Beautiful Bruises ~ Camilo Madrigal x Reader

Something to Live For

And then your eyes met, and the world ceased to exist.

For a long time, it was like it was just you and him, his perfect forest-green eyes wide and unbelieving as he gazed at you. His mouth was open slightly in disbelief.

Suddenly he shape-shifted in shock, turning into Mirabel and then Abuela before turning back into himself.

You smiled slightly as he shook his head to regain his bearings.

That's Camilo, all right.

In a flash, he had raced down the steps and had your face gripped between his hands, examining you.

"You're not hurt. Thank God, you're not hurt. How are you alive? Dios mio, (Y/N)... I'm sorry. I'm sorry I lied. I'm sorry I couldn't save you, I... I tried! I tried, when Julieta left your side, I..." he trailed off, pulling you into a tight hug, his fingers digging into the small of your back as though he were afraid you would disappear. "Don't ever do that again... Cariño."

He struggled to say the last word, forcing it out of his mouth with difficulty, like he had forgotten how it felt to say it.

Like he thought he would never say it again.

"I'm sorry," you whispered into his chest, ignoring the pain his fingers caused. It was a welcome pain - he was finally holding you again.

He pulled back when you said that, his eyes dark and glistening with unshed tears.

"Don't you dare be sorry," he scolded, bringing his forehead to yours. The rest of the family angled themselves away from the two of you, granting you the semblance of privacy. "None of this was your fault. You saved my life, (Y/N). And I couldn't save yours. But I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe from now on, understood? And you let me, alright? If it ever comes down to it again, how about I die this time."

You nodded at him, swiping the tears out of your eyes.

"Alright," you murmured, holding him closer and grimacing at the lie. "You're skinny, tonto. You should eat more."

He laughed dryly, playing with a strand of your hair and trying to disguise the tears you felt drip on your shoulders and seep through your shirt.

"I will now that I have someone to live for."

You pulled away, scowling at him.

"Don't you dare, Camilo. You had your mama and papa, your siblings, your cousins... if that isn't something to live for, I don't know what is!" You said, shoving his arm gently.

He shrugged, his eyes downcast.

"It's hard to want to be alive when you've killed the girl you love."

Your heart broke when he said that, and you forced yourself to turn away, unable to look at the beautiful, ruined boy. You walked over to Jude, determined to solve the mystery you had left hanging so long ago.

"Did you ever figure out why the Madrigal's magic doesn't work on us?" you questioned him.

He turned to look at Camilo, who bit his lip and nodded slightly.

"I'll show her."