Beautiful Bruises ~ Camilo Madrigal x Reader

Hurt You

Because you were a murderer.

Everything happened in a daze until you arrived at Casita. You could hear people whispering in the alleys, and Abuela told Luisa that she would need to pick up the rock. You felt Luisa shudder at the idea of seeing your crushed mama, and immediately felt horrible.

The one time you peeked over Luisa's arm, you were relieved you had. Lucía was sobbing in Carlos's arms, and you saw definite tears streaking down his face also. He whispered something to her, and then he looked up and your eyes met. Suddenly there was a lump in your throat - his eyes were filled with gratitude. He nodded at you, and you managed a nod back before they disappeared from view.

So your mama's hold was broken on everyone - including your papa, wherever he might be. Maybe there was still a chance of having a somewhat happy family, even if that family was missing someone.

But it would take a while. You didn't even know who your father truly was outside of your mama's grasp, other than that he was the son of a killer.

But now, he was also the father of a killer.

The thought sobered you, and you sniffled as Luisa carefully set you on the ground. Her tearful eyes refused to meet yours, and you patted her arm.

"I understand," you whispered, and she nodded, marching off to do her duty.

The Madrigals were all melancholy. Always-emotional Mariano ran right over and wrapped you up in a big hug - he had been Jude's friend for as long as you could remember, and he was like another older brother to you by now, especially since you both lived with the Madrigals.

A somewhat foolish, nieve brother.

"Thanks, Mariano," you managed to squeak out as he squeezed you.

"I'm glad you're alright," he said, his voice wobbling as he shooed you over to Pepa, who was pacing. Camilo was sitting on a chair, his face buried in his hands. Pepa raced over and gripped your face, kissing you all over the cheeks and forehead.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she breathed, and you remembered the last time she had said that. After you came back from the dead.

Julieta stood in the background, her eyes on the ring of greenish bruises ringing your neck. You could see the frustration and shame in her eyes - she couldn't help you. She wanted to help you.

"Camilo," you said softly, approaching him as one might a wild animal. "Hey."

He turned away, still hiding his face.

"Don't come near me."

"I swear it was a lie," you said quickly, guilt setting in. "I'm not talking to someone else. I would never-!" 

He stood up faster thank your eye could follow, the chair's legs screeching on the tile floor as it was shoved backwards.

"I know," he said quickly, mournful longing in his expression. His eyes were still a shade darker than usual, like your mama's torture still haunted his mind. "I know you wouldn't do that. I just can't have you close to me right now, or I'll..." He looked down at his hands. A single tear fell onto the floor below, and you stepped forward to hug him, but he backed away. "I can still feel her," he whispered, his voice quaking. "She's still in my head. And..."

"What?" you asked, trying not to betray the pain in your voice. "Why won't you come near me?"

He lowered his eyes, a muscle ticking in his jaw.

"I want to hurt you."