Forbidden, Unrequited ( C. Madrigal )

A world alone

✬ ✭ ✮

" Carlos? Are you okay? " Antonio approached his big brother, who was busily cutting planks of wood with his crystal-like armor's honed fingers. His eyes softened as he beamed at his tiny form, his armor deforming and his heart warming as he carried him. 

" Mhm, I'm fine Tonito. " he says softly. Sitting on the grass with him in his arms. " You've been working since this morning and skipped lunch, can you come home and rest? " Antonio points at the wagon not too far from them. 

Carlos had found a way to cope not long ago when he'd beaten up Camilo. He took over one of Luisa's chores, sawing and breaking through enormous trunks of timber for firewood. He became proud of himself with this achievement, he was getting better.

" Later, I promise. Is Camilo home? " he asked, Antonio nods innocently.  " Good, Now go on. I'm sure mama is looking for you, I'll come home shortly okay? " he kissed his forehead before helping him get on Parce.

His smile faded as he stared blankly at his hands after Antonio left. He'd been staring at them a lot, and this was the first time his hands trembled. Not from fatigue, but from the pain and burnout he'd been carrying.

" I wonder how long we can hold out, buddy. " he gripped his chest, talking to his beating heart. For him, crying isn't an option. He despised it. But when he does cry, he's glad. He doesn't cry to manipulate or worsen the situation.

He cries to release.

" I hope someone pisses mamí off, the rain would be an excellent comforter right now. " he chuckled. He perched on one of the tree trunks, carefully observing every villager who passed by. No one really piqued his interest. 

He'd always wondered why she was the only one who could. She used to be a nobody to him, but now she's everything. For years, she had been the center of his attention. But was there something missing, gifts? words? touch?

or a person?

Just then, the church bells rang. It was already six in the afternoon. Everybody started heading back to their homes for supper, and he did the same. Fiddling with his fingers as he didn't know how to face or even keep his cool around his own twin-brother.

" Carlos! " He was on his way to the Casita when he heard a sweet voice call for him. He scoffed, " Hola, Maria. " he greeted the girl who was now in front of him. " And you're blocking my way. " he says sternly and walks the other way.

" Um, have you seen Camilo anywhere? " she struggled to talk straight, trying to catch up to him. " No, I haven't and I don't care where he is. " Carlos answered, brushing his locks away from his face as he reached for Casita's doorknob.

" Still have something annoying to ask or say? " he asked Maria one last time, she shook her head and he went inside. Slamming the door shut. 

" Welcome home? " Dolores appeared out of nowhere, startling him. " Evening, hermana. You scared me. " he rolled his eyes and walked towards the kitchen to help prepare the table. Dolores followed behind him closely.

" Look, I don't have that missing scrunchie Mariano gave you, ask Camilo. " he says softly, not wanting to scare and scream at his big sister. He did and always had a hard time controlling his emotions, but he never raised his voice at a girl.

" No no, it's not that. Have you seen Y/n? I haven't seen her today. " her sudden question make him freeze, but he shook his head and walked towards the dining table whilst carrying the plates in his hands. Avoid every question about her and you will be fine. He reassured himself.

No one had heard from her since the horrific events that had piled. None dared to look. One was unaware and busy, while the other was struggling on his own.  All three of them were on their own. The last thing they wanted to be.

" Carlos. " Isabela snapped her fingers, snapping him out of his reverie. He glared at her before finishing, placing the plates down one by one. Camilo was already home, and he felt the coolness of crystal building upon his palm.

" Family, come come. " Alma gathered everyone to the table. Dinner went the same as usual. Planning, announcements, and decisions for the town were made in one seating. Being the breadwinners of a whole town isn't as easy as they thought it'd be.

" Thank you, mijo. I'll take it from here. " Julieta smiled sweetly, taking the dirty plates from his hands. " Yes, go rest. I see you had a rough day. " she cupped his cheek, and the warmth it provided softened him.

" Sí, tía. " he bowed his head slightly before leaving the kitchen and walking up the stairs. It didn't take long for Camilo to appear in front of him, making him grip his ruana in frustration. The more he avoided, the more they get closer.

" Oh, hola Carlos. How's your day? " Camilo asked, he knew that his brother was unaware of everything that had happened judging by the sluggish smile he always wears. " Good to bad. " Carlos' jaw clenched.

" Yea? What happened? Wanna talk about it? " he attempted to pat his back but he smacked his hand away, prompting Camilo to tilt his head in confusion as to why he was acting like this. Again.  " What's the problem? " he asks. Carlos laughed at him.

 " The problem? " he paused. " The problem is you. You keep on meddling with my life, taking people from me. " Carlos let out a long hard sigh that he'd been holding for the whole day.

" I haven't done anything, Carlos. Why do you keep accusing me of things whenever you're upset? " Camilo was beginning to feel frustrated, he kept laughing at him like he was some sort of joke.

" Nah, this time, the problem really is you. " Carlos began cracking his knuckles. " So, how's it like, dating Y/n? " he stared at him, piercingly that he imagined ripping him from his own flesh at the spot. 

" So you know. " Camilo let out a cheeky smile, " Aren't you even concerned one bit that I might kill you with my bare hands now that I know? " Carlos shouts, frustrated. Camilo didn't even flinch nor show a sign of worry or fright. It angered him more.

" No. "