matador (manolo sanchez x reader) ₊˚

thanks manny

The moon shone high in the sky, casting a pale blue light across the streets of San Angel. The town was somewhat silent, with most house lights switched off for the night. While Maria and Joaquin walked off together, Manolo took it upon himself to lead you towards his home. Finally, Manolo thinks. He'll finally get a chance to catch up with you. The two of you saunter in the middle of the empty streets while you reminisce the memories of your childhood.

"So, what has Senorita (Full Name) been up to in Europa?" Manolo asks, trying his best not to appear awkward.

You chuckle, meekly shrugging. "Lots and lots of things... I got to learn about where I came from, oh! And, I was mainly focused on finishing my degree."

Manolo looks from left to right with confusion. A degree? Is that like a European thing he doesn't know about?

"What's a... degree?" Manolo timidly asks, and you burst into laughter.

Blush builds on Manolo's cheeks as you cackle, thinking that you're laughing at his lack of intellect. He eyes your wide smile, the way your eyes crinkle and your cheeks glow with laughter.

"Ay! Oh my gosh-" You say, catching your breath. "I forgot that San Angel doesn't have any tertiary education. People in the bigger cities have colleges, where you can get a higher level of education and earn a degree."

Manolo fights the urge to smile wide, noticing the way you passionately grin.

"Ohh, is it hard? I've only had my Papa to teach me things."

"Yes, very. Most women can't even go to college, but Europe has shown me that it's good to be smart, especially in a big city."

Manolo nods. "I see."

"So, what have you been doing all this time? It's been 10 years." You ask, peering up at Manolo.

"You know my father." He says with a chuckle. "I've just been learning bullfighting, to 'Be a Sanchez'."

You shake your head. "You were so cool back there, I can't believe you'd grow up to be like..." You eye his body up and down, trailing over his biceps and shining hair. "... this!"

Manolo raises an eyebrow. "Is that a good thing? Hm?"

He watches as you 'innocently' shrug. "You could say that."

You stare at Manolo for a little longer than you should, admiring the way his shoulders fill into his matador shirt, the little ponytail he keeps at the back of his head. You then eye the guitar on his back, noticing how worn out it looks.

"Aw, you kept the guitar all this time... I see you kept your promise to me." You mutter, and Manolo stutters.

"This?" Manolo asks, pulling out his guitar from his back belt. You gasp happily, gently smoothing your hand over the mustache design.

"I honestly thought you'd forgotten about me." You mutter, repositioning the flower behind your ear.

"Never." He strongly whispers.

With your walk coming to a pause in the middle of the empty, moonlit streets, you watch as Manolo flutters his hand over the strings, strumming a gentle tune. You notice the natural, instant smile that appears on his face when he starts to play.

Boldly, he meets your gaze, his expression raw and unlike you've seen him before. There's a warmth that spreads from his music, wrapping tendrils around your heart and squeezing tight. He takes a step forward, admiring your appreciative smile, the way the moonlight danced across your (uninjured) cheek.

"I think I've gotten good." Manolo shyly admits with half-lidded eyes, his fingers dancing across the guitar.

You giggle into your hand. "You really have."