Days And Nights (Book of Life and Maya and the Three One Shots)

Stumbling Over Words

Rico tries to propose to Chimi, but he can't do it without fumbling with his words and needs help from the goddess of love. This features another OC of ProxyoftheMuse from AO3.

It's been two years since Mictlan's defeat. 

Rico and Chimi had been living happily in a home near the Jungle Lands and Luna Island. They were even happier knowing that they could see their friends again. 

Rico had been thinking about doing this for quite a while, and had only now decided to do so.

He was going to propose to Chimi. 

Xochi, the goddess of love, had heard this and wanted to witness the declaration of love. Rico and Chimi have been among her favorite couples to watch from afar.

Xochi had arrived at the clearing where Rico was going to propose. She found the young man talking to himself, pacing the ground.

He was clearly nervous. 

"Ok, ok, ok, it's gonna be fine." She heard him say, "Just keep it short and sweet."

"Great!" Xochi said to herself, "Sometimes it's best to be simple."

"Chimi... you're a very unique person- n-no, that's too simple. Um... oh, how about; Chimi, you might've noticed we've been together for a while, so... as per custom, would you..." Rico facepalmed himself and groaned, "Ugh! I should've thought this through."

Xochi cringed as she watched. She sympathized with those who had trouble expressing their feelings to their loved ones.

He needed help. 

She made her way next to Rico. She was still invisible, but she made it so that he could only hear her voice.

"Rico..." Xochi said in his ear.

Rico yelped in fear as he turned around, holding Esteban out to defend himself, "W-Who's there?!"

"This is... love speaking. I hear you struggling with your proposal. I'm here to help."

Rico was confused by the disembodied voice, "Uh... what?"

"Just work with me, you'll thank me later."

"Ok, ok, mystery voice. What do I do?"

"Sometimes it's best to just let your feelings out naturally." Xochi said, "Just speak from the heart, mi niño."

"Easy for you to say!" Rico snapped, "Chimi is... amazing. So fierce, beautiful, and caring. I look at her, then I look at me and I wonder... if she's too good for me. And that one day she'll leave me."

"Relax, Rico. You're being too hard on yourself. You're wonderful, and Chimi knows it. You saw the beauty no one else did within her, you never give up on the ones you love, you're funny and sweet, and a lot smarter than you give yourself credit for. Chimi loves these things about you. Besides, if Chimi wanted to leave you, she would've by now."

Rico thought in silence for a moment. He and Chimi have known each other for quite some time. She had plenty of chances to leave, but she stayed with him.

He smiled and said, "Maybe you're right, strange voice."

"Now, close your eyes and say everything you love about Chimi." Xochi said, "Speak from the heart."

Rico took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He and Xochi went over what he would say, which felt a lot more natural and less stressful for him.

"See? You can do this, Rico. No doubt she'll say yes after this."

"Yes! I got this! Thanks, mysterious love voice!" Rico said.

"You're welcome, mi niño. Good luck!" Xochi made herself completely invisible and stepped back behind a few trees.

After a few more minutes Chimi finally showed up.

"Hey, Rico." She waved, "So, what's going on?"

"I, uh... wanted to t-talk to you." Rico said, sheepishly, "It's important."

Chimi tilted her head and barked in confusion.

Using peasant magic, Rico made the leaves on the nearby bushes and trees sparkle with white specks of light, shining with the stars.

Chimi and Xochi's eyes grew wide at the shimmering beauty.

"Rico, this is beautiful." Chimi marveled.

"Chimi." Rico started, "You and I have been together for a while and...."

"And?" Chimi asked.

"Oh, dear, he's losing it." Xochi said to herself, "That's ok, that's ok. Let's try again."

"...and... I... I have..." Rico said, becoming nervous, "......willyoumarryme......" 

"What?" Chimi asked, not understanding him.

Xochi facepalmed herself, "My dear...."

Rico took a deep breath. He was just gonna say it.

"Chimi, you're the most beautiful, kindest, toughest girl I've ever met. I always wonder how someone like you is with someone like me. You bring out the best in me and you never stop believing in me. I-I want to spend the rest of my life with you... that is, if you'll have me."

"Rico..." Chimi said.

"Chimi..." Rico took her hands in his, "Will you marry me?"

Chimi and Rico stared into each other's eyes as the scenery sparkled around them.

"Yes, I will." Chimi smiled.

Rico smiled back as they embraced each other warmly.

"YES!" Xochi cheered from her spot, "FINALLY!"

"Xochi." 

Xochi froze and turned around to see her brother, Xochipilli, staring at her with his arms crossed, "At it again playing matchmaker?"

"Maybe?" She said, "Come on, you know that I can't help myself. Besides, look at them."

Xochipilli rolled his eyes with a smirk, "Yeah, you always know a match made in heaven when you see one. Gotta admit, you're good. They're cute together."

"Tell me about it."

The two gods watched as Chimi and Rico shared a soft kiss, fist bumping each other in victory.