matadorable | Inbox

Yeah, but people here get all weird about romance. I mean, they did back home, just not-- you know. With me.

[She sighs, then shakes her head-- and though he can't see her do it, he might be able to hear the little breath of laughter.]

Sorry, everything here's. Different, y'know? I guess it's just weird.

But, just cos I don't get it doesn't mean what you feel isn't real.

[After all, she has to stay openminded!]

[Manolo wonders if there's a piece of this story he hasn't heard about, but he's too much a gentleman to try prying into her business right off the bat.]

Well...going back to what you said earlier. About how people end up leaving anyway. I can only speak for myself, but I would rather have just a year, or a week, or even a day with Maria than go an entire lifetime without having met her. If I didn't know her, I...wouldn't be who I am today.

Mmm....

[Honestly, that does sound very beautiful, but... even still, something else catches her attention.]

So, wait.

She's your friend, too?

[Why does this sound completely foreign to Maya]

Of course! Since we were children. [Some confusion creeps into his voice.] I'm not saying love at first sight can't happen. Maybe for some people, it does. But how can you expect the person you love to rely on you if they can't even think of you as their friend?

...In my village, when we choose partners, it's... not really about that. Love or friendship.

[She admits.]

I never really thought about it that way. I guess I always thought those had to be two separate things....

Oh...[That's sad, but he can't really criticize since he doesn't live in Maya's village.] I couldn't go through with something like that, but...I can see why other people might for their family's sake.

...I dunno. It's not like it's long-term or anything.

Since the women in our village hold all the power, the men tend to... leave. And so it's just us, most of the time, and... men are only really there soooo we can have heirs.

[She realises this kind of sounds weird.]

My cousin really like romance stories because of that-- because she hasn't ever really seen a relationship go right. But to me, it's just... why would it be important?

[It's not something she's ever going to have, after all.]

They leave? [That piece of information catches him off guard.] They won't even stay for their children?

[Okay, no. He can't criticize, even if that's a horrible thing for a father to do. From the way Maya is talking, no one even expects them to stick around.]

Well...if you're going to start a family together, it's good if you want to help the other be their very best self, right? And that makes you want to be your best self in return. If you really love someone, you see all the good and amazing things they're capable of, and you want them to succeed.

Well, I mean, to be fair, it's not like my dad tried to leave. He just... died when I was too young to remember him.

[She doesn't sound very concerned.]

But if the girls don't have the power to channel the dead, and if there are any boy children, usually they leave with their fathers.

[It's a sad reality, but for Maya, it's just every day.]

...Maybe if we did that, though, finding partners like that? Maybe things would change...

[you know, like the whole 'trying to kill the leader every five seconds' deal.]

[That makes a little more sense, even if it doesn't do much to change the fact that families routinely split apart, and children who don't measure up are cast aside, where Maya is from.]

I think so. [He pauses, measuring his words carefully.] If everyone truly respects each other and wants to see their loved ones happy, then people will naturally want to work through their problems together. In many ways, I was a big disappointment to my family, but they never, ever abandoned me, you know?

[Maya's quiet for a moment.]

...Your family sounds great.

[Her voice is sad, sure, but also genuine. She's really, really happy that Manny has a family like that.]

[Something about that tone clenches at his chest. Even if she's genuinely happy for him, it seems like it stems from the fact she knows what it's like to be deprived of something so warm and basic that everyone should receive. He can't help but think of Joaquin. Manolo sighs.]

Ay, Maya. If some of the people back home were too blind to realize how lucky they were to have you in their life, then...I'm sorry. You deserve so much better.

[Morgan loved me, Maya wants to say, but now more than ever, she can't believe it enough to form the words. Instead, she tries to sound cheerier--]

Well, I have friends like you. That counts, right?

[He wonders if it's that simple. If Manolo's family had turned against him, he's not sure he would have survived it.

But if Maya can draw at least a little comfort from the people she finds here, then Manolo hopes he can be one of them. He means every word when he speaks next.]

You can count on me for anything, Maya.

[ Perhaps Maya's made of sterner stuff than she lets on. She's survived so much she shouldn't have, and she knows it, but even a survivor is sometimes left wondering if they really should have made it in the first place.

Speaking to Manolo now, Maya's glad she still lives.]

I knew that. You're the best around, Manolo Sanchez!

[She says, thinking of him to make herself sound cheerier, sound stronger. It's people like him that she puts her faith in.]

You can count on me too, y'know. But... Thanks.

[Manolo's warm smile colors his words.]

I'm honored to hear you say that...and to consider you among my friends, Maya Fey. I like to believe there was a reason we were both brought here at the same time.

Jeez, Manny, you make everything sound like a pretty story.

[But the way Maya giggles lends itself to her next statement--]

I like it. I'll believe that way, too.

[After all... there was a reason why she and Nick of all people showed up to befriend Espella, right?]

Our lives are stories, right? And stories become beautiful when we find meaning in them.

[That giggle lightens his heart.]

Good. Even though it's hard sometimes, I hope you never lose that belief.

...Thanks, Manny. You're pretty great.

[And then a cheeky grin.]

But don't let me meet Maria and hear you're secretly making trouble for her!

[Because you can only have like, half a compliment from this girl, sorry.]

Anytime, Maya. [He's not sure how to response to being told he's great, so he just offers an embarrassed chuckle.

Half compliments, though? He can handle those just fine.]

Who, me? Make trouble? Never!

I believe it could happen! I'm gonna have to check up on you.

Wow, you don't trust me?

I trust you to make trouble.

Well…if we’re being honest…[His voice grows more subdued.] I have caused the people I love a lot of trouble, but…they still keep me around, at least. I’m a pretty lucky guy, hahah…

Hmmm. Well, don't take my word for it, but they probably keep you around cos you're such a good friend.

But I mean, luck helps too.

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