Work Text:
The day was a little strange for Luisa when she began her chores. Some tasks were easier than others such as delivering wood her father chopped up, mending the buildings, or rounding up the farm animals. When she went to do these things she found that the job was already finished. She found it curious but in the end, didn’t think much of it. Perhaps one of her sisters was helping out or tío Bruno had another vision to prevent an accident.
Content with the easy chores Luisa continued with the ones she needed her gift for. She helped to carve a new channel for the fields so she didn’t have to reroute the river every time. She also helped to remove some debris from where the town was being expanded into the forest.
Luisa was done with everything in half the time. Ordinarily, she’d look for something else to do, keeping busy was how she honored the miracle after all. But those times were in the past. Now, Luisa headed home to the courtyard to lounge in a hammock with a nice cool drink. When she was about to do so, her prima mayor stopped her.
“Buenos días Luisa.” Dolores greeted. “Hola Dolores.” The girl replied. “You’re home early.” “Si, a lot of my chores were already done so I get to relax now.” Dolores squeaked in reply, a sign of her knowing something. “Everything alright prima?” Luisa asked. The girl bit her lip before glancing at the door. “Si everything is fine, I just heard the donkeys got out.” “Ugh, again?” Luisa rolled her eyes before heading back outside. “Should have guessed my break wouldn’t last long.”
The path to the Reyes’ farm was a familiar one. She often helped with herding the donkeys and moving things on the property. With how often she interacted with the animals she grew to learn a lot about them. They were sweet creatures and more intelligent than most people assumed. Even though she adored the creatures it was still annoying to be dragged off to round them up. So with a sigh, a slightly deflated Luisa found herself standing at the fence of the enclosure.
The strange thing was that all the animals seemed to be accounted for. The gate was locked and the fence was mended.
“Luisa!” A voice called out. The girl turned to watch as señor Reyes’ only son approached the gate. “Hey, Dylan.” Luisa perked up at the sight of a friendly face. “Dolores said she heard the donkeys get out, but I guess you took care of it.” The boy nervously rubbed his neck, “yeah uh, about that. I actually asked if she could send you down here as a surprise.”
Dylan was a hard worker and a bright young man. He had short black hair and blue eyes with a bit of stubble on his chin. Instead of his normally dirty work clothes, he wore a buttoned shirt and dark pants. A lilac poncho with blue designs draped over his shoulders, completing the look.
“A surprise?” Luisa repeated. “Si,” Dylan nodded. “I, uh, wanted to do something as a sort of thanks for everything.” The young man held out a bouquet he was hiding behind his back. “These are for you, and uh, this as well.” He extended a small box along with the flowers.
Luisa accepted the gifts with a little hesitation. She opened the box and inside was a new pair of earrings. They were still the small style she preferred, with nothing dangling that may interfere with her work. A small pink jewel was at the center with bits of silver on the outside, simple but still beautiful.
“I love them!” Luisa smiled as she began to put them in her ears. “I’m glad,” Dylan replied before he hopped over the fence to join the woman. “Since you’re done with your chores for the day, I was hoping maybe you’d join me in town for the day?” He asked. “Wait, how did you know I was done?” Luisa cocked her head. “Oh, I uh, may have helped out a little.” Dylan gave a nervous chuckle.
“Oh really?” Luisa smirked as she crossed her arms. “Yeah! I know how much you help everyone, and I thought it was about time someone did the same.” “That’s…actually really sweet Dylan. Thank you.” “It’s nothing.” The man shrugged. “So, does that mean you’d like to go out with me this afternoon?” “Yeah, it’s a date.” Luisa blushed at the response.
The two walked through town that evening enjoying their time together. They window-shopped for a while making pleasant conversation and got a few snacks. Luisa usually didn’t get street food in town often so it was a nice, and frankly delicious, change. Dylan brought her to his favorite ice cream parlor and they made a large sunday with their chosen flavors complete with fudge, nuts, sprinkles, and two cherries on top.
The two normally didn’t exchange more than a friendly “hello” or “how are you” whenever Luisa was at the farm. Getting to know each other better is a step not many took with the Madrigals beyond their gifts or talents. This was also a breath of fresh air to the growing list of surprises Luisa was in for.
A few hours later they were heading to the park when someone stopped Luisa to help. She politely declined and promised to come back tomorrow. The woman looked between Dylan and Luisa before smiling and assuring Luisa it would be no problem at all.
Continuing with their day Luisa chuckled as she saw her older sister in town and received a big thumbs up from her. “What’s up Luisa?” Dylan asked, missing the interaction. “Oh nothing, just enjoying my day.” The girl replied. “I’m glad.” “It’s too bad I’ll have to be getting home soon for dinner.” Luisa was slightly deflated at the thought, she was having such a lovely time too.
“Well actually,” Dylan began. “There’s a dance tonight and I was wondering if you’d like to go with me? I could come by at around eight to get you.” Luisa froze in her stride and stared at the young man. “You want to go to a dance? With me ?” Dylan shifted under the intense gaze. “W-well yeah, I think you’re amazing. A-and not because you're so strong, that’s definitely impressive, but you’re also so sweet and kind. You care for everyone so much and love your family, and I just-OOF” Dylan was quickly cut off from his tangent as Luisa swept up the shorter man in her embrace. “I’d love to go!” She spun around, still holding the man captive. No one had asked her out to something this formal before. Most guys who flirted with her mostly just found her muscles attractive or wanted to brag about their own. Then there were the other boys who were too intimidated to speak to her, let alone date her.
“Luisa, breathing!” Dylan managed to choke out. “¡Oh lo siento!” Luisa exclaimed as she gently set him down. “Sorry, I should have asked.” “I don’t mind, just maybe a little more warning next time?” Dylan chuckled. Luisa joined in, her pink cheeks matching his. “Sure thing.”
As Luisa sat at dinner she couldn’t help but glance at the clock, excited to get ready for her night. It didn’t help that everyone seemed to notice, giving her knowing looks.
Isabela was the first to break the silence.
“You seem distracted hermana, got somewhere better to be?” She smirked. “Nope.” “Are you sure?” Mirabel caught her sister's eye twitch, a tell that she was hiding something. “Could it be something to do with a certain Reyes I saw in town today?” Isabela pressed.
“Dylan Reyes?” Julieta guessed, now curious about the conversation. “That’s who I heard tía.” Dolores stated as she calmly cut into her meal. Luisa shot her cousin with a look of betrayal. “Oh, did something interesting happen ‘Lola?” Isabela turned to her partner in crime. “I heard him ask her out to the dance tonight.” She smiled. “No way, he finally made a move?” Camilo laughed. “Apparently.” Mirabel nodded.
Luisa grumbled as she covered her flushed face and slid down in her chair.
“About time.” Bruno deadpanned as he took a sip from his drink. Luisa raised her head and stared at her uncle. “You knew?” The clairvoyant only raised a brow in response. “Right, future vision.” Luisa sighed. “Nope, just observant.”
“Yeah Luisa, it was really obvious,” Mirabel stated. “Why else wouldn’t he fix the donkey fence?” Camilo asked. “And do your chores for you,” Isabela added. “Or make a point to say good morning to you every day.” Dolores stated.
“That’s barely a sign, he was just being nice!” Luisa argued.
“Perhaps, but asking for permission would be a fairly large sign for me,” Abuela added to the conversation. At this, all the Madrigals burst out in fits of laughter.
“Sorry hermana, but if even Abuela notices a crush then you have to be a special kind of dense.” Isabela teased. “I can’t believe this.” Luisa crossed her arms in annoyance. “None of you better not tease him when he gets here.” “No promises,” Camilo smirked, shifting into Dylan and making kissing faces at his prima.
After the embarrassment that was dinner, Luisa freshened up and put on one of the sparkly dresses Mirabel made for her. She did her hair into braids and found a necklace to match the earrings Dylan got for her. Descending the stairs she was met with the ending conversation her father and uncle were having with the man.
When Dylan arrived at Casita he was wearing a fine suit with a dark purple tie. A flower was pinned to his lapel, complimentary of Isabela when he was welcomed inside. Agustín gave him a firm handshake upon his entry and warned him to have Luisa back by eleven. Julieta waved him off and offered Dylan a small candy and told him to have fun. She walked away as her brother took her place. The clairvoyant casually rested his arm on the man’s shoulders and repeated the sentiment.
“But I swear to you if you hurt my niece, I will hunt you down and make the rest of your life a living nightmare. ” He smiled as his grip tightened around the boy.
“Tío, play nice,” Luisa warned as she approached the trio. The seer stepped back and raised his arms. “Hey, I’m just putting in my two cents,” Diego replied as he took his glowing eyes off the slightly scared man. “Don’t worry sir, I’d deserve that dream if I ever hurt her,” Dylan replied as he looked at the beautiful woman before him. “Huh, good answer.” The alter remarked as he gave a light punch to his arm in approval.
“You look amazing hija.” Agustín smiled as he pushed a stray hair out of Luisa’s face. “Have a good night princesa.” He gave his taller daughter a tight squeeze before seeing the two off.
“You do look lovely Luisa,” Dylan said as he held out his arm. “Thanks, so do you. Er, handsome I mean.” She looped her arm around his.
“I’m so happy she found someone who loves her for herself and not her gift. Agustín stated as he watched the two walk down the hill. “Me too.” Bruno agreed, remembering speaking the same words to the man so many years ago about his sister.