So You've Fallen for a Madrigal? (Camilo Madrigal x female reader)

7. Don't Cry, Now

Suddenly, he hugs you, putting his head over your shoulder, not letting go or giving you room to hug him back.

"Are you alright?" You ask. No response. All you can do is watch him sniffle and cry. This boy has been through so much. Is his family really that bad?

"T-thank you," he whines in a raspy voice. You can feel the tears running off your shoulder and down your back, being absorbed into the fabric of your dress. Each small gasp for air he takes fills you with more sympathy.

As he cries, you can tell that he's losing energy. After a moment, he loosens his grip on you, allowing you to free your arms and wrap them around him. You hold him close as his tears begin to slow.

Unsure of what to do, you reach up behind his head and run your fingers slowly through his soft, curly hair. He seems to relax a bit more when you do this.

"Everything is going to be ok," you assure him. "Tomorrow, you're going to wake up, and you'll be alive," you say somewhat jokingly. You hear a little giggle amongst the sniffling over your shoulder behind you.

"Seriously, though," you continue, "You have survived 100% of your worst days, and you're going to do it again. I just want you to remember these three things: you are loved; you are wanted; and your family couldn't go a single day without you."

Everything goes silent. Your surroundings are peaceful, except for Camilo... Poor Camilo... As you continue running your fingers through his hair, suddenly your sympathy becomes empathy.

Y/n pov:
Hey... I recognize this feeling... Father treated me like Camilo was treated before he...

Soon, the tears stop, and he seems to barely be holding himself up anymore. Heheh...

"Camilo?" You say softly, "Camiloooo?"
He's sound asleep on your shoulder.

Such a darling... His breathing is slowed, and he's simply laying there, his arms wrapped weakly around you. You never wanted to leave this moment. He's honest about his feelings... He's cute... His hair is so soft too... His hair.

You realize that you still haven't taken your hand away from his hair. As you withdraw your hand, he wakes up, tired and confused.

"Hey, sleepyhead," you whisper.
"MmmMm... Hmm?" He grumbles softly, looking exhausted. You giggle lightly.

"I think it's time to get you home," you exhale.
"Mm... ok..." He drones. You stand up, but he hesitates for a moment before struggling to get on his feet. Right. He's tired. You hold his hand, trying to stabilize him and guide his steps.

After a moment, you stop. You turn back towards the river, and start to run back.

"I have to get my jacket really quick-" you yell back to a confused, tired Camilo in the distance behind you. After snatching up the jacket, you throw it over your shoulder and hurry back to Camilo so he doesn't collapse. Suddenly, he's caused you to be more comfortable with yourself.

You won't be needing the jacket any longer.