back by 10:30.”

“Yes, Mama.” Maya said as she and Zatz walked out the door. 

Camazotz honked from his car and waved at Maya's family. Maya's mom smiled and waved back, “Have fun!” She watched as Zatz and Maya got in the car and drove away, “Ay, our little girl is grown up.”

Camazotz drove Zatz and Maya to an outdoor shopping center. “Let me know when you're ready to go home.” Camazotz said, “Behave and have fun!”

“Thank you.” Maya said, as she and Zatz stepped out of the car, “We will.”

“Gracias, Papa.” Zatz said before Camazotz drove away. He turned to Maya, “Come on, we don't want to miss the previews.”

As they walked to the movie theater, Chaska was watching them from her car with Tezcatlipoca, “Look, they're here.”

“I don't know how I let you talk me into this.” Tezcatlipoca said, “You really consider stalking your nephew as a date?”

“This isn't a date. I just want to make sure things go well for them. You know how Zatz’s last girlfriend turned out.”

“Don't you think you're being a bit–”

“Come on, they just went in.” Chaska and Tezcatlipoca got out of the car, speed walking towards the theater. They hid behind a cardboard cutout watching the teens pay for their tickets. 

There were still a few minutes before the movie, so they went to get snacks.

“Zatz! Maya! Hey!” They turned around and saw Manolo and Maria walking towards them, “You're here too? What movie are you seeing?” Maria asked.

“Oh, hi.” Maya said, “We're gonna see Wild Robot.”

From another cardboard cutout on the other side of the theater, Lance, Daggers, and Shield were watching them.

“You sure she didn't see us?” Lance asked.

“Of course, she didn't.” Shield said, “She was too busy giving him goo goo eyes to notice.”

“You sure we can't pop out for one second and say hi to Maria?” Daggers asked.

Lance smacked his brother upside the head, “Focus! It's one thing for Maya to deny having a crush, but another for her to actually go out with the jerk.”

“Shh.” Shield whispered, “They'll hear us.”

“Maybe one of these days we could go on a double date.” Manolo suggested. 

Maya nervously laughed, “Y-Yeah, that sounds great. In the… very far near future.”

“We'll leave you guys to it.” Maria said, “Beetlejuice isn't gonna watch itself.” She grabbed Manolo by the wrist and pulled him away.

“You ok?” Zatz asked Maya.

“Yeah, I'm fine, it was just a little awkward.” She said, “I can pay for snacks since you got the tickets.”

“That works, thanks.”

After getting a large popcorn and cherry slushies, Zatz and Maya went to their seats in the middle of the theater. They were far enough from the entrance to not notice their families sneak in and take seats behind them.

“Look, there they are.” Chimi pointed to Zatz and Maya when she and Rico walked in the theater, taking their seats in the back row.

“You sure this is a good idea?” Rico whispered. 

“Yes.” Chimi answered, “We gotta make sure this date goes well. We can make ourselves known if things get out of hand.”

Rico nodded, “Yeah, yeah, ok. I mean, they would've t-t-totally asked us to spy on them. They were just too shy.”

“Exactly.”

“Hey, if my family made you uncomfortable, I want to apologize on their behalf.” Maya said, “They being kinda weird since this is my first date.”

“It's cool, I get it.” Zatz said, “Your dad asked me about necromancy and I'm kind of considering it now.”

Maya facepalmed, “Ay, Papa.” 

Zatz chuckled, “It's alright. I'm sorry if my dad or my aunt made you feel weird.”

“No, no, they're super cool.”

“I'm just glad you haven't met Tezcatlipoca tonight. You'd never want anything to do with me.”

“Ah, I'm sure he's great. Ooh! The trailers are starting.”

“Ok, so far so good.” Daggers whispered.

“I saw her facepalm.” Shield said, “Do you think he said something embarrassing?”

“Oh, totally.” Lance said, “He probably tried to swoon her with the worst pick-up line ever.”

“He looks like the type. Wait, are they sharing the popcorn?” 

“Oh, my god, they are!” Daggers exclaimed.

When the movie finally started, no one said much other than the occasional whisper. Everyone was engrossed in the film, almost forgetting about Zatz and Maya.

“You see, things are going fine.” Tezcatlipoca whispered.

“So far.” Chaska said, “I'm not going anywhere until everything goes swimmingly.” She crunched on her chips keeping an eye on her nephew. 

During the movie, Zatz and Maya reached into their popcorn bowl at the same time, their hands lightly brushing against each other. They quickly withdrew their hands, looking away and blushing.

“What the heck is he doing?” Shield hissed.

“Hands off, bro.” Daggers said to himself.

Zatz looked at Maya nervously. He thought about it a lot tonight and now seemed like the right time. He took a deep breath and slowly lifted his arm, looking away to act casual. 

Lance saw this out of the corner of his eye and nudged his brothers, “Look.” He whispered. 

“What part of hands off did you not get, you little freak?!” Shield had to grab Daggers to stop him from jumping from his seat.

Zatz put his arm around Maya, staring at the screen with his face red. Maya felt her heart stop when she noticed what happened. She wasn't expecting this at all. But she wasn't going to push him away either. With a grin, she leaned into him, slurping her slushy.

Zatz glanced down at her, relieved that she didn't move. 

“She… liked that?” Daggers whispered.

“Oh, no, no, they’re getting way too physical way too fast.” Shield said.

“Relax.” Lance said, “It could be worse. At least they're not eating each other's faces yet.”

“Yet??”

After the movie, Zatz wiped a tear from his eye, “I wasn't expecting all that.”

“I'll say.” Maya sniffed, “My dad is gonna bawl his eyes out when he sees this. Come on, let's get something to eat.”

“Look, they're on the move.” Chaska said, getting up.

“Ok, next time you come over, we're watching this.” Tezcatlipoca said, “I don't think you appreciated this masterpiece enough.”

“This was too true.” Rico sobbed.

“I feel like I've been seen.” Chimi cried. 

Zatz and Maya went to a small restaurant within walking distance. When they went inside, they didn't notice the group of people behind them.

“Wait, Lance? Shield? Daggers?” Chimi noticed Maya’s brothers outside of the restaurant, “What are you doing here?”

The brothers froze, “Uh, well we could ask you the same thing.” Shield said.

“Chimi?” Chaska asked, walking with Tezcatlipoca, “I thought that was you. What are you doing?”

The seven of them glanced at each other and realized what was going on, “So, it's safe to say we're all terrible people and are spying on their date?” Tezcatlipoca asked. Everyone nodded in shame, “Great! Why don't you join us? I'll pay for an appetizer.”

The group sat in the nearest group table next to Zatz and Maya's table. So far, all they did was look at the menu, not saying much. 

“Props to whoever chose this place.” Tezcatlipoca said, looking around.

“Quiet.” Chaska said, “They'll see us.”

“They haven't said anything yet.” 

“Hold on, the waiter came.” Lance said.

“Why do you care about what they order?” Rico asked.

“Hey, what you order says a lot about a person.”

“I'll have the chicken sandwich with fries, please.” Maya said to the waiter.

“Alright.” The waiter turned to Zatz, “And for you?”

“I'm debating between the waffles and pancakes.” He said.

“Pfft. You serious?” Shield scoffed, “He's such a flip-flopper.”

“And he's debating between breakfast foods?” Daggers said.

“Hey, breakfast for dinner is a beautiful thing.” Tezcatlipoca said.

When the waiter finished with Zatz and Maya, he went to the group table.

“This is a cozy place.” Zatz said, looking around, “Do you come here often?”

“I've been here a few times with my family but it's been a while since we came.” Maya said, “So, did you try out for the musical?”

“Nah.” He shrugged, “I pretty quickly realized theater isn't really my thing.”

“Aw. But hey, I'm sure you would've been a great J.D.”

“No, I wouldn't. I think you need to be able to sing to be in a musical.”

Maya blushed, “You… You're not horrible, I was just-”

“You don't have to feel bad. I know I can't sing.” They chuckled. 

“Ok, things are going well.” Chaska said.

“Yeah, for now.” Chimi said, “A lot can happen on a first date.”

“Yeah, like he'll get up and walk out at any moment.” Shield said.

“That's my nephew.” Chaska glared at Shield, “And Zatz is a good guy.”

“Yep.” Tezcatlipoca said, sipping his water, “It's your sister we're here to keep an eye on.”

“Hey!” Lance exclaimed.

“You just roasted Zatz, don't act like you're any better.” Chimi said. 

“She has a point.” Tezcatlipoca mumbled.

“It's not weird that this is my first date, is it?” Maya asked.

“No, of course not.” Zatz said, “Are you ok?”

“Yeah, yeah, I'm just worried I'm gonna mess up somehow.”

“If it makes you feel any better, I'm nervous too.”

Maya sighed, “Hey, it should be easy for you by now. At least I'm not Acat.” 

Zatz blinked, “What?”

“You idiot!” Shield shouted. Lance clapped his brother's mouth shut as the group collectively facepalmed. Zatz turned around at the sound, but saw nothing.

“Ah! I-I didn't mean it like – I was just – How's the water?”

“I ordered a sprite.” Zatz said.

Maya hid her face in her hands, “Ugh! I just jinxed myself. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have brought that up.”

“It's alright. You're not wrong, but I'd rather not talk about her right now.

“You're right, I'm sorry. Tell me about what's going on with you.”

Zatz and Maya talked about life, school, and family, all while their friends watched. It didn't take long for their food to be served.

“Do you think you'll be a professional soccer player?” Zatz asked. 

“I definitely love soccer, but I don't see myself going pro.” Maya said, eating a fry.

“That's how I feel about football.” Daggers said, having the tabel’s nachos, “I love it, but it's not what I want to do with myself.”

“I c-can't imagine you guys in a cubicle either.” Rico said.

“Not all of us are artists, man.” Lance said.

“Hey, can I have a bite?” Maya asked Zatz.

“Yeah, sure. Can I have a fry?”

Maya nodded. As she handed him a fry, Zatz held his fork of pancakes to Maya. She giggled as she took a bite. 

“What the hell?” Chaska said, “They're feeding each other.”

“It's a fry, Miss Chaska.” Chimi said, eating a chip.

“What can we say?” Tezcatlipoca said with a smile, “Our little boy is growing up.”

“Oh, please, you'd be a terrible father.” 

“I am greatly offended. Zatz turned out ok.”

“You're not wrong.” Chaska took a long sip of her water, “I wonder what I'd be like as a mom.”

“I'm sure you'd b-be a great mom.” Rico said.

“Of course, she'd be.” Tezcatlipoca said, “And might I say, we would have made beautiful children together.”

“Funny you should mention that, because…” Chaska's eyes went wide.

“What?”

Maya and Zatz laughed, “You should've seen the look on my dad's face.”

“I wish I was there.” Maya said, “I'm guessing you had to explain what cosplay was.”

“You said it. I don't think he fully gets it, but he doesn't freak out when he sees me in costume. He doesn't ask questions anymore.”

“I'm surprised I haven't seen you cosplay yet.”

“That's for another day.”

“It… might be fun if we… cosplayed one day.” 

Zatz smiled shyly, “I'd like that.”

Maya swallowed the bite of the sandwich she took and smiled. The two looked into each other's eyes, Zatz reaching out to grab her hand-

“You what?!”

Zatz and Maya turned around to the table behind them, “Oh, my god.” 

Daggers, Shield, Lance, Chimi, and Rico silently ate while Chaska and Tezcatlipoca argued. 

“Why didn't you tell me you took a pregnancy test?” Tezcatlipoca snapped.

“Why do you care?” Chaska asked, “The test was negative anyway.”

“You could've told me you thought you were pregnant.” 

“Again, why do you care?”

“I kinda feel like I'd like to know about that!”

“Ahem.”

The whole table froze. They slowly turned and saw Maya and Zatz staring daggers into all of them.

“What… the hell… are you doing here?!” Maya snapped.

“Pfft! Totally not spying on you, that's for sure.” Shield said, Daggers punching his arm.

“You all decided to do this?!” Zatz asked.

“Zatz, I know how this looks.” Chaska said, “But we were just trying to–”

“No! I don't want to hear it right now.”

“You couldn't leave us alone for one night?” Maya asked, “Maybe I could expect this from Chimi, but my own brothers?” The whole table looked down in shame as their friends and family berated them. 

“Is there anyone else who wants to spy on us?” Zatz snapped.

Picchu walked into the restaurant, “Oh, hey guys!”

“Go home, Picchu.”

“Harsh.” Picchu walked back outside.

Maya took a deep breath, “All of you go home! We'll deal with your creepy asses later.”

“Check please!” Tezcatlipoca called out.

Zatz and Maya begrudgingly sat back down at their table. When their waiter came by to ask if they needed anything, Maya asked, “Can we take this to go?”

After paying, the group gathered outside while Zatz and Maya handled their food and check. 

“Why didn't you tell me about the test?!” Tezcatlipoca continued. 

“Seriously?!” Chaska sighed, “Now of all times?”

“Yes! You were the one who brought it up! Why wouldn't you tell me you took a test, let alone thought you were pregnant?”

“Because I didn't know what you would say! We never talked about kids!”

“I never realized you wanted kids!”

“Well neither did I! I'm even considering looking into adoption. I didn't think this would be something you'd want to ve a part of!”

“You'd know what I think if you talked to me!”

“Well, what do you think then?”

“I'd be very open to the idea of kids! I think this is a great idea!”

“I'm very glad you feel that way!”

“So we agree!”

“Same page, all the way!”

Tezcatlipoca and Chaska paused before grabbing each other and they began to passionately make out. Chimi, Rico, Daggers, Shield, and Lance looked at them awkwardly.

“Should we have b-b-been listening to this?” Rico asked.

“No, but they don't care.” Chimi shrugged.

“Maya must hate us now.” Shield groaned. 

“She doesn't hate us, but she does want us dead.” Daggers said, “This was a bad idea from the start.”

“Wait till mom and dad hear about this.” Lance shuddered.

Maya and Zatz left the restaurant with their takeout bags.

“I know you're not talking to us, but we're sorry for almost ruining your date.” Chimi said.

“The date wasn't ruined.” Zatz said, “But we'll deal with you guys later. Speaking of which, where did Chaska and Tezcatlipoca go?”

“They went back to the car.” Daggers said, “If you're going home with them, you're gonna be waiting for a while.” 

“It's ok, I already told my dad to come get us.”

“I'm not going in the car with you, you know that right?” Maya asked her brothers.

“We figured as much.” Shield said, “We'll give you the honor of snitching to Mama.”

“Thank you.” 

“Well, we should get going, too.” Rico said.

“See you guys.” Chimi said, “And tell your aunt I said good for her.”

When their friends and family left, Zatz and Maya stood in silence for a while. “I am so sorry about that.” Zatz finally said, “My aunt has… I should've guessed she'd do something like this. I'm really-”

“No, no, I'm sorry.” Maya said, “My brothers crossed the line doing this. A-And then following us around…”

The two went back and forth, apologizing for their families. After a few seconds, they stared at each other and chuckled.

“My god.” Zatz smiled, “Our families are crazy.”

“Does that make us crazy?” Maya asked.

“Maybe a little. But we have crazy friends too. It's not so bad.”

Maya grinned, “I still had fun.”

“Me too. We should do this again sometime.”

“Yeah.” 

“Look, I know we've had it rocky, but… I really do like you, Maya. A lot.”

Maya smiled, her heart bursting, “I like you, too, Zatz.”

They stood in silence for another second before Zatz asked, “Hey, can I-” Before he could finish the question, Maya pulled him down for a kiss. When she pulled away, Zatz was dumbfounded with a goofy smile on his face.

“Next time, we're going out in broad daylight.”

Chapter Text

“You did WHAT?!” Maya’s mom snapped.

Daggers, Lance, and Shield flinched at their mother's shouts. They could only look at their feet as they sat on the couch, “What were you thinking?!” 

“I… don't think we were.” Lance sighed.

“We were worried.” Daggers said, “It was her first date.”

“And you would've made it her last date, too!” Their mom said, putting her arm around Maya, “You're lucky that boy's family is just as crazy as you.” She turned to Maya, “No offense.”

“None taken, Mama.” Maya shrugged.

“We're sorry.” Shield said.

“You should be.” Their dad said, “We should be able to trust Maya with her love life. Don't get me wrong, we worry too, but we can't hover over her like this.”

“Now what to do with you boys.” Maya’s mom thought, glaring at her sons. 

“I think I got it. The next time any of you have a date, you'll be the ones being watched.”

“What?” The brothers exclaimed. 

“You're serious?” Maya asked.

“Deadly. You won't know who is watching. It could be me, mom, even the twins. And you won't know where they are. Your every move will be watched and there's nothing you can do about it.”

“Hm.” Maya’s mom thought, “You know, mi amor, that's an excellent idea. What do you think, Maya?”

Maya simply nodded.

The brothers glanced at each other and gulped. This was a bizarre punishment to say the least. They thought at best they'd be grounded for a month. They wish their parents had gone with that.

They sighed, “Alright.” Lance said. 

“Right. All of you go to your rooms.” Maya's mom whispered to Maya, “Tell me how it went in the morning.”

Maya smiled as she went upstairs, “You jerks are gonna get a taste of your own medicine.”

“Alright, we get the point.” Daggers said.

“You also owe me a ride to the mall.”

“Enough!” Shield said.

“Are you really going to try and spy on their dates?” Maya’s mom asked.

“Maybe, maybe not.” Maya’s dad said with a smirk, “I'll never tell.”

…

When Zatz got home, he went straight to bed while the adults talked at the dining table.

“What were you thinking?!” Camazotz snapped. 

“I don't know.” Chaska said, pinching the bridge of her nose, “I thought I was ok with Zatz dating again, but I just snapped. I know Maya is a good girl. I was being overprotective.”

“That's no excuse to invade Zatz’s privacy. You're better than this.”

“I know. I cannot apologize enough for this.”

“I'm an innocent bystander here.” Tezcatlipoca said, “I wanted no part in this at all. But I think you'll be happy to know Chaska and I are official and will start looking into adoption.”

Camazotz blinked, “You're serious?” They nodded. Camazotz tapped his fingers on the table, “I, uh… am very happy for you both. B-But that’s not what we're talking about!”

“I know.” Chaska said, “I think I’ll spend the night at Tezcatlipoca’s. Zatz will want space. But I promise I'll apologize first thing tomorrow.”

Camazotz nodded, “Ok. I just hope you've learned your lesson.”

“Trust us, Cam, we have.” Tezcatlipoca said as he and Chaska got up, “See you tomorrow.”

“Don't call me that.”

After about half an hour, Camazotz had an idea. He went upstairs and opened Zatz’s bedroom door, “Mijo?”

“Hm?” Zatz groaned from bed.

“I'm going out for a moment. I won't be long, but keep your phone volume up, ok?” Zatz groaned in response.

Camazotz drove straight to Tezcatlipoca’s apartment, knocking loudly. Tezcatlipoca opened the door, his hair disheveled and was shirtless.

“Can I help you?” Tezcatlipoca asked, the irritation clear in his voice.

“Nothing.” Camazotz shrugged, “Just wanted to see how you were doing. Can I have a soda?”

Tezcatlipoca rolled his eyes, “Ok, come on.”

“Nice place you got here.” As Camazotz made his way to the kitchen to get a can of soda. 

Chaska saw him from the couch, her blood pressure spiking, “Camazotz, you mother-!”