#Eleteo Appreciation Week - Day 1 - Valentines Day

[worldstraveller]

My Top 10 favourite shippings/pairings Part 3

It’s now it starts the solos...

4. Elena x Mateo (Elena of Avalor)

Before I explain why I ship them, I want to tell how I came to know and  start watching this animated series and so shipping Elena with Mateo, then it will be the reasons why. Elena of Avalor, when was first announced to the media, I was curious, because I liked Sofia the First a lot  and the great job Craig Gerber done with it, when a show is introduced before airing, they introduce the important characters of the show, I knew about Elena's character before and I remember I liked the idea and the concept of her character and circunstances since it added more lore and expanded to the world of Sofia The First (yeah, I have thing for lores, world building in no matter media form - be video games, graphic novels, mangás, books, animated series, movies, etc), as I looked over the character's bios and design (I liked the descriptions back in time (the characters I was most interested then was Mateo, Elena and Isabel - I liked the idea of a princess  being an inventor), imediately Mateo got my attention with his promo picture and description, I got the feeling back then he would be my favourite character being a wizard in training and all, it made me a little hopeful about a chance of maybe seeing a wizard and princess (this was before I knew of the whole "avoiding the romance" thing - to me avoiding something is the same as something is present and trying not to get close to it, it's there but won't be part of the plot or to be a subplot, just vague hints, the "elena will not have a love interest", this to me can vary in terms of interpretation about "romantic interest", you can grow to like someone romantically without being interested romantically in the person because liking is different from being interested in someone), but one of the characters was a royal guard (Gabe), my hopes went quite down (since is a classic trope, many different dynamics inside royaltyxroyal guard were explored, there is only 1 exception I give to this trope in shipping but is in somewhere else), as I researched a little more about Mateo, I saw the famous promo duo picture of them, which made me feel a bit more hopeful. I did actually waited for the Secret of Avalor to air before starting to watch the animated series, because I wanted to know how it began first (and the explanation of the change of the new main dress of Sofia in mid-season 3 in Sofia The First), I was actually bit surprised Mateo appeared and played an important role in Secret of Avalor and in freeing Elena and her family, I was already very interested in his character, as seeing the character in action, I was charmed by his character and became instant fave, when Elena and Mateo first meet face to face, you sense and see there is a special connection between them, be it romantic or platonic, that's was when I officially shipped them...

The reasons of why I ship them:

- For starters, I find the special relationship between Elena and Mateo as pretty unusual, between a Wizard/Royal WizardxRoyalty in romantic concept is something I always wanted to see and read for a very long time, unfortunately is almost non-existent, there is only two works of fiction and is in literature, however is for the adult audience (if you're interested - The Royal Wizard (Dragonblood, #1) by Alianne Donnelly and the saga of The Wizard of Bright Isle and both well received in GoodReads, the first mentioned is about a royal wizard woman and a prince, the saga one is between two men (wizard>royal wizardxprince>king) - I'm interested in both, however the saga one, seems to be a bit gory), but for the younger audience, pretty much doesn't exist, it's a very unexplored great potential. Even by close friendship standards is unusual as they are, the royal wizard when friends with the king is usually wise and old, when the same age is like we see with Cedric and his wizard peers, their input isn't valued by the royalty they serve, while Elena and Mateo are both the same age and teenagers, besides in the beginning of the series, they are both in training and gaining experience in their respective fields, Mateo being a wizard-in-training into Royal Wizard (he is still learning how to be one), while Elena is a ruler in training as crown princess into becoming queen, as they grow as individuals, they grow closer together too, It's very easy to tell that Mateo is becoming Elena's right-hand man and confidant.

- The role of Mateo in Elena's life and the show itself is unusual, he plays a key role in the story as much in Elena's growth, even as royal wizard, he is probably the youngest character to become a royal wizard in the media (after him would be Howl from Howl's Moving Castle) and appointed by the crown princess Elena, the most moving part in this, besides Mateo's mom, Elena is the one who believes most in his worth as wizard and royal wizard, even see potential of hero qualities in him (that's a pretty big deal), she believed more in him than Mateo himself.

- One of the traits that makes their connection so special (whether you ship them or not, whether you perceive as romantic or platonic), there is a sense of complementing each other, giving each other what they lack and need, a sense of completion because in the start of the series, Elena is more of a giver and receiver while Mateo is the other way around, it went full circle from "Spellbound" to "Jewel of Maru" in the confidence department, Elena giving Mateo encouragement and Mateo in retribuition of receiving her faith in him, he gives his votes of confidence when she needed it, which made them grow closer together.

- The other reason, it is that I find always so adorable how much attention she gives to Mateo, usually is her who takes iniciative, Mateo at the beginning was always very surprised at the much attention he received from Elena, you could tell from his wide range of facial expressions by wondering if was okay of him to be friends with the crown princess, even when as a wizard-in-training and as royal wizard, even though recently he became used to it, he does still react slightly surprised.

- Another thing I want to note, as is obvious, Mateo isn't afraid to call out on Elena when she makes a misstep while follow and respect her decisions at the same time with unwavering loyalty, and Elena will defend and speak up for Mateo when someone's doubting him. It's quite fun to find hints based on their interactions when you ship them, because isn't something "in your face", their special connection and growing closer relationship, they will eventually becoming lifelong partners in either romantically or platonically, it's displayed ambiguously, it can be interpreted in a romantic or platonic way, I would bet slightly romantic inclined.

Favourite Moments (I will mention the least mentioned, my most memorable is the most mentioned): I love the many moments they have together as much when they're separated thinking of each other...There is no order of preference...

1.I liked how they first met face to face (I think as many wonder, for Elena may have been bit earlier since she watched what was happening inside the amulet, including when Sofia met Mateo), you can tell, there, to me it had the special spark, as Jaquins arrives to welcome Elena being freed from the amulet, as they bow, while Mateo welcomes her excitetly mounted in Luna to falling from Luna's head when Luna bowed to Elena, as when he introduces himself as he bows, not wishing for formal treatment as comes close to his face asking to just call her Elena (in Mateo's house, when few civilians saw Elena and bow to her, it was a bit similar except coming closer or asking to call her by name), so far, Mateo was the first and only person she asked to call her by name on screentime (later was Naomi and then Gabe).

2.Next favourite scene, it might be a small things to many, but I liked in the first episode very much for scenes such when Elena and Naomi was trying to find the boat Isabel and Gabe were, Elena was was informed how the thiefs looked liked and suspected they were magical, I liked that she thought of Mateo with a smirk, as if looking forward to see him again and confident he might know about these magical creatures...I thought it was cute how she connected magical creatures to thinking of someone magical, Mateo.

For a better view of the picture click here.

3.It's followed by the scene above, when they enter Mateo's workshop, as Naomi wonders Mateo wizard get up as bathrobe, Elena explains he is wizard and Mateo extends Elena's answer "in-training", I like how she looks at him as she says "Mateo is a wizard" and Mateo extending feeling humbled and bit shy that she saw him as fully-fledged wizard while Mateo saw himself as wizard-in-training.

4. Of course, the adorable small moments when Elena catches Mateo from falling and vice-versa, it's curious and cute that it starts with Elena but due to Mateo clumsyness or help him finding his confidence - his character development, while when is Mateo catching Elena, it's more plot focused, since he usually plays a key role in the story.

5. In "Island of Youth", I thought was so sweet, when Mateo uses the first time the floating spell on himself, I think is sweet and moving how she whisper "Oh, Mateo." as if praying for his safety with deep fondness for him.

For a better view of the picture click here.

6. There is many moments of the song scene "The Magic Within You", I like very much, but I always giggle when Elena sings the first lines of the lyric about how since she met him for the first time saw that Mateo was meant to be a hero to everyone, because Mateo's expressions between these lines are amusing and bit funny, as we know well before Mateo starting gaining confidence in himself, it's notable he does have a bit of sarcastic self-deprecating humour, his expressions between these lines of this song, he is thinking from how he met her was him falling from a jacquim head to the floor, so you can have a good guess of what he was thinking on those expressions (from remembering about their clumsy meeting with a sad expression to disbelief and wonder how did she saw him potential to be a hero by him falling from a jacquin's head) It always makes me wonder which first time she means? inside the amulet from sofia perspective when first meeting Mateo or face to face, it could be both, hmmm. look at how she looks at him when she sings "The first time that I met you..."

For a better view of the picture click here.

7. "Spirit Monkey Business", one of my beloved favourites scenes of these two, when the Zanies "kidnaped" Mateo as their king "wizard king" while Elena pretends to be queen of the zanies, addresses Mateo as "King Mateo" and asks to walk with "her king", Mateo's response to play along, he stutters a little and little shy, he must have a thought for a moment about this play along and calling her "Queen Elena" (pretending to be a married couple as king and queen of the zanies), but it seems he might haven't been the only one (Elena, after the zanies asking her did they have king And a queen, she went a little nervous when the idea of her and Mateo pretending to be a married royal couple), this scene is so cute, I think it hints a little they were conscious about it, when is as "just friends", you play along without being nervous, usually, I do think it's hinting at something...

[cartoonfangirl1218]

EoA Ship Appreciation Week Day 1

Carzel: For their first Valentines Day, Marzel allowed himself to be convinced to go up to the surface world because Carla adores dancing. He sort of made a fool of himself, his legs still hadn't quite gotten used to it no matter the practice but they did waltz well together. The most romantic moment had to be them dancing on the beach together, alone in the moonlight with nothing but the sea breeze and sirena song (okay yeah Marzel may have convinced his sister to add to the atmosphere.) Chloelonso: Chloe hadn't expected them to spend Sweetheart's Day together. Mainly because they lived quite a distance apart and Norberg didn't have a Sweethearts Day as Cordobans know it. Well that was Alonso's big surprise. He came in his fancy carriage where Chloe took the reins and drove him all over the most romantic spots in Norberg, ending with a spectacular coincidence of Norberg Lights appearing before them at nighttime where they shared a Sweethearts Day kiss. Chlolinga: Chloe, inspired by Elena's traditions, went over to visit Malinga on Sweetheart's Day, not that she needs much of an excuse to visit her girlfriend. She brought purple anemones to braid in Malinga's hair which Malinga returns the favor and brings up sunken pearls for her sea jewel. Delgados: Being on the run criminals where emotions are seen as 'soft' they didn't do much for Sweethearts Day. But Victor is a softie and so he does spruce the place up, there are orchids in a vase and there is romance of the raunchy kind. Ash may have cuddled him in return. Again, they don't do feelings. Eleteo: For Sweetheart's Day, Mateo and Elena go on a picnic, just the two of them away from queenly duties and wizarding duties, and they just soak each other. They talk about everything and nothing, get into little magical competitions of scepter vs tamborita, fool around and of course, eat. Elena is thrilled to find out that Mateo knows how to cook pan dulce thanks to Rafa's recipe. And Elena serenades Mateo with the same Sweethearts Day song she heard her father do for her mother every year. Then they head back, taking the scenic route among the flowers and stars and loving each other. Estenaomi: For their Sweethearts Day, Esteban begins with a surprise serenade outside her house which Naomi is reminded of how she just loves her over dramatic boyfriend. They go out to explore Obsidian Island which is less exploring but more swinging on vines, tangling themselves into each other, and water fights. And plenty of lighthearted competitions where the victor gets kisses and more. Elenaomi: Elena and Naomi spent their Sweethearts Day, buying flowers and going on jaquin rides all over the kingdom. Naomi was insistent on finding the perfect spot for the day which Elena indulged because she found it adorable how much Naomi wanted things perfect. Eventually they settled by the waterfall where they danced and talked and enjoyed each other's company. Estoma: Sweethearts Day was actually pretty quiet compared to their usual dramatic selves. They had dinner in bed together, exchanged gifts and just enjoyed each other. Some of it was talk of the past, reading together and of course, as in the line of Flores before him, brought out the guitar for a song. Francisuisa: Francisco and Luisa spent their Sweethearts Day as they always do with a special lunch but since they other year, they decided they'd switch things up a bit. They decided to go for a chocolate decorating class but Francisco may have eaten more of the batter than made it. And Luisa had a fun time kissing the chocolate off his lips. Gabenaomi: They spend the morning racing boats among the waves before going on a horseback race among the hills to their lunch spot. Gabe pulls out the bread he made and Naomi brings the mulberries commemorating the holiday they first made a connection. It's pretty casual, one would think they were just friends from the way they bantered. But the soft smiles and blushing compliments say more especially with the kisses. Gababel: Gabe and Isabel spent the day doing experiments, that was Gabe's gift to her because Isabel had to neglect her own inventions in favor of completing schoolwork. Gabe let himself be her guinea pig and Isabel's gift in return was that one of hers was a reflexology one aka massages. It was the most intellectually stimulating and relaxing date ever. 

Gabela: Gabe lived up to his chivalrous self when he brought Carla to his family's bakery where they had a homemade lunch brought by his parents and Carla unleashed his wild side when they went dancing at clubs all night before going off to the barracks where they shared a private moment of feelings for words do not always come easy to them but they needed to share how much the other meant to them. Hectegail: Hector was very keen on giving Abigail a great time. So much so, initially he wasn't very much like Hector. More like a nervous mess. But the moment, Abigail poked fun at him, he snapped back to his usual self. And Abigail was much more indulgent of Hector's sometimes childish antics. They played golf on his boat and had a boot-stomping jig on its starboard before carrying off to his cabin. 

Ixtonia: Ixlan was determined to win Sweethearts Day when Antonia brought it up. And win she did from the moment she picked her guard up for power yoga to archery competitions between them to Ixlan being the best big spoon cuddler. Antonia loves her buff warrior girl. Marlando: For subsequent Sweethearts Day, they walk the streets handing out flowers with Marlena’s musical urgings and Armando presenting an tooth achingly sweet puppet show for the kids while their parents enjoy their romantic afternoons. Then they head to the Gutierrez house for a family dinner where Rosario dotes over them and Santos begrudgingly respects Armando’s romance game.  Rafictor: Their Sweethearts Day was a simple, domestic affair. They cooked, their favorite activity to do together, sharing plenty of kisses a la Lady and the Tramp and cuddling close. 

Selensteban: Sweethearts Day for them was full of twists in turns. It was supposed to start with a nice dinner at one of Avalor's best restaurants but as luck would have it, they cancelled theirs because it was too full. Esteban was a bit pissed but Selene came up with the idea of making their own from what she grew in her garden. They ended up racing off to the pier, going with whatever popped into their heads. Honestly as long as they were together, it was wonderful. Valonso: Alonso came with a bouquet of flowers and a song for Valentina. The song, Valentina the Most Beautiful. (It was originally Alonso the Most Beautiful but he repurposed the names for the song as one can see). Valentina is not one to be outdone when it comes to gifting those she loves and presented Alonso with a life sized portrait of the two. Alonso may have teared up to see their beautiful forms in such a perfect rendering. They spent the day with a night out on town, Valentina showing off the wonders of Paraiso and Alonso his best pick up lines. 

[parapuliex]

Eleteo Appreciation Week- Day 1

Eleteo Appreciation Week- Day 1- Valentine’s Day

Elena grinned as she felt a pair of lips softly kiss her on the shoulder, gently rousing her from sleep as sunlight streamed through the white, silk curtains of their shared bedroom.

“Good morning, mi Amor. Do you know what day it is today?” asked a familiar voice.

“Hmmm, could it be that it’s El Dia del Amor y la Amistad?” replied Elena.

“Why, how did you know?” said Mateo, his voice filled with mirth.

Elena laughed as she turned around in bed so she was facing Mateo and could properly see his face.

“Something tells me that you’re very excited for today”

It was a well-known fact that Mateo and Elena were not ones to shy away from affection. They could be seen constantly holding hands as they walked through the halls of the palace, there were little pecks on the cheek, no one in the palace were surprised when they saw the two lovebirds. However, this El Dia del Amor was special as it was the first one the two celebrated as a married couple.

“Of course!” Mateo exclaimed, “This is not just any El Dia de Amor, just wait until you see what I have planned for tonight”

“How about I find out what it is right now?” Elena proposed with a cheeky grin on her face.

“Ha ha, you’ll have to try harder than that” replied the Royal Wizard of Avalor.

Mateo grew to embrace the title of the Royal Wizard of Avalor and was no longer the awkward, shy teenager that he had been when he first started. He could now confidently cast spells left and right without any hesitation thanks to the support of his friends and family. Especially his wife Elena. She had been there through the thick and thin and Mateo could not thank her enough which is why he planned for the citizens of Avalor City to release thousands of balloons into the sky at sunset to celebrate the holiday and their loved ones. He knew Elena was a lover of bringing back old traditions and starting new ones so he hoped that this would be the perfect gift for her.

Elena pouted as she reached up to play with one of Mateo’s chocolate brown curls, “Really?? Not even if I give you all the Avaloran chocolate in the kingdom?”

“Not even all the chocolate in the world could make me spoil your surprise, you’ll just have to wait until tonight” said Mateo as he leaned down to kiss Elena on the lips. “I think it’s time for us to head down for breakfast”

“But we just got upp!” whined the Queen.

“But what about your abeula’s freshly baked pan dulce? Those are your favourite.”

“Fine, but only if you promise to go flying as jaquins tomorrow.”

“Okay, deal” replied Mateo as he sat up from bed, gently pulling away from Elena.

As the two finished breakfast with the rest of the Castillo-Flores family, Mateo headed down to his workshop while Elena went to the Grand Council Room to start their daily meeting. Everyone on the Council knew of Mateo’s plan and were more than willing to help keep Elena busy until sunset.

Upon arriving in Avalor City, Mateo could see the celebrations come to life. Everywhere he looked were full colourful heart shaped balloons and red and pink roses and the sounds of laughter and cheer filled the air. Couples were walking around town and children were running around gleefully taking part in the holiday.

“Hello Prince Mateo, the ships are getting ready to sail out tonight for the release of the balloons just as you requested” said Naomi.

Mateo turned red as he replied “Oh you know you don’t have to call me Prince, Naomi, you can just call me Mateo. I am no more different as I was before.”

“I’m just messing with ya, Mateo! It’s all in good spirits for El Dia del Amor!”

The two laughed as the day went on. It was nearing sunset when people started getting on the ships with their balloons when the Royal carriage arrived driven by Gabe. They all had balloons matching their own personal style to release into the sky. Elena was shocked to see the people of Avalor holding so many balloons.

“Mateo, what is this?”

“Surprise! I know how much you love new traditions so I got the whole city to release balloons at sunset to symbolize their love and celebrate.” he hesitated for a moment, “do you like it?”

“I love it! This is amazing, Mateo! Thank you for all this!” Elena said as she rushed over and gave him a big hug.

“Anything for you, mi amor. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what”

The two smiled at each other as they got onto the Royal Sailboat and released their own balloon adorned with a combination of their signature red colours with a picture of a tamborita and crown on it with the phrase “no matter what” into the orange-pink sunset sky filled with balloons in celebration of the day of love.

I used this link as inspiration for the story for those interested. I don’t know how credible it is but it’s pretty interesting as an insight of the holiday!

https://acapulcos.net/a-mexican-valentines-day/

Eleteo Appreciation Week- Day 1- Valentine’s Day

Elena grinned as she felt a pair of lips softly kiss her on the shoulder, gently rousing her from sleep as sunlight streamed through the white, silk curtains of their shared bedroom.

“Good morning, mi Amor. Do you know what day it is today?” asked a familiar voice.

“Hmmm, could it be that it’s El Dia del Amor y la Amistad?” replied Elena.

“Why, how did you know?” said Mateo, his voice filled with mirith.

Elena laughed as she turned around in bed so she was facing Mateo and could properly see his face.

“Something tells me that you’re very excited for today”

It was a well-known fact that Mateo and Elena were not ones to shy away from affection. They could be seen constantly holding hands as they walked through the halls of the palace, there were little pecks on the cheek, no one in the palace were surprised when they saw the two lovebirds. However, this El Dia del Amor was special as it was the first one the two celebrated as a married couple.

“Of course!” Mateo exclaimed, “This is not just any El Dia de Amor, just wait until you see what I have planned for tonight”

“How about I find out what it is right now?” Elena proposed with a cheeky grin on her face.

“Ha ha, you’ll have to try harder than that” replied the Royal Wizard of Avalor.

Mateo grew to embrace the title of the Royal Wizard of Avalor and was no longer the awkward, shy teenager that he had been when he first started. He could now confidently cast spells left and right without any hesitation thanks to the support of his friends and family. Especially his wife Elena. She had been there through the thick and thin and Mateo could not thank her enough which is why he planned for the citizens of Avalor City to release thousands of balloons into the sky at sunset to celebrate the holiday and their loved ones. He knew Elena was a lover of bringing back old traditions and starting new ones so he hoped that this would be the perfect gift for her.

Elena pouted as she reached up to play with one of Mateo’s chocolate brown curls, “Really?? Not even if I give you all the Avaloran chocolate in the kingdom?”

“Not even all the chocolate in the world could make me spoil your surprise, you’ll just have to wait until tonight” said Mateo as he leaned down to kiss Elena on the lips. “I think it’s time for us to head down for breakfast”

“But we just got upp!” whined the Queen.

“But what about your abeula’s freshly baked pan dulce? Those are your favourite.”

“Fine, but only if you promise to go flying as jaquins tomorrow.”

“Okay, deal” replied Mateo as he sat up from bed, gently pulling away from Elena.

As the two finished breakfast with the rest of the Castillo-Flores family, Mateo headed down to his workshop while Elena went to the Grand Council Room to start their daily meeting. Everyone on the Council knew of Mateo’s plan and were more than willing to help keep Elena busy until sunset.

Upon arriving in Avalor City, Mateo could see the celebrations come to life. Everywhere he looked were full colourful heart shaped balloons and red and pink roses and the sounds of laughter and cheer filled the air. Couples were walking around town and children were running around gleefully taking part in the holiday.

“Hello Prince Mateo, the ships are getting ready to sail out tonight for the release of the balloons just as you requested” said Naomi.

Mateo turned red as he replied “Oh you know you don’t have to call me Prince, Naomi, you can just call me Mateo. I am no more different as I was before.”

“I’m just messing with ya, Mateo! It’s all in good spirits for El Dia del Amor!”

The two laughed as the day went on. It was nearing sunset when people started getting on the ships with their balloons when the Royal carriage arrived driven by Gabe. They all had balloons matching their own personal style to release into the sky. Elena was shocked to see the people of Avalor holding so many balloons.

“Mateo, what is this?”

“Surprise! I know how much you love new traditions so I got the whole city to release balloons at sunset to symbolize their love and celebrate.” he hesitated for a moment, “do you like it?”

“I love it! This is amazing, Mateo! Thank you for all this!” Elena said as she rushed over and gave him a big hug.

“Anything for you, mi amor. I’ll always be here for you, no matter what”

The two smiled at each other as they got onto the Royal Sailboat and released their own balloon adorned with a combination of their signature red colours with a picture of a tamborita and crown on it with the phrase “no matter what” into the orange-pink sunset sky filled with balloons in celebration of the day of love.

I used this link as inspiration for the story for those interested. I don’t know how credible it is but it’s pretty interesting as an insight of the holiday!

https://acapulcos.net/a-mexican-valentines-day/

[cartoonfangirl1218]

Eleteo Appreciation Week Day 1 Valentine’s Day

Take my hand, take a breath Pull me close and take one step Keep your eyes locked on mine And let the music be your guide

Mateo inhaled slowly and then exhaled only his came out as a short pant. He couldn't believe he, more precisely they, had made it this far. Two full years of dating and now, he was living in the palace officially and it was their second Valentine's Day together. They had arranged a date in the courtyard of the palace so they could see all the lights of Avalor City below but he decided to surprise her with a romantic dinner in his workshop and had made sweets himself using his mother's pan dulce recipe. He was sure she would appreciate the gesture but as he looked at the workshop strewn with candles and rose petals, a thousand thoughts started to fill his head. More precisely a thousand doubts started to fill his head. "She's going to look at this stupid, short tuxedo and laugh!" "The top of the pan dulce looks too crispy." He shook his head and breathed deeply again.

Won't you promise me (now won't you promise me, that you'll never forget) We'll keep dancing (to keep dancing) Wherever we go next

They had been dating for two years and had a very close friendship two years before. She always stood by him during their adventures and hardships, and he stood by her. Just because one night didn't go well, it wouldn't mean a thing. He just loved being with her. But he also wanted her to love this. To know that he did this because he wanted her to smile and feel treasured as she should be. He adored Elena for the many things she was, bold, strong, brave, caring, compassionate. He couldn't believe he was so lucky that she felt the same for him. He didn't think he was much, just a dorky boy who happened to be smart enough to do some magic tricks with his abuelo's tamborita. But she made him feel more than that. She believed in him unconditionally and faithfully believed in him even when he felt scared or that he wasn't prepared to be the role of the royal wizard.   The door knob's rattling made him jump a little but he relaxed when the perky brunette princess entered the room, flushed with excitement. She opened her mouth to say something, but then paused and looked at the room. Her brown eyes softened yet shown with surprise and amazement, "Mateo?" she breathed softly. "Happy Valentine's Day, mí amor" Mateo kissed her hand to which she eagerly returned with a kiss on his lips, ruffling his curls affectionately. "You shouldn't have?" Elena said but he could tell by her admiring tone that she was happy with the surprise and that she was probably thinking of ways to thank him for it. "I made your favorite" Mateo smiled "I smell it." Elena kissed him on the bridge of his nose, which sent a shiver down his spine. Only she could make him feel this way. Each touch would electrify him. "So..." Mateo trailed off awkwardly, knowing that they would probably stay this way the whole night if he let her. Not that he would mind, but he didn't want to be too forward. Though she hardly saw herself as above others, she was still the princess and that meant certain affections had to have limits even though Elena disregarded them most of the time without a blush. "Do you hear that?" Elena asked which snapped Mateo out of his mental monologue. "What," Mateo asked in genuine confusion, all he could hear was his heart pounding out of his chest as she gently raked her fingers in his hair. "The music from the ballroom, querido" Elena laughed a little which sounded like music itself he thought. "Let's dance."

It's like catching lightning, the chances of finding someone like you It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do And with every step together, we just keep on getting better So can I have this dance? (Can I have this dance?) Can I have this dance?

“As you wish!" Mateo said eagerly, taking her hands in a classic waltz position. Dancing with Elena was like a gift itself. He had always been an okay dancer but Elena had been given him lessons and just focusing on her eyes and her movements, the steps seemed to come naturally. As if they were two persons as one. She had this effect of making him feel at ease in doing anything. He looked at her and realized his nerves had disappeared, he felt blissfully happy. They swept around the room, Elena's red and pink dress sweeping the petals around in a small wind storm of their own. Her dark hair shone in the light of the many candles that sat on the eaves of the workshop. The twinkle that always seemed to be in her eye, danced across her face. Her pale pink lips were pursed as if she was wishing to tell him something but didn't know how to word it. Those lips were gorgeous, and from the many touches he felt when she kissed him, soft as a feather. "You know, Mateo. This is how always feel when I'm with you. Happy." Elena said softly, "I feel happy, and safe, and that I can be myself without failing you. At least, I hope I wouldn't ever fail you."

Take my hand, I'll take the lead And every turn we'll be safe with me Don't be afraid, afraid to fall You know I'll catch you through it all

"You won't ever do that, Elena. I know you, you're not capable of it. Even so, I won't even know it, nothing you could do would be a failure." Mateo said seriously, looking straight into her eyes. Elena's mouth went into a small "O" and she nestled in her head against his chest before speaking again, "Thank you for always believing in me." "It's not hard to do that when you're so brilliant." Mateo answered, resting his chin on her head. "I am." Elena agreed and he could feel her smile against him. "Don't get too cocky." Mateo teased and she poked him.

And you can't keep us apart (even a thousand miles can't keep us apart) Cause my heart is (cause my heart is) wherever you are

Mateo sighed and decided to say what he felt, somehow put into words. "I want to do this every day and love you forever. Elena, you stood by me forever and I want to do the same. I..I know this probably sounds cheesy and very cliche but I couldn't think of what else to say. I mean, you're just..you're unfathomable, indescribable. I love you so much it hurts. And I want to stay with you, and show that to you even if I can't say it, 'Lena. It's just  you."

It's like catching lightning the chances of finding someone like you It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do And with every step together, we just keep on getting better So can I have this dance? (Can I have this dance?) Can I have this dance?

"I can't believe I found someone like you either. You're as magical as the art you practice. You're strong and steady and are able to do great things. You also make me better person. I.." Elena began then sighed, "I can't add anything. You're just you. Brave, caring, loyal. I wouldn't have been able to do half of the things I've achieved if you hadn't been there to advise me or support me." "Even if you ignore it." Mateo added with a smirk, thinking of her impulsive nature. It's been getting better, slightly. But that was just another admirable part of herself, how she gave herself so passionately to what she believed in. "You know, I treasure it deep down." Elena said, "Point is, I need you, you're a part of me. Nothing will ever change what I feel for you."

Oh no mountains too high and no oceans too wide Cause together or not, our dance won't stop Let it rain, let it pour What we have is worth fighting for You know I believe, that we were meant to be Oh

Mateo stopped dancing causing Elena to lift her head. She coyly fluttered her lashes and leaned in to brush her lips against his. The electricity trickled up his spine again. He leaned and kissed her more fully, savoring the sweetness of her lips. She wrapped her arms around his waist and he gathered her hair in his hands as he pressed himself closer against her. He allowed himself to melt a little against her, enjoying the pure feeling of her in his arms.

It's like catching lightning, the chances of finding Someone like you (like you) It's one in a million, the chances of feeling the way we do (way we do) And with every step together, we just keep on getting better

They finished with one last kiss and Mateo felt the fresh air rush back to him as he separated himself. He felt rejuvenated and he could tell from the glowing, blushing face Elena was sporting that she was similarly punch-drunk. He hugged her closer to him again, laying his hands absentmindedly on her waist, and pecked her on the temple. "Happy Valentine's Day Mí amor." Elena whispered "Happy Valentine's Day, mí querida." Mateo whispered back and then winked, "We still have the rest of the night to dance to."

So can I have this dance? (Can I have this dance?) Can I have this dance? Can I have this dance? Can I have this dance?

Song from High School Musical 3. Hope you enjoyed the fic. I love all the other content that has been created today, it’s all so sweet and amazing. You are all very talented people. Great jobs!