#someone noticed; someone cared; someone wanted the same thing as esteban

[notmoreflippingelves]

Rewatching "Navidad" and noticing right now that contrary to what I remembered, Esteban wasn't the only one who wanted to celebrate a traditional Nochebuena in the palace with just their family. Francisco did too! This is the very first Navidad since their reunion and Shuriki's defeat. Esteban has been waiting 41 (!) years for this day, and he probably thought it would never come. It must have hurt so much when his wish for a traditional family Navidad was immediately shut down by Elena and Luisa and (albeit a bit more conflictedly by Isabel) or that Francisco's agreement with his idea was disregarded.

It's especially intriguing to me, because ordinarily, you would expect Esteban to be all in on the exciting new Navidad celebrations. He can be stuffy and traditional, sure, but he's also extravagant and loves grand, elaborate parties. In this case, however, he vastly prefers a quieter, more intimate Navidad than something new and elaborate and exciting. He doesn't want fireworks or or parades or massive parties; all he wants is simple quality time with the family he spent four decades longing to somehow see again.

To borrow a few lyrics from "Let Love Light the Way," Esteban needs "nothing more than those [he] adore[s]" over the holiday. And it must rankle him so much to receive the seeming confirmation that this isn't enough for the others-- and I feel it could lend itself to the inevitable conclusion that he himself isn't "enough" for the others.

Personally, I feel like Francisco's desire to have their quiet, private Nochebuena celebration comes from a slightly different place than Esteban's. He's naturally a more traditional, reserved person, so he would always prefer simple quality time with his family than a grand function. Additionally, he did not perceive any time passing during the past 41 years, as Esteban did. So this particular Navidad would have less strong of a meaning to him as it did to his grandson who was all alone for four decades. I also do not think he would be fully aware of what this end of the Dark Times means to his grandson. But unlike the others, Francisco does seem to be genuinely trying to understand what Esteban is thinking and feeling.

And even knowing that Francisco can and will never fully understand, Esteban must have felt a little tiny spark of recognition and validation when Francisco too wanted to resume their regular Navidad traditions. These--and by extension, Esteban himself--may not have been "good enough" for Luisa or Elena. But for Francisco, the traditions were more than merely "good enough," they were his first choice.

[safetycar-restart]

Which subs would love getting plushies and who would hold them close while an intimate moment?

-🔆

AN ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE ASK I ADORE THIS. Soft and smutty??? Amazing. 10/10. I have no notes. Actually I have several notes and I will share them all.

LANDO:

Lando will act like he doesn’t want to hold a little plushie while you stroke his cock. He’ll act like his all big and tough and tears aren’t welling in his eyes. You’ve learnt not to make fun of him here, because his pretending stems from a place of insecurity and you want him to feel comfortable here.

However, every single time you grab a plushie and hold it out to him, he will take it. Every time. Without fail. And then he’ll be so much happier, hugging his plushie tight, nuzzling into the soft fur as you stroke his cock. He’s so happy then, so warm and cosy. And of course you must cuddle him and the plushie for aftercare.

CHARLES:

This shouldn’t be a surprise. I think poly!piarles especially actually?

Bunny gets so used to scening with both you and Pierre together, where he always has someone holding his hand or holding him close and whispering praise in his ear. But when it’s just you or just Pierre, there aren’t always enough hands to take him apart and comfort him at the same time.

He’s fine with it at first. But as the scenes get more intense and he becomes more comfortable with his subby headspace, he starts to want the comfort he can only get with two of you.

The solution is a giant bunny plushie Pierre bought at a duty free one time and had to then have it on his lap for the entire flight. Charles always has it with him now, cuddles it when he’s alone (and maybe will hump it sometimes but no one has to know), and if one of you are domming him, then he’ll sometimes call yellow and ask for the plushie if he needs extra comfort.

Then he’ll just be hugging it and stroking it as he gets wrecked and it’s amazing.

(The bunny is named rabbit. Because of course there can only be one bunny)

MAX:

Max laughs at you the first turn you suggest it, finding the idea absolutely ridiculous. He’s a grown man. You already spank his ass, why does he need a plushie too?

But that’s exactly the time when you want him to have it. He needs to be spanked sometimes in order to let things to go and allow himself to relax, but you’ve noticed the way his hands scramble for something to hold onto and while you spank him.

He denies the suggestion of a plushie. But you buy one and put it in on the bed anyway, claiming is just decoration. The moment you spank him again, he’s instantly grabbing the plushie and holding it close. You don’t address it and neither does he, but he takes the plushie everywhere with him now.

ESTEBAN:

We do not talk about este enough!! And he would love having a plushie to hold. Esteban is very laid back in scenes, very relaxed and plaint and making little jokes and comments to see you smile. Scening is almost informal with him? You’re clearly in charge and he would never disobey, but there’s this easy soft dynamic there that means you’re both smiling and laughing through most of it.

The plushie was originally a pillow. Esteban has nearly no body fat, meaning he has nearly no cushioning, meaning you can’t fuck him on hard surfaces without putting a pillow between him and the surface. What’s the fun of bending este over a table if doing so will just be very painful? So you grab a pillow and lay it down and then it’s amazing.

The pillow ends up with a name. It’s named pill. Because Esteban can’t say the full name when he’s desperate and needy. So then it’s pill. Pill soon has an entire lore and backstory. For instance, you can’t just drop pill to the ground to take care of Esteban, because that would make pill very upset (according to esteban).

Eventually pill ends up being a very soft and very round squishmallow who is used for cuddles and as padding against hard surfaces.

[darlingbudsofrae]

Nicky Hemmick Appreciation Post

Foxes Appreciation Series : 1 || 2 || 3 || 4 || 5 || 6 || 7 || 8 || 9 || 10 ||

It’s time for Nicky Hemmick appreciation hours!

I think out of the foxes, I really don’t like the way Nora developed, or lack thereof, Nicky’s character.

He was one of the few POC/LGBTQIAP+ characters in the books and the way he was written just wasn’t it, y’know?

I think out of all the changes we could have, I wish Nora developed him better because his character could’ve gone to so many potentials. 

But let’s get with what we have-

First off, I just want to say I appreciate Nicky’s relationship with Erik so much.

They’re adorable. 

Now, let’s get to the sad and dark stuff-

Nicky’s past is one of the most messed-up backstories I’ve ever read in my entire life. And I read a LOT of sad books.

Dude literally went to a gay conversion camp (the fact that this shit exists is proof that hell is just a place on earth) for a year and had to repress his sexuality his entire life because his parents were homophobic shitholes.

Repressing his sexuality also led to depression. He had freaking suicidal thoughts and he took the first way out of his problems and saved himself by taking the first chance to leave, aka Germany.

I’m not sure if anyone remembers but to get to that- he had to pretend he was something he was not. He had to play the “perfect son” role because he couldn’t afford to be himself in a place where his existence was deemed wrong.

Also, the fact that he had the capacity to do this- to maintain that role until that Germany ticket landed in his hands while combatting suicidal and other morbid thoughts-

Kid, that sucks. Nicky Hemmick needs a hug.

Also, taking note of this fact makes me appreciate his reactions towards his teammates’ tragedies more.

Like at first I was constantly surprised because I thought it’s such an overreaction to feel sad and almost cry as a reflex to other’s misfortunes (lowkey exposing myself here) 

But to realize he went through such a traumatic experience and can still empathize + sympathize deeply with his teammates-

it just makes me really appreciate that aspect of him- to be able to still be that person and have that sense of humanity despite of the horrific things he went though, that’s amazing.

Let’s talk about the fact that Nicky could’ve just live his entire life in Germany with the love of his life and cut off entirely his connections with his family because he had every right to detoxify his life and live happily for himself.

Nicky was about 19-20ish when he learned that Tilda had died and how he reacted to this by going back because he doesn’t want the twins to be raised by the same people who gave him hell- because he knows the twins deserves better- that’s incredible.

He had absolutely no obligation to, he wasn’t even that old to have that responsibility but he took it.

He came back and fought for the rights to become a guardian for the twins (against his own parents), like that takes so much time and effort and the fact that he did it at like a considerably young age is just so mind-blowing.

I’m not going to act like he’s the best guardian. But let’s not discredit where credit is due.

Despite everything- he gave Aaron and Andrew a home. Provided a roof over their heads, helped them at school (he taught them to speak German), worked jobs to provide for their basic necessities, and assuming Andrew spent all that insurance money on the car, someone has to be working to pay the tuition and bills, right?

And that someone was Nicky. 

(He also got Andrew and Aaron gigs at where he worked at).

Like no one talks about this enough but Nicky lowkey raised the twins. Like, he actually raised the twins.

There is not enough words in this world to describe how overwhelming and amazing that is. 

He had no obligation whatsoever to these two who probably gave him a hard time because as much as I love the Twinyards- they were assholes (I mean they were kind of mean to him for crying out loud, and that’s just on the books- imagine how much more he got back when the twins were probably so distrustful of him) and really, they weren’t Nicky’s obligation because most people forget that Nicky wasn’t that old. 

He was pretty young too. 

And by going back, he’s associating himself with the things that lowkey broke him but he still went and stayed anyway even when he could’ve easily just be happy and cut it all off because despite of everything, he wanted to provide the twins with an at least better option than his horrible parents.

He wanted the twins to have a good life- literally wished for them to heal and be okay and succeed and that amount of love- it’s just amazing. Like, I said that a lot by now but it’s just really amazing.

Nicky Hemmick is amazing.

He was also supposedly only going to stay until the twins finished high school but then Coach Wymack happened and with Erik’s support and his hopes of the twins being happy, he stayed.

I’m not sure about Nicky’s exy abilities, I think he got scolded a lot by Kevin but I like to think that he wasn’t that bad. I really wish we got more exy contents, that one time I got invested in a sport and there wasn’t even a lot of it. 

I also like to believe that he’s more mature than he lets on. Like, he actually knows all that adulting shit.

Also, when Neil noticed that Nicky is just playing his energy levels up to compensate for the Twinyards’ walls because despite everything, he wants to be friends with everyone but can’t because he’s with the monsters and that honestly sucks.

But it’s also commendable that he really tries. 

Ignoring the Eden incident aside, he was actually really great to Neil.

Like, he’s one of the few in the foxes that was friendly to him at the start. 

He also taught him a lot of things (like social cues and all) and did whatever he can to help him.

He’s actually a pretty good friend. 

Also, I lowkey feel for him that despite everything, he still wanted his parents’ validation and approval.

I saw a decent amount of people hate Nicky for this because it was what led to the thanksgiving incident, but I just find it sad.

Because at the end of the day, Nicky was just a son who loved his parents even if they couldn’t love everything he was and the things he stands for, and it’s just sad because even if it was kind of obvious, he just wanted to believe that everything could still mend.

He still wanted to be accepted by them.

Some people don’t deserve to have kids.

But when he realized that it wasn’t going to happen and this brought harm to the twins, he was very apologetic over it and guilty even if it wasn’t his fault, and he chose the twins.

He will always choose the twins. 

"It's about family. Not necessarily the one we were born with, but the one we choose. This one. The people we trust to be part of our lives. The people we care about."

Overall, it’s just really amazing that despite everything, he can look for the positive and enjoy life even if it’s really shitty.

Just ✨Nicholas Esteban Hemmick✨ dude.

[ofhoneyandrosepetals]

On the Edge of a Ramp

Pairing: Sean x Fem! reader

Description: Sean is beaten on the skatepark by this new girl in town and, when he sees himself paired up with her for a school paper, they quickly grow to each other between sharp responses and pettiness.

Warning: swearings.

Word count: 3,426

A/N: This is such a vanilla enemies to lovers 😅🙈 I just can’t see Sean as someone who would hold a grudge against someone so intensely or even for so long. Have fun!

Requested by anonymous: can you make a sean diaz x reader enemies to lovers?

It wasn’t that Sean hated Y/N, or even disliked her. He just… wasn’t amused by her. Of course he had a reason for it, even if it wasn’t the most justified one: she was his rival at the skatepark. He always thought it was a childish, foolish reason to not like her, but it was what it was, and that fact that he didn’t want to feel that way wasn’t strong enough.

Lyla would always, but always bug him about it, to a whole new level that he thought it wasn’t possible for Lyla to be more annoying than his little brother Daniel.

The first day that she went to the skatepark, Lyla went back home with him.

“How was the skatepark?” Asked both Daniel and Sean’s father, Esteban. Unfortunately, Sean wasn’t fast enough on the answer.

“Sean’s got a new girlfriend,” Lyla teased as she rushed Daniel’s hair.

“What?!” Daniel screamed, but Esteban had only a small smile on his face.

“You?” He asked. “A new girlfriend?” If Sean doesn’t knew his father he’d say the old man was sounding a little ironic.

“No way this butthead got a girlfriend!” Daniel exclaimed.

“Daniel. Language,” it was all Esteban said to the little Diaz, who mumbled an excuse that he didn’t really mean.

“Lyla’s just messing around, this girl actually sucks,” Sean threw his backpack and skateboard on the corner and went to sit heavily on the couch, sighing. He missed the look that both Lyla and Esteban exchanged.

“Care to join us for dinner, Lyla?” Esteban asked.

“What’s on the menu?”

“Tonight is pizza night,” Sean said from the couch.

“Then I’ll stay,” the girl stated, sitting next to Sean. “How’s your knee?” She asked in a low tone.

“It’s fine, it was just a scratch. It didn’t even bleed.”

“That girl kicked the hell out of your butt.”

“Thanks for the reminder, it wasn’t like I already forgot that.”

“So…”

“So what?” Sean never got angry at Lyla before, but she was testing his nerves.

“Whatcha gonna do about it?”

“I planned on just sit on the couch and eat some pizza.”

“No payback?”

“No payback.”

But of course this wasn’t true. Sean did want some payback, he just had no idea of what it could be. 

*

Apparently, everyone at school knew about what happened the previous day at the skatepark. “How come is everyone gossiping about it? It’s not even a big deal,” Sean complained between teeth.

“Well, it wasn’t a big deal to you,” Lyla said, air quoting. “But to everyone, this sounds like the new girl, who no one knows a thing about, just kicked your ass.”

Sean clicked his tongue in annoyance. “High school sucks, dude.”

“Do you know what really sucks?” Lyla asked. She had that glimmer in her eyes that Sean knew pretty well, but he’d always fall for the bait.

“What?”

“Having a whining bestie. See ya!” Lyla took off as the ringbell shouted.

“Saved by the bell…” Sean muttered to himself as he opened his locker and got his book for the right class.

*

Sean sneaked away at the end of school so he wouldn’t bump into Lyla or any of his peers - it was a difficult task, to sneak away from Lyla, but Sean assumed that she was too busy being all over the new girl, just like everyone else was.

He knew Lyla thought she was cool, even if she insisted on saying the opposite: “I think you’re cooler.” Yeah, right, the boy thought to himself.

Sean intended on practicing in the garage, since his father wasn’t working on anything in there and Daniel was going to his friend’s house to play some new game. He wasn’t going to give up just because some new girl basically shamed him at the park, and he still wasn’t sure what to do to give her a comeback, but one thing he was certain: he had to get better with his board.

He was easily defeated on what they bet, and sure enough that girl would defeat anyone from his school, but a boy could hope, right?

*

One week had passed smoothly by. Sean kept training away from curious eyes; Lyla and the rest of the school seemed to forget about his loss - except Daniel, who kept bugging him about who the girl was -, and the school was still all over the new girl. Sean didn’t bother to remember her name, until the unexpected happened.

“Diaz, you’ll pair up with the new student, Y/L/N.”

Sean thought that being hit by his worst nightmare would make him scream but, instead, he only melted on his chair, slowly sliding down and hitting his forehead on his desk, completely defeated like a pancake that went wrong.

“C’mon, don’t make a scene out of it,” he heard a girl say in front of him. Once he straightened himself, he saw it was Y/N. He would make Lyla pay for not making this class with him. “The teacher’s taking us to the library,” she said, looking as she expected him to get up as it was some sort of command.

As a defiance, Sean looked her straight in the eyes and counted until sixty. Just to be petty. He noticed she didn’t look away.

“Okay. Let’s go,” he said after a full minute, grabbing his backpack and his book. Sean was never one for being challenging - he was actually pretty chill -, so this act of him took all of his courage and now he felt trembling on his legs. He was so sure that, if he continued to act like that, she’d probably ended up hating him.

Good, he found himself thinking. I don’t need her to like me.

“I like the end tables,” she said after you two entered the library.

“Whatever,” Sean answered, even though he sat at the table that she picked. What a great way to show some dominance, Diaz, he complained to himself, opening his book on what he thought was the right page and, fist on his cheek, started reading.

Or at least he tried to.

Sean couldn’t focus on the fact that he was paired up with her in this school paper, of all people. He couldn’t stop wondering if people were going to gossip all over again.

“I wanted to say that your book is upside down, it’d be funnier, but it’s only on the wrong page. Actually, on the wrong topic,” she said, sounding like a know it all. Sean felt his cheeks heating up and looked for the right topic, peeking at her book. After a few tries, he found it.

“On the wrong topic,” he mocked her and her coast accent.

“I can hear you, you know?”

“I was hoping so.”

“You really do sound like a loser.”

And that was it for Sean. He closed his book, shutting it with more strength than necessary, took his things and stormed out of the library. “Who does she think she is?” He complained out loud in the empty corridors. As he went to his locker, he thanked the whole universe that he brought his skateboard to school today. It was easy to sneak out, even though it wasn’t his last class of the day.

Sean let his skateboard guide him, but of course he ended up being in nowhere less than the skatepark. He trained and trained; sliding, carving, flipping, anything easy that he could improve to be faster, more agile.

But it wasn’t enough, not until he knew the same tricks as Y/N did, or even more, and way better.

But why was he dwelling on such things? Just because he lost a stupid bet? To an unknown person? Of course that now she wasn’t that unknown anymore, but still, it shouldn’t matter. It would matter and really hurt his ego if she was a better artist than him, which would make him be legitimately disappointed with himself.

It actually bugged him a little that he couldn’t stop thinking about her.

“I knew you’d be here,” Lyla said behind him. “But I thought you’d be, you know, doodling and stuff,” she threw her arm around his shoulder, squeezing it. “Let it go, man. No one even remembers what happened anymore.”

Sean pouted, looking sideways.

“No pouting at your best friend - only drawing me! C’mon, draw me like one of your french girls.”

Lyla took her own skateboard and, flipping, started skating around the park. Sean sat on his board and started doodling Lyla as she tried to noseslide. More people filled the park, but Sean kept his eyes on his best friend, not losing sight of her. He doodled Lyla on various positions now - be sliding, flipping or failing to grind. He even got the luck to draw her falling.

“Not your best work, Diaz!” She shouted as she realized what he was drawing.

Spending time with Lyla did really lift up his mood, and he hugged her as they parted ways.

Opening the front door of his house, Sean already knew what was coming his way. His father wasn’t looking so amicable.

“You got anything to say, mijo?” Esteban had his arms crossed in front of his chest and a serious look on his face.

Sean only sighed. “No. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have left school, but I was just…”

“What? What were you just that made you leave school when you shouldn’t?”

“I was angry, okay?” Sean dropped his backpack and skateboard, crossing his arms too. “Y/N just pissed the shit out of me…”

“Language, boy.”

“And I can’t stand her, okay? She said that I sound like a loser, which I probably do, but who is she to say these things? It fucking sucks that I have to do this damn paper with her…”

“Tone it down, Sean,” his father warned.

“Sorry,” he muttered. “I just don’t like her. I don’t want to do this paper with her. She thinks she’s so… much better than me, I don’t know, just because she won the bet at the park.”

“Weren’t those things supposed to be fun? Bet at the skatepark, do some tricks with that thing that you carry around,” Esteban gestured to the skateboard. “It’s all part of the fun, mijo. Don’t be a sore loser.”

“I’m not a sore loser. It was shameful to lose for a girl that no one knew, and next thing I knew she’s this new student, and everyone kept talking about it more. And she was standing there, receiving all the glory for just a stupid bet. Like if she was the queen of the world.”

Esteban patted Sean on the back and hugged his son.

“You know what you’re going to do? You’re gonna forget all about that, finish this paper with this girl, and move on. The Diaz don’t hold a grudge against anyone. Just sound like you don’t care and you’ll be fine, mijo.”

“I’ll try,” Sean sighed. “She’s terrible, y’know?”

“You already told me, I know,” Esteban smiled, a smile that Sean still couldn’t quite tell what it meant. “Go to your room and do your homework. And do not, in any circumstances, repeat what happened today.”

*

Sean didn’t want to speak with Y/N, but someone had to take the first step so they could finish their paper.

But of course that, as always, he got behind of himself and Y/N was the one to take the first step.

“What you think of trying to finish the paper after school? At the library?” She was standing in front of his locker. Was she waiting there for him? And if so, for how long?

“Excuse me,” he only said, in front of her.

“The paper, Diaz. Did you already forget?”

“I meant the locker, you’re blocking the way,” Sean tried to sound neutral, but he was a bit sharp.

“Oh.”

He noticed that she sounded ashamed, but she stepped aside. He opened his locker, grabbed his books and, without looking at her, he said: “Sure, library after class. See ya there,” and left.

Once again Sean felt trembling on his legs, like if that attitude consumed everything that made him who he was and contradicted it. He had to sound like he didn’t care, but was that the right attitude? How could he be chill and careless at the same time? You got this, Diaz, he kept thinking to himself. Soon enough she won’t be able to get you on your nerves anymore.

*

Y/N was sitting in front of him, and he dared to say that she simply looked… weird. Like if she was holding a fart that she knew she couldn’t release, like Daniel did in the dinner table.

“Are you okay?” Sean asked, and immediately regretted. He didn’t care if she was okay or not, or at least he wanted to look like he didn’t care.

“I’m fine,” she answered way too quickly.

Sean wanted to say that she looked all things but fine. Instead, he found himself doing the unpredictable.

“Your book’s on the wrong topic,” he said as he looked down at his own book, just peeking at her at the top of his eyelids.

He saw her expression turning alarmed as she looked down at her book, then she looked confused, brows furrowing.

“Gotcha,” Sean said with a smirk before she could say or protest anything.

“Touché,” she said, looking rather shy, which was an unexpected trait for her. “I guess I deserved that.”

“Yeah, you did.”

“We’re even?”

Sean didn’t respond, not because he wanted to be petty - again -, but only because he didn’t know the answer. Were they even? He did want to forget all of that stupid rivalry, but he didn’t feel like they’d turn out to be good friends. She was too sassy, too loud, too…

Sean looked away as a stripe of sunlight came through the window, enlightening a lock of her hair.

“I guess this is a no.”

Was the hint of disappointment that crossed her words? Sean couldn’t say. Minutes have passed in silence before any of them said anything.

“Have you done your part?” Sean asked in a careful tone.

“Not yet,” she murmured. 

“Lemme know when you finish,” Sean said and pulled his sketchbook from his backpack.

He started doodling carelessly, being wrapped up in his own bubble when he started working on his sketchbook. Everything around him turned off - he couldn’t hear what people spoke, only a sound here and there, if he wanted to really pay some attention. It was just him and his journal, his go-to pal.

“You’re really good at this.”

The sudden voice startled Sean, making his hand go all the way through the page, making an ugly scribble. “Damnit,” he cursed, to no one in particular.

“Shit, I’m so sorry,” Y/N said. “You’re gonna hate me more now, won’t you?”

“What?” Sean blinked, processing her words. “Hate you? I don’t hate you,” he tried to erase the scribble without erasing much of the drawing itself.

“I thought you did, because, you know… I was such a show off at the park the other day, and because of what I said yesterday. Now I fucked up your drawing. I just don’t know when to shut the fuck up.”

“You really don’t,” Sean said, alien to his surroundings and to Y/N herself. It came to him that he probably hurt her with his comment, and even though she did hurt him yesterday, he didn’t want to hurt her back. His father wouldn’t approve of this. “But it doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing…” he stuttered on his own words.

“I see what you’re doing, there’s no need. Thanks anyway.”

“It just sucks, you know?” Sean spat, not caring for the fact that he told himself he would never bring that subject up. “Being picked up at school because of some random person at the skatepark. And then you were here, being all show off, and people started making fun, just because I lost at something that I know I’m not really good at. I’m not serious about skateboarding. I just wanna hangout with my friends and have some fun. You also didn’t help at all to keep the situation light.”

Sean’s face was buried in his sketchbook as he brushed up some lines. He realized the wolf in his drawing wore the same shorts that Y/N did when she was skating. He erased them and drew something new.

“I’m sorry,” he heard her saying. “I wanted to say that the whole day, but it’s not an easy thing for me.”

“Apologizing?”

She only nodded.

“Okay, but under only one condition,” Sean said, still not looking at her.

“Whatever you want,” she seemed eager. Sean bit his lips before saying.

“You gotta teach me that trick. That’s really awesome, and I can’t pull it off by myself.”

She smiled, and Sean would never, in a thousand years, imagine that such a smile would get him strucked. The sunlight in her hair was long gone, but she still looked bright.

“Diaz, you have the honor to be my first pupil,” she said, all smiles and brightness. Something in his stomach twisted.

*

It was the middle of the week, so the skatepark wasn’t packed with people going back and forth on their boards, which was a good thing for Sean, he supposed - he’d hate it if any of his peers saw him learning anything like that in public.

Y/N was trying to teach him an underflip, but Sean wasn’t concentrating enough.

She’s so close, he kept thinking.

“Dude, are you listening to me?” She complained. Sean only nodded. “Okay, then at least get your feet right. Here,” she pointed with her right foot. Sean stepped there. “And here,” he also stepped there. “Remember to keep your feet out of the way so your board has room to flip. Got it?”

“Got it.”

“Try again.”

Sean tried, once again, unsuccessfully. “I keep landing primo, this sucks,” he complained.

“It’s fine, I landed a lot like that in the beginning. It’s all part of the process.”

“I don’t think I’ll get it today.”

“Keep your hopes up, Diaz.”

“You think I’m kicking the board up from below right?”

“You’re doing everything right, you just need to practice more, especially your landing. You can practice landing with one foot, if that’s the problem.”

“I think I rather take a break.”

“Or that works too.”

The two of them sat on the edge of the ramp. Sean noticed that her pinkie was far too close to his own - just a few millimeters and they’d be touching. He took a deep breath and looked away.

“Washington has this weird air, but I like it here.”

“How was California?”

“Sunny and warm,” she smiled at him, and Sean felt again that same pinch. “Hey, I’m sorry I was such an asshole.”

“I already forgave you, cut it out.”

“I mean it,” then she grabbed his hand, and the world stopped, and all Sean could see was Y/N.

“You’re forgiven, you know that,” his voice didn’t sound his own voice at all. His voice was hoarse.

She was gazing at him, and if eyes could burn, Sean would’ve already turned into a pile of ashes. He decided it was okay for him to get closer to her, his knee touching hers. The tip of her index finger drew circles on his palm.

“This is weird, isn’t it?” She asked, looking down at her own feet.

It was supposed to be weird, Sean thought, but it wasn’t, not really. He only nodded negatively and mumbled a no. Y/N intertwined her fingers with his and they sat together like this on the edge of the ramp, looking down at all the people skating, jumping and sliding around.

“This is kinda unpredicted.”

“All the unpredicted things have happened the moment you showed up,” Sean said, sounding confident.

“Is it now?” She giggled, and the sound of her giggles made Sean want to look at her, the sun resting on her face, and he wondered if it was warm, or how soft her skin would be.

Sean kept taking in all of her facial features until she broke the moment. “Don’t ruin it, Diaz.”

“Of course not,” he said, cupping her chin with his thumb and index finger, pulling her face up so she could look at him. “I won’t ruin it unless you tell me to.”

[cartoonfangirl1218]

Honestly I forgot if I posted these hcs or not. But since they’re sure to be new to someone, why not. I’ll post it again maybe.

Whose a deeper sleeper? Eleteo: I feel like Elena would be because as energetic as she is when she sleep she crashes mainly because of all the subconscious pressure of being a good ruler ontop of all the crazy magic shenanigans and people trying to actively kill her. On the downside, it makes it hard to wake her up when she’s having a nightmare sometimes. Mateo, I feel like, has a very active mind so sometimes he’ll wake up in the middle of the night because she just HAS to get down some magic potion idea or spell that has been nagging him.

Gababel: Gabe, no question. Especially after night patrols. Also for health reasons to be alert you have to have a good night sleep. And general exhaustion from training and fighting and all that. I feel like Isabel is the same as Mateo as she’d wake up if she has an idea that popped into her head so she must write it down. Also sometimes Gabe’s snoring is loud and hard for her to sometimes go fall asleep.

Estenaomi: It depends who falls asleep first. They both snore, and move around and they both deny it vehemently. So usually whoever falls asleep second has to somehow power through the snoring and sometimes getting kicked before finding their sleep.

Estoma: Doña. I hc Esteban as a night person since it’s so quiet and peaceful. And okay he has nightmares sometimes, and his thoughts keep him awake. Less angsty though is doña is such a deep sleeper she doesn’t notice when Esteban accidentally pushed her off the bed much to his relief. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR12buNutSo

Who broaches the define the relationship talk? Eleteo: Neither. I don’t know but I just feel they’re so… so connected that they don’t need words. They know they’re the ones for each other. They just are.

Gababel: Isabel would because Gabe is so nervous and worried about the relationship what with her status and being the little sister of one of his best friends and all that. So Isabel starts the conversation to assure him and that it is not inappropriate or seem like gold digging or etc.

Estenaomi: Naomi would because she’s blunt like that because she doesn’t want waste her time and her heart if it’s just a game to Esteban.

Estoma: Esteban would because he would finally be comfortable enough to open his heart and pursue a relationship after the angst of his life and he doesn’t want surprise.

Advice they gave but don’t take themselves? Eleteo: That your feelings and fears are valid and you shouldn’t hide them. They say that to the other meaning it with all their hearts, but when it comes to their own problems, sometimes they don’t follow through. Elena because she is crown princess and later, queen. She wants to be cool and put together because she has to be a leader, she’s scared to shake off that image for a second or else she’ll fall apart. But as their relationship deepens, she finds Mateo to be a safe place to let go of that queenly mask without fear that he’ll think of her as less of a strong leader. Mateo just feels that his problems are so inconsequential and little and they don’t matter or she doesn’t want to hear which is the least true thing ever. But also slowly but surely Mateo comes to fully realize how much Elena cares for him and his feelings matter.

Gababel: The whole work and no play. Both are guilty of this with Gabe wanting his men and himself to get into top shape for battle and Isabel slaving away over her inventions and university work at the cost of sleep and sometimes their mental sanity. Sometimes they are both so busy with their work, they end up encouraging this worse impulse. But most of the days, it is always one who is busy and the other one urges them to relax and sleep and even “kidnaps” them to a surprise excursion for fun and that always relieves them of being in “the zone.”

Estenaomi: They both have trouble admitting that they have limits. Esteban because he so wants to be look upon as an adult and respected so he won’t admit he has flaws or if he is facing a fear (like spiders or man eating animals) he’ll still power on despite the danger and he never says he needs help until he is in deep deep trouble… or quicksand whatever comes first. Naomi is similar in that she is determined not to be seen as a common port girl so she’ll similarly try to do things on her own without help. Like Eleteo, they come to see each other as the person to go to, that they can ask for help without feeling like a failure.

Estoma: They tend to tie their self worth into their jobs or fancy titles. Like when Esteban doesn’t have his Chancellor duties after the feast of friendship or when he is redeemed. It’s like another late life crisis as he doesn’t know what to do with himself or who he is? (Dun dun dun!) Doña has to remind him that now he has a chance to distance himself from the job after the pain he went through getting it, and some of the more unsavory things Shuriki made him do, and do things he enjoys. Doña just throws herself into her store and getting more more money and Esteban has to tell her that the world won’t collapse that if she doesn’t get all the money leading to their ridiculous fights, “I can’t believe you’re making me do this. I get the best profits during Navidad!” “I so appreciate your sacrifice but you’re going to spend Navidad with my family and you are going to like it!”

[accidentallyf1fan]

What drivers would pee in the car and who wouldn't

Well, I saw this post of Pierre rights, and  I was thinking about this all day long, so, here is my list with the drivers I think would pee and that who wouldn’t.

Would pee:

Lewis:I don’t think he would do it often, but if he needs he will.

Max: He will do what he needs to win, if this is pee in his seat, well… Will dry in some moment.

Charles: Why not? If he desperately need

Lando: idk, just looks like a thing he would do.

Daniel: The first driver I thought that do this kind of thing. Just vibes with him. And I remember him farting in a press conference, is not the same, but idk…

Esteban: If he needs, he will. He remembers what it tooks to be here, so piss in his seat is nothing compared.

Alonso: Same as Lewis.

Yuki: He would pee and then curse as hell, cause he needed to do this disgusting thing.

Seb:He told he doesn’t do this, maybe now, but I really think he did back in time he was in rbr.

Kimi: Why not? He doesn’t care! If hasn’t another way…

George: He desperately wants some points, he will pee in the moment this start being a distraction.

Wouldn’t pee:

Bottas: Idk, i think he would think it’s stupid, he can control it.

Checo: Idk, just looks like he doesn’t need.

Sainz: Would think that it is too disgusting to do. He is too fancy to pee in his seat.

Pierre:I do believe in his innocence, I think he never needed to do this and he thought tha its a prank of Charles when he told about peeing in that race.

Lance: Don’t, just don’t. He never needed to do that.

Antonio: Nah, he would not pee. Probably thinks someone will notice or go regularly in the bathroom before all the races. He doesn’t want.

Mick: Too new in this, he never needed. And I think he wouldn’t need, idk, just seems like this.

Latifi: Forgets to connect the drinks tube and get dehydrated.

[sinnamonfox]

~ Sean x Finn - Rival mechanics AU ~

Exam period’s dying down, still, I should be writing essays rn yet here I am, spewing out AUs. Oh well.

Hope you guys enjoy it too! <3

I imagined Blood Brothers Sean and Daniel cuz hot damn, plus Parting Ways Finn, his dreads in a bun. Since Daniel just turns 21 I guess Sean’s 28 and Finn’s maybe a year or two older.

Both of the boys are mechanics in Seattle. They have their own, separate business in the same area, not too far from each other. Finn has been dealing with cars all his life and Sean's watched Esteban during work, often gave him a hand too. Now, that Esteban's been gone for a few years, Sean's taking over the garage with the occasional help of his little brother, although he wasn't so little either anymore, only turning 21.

As far as Sean can remember Esteban hated the McNamara Salon. Said they were no good troublemakers, knowing the owner from when Esteban started up his business here after freshly settling down in the country. He was suspecting that him and his sons were actually living off of illegal deals. Although the other man never explicitly said so, something was just.. off. Turned out, his dad was right.

Finn's own father isn't a good man, he's far from it. He's still in jail for drug dealing, car stealing, domestic violence and putting his minor sons up to his kind of work. Finn ended up in juvie but he's out now years later and he's running the garage all alone, under legal circumstances. It's a lot of work, especially after his father put a permanent mark on the garage's reputation, but he's doing his best to get by. Being a mechanic is the only thing he knows how to do anyway.

It's a warm summer night when they accidentally meet at a bar. Sean's taking Daniel out drinking for his 21th birthday with Lyla, Chris, Noah and some of Daniel's college buddies. Sean goes up to the bar to buy the first round of shots, leaning on the counter, waiting with his fingers tapping the surface.

Finn.. he's fucking smitten the minute he spots Sean. There's just something about him that stands out in the crowd. He's also kind of.. familiar. Sean has a slightly rugged look with a goatee. He's all lean muscle, broad shoulders in a plain white tshirt that compliments his natural tan skin so well, a long, black wolf medallion hanging by the middle of his chest. The veins on his arms are prominent from all the smoking and heavy lifting, and his legs.. well, fuck.

Finn doesn't hesitate for a second before sliding up to him, calling him sweetheart right off the bat.

Sean's considerably less shy than he was a years ago as a teen. He's still quiet, more brooding than he used to be but definitely more upfront as well. He flirts back because Finn's very attractive and it's flattering that someone like him is showing interest in Sean. With Finn's dreads put up in a bun his sharp features are fully visible, there's a septum hanging from his nose. His face tattoos are strangely endearing, he pulls them off by being so confident in his own skin.

They banter flirtily, there's no doubt about the attraction between the two. Finn notices the Diaz tattoo on Sean's wrist and it clicks where he's seen those brown doe eyes before. They met once because of their dads. He comments something about his looks and how he’s changed. Sean's confused at first. As it dawns on him, he starts acting more reluctant, recalling Esteban's warnings about the no-good McNamara family. Finn, despite sensing the shift in his behavior, doesn't give up.

When Sean gets his shots, he excuses himself back to Daniel's, but before he could go back Finn hands over his phone number, scribbled down quickly on a scrap of paper with a goofy smiley:

"*call me, Sweetie

xoxo ~ Finn*"

Finn gets back to his own crew but all he can do through the whole night is steal glances of Sean. Sean tries to focus on Daniel, it's his birthday after all. He's giving him the keys to his old car but playfully warns him not to give it a go tonight. Daniel's ecstatic, it's the first (official) time they're getting drunk together.

Still, even after finding out about who he was, Sean's eyes can't help wandering over to Finn.. the two men's gaze occasionally meet from across the room. Turns out, both Lyla and Daniel notice, they saw the two interact at the bar and what they're doing now is obvious. They tease Sean because of it. "Think you've got some drool on your face, man." Daniel knocks his elbow against his with a cheeky grin, Lyla has a similar expression on her face as she sushes Daniel. "Sssh, careful, dude. You're interrupting the eye-fucking."

Sean decides he needs a smoke. He downs his (third) shot before grabbing the lighter and cigarette pack from his coat then heads out alone. He can't resist checking on Finn one last time despite how his head is full of warnings. Finn catches it and follows not too far behind, ignoring his friends' perverted comments.

Sean's leaning against the brickwall in the alley with his left leg bent when Finn joins him. "Ain't usually into smokers but damn, sweetheart. That's a good look on ya." Finn's accent is impossible to miss, his voice is smooth and so relaxing. The grey smoke cascades out of Sean's mouth as he exhales, disappearing into the dark night, his own cheeks slightly pink but the neon lights conceal it. His lips wrap around the cigarette one more time before they part softly, looking erotic even though it's not his intention. Finn follows the motion with his eyes, not at all hiding his interest.

At first, it's mostly Finn flirting, Sean's still undecided, his heart in a constant fight with his brain. They chat for long, their friends completely forgotten. They end up laughing together, a lot. Sean finds out Finn's got a way with words and Finn.. he learns that Sean doesn't really but it's okay because he gets him on a deeper level. Sean's eyes are more expressive than he is verbally but luckily Finn's excellent at reading people. The tan male finds himself liking this punk more and more.

The topic turns more serious. They connect. Neither of them knows how but they end up chatting about their families. Finn he reveals more than he normally would to strangers, Sean (sort of) knows his situation anyway. Sean talks about how he's alone with Daniel, the only family they have is each other and Finn can relate to that, his brothers are the only family he's got left.

As silence falls upon them once more, Sean realizes Finn's somehow drifted closer to him and he can feel Finn's breath on his face. There comes the moment which seems to be a turning point, somehow. Both of the guys are thinking the same. Finn's eyes flickering down to Sean's plump lips. Their heartbeats quickening, breathing turning faster. Finn makes the first step, bringing a calloused hand up to Sean's face, thumb swiping over his cheek, curiously awaiting his reaction.

Sean's heart wins. His lips part, he couldn't look away from Finn's piercing blue eyes and doesn't think before he closes the distance, their lips meeting in a sensual kiss that's excruciatingly slow and passionate. Sean feels like he's forgotten how to breathe, the wind's knocked right out of him. Finn's lips are massaging against Sean's for minutes, they're getting lost in the sensations. Sean's hands are now resting on Finn's hip, not wanting to pull back because it's so damn good.

When Finn goes to break away, Sean chases after him and tugs on the neck of his tshirt to pull him back which causes their bodies to collide accidentally.

Finn downright moans.

Pins Sean against the wall with his forearm by his head, which in turn makes the younger whimper into his mouth. Finn swallows up the sound, the make out session suddenly turns more heated. Sean’s long fingers slide up the front of Finn's tshirt, feeling up the flat of his stomach and it sets off something in the tattooed man, his tongue pushing into Sean's mouth to explore it eagerly. Finn grabs Sean's ass over those tight black jeans and they're both getting carried away, it's too much and Sean's stopped thinking..

Hannah interrupts, looking for Finn because Cassidy knocked herself out. They're both visibly flustered, Sean's feeling shy suddenly. "Sorry, darlin'. Duty calls but.. would love to do this again, sometime. All'uv it." Finn winks suggestively before disappearing inside, leaving Sean there alone. He brings his fingers up to his lips, the taste of Finn still lingering.

[lucy-shining-star]

So, I rarely do episode reactions but this is finale, so I need to do it:

Mingo, Zoom and Estrella <3

Hi Marlena. I think Marlena is my one of my favourites minor characters for if only because I think she has sibling like relationship with Mateo. So I’m glad she did get lowkey bigger role this season even though it’s still small.

I must note despite everything kids didn’t boo at ‘lying cousin Esteban’

Shuriki from Spirit Wolrd: I do not do high-fives, and did you just make me dance? And I wouldn’t let Esteban dance also. 

Puppets facial expressions are something else

I love how Armando had puppet Gabe on his head for a moment

Lmao, I think getting public to not be angry at Esteban wouldn’t be that hard if now it can be singed ‘Poor Victor and Carla Delgado’ after they have been wanted criminals for like...two years?

Puppet Esteban hiding behind puppet AshXD

Armando and Marlena are so cute

I love the parts when kids are singing

I really love ‘long may she reign’ part

Also, I was confused everytime when someone was singing/saying ‘four years’ cause I was not sure if that was ‘four years’ or ‘for years’

Zuzo, don’t scare her

‘You can’t believe everything a whispering campfire tells you’ I love Zuzo being dissmisant of prophercies.

Elena with that excited ‘I waited four years’ 

I saw that people were worried that Francisco was dying because of that and later and I’m like...it didn’t cross my mind that it could mean that.

Well, it’s not last

Naomi,Isabel,Gabe and Mateo are relatable.

Sorry, Dona, Zuzo ruined your chance in previous episode

How Elena doesn’t know she has to do these things? She was heir to throne since birth? She was so busy preparing two episodes ago? HOW litterally everyone else knows and treats like it’s obvious!? 

Elena making Gabe and Mateo hold hands <3

Royals <3

‘I can’t wait to try your fine cuisine’ I see king Toshi has same priorities as me.

I see Alonso looks slightly different than last time?

Valentina being in carriage with Alonso and his father <3 Now that I think about it, Cordoba and Paraiso are both close to Avalor, so they are probably close to each other too?

Hector in carriage with these two kings who he used to boss around until Elena came. I assume they made up and now are equal friends?

Poor Armando. Also, Valentina little too late to say thatXD

Wait, what they were about to do? What runthrough?

That looks beautiful

Lmao at Ixlan not caring

Warning isn’t enough, but does that mean they didn’t warn her? Or they did? Though, if they did they shouldn’t be surprised that she came

Lmao at them knowing she will go anyway

So...that means when Craig said that Franciso may now be ashamed (that was what he wrote?) of his vote about Esteban he was probably just tired of that question and decided to troll?

Elena’s ‘Not anymore’ is kind of scary.

I still can’t believe how naive Ash is

Chatana...Tziloco found it? Okay, he didn’t notice that he found it, but still, that was joined effort.

How did she know it’s under the ocean not on it?

I love how they look at Isa with such admiration cause she invented poisonous arrows.

Only Antonia from the rest of the guards?

Ooo...you are both adorable sidekicks.

Esteban and Elena conflict third season is really direct opposite of Cassandra and Rapunzel conflict in tangled third seasonXD I mean in how how traitor-antagonist and protagonist react to each other.

I’m lowkey surprised that Mateo is surprised that she got his name rightXD 

Esteban and Ixlan sceneXD

I think Isa also thinks that jellyfish is a baby.

Marissa!

Poor Carla.

Why Esteban teleported there?

Wow, Elena really control her emotion powers.

Unforunately, she still let emotions decide for her.

Lmao at Shades renaming themselves.

Mateo, sweetie, that was stupid.

Ixlan finally seeing challenge.

Mateo with glowing green eyes looks nice. Scary, but nice.

Isa already taking charge.

At first I thought Elena’s angery magic started kicking in here. Also her angery face here is glorious.

Okay, Vuli’s face colours changing are like Elena’s dress, but his main colour is green so...I dunno,it’s kinda weirdXD

I think that is my favourite song in whole episode. 

Those Shades really likes to invade Esteban’s personal space

I heard Ozai with angery ‘Tell us!’

I see Hetz actually have to think about what to sing.

Cahu’s voice hypnotizes me. Like when she talks also,but singing is double powerful. Also, I’m not sure if she is the most powerful? Like,on one hand, her powers is the scariest. On the other,she is the only one that needs a tool.

Oh, even Cahu saluted

I love how Cahu sang ‘We’ll meet them’

‘So you can rule your subjects like their puppets on a string’ I see Yolo is planning Esteban rule to be like this Zuzo au.

Did Esteban realize something is off when Cahu sang ‘And we’ll finish what we started long ago?’ I guess he did and then forgot the second she finished that line.

I’m sad we didn’t get to see Ash face when Bobo said ‘The one and only’. She was probably like ‘Hey,that’s my line’

...Now I’m imagining Ash trying to rule the Zanies. Just out of spite.

I wonder, did Isabel and Elena tell anyone else about that vision?

I see Naomi remembers Valentina’s got magic since I guess it’s like ‘Valentina definitely can help, and maybe someone else’

Elena finding out she has more body count than she thought.

‘Oh,drama’XD He is so happy about it

She plays pretty well for someone who can’t stand it.

‘Us probably’ it’s great line,but they are already looking away.

So the answer is Valentina.

Do they know Marissa? Also it’s nice to see Naomi and Marissa coming here together after Naomi hated Marissa that much.

Lmao at Raul and Lucia’s reactions.

Hi Orizaba

First of all: Zoopitole is Mateo’s body count

Which makes me remember I used to think Mateo is ‘looks like cinammon roll,is a cinnamon roll’ while Naomi is ‘looks like they could kill you,can actually kill you’ but it sure looks different. Naomi, you dissapointed me.

So I need to completely change how I see this meme when it comes to all four amigos. So Mateo ‘looks like a cinammon roll,could actually kill you’, Naomi is ‘looks like they could kill you, is actually cinammon roll’ Gabe is ‘looks like a cinammon roll, is a cinammon roll’ and Elena is ‘looks like could kill you,could actually kill you’

Although actually I think they are all capable of killing.

Second of all: Here they should be Flo shouting ‘I was right!’

‘Elena victims club up high!’ is great, tho.

Oh, I didn’t notice earlier that Cahu did little ‘no,don’t say that’ geture to Vulu after he said ‘let’s make it ours’. It looks kinda cute.

‘It’s that you,moustache’ ‘That’s king moustache too you’ lmao

‘They are our allies’...um,Esteban? 

It kinda looked like Vuli is about to touch Abigail’s bust

They are pretty calm for being touched with chaos touch. Like they just hit the hitting bals with clubs.

Chloe and Dona hereXD

Also, is Dona escaping and Naomi right after saying she has some ideas finale foreshadowing on her being new chancellor?

‘If I told you,you wouldn’t let me do it’ ‘What? Isabel!’ Isa, he has enough of this with your sister

‘Your forecast, looks bleak’ I like that line

Isa on her way to have body count

Isa killing powerfulf shade. Gabe and Luna being proud of her <3

Yolo getting scared and Hetz appearing in spirit world immadietely. I love this whole sequence

Hi,Cacahute

Elena looks so cute here when she realised she should go after Ash

‘If you keep hearing in the darkness of your past, you will never see a brighter future’? Though I’m not sure if hearing was the word used here

Wait, that’s still don’t explain everything. Did Esteban make deal with Shuriki knowing that she would invade anyway hoping if he help her she wouldn’t hurt his family? Did he try to convince her to not attack and then she manipulated him with saying she is going to listen to him when his family didn’t?

Vuli really likes to sing.

Ixlan is sure confident.

What exactly Valentina wanted Alonso to do? He has no magic, no sword, no lasso, no fancy cool inventions? I doubt he has much body strenght?

Oh, Vuli being sad for Hetz <3

Oh, Alonso protecting Valentina <3 

Did Esteban just...slide down the railing?

Luisa had great speech 

Esteban really did not realise he is a villain? 

Cahu summed up Esteban great.

But that also mean they saw everything...I think they know that is was really Ash who freed them.

Also, Elena is too focused on revenge, is too emotional, and too focused on past, and Esteban trusts who pretends to listen and wants power to be heard...

They are both Anakin 

That’s why everything ended well in episode with Mark Hamill XD

When you walk in to some evil lady being dangerously close to your first cousin who happens to be often swayed by evil ladies (oh,and also you grandparents are turned to a stone right next to it). No, but seriously she really was close. Isa is going to have trauma

Some time later:

‘Isa: Please tell me you are a gay or ace.

Esteban: What? Why...I’m...

Isa: Please!

Esteban: Okay...So...I’m ace?

Isa:That’s a relief, thanks.-she goes

Esteban:What was that about?

Elena,seeing scene from some distance:No,seriously, what was that about?

Naomi,Mateo and Gabe who know what this is about exchanging”we are not telling her” looks in the bakground’

Rafa didn’t notice something is wrong?

Hi,Alacazar

Flo making sure she annoys Grand Macaw enough she would let her out too

...Actually Elena could just tell him she brought Flo to life with her emotions and he would kick her out to not risk having more creatures like this in his nest.

Thank you Bobo for vocalising your irritation with that. You saved Elena

Didn’t Ash find it suspicious that Elena stopped Bobo or she didn’t notice?

Hi Sanza 

Hi Shuriki, I see you saw that kid eating popcorn during the song in the beggining and decided you want it too.

Also, she is probably happy right now that Elena loses only to find out Elena goes back to real worldXD Unless she knew it, Troyo didn’t seem surprised.

Also, I wonder how music and dance hater feels about being stuck at eternal party. I suppose she found that olaball game moment of relieve

Zoopitole, that was harsh. I can’t believe they made me feel sorry for Ash. I hope she didn’t hear ir.

Mateo’s sad voice when he told shades had taken over Avalor :(

Isa’s sad voice when she said ‘I’m sorry’ :(

‘Pride had put my heart to sleep, but now I’m wide awake. I have hurt everyone, the damage is done’ I love this part. Also love Esteban’s eyes when he opens the door.

The change of scene with fountains is beautiful.

I’m little dissapointed that Isa didn’t talk during that part so I would have all main characters kinda-shared song. Even though only two sing, but still that would be little something.

Elena hugging Skylar <3

Esteban on that throne :(

Carmen’s face after little touch of chaosXD

‘You don’t wanna mess wtih Vuli’ ‘Okay’ I love Migs here

Vuli, you really are attacking your friend for accident?

I love that Gabe didn’t use tamborita in the finale but got his main skill show off just with his tool powered up by a Mateo. 

Also love that got to use his signature move that got stolen by two peopleXD in real fight.

Also, Antonia used tamoborita...I’m kind of starting to think there is some general rule that women more often have natural talent for magic.

‘Or send us’ and not reacting to Elena’s ‘wait, you didn’t mention that’. Same feral energy as Isa’s earlier.

Oh, Yolo (Vulu too? I’m not sure) is happy to see Hetz again <3

Mateo and Gabe turned into a stone right after their sucess :(

Also, I think they are the only one besides Francisco and Luisa to be two people turned into same stone? That’s kind of shippy

Elena’s face after that

Skylar :(

That’s sadistic on one side, but on the other,good that she decided to torture her before killing

Good choice, Esteban. Extremely predictable way to reedem him but that’s a good thing.

Congratulations Esteban on earning your redemption.

Hmm, now all of show main male characters are turned into stone. 

<3

The forgivness dress is white! Yeah, I thought so for longer time!

Though the reason is most probably either cause white is angelic colour or mixed coulour of rainbows I thought this because of that dress (and...that might be foreshadowing of white forgivness dress?):

And to lesser extent that:

Because of that first dress being in episode where Esteban after making mistake decided that he (well,and Naomi and Mateo and Luna.Though not really Luna) owes her more than apology, and also because that’s where we got little more of his backstory.

And the second because Esteban was reffering to this episode in his clue, even though she didn’t have that dress in scene he was reffering to. Also, in that episode Elena was especially worried about being noble leader, and she was afraid of losing everything again even though there was no real threat at those point.

Also, that’s why I kinda tried to find connections to certain episodes in Elena’s other colours. 

'You can’t change what you did before, but you can change what you do next’ right?

Wow, how she control that. And it’s beautiful <3

Oh, and she remembers that others need to be saved to without having to see them

Valentina hug-spinning Alonso <3

Gabe and Mateo nicely landed.

Also, I was lowkey surprised here that Naomi first checked on Mateo, despite being suggested to being in love (in relationship?) with Gabe, but since every other from amigos ships was teased, and that was only Naomi and Mateo one-on-one interaction in the whole special, I’m happy with that.

...How Esteban managed to aim correctly when Elena has to work on that pretty long?

Elena:Well, I let you use my tool, so now I’m going to use yours

Did flames told Quita Moz after the test what it was or he just didn’t tell Elena earlier? Or he figures out himself what test was?

Wow, Luisa is surprised that Elena forgave Esteban

Elena and Esteban hug <3

Elena and Isabel hug <3

Amigos hug <3

We have a queen to crown <3

That pose during changing of the scene is cute:

Mingo, Zoom and Estrella <3

Hector bowing <3

Tomiko doing ‘<3′ <3

I love how all teen(wait,no...young adults?) royals are in the same shot <3

Elena looking at Esteban and he bowing <3 Dona smiling <3

Hi Sofia! And Amber! And James! And Miranda! And Roland!

Although James, Sofia and Amber look kinda weird

Technically, Elena isn’t one yet too, since she isn’t crowned yet

 Also now I kinda wish we had seen Vor in spirit world cause I still don’t know if Sofia has body count or that was just exorcism

‘Elena,queen of Avalor’<3

‘All hail the queen’<3

Lmao at Gabe and Mateo

I saw people saying it looked like marriage proposal before I saw episode, and I thought it was just shipping googles, but damn, it really did look like that.

Daniel and Scarlett already proud in the background

‘With the best insticts in the kingdom’ Naomi, you are awesome

‘Gabe,you’ve been by my side since my first day of rule’ <3 Love Gabe’s eyes here. 

‘Mateo,we’ve been through so much together, you and I’ <3

Mateo is so cute here

Okay, so that was like super cute and ship teasing all ships between Elena and her amigos,but...Does Gabe and Mateo’s new titles change anything for them? Or was Elena just like ‘Okay, I’m going to be queen, I’m going to make Naomi chancellor and Isabel royal inventor...boys would have feel left out. My boys also need fancy titles’

Isa being royal inventor and that hug <3

Elena teasing Mateo and Gabe XD

Kinda thought she might choose Esteban. Still,cute <3

Four servants giving guitars, to four people, and one of them isn’t even from royal family. Wow

Elena touching all amigos hands <3

For some reason I kinda don’t like line ‘And now you’ve crowned me’ but like. Literally only that line. And I don’t know why.

Elena dancing with Francisco <3

Elena hugging Isa and Luisa <3

Elena twirling with Naomi <3

Gabe and Mateo twirling Elena in the while lifting her <3

Gabe putting his hand on Mateo’s shoulder <3 

Elena hugging Skylar <3 Luna being only one eating, relatable. And Skylar coming for more hugs <3

She seemed surprised that they started signing here. But only for a moment

That hand move with ‘I know we gonna be alright’ looks so cool

Mateo and Gabe lifting Elena while she is sitting<3 

Esteban breakdancingXD Though, for being such major character there was very little of him in that last song.

I love the way Naomi pulled Gabe into dance

Isa and James look cute

Lmao, Craig said that he THINKS Ixlan and Antonia share some scene when they actually had a dance with in which Antonia holds Ixlan down with that face? 

Also, Ixlan is impressed

‘Are you ready for day two?’ ‘I am!’ <3

Mateo and Carla buming heads and holding hands <3 I was hoping for some positive interaction that could be seen as ship tease with tight shipping googles but turns out googles didn’t need to be that tight. Also I think I would be happy if that actually means they are confirmed. Like, eleteo is still my otp, but I really love this one too. Kinda like I’m happy with ichihime being canon depsite ishihime being my fave Orihime ship also though it probably helps that ichiruki is my notp and renruki is my otp for whole manga but also why i’m taliing about bleach while didn’t read most of it. Altough that could be just, okay now let’s dance together like normal people

Alonso and Valentina being their extra selves together <3 I waited for any interaction for so long, and now I’ve been fed so much <3

Oh, Hector and Abigail walking-jumping hand in hand. Cute

Marissa twirls beautifully. I lowkey laugh at Marzel’s walk though.

Dona seemingly kissing Julio behind that fan really took me by surprise. I didn’t expect that level of ship tease.

Elena and Sofia being last dance <3

I didn’t notice earlier Naomi threw scepter to Elena

That beautiful spoiled shot <3

Elena’s crown falling down, and she having to adjust it, and Naomi’s face and Isa laugh <3 

Wow,background to credits is stunnigly beautiful.

So anyway, I really love the finale! It’s so emotional and beautifully concludes everything. 

[kiss-my-freckle]

Basic prediction

“Tell Patrick I love him. Like a son.” The traitor in the family, Patrick will be the one to kill the woman from Paris, then Patrick’s own death will serve a double purpose. It'll be Dembe's consequence for choosing his imam. Divided loyalty, just like Smokey. Dembe’s imam lives, Patrick dies. The other purpose: avenge Agnes. I believe Patrick's hit will push her storyline, as I think she’ll suffer an injury when he kills the woman. Then Agnes’ storyline will push through to Liz's second memory wipe, which should then push them all the way back to the pilot. 

Dom wasn't a player in the game. Neither was Patrick. Dom took a bullet, Patrick didn’t for a reason. Patrick’s attack is what I’d consider a monsoon, as I believe everything will reverse through this single act. I believe it will play opposite Ian Garvey. Instead of Red breaking in to save Liz and Tom, I believe Patrick and his team are gonna storm Liz’s balcony doors and shoot their way through the back. I believe the woman is going to die in her effort to protect Agnes just as Tom did with Liz. 

Ilya’s two leads

Hannah's episode splits the difference. Patrick Masuda is still a player in the game because he lost both his parents. "I have two leads. One lead is still a work in progress. The other one is solid. What do you know about Norman Devane?" Their lead on Norman Devane pushed through to Patrick Masuda in 7x7, which led to Red calling the woman from Paris and Patrick walking away because of their new lead. Motya Morozov was used as a new lead for the sole purpose of pushing their first lead, Berdy Chernov. That lead went from Ilya’s contact to Aram at the goddaughter's wedding, but followed straight through to Berdy's death in 7x18. This was done so that Patrick would have time to better himself.

The only way anyone can understand what I’m saying about these leads, is by tracking both leads from Devane’s episode and watch how they push through. Patrick has been out of the story since 7x7. That’s the point. Motya Morozov picked up in his place. Basically, Patrick was given 12+ episodes to prepare for this woman’s kill, all thanks to the woman opening her mouth about Morozov. She killed herself when she threw Patrick under the bus. 

Little Red Riding Hood 

The “gift” started with Garvey, went through Red’s birthday bank heist, and will land on Agnes as she’s nearing her fourth birthday. Garvey’s “good news” will be Liz’s “bad news.” A lot of S7 works on opposite sides. Dembe doing cross stich. A friendship bracelet is coming. I was thinking maybe one will be coming for Agnes. After all, she’s gonna believe she witnessed her grandmother dying, and he told the warden he was saving his words for the next life. She is the next life.

“Raymond, Masuda may have just hired them for a kill. And there’s only one person I am aware of who Katarina wants dead right now.” Red IS Katarina and he wants the woman from Paris dead. He already let Patrick go, so consider that his hire. “And make something better of yourself.” How does one become better in the criminal world. How does one become a better thief. 

Ilya’s dialogue. “I found Patrick Masuda. He’s a young man who now lives in Baltimore under a new last name. Two years ago, the kid was dying from a rare blood disease.” Where have we heard about rare blood diseases? Constantin Rostov. Perhaps someone has a rare blood disease. I believe this could very well push Stark’s storyline. After all, Red was asking about his blood panels. Interesting dialogue for Patrick. “I was watching TV when we heard Constance - Sorry. What did you say her real name was?” Just like Garvey, “What’s your name, darling?” Patrick’s gonna die all the same. He can find Katarina Rostova through her daughter. She was in the newspaper. The way he speaks of this woman taking care of him since he lost his parents... sounds a lot like Jennifer with Garvey. 

Memory manipulations 

I took notice to where Hannah kept her rapist. Hanging in a padded room much like Ilya was hanging from the ceiling fan in a padded room. Ilya’s memory recall to Liz’s second memory wipe. The butterflies. As I said before, they symbolize resurrection. "He rose from the grave once. I’m pretty sure he will again." Red doesn’t need to rise from the grave again. Once was enough. Little Red's turn to rise from her grave. After all, Reddington is Agnes’ grandfather. Do I even have to talk about the park and how it fits in line with Liz’s Djinn fantasy. Purposeful teacup in 7x10. Upside down turns right side up in Hannah’s episode. Motya Morozov said there’s a silver lining with Skip Sutherland. That’s where Ressler comes in. Skip’s dialogue. “It’s horses for courses, I suppose.” Different people are suited to different things or situations. Basically, what Red said to Kate in Esteban’s episode. “Wisdom is learning the boundaries of one's designated lane.” The theif should’ve stayed a thief. The lamb should’ve stayed a lamb. The FBI agent should stay an FBi agent, not run a criminal empire. 

Hannah’s episode cuts it. Ilya pulls in the Sikorsky Archive. The Sikorsky Archive pulls in Liz’s second memory wipe.

[lostbutterflyutau]

Better in Purple

Note: Written for the EoA Discord Weekly Challenge, “Purple.”

This fic features a little bit of my OC, Andrea. Andrea is a childhood friend of Gabe’s who, after returning from studying abroad for a few years, reconnected with him and subsequently became friends with Carla. Her family (she has four older brothers) owns a large farm that helps to supply produce and other products to not only individual people, but businesses in Avalor City.

Art by @cherrys-lullaby​. Used with permission.

***

“Come on, Miss Delgado! We don’t have all day!” Esteban said, crossed his arms.

Carla groaned, called from behind the fitting room stall, “This dress looks like pink lettuce! And the top doesn’t even fit right!”

Esteban rolled his eyes. “It can’t be that bad.”

‘Says you! Have you ever tried on a dress?’ Carla thought with a huff. From the moment they’d showed up at the dress shop it had been one spat after another. Whether it was style or colour or the smallest details in the beading, everything was an issue.

She knew this pageant would be worlds different from the local ones she had done. Paraiso apparently took their “Glitz and Glamour” pageants very seriously. Big hair, big dresses, big talent, big… everything.

She’d put more work into rehearsing for this than all of her other pageants combined and had naively thought that getting a new dress would be exciting after Esteban had said that nothing in the royal closet was extravagant enough for such an event. But he didn’t say that what she wore would have to be approved by him or that he would be coming to the shop with her.

What was supposed to be a fun “girls’ day” shopping trip was turning into a nightmare.

Carla had tried on several dresses already and hated them all. The first one was too long and the mint green colour clashed terribly with her eyes. The second was covered in so many flowers that even Abuela said she looked like a garden. She didn’t even bother with the third because it was so big and by the time he handed her this one, she was already over it.

“Miss Delgado!” Esteban called again.

“Fine! I’m coming!” Carla huffed again, used one hand to pick up her skirt and the other to hold her bodice up.

The minute she stepped out, both Luisa and Andrea exchanged the same unsure look. While blush pink was a good colour on Carla, the tulle on the skirt was layered in strips that looked, as she said, like shredded lettuce. The bodice she was clutching was noticeably loose, though that would have been easy to fix if she ended up picking it, which she wasn’t. At least they figured so given the scowl on her face as Esteban made her turn.

“I told you it was too big,” Carla muttered to herself, hiking the bodice up again as she completed another turn.

Esteban frowned, stopped her when she came back around to face him. “It’s not that bad. Nothing some tailoring and pads can’t fix.”

Carla glared in response. She didn’t need anyone – especially him – reminding her that she had no breasts. Finding dresses that didn’t have to be custom tailored was hard enough without annoying comments.

“I don’t want this dress,” She said, crossed her arms.

“But this is the best one so far! Besides, we’ve wasted enough time here. You still have to practice your dance and finish that chapter on Paraisoan customs,” He replied in a matter-of-fact tone that had Carla rolling her eyes.

“I don’t care. I don’t like it.”

Luisa cut in, “Why don’t you let Carla pick her own dress?”

“Yeah. The whole time we’ve been here, you’ve been making all the choices,” Andrea pointed out. “Carla has great taste and you haven’t given her even half a chance.”

“Great taste isn’t enough! Pageants like these have rules. Unwritten, but important. Winners wear white or pastel. This shade is perfect for the pageant and her complexion.”

“I told you that I wanted a purple dress,”

Esteban raised an eyebrow at her whiny tone, retorted, “You sound less like a winner and more like a child.”

“She has a point, though. Purple is her best colour,” Andrea interrupted, standing to join her friend by the mirror. She put her hands on Carla’s shoulders, gave the dress another once over. While the colour complimented her eyes fairly well, Carla looked miserable in it.

Esteban rolled his eyes. Andrea was a farm hand. She had been raised to feed chickens and grow vegetables, not compete in pageants. Granted, Carla wasn’t raised to be a pageant girl either, but, as he discovered, she had far more feminine qualities than anyone gave her credit for back in her villain days. She had decent taste and talent. Now, if only he could only get rid of the attitude.

He sighed, put a hand to his head. “The past three winners of this pageant have worn white, pastel blue and pink in that order. If we want to have even the slightest chance, we have to play it safe and elegant.”

Andrea frowned at his comment. “What’s wrong with the blue dress she competes in now? It’s perfectly elegant!”

“It’s too dark and too small. Glitz is all about big skirts and big sparkles.”

‘And big money,’ Carla added to herself. Looking at the price tags on just the dresses told her that they would be spending more on this pageant than her last three combined. Between the application and entry costs, plus the inn, plus the new dress and shoes, she understood why Esteban was so serious about it all. She supposed that he thought that knowing that so much was being spent on her would make her more compliant, but she hated the idea of competing in a dress she disliked just to please him.

Luisa sighed, “Mijo, I know you mean well, but Andrea is right. Purple is Carla’s best colour and if she doesn’t feel good in her dress, how do you expect her to feel good on stage?”

He gave a dismissive wave. “She’s a performer. All she has to do is remember her role.” He paused, picked up another dress. “Here, try this one next.”

“Fine, but I’m going to complain the whole time,” Carla grumbled as she took the hanger and sulked back into the changing room. She tossed off the first dress, frowned when, shortly after she draped it over the door, it was yanked down over the other side to be tossed into Esteban’s ‘maybe pile.’ Most of the time she appreciated his help as her coach, but today he was insufferable.

‘Oooh. This one is even worse!’ She thought once she secured the laces on his latest pick and turned to the mirror. She groaned again, announced as she stepped out, “I look like a cupcake!”

The moment the words were out of Carla’s mouth, Andrea laughed. The pastel pink skirt was too long and way too big for someone as petite as Carla. “She looks like my niece’s birthday cake!”

Carla crossed her arms, threw Esteban another glare. “No.”

“Oh, come on. It’s not that bad.”

“Yes, it is,” Another voice interrupted.

Everyone in the group exchanged the same confused look, turned just in time to catch one of the employees rounding the corner.

“I’m sorry to butt in, but the whole time you’ve been here all you’ve done is argue. A Quinceañera is supposed to be fun and…”

Carla cut her off, “It’s not a Quinceañera.”

Granted, this particular shop did specialise in Quinceañera dresses and even she had questioned the choice at first until Esteban explained that this shop was their best bet for finding just the right type of big dress required for the pageant. Unfortunately, the thing with Quince gowns was that some of them were a little too big for Carla’s taste.

“My granddaughter is entering her first glitz beauty pageant,” Luisa explained. “But we’re having some trouble coming to an agreement.”

“Correction, she – ” Esteban pointed to Carla, only to snap his mouth shut when both her and Luisa gave him a piercing look. “We are having trouble coming to an agreement.”

Pursing her own lips shut to hold back a biting remark, Carla said in the calmest tone she could muster, “It’s more like, we have different opinions on what’s important in the dress. All I asked was that it be purple, but he says that purple never wins.”

“I see…” The woman – whose nametag read “Maya” –  trailed off and thought for a moment before turning to Esteban. “And you are?”

“He’s my pageant coach,” Carla replied before he could.

Maya blinked slowly, eyes widening slightly as she processed the information. She’d had more than a few pageant girls come into the shop, but usually with their mothers or female coaches. Though there were a few who brought their fathers, she had never seen or heard of a man doing pageant coaching.

She blinked again, shook the thought off. “Well, if I may, even coaches could benefit from helpful hints every once in a while. And who better to listen to then the girl wearing the dress?”  

“Yes, but – ” Esteban started to interject.

“No ‘but,’” Maya interrupted. “You say that winners don’t wear purple, but I don’t remember that being written down anywhere.”

“It is unwritten,” Esteban contested. “In all my research I’ve seen white dresses, pink dresses, even blue dresses, but never purple. And certainly not the dark purple I know she wants.”

“Who says she can’t be the first, then? Purple is a great colour for her, I mean…” She stepped forward, carefully slid a finger under Carla’s chin and tilted her head up. “Her eyes are gorgeous. It would be a shame to distract from them with the wrong colour or skirt.” She then stepped back, turned back to Esteban.

“I guess that’s true,” He admitted reluctantly.

“I have an idea,” Luisa said, “Why don’t you let Carla try on a dress or two that she likes and we’ll go from there?”

Andrea smiled, commented smugly, “I love that. Carla?”

Carla nodded. “I’d like that.”

Maya returned their smiles. “Looks like it’s three against one. Now, Carla, what do you like besides purple?”

“Hmm…” Carla murmured, carefully pacing the floor. “Something with sparkle, of course. A skirt that’s big but not too big. I want it to be pageant appropriate, but not be swimming in it. Maybe something layered?”

“How about something that hangs off your shoulders?” Andrea suggested. “And curves around your breasts just enough to show you have them?”

Carla put her head in her hands, groaned, “Did you have to say it like that?”  

Maya bit back a laugh. “She may be on to something, though. Don’t get me wrong. You have such a cute little figure, but for a pageant like this, you’ll want to emphasise things a little more. Especially since you’re…”

“Nineteen,” Carla finished, knowing what the question was.

“Nineteen looking like a six-year-old who had too much fun at the dress up shop.”

Esteban scoffed, sat down on the bench next to Luisa. Sure, the pink dress Carla was currently wearing was no one’s favourite, but he didn’t think it looked that bad. The top fit nicely, the ruffled sleeves added just the right touch of cute and if they took the skirt in a little, it would be near perfect. At least, that’s what he thought.

“So, let me get this right…” Maya said and went over the conditions. “You want dark purple with sparkle. Big but not too big, and makes you look your age.”

Carla nodded, watched as the older woman started pacing as well before a sudden idea hit her. She stopped, snapped her fingers.

“I think I have just the dress for you.”

***

Her eyes narrowed in concentration, Maya finished adjusting the laces on the dress she’d found. It had taken longer than she thought to locate it, but she didn’t want to give Carla a half thought out choice. She’d even taken the extra step of putting it in a black bag to hide it so that Carla would get to see it first behind the dressing room door.

Even before she tried it on, the way the girl’s eyes lit up when she saw it told her everything she needed to know. She smiled to herself at the thought of everyone else seeing it, said as she pulled at the lacing, “I know it’s a little long, but that’s an easy fix.”

“If that’s the only thing wrong with it, we’re doing good,” Carla quipped, trying her hardest to avoid opening her eyes. While she’d seen it on the hanger, Maya had told her not to look while she put it on, leaving Carla to rely on her movements as she hovered around, pulling, and adjusting various parts of the garment.

Maya laughed, secured the lacing. “Alright. Done.” She stood, gently put her hand on Carla’s shoulders to guide her. “Now, turn this way. That’s it, one more step. Good. Open your eyes.”

Carla did as she was told, found herself in front of the mirror in one of the prettiest gowns she’d ever seen herself in. It almost beat her Navidad dress. From the sparkle on the off-the-shoulder bodice that hugged her perfectly down to the beautifully layered tulle skirt that didn’t look like either shredded lettuce or a child’s birthday cake, every detail was perfect.

Carla gasped, brought her hands up to fan away the tears threatening to well, “I think I’m gonna cry.”

Maya smiled at her handiwork, reached for the door handle. “Not before you go show off!”

Carla returned the smile, said nothing more as she stepped out and relished in the gasps and wide-eyed looks she got in response to her dress.

“Oh, Mi Querida, you look beautiful,” Luisa said with a gasp. Purple really was Carla’s best colour. The dark shade of the dress complimented her eyes perfectly.

“You look great! They’d be stupid not to crown you,” Andrea remarked.

“Well, that’s two,” Carla said, looking to Esteban, who cut his eyes over at her.

He hated to admit it, but the colour did look great on her and the skirt had just the right amount of pouf factor. But something about it still didn’t sit right with him. The dress she currently competed in was a midnight blue, which was great for the smaller events she was used to, but he still wasn’t sure how well such a dark colour would faire at a large event. If the dress were blush pink or pale blue, it would be pageant perfect.

Esteban sighed, relented. “You do look most enchanting, Miss Delgado. But, as I said, I’m not sure this colour dress is suited for such a grand event.”

Carla didn’t respond, only twisted her hands in the skirt. She wanted to scream. Just what did she have to tell this man to get him to let her make her own choices? She was more than capable of dressing herself for formal events, brunches and dinner dates. Why was this so different? She turned the words over in her head, opened her mouth to speak and was interrupted when Luisa stepped towards her grandson.

The older woman stood with her hands firmly on her hips as she looked him straight in the eye, the underlying steel in her gaze telling everyone that she was fed up. “Winning is not everything, Esteban. And sometimes, things can turn out even better than you imagine when you take risks. Remember Naomi’s Quinceañera plus one?”

Esteban opened his mouth with the intent to counter, but quickly shut it again as his mind went blank. She was right. Even though Naomi had ended up bailing out of her own party to gather her friends who were nowhere near ready for a formal event. They – and her parents, for that matter – had all come in their everyday wear and no one said a word or criticism. In fact, he still heard people singing that night’s praises even three years on.

Maybe it was true Carla’s dress wasn’t exactly “proper pageant material,” but – and he would never say this aloud – it was also true that he wasn’t right all the time.

Luisa spoke again, her voice breaking Esteban’s train of thought. “Besides, this is the happiest she’s looked all day. Do you really want to take that away?”

He glanced over, watched as Carla twirled one way and then the other for Andrea, both women happily giggling over the garment as he realised that, in getting caught up with his research, he’d forgotten why – after that first bid to beat Sarita – Carla even started competing. Dressing up, doing her makeup, and performing on stage for the judges and crowd was fun for her. The awards were appreciated, but more than that, she just liked being a girl and showing off her talents. Besides, considering that she’d already done a decent job of following his tips on every other point for this pageant, he supposed that getting her the dress she picked was the least he could do.

“Alright,” He finally said, turning to Maya. “We’ll take the purple dress.”

Behind him, Carla squealed, excitedly grabbed Andrea’s hands as they spun around like two little girls who’d just been told they were going on their first vacation.

“Alright, alright. Enough of that,” Esteban remarked.

Luisa laughed, said to Carla, “Go ahead and take that off. Esteban will make sure it gets to the royal seamstress for hemming.”

Carla nodded, headed back into the dressing room as Esteban spoke again.

“Wait, you’re not coming back?”

“Not yet. We still have our girls’ lunch, remember?”

“Right,” Esteban said, his lips curving into the smallest of smiles.

Though she was disappointed in having to take the dress off, Carla could feel her remaining tension slipping away as she slid it off and let the material pool at her feet. A familiar mix of anticipation and nervousness bubbled up when she picked the dress back up and returned it to the hanger before reaching for her day dress.

She’d never done a pageant outside of Avalor before and, though she’d yet to tell anyone, she was nervous about not placing. Despite her luck so far, with pageantry being so much grander across the border, she knew that her choices could be a bit too on the modest side. A side that some might even call boring. She could wind up being nothing more than one of the faces in the crowd, or, worse, someone that stood out for all the wrong reasons. It was something she’d dealt with far too often in her old life and something she didn’t like the idea of returning to.

But, on the other end, it wouldn’t be the absolute worst thing to happen. Win or lose, her family and friends would love her either way. Unlike some girls whom she saw and felt bad for at pageants, she knew that her family’s love wasn’t conditional. They loved her for who she was, not for the awards she won, or the dresses she wore.

Even if choosing said dresses was sometimes a battle, she knew that, deep down, even Esteban cared. And that was far more precious than any trophy.

***

[bazwillendinflames]

Read on AO3

A Diaz brothers Hogwarts AU for @head-full-of-things for the LIS2 Secret Santa. 

Sean’s baby brother is born at the height of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named’s terror. The first time Sean saw Daniel he was struck by just how tiny he looked. 

The world outside was so scary and Sean had already been taught what to do if there was trouble. (Find Mum or Dad unless he can’t. Then hide and be very, very quiet.) Sean can’t help but look down at the tiny baby curled in his cot and worry that baby Daniel wouldn’t be very good at hiding. He cried when he woke up and he only settled if someone told him a story; part of hiding was being quiet, what if- 

Sean made a promise to himself to look after Daniel no matter what, whether scary wizards or thunderstorms. 

Daniel grows a little and starts to walk and make noises that might be words. Outside, things get worse. 

His parents tried to keep the reality hidden. But Sean overheard worried conversations between them, read snippets of the news about deaths, heard them cry late, over lost friends, when he should be sleeping. 

And then it just stops. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named stops. Sean spent that fateful Halloween night huddled at home with his Dad. Having a set of Muggle-born parents made any late night walks impossible, even for treats. 

The next morning, they tell him it’s safe. Or safer. He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is dead now, stopped by a boy his brother's age. (That horrified Sean. That he would try to kill a baby. That someone might even want to kill Daniel.) 

The magical world is alive once more, full of joy and celebration. Just not for the Diazs. Karen walked away from magic; walked away from them . She gives Sean her wand and Esteban an address to write to. She leaves baby Daniel with nothing. 

Sean spent that night with his Mother’s wand under his pillow, pledging to use it to protect his baby brother if needed. His childhood had taught him that you had to be careful and if Daniel was too young to look out for himself, it must be Sean’s job to fill that role. 

He just hoped wherever Harry Potter ended up, he had someone to protect him too. 

  “Davis, Tracey.”

Sean glanced over at the group of first years, quiet for the first time since they had entered the hall and still waiting in line, trying to pick out his brother’s dark hair. In the crowd, it was impossible to find him. 

“On ‘D’ now,” Lyla whispered, “Dan will soon, right?” 

“Yeah.” Sean gave up on trying to find him. “Is it weird I’m more worried about his sorting than my own?” 

“Slytherin!” The hat roared, followed by applause from the table. Tracey ran over, leaving the stool at the front of the great hall empty again. 

Lyla laughed. “It’s sweet. You complain about Daniel, but it’s all talk.” 

“Diaz, Daniel.” 

Sean ignored Lyla, looking over as the tiny figure of Daniel moved towards the front of the hall. Daniel’s eyes drifted over to their table and he smiled at his younger brother, although he didn’t seem to notice. (Daniel was staring at Lyla all doe-eyed instead, typical .)

There was a long moment as Daniel pulled a face at whatever the sorting hat was whispering to him. Stubborn as ever. 

Then, Daniel looked directly over at their spot, giving Sean an excited thumbs up. He knew which house Daniel was in before the sorting hat declared him a “Hufflepuff!” 

Lyla poked him, “move up.” 

They shifted along, making a big enough space for Daniel to squeeze in. 

“Sean, Sean, we’re together!” 

“I knew we would be.” 

The sorting continued, with a few more additions to the Hufflepuff table. To Daniel’s delight, Chris joined them too. He lived in the same village as their Grandparents and the two had spent last summer together. They were also joined by Jacob’s sister, who seemed much less shy than her older brother. 

A hush fell over the hall when “Potter, Harry” was called. He looked even smaller than Daniel, with an explosion of messy black hair covering his scar. It was hard to believe someone so young had put an end to the terror of his childhood. 

“So cool,” Daniel whispered. 

The sorting hat declared him a Gryffindor and Sean was a little relieved. It wasn’t his fault but Sean had always thought Harry Potter would be a magnet for trouble. The last thing he wanted was Daniel getting dragged into it. 

His brother didn’t seem to share that concern. “Ah, no fair. He’s like so cool.” 

“Nah, you’re already enough of a handful enano .” 

“Hey!” Daniel stuck out his tongue and he smiled at his younger brother. 

Sean was glad that Daniel was in Hufflepuff with him. He could keep an eye on him and keep him on the right track. Truthfully, Sean couldn’t imagine Daniel anywhere else. His natural curiosity may have suited Ravenclaw (seriously, the kid never stopped talking) but Daniel had the biggest heart.

Besides, it seemed just right the Diaz brothers were together. 

   After the welcome feast, Daniel insisted on showing Sean his new dormitory. Whilst most of the other students seemed tired after a long day of travel and heavy meal to follow, Daniel was bouncy as ever, practically leaping up the stairs, dragging Sean behind him. 

“I’m coming, enano, slow down.” 

It was sweet, actually, to see such excitement on his face when he first saw the castle. Daniel had been pestering him for years about what Hogwarts was like, both in his letters and during his otherwise peaceful summers. He had been counting down the days till he got his school letter for as long as Sean could remember. 

“Ta-da!” 

Daniel was already bouncing on the bed in the furthest corner, messing up the homely, yellow patchwork blanket on top. The room was nice and clean, still yet to be turned into the unorganised tip Sean’s own was after five years of living there. 

“Come jump with me.”

“Really Daniel-“

“Please.” 

Sean glanced between the open door and his brother’s pleading face, before jumping onto the bed with him. Daniel laughed giddily, half-crushing Sean when the brothers eventually lay down. 

“Do you think Dad will miss us now we’re away?” 

“No way, he’ll love the peace.” 

“No fair. I don’t talk that much.” 

Sean wrapped his arms around him. “Okay, okay enano, he’ll probably miss us every day.” 

“Can I write to him soon? Just to let him know I’m okay.” 

Sean glanced at the slightly worried expression on his face. “Sure. I’ll show you where the owls are kept later.” 

“The hat wanted to put me in Gryffindor.” 

“You are pretty brave sometimes. And reckless.” 

Daniel nudged him. “You mean cool.” 

“Yeah. Guess you’re stuck with me instead.” 

“That’s not too bad. I guess.” 

“Dad was in Gryffindor.” 

“Cool!” Daniel sighed. “What about…” 

He swallowed a lump in his throat. “Karen was a Ravenclaw. She was artsy and shit.” 

“I wish I could write to her too.” 

He frowned. “You know Karen made her choice.” 

Daniel pulled a pillow over his chest. “Okay. It’s so big here. And the stairs move! So magical.” 

“We’ll help you so you don’t get lost. Jake and Lyla are prefects so they’ll watch over you.” 

“But you’ll help too?” 

Sean nodded. “Yeah.” 

“Will show me where the dragons are?” 

“There’s no dragons at Hogwarts. And don’t go looking. The forest is dangerous.” 

Daniel half-yawned. “Okay. But... it’s safe here, right?” 

“I promise.” 

Daniel seemed relieved. “Will you help me unpack?” 

“No chance,” Sean said, pulling himself off the bed. “Leave it for tomorrow. You’re had a long day.” 

“I’m not even tired,” Daniel said, trying to cover another yawn with his hand. 

“Whatever you say.” Sean ruffled his hair, watching as Daniel rolled over in bed, blinking sleepily. “Goodnight Enano.” 

Sean pulled a blanket over him, watching his brother breathe peacefully. 

He’d look out for Daniel, no matter what. 

   The first week back from school was always hectic. After weeks of sleeping in, Sean felt zombified each morning. Lyla was her usual bubbly self no matter what time of day, so he relied on her to drag him to the right class. 

Having Daniel around was a little weird at first. His brother usually wrote to Sean every few days, sending pages of rambles and questions and drawings. Having him there in person instead meant most of the questions came directly from him, and his morning were much louder, but it also meant that Sean could actually hug his brother and the usual homesickness wasn’t so intense. Another figure appeared at their table in the library and all his Hufflepuff scarves seemed to go missing. 

Despite all the little changes having Daniel there meant, Sean was glad to share it with him. His Dad would be surprised at how well they got along at school. Even in his weekly letter, he seemed impressed that Sean was helping him. (Esteban wrote more to Daniel than him. Daily, even. So he wasn’t the only homesick one.) 

“You’re a big softie,” Lyla said. She was lying across his lap, eyes closed. Their closeness used to get a lot of strange looks and questions (how many times had he had to pretend to be sick when people asked if he was dating Lyla before they got the message?) but in the sixth year of platonic cuddles, no one looked twice. 

“Shut up,” he replied, already knowing what she meant. 

(Okay, maybe that’s why people called them a married couple.) 

   It hadn’t even been a full month when Harry Potter caused his first drama. Daniel, despite not being there, was more than happy to explain exactly how a first year had gotten on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Sean couldn’t help but roll his eyes: flying perfectly the first time and immediately getting on the team was a typically Gryffindor thing to do. (He was a good player, from the little Sean actually got from Quidditch. He only went to the games to help Lyla heckle the teams. Plus, the announcer with the purple hair was cute.) 

“Do you think I can join the team?” 

“No way Enano.” 

“No fair.” He pouted. “Well, I’ll practise all Summer with Dad and then I’ll be the best ever.” 

Sean couldn't help but snigger, Daniel had been on a broom exactly once and fallen off and into their neighbour’s garden. His training broom had been in the shed ever since. 

“Can’t wait.” Lyla fist bumped him. She was the captain of the Quidditch team. Sean mostly went to the games to support her, he was better at sports played on the ground. (“There’s no magic in being a fast runner.”) 

“Harry is so cool,” Daniel continued, “do you think he’s the Chosen One?” 

“There is no ‘Chosen One’. He’s just a kid.” 

“He’s my age.”

“Exactly.” Sean ruffled his head. “Just stick with Chris and Noah, okay?” He glanced over to where Jacob was chatting with his sister. “And maybe talk to Sarah-Lee. She seems nice.” 

Daniel was frowning but he nodded. 

Lyla flicked the back of his head. “Chill dude. I’m pretty sure he already has a Dad.” 

“I’m just looking out for him.” 

“He’s a sensible kid. Dan will stay out of trouble.”

“Shut up,” Sean replied, which Lyla knew meant she was right. 

“Plus,” she added, “Hogwarts is a safe place.” 

   “Troll, troll in the dudgeon!” 

Panic rippled across the hall as teachers rushed to hurry them somewhere safe. Lyla disappeared to lead the younger years inside, Sean following her quickly. 

“Sean?” Jacob’s voice was heavy with worry. “Have you seen my sister?” 

“No. Isn’t she with the other first years? Lyla’s meant to be leading them.” 

“No. She left dinner early. She was upset, our parents-” 

“I’m sure she’s on her way to the common room.” 

“I know she’s not.” Jacob glanced in the halls. “Do you ever have feelings of like, older brother instinct?” 

With growing dread, Sean nodded, all too aware he hadn’t seen Daniel since breakfast. “I’ll help you look for her.” 

Jacob smiled gratefully, his reason for agreeing so quickly going unsaid between them. With all the chaos and the looming threat of a troll, they slipped off easily. Sean hoped that Daniel was with Lyla; chances were that he was looking for Sean, not the other way round. (He almost-believed it.) 

“Where do we start?” 

“Sarah’s still new so she doesn’t know a lot of places. When she gets upset at home, she locks herself in the toilet.” 

“It’s a start.” 

The hallways were so empty it was almost eerie. Sean and Jacob stuck close together, both holding out their wands as a precaution. The first of the girls toilets they checked was empty, the second belonging to a miserable ghost. 

“Maybe she did go back-”

Jacob’s hand suddenly grabbed his wrist. Sean jumped a little. 

“What-” 

“Did you hear that?”

Sean listened and a moment later he was met by a scream and a heavy thump. 

“That has to be the troll?”

“Shit.” Sean followed Jacob’s sprint, already running through all the healing spells he knew. (The voice sounded so young.)

The bathroom was a mess, with smashed bits of sink and wall everywhere. The troll stood in the middle, growling at four small figures by its feet. 

“Sarah!” Jacob called, spotting his sister, who was clinging onto the hand of the Gryffindor girl next to her. There was a Gryffindor boy too, with the signature Weasley red hair. But all of Sean’s attention was on his own brother, who had positioned himself protectively in front of the two shaking girls. 

The troll roared, oblivious to their arrival. It swung the hefty club down. Sean cast a protective charm, hoping his simple ‘Protego’ would be enough to help, just as another small figure jumped up on the troll’s back, sticking something up its nose. 

Sean held his protective charm, trying to work out if he could cast on the other kid, when one of them shouted ‘Wingardium Leviosa’, causing the club to hit the top of its head. It slumped down and the kid rolled off, close enough that Sean could make out his signature scar. 

What the hell was Daniel doing fighting a troll with Harry Potter?

“Jacob,” Sarah sobbed, running over and flinging herself at him. 

“What the hell is going on here?” Sean mostly directed his question at Daniel, but all the first years (they were first years…) seemed a little terrified of him. 

“I was going to ask the same thing Mr Diaz.” Professor McGonagall stepped into the bathroom, followed by Professors Snape and Quirrell. “You’re lucky you weren’t killed.” 

Daniel shuffled back a little, unsure if Sean or McGonagall would give him a sterner talking to. 

“Well-” 

“Mr Diaz, Mr Hackerman, as sixth years, perhaps you could explain why you are here too?” 

“Some of our first years,” Sean began, fixing Daniel with a stern look, “were missing. As a Prefect, it’s Jacob’s job to look for them.” (It was mostly true.) 

“I asked Sean to come too,” Jacob added. 

“I suppose the fact it was your siblings were the ones missing has nothing to do with it?”

Under her strict gaze, Sean felt like a first year himself. 

“Although, I am much more concerned that a bunch of first years felt like they were capable of taking on a troll by themselves-” 

“Excuse me, Professor McGonagall…” the Gryffindor girl began timidly, “it’s my fault. I thought I could handle it alone because I’ve read about trolls. Harry and Ron came to rescue me.” She glanced at Daniel and Sarah-Lee. “They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I thought I could be all heroic but…” 

Sarah-Lee had another little sob and McGonagall turned to her. In a much kinder voice she suggested Jacob take his clearly distressed sister to the medical ward. 

“Daniel,” Sean said, “are you hurt?”

“No.” 

McGonagall continued to lecture the poor girl about responsibility, taking away ten points for Gryffindor. “As for you two,” she said, addressing Sean and Daniel, “it is clear that the older Mr Diaz was only trying to help protect some overambitious younger students. Ten points to Hufflepuff. Same for Mr Hackerman. As for the younger Mr Diaz, perhaps you would like to explain what you’re doing here?” 

“I was just trying to help Sarah. She got all upset and ran off so I brought her some food. I didn’t know about the troll.” 

“I see no reason to punish being in the wrong place or time. Sean, please escort your brother back to your common room.”

Sean and Daniel headed out. Daniel was being unusually quiet, his eyes downcast. 

“Sean, I-” 

“Come here.” Sean pulled Daniel close to him in a tight hug. “You scared the crap out of me Daniel.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.” He murmured. “I just wanted to help Sarah-Lee and…” 

“He was,” a voice said, “Daniel was really nice.” 

It was the Gryffindor girl from earlier. Her face was a little red and she sniffled a little. 

“Are you okay Hermoine?” 

“Yeah.” Hermoine smiled at Sean. “Thank you for helping us. That protective shield was good thinking.” 

“Thank God you didn’t need it.” He sighed. “You… okay kid?” 

“I was only in the toilet because I was crying,” she said, her voice wavering a little, “and then Sarah and Daniel came in. He brought her some sweets because she missed dinner. I was upset because…” she sniffled, “I don’t really have any friends. So, Daniel gave me some too.” 

Daniel blushed a little. “You said to be nice to Sarah-Lee, so…” 

“When the troll showed up, everything got very out of hand. Harry and Ron were trying to stop it.”

“Not you?” 

She looked a little embarrassed. “Well, I-” 

“Look kid, just be careful. When you first start and you have magic it’s easy to feel invincible. But sometimes, you have to know when to walk away. Or run, in the case of trolls.” 

Hermoine nodded but Sean wasn’t convinced. It was impossible to keep a Gryffindor out of trouble. 

“If you don’t have any friends yet,” Daniel said, “you can sit with us in lessons. Plus, you’re so smart!” 

Sean couldn’t help but feel a swell of pride for his brother’s offers. Daniel was definitely an extrovert, able to make friends with anyone. 

“I’d like that.” Hermoine smiled, a little shy. “I should go back to my common room now. But, I’ll talk to you tomorrow Daniel. Thanks again…” 

“Sean.”

“Thank you Sean.” Hermoine left, looking much more positive than before. 

That left Sean and Daniel alone again. 

“Do you think Professor McGonagal will tell Dad?”

Sean had been in trouble enough times to know. “Yeah.” 

“Ah man.” 

“Dad will understand.” Sean ruffled his hair. “Hey, I got in trouble for the first time way before Halloween my first year.” 

“What happened?” 

“Well, it was all Lyla’s fault really…” 

   “You must have been so freaked out.” 

“I know. What the hell am I supposed to tell my Dad?”

Lyla was half-lying on Sean but he made no effort to move her. It was the only thing stopping him from getting up to check if he was safe in bed. (Sean had done the same when Daniel was a baby. He used to creep in at night to look in on his brother. If Daniel got restless or woke up, Sean would whisper stories through his cot bars until one of them fell asleep.) 

“It was an accident.” 

“That’s even worse. It’s like he’s in danger by just being here.”

Lyla patted his hand. “I don’t think trolls are a constant problem. And you can’t expect him to just go home.” 

“I know.” Sean resisted the urge to turn to the direction of his dorm. “So, what do I do?” 

“Maybe…” 

“Oh, I could walk him to class and…” 

Lyla sighed. “Sean.” 

“I’m going all Dad-mode. I know.”

“Wish I had an answer dude. Just look out for him.” 

“It’s not just Daniel. That Gryffindor kid used ‘Wingardium Leviosa’ and it worked but also it was the only spell they remembered.” 

Lyla rubbed her forehead. “Cause they’re kids. Shit.”

“Yeah, shit.”

They sat in silence for a while, thinking. (Worrying mostly, on Sean’s behalf.) 

“Let’s help them then.”

“Help them what?”

“Protect themselves.” Lyla sat up. “Who better to help them then the best freaking fighters?” 

Sean pulled her into a hug. “This is why you’re my best friend.”

   (They spent free afternoons teaching Daniel defensive spells, sometimes joined by Chris, Sarah-Lee or even the three Gryffindors Daniel had managed to befriend - fighting a troll together helped, he guessed. Hogwarts might not be safe but it was home. And Sean always wanted his brother to feel safe at home. 

And if that meant the best freaking fighters gained a few more fighters… that was okay.) 

[jaauroo]

Our Adventure - Sean Diaz x Reader [Part 2]

Gif found here

| Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 |

A click of the lock echoed out through the empty house. I set my bag that was hanging on my shoulder down on the couch that was near the door. Finally getting the chance to look at my home, the kitchen and living room was littered with empty beer bottles and dirty dishes.

"Are you kidding me? I just cleaned yesterday." I mumbled to myself as I picked up as much bottles as I could carry and threw them into the recycling bin in the kitchen. Honestly how can someone make this much of a mess in less than twenty-four hours? Now to cleaning up the dishes.

While picking up the dirty plates and placing them into the sink so I could get ready to clean them, my phone buzzed in my back pocket of my pants. Gently placing the last dish into the sink I pulled out my phone and turned it on to check the notification. On the lock screen it read "Lyla". Geez what did she want now.

"U know he likes u" is what read in the screen when I unlocked and opened my phone. I bit my lip in trying to think of a reply to that. I know that she means Sean. But getting my hopes up is the last thing I need right now. Plus he likes Jenn right? He can't like both Jenn and I. I kept bouncing my leg in anticipation as I finally came up with a reply. I typed on my keyboard and sent the message.

The message was simple and only consisted of one word, "who?" is what I said in reply.

Of course Lyla immediately read it and started to reply back. The three animated dots at the bottom of the screen just made me bounce my leg even more. Along with that, I started to bite my bottom lip, which caused it to turn slightly red from the pressure. A few seconds went by and my phone vibrated showing that a new message was received.

It read, "wow k you're more stupider than I thought. skype me in 5" I rolled my eyes at her message as I didn't respond back to her. I just locked my phone and stuffed it back into my pocket where it usually remains at. "The dishes can wait." I muttered, exiting the kitchen and entering the living room again. I approach the couch where I left my backpack at and pick it up to bring it to my room with me.

When I entered my room I slammed my door shut, following after that I threw my bag onto the bed which resulted in a slight thud noise. I sighed and walked over to my decent size desk where I mainly complete all of my wonderful homework on. Flipping open my MacBook I saw it flashed a low battery sign. Walking over to my bed I went to the nearest plug and unplugged my charger that was abandon there throughout the day.

In just a few steps, I went back over to my desk and plugged the charger in the nearest outlet there was. Finally plugging in the charger to the laptop, I proceed to unlock it by entering my password. When it showed the home screen the first thing I did was open the application Skype.

The moment it finished loading I clicked on Lyla's contact which was in my recent, considering she is one of very little of my friends. I clicked on the video call button, which in an instant she once again quickly answered. "You called?" I half joked as I propped my elbow on the desk and used my hand to support my head.

"Okay I wanted to call you before we get in a group call with Sean." Lyla informed me as I slowly nodded, her watching my every move. She inhaled some air before continuing, "Anyway, since you're so dense to even realize that Sean likes you." My friend emphasis the 'sean' part. "And sorry for hooking Jenn up with Sean. I didn't expect it to go so well!" I side eyed Lyla before I moved from my currently position to rub my face with my hands.

I can already feel the stress acne.

"Look Lyla, I don't really care if they're going well or not. As long as he's happy and good, then great! I'll still be there for him. I honestly don't even want a relationship right now." My response had a bit of clear annoyance in my voice, which I didn't mean to do. I know Lyla means well. But whenever the topic about me liking Sean comes into play, she won't drop it. After what I said there was an awkward pause between us. She was most likely just trying to come up with a response.

"I'm sorry for pressuring this onto you. I just want the best for you." She apologized, her tone much softer than it usually is in her playful attitude. Lyla really comes off as a handful and that's what a lot of people misinterpret about her. The reason I came to love her so much was her loving, caring, and very affectionate side. When we first met (thank you Sean), I honestly had the same idea and view point. I didn't like her at all and always tried to ignore her, but she kept persisting to be my friend, and even calling me one when I didn't see her as one.

The moment I finally accepted Lyla as a friend was when I was having a mental break down at school, she basically dropped her playful persona to make sure I was okay. Really, I thought she was just all happy, rainbow and sunshine, but her showing that side made me feel at peace. At a young age I learned not everything is all good and dandy. Hence why I didn't really accept my current best friend back then.

Hell, even to this day is still get annoyed by that part of her. But what she shows on the inside is what really matters to me.

"I know you're looking out for me... But we gotta look out for Sean too, you know? It isn't just us in our inner circle." I explained to Lyla kind of frantically doing hand motions as I do so. My voice being in a much, much softer tune I continued, "When I say I'm okay, I mean it. Now we got to do what's best for him. Alright?"

She nodded once I finished what I was saying. Quietly saying 'alright' afterward but it seemed more as of she mouthed it. "Okay," Lyla started positioning her self out of the slouch position to change her mood, "before we bring Sean into the call I want to know if you want to spend a night at my house after the party."

I took a moment and weighed the ups and downs before giving her an answer. "Sure why not. Don't have anything else to do afterward." I shrugged my shoulders as I sunk into my chair.

"Great! Now let me finish getting ready before we bring Sean into the call." Lyla cheered as she got up and looked around her room for the needed materials. "Yeah about that I'm going to go and get ready..." I trailed off, my mouse hovering over the red end call button. Lyla rushed over to her desk saying, "Wait, Y/n wa-"

I cut her off by waving and having an innocent smile on my face as I said bye, proceeding to end the call.

Slowly I leaned lower into my seat as I contemplated things. Sighing, I got up and grabbed an empty backpack off a hook that was up on the wall. I tend to have spare bags so I can use them for sleepovers, traveling, and anything else. So I don't have to deal with taking all of my school supplies out of my current backpack I use.

I held the colored backpack in my non-dominate hand as I went over to my closet to pick out some clothing to just stuff into the bag.

This somewhat continued on for a few minutes of just me gathering anything important that I may need to spend a night at Lyla's house. Now as for the money situation, my father and I typically have a wad of cash kept hidden. The money comes from part of when my dad gets paid and the same with me. Yes I surprisingly have a job when most of the weight on my shoulder's involve school. Anyway, the money is just in case of an emergency pops up, or for situations like this when I need to borrow it when I'm out of cash. Obviously I'm not taking all of it, but enough so I have something to keep myself alive.

Taking the money out of the secret stash, I continue onward back into my room where I pull my wallet out of my school bag and just stuff the money into there. I threw the money holder into my 'sleepover' bag. A good amount of thirty dollars should last me for a few snacks I may possibly buy. I zipped up the bag, finally finished with my task. I flopped down onto my bed with my back laying against the cushion and one leg dangling off the bed. I swung my leg back and forth while I took my phone out of my pocket to check any social media or messages I may have received.

A knock on the front door killed the silence that was throughout the whole house. The loud and erupt noise startled me which caused a reaction of me jumping in my bed. My bed was positioned next to the window, so I crawled over to the other side of the bed to look out the front yard. Which also conveniently allowed me to see who was at the door.

With the blinds in the way it was hard to see who it actually was. But with the small frame and messy brown hair, it made it pretty easy to tell. The knocking continued, obviously the small boy being impatient. I rushed out of my bedroom to the living room and opened the front door.

"Hi Daniel. What are you doing here?" I looked around the small boy trying to look for any sign that Sean might've been with him or even Esteban. I've also noticed he had a zombie like outfit on, though I didn't bother to question it since he did tell me his 'secret' project he was working on. Daniel had a slight sway in his posture, "Sean kicked me out of his room and I wanted to know if you want to play with me." He avoided eye contact with me when he explained to me what happened. I pinched the bridge of my nose and mumbled out, "Of course he would do that." I sighed and put a slight smile on my face as I crouched down to his level.

"Yeah! I'll totally play with you. Just go back across the street and wait for me there okay? I'll keep an eye on you so make sure you're safe." I instructed the youngest Diaz. He nodded his head and said a quiet 'okay'.

I stood up properly, watching him make his way back over to his house safely. The smile stayed on my face as I closed my door to prevent any warm air leaving the home. 'He's so adorable.'  I thought, walking out of the main area of the house.

'Something very bad is about to happen.' A deep and what seemed like a disoriented voice echoed throughout what felt like the house. I stopped in my tracks and put my hand up to forehead, closing my eyes. 'Why now?' I got no response in return as I took a deep breath and just tried to ignore what happened and continue back to what I was doing.

I skipped my way over to room for what seemed like the thousandth time and grabbed my bag, putting it on. Also picking up my phone that I abandoned on the bed and put it back in its usual spot.

Walking out the house, I made sure I locked the doors to prevent any intruders as any normal person should do. I quickly dashed across the street not looking both ways, which I might add is very dangerous thing to do. But it's not like anyone really drives down these streets often.

Slowing down my pace once I was in view of the lovely Diaz house. I glanced over the area to find Daniel, instead I see the moment when he accidentally spills his fake blood onto the asshole of a neighbor. Once again I pick up my pace and grabbed Daniel to quickly shove him behind me. "What the hell do you think your doing?!" I yelled at Brett, taking notice of the fact that he got to close to Daniel for my liking.

You can clearly see the fact that the taller boy was fuming in anger, "What I'm doing?! That little asshole spilt fake blood all over my shirt!" He stepped closer to try and grab a hold of Daniel but I took a few steps back to make sure I nor Daniel was within reach of him. "He's a kid you dumb fuck! Of course he would accidentally spilt something!" I countered back.

Brett didn't have any words and just stormed past me, pushing me in the process, to grab onto Daniel's arm. I fell onto the ground which was covered in dirt with a few grass patches here and there. I guess you could say I was stunned. For sure Brett was a douche bag, but it absolutely shocked me that he would even lay a hand on me.

When I got up off the ground, Sean came to both of our rescues. He pushed the white skinned male off of Daniel. I latched my hand onto the younger boys' wrist to put him behind me once again.

"Don't ever touch my brother! Or Y/N! You hear me Brett?" Sean said threateningly, but Brett only replied back with a weak "fuck you".

Brett gestured to his shirt, "He got his fake blood shit all over my shirt... Look!" He angrily pointed at his article of clothing trying to make his statement clear. Daniel walked out from behind Sean and I. "I told you it was an accident." Daniel tried to defend himself, which of course Sean and I obviously believed, "You better leave us alone!"

For the second time Brett tried to grab at him, but Sean stepped in the way while Daniel also hid behind me. "C'mon Daniel let's go inside." I whispered to the boy that was hiding behind me. "Yeah go hide in your dad's garage!" Brett tried to sound scary which really had no affect on both my best friend and I, but with Daniel I'm not to sure.

I grabbed onto Daniel's wrist to try and lead him inside, as the two teens were insulting each other, but he wouldn't budge. "Daniel. Come on." I tried to tug once again but he wouldn't move. I really didn't want this young kid to see a fight go down. But him not moving a single inch really isn't helping.

Sean threw a punch which made Daniel speak up about it. The eldest kid looked at me while Brett was recovering from the punch he gave him. He then looked at Daniel and pointed in the direction of the house, "Get inside! Now." Sean attempted to help which really did nothing. While he was distracted Brett tried to tackle him.

"Okay, we're going now." I demanded, as I tried to pick up Daniel but he just struggled in my grasp. "Daniel we're going inside."

"But what about Sean?"

"He'll be fine Daniel." I finally successfully picked him up after him twisting around in my grasp to try and escape. Sure I felt horrible for taking him against his own will, but as I said, I didn't want him to witness a fight that he shouldn't even be seeing.

Sean seems to have manage to push Brett down, but he didn't get back up or seem responsive. "Shit." I whispered, a police siren coming closer. Though that wasn't my main concern right now.

I dropped Daniel on the ground and instructed him to go inside. "Y/N, get over here!" Sean called out for help as I rushed over to the other side of Brett and kneeled down next to him. The younger brother popped up next to me, who obviously didn't listen to my instructions. "Sean is he hurt?" Daniel asked obliviously.

"Well he's breathing... somewhat. That's a good sign." I thought aloud. I had no idea what to do. What would any person do in this situation exactly?

"Okay... okay, step away!" The officer commanded, "Now!" He continued.

I followed his instructions, slowly backing up from the neighbor. "Calm down officer." Sean told him. I snapped my head towards him, "Sean you need to listen to him. You too Daniel." I got up raising my hands in the air to hopefully show that I'm possessing no threat.

The officer continued to tell us to be quiet. Though I noticed his hand was behind his back.

Sean and Daniel got up with me, walking away from the gasping boy on the ground. This is really a horrible situation to be in. When the adult went to inspect Brett he pulled out his gun and instructed us to get on the ground.

"H-hey man don't be waving that gun around." My body started to shake. I'm not even going to lie, I am terrified right now. The officer simply didn't listen to what I said, Sean and Daniel tried to reason which wasn't really the best thing to do. All three of us went down on the ground, although a bit hesitant and shaky.

This man was pointing a gun at three kids, let alone he has his finger on the trigger. Really you could tell this was his first encounter of something like this.

I couldn't calm my nerves. My eyes just kept looking everywhere except the scene in front of me. My mind is just thinking of how this could actually be happening right now. It went from defending a little brother to having an officer point a gun at us.

Looking over I see Esteban coming around the corner, and instantly sprinting towards us. The officer reacted fast and directed the armed weapon towards him instead of us. Once Sean and Daniel saw their father they tried to explain to him what happened, which then led to Esteban explaining to the cop they meant no harm. I stayed quiet scared out of my mind. I glanced up to see the officer looking extremely overwhelmed.

The gun was just pointing back and forth between us. I noticed Esteban took a step forward, that then caused a reaction out of the officer. A sound of the gun went off. A heavy thud of the Diaz's boys dad fell to the ground. Not even a second after, the sound of Daniel screaming erupted throughout the whole block.

[longliveninokuni]

An Adventurous Anniversary

Part of the EOA Ship Appreciation Week on Discord.

Esteban takes Naomi on a special adventure for their first anniversary of dating. What could possibly happen?

FF.net version for those who prefer: https://www.fanfiction.net/s/13205142/1/An-Adventerous-Anniversary

A/N: Second day, second story. Today's theme for the Ship Appreciation Week is "adventure," and I thought, "how can I make this romantic?" Then this idea came to me, and the rest is history. Also, it's not mentioned in the story, but Esteban is wearing his adventuring outfit, and Naomi's just wearing her regular dress. One more thing, Naomi is 18+ in this story. Well, that's all I have to say. Enjoy the story.

Disclaimer: The following is a non-profit, fan-based, fanfiction. Elena of Avalor is owned by the Walt Disney Corporation and Craig Gerber. Please support the official release.

Rated T for some language and the ending author’s note.

One year, the two of them have been dating for one year. Knowing how fancy and old-fashioned Estéban was, Naomi was expecting a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant followed by an argument session on the way back to the palace for a reading session (that'll only end up as a make-out session after another round of heated arguments).

But nooo, he decided to take her out in the middle of a jungle in Avalor with plants that are giving her rashes that were probably going to become more serious if they don't treat them soon. Now, Naomi wouldn't usually care about doing things normally, heck when Estéban first told her his plan she was thrilled at doing something unexpected for their anniversary, but after three hours of walking, sweating, and itching, she wished that they'd decided to just be a regular couple that did regular couple things. For once.

Naomi was starting to get tired. "Are we there yet?" She whined.

Estéban looked back at her and had to cover his mouth to prevent himself from laughing out loud. Yeah, she probably needs medical attention soon, but she looks and sounds so hilarious and childish that he couldn't help but find adorable. After willing himself to not laugh at Naomi's misfortune, he uncovered his mouth and spoke. "We're almost to our destination. We'll take a break, and I'll help take care of your" he looked her up and down at her rash covered body. "predicament. Oh, and to also take care of that rash." He smirked as she groaned.

"That wasn't even clever!" Naomi whined again.

Estéban shrugged. "True, but it's still hilarious." He laughed as Naomi smacked his arm in frustration. "Alright, alright, we're almost there." And to prove his point, Estéban moved some branches aside to show Naomi the ancient temple that's just a few miles away. "See? We'll be there in no time."

Naomi said nothing as she jumped onto Estéban's back. "Oof! What do you think you're doing?"

"I'm tired; I don't want to walk."

"Well I can't carry you, I'm too old, and my weary bones can't support your weight."

"Too old my ass, you seem to be doing just fine walking for the past three hours. You're not even sweating!"

"Well, you're still too heavy to carry, fatty." Estéban gave Naomi a playful smirk, showing her, he didn't mean it.

Naomi only rolled her eyes and whined. "Pleeease? I'm exhausted, and my feet are sore, and I'm itchy all over!"

Estéban playfully sighed and gave in, putting his arms under her thighs, so she's in a proper piggyback. "Alright, I'll carry you the rest of the way little miss needy." He smirked at her.

Naomi didn't respond as she rested her head on Estéban's shoulder and immediately started snoring. She fell asleep. She was tired. Estéban chuckled quietly as he started walking the rest of the way to the temple.

The next thing Naomi knew was that she was shaking. No, she wasn't shaking, someone was shaking her. Naomi's eyes finally opened, and she saw the smirking face of her boyfriend, finally stopping his shaking assault on her. "Well, look who finally woke up."

Naomi groaned as she turned away from him and tried to go back to sleep. "Wake me up when we're there." She mumbled.

"We are here."

Naomi turned to look at the entrance and saw that it looked later in the day than when she fell asleep. "When did we get here?"

"Three hours ago." He stated.

Naomi turned to him, now fully awake. "Why didn't you wake me up when we got here?!"

Estéban smirked. "Oh, I tried, but I guess your snoring was too loud to hear my call for your name."

Naomi growled, but then noticed something. "I'm not itchy."

Estéban pulled out an empty vial. "Courtesy of Mateo, this potion cures any rash from any plant. But you wouldn't wake up to drink it, so it was tough to give it to you."

Naomi blushed a little. "But why did you wait three hours to shake me awake?"

"You needed the rest. As much as I love to make fun of your misfortune, I also don't like seeing you in pain." Estéban turned his eyes away from her as he blushes. "We may fight and argue and insult each other a lot, but that doesn't mean I want you to suffer." He said softly.

Naomi blushed even more. It's rare, these moments they have. Where the two of them have no insults to throw at each other and only have loving thoughts in their minds to say, you might think that's bad, but that makes whatever they say mean that much more to the other person. Naomi moved over to him and kissed his cheek. "Thank you." Then she rested her head on his shoulder.

Estéban smiled as he rested his head on hers and closed his eyes. This was nice. Sitting in peace with each other. And without any of their usual bickering. Then Estéban had a sudden thought. "Are you trying to go back to sleep?" He asked Naomi.

Naomi tenses up a bit. "Maaaaaybeeee."

Estéban stood up, Naomi almost falling over from losing her "pillow." "Nice try, you've already had three hours of rest."

Naomi stood up and started brushing herself off. "Fine, you got me. But are we almost to the thing you wanted to show me?" She asked as she picked up her bag.

Estéban nodded as he also grabbed his bag and pulled out a map. "Yes, just have to navigate through a few passageways, and we'll be there soon."

Naomi nodded and soon the two were off again.

After a few twists and turns and some backtracking, the two of them have finally made it to the room Estéban wanted to go. When he opens the door, Naomi's eyes widened.

The room inside was huge but mostly empty except for some vines and plants growing along the walls and open-aired windows on the sides of the room. Also, in the middle of the room, is a pedestal where a pink heart-shaped gem lay upon it. "Whoa." Naomi runs up to the pedestal to examine the gem closely.

"I take it that you like my surprise?" Estéban says from behind Naomi.

Naomi grins as she continues examining the gem. "Like it? This is so amazing that I think I love it! But there has to be more to us coming here than a shiny rock, right? You don't usually care about…" Naomi's words trail off as she turns to face Estéban, only to find him on one knee, his head down, and him holding a small open box that has a ring in it. "Estéban?"

"Naomi." He gulps. "I know that, when we decided to start courting, we agreed that it was only till you found someone else you can love more than me, or until my...death." He takes a deep breath. "But as the year went on, and we spent more time together, I realized that… I liked it. Everything. It felt so natural, and pleasant, and right. I like...love spending most of my time with you. Whether we're arguing, or fighting, or just sitting together in the library doing nothing but relishing in the silence. I loved all of it. I've been having thoughts of the future, of things we could do together. Then reality hit me when I realized none of that would happen. I'm too old." He pauses to take another breath. "I know that we agreed on a temporary relationship, ending with you finding somebody else. But I don't want that. I can't imagine myself living my days without you. But I had no hope of making that happen...until Mateo showed me the map to this temple, to that gem." He points to the pedestal with the hand not holding the ring.

"It says here that it has the power to stop the aging process of the older person until the younger one reaches the age of the older." Mateo says in a standstill flashback of him holding a book to Estéban and pointing to a page. Then there is another still of him holding the same finger up next to his head. "However, the only way it will work…"

"...is if I propose." Estéban finishes, back in the present, his head still down. "I know this is sudden; we've only been courting for a year. But I can't imagine a life, my life, without you in it. We may get on each other's nerves, but that's what makes us us! And I can't think of anyone else who gives me this happy feeling other than you. And trust me," He gives a breathy chuckle. "I know how sappy and corny I sound, but it's the only words I can use to describe how I feel. So, Naomi Turner," He finally lifts his head to look at Naomi, his heart beating loudly in his ears. "Will you marry me?" And Estéban is now in an official state of panic.

Naomi, on the other hand, had tears running down her face and her right hand covering her mouth. The truth was, she also never thought of the day where she would have to leave Estéban, whether by her own accord or his death. She was enjoying everything they did this past year; she even remembered their first kiss fondly. Under the mistletoe, they were too engrossed in arguing to notice it until Estéban noticed, looking up at it with a blush on his face. Naomi also blushed at the time; she was going to get out of the mistletoe until she felt Estéban pressed his lips softly on her cheek in a timid kiss. He said he only did it out of tradition, but he was still blushing. Naomi then gave his lips a peck, she herself blushing as well. "Returning the favor" she remembered saying. Then they finally had a real kiss, it was nice. That was probably one of her favorite moments while dating. Now though, now might be her favorite. She too didn't want any of this to end; she forgot that this relationship was supposed to be temporary, that's how much she likes, no, loves Estéban. She hadn't even thought of the possibility of him not being there anymore. And now there's a way for him to stay with her until she's his age? She must remember to get something nice to Mateo as thanks. Maybe some old fashioned sailor's stew? She'll ask her parents. But right now, she needs to give Estéban an answer, and probably soon because he looks like he's about to have a heart attack.

So, as she lowers her hand, she gives Estéban a big smile. "You idiot," she sobs a little. "How can I say no when I forgot our agreement a week after we started?" She breaks down in tears and laughter.

Estéban released a breath he didn't realize he was holding and smiled as well. He pulled out the ring, grabbed Naomi's left hand, and placed the ring on her ring finger. Then he stands up, pulls her to him and kisses her deeply. As the two are kissing, the pink heart-shaped gem glowed brightly as the light spiraled down from the pedestal and into the floor before finally slipping into Estéban's right sleeve and settling around his upper arm, or that's where he felt it was.

When the two pulled away, the gem stopped glowing, and the two were holding each other, foreheads pressed together.

Estéban smiles. "So, you would rather be with an old bag of bones than with someone around your age?"

Naomi shrugged. "Well if I did that, then how else am I supposed to annoy you?" She gave him an innocent smile. She then squeals as Estéban attacks her neck with kisses. Then those squeals turned into laughter as he began tickling her too. Then she began tickling him, and soon this romantic scene turned into a tickle fight between the two.

The two returned to the palace later that night with the news of their engagement. Everyone was too happy for the couple to even ask how that would be possible. Everyone that is, except Mateo who visited his mother with a big bowl of sailor's stew that Naomi's parents made for him after learning of his assistance.

And the two lovers rested in the library, leaning against each other on one of the couches. Estéban looked down at Naomi and smiled. "I love you, Naomi."

Naomi smiled and looked up at him. "I love you too, Estéban."

And then the two fell asleep, dreaming of what the future holds for them both.

A/N: Bet you weren't expecting a proposal huh? Also, if you're wondering why I consider these two to express their love through bickering, 1: it's just how they are with each other, they canonically express their respect for each other through bickering. And 2: DragonBall Z Abridged episode 34, start at 13:36 and watch till 13:49. Warning for the youngsters ignoring the rating, there's cursing there. Well, hope you enjoyed the story. I'll see you tomorrow. And try not to get yourself killed. ;)

[hyenasnake]

A/N: So this oneshot deals with a lot of stuff like rape and child abuse so if you don't like that stuff don't read it and a HUGE thank you to all the creators of the kids for letting me use them in cameos

It was Alazne who first noticed something wrong with her sister. Ever since the creator’s ball in the land of the blessed, Etapalli seemed off. She would stare off into space as if she was dissociating, she would hardly eat, she took long baths and bathed multiple times a day, she would wake up sobbing in the middle of the night thinking nobody could hear her. But Ala heard, and Ala saw. Soon the other siblings started to notice something was wrong. Esteban would tell Etapalli jokes trying to make her laugh to no avail. She’d always laugh before. Miguel would invite her to sword practice, but she’d refuse. She’d begged to go before. When Jack visited he brought her some sweets from Halloweentown but she pushed them side. She’d always liked sweets before. Sartana was the first who tried to get it out of her, gently at first but becoming more forceful with invasive questions until the young girl started having a fit and their parents had to interfere.

“Please, Mija. Tell me what happened.” Xibalba begged of his daughter. Etapalli stayed silent, her eyes dull and her form stiff. “You used to be so lively and happy. What’s wrong?” Though her heart was aching and she wanted to tell him, she wouldn’t talk. Fear of her banishment filled her and she felt like she was made of stone. “Mijita-” He protested when she stood up and walked out of the study. But he didn’t stop her.

“Please try to eat something.” Cider begged his sister. “You’re growing so thin. You passed out in the middle of breakfast this morning.” Etapalli turned from her brother. She uttered but one word.

“Leave.” So he did.

It was La Muerte who was able to coax it out of her. The mother goddess took her suffering child into her room and sat her down on the bed next to her. “I love you, Pallita. No matter what you do nothing will change that. You can tell me anything. I promise I won’t be angry with you. You have many siblings, but I love all of you the same and I would do the same thing I do now for any of them. Now you have my full attention, my full support, todo mi corazon.” She tucked a lock of black hair behind the ear of her daughter. Etapalli’s acid green eyes filled with tears as her fangs dug into her lip, causing it to bleed. While trying to fight back the wave of emotions, she explained to her mother.

How she’d followed Itzli to the garden with the promise of a garden of birds waiting for her. How her heart had beat like a drum in her chest, looking up at the much older boy as he held her hand. How he’d given her a small pastry and she’d eaten it greedily and innocently, not knowing what would happen to her. How when they’d gotten to the promised location, there was nothing but trees. How she felt her body become weak and she fell to the ground, her wings feeling as if they were tied together by an invisible chain. How she’d tried to cry out for help only to be hit in the face by Itzli. How he’d grabbed her roughly and torn her dress away, the handmade dress she had been so lovingly gifted by her mother for her birthday. How he’d defiled her while she laid there paralyzed in silence, being innocent and not even knowing what he was doing to her but hating every second of it and wishing she was able to die. How he’d spread his seed all over her stomach and legs before standing up. How he pulled her to her feet and told her; “Don’t tell anybody or they will hate you more than they do already. They will strip you of your powers and banish you to the world of humans and send monsters to kill you. When you die you’ll be sent to a place worse than the land of the cursed because nobody wants a whore like you”.

La Muerte’s heart had filled with pain and rage and her eyes with tears as she and her daughter embraced one another, crying and hurting. She held her tight and rubbed her back, trying to keep those negative emotions hidden away for the sake of her broken child. Etapalli’s physical wounds from her encounter had mostly healed soon after they’d been inflicted, but the emotional wounds still remained and were sore with infection. They held one another for over two hours, weeping and hugging. There was much work to be done, but the land of the remembered could wait for eternity.

The news spread around the castle like wildfire. First from La Muerte to Xibalba, who she had to restrain to keep him from flying to the land of the blessed and taking care of Itzli himself. Sartana had overheard and confided in the older children, who were eavesdropped on by the younger children who knew with heavy hearts what this meant. The youngest children, like Suré and Xico, had no clue what the word “rape” meant. But from the way it seemed to affect everybody, they knew it was something terrible. But the attention seemed to focus on their older sister, who was treated as if she was a fragile flower, a delicate piece of glass that could break at any time. It angered many of the children, and extra precautions had to be taken to assure that none of Etapalli’s relatives would go after Itzli before his trial. Adeleine had cried uncontrollably when she found out, knowing she was the only one who could have seen this coming, yet she didn’t. Mila was angrier than a hornet and had to be held back by Miguel. When the news had reached Jack he broke down and had to take a few days off work. The children really tried their hardest to comfort their sister. But Etapalli just wanted to be left alone.

On the day of the trial, she was shaking at the thought of having the face Itzli again. She stood at the podium in front of the pantheon, gods from all corners of the world. The creator the judge of it all staring down at her with a sympathetic gaze. She spoke shakily, her English blending into Spanish which blended into Nahuatl. Itzli and his father stared at her with hatred in their eyes while she tried not to cry. Her words slurred together as the world spun around her and she felt like fainting, The Creator stopped her, saying she’d said enough and she was excused. Xibalba took her outside to cool off, bringing her a glass of water. She drank it and for the first time in weeks, let him hold her.

It only took a quick search in the book of life to confirm what she said was true. Itzli was punished and banished to the deepest depths of the land of the cursed. Itzlacol, his father, swore revenge on Etapalli and her family before disappearing mysteriously, never to be seen by them again.

Now, seven years later, Etapalli laid in bed next to her lover and wondered if those emotional wounds had finally healed. It had taken her a while to find someone who didn’t want to use her as a plaything. But she still couldn’t help but wonder if she was a plaything as she took in the scent of gunpowder, wildflowers and cinnamon from the luscious mane of brown hair that laid next to her. Katalina stirred in her sleep and rolled to face the winged goddess. Her plump lips were parted in a slight pout as she slept and soft snores came from her. Etapalli shifted her arm only to have her hand instinctively grabbed by the young woman next to her. Their fingers intertwined gracefully and the goddess left out a soft sigh of relief, knowing she was loved and not being used as a plaything. She kissed the human soldier on the forehead before snuggling closer to her and lazily draping a black wing over their naked bodies, shielding them from the outside world. The dark black eyes of the soldier opened. Her mouth curved into a smile. “I enjoy waking up more when I get to wake to a lovely view such as this.” She flirted, still half asleep. The goddess blushed.

“You’re a dork.” She accused. Katalina chuckled and gave her lover a soft kiss on the lips, which Etapalli gratefully returned.

“Are you okay? Your heart beats fast.” The soldier gazed into the goddess’s green eyes with those devoted dark eyes one could get lost in like a cave.

“I’m okay now, seeing how heaven has brought an angel to my side.” The goddess cupped her human’s face. The human chuckled.

“Says the actual angel.” She wrapped her arms around her waist and pulled her close. “But seriously, was it too much? Did you want me to stop? I would have stopped if you’d asked me.” Etapalli fought back the urge to cry tears of joy.

“Not for an instant.” She kissed her before starting to slip into a deep sleep. Those emotional wounds had finally started to heal.

~Miguel, Mila and Cider belong to @thelovelydeer 

~Esteban and Adeleine belongs to @hansuoddie

~Xico belongs to @blackmel1

~Alazne belongs to queenxivory (deactivated)

~Etapalli, Itzli, and Katalina belong to me

~Itzlacol belongs to @ladyanaconda

~All other characters belong to Jorge Gutierrez and REEL FX Studios

[ofhoneyandrosepetals]

Summer Roads - Chapter 3

Pairing: Sean x Fem! reader

Description: You’ve always been Lyla’s best friend, but since Sean moved you became an inseparable trio. But who could say that, after all these years together, you would start growing feelings for Sean?

Warning: swearings only.

Word count: 2.049

A/N: is it allowed to use the same gif from the first chapter? I think so lol it just gives the best Sean’s vibes.

“I need to get some stuff first,” Sean said as you got near Lyla’s place.

“Yeah, me too,” you said.

“Okay then, I’ll prepare things. And by that I mean my mom,” Lyla responds.

“But she loves us,” you say frowning.

“Even so,” Lyla shrugs.

“Care if I go with you to pick your stuff up? I need to give Daniel that thing I promised,” you ask Sean.

“Yeah, cool. I’ll go with you to pick up your stuff too,” you were too busy looking at Sean to notice the look on Lyla’s face. “I need to give that board a new update.”

Hearing this made your heart pound a little - Sean meant the little whiteboard you had in your room for important notes, but those important notes turned out to be Sean’s drawings. Sometimes he would draw something simple, and other times he would make something clever and funny. It was a nice Easter egg feeling - you never knew what was coming. 

*

At your house, you grabbed your sleeping bag and old clothes to use as pajama. A little necessaire followed the pack as well. 

“Shit, I don’t know where I put it…” you thought out loud.

“That thing for Daniel?” Sean turned his head from the whiteboard. “What is it, anyway?��

“A stuffed animal…” you say focused in your search, looking behind pillows and under the bed.

“A stuffed animal? You do know he’s seven already, right?” Sean said with a grin.

“Sorry, I forgot my basic math lessons,” he chuckled in response. “It’s Power Bear, but since I don’t play with it for a long time I asked Daniel if he wanted it.”

“Of course he did.”

“I think it’s cute a seven year old boy still wants a stuffed animal.”

“Daniel is always cute,” Sean said in a low tone and you thought you felt a little resentment there. Shrugging the feeling off, you focus yourself once again in your search. “Try in the corner by the window. Where the toy chest is. You always lost things there as a kid.”

“But I don’t have any toy in there anymore,” you say as you open the chest.

Sean, once finished with the drawing, grims and goes to the toy chest, moves it a little bit and then raises his eyebrows at you. You roll your eyes, knowing what was behind there.

“Thanks,” you say as you get the stuffed Power Bear.

“At your service. Are you all packed up? I mean, I don’t want to rush you or anything…”

“Nah, I’m good. Just lemme grab some chips.”

“Don’t you dare let Lyla hear this.”

“Cheetos are not chips,” you imitate her. Sean laughs.

“They really are not.”

“I know, but I just can't stop saying it that way. But I don’t have Cheetos, anyway. It’s Doritos.”

“We didn’t had that discussion yet.”

“And I don’t look forward to have it. Let’s go.”

Before going out of your room you give a quick look to Sean’s update on your board. He made a drawing of the two of you at the skate ramp.

“That’s really nice,” you point out. “But where’s Lyla?”

“The little dot back there,” you laugh.

“We agree to not let her see this, right?”

“You bet.”

*

Arriving at Sean’s house, Daniel storms out of his room.

“Did you bring Y/N? That’s so cool! Is she sleeping here?” Daniel says all excited.

“Hey, goofball,” you greet him. “I brought ya something.”

“Really? What is it, what is it?” The little boy starts bouncing. You pull out the stuffed Power Bear and Daniel goes wild. “Wooooow…! That Power Bear you told me about!” He said in amazement. “Oh, he’s fluffy,” he chuckles after he pokes the toy.

“It’s yours, you do know that, right?” You say to him. Daniel gives a shy look.

“I remember you said so.”

“He was just afraid that you’ve might forgotten. Or changed your mind,” Sean said.

“I was not!”

“Yes you were.”

“Oh, here we go,” you breathes out. “Danny? It’s yours.”

“Yay!” He grabs the toy and hugs your legs - actually what he can reach at his height.

“What do you say…?”

“Thanks!” Daniel say as he run to his room again.

“I swear that sometimes…” Sean begins to say, but you put a hand on his arm.

“That’s fine, Sean. He’s a kid.”

“I know, I know… it’s just… sometimes it’s hard to live with him everyday.”

“That muffin? You joking me?”

“Wanna trade?”

“I’m hearing this,” Daniel’s head appear outside his room, pouting.

“Good,” Sean says. “Is dad home?”

“Garage.”

“I’ll just let him know that we’ll be sleeping over at Lyla,” of course you paid attention to the whole phrase, but the we got to stick for a little longer.

“I’ll go with you.”

You enjoyed the Diaz garage, even though you didn’t understand shit about cars or knew what tools were those.

“Hey! If it isn’t Y/N,” Esteban greets you.

“Hi, Esteban,” you wave a shy hand at him. “How you doing?”

“Just good,”

“Hey, dad,” Sean interrupts. “We’re gonna have a sleepover at Lyla, is that okay?”

“Sure, mijo,” suddenly worry takes over Estaban’s face. “Y/N, I think your knee is bleeding.”

“Oh,” you completely forgot about your injury. “It’s fine, it’s just a scratch. I tripped with my roller skate, but luckily Sean was my superhero.”

“Was he?” You didn’t know if it was because of your crush on Sean, but you could swear for everything in this world that Esteban’s eyes sparkled a little. Maybe.

“Hey, let’s cut it out,” Sean says, his hand scratching his head. 

“But I’m not gonna let you leave my house until someone takes care of that scratch,” Esteban says.

“There’s no need to, really.”

“I’ll do it,” Sean says quickly. Esteban was smiling.

“Really?” You ask.

“Yeah, c’mon. Things are in the bathroom.”

*

Going upstairs, you insist to Sean that there’s is no need to take care of your knee.

“Let me just clean it then, you can’t go around while a bloody knee.”

“Actually I thought we were doing just fine,” walking in front of you, you didn’t need to look at his face to know Sean rolled his eyes. It was a thing that you could even hear. 

You sat on the edge of the bathtub, waiting for Sean as he looked in the cabinet for the things he needed, trying not give away your nervousness. He’s just going to clean your scratch, it’s not a big deal. Lyla could do the same thing, you kept thinking to yourself.

“What’s on your mind? You look so thoughtful,” you heard Sean’s voice. 

“Oh,” you jumped on your seat. “Nothing, nothing. I was just… zoning out.”

“I’m kinda nervous about this, I don’t wanna hurt you,” you could see Sean’s hands wasn’t as steady as they used to be, but you believed him, innocently. 

“You won’t hurt me, at least not as much as I already am,” he smiled.

“I’m not one to brag, but sometimes I take care of Daniel’s scratches as well.”

“So it’s in your résumé,” you say jokingly. Sean only smiled, since he started cleaning your knee attentively.

You swallowed dry as you kept your attention on him. Sean was being very serious on his task, but his hands were a little shaky indeed. You could barely feel the liquid burning on your skin, and you give the credits for that to your fucked up feelings. Maybe Sean’s hands had something to do with it too - they were hands of an artist, after all. He knew how to be delicate.

“How does it feel?” He asks.

“It’s fine. I’m not feeling it much.”

“I’m all finished here, just lemme put a bandage.”

“I don’t need it, Sean,” you protest.

“At least for today, Y/N,” since you don’t answer, Sean looks up at you. He holds your look. “I know you’re stubborn, but only for today,” you don’t give up on your principles. Sean takes a deep breath. “Gosh, you’re just like Daniel sometimes. Please, Y/N,” Sean pressures the bridge of his nose, trying to keep his patience. 

But there was no time for anything else, because a little goofball stormed inside the bathroom, holding stuffed Power Bear and another toy you didn’t recognize.

“Swooooosh,” Daniel made the toys fly. “You will never catch me, Power Bear!”

“Daniel!” Sean shouted.

“I’ll call my reinforcements!”

“Daniel!” Sean tried again, but Daniel came up to running around the bathroom.

“There is it!” Daniel pointed a stuffed Power Bear to you. “My reinforcements are here! Prepare to lose!” Daniel ran to your direction, knocking you down inside the bathtub.

“Oh my god,” you say laughing as Daniel fell on top of you, his little arms tangled in yours.

“Daniel!” Sean kept trying.

“You’ll never beat me, Power Bear!” Daniel sat on top of you and started playing with his toys again.

“For fuck sake, Daniel!” Sean lost it, his voice raising tones and more tones. You looked surprised at him, as well as Daniel, who turned. “Get out of her…”

“You never let me have fun!” Daniel complained.

“You always have all the fun, Daniel! Now get out.”

“But I wanna play with Y/N…”

“She can’t, she’s hurt.”

“Sean…” you try to reason.

“Really? Where?” Daniel started turning your head, looking for anything. You giggled.

“I scratched my knee, goofball. But I’m fine, it’s not that big of a deal.”

“See, Sean? She says she’s fine.”

“Still need a bandage, though,” Sean says pouting.

“Oh, you can have one of mine! It has Hawt Dawg Man!”

“That’s neat, Danny. Would you put it for me?”

“Yes!” Daniel leaves the bathtub and goes to his room. Sean gives you a hand to get up.

“I can’t fucking believe him…”

“Shh, he’s coming.”

“Here! See?, it’s big. I’ll put upside down so you can see Hawt Dawg Man.”

“Thanks, dude,” you ruffled his hair. 

“Any reinforcements of Power Bear is my friend too.”

“Oh, so I was the reinforcement?”

“We gotta go to, Daniel. Say bye to her as I get my stuff.”

*

“I can’t believe it,” Sean complains as you two go down the street.

“Sean, you need to be more understanding with him.”

“I know, but it’s so hard. And you don’t make it easier too. I was trying my ass off to put a bandage on you and you only accept when Daniel suggests it,” you would be lying if you said that Sean’s words didn’t hurt you a bit. On normal times this wouldn’t affect you, but now everything is different.

“I’m sorry, Sean, but your brother is just the cutest thing.”

“Tell me about it.”

“I’m sorry I upset you.”

“What?” Sean looked at you surprised. “You… you didn’t upset me, not exactly.”

“So what is it?”

“It’s… I don’t know, it’s nothing,” he shrugged.

“You don’t need to be jealous of Daniel.”

“I’m not,” he says as he rolls his eyes.

“Yeah, right,” you say ironically and put a hand on his shoulder. “But thank you for taking care of my knee. If you had offered me a bandage of Hawt Dawg Man before maybe I would’ve accepted way sooner.”

“So that’s what it was all about, huh?” Sean grinned.

“Sure.”

It wasn’t news that sometimes Sean would be jealous of Daniel when he got in the middle of you and Lyla, trying to get your attention and playing with you. You never had a sibling to know how the feeling was and what really happened there, but today it was a little weird, if you could say so.

Maybe Sean got angry because Daniel started to make a mess, but you thought it was so adorable that you could never think that. You frowned as you stared at the asphalt. 

“You’re zoning out again. What’s up with you?”

“I’m just looking at my new awesome bandage,” you lie.

“With that look? I would say you’re trying to make it disappear,” you laugh and slaps his arm with the back of your hand. 

“C’mon let’s just go to Lyla’s. She’s probably wondering why are we taking so long.”

“I’ll blame Daniel for that.”

“Of course you will, Big Brother of the Year.”

[cartoonfangirl1218]

Little Estoma idea

Some angst, some fluff, lots of gifs!  This is where I imagine for when they were dating during Shuriki era and Esteban has his betrayal a secret and Doña has a secret of her past. So Esteban is attempting to explain his scar and how Shuriki did it because she thought he was capable of overthrowing the ruler.

But he’s struggling to speak especially as he internally pictures the death of his aunt and uncle Doña: “Hey, hey it’s okay. You don’t have to talk now but when you are ready, I will be here for you and I will hold you and I will listen and love you all the same.

Esteban: “I don’t deserve you. I don’t deserve..” 

Doña: “Don’t say that. I mean.. let me put it this way. I, the greedy, selfish, vain, stupid, judgmental, shallow, prideful, stubborn bitch deserve someone better than you? Esteban, remember when you admitted that you used to be jealous of King Juan because he was like the perfect Prince Charming.” 

Esteban: “It’s unbelievable! He’s so perfect and good and happy and doesn’t make mistakes... he never. he never hurts the people he loves. He’s a true fairy tail prince.”  Doña: “I don’t care much for fairytales much less Prince Charming.” 

E: Really? D: Yes! Even when I was younger I preferred the sulky beast who only wanted to be loved but was cursed. He was real, he knows about suffering and he had able to grow and learn lessons and mature. Fairytale princes don’t do that. They’re too perfect. They don’t know about hard work or the weight of responsibility or the consequences of making mistakes. Like you. You work harder now, you try to be a better, more reliable, honorable person because you know your mistakes from when you weren’t.” 

“You’re not a prince but I am so so happy that you love me, and I don’t want to do anything to hurt you and if I do something I want that.... I mean I hope at least you will do the same. You would love me the same maybe...”

Esteban: “Of course I will.” 

Angst under the cut 

Esteban: I will love no matter where or how. Doña: Ha, so even if you were hypothetical a chancellor still and I’m just some poor village girl Esteban: I would still find you..... Ha! I wouldn’t.

Esteban (still talking) I mean why would ever be in a village, unless it’s for important diplomatic reasons if course. But I highly doubt I would have anything in common with you if you were from some village. Don’t those girls drop out of school? I would have nothing to talk about with them. Hehee imagine the struggle it would be to talk to them. I would have to dumb down the words.. Doña: 

Doña: Yeah heh, of course. Village girls are such idiots. We’ll be rich together. 😕

And so they continue their secrets. Eventually breaking up because secret relationships are hard and they both secretly think they’re not enough for the other. But also because 

Esteban: Tensia, can we talk about yesterday? When we were joking about staying here in Cordóba with new names.  Doña: Heh yes, we run away and live happily ever after. It could work. I mean we open a shop to sell your moisturizer. Only 4 days a week during the morning so people will know it’s very exclusive. Then we can charge nobles exorbitant prices, and the rest of time we just enjoy ourselves. You can do guitar playing and tally olaball games, and I can shop. It’d be a nice life.  Esteban: Yes, it would. I want it. (sighs) I really want to. It would be so easy to do, and that’s why we have to break up.  Doña: What?  Esteban: (choking up) We said we wouldn’t let our love interfere but I’m beginning to.. I fear that.. I no longer want to continue my burden. I want to stay in Cordóba and sell moisturizers. Hortensia, I want to marry you.  Doña: Oh Esteban. I would say yes. I’d be willing Esteban: (crying) I’m glad, but it...  I can’t do that to Avalor. I owe it to my family to stay. Kingdom before thy self. 

Doña: (tearing up too) I know. I understand. We’ll discuss (gulps) that tomorrow. For now, let’s just... 

(They cuddle up close together and share a kiss) 

They manage a civil break up. Albeit with lots of bittersweet looks so Esteban goes to Satu to help with the distance. As years go their rivalry becomes more tense as they change. Both have pretty much given up on making new laws, seeing as they’ve done everything legally possible. Esteban still cares but that caring just makes him feel more guilty and hopeless and depressed; all he can do is keep Shuriki from enacting harsher laws and maintains peaceful ties with his allies. Doña, on the other hand, chose to stop caring and focus on herself and her money. Sort of like this, 

Esteban: Okay, what the hell is going on? Is this some sort midlife crisis? Are you mourning someone? Extravagant spending, galas with nobles that you said were “shallow and never worked a day in their lives.” 

Doña: Nothing is happening. I just came to the conclusion that I should enjoy myself. Oh, Esteban, I’ve realized I’ve been stuck in the past, chasing stupid childhood dreams like having a family. That hasn’t worked at so well. But know what has? This store. This emporium has been the only thing succeeding and I decided that I’m going to put my energy and focus into it and make it even better! Esteban: You call spending money on yourself true happiness? Doña:  Yes, I can’t get happiness the other way so might as well embrace what I have. And I have a lot of money.  Esteban: No it’s- What about caring for oth-” 

Doña: I did care, and I’m done. I’m tired of caring for all these people that don’t even know how hard I work. There’s always something else, making sure they’re happy, making sure the economy’s stable, and I don’t get anything from it but stress and no time. I’m done being a failure as a provider. I’m done with “Kingdom before thy self.” If I don’t care, I don’t have to make everything absolutely perfect and now I have time to enjoy myself and my new friends. I mean we’ve done everything we legally can without Shuriki’s notice. So I’m going to relax. No more pressure. Don’t I deserve that after all I’ve done for them for the last 7 years? With money at least I can buy things. Money’s great, money keeps growing in the bank, it can’t leave you the way people do.  Esteban: No! I mean- eh it’s not right. You’re forgetting who you are. Denying that you feel guilty or sad doesn’t mean it disappears. 

Doña: Oh, I’ve had lots of practice with denial, it works. Besides this is who I am, I love money and jewels and new clothes and gossiping about other people and petty society intrigues. It’s kind of fun to manipulate the fighting. I was just too busy before to indulge in them. I didn’t get what Lady Yolanda meant that buying a new dress can cure depression? But now I stopped caring about the past and what my family would be disappointed. It actually works. 

Esteban: It’s wrong! You shouldn’t just forget about your failures or the people you loved. 

Doña: Why are you pushing this? I’m moving on with my life. What do you want me to do? Be like you? Moping around, depressed and miserable all the time. I wouldn’t stop you if you tried to push past your sadness to be happy for once.  Esteban: I’d rather do that than dishonor my family by acting so self absorbed and selfish. You’ve changed so much and- 

Doña: That’s your problem! I’ve changed too much, you’re stuck in the past! I know you’re life is hard, and there’s very little joy but but... Sometimes I want you  to have a happy life not just because you deserve it, but because I don’t want to hear more complaining. You can fix things, you know that right? 

But you don’t. You keep holding yourself back when you to start enjoying yourself. You push yourself and never try to move on. I mean, you never attend functions unless it’s a royal obligation, you have never gone to the opera just for fun or do anything in your free time that might guarantee a little respite from work. You prefer to be miserable and stew in your guilt. You hold yourself back when you to start enjoying yourself. You won’t allow yourself to find happiness with yourself. Or with someone else or anything! Be miserable fine, but I can’t act like that. My guilt is over with. (a little more gently) It’s been 37 years. You’ve been guilty enough. Try pretending it doesn’t exist, it really helps.  

Esteban: I can’t..

Doña: Of course you can. Esteban: You don’t understand. It’s none of your...it’s a royal matter. Doña: Here we go again! It’s a royal matter. I’m too low and stupid too understand your struggles with doing whatever you want and your royal burden. Give up that argument, Esteban. It means nothing. Besides I’m not acting selfish! I’m basically doing the same things you royals do. Going shopping, siestas. 

Esteban: That’s part of my reputation. I have to look my best. I thought you were more noble than the rest of the nobility that you rose from. I may have privileges, but I still better the peoples’ lives. You’re just acting self righteous.  Doña: You can force yourself not to enjoy these things, but you still have them. You’re pretty well off as Shuriki’s lapdog compared to the commoners. Face it, you have the power like her, you have the titles like her, you’re ambitious like her, you’re- 

Esteban: I am nothing like Shuriki!  Doña: You’re close enough. You’re almost ruthless by association.  Esteban: If you’d like to talk about titles, doña, may I remind you that you’re only so special because you’re magister. Without it, you may be intelligent and pretty, but just as common and worthless as the rest of the masses.  As for your formal request to aid the upcoming trade deals with the northern part of the Everrealm, I’ll have to decline.  Doña: Why? You said- we always do these things together.  Esteban: Yes, but that was before. I didn’t really need you since you don’t have the proper expertise to handle diplomatic matters.  Doña: What? No expertise?! Af-after 7 years. You-I.. 

Esteban: I didn’t need you. I never needed you. I only allowed you to come because I wanted a friend by my side. But now.... 

Doña: But I’m still on.you..

Esteban: No. no. You mean nothing to me. 

Doña: Hmmph. You think your friendship is some big loss for me? Get over yourself chancellor I-I hope you drown in your guilt. 

Esteban: “I hope you drown in your selfishness.” (Slams door) 

So done. Friendship over. Rivalry begins! And also though it wasn’t the major source of their friction, Esteban’s disgust for her avarice and Doña thinking it was hypocritical for him to criticize her clothes shopping and gossip when it was what he usually did. He said it was a matter of being royal and that he had an image to maintain jumps off their royal vs working class rivalry which was easier to argue you about than all the personal subtext underneath. They’re just very passive aggressive with each other now. 

Until after Masks of Magic when Elena tells pretty much her whole family all about what went down at the Feast of Friendship. So a few days later, Esteban stops by Doña’s apartment. Esteban: I want to talk about what happened at the Feast of Friendship. Doña: Yes, yes, things were a little wild and your cousin did her own thing as you said she is wont to do but everything worked out. I can’t wait to do it again next next year. Ugh too bad Paraíso is hosting next year’s. 🙄 Can we discuss the particulars tomorrow before our meeting, I have a date tonight and I need at least two hours to do my hair, and then there’s my makeu- Esteban: She told me that you grew up in a small ranch. Doña: 🤭 Um heh Elena said you were sick, I think you need to rest some more. We’ll talk when you feel better. I don’t know what you’re talking about. Esteban: Hortensia, don’t start denying i.. Doña: I’m not in denial. I’m doing my makeup (closes the door to her bathroom) Esteban: (continues talking through the door) It makes sense. You’re not from a rich merchant family. Your family didn’t send you in to the city alone so you can learn the value of money. You did it because you had no choice, didn’t you? Doña: If you want to start your “the lady is a tramp” jokes, do it now. You have an hour before I kick you out. Esteban: Why didn’t you tell me? Doña: ....... Because Elena isn’t judgmental like you. She doesn’t have your high standards.

Esteban: You really think my opinion of you would lower because of your background? You’re an exception. You’re educated and talented and... Doña: No I’m not. How could I.. I mean... Remember, my ex Ferdinand? How you said he was wrong about how worthless I am. It was just lies and emotional abuse. All what he calls me, is true. I mean even you said it yourself. Remember?  Esteban: I.. I didn’t really mean it.... that way.  Doña: Yeah right.  (Comes out of the bathroom) I am stupid, and greedy and a selfish hypocrite. No let me finish. He’s right. I dropped out of school after my quinceñera, Esteban. I didn’t even finish 9th grade, I didn’t go to college. I don’t know how to photosynthesis or speak a different language. When I first met you, I would spend the night before our meetings, studying the dictionary so I would understand some of your lectures on foreign relations. I’m no where near your level of education as I’ve been pretending to be. And Ferdinand is right that I’m a hypocrite, I don’t associate with other poor people and I don’t. I don’t.

How could other people respect me if they figured that I didn’t grow up knowing the difference between pink and fuchsia. That I didn’t have a private tutor like you. Do you know how many times I have been told that I would end up a whore because of my station in life. I couldn’t pay my dowry. And we tried, we tried so hard but they asked too much! And its not like I have any other choices. I’m not smart nor do I have a special talent. Basically, if I must quote *him*, “If I don’t pay my dowry and be supported, I’ll just be another whore with a body. Not good enough to be married, not worth enough to be even paid for a bed like a prostitute. “

As for my family? No, they were not merchants from Nueva Vista. I did not grow up rich. So rich I was sent to Avalor City to learn the value of money. I worked to provide for them and I failed. I didn’t work hard enough. I was too slow and selfish. I was so sad being alone, and homesick that I wasted time.

I was working to become the Magister, I was in all the right circles. I didn’t do enough. They died one by one from disease and starvation and exhaustion.

I was wanting to feel loved as they were sick and starving. I wanted them to tell me to stop working and come back because they missed me so much. Me, me, me! All I thought about me. It is my fault.  Esteban: No. 

Doña: Yes, I accept that. I just didn’t think it would matter to anyone. At least they hardly mattered enough for people to help. As you can imagine, they were born for a reason. They didn’t work enough. They deserve it. 

Esteban: I wish you’d told me before. 

Doña: Yeah, well... you wouldn’t have...I mean. Esteban when we broke up for the sake our duties I... it’s so stupid but I-I got unrealistic and stupid and I thought maybe you’d change your mind, and stand by me through it all. More than your fear of Shuriki, more than your guilt to your family. But love doesn’t conquer all. And if you didn’t stay when I was perfect than why would you stay if you knew how I really was? 

Esteban: Do you think I’m that shallow? I wasn’t that bad. I wouldn’t have said it was all your fault that you were poor.  Doña: Yes, you would have. You thought most poor people deserve what they got for not working hard enough like how Shuriki always raged on you.  Esteban: I’m not like Shuriki.

Doña: I’m not saying you were like her, it’s just-

Esteban: But I wasn’t. I’m tired of you seeing me as the villain because you think all royals are snobs. I’m not like that. I didn’t do anything wrong. 

Doña: Yes you were! You still are. Esteban: I-I respect Miss Turner despite her low rank. I’d listen to her opinions. 

Doña: Sorry I haven’t been up to date on your change in mindset.

Esteban: I’m just saying, I’m not the villein you paint me to be.  Doña: I’m not saying you are a villain but you are not the most tolerant. And I don’t hold that against you, you’re “better” now. But don’t pretend you weren’t like that. 

Esteban: I didn’t do..

Doña: Don’t feel bad, everyone is like that. After all  it’s not their problem. It’s mine. My feelings don’t matter in the long run. They’ll listen and leave. They don’t care. It would be like I hadn’t told anyone at all.

Esteban: I wasn't-I’m not like those people.

Doña: That’s not my point. Get out!  Esteban: But- Fine! 

Post All Kingdoms Fair 

 Esteban (covered in mud after trying to ride bareback on a horse) Maybe racing you after you lost Magister of Trade wasn't the best idea. Doña: Hmmm maybe you should have thought of that before helping Julio win, Chancellor. 

Esteban: You must know it's not personal. Kingdom before thy self. 

Doña: And the betterment of the kingdom lies in someone full of idealism and no experience! No. No way. You are far too smug about this for it not to be personal. 

Esteban: With Elena's return, I've come to realize that though we have done a good job in making Avalor stable and prosperous..there needs to be changes to make the city more vibrant. More happy than it was under Shuriki. You're too stuck in your ways, it’s more about you than the kingdom, and think you know best and... Dona: I do know best. Esteban: You're going to eventually burn out. You must admit you've been getting more stressed.

Doña: How do you know I- You get stressed and cry about your job. You don't see me trying to give your chancellorship to Naomi! Esteban: I'm just saying.. you'll have more time with your emporium and to do other things. Doña: Oh then thank you, Esteban for giving me so much extra time for me to think and be alone with my thoughts. Just what I always wanted. Esteban: Complain now, in the future---I told you so. 

Doña: Hmph. Not before I say I told you so when Julio fails miserably. And he will. He's so happy and wants to help everybody, it's like putting Armando in charge. He's going to give everything away. No more advantageous trade deals..ugh it's going to be horrible. Esteban: Have I mentioned that I'm going to miss that crazed look in your eye when you negotiate to get more goods for Avalor than whatever other kingdom? Doña: Why should I care more about other people than myself! I mean, I'm sorry are you serving the people of Avalor or the people of our allies? Avalorans come first, why should we serve their interests when we have to put our peoples needs before anything else? Like money for streets, and food transportation and- 

Esteban: Yes, I am going to miss that. Doña: Insufferable Esteban: Ruthless. Want to eat? Doña: Know it al— huh what? Esteban: Would you like to eat?

Post Incredible Shrinking Royals 

(After the dressing down by Elena and the Grand Council) 

Doña: Well that went well.  Esteban: Speak for yourself. You don’t live with her.  Doña: I don’t see what they’re so upset about. Even if we hadn’t invited King Hector, I’m sure something would have gone wrong. Things always end up crazy ever since you’re cousin became queen. Sure, Julio somewhat saved the day but that was just dumb luck. Next time I’ll get to say I told you so. Next time he won’t be.. 

Esteban gives her the look.  Doña: Okay maybe not.. 

Esteban: It doesn’t matter. There won’t be a next time for us. I’m on probation and Julio rightly fired you.  They lapse into silence 

Esteban: (smirks) But since we’re on the subject. I told you so.  Doña: What! What are you talking about?  Esteban: Remember? At our picnic after All Kingdoms Fair. I reserved the right to say “I told you so” when Julio succeeded. And I would say continued trade deals between Satu, Paraíso, Norburg and Avalor to be a success. I was right, you’re wrong.  (Doña sputters and Esteban continues his little victory dance and they reach the castle door. Oddly, Doña doesn’t leave immediately but pauses as Esteban starts to walk away.) 

Esteban: Hmm you missed just our schemes. It sounds more like someone misses talking to me.   Doña: I no I mean..You were the one who initiated those private chats after the Feast of Friendship and All Kingdoms Fair. It seems you’re the one who misses talking to me.  

Esteban: And and? You miss someone else?  Doña: Ugh Esteban, you know you’re insufferable.  Esteban: “I miss y-”  Doña: Ay dios mio.  Esteban: Say it. 

Doña: You’re not going to stop, Are you?  Esteban: Here I’ll help you start. You missed.... 

Doña: You. Yes. I missed you. Working together- okay scheming together was- I don’t know. It felt like old times. Esteban: That wasn’t so hard, was it? (Doña rolls her eyes) And just to clear the air...if we meet at the bar will I get to hear your real voice after you drink too much wine? 

Doña: (pauses and tries to regain herself) Whata what are you-” 

Esteban: No, no no. Don’t try to deny it! I was right! I thought I was imagining things because I drank too much wine! 

Doña: Ugh Esteban!

Esteban: So will you?  Doña: No, no no no no. That was a little mistake. This is my normal voice now. I’ve used it much longer.  Esteban: But...but come on. It’s your voice. It’s nothing to be ashamed about. It’s not bad to be poor. Doña: Ashamed and bad are two different things. There’s nothing to be ashamed of. But it is very bad to be poor. It’s matters. Esteban: It shouldn’t be that important. What matters is if you’re qualified for the job, not how you sound or where you came from.  Doña: They wanted to hire someone who was rich and educated from the city. I sound like that. I worked too hard to let something stupid than what I sound like to keep me from getting the job I needed, the jobs I wanted. Besides, you’re right that I am qualified in where it matters most, experience.  Esteban: But it couldn’t be that... it doesn’t matter. 

Doña: Yes it does matter, Esteban. Life’s not fair. Money, who has it and who doesn’t. It’s caused so much pain. You don’t know how people have treated me because they knew I was from a village. It only mattered to me that I was raped. Only I cared about my miscarriage. But the doctors didn’t care all because I couldn’t pay. It only mattered to me that I was starving or cold but the grocers wouldn't give me for free. And when I tried to explain, I was trying to provide for others, it was always the same thing. I had no right to ask for exceptions, I’m not special. It happens to other people. I should get over it. I should. It happened in the past. I should stop thinking about it. It’s in the past. It doesn’t affect me. I don’t deserve anything. I should be working harder for my fill. I shouldn’t have pride or act smart because I’m poor, I’m obviously none of those things. 

Money matters. It gives you value. Now I’m rich, I have too much prestige for them to deny me. They’d never think that I’m stupid or talentless.

Esteban: But you act like... You can at least have some more empathy for others. You don’t have to tell them your backstory but at least.. 

Doña: But it wouldn’t have been as believable.  Esteban: But Julio and other merchants..

Doña: It’s not the same. Sure, their lives are tough blah blah, they still inherited their businesses... still I suppose I could have... but..but I get so scared that people will figure it out and then they’ll think I’m just as vulgar and lazy as before. Because that is what poor people are meant to be. Menial labor. Ignored and derided and why would I ever risk going back to that position in life? It may be hypocritical but it is worth it if it lets me keep what I have. 

 Because that’s what I am. Without money, I’m so worthless- I-I don’t matter. I’m a worthless. So so worthless.  Esteban: No, you’re not.  I’ll admit I am surprised that you are not educated as I was but that just speaks to how intelligent you are anyway. You’ve learned on the job and you’ve been tremendously successful. As for your family, I am sorry. I don’t know what to say but.. but I think..  Doña: Don’t try with some Día de Los Muertos talk of honoring them. You have not starved before, you do not know that kind of pain and the kind of hatred you’d feel for suffering from it. I was selfish. I was so selfish. My family put their faith in me. I’m the capable one. I’m the provider. And I failed. They’re dead because of me. 

Esteban: Okay. But I didn’t... you never act like you feel.. 

Doña: We’ve argued about this, remember? I want to remember them, but I- I’m not like you. I don’t want to be consumed with grief and worthlessness, to push others away because of my guilt. Twenty three years was enough. If I have to force myself to forget in order to feel less guilty, so be it. 

Esteban: I still think no, never mind. Fine.... But you must know how I feel about you, and I would never think you’re worthless. Poor village girl or not. It doesn’t matter. 

Esteban: You don’t have to talk now but when you are ready. I will be here for you and.. Doña: No, don’t. You don’t mean it. Don’t tell me a lie to me. You’ve said it before. I’ve changed too much. You hate me. You think I’m a selfish, gre- no no. I’d rather not be comforted than comforted this one time and not again. Don’t comfort me once and leave. It hurts too much. It hurts. I’m used to no comfort, I’m used to it. I’m fine please don’t.” Esteban: (shakes his head) “....And I will hold you and I will listen. And I will still love you all the same.” 

Esteban: I’m sorry if I ever made you feel like I wouldn’t have accepted you if I knew the truth. I’m sorry. Sorry mi llorena. Doña: Shut up. Esteban: Sorry it just really fits. And you know, I don’t hate you. You’re still sort of how you were.  Doña: And maybe you’ve grown away from the past a bit.  (So they hug for a little bit and Esteban decides to break the ice.) Esteban: Look how nice we’re being to each other. Do you think we could act like this all the time?

Doña: What? No! We’d have to fight less and be nice to each other and freaks people out for some reason. They are going to think I’m blackmailing you. Heh, like near the end of Naomi’s quinceñera I was going to congratulate you. But Lady Yolanda took me away because she thought I was drunk. Esteban: Really? It’s that unbelievable?

Doña: It’s fine. I didn’t want to congratulate you anyway. Esteban: (shakes head) Of course not. You’re right. The more we get along the more people will be disturbed. It would never work. But.. if you ever want to talk about your family, you can. It’s only fair since I’ve told you so much about my parents. Doña: (nods) Yeah, it’d be nice to talk to someone. I tried that..that psychiatrist idea you said I should. You know, for three minutes.  Esteban: Three minutes? You know you have to talk to him for longer than that right?  Doña: Yes but he was stupid. He wanted to know if I had a bad childhood or abandonment issues. I had a very happy childhood and I have no abandonment issues whatsoever. He didn’t give me a refund either.  Esteban: Well you do have a point, he must have not been a very good psychiatrist if he was trying to get into your clear emotional abandonment and repression issues without first addressing your borderline amnesiac denial. Doña: I don’t (Esteban gives her a look) Denial is nice. It keeps me from reflecting on feelings and other things. Once I think of one thing, it leads to another and then all the grief and guilt come in to consume you, you know. (Slight silence) 

Esteban: I know..... (shakes himself out of his thoughts) As I was saying, denial as a coping mechanism and how you focus on your ego and your money in order to avoid emotional attachment. Doña: I-I don’t! You found those fancy terms when you went to a psychiatrist for your superiority inferiority complex and survivors guilt with emotional repression.  Oh right you don’t “need” a therapist. Hmmm... 

Esteban: Okay, I just don’t have time for it. At least I know I have problems. I don’t deny it.  Doña: Which is more of a reason that you need the psychiatrist more than I do. You know you should but you don’t go.  Esteban: You still need to go more than I.  Doña: No you do.  Esteban: You do. 

(Both try to one-up each other with “You do”s) Esteban: You do! But if it makes you feel better, I missed talking to you. A little. And maybe since....with Elena around, and Julio as Magister we have time. The economy doesn’t depend on us. We don’t have to be so professional anymore and put together. We can have our talks on Sundays, like we used to.  Doña: Yeah but...l you have your family for that. You don’t need to.  Esteban: Yes, I do. It’s... You know the dark times. You know things that I haven’t told them. You’d get it. 

Doña: You know, I hate to say you’re right but you’re the only person I consider a friend. And Esteban? I’m sor..argh I’m not used to apologizing. One second, okay, I’m truly sorry that I said you were similar to Shuriki. I didn’t mean it. I was angr-...I was angry but that doesn’t justify it. It was uncalled for and untrue. I never believed that. You have done so much and you’re nothing like her. I have always believed you were a better person and that Avalor is lucky to have you fixing her reign of terror. You’re a hero.

Esteban: (wavery smile) Please. Don’t mention it.