Recuérdame

The bread made the whole hall smell like heaven and his heart swelled with adoration for the woman in front of him. “A glorious gesture from your part, I’m sure they will be elated.” Don had never met someone so genuinely kind and selfless, Coco proved there were still good souls in this world. “Gabriel was right, you would make a better boss.” He grinned at the memory, every single person that worked at the Sanctuary loved having Coco around–  they also couldn’t let him off the hook about how much different he was acting nowadays. “I’m yours for as long as you’ll take me.” Don replied warmly, placing his hand on the small of her back so they could make their way to the employee lounge. “I wouldn’t dream of ever saying no to you. Actually, there is someone I would like you to meet, they arrived just an hour ago.”

She giggled at his words. “I don’t know about elated, but I’m trying to get on their good side if I’m going to be around more.” Even as she said it, she became a little self-conscious of the wording. Sure, they’d been dating for some time, but making it sound like she’d be around for a long time seemed a little presumptuous on her part. But then his hand was on the small of her back and she was looking up at him with a soft smile and she wasn’t as self-conscious anymore. “Ah, so that means I do actually get to have you for the rest of the evening!” Coco leaned into him as they walked. “Someone you want me to meet?” Interest piqued, she looked back up to him, her eyebrows just slightly pinched in confusion. “Did you hire a new employee?”

@cocoxrivera​

“¡Ya sé, ya sé! Es una tontería.” Héc laughed nervously, he hadn’t dared open the door to his apartment all the way through… but deep down he knew Coco would probably be perfectly able to see the disastrous state of his home from where she was standing. “I’ve searched everywhere for it, and I swear it has vanished, poof!” He said dramatically as he finally stepped away from the door. “I can’t play without my lucky capo– you remember how it went last time.”

“¿Te sabe?” Her head tilted, eyebrows pinch in confusion at the unfamiliar type of greeting. Once she caught on, she giggled and shook her head. “Tontería--honestly, Héctor, you think I’ll judge you for that? I know how much it means to you.” With a wide smile, she stepped inside, coming face to face with the mess of an apartment. “I will judge you for this mess, though. Maybe you wouldn’t lose so many things if you picked up around here. I know organized chaos is a thing, but this is extreme!”

That statement made his face break into a grin. “That’s a promise I intend to keep; well, any promise made to you.” Don carefully folded the piece of cloth before covering her eyes with it, making sure the knot wouldn’t be too tight around her head. “All set?” He asked while slightly waving his hand in front of the woman, hoping she wouldn’t be able to make anything out. “It’s only a few feet away, I’ll help you with the steps.” With that, he carefully draped his arm around her waist, leading her as gently but precisely as he could towards the place; what he said about the distance was true, the yacht was the second one in line. “We’re almost there.” Don explained, taking Coco’s hand without missing a beat, it was impossible for him to hide the excitement in his voice. “Two steps down– and we are done.” Once Coco was standing in the place, he reluctantly let go of her hand; staying behind her to finally untie the cloth around her eyes. “Delectable breakfast for the most exquisite company.” (x x)

She stood for a moment, giggling as she waited for him to finish tying the pocket square. After a beat, she felt his arm around her waist, her breath hitching at the touch, but she allowed him to lead her wherever. She stepped down the stairs, squeezing his hand in an attempt to keep her balance--okay maybe in an excuse to hold his hand as well. Before long, he’d let go of her hand and she bounced with nervous energy, biting her lip until the fabric was pulled away and she was staring at a boat, her smile widening “Oh, Don...This is amazing!” Coco stepped closer to the yacht, her hand coming up to glide along the side of it. After walking a few steps, she turned back to look at him, a laugh giving her a wide smile. “Maybe it’s too soon to say this, but I think this is the best first date I’ve ever been on.”

@cocoxrivera​ “To be completely honest, I have been counting down the hours.” Don smiled brightly at the woman, even if the Sanctuary’s main hall was fairly long, there was no mistaking Coco. He’d been looking forward to spending the early afternoon with her– his girlfriend; no word had ever felt so marvelously fitting and delightful now that it came to her. “Did you have a good morning, my love?” He asked, his hand naturally drawn to Coco’s cheek.

Coco smiled as soon as she heard Don’s voice, entertained by the fact that he could already tell it was her. Maybe it was the smell of the fresh bread she was bringing, or the fact that he knew she’d show up a little early for their date, but her heart swelled. Instinctively, she leaned into his hand, her smile softening. My love. “I did, actually.” Coco pressed a light kiss to his palm before she peeled back the towel covering the container. “I thought your employees might enjoy something fresher than fast food, and I had a morning to my self.” A smile grew on her face as she thought about how quickly they’d become comfortable with each other and those little touches--even on their first date it felt like they’d known each other for longer than they did. “We can drop this off, then you are all mine for the afternoon? I won’t take no for answer!”

He replied in a most casual voice. “Classified plans. I’m afraid you will have to be prepared for the unexpected.” He winked at Coco before following her lead and pretend to focus on the path ahead of them. His fingers lightly tapped on his cane’s handle as they moved past the crowds; up until that moment, Don hadn’t really grasped the convenient commodity of living in a place that could almost be an island– until he needed the docks to be at an amiable walking distance from the Marketplace. “I did promise you a delightful breakfast… not a conventional one.” He said as they made their way to the other side of the street; before they got any closer to the docks, Don stopped walking and turned towards Coco. “First plan requires for you to trust me and close your eyes for a moment.” As he talked, he removed his pocket square and extended it in his hands. “Would that be alright with you?”

“Classified, is it?” She looked up at him in time to see him wink, sending more butterflies around in her stomach. It had been a while since she’d been on first date, always too busy with work or too nervous to take that first step. However, Don seemed to draw her in so easily. Which is why she stopped walking as he did and turned to look up at him, giving him her full attention. Coco’s eyes dropped to the pocket square for a moment before she raised an eyebrow and giggled. “You’re asking for a lot of trust, Don.” She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth, then nodded and closed her eyes. “It’s already hard enough walking in heels, I’m trusting you to keep me steady, okay?”

“It is only fair. I aim to treat you the same way you’ve made me feel since we first met.” Don looked down and smiled at her hand; it was perfectly placed and the movement hit him with a small wave of familiarity he could only hope to hold on to or repeat as much as he could. “You’re being far too kind to me.” Though he knew Coco was one of the most warmhearted people he had ever met in his life, she took him by surprise as they strolled down the avenue; the smile on his face was still undeniable. He always tried his best to present himself in the most flattering light, that didn’t mean he was actually used to accepting whatever external positives may come off from it all. “I don’t pretend to discourage whatever it is you might want to tell me, all I can offer is– I may have plans to keep that smile on you for as long as you’ll let me.”

“There’s no such thing as too kind, Don,” she said with a soft smile, her blush starting to fade as she got more comfortable with him. After a moment, she realized she was staring and knew it was probably going to seem odd if she kept it up. So, she looked away, turning to watch the street and the people passing them, her hand still tucked into his arm. At his next words, she looked up at him. “Plans?” Coco’s soft smile grew wider as his words settled. “Then I guess I’ll just have to keep up with the compliments for longer. But I am curious as to where you’re taking me?”

Parties weren’t Dante’s favorite activity just because emotions tended to run deep and intense, especially if people drank. And it could be very overwhelming. But as he started to sip his second beer, he felt his shoulders relax a little. He liked being with people and he liked to celebrate, it was just his power that tired him, but with enough fun and anything relaxing to drink he should be fine. “This is fancier than my usual outings.” He confessed, smiling at his best friend. “You look stunning, dear.”

@cocoxrivera​

Coco approached her friend after getting away from a conversation with one of her customers she’d run into. She smoothed her dress and waved down the bartender for a drink. Once she finished her order, she looked at Dante and smiled. “You know me--parties aren’t my usual go-to, but thanks for joining me.” She thanked the bartender and took her champagne before she reached out to fix her friend’s tie. “Thank you, querido, you clean up nice as well.”

“Of course. There’s nothing I would like more than being involved in such an important part of your life; with the added bonus of spending time with you, of course.” He replied, words full of sincerity. Coco’s words really did take him by surprise but, to be fair, it was not the first time his mind had circled around the subject. “Here I thought I was being more inconspicuous with my intentions.” Don smiled relaxedly, opening the door for her as they stepped out of the shop. “I’m enchanted by you.” The deep breath he took helped him ground himself into the wonderful atmosphere of that moment. “Beautiful weather, glorious company.” He looked at Coco. “I have always enjoyed our walks together. Our destination is only a few blocks away.”

She smiled widely at his words, honestly a bit shocked that he was so interested in doing something that was near to her heart. Coco was so shocked that, for a moment, she didn’t process what he had said. When she did, she was happy that she couldn’t blush any more than she already was. I’m enchanted by you. She thought over the words as they left the shop, worrying her bottom lip as they walked down the sidewalk. “That’s more than enough time for me to start complimenting you back. Like how much of a gentleman you are,” she said with a tiny giggle, her hand gently squeezing the arm it was resting on. “Or how I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone look so good in a suit, or how you always seem to know how to make me smile--should I keep going?”

“Sí te extrañe bastante.” He sighed out into the embrace; up until that moment, he had tried to repress how much he had missed Coco. It was impossible not having his little sister around. “I know it isn’t, but it wouldn’t hurt to pretend it was?” Héctor teased, poking her cheek. “Back? Oh, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?” It took him a moment to subdue his awkward chuckle. He was well aware that whatever had gone down with him and the Riveras, Coco’s shoulders didn’t have to suffer from it. “Did you get everything you need? Me alegra un chingo que hayas regresado, just in time for the holidays!”

“Yo también,” Coco said with a small sigh, a happy smile finding it’s way on to her features. Ever since she’d gotten Héctor back the first time, she hated being away for too long. Even if it was just a few weeks, it was too long when she had to be around family--people who didn’t seem to share the same love and forgiveness for her brother that she did. Coco giggled, swatting his hand away, choosing to ignore his question about if she’d gotten everything. “¡Lo sé, lo sé, pero estoy aquí ahora, así que no se preocupe!” She perked up as soon as he mentioned the holidays and nodded quickly. “I have so much planned for the holidays--events and great presents--we’re still having thanksgiving dinner together, right?”

“What about throwing a party in the shop then?” Sam joked with a chuckle. “Everyone deserves a night out every once in a while.” He smiled at her words, eyeing the destroyed boots and offering a sheepish grin. “Gotta find the silver lining, right?” 

She sat up as soon as he mentioned a party in the shop. “That’s a really good idea,” she said, her smile widening. “I mean, it’d be great for business, and an even better way to get to know my customers, yeah?” Coco pulled out her sketchbook as she absentmindedly began planning the party. After a moment, she focused on him again and smiled. “How about I sketch the shoes while you’re here? That way you can tell me what you want different.”

“That’s right. You should party more, then I’d to enjoy your company in my natural habitat.” He joked, sitting down and leaning back, his eyes automatically scanning the whole store. “I just need some new boots, you know I keep screwing them up in my expeditions.” He admitted sheepishly.

“You’ve met me,” Coco said with a laugh. “I don’t think I even have time to do anything but run this shop, let alone party.” As he mentioned his shoes, she stood on her tip-toes, pretending to look at his shoes. “You’ve given me a real challenge. Now I need to figure out another way to make those shoes last. But, that does make you my best customer.”

“I’ll be honored to help you organize after we are done.” Don’s voice was serene, completely antagonizing the leaping of his heart in his chest. “Your hand is cold.” He stated with a little smile, not wasting another moment to seize the opportunity; he brought Coco’s hand up, pressing a small kiss on the top. “The world is too quiet without you nearby.” He recited, excited to know that the sentiment was reciprocal. “My pleasure. I hope you’re in the mood for something French; I would love nothing more than to hear all about your time back home.” The man held his arm out to Coco, the gesture was quickly becoming second nature for him.

“You’d really want to help me organize?” She giggled a bit, amused by the thought of him sitting with her to organize shoes and shipping information. The giggle stopped as soon as he raised her hand to his lips, causing her breath to hitch in her throat and a deep pink blush to dust her cheeks. Before she knew it, she was linking his arm through his and moving to the door. “You always say such wonderful things to me, if you aren’t careful, I’ll fall in love with you.” As if it was possible, she blushed deeper after realizing what she’d said and cursed herself as she looked down at her feet. “French food sounds great.”

“Hermanita querida, mi corazón… ¿en dónde fregados estabas?” The older Rivera entered the shop in a hurry, unable to contain his joy as he spotted his sister and pulled her up into a tight hug. “God, I missed you. You could’ve told me to look after the shop, it’s not like I could’ve burned the place down with a candle… again.” Héctor teased, remembering that one time he almost did with the shop back home when they were younger.

Coco laughed as she was pulled up off the floor into a hug. “Héctor, querido!” She hugged him back tightly before pushing him away at an arms length to see him. “Esta tienda no está lista para que usted esté a cargo,” she said, shooting him a playful glare. Part of her wanted to lie and tell him that she just needed a vacation, but not even she could not completely lie to him. “I had to go home to get a few things I needed for the shop. I’m just glad to be back.”

“It wasn’t my intention to startle you.” He replied warmly, unaware of the deep breath he was holding at the sight of her. To say the least, Don was enchanted at the peacefulness of the scene. “Not quite.” He extended his hand towards Coco, hoping to help her up. “Those are a token of my appreciation, taking you to breakfast is a way of spending time with you.” The man smiled brightly at her. “I missed you.”

She glanced around at the boxes before her smile widens and she nods, looking up again. “I think I can put this off to go to breakfast with you.” Coco took his hand and helped herself up. Once she was standing, she let her hand linger, resting in his as she looked up at him. “Lead the way. I have to admit that I’ve missed you too. Home was awfully boring without being to see you.”

Don was cut off mid-step as he heard the voice coming from the back of the store, vaguely making out the head of hair moving around some displays. The moment he had heard Coco was back, he had made his way to the shoe shop– not without taking a small detour first. Careful as to not give himself away too soon, Don walked slowly and tapped his cane as softly as he could. His smile was practically taking up his whole face as finally stood in front of her, the bouquet of tulips safely held out in his free hand. “I’m afraid I’m here only to both distract you, as well as welcome you back.” He could feel the small thumping in his chest; he rapidly tossed the uncertainty of saying the next sentence away from his mind. “At the risk of sounding trite… absence did have a point to prove.”

When she didn’t hear a response, she decided she’d finish the task she was working on then go check on the front. She was nearly done sorting through the shoes when a voice startled her with how close it was. “Don, I hadn’t even heard you come back here!” Coco’s smile widened as she saw the tulips, her favorite flower, and she reached up to take them, bringing them close to smell them. After a moment, she bit her lip and looked up at him from where she sat on the floor. “Is that your way of saying you missed me?”

“You must have new stories then. I would like to hear it while I wait for those new shoes to be released.” Shenzi then sat down so she can be comfortable while looking through the contents of the boxes that were presented in front of her. “Give me a bit to think about it.” 

“I’m not sure there will be many stories I could tell that you’d find interesting.” Coco chuckled as she shuffled through a few papers. “I went home for a few weeks, so unless you want to hear about that, I should be asking you how you’ve been recently?”

“I live to impress.” Louis chuckled. “I like the loafer a lot, really shouts ‘sophisticated’, but I ain’t too sure about the boot. I don’t know if I’d be able to rock it.”

“Oh, come on, I think you could rock it.” She laughed again, putting the boot back under the counter before picking out another one. “How about something in between, like this?”