Worth The Shot

Vipers in the Violets (H)

"Luisa, I..." Camilo desperately tried to explain it away, but how do you explain away a make-out session? That she definitely saw?

The enchanted forest illusion melted back into the room of blobs. A muted orange splotched over them, and you wondered for a moment what controlled their color.

Camilo gave up trying to lie and wondered aloud, "How long have you been standing there?"

"I, uh..." Luisa fumbled, fidgeting in the door frame and sneaking glances at you. "I liked the song."

"That's so embarrassing, Luisa! You saw everything!" Camilo groaned, dramatically burying his face in his hands. The intensity of the orange blobs amplified.

"Hey, Camilo, does your mood affect the color?" You curiously asked. Camilo raised his head to glare at you and the orange became so bright it almost hurt your eyes. Orange definitely meant embarrassed. "I'll take that as a yes."

Camilo huffed a sigh and introduced you. "Luisa, this is (y/n). (Y/n), Luisa." Camilo paused, then accusingly informed Luisa, "She's my girlfriend. We're dating."

For someone with such an intimidating physique, Luisa was surprisingly soft-spoken. Up-close, her face was round and young, and you remembered from your abuela's collectable cards that she was only 19. You felt a familiar throb and tried not to think about your abuela.

"Hello," Luisa awkwardly started, "I'm Luisa. But you already know that, cause, uh, y'know."

"Hi, Luisa." You gave a small wave. "I remember you, you helped Mariano carry his guitar." She nodded in confirmation, seemingly unfazed about you being in casita. I hope the others will react like her. Even as you had the thought, you doubted it.

You followed Luisa and Camilo down the dark hall to Isabella's room. Luisa opened the door, and lounging among the luxurious carpet of colored flowers, you could see Dolores, Isabella, and Mirabelle.

I don't know that I can do this. You uncomfortably crossed your arms. Isabella probably hates me now, and I already know where Mirabel stands. You unconsciously stepped back.

Camilo reached over and played with your fingers on one hand. "You good?" He gently asked. Luisa pretended not to notice and studied the doorknob to give you a moment.

You nodded with a shaky breath through your nose. Just about to walk into a viper's den.

"Don't worry," Camilo quietly promised. "I'm right here. I won't let anything happen. 'kay?"

"Okay." You stepped into the room, ankle-deep in soft, pink petals. Mirabel smiled at Camilo, but froze when she saw you. Isabella's face twisted into rage and fear. Dolores' wide-eyed expression didn't change.

"What is this, Camilo?" Isabella icily asked. "Why would you bring her here?"

"I miss you, (y/n)," Mirabel admitted, not making eye contact. "But you shouldn't be here."

"Shouldn't be here?" Isabella enunciated each word with deadly precision. "She shouldn't even be in our Encanto! She's destined to break it!"

"No! We don't know that," Camilo defended, positioning his shoulder in front of you in a protective stance. "I saw the same prophecy as you. Mirabel was in it, too." Isabel stayed silent, pettily refusing to stick up for Mirabel.

"But Mirabel is a part of this family," Luisa pointed out. "She would never hurt us."

"Yes!" Camilo encouragingly agreed with Luisa. His gaze swept his cousins and sister. "(Y/n) wouldn't, either. Her father is the one to blame. We found evidence."

"It's true," Dolores agreed in a hushed tone. Mirabel relaxed, relief evident on her face. Isabella skeptically frowned, but all the anger had drained out.

"So there you have it. She's innocent," Camilo declared, snagging his fingers through yours and triumphantly reclining on the flowered floor next to Mirabel.

"Hi, (y/n)," Mirabel hesitantly smiled, trying to diffuse the tension. She sighed. "Listen, I'm sorry. I thought I needed to save my family from you. My abuela blames me for everything, and I didn't want to do nothing and be responsible for this, too. I'm sorry; I was wrong."

"Thank you," You smiled back. You felt reluctant forgiving Mirabel, but holding a grudge wouldn't benefit anyone. "You were just trying to protect your family."

"I should mention," Camilo casually announced, squeezing your hand. "We're dating."

"Oh." Mirabel blinked. "Oh! That's actually so cool, you guys!"

Isabella snickered and fist-bumped Camilo. "You actually found someone. I'm impressed, 'milo." Isabella turned to you and apologetically lifted her eyebrows. "Good luck. He's terrible."

You giggled. "I know." Camilo shot you a wounded look and you kissed him on the cheek.

Dolores, of course, had already known. With an unsettling jolt, you realized that she knew everything. Dolores straightened and stared at you like an alert squirrel. "We need to talk."