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

I'll Be Drunk Again To Feel A Little Love

Manolo has one too many on a night out and expresses his love and appreciation for his friends.

The three amigos had been spending the night on the town in a bar, Manolo saying he wanted to "test his limits."

Maria had tried to intervene a few times, but Joaquin said it would be fine, letting her know he'd keep an eye on Manolo. Maria reluctantly agreed, deciding to let her husband have his fun.

She was glad she let it happen.

It wasn't long before Manolo got drunk. He didn't do anything crazy, but he wouldn't stop talking about how much he cared about Joaquin, the mariachi brothers, and Maria. 

The trio were walking home, Manolo staggering down the street while singing, or screaming, whatever song came to mind.

Maria was in stitches.

"Are you even gonna try to stop him?" Joaquin asked, cringing at his friend's screaming, "Your husband's gonna wake up the whole town like this."

"Oh, ho." Maria laughed, "You said you'd keep an eye on him. He's your problem, now."

Joaquin rolled his eyes, "You're just enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Yep."

Manolo turned around and clumsily walked towards his wife and friend, capturing them in a tight hug, "Come here, both of you." He slurred. 

"I feel like you've gotten your point across, Manny." Joaquin strained.

"No, I haven't. I don't think I ever will. I love you both so much."

"Yeah, we love you, too, Manolo." Maria said, suppressing her giggles.

"Can you please let us go?" Joaquin asked.

"No." Manolo said, "You were always a hero, Joaquin, with or without the medal."

"Uh, thanks."

"I almost wish you never have to go sometimes." Manolo let them both go to look at Joaquin, "But I know you'd always do the right thing, even if I begged you to stay, so I never do."

It warmed Joaquin's heart hearing his friend say these things. Manolo would say this sober, but it always made Joaquin happy hearing how much his friends appreciated him. He'd have to remember to thank him later.

Manolo stayed silent for a second, his eyes looking distant as though he were somewhere else.

"Hey, Manny, are you-"

The next thing he knew, Manolo was vomiting on Joaquin's boots.

Joaquin stared at the mess in shock while Maria laughed harder.

"Ok, ok, ok." Maria managed to say, "Come on, Manolo, let's go home."

Maria took Manolo by the arm and led him the rest of the way home. 

"This is the last time I'm taking you guys for drinks!" Joaquin called out from behind them.

...

Maria had helped Manolo clean up and had gotten him in bed. When she was about to go to the bathroom to get ready for bed, Manolo had protested her leaving, making Maria laugh and reassure him that she wouldn't be long. 

When she returned to their room, Manolo was half asleep, but present enough to notice her enter.

"There she is." Manolo slurred. He extended an arm, motioning for her to come to bed.

Maria smiled and climbed into bed next to him. Almost as soon as she got in, Manolo wrapped his arms around her and held her close, laying on her chest. Maria couldn't suppress her giggles. 

"Comfortable?" She asked, running a hand through his hair.

"Very." Manolo sighed, "You're so warm."

"Thanks, I guess."

"Mm. Look at you; brave, strong, smart, beautiful. I always ask myself how someone like you ended up with someone like me."

Maria looked down at him, her other hand stroking his arm, "Well, because I love you."

"Really?" 

"Yeah."

"Are you sure I'm good enough for you?"

Maria paused for a moment. While she and Manolo always reminded the other how much they meant to each other, she knew her husband still struggled with his confidence sometimes.

"Of course you're good enough for me." Maria said, "You treat me well and you make me happy."

"You even like my music?"

"I love your music, Manolo. You play beautifully and you have an amazing voice."

"Is the sex good for you?"

"I think it's amazing."

Manolo held her tighter, "Thank you for being with me." His voice told her that he was starting to fall asleep, "I'll never leave your side again and I'll never stop trying to be good enough for you. I love you."

Maria stayed silent for a second as her smile grew wide. Even when half asleep and drunk, Manolo said the sweetest things to her.

"Thank you, mi amor." She said. 

Manolo silently hummed I Love You Too Much before succumbing to sleep. Maria kissed his head as she laid them both down, falling asleep next to him.

...

Maria was getting dressed the next morning when she heard Manolo groaning from the bed. She turned to see him opening his eyes, wincing at the sunlight. 

"How're you feeling?" Maria asked as she sat next to him.

"My head hurts." Manolo groaned, "I threw up, didn't I?"

"On Joaquin's shoes."

"Oh, no."

"He'll get over it." Maria rubbed his arm in comfort, "You said the sweetest things last night."

"You don't say."

"Uh-huh. And also, you don't have to try to be good enough for me. You always were." 

She gave him a soft kiss on the cheek as she left the room.

"What is she talking about?" Manolo asked himself.