@SapphireSoup I have nothing to say for myself.
*One month later.*
The night air whirled around you and Camilo Madrigal, making you only curl up tighter in your coat.
*
Remembering everything that had passed was a painful blur of memories.
The sound of rocks with scribbled letters clanking against your window as Camilo playfully tossed them up. Secret rock penpals.
Watching Camilo slowly lose control in Bruno's vision cave, uncontrollably breaking down but still refusing to ask for help.
Feeling a smidge of relief at the night after Felix's scavenger hunt hearing Camilo say to you: "They're not even there..."
Knowing the hardships, knowing the way you'd been betrayed by your own father.
Seeing Camilo be beaten and bruised in the caves, only to be healed and hurt again for the sake of information he didn't have.
*
Most of all, you remembered that light, carefree soul swinging you out into the crowded square, laughing wholeheartedly as he held tightly to your hand. You were kids, such innocent, caring kids merely dancing in the rain.
Now...
Now that held new meaning for you, especially.
Even more so that Camilo's memories had never been recovered, nor had the magic.
At the present hour all childlike tendencies had disappeared, replaced by pure maturity- He'd learned within the past few months that acting more like an adult had helped.
And honestly... You couldn't say you hadn't done the same.
Did he even know what being carefree felt like anymore?
*
Helplessly squished against the boy you loved, you saw him quietly glance over at you, trying to hide in his ruana.
Magic had long since been gone here, the Encanto was lifeless, not many people roamed its streets anymore, preferring to stay indoors now.
*Drop.*
You felt a small raindrop shatter against your skin.
You jerked your head up, frantically darting your eyes to the sky. Camilo lifted his hand up to feel the drizzle, gazing back at you.
"Is this what it was like last time?"
You froze.
"I don't remember you," he said, ruana streaked with rain. "But... I've had a lot of time to think...
"And I'd like to know you again."
Your breath hitched.
*
It hadn't been long.
The storm raged above you, bluish- grey clouds rolling in from the top of the mountains, cutting on the galaxy above. Precious oil lamps switched on immediately, lighting Camilo's tear- stained face. The poor child was so scared, you couldn't help but want to hold him tight and never let go. The streets were bare, no one saw.
Camilo reached an unsteady hand out to you.
You felt a small squeeze. A silent sign of trust again. This finalized it. A new beginning.
You burst into strong tears, your legs feeling numb and shaky beneath you. Your buried your head in his ruana, wrapping your arms tight around his waist.
"I'm sorry, Camilo, I-"
"Shh..." He soothed, running a caring hand through your hair. "We can start over..."
You couldn't help your selfish thoughts from spilling out then, at your moment of vulnerability, something you'd refused to show for months. "We had so many memories together- Memories you'll never know, Camilo, and I can't get them back for you..."
"We can relive them, y/n, I promise!" He pleaded, forcing a smile. "I know it won't be the same, but, for what it's worth...
"I'll try."
*
You wept, hugging Camilo tighter under your grasp, a wave of relief washing over you. It was so bittersweet, he'd never know, and you couldn't bring back what once was yours again. You couldn't help but cry.
The rain pounded against your ears, almost drowning the painful thoughts buried deep inside your mind.
A new chance, a new surrounding.
"One last thing?" Camilo giggled, pushing a dripping piece of hair behind your ear with his thumb, the lantern light shining bright in his hopeful hazel eyes. "May I call you Mariposa again?"
You placed a hand on his cheek, letting his head rest against you. "Yes, yes, of course! Yes..." You practically squealed in delight hearing your old nickname revived. "I'd love that."
Somehow, it'd be okay in the end.
Camilo took you by the hand and spun you around in the drenching rain. What would have been sorrow before turned into immaculate joy, your skirts twisting around your ankles. The water poured off your hair, splashing into tiny puddle on the ground where you danced.
Camilo pulled you in tight and whispered, softly into your ear where only you could hear:
"Time," you heard his voice let out a subtle crack. "We just need time."
*
Author's note: I admit it's a bit rough, but yeah!
