Love Goes On And On

I'm An Outlaw With You

Manolo, Joaquin, Maria and La Muerte hid in the woods from the royal guard. When they realized the sun had set, Manolo and Maria found themselves walking through Sherwood Forest.

“I'll admit, you made the tournament more entertaining.” Maria commented.

“What can I say?” Manolo said, “I can't resist putting on a show.”

The childhood friends chuckled before walking in silence. They found a spot in the forest with a perfect view of the stars in the night sky.

“Beautiful, isn't it?” Maria asked, sitting in the grass.

“Absolutely.” Manolo said, joining her, “You know, sometimes when I looked up at the sky, I'd wonder what you were up to.”

“So would I. I'd make up constellations I think you'd like.”

“Are there any up there now?”

Maria stared at the stars for a second, “Hm. Oh, there's one.” She took his hand, guiding it to point to a cluster of stars, “If you look hard enough, that one looks like a flower.”

Manolo had to tilt his head a little, “Oh, I see it. That's probably the most beautiful flower I've ever seen.”

They stared at the sparkling stars for a while until Maria said, “I have to ask, Manolo… why did you come?”

“What do you mean?” Manolo asked, “I wanted to see you again.”

“But you could've come at any time. Why didn't you ever…? You knew where I was, but you never…”

Manolo took in her words with guilt. With a deep sigh, he hung his head, “I don't know, Maria. You're a lady and I'm-”

“An outlaw?”

Manolo looked at her and nodded, “I can't just ask you to go on the run with me. No one deserves that life, especially not you. Besides, I couldn't risk getting arrested, let alone put you in harm's way.”

Maria’s heart ached for him. She placed her hand on his, “Ay, Manolo. I would've been an outlaw if it meant being with you.”

“You don't mean that.” 

“I do, Manolo. And you're not an outlaw. You're a hero to Nottingham, an archer, a musician, a friend. And above all… the man I love.”

Manolo looked up at her in surprise.

“I mean it. Everything I say. I love you, Manolo Sanchez. And I'd be willing to stand by you through anything, no matter what comes our way. Always have, always will.”

Manolo’s heart swelled. He never should've doubted Maria. Even as children, she was as stubborn as a rock. Once she had her mind on something, nothing could change her mind. 

He gently took her hand, “I'm sorry, Maria. I should've gone to see you.”

“It's alright.” Maria said, smiling, “What matters now is that we're together and nothing can tear us apart now. Not if I have anything to say about it.”

“I don't think Prince John would approve of his niece running off with an outlaw.” Manolo chuckled.

“Of course not. But it's not like he can do anything about it, now, can he?” The childhood friends laughed together as they laid down in the grass, staring up at the twinkling stars above them.

They simply basked in the comfortable silence and breeze of the night. They couldn't remember the last time they had a peaceful moment together like this. 

Manolo turned his head to her, “Maria?”

“Yes?”

He held her hand a little tighter, “Will you marry me?”