Carlos is on his knees.

– or well, rather, was on his knees.

You crossed your arms, stifling out a loud groan, as you watched from far away as Mirabel pulled Carlos off the ground, the panic her face had held slowly fading away into a nervous smile, she looked up towards her cousin, retracting her hands back to her sides, waiting for him to speak.

His lips moved, though from this distance, you weren't able to hear a word. This, this one of the very few moments you found yourself wanting the gift of super hearing –  "So." You began, to the person beside you, but made no attempt to tear your eyes away from the scene unfolding in front of you. 

"Please tell me you got a picture of that." You said almost pleadingly, as afterall, it wasn't everyday someone can get a Madrigal, especially Carlos, on their knees, asking for forgiveness. 

The man beside you hummed. "Lucky for you, I did." Alfonso muttered, as he fiddled with the camera, adjusting the stand. "Is this for proof, blackmail or merely for your own enjoyment?"

"All of the above, probably." You laughed.

He sighed. 

"Gotta say, Alfonso. I'm feeling a bit judged here."

"I am judging you." – at least he was honest about it, can't fault him for that. From an outside view, perhaps making him go down on his knees was a bit much, just maybe a tad, but the sign, that was currently hanging around his neck, a sign that said 'I'm a big dumb jerkface' – that. That was justice. 

Just as about as you were about to say a comeback; the words slipped away from your mind as soon as your eyes caught a glimpse of Mirabel tearing up – before you could even take a step forward, she threw her arms around the shapeshifter, pulling him into a tight hug. 

Oh, it was that kind of tears. 

Your shoulders relaxed, feelings a bit mixed; one, you were happy that Mirabel was getting an apology, which was probably less than what she deserves, and two – it felt like Carlos was getting off way too easy, if you were Mirabel, you would have at least socked him in the stomach.

The two stayed in an embrace for a while, Carlos  rigidly tapping on her shoulder, a 'there there' motion, a rather awkward gesture, but even you could tell he was trying. You managed to see his lips turn into a small smile, eyes glancing down at his cousin. 

Mirabel was the first to pull away, she wiped her face with her sleeves, but smiled. Whatever Carlos had said – it seemed to do the trick. Her eyes glanced back toward his chest, the sign clear as day, you made sure to write it in big bold letters, unmistakable. 

She bursted into stifles of laughter, and you felt yourself smile, taking in the sight of her happiness, before  you let out a heavy sigh, figuring out that if that was enough for her, then there wasn't anything you could do, but – if she asked to you to punch Carlos in her behalf, then who were you to turn her down.

Her eyes drifted towards you, her smile softened, she gave you a wave, before looking back to her cousin, taking his hand and dragging him as they headed towards your direction. 

"That's my cue to leave." Alfonso said abruptly, as he quickly picked up the camera. "I'll make copies, encase Carlos tries to find a way to burn any evidence of this ever happening." – and before you could utter the simple words of  'take me with you!', he was already gone.

Then, it was your turn to get hugged. Your face was smooched into her hair, and a bit by her straw hat. Mirabel gave you a squeeze. "Thank you." She said softly, almost whispering into your ear. "I, I never thought this day would come."

You sighed, and returned the hug. "You don't have to thank me." You muttered, with a shake of your head. "You forgive too easily, you know that?" 

She pulled away but stayed close, taking a glance towards the ground. "Maybe." She said, with a light laugh, turning back towards you, a new glint in her eyes. "I. . .  I just want to leave everything bad that happened before, in the past. I haven't forgiven him completely, but – I think this is our first step, to being like before. You know?"

"-- like before?"

Mirabel nodded. "The three of us, friends, again. I'd–" She struggled, taking in a deep breath, her hands found yours, as the two of you stared at each other.  "I'd like that." She gave you a smile, one so full of warmth, of hope. "Don't you?" 

For a moment, you weren't sure what to respond. You remind yourself that this wasn't your world, this wasn't your Mirabel, but screw it.  If you weren't going to return to your world, might as well make this one yours. 

You sighed, giving her hand a squeeze. "Of course." You smiled, watching the way she relaxed at your words, she had told you before how the parallel you had shown signs of missing the broken friendship that three of you had, but you had been too caught up in your own world to think about what Mirabel wanted. 

Mirabel stepped away, and looked over her shoulder, and you followed her gaze, seeing the shapeshifter standing a few feet away, looking off into the distance, clearly avoiding your eyes. 

The girl in front of you sighed. "I have a feeling you two want to talk, so, I'll, uh, leave you to it." She smiled. "I'm gonna go and get something to eat – who knew emotional turmoil can get a girl so hungry?" She laughed, and gave your shoulder a pat as if trying to give you strength before running off. 

Silence enveloped the air around you, which was broken by –

"I didn't do it for you." 

You blinked, a smile slowly making its way to your lips. Of course, his apology wouldn't have meant much if he was just doing it because you had asked him to. If this apology was a long time coming - you were the push needed to finally set it in motion.

"Okay." You shrugged with a laugh, feeling a bit giddy, his sudden statement stirred something in you, maybe contempt, a hint of proudness even. "But, but the sign is for me, so keep that on." 

Carlos looked at you, an unfamiliar expression on his face, a pout, it was a pout. 

He's pouting at you. 

He looked kinda . . . cute.

No, no he didn't. You raised an eyebrow, and shook your head, crossing your arms , trying not to seem affected. "Too bad, Parce. The road to my forgiveness is a long one. " 

No matter what, do not give into his punchable cute face.

____

To say that you were surprised would be an understatement – in all honesty, you were expecting him to give up in this trial for your forgiveness. Maybe, the sight of you almost dying was a good motivator for him, who knows. 

Carlos stood basically in the center of the town square, the sign still on him. The scene, of course, garnered the attention of the villagers, that gave him an abundance of odd looks as they passed, though the kids on the other hand–

"They're being really mean to you!" The boy muttered, with puffed up cheeks, eyes glancing towards your direction, causing you to wince, how does one assure a seven year old that you weren't the bad guy in this situation.

Carlos let out a soft sigh, leaning down slightly to ruffle the boy's hair. "It's okay." He smiled, voice gentle. "Trust me, kid. It's alright." 

The boy stared at him for a moment, then nodded, before whipping his head towards you and sticking his tongue out, mocking you, then quickly scampered away. 

You let out a laugh, walking towards the shapeshifter. "I'm guessing that's a friend of  yours, huh." 

"His name's Teo." Carlos muttered without much thought. "One of the kids I babysit." You eyed him, Camilo flashing in your mind, moments he would ask for you to help him with the town's kids, giving you pleading eyes as he tried to bribe you with sweets. 

You sighed, trying to shake off any memories.

I hope you're doing okay, Cam. 

"Carlos." You called out, finally, he turned to look at you, eyes quickly being drawn towards the glasses you were currently holding, filled to the brim with an assortment of different fruits – Salpicon de Frutas.

"Here." He eyed the dessert in your hand, before gingerly wrapping his fingers around the glass. You pulled away, and took a step back, gesturing towards the shaded area of the square, before walking towards it. 

He hesitated for a moment, but followed after you.

You settled on one of the benches off into the corner, hidden from prying eyes,  you mulled over words, and took a sip of the drink, watching as the shapeshifter took a seat next to you. "You can take off that sign now, you know." 

There it was again, hesitation, a second passed before he shrugged off the sign, flopping it next to him, you half expected him to throw it in the trash. 

You take another sip, chewing down bits of fruit, before swallowing and looking at him, lips curled into a frown. "Quit staring." You said. "Come on, try it – it's really good." 

Carlos said nothing, turning away from you, but he did take a sip. You found yourself wincing, unused to the situation. It was strange, unsettling even, he had barely said anything to you. Carlos before had always made it a point to be wordy, sure you weren't always fond of what he said, but still he talked to you – this, this was a bit unnerving.

Had you gone too far? 

You clicked your tongue, gulping down the drink, the taste of the mangoes, watermelon and pina clear on your tongue,  with a hint of that classic guilt flavor. A new combination.

You closed your eyes for a second, holding back a groan. Once again, you were feeling conflicted.

He says your name – "Are you okay?" 

You stiffened, surprised by the question. "Why wouldn't I be?" You regretted the words as soon as it came out of your mouth. Your voice had been too defensive, and the question itself wasn't exactly a good one either. 

His eyes hardened, he set down the drink, the glass clicking slightly. He closed his eyes for a moment, taking in a deep breath. "Just because my head got bashed in by some rocks doesn't mean I forgot any of what you said back inside that cave." 

The air thickened.

Your grip around the glass tightened, knuckles turning white.

"You almost died." 

Your eyebrows furrowed. "-- so did you."

"I'm not the one trapped in another world." Carlos brought up, he raised his hand, gently reaching out towards you. You didn't move, frozen in your seat, as his fingers skimmed along your skin, before settling to cup your cheek. "Don't be afraid to tell me whatever's going on – I won't think you're crazy. I won't let them take you away again." 

He pulled you closer, face inches away from yours. "I won't let anyone hurt you, I promise." He gave you a smile, soft and reassuring, but it dropped, as he wiped away a tear you didn't even know you've shed.

You pulled away, turning to the side, trying to  blink away the remaining tears. You peered down at the drink still in your hand, before gulping it down, the glass now empty. "I," You struggled, slowly looking back at him. "Carlos." You breathed out his name. "-- do, do you really mean what you said?"

He nodded, firmly. "I know my powers aren't much compared to Luisa or Isabela's but." Carlos says your name, so tender, in a way that makes your heart skip a beat. 

"I'll protect you. No matter what I'll–" His sentence is interrupted as you found yourself diving into an impromptu hug, which caused him to flinch, his elbow bumping into the glass, which in turn, caused it to fall, fruit juice spilling. The two of you jumped off the bench, clothing a bit splattered. 

You watched as the spilled drink stained not only the bench but the sign, now discolored and muddied, ink tinged and running. Bit of a shame, you worked hard on that sign. 

"You owe me a new one." 

You laughed, turning towards him. "The sign?"

"The drink." Carlos corrected, with a smile.

You shook your head, eyes looking down at your hand, surprised that you were still holding on to the empty glass – perhaps when it came to things you had to pay for when broken you had an iron grip. "Nope."

He hummed, arm draping over your shoulder, pulling you close. "Now, that's not fair, you can't just jump into my arms and not expect me to react – clearly, this was your fault." 

"I, uh, whatever." You rolled your eyes, but couldn't help but smile. A little embarrassed, diving into hugs wasn't something you usually do, but you figured you had been too overwhelmed with emotions.  

Carlos swore to protect you.

He believed you , when no one else would.

"Hey." His fingers moved, pushing away a strand of loose hair behind your ear. "I'm ready for that hug now." Carlos took a step back, arms opening, as he closed his eyes, awaiting your embrace.

I can punch him. Was the first thing that came into your mind, eyeing his open stance – as if inviting you to cause him bodily harm. You blinked, before finally, setting down the empty glass, and reluctantly wrapping your arms around him, as he did the same. 

You're grateful this place was hidden behind a building, the people being sparse around  this time of day, or else, this would have been the talk of the town.

You rested your face against his chest, as your fingers gripped at his ruana, bunching up the soft fabric, slowly, relief dripped over you. "Thank you." 

Carlos said nothing, only pulling you closer. Your breathing slowed, relaxing in his arms, it's been a while since you've felt so calm. 

"You kids are gonna clean that up, right?" 

Your eyes shot open, quickly ripping your arms away from the shapeshifter and taking a step back, eyes flitting across the area before settling in the older man, who stood a few feet away, eyebrow raised at the scene before him.

Mierda.

Hijueputa. 

You looked back at Carlos, who wore a somewhat neutral expression, seemingly not bothered by the fact that the two of you were just caught in an embrace, and his lips twisted, as if he was a little bit annoyed. 

The man looked down, eyes peering down towards the bench. "I suggest you two clean that up, before it starts to set." – and  with that, and nothing more, he left. 

You heaved in a sigh, relieved that he didn't bring anything else up. Sure, you could just explain it as a casual friendly embrace, but even you would be hesitant to believe that. 

"Okay — let's clean that up."

After fifteen or so minutes of scrubbing, wiping off the sticky mess and picking up bits and pieces of fruit – oh and throwing away the ruined paper sign – that the spilled dessert had left in its wake, you were finally finished. 

It would have taken less time, if a certain someone wasn't complaining, Carlos, it was Carlos, well, mostly him, you joined him every now and then.  

The two of you were now near the stone bridge, down in the small stream, washing your hands clean. You dipped your finger in the water, watching the ripples it set, almost unseen as it was quickly carried away by the flowing water.

"There's still some time left before the sun sets." Carlos suddenly spoke up. " Do you wanna go there?" 

You raised an eyebrow. 

There? 

___

"No, seriously!" You shouted. "Where the hell was that ladder?" The two of you were back at the treehouse – and once again, you were left to wonder where that ladder had appeared from. "I circled the whole tree, I couldn't find it anywhere!"

Carlos laughed, adjusting the ladder, digging it firmly against the ground. "I hide it." He said. "So no one else can just get inside." He glanced at you from over his shoulder, grinning. "Didn't seem to stop you though." 

You rolled your eyes, huffing out a sigh. "Tell me where you hide it." You said, and gripped at one of the ladder steps. "I helped build this with my own blood, sweat and tears. . . so much sweat. I deserve to go in without feeling like I'm climbing mount everest." – technically, it wasn't you - you. But still it was you, so you can reap whatever you ( parallel or not ) sowed. 

That was a lot of you. 

"Okay. Okay." Carlos chuckled, he watched as you carefully went up the steps, as he supported the ladder from below. "Careful."

When you reached the top, you pushed the door open, and propped yourself inside, setting it to the side as you stepped away.

You glanced around the room, the sight comforting. You walked towards the shelf full of the assortment of different knick knacks, trying to spot something that might be familiar, but nothing spoke out to you. 

Your fingers went to fiddle with the necklace – but came up empty. Your heart dropped, only now noticing that it had been gone. It's not here. You knew that, but still it didn't stop you from looking down, almost frantically. 

The cave. I must have lost it back there. 

The floorboards creaked, signaling that you weren't alone anymore, looking up, your eyes met. He looked at you, puzzled, expression already asking what was wrong.

"I," You began. "I just realized that I lost the pendant." You let out a laugh. "You know? The one that you oh so  willingly gave to me." 

Carlos blinked, confused. His eyes drifted towards where the necklace had been. Of course, the two of you had been too focused on getting out of that cave, than to give a second thought to anything as trivial as a pendant. 

"I'm sorry." You blurted out. "I lost something, that wasn't even supposed to be mine."

He sighed. "It was always meant for you."

It was your turn to be confused. "What?"

Carlos avoided your eyes, looking off into the side, just anywhere besides you, as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Back then I noticed you that you weren't, exactly yourself, I, uh, wanted to give you something, cheer you up, you know?" He let out a laugh, quickly followed by a wince, as if pained by his own voice. "I knew that you wouldn't take it if I just gave it to you." 

Well, he was right. Definitely wouldn't have.

"Wait, so did you ask Alfonso to make me give it to you?" 

"No." Carlos said. "Even I was surprised when you showed it to me. Originally, I was just going to give it to you in secret."

You stared at him, trying to process all of the new information. Should that make you more or less guilty for losing it? Now, that was the question. 

You grimaced, more guilty it was. "--sorry." 

He chuckled, and closed the distance between you two. "It's alright, I'll have Alfonso make you another one." 

You gave him a small smile, and shook your head. "Thanks, but, really you don't have to–"

"To spite you, yes. I do, I do have to." Carlos muttered, flashing you that signature mischievous smile.

You opened your mouth to protest, but couldn't find the strength to, so with a sigh you relented. "Fine."

 "-- and, you're going to accept it as it is?" 

"Yeah. Eh, probably. I mean, maybe?" You slurred through, and smiled. "You know what? No promises." 

There was a pause, as the two of you stared at each other, before bursting into laughter. You shook your head, and turned away, stepping towards the window, warm hues colored the sky. The sun was about to set.

From the corner of your eye, you watched as the shapeshifter stopped beside you, shoulder brushing against yours. He followed your gaze, looking out the window. Silence overtook the air around you, though unlike before it was the comfortable kind. 

You felt a yawn escape your lips, you found yourself eyeing his shoulder, before, slowly and hesitantly, resting your head against it. You waited for him to move, for any sign that this wasn't okay, but he did nothing.

You let out a sigh, face smooched in his ruana, but at the moment, it felt like the best place to be, as weird as that thought is. You didn't know when, or if it was even possible to return to your world, but right now, in this moment, this was enough. 

You lifted your head slightly, enough that you could look at him. You're not really the one I want, but I guess I'm stuck with you. You muttered inside your head, lips curving up into a smile. All of a sudden, his eyes drifted over to you, looking down with a smile. 

"I want to tell you something." Carlos said, causing you to pull away, and look at him directly, waiting for what he was about to say. "I really don't want him hogging that glory, anymore than I want you thinking about him. So, remember when you got lost in the forest?"

". . . Yeah?" 

"Well," Carlos grinned, before he  shapeshifted, that signature ribbon coming into view. "That was me."

You stared at him, the resemblance to a t, well, except for his eyes, they were hinted with green, contrasting Alfonso's steel grey. 

How did you not see it. 

You took in a heavy sigh. "Carlos." You called out, and stepped forward, and contrary to what you might have done before, you merely rested your head back against his shoulder. "I'm too tired to hit you, so, can we just pretend that I did?"

Carlos blinked, unable to hide his surprise,  before laughing. "Of course." He said. You felt his fingers running along your hair, you closed your eyes. "Anything for you." If only you hadn't been too tired to hear the words that came after it. "--mi vida."

________________________________

Hope you guys liked this chapter!! A lot of things happened hahaha

Thank you for reading!꒰⑅ᵕ༚ᵕ꒱˖♡

Carlos' love language: being an annoying loveable shit

Reader's love language: physical violence

Hhahhaha, I proclaim "True Love" by Pink, as this books theme song, i think it fits lmao.