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[matadorable]

If you're hearing this message, I am probably not here. Or I am furiously pressing every button I can because I forgot how this thing works. One of the two! Either way, I will get back to you...eventually.

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[matadorable]

[All the images, scents and sounds Manolo associated with the Day of the Dead definitely brought back nostalgic feelings from years past, especially when he recalled the way he, Joaquin, and Maria used to play in the graveyard together.

But most of those things were gone now, and they just had their memories and their best attempts to keep the tradition alive despite their circumstances.

Joaquin's last comment, though...the words seem to reach into Manolo's chest, warming his heart. Not just today, but everyday. It takes him a moment to swallow the unexpected lump in his throat.]

Hey...thank you. [He's definitely smiling.] I hope you know I feel the same about you.

[He doesn't want Joaquin to think he somehow takes him for granted.]

[medalsome]

[Having that turned around on him was hardly what Joaquin expected. He, after all, had never died. And he had been somewhat part of the reason why Manolo had been the one to die. Twice.]

That's... You shouldn't...

[But saying anything against that seemed rude, despite wanting to protest. He sighs and shakes his head, managing a smile.]

No, I know you do...

[matadorable]

[His friend's initial response isn't lost on him, and his eyebrows start to furrow in concern. But then he backtracks and graciously accepts the comment, relieving some of the tension in Manolo's stomach.]

I'm glad. [He reaches down, clapping a hand on top of Joaquin's shoulder from his perch on the bed.

...Suddenly there's a mischievous twinkle in his eye.] Hey, you know...I've still got some mezcal left.

[medalsome]

[Manolo seemed happy and that was more than Joaquin could ask for. He wanted him to be happy every day.

The mention of booze, however, distracted him from the heaviness of the emotions they had been sharing.] Now you're speaking my language!

[Eager, Joaquin shifts and puts his arm up on the bed, turning his body to watch Manolo go for the bottle.]

Can you believe they won't sell us this stuff? Seriously, at our age? You'd think they were afraid we'd be irresponsible about it.

[matadorable]

[That got his buddy's attention. Manolo laughs, moving to retrieve not just the bottle, but a couple of small glasses. Truth be told, he'd been hoping Joaquin would come in here so they could share some warm words and a few drinks together.]

Yes, because we are very responsible and mature men. [That might be a little bit of sarcasm in his voice, but he's still smiling as he pours Joaquin some of the drink and hands it over. Then he makes a glass for himself, and holds it out for a toast.]

To the Remembered.

[medalsome]

[Joaquin held a hand up.]

Hey, I've been drinking wine since I was like, twelve! I know how to handle alcohol.

[... Okay so maybe it was like, one small glass of wine at dinner with Posada during special occasions. BUT STILL!

He takes the glass offered to him and takes a whiff of the smokey scent. It smelled of home. He raises his glass, hesitating just a moment before clinking it against Manolo's and drinking it down.

Wow. That burn... it was delicious.]

[matadorable]

[He takes a sip of his own mezcal, sighing at the way it warms his throat. The smell always reminds him of his father, and he softly smiles.]

You don't exactly look like a child, though. [His shoulders shake with a small chuckle.] With that mustache, you could probably bluff your way through a liquor store if you felt like it. Then again, you may as well just ask someone to buy some for you if you're gonna go through all that trouble.

[medalsome]

[Joaquin chuckled, idly twirling his glass in his fingers.]

Well, it's probably best if I don't attempt to break the law while I'm here. [He glanced across his arm where the tattoo on his arm glowed faintly in the candlelight.] Gotta set some sort of example. Though it doesn't mean I gotta like all the laws.

[matadorable]

True! A hero doesn't belong behind bars. Besides, the papers would probably go nuts over that kind of story, hahah.

[Spotting the outline of Joaquin's tattoo makes him absently rub at his own arm.]

...You'll be 21 in less than a year anyway. We'll need to figure out something fun to do for your birthday, eh?

[medalsome]

I'm sure it happens more often than not, though.

[There were a lot of newspapers. And a lot of people with the ability to just take moving pictures of what was going on around them. It made the truth a lot easier to discover, but things like wanting to indulge in your favorite drink suddenly became a lot harder to enjoy.]

That's true. Feels pretty far away still, though. [Sigh.] Maybe I can bribe Jaime to get us some tequila every now and then, too.

[matadorable]

Hey, that's an idea! Then again, he might be just as uncomfortable about breaking the law as you. [Manolo takes another slow sip before sitting back and relaxing against his pillows.] Pretty sure the main reason someone let me have this mezcal was because it was for an important holiday.

[medalsome]

Ah... true. [He didn't want to put that kind of pressure on a friend. Still... That law was stupid.]

At least someone had their heart in the right place...

[Joaquin finishes up his drink, sighing in satisfaction after it burns down his throat. So good. Man, he did miss going out for drinks with Posada and the other soldiers sometimes...]

Thanks for sharing, amigo. I appreciate it.