Tacenda || Carlos Madrigal x Reader

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"Ivan, can you take care of Anita and Azul?" As you went to bed last night, you realized that you probably should've given Camilo a chance to talk.

   The more you thought about what he said, the more you considered it. But still... why would Carlos go out if his way to do that? Wasn't he busy? He's a Madrigal, of course, he's busy.

   But no, he wasn't as busy as you thought. In fact, Carlos barely had any chores or work. Ever since his rebellious teenage phase, he's been doing more harm than good with 'Madrigal Duties'. So his family agreed to keep him at home and let him do whatever he'd like as long as he didn't step outside. It was the best for him. He didn't need to walk around the village every day, he didn't need to interact with strangers and ask for ways he can help.

   He had all the time in the world.

   But because of this, Carlos thought that it'd be fun to mess around with people.

   His family didn't do a great job keeping him away from trouble. They almost encouraged it by giving him freedom. He didn't listen to the rule of staying in the house, what'll his parents do? That didn't stop his mother from lecturing him, though she was getting tired of repetitive conversations.

   Carlos got into fights with other teenagers.

   Carlos traumatized innocent little children with his gift; shapeshifting into different monsters and mythical creatures to give them nightmares.

   "Where are you going?" Ivan ran into the living room. You've been going out a lot lately which was a little strange. He could only assume something has been going on. Especially with Anita talking about your boyfriend.

   Ivan didn't want you to have a boyfriend. He didn't want you to end up like your parents. He didn't want you to leave and be busy with someone else. He wanted this family to be whole.

   But that won't happen.

   "I'm gonna see Camilo." You responded, slipping your shoes on.

   Camilo... your boyfriend?

   Anita kept telling him about you and Camilo dating. She said that you'd deny it but she knows something is going on. Let's be honest, she's just a kid with an imagination.

   "You're gonna be back quick, right?"

   "I'll do my best." You noticed his sudden drop in mood. He almost looked sad. "What's wrong?"

   He shook his head, refusing to say something. "Go hang out with your boyfriend!"

   "My.. what?"

   "But get me a lollipop! The only way that I'll take care of these little kids." He referred to his siblings.

   "They're not much younger than you are." You chuckled a bit at his change in attitude but were a tad bit concerned when he said, boyfriend. Though you didn't question, he was just messing around like his sister. "I'll be sure to get you one. Gracias, Hermanito." You pulled him into a quick hug. "I'm really proud of you. You're growing up so fast, you're already taking care of your siblings. Good job." You ruffled up his hair and watched as he smiled widely and hugged you tightly.

   "I know I'm the best," he laughed softly, then let you go. "Have fun!"

   "I will!" You waved off as you stepped outside, locking the door and walking off of your family property. You'd try, at least... you weren't sure how much fun this would be.

   Just a talk. No yelling... you can do this.

   Don't be like your mother.

   Don't assert dominance by raising your voice.

   Hear him out. Listen to what he has to say.

Easy.

You fixed your hair, pushing it back as the wind gently blew against the strands. The sky was filled with clouds, the sun slowly fading away with every passing second.

As la casa Madrigal came to sight, the pace of your strides slowed down. Nervousness began to rise, you wanted to back away, you were almost scared. You didn't want to deal with this, just let it slide and go on with life with or without Camilo.

But no, you had to make it right. On top of that, you want to figure out why it happened. What caused this drama? You were led on by someone.. and you were slowly becoming convinced that it was Carlos. The Camilo you knew wouldn't do such a thing.

You'd confront them both.

Together or separately?

Separately, for sure.

   You found yourself in front of the house, unmoving and frightened. You wanted to turn around and walk away, you wanted to give up on this and forget about it. Life is life, some people stick with you, some don't.

   "Hola."

   But you couldn't turn around and leave now. Dolores had perfect timing, walking right out of the front door and spotting you.

   Turning around and leaving would be humiliating. You were standing there, clearly, you wanted something. You can't just walk away.

   "Hola, Dolores." You waved at her, now walking towards the house.

   "Did you come to see Camilo?"

   Dolores Madrigal. Gift: Super Hearing.

   "Yeah." You nodded almost anxiously, "can I come in?" You learned to speak in a softer tone around her. You didn't want to hurt her ears. It was a subconscious change.

   "Of course. He should be in his room." She moved to the side and ushered you in. "Good luck." She gave you a soft smile before walking out of the house.

Good luck?

You walked up the stairs quietly, slowly approaching his room. Your breathing quickened with every step you took, holding onto the railing for some support.

You didn't recall the time that passed, all you were aware of was that now you were in front of Camilo's door. The tips of your fingers grazed upon the glowing crevasses. You were stalling, admiring the door that stood before you.

Camilo looks like a child here. The sight brought a smile to your face. You looked at the image, eyes jumping around at the different outlines of other people. It displayed his gift perfectly, and it captured his features minimally yet in so much detail.

You can't keep stalling.

You rose your hand and balled it into a fist, bringing it to the wood. But you stopped before your hand collided with the door.

'It's not that hard. Just knock.'

"Y/n?"

You spin around at the voice, recognizing it in almost an instant. How could you not?

"Carlos?"