An Elemental Bender {Camilo Madrigal x Reader}

Antonio's Ceremony

An hour had passed, and the guests had arrived. The place was lively, and chatter from nearby conversations filled the entire house.

Antonio was busy changing into his uniform, and as soon as he had finished, he opened the door. There, you and Mirabel stood waiting for him outside.

"Looking sharp, hombrecito." A laugh escaped your lips as you held out your fist. "You ready?" You asked him.

He nodded his head and gave you a smile, pounding it. Holding out your hand for him to take, he gently grabbed it. The three of you then walked down the stairs, his family waiting for him there near the red flower curtain.

Camilo looked up and saw you, a smile immediately making its way to his face.

Tío Félix laughed as he spotted his son, all nice and dressed up. "There you are."

Antonio let go of your hand and went to his family.

"Look at you! All grown up." Tía Pepa smiled, a rain cloud forming above her head.

Tío Félix fanned the cloud away. "Pepi, amor, you're gonna get him all wet." He cradled her in place as they both admired their son.

Camilo shape-shifted into a much smaller version of his father and imitated him. "You are making your papá proud."

"I don't sound like that." His father disagreed.

"I don't sound like that." Camilo mocked.

You snickered lightly, so they didn't hear you, but Camilo had caught you laughing anyhow. His heart melted when you did.

Dolores raised her ear, listening to the words being spoken beyond the walls. "Abuela says it's time."

Antonio's family turned toward him.

"We'll be waiting at your door." Tía Pepa told Antonio.

"Okay, okay. Vamo, vamo, vamo." Tío Félix rushed.

Imitating his father, Camilo mimicked his exact actions and said, "Okay, okay. Vamo, vamo, vamo" before his father grabbed him.

"All right, I'm done!" Camilo whispered in his normal voice as his father snatched him away.

You and Mirabel stood to the side of the curtain, hearing the drums play. On the other side of the curtain, Abuela sighed, holding the magical candle.

Turning around to face the crowd, she smiled. "Fifty years ago, in our darkest moment, this candle blessed us with a miracle. And the greatest honor of our family had been to use our blessings to serve this beloved community. Tonight, we come together once more as another steps into the light to make us proud."

It was Antonio's time to shine as the drums played again. The curtains opened, and the crowd cheered. The tiles flipped over, displaying a red carpet-like pathway leading to the stairs.

The lights had readjusted, so they acted as a spotlight, shining brightly on him. Antonio, with fear in his eyes, stood there, observing the amount of people in the crowd.

You and Mirabel watched from the side as Abuela made it to the very top of the stairs where Antonio's supposed door was.

The cheering slowly faded, and Antonio remained standing there. The tiles underneath his feet lifted, telling him to go, but he only continued to stand there.

He turned his head, now looking and you and Mirabel. He held out his hand and looked at the both of you, wanting for one of you guys to go with him.

Looking at Mirabel, you looked back at Antonio and gave him an apologetic look, shaking your head. "Sorry, buddy."