kaisou | 001

Entry tags:

antonio madrigal

001

WHO: Antonio Madrigal
WHERE: Network, Around the Park
WHEN: March 1, Late Afternoon
WHAT: Small little boy wants to befriend people but it's awkward. Also, small boy shows tiger questionable tiger art.
WARNINGS: N/A

A. Network: Video; un: antonio

[If one were to look at the network, one could see a small little boy mumbling to himself. He wanted to say something, but he isn't sure what. As he looked down at the ground and shifted his weight, he took a huge breath in. If one can hear clearly, one could hear him say "You can do this."]

Um...I don't know what's going on but I think there's a lot of things I need to know. With the sky look weird and me having new powers, there's something I'm not getting.

[He said before looking around in his room. As he looked toward the door, it was as if he was waiting for someone to come in.]

I know mama and papa said I shouldn't talk to strangers online, but I hope we can talk to each other. Because I want to know if I can make some friends here.

B. Around the Park

[What is a small little boy doing out in the park without his parents? Who knows but that doesn't stop him from venturing into the zoo in search of some animals! Looking around the area, it appears that nobody was around him. As his gaze turn toward a tiger, he couldn't help but smile brightly at it!]

Hey, how are you doing? I hope that you're doing okay! I wanted to show you a picture I drew! I worked really hard and I hope you like it!

[He said before flashing the questionable tiger art to the animal.]

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[ Okay, something's starting to seem really weird... Camilo's brow furrows, casting a discerning eye over his little brother, still wearing his image... but not an expression Antonio would normally wear. ]

Who're who?

[ It's not even registering that Antonio is referring to the list of names Camilo just rattled off. That's so far from a possibility in his mind, it does not occur to him that that could ever be what Antonio meant. He's certain he's just... missing something here, somehow... But a vague, disconcerting feeling is growing in his gut steadily, and it draws his voice a little tauter than the friendly, energetic vibe he's served so far. ]

The names you mentioned. Who are they?

[As he said those words, Antonio was scared. He didn't know how this stranger would react to not knowing him nor any of the names mentioned. Would he get mad or sad that he couldn't even remember?

Again, there was hesitation in his voice as he continued on.]

I...don't remember any of the names you said.

Edited 2022-03-02 21:34 (UTC)

[ His blood chills, and face falls agape for a moment, before narrowing into another discerning, confused look of concern. In a split second and a flash of a spin, he resumes his own image, revealing himself as himself fully, and immediately kneels down to be eye-level with Antonio, still turning a clearly hurt and nervous gaze on him again. ]

...Antonio— are you okay? Did you get hurt in your maze? What do you mean you don't remember? I mean— ...y-you recognize— me... right?

[ Even as the words slowly slip from his mouth... Camilo knows the answer, and his tone deflates as he finishes the saddest question he's maybe ever asked? Something pleading grows in the corners of his eyes, subtle and gentle, but he has no idea what could even possibly be an explanation for Antonio not remembering his family's names, unless Antonio got a head injury or something on his own. And that's just as scary a thought as— whatever else is happening right now... ]

[There were so many thoughts running through his mind, He knew it, he should have pretended that he knew this person. He really shouldn't have said anything and now look what happened. He should be amazed at what seeing his person transforming back into his original self but that wasn't on his mind. Instead, he kept on staring at the teen before shaking his head.]

No, I don't.

[He felt terrible but he seemed so insistent that he knew him. Was there something Antonio didn't understand?]

I'm sorry but how do you know me? [Because he sure doesn't remember.]

[ Camilo's eyes flash with emotion, like the electric flash of lightning striking somewhere deep inside. He opens his mouth to speak, but no words come out, and he closes it again, searching Antonio's face with a new desperation as if there's some unseen answer spelled out in freckles he can connect like dots... But there's not. Just a nervous and scared child — probably almost as scared as Camilo is... Almost. Not remembering surely hurts less than being forgotten. ]

A—... Toñito... Wha—...? W-We're your family? It's me, Camilo. Your brother...

[ He instinctively reaches out to cup his hand around Antonio's face affectionately, but for the first time in his life, he hesitates, and his hand lingers awkwardly midair for a moment, his fingertips barely grazing the boy's cheek as he lowers his hand to rest on his shoulder instead. He places it there firmly, comfortingly, as if the touch will pull his little brother back down to Earth and reignite his memory, hold him down to keep him close, and make everything real and okay again by some miracle. But that's not what happens. No, his hand just falls on Antonio's shoulder, and his eyes continue to search the child's eyes for an explanation he won't find there. No new miracles today. Just two confused kids in a zoo, staring at each other. ]

[The mention of brother instantly made Antonio eyes light up. It had always been him and his parents. The idea of having an older brother made his heart soar knowing that there might be someone who cared. And yet, as much as he wanted to have another family member, he knew he couldn't. Not when he couldn't even remember this person.

He didn't flinch at the touch. Instead, he looked down at Camilo's hand as he wondered what to say back. Slowly, he glanced back up at the teen trying to figure him out. He could tell he wasn't lying, not with the way he looked at him. Why would he lie about something so important?]

I'm sorry but I don't remember. I...don't know who you are.

[Who was this person who he called his brother?]

[ You can almost see Camilo's heart breaking through his eyes. He hesitates, his hand still on Antonio's shoulder, before inhaling shakily and standing up straight. He looks down at him for another silent beat, but then with another flash of a spin, takes the form of his mother spontaneously, leaning down again, not quite kneeling, but opens his arms to him questioningly... He puts on his best impression of Pepa's voice, trying to sound calm and soothing, in the hopes that something will seem familiar about her, but the bittersweet smile he forces is very much not convincing nor comforting, as he can't help the worry tugging his brow. ]

Do...— Do you remember Mamí, Toñito?

Edited 2022-03-07 02:37 (UTC)

[Before Antonio could say anything, he took a step back. Once again, he widen his eyes as if he recognized something. As he opened his mouth, he wanted to speak up but he couldn't. Instead, the look in his eyes screamed fear. And yet, he wasn't running away. He just kept on looking at this person with his mouth opened.]

Who are you...?

[He said with his head lowered before leaning forward. He was scared but at the same time? He couldn't help but be curious as to what was going on. Why did he suddenly remember this lady?]

I— I told you: I'm your brother. Look—

[ One more desperate grasp at memory, and Camilo switches his form once more, but this time to his father. He leans down to Antonio's eye level again, extending his hand should the boy want to take it, but... he sees that look on his face. The fear in his eyes. It's breaking his heart. Even if he's putting on Félix's voice to the best of his ability now, he can't disguise the emotion tugging it, tone thick with his own fears even through another forced warm smile, a vain attempt at comfort Antonio clearly doesn't want from him. ]

Mi vida— I'm not trying to scare you. I'd never hurt you. Or lie to you. Trust me. Please— do you remember Papí's face?

[It was all too much. While he remembered the strange woman he transformed into, there was no recognition of this man. However, as much as he wants to deny that he didn't know him, there was a chance that he was right. this man was probably his other father. Why else would he remember that woman?

Looking at his hand and then back at him, the look of fear was still there. As he shook his head, he glanced at the ground. There was so much he wanted to say but he didn't know how.]

I don't. I-I don't know how I remembered Mamí but...

[How could he not remember his supposedly father's face?]

[ Worry tugs Camilo's brow as Félix, but just as swiftly as he's changed forms to anyone else, he suddenly stands up straight again and takes the form of Dolores. He spreads his arms openly, but then leans forward after a beat, splaying out his skirt with one hand, holding his hand to his ear with the other, taking a hopefully familiar pose. ]

Wh-What about Dolores? Our sister, Dolores? ...Nothing?

[ He's trying to read Antonio's face even as he speaks, but it's hard to read through the look of abject fear... But he can't blame him. This would be terrifying. It's just so hard to wrap his head around this; he can't imagine what Antonio's feeling like. But for all Camilo's empathy, he can't suppress his own feelings, either. ]

[Once again, Antonio shook his face as he didn't know what to do. Why couldn't he remember anyone else outside of his mother? As he places both of his hands on his head, he was getting overwhelmed. After receiving a memory that he shouldn't have, he didn't know what to think anymore. That's why he didn't say anything and frowned at Camilo.

He didn't know if he said anything, something would happen. He didn't know what but it was enough to make him feel a sense of anxiety coming up. As he opened his mouth, nothing came out.

Instead, he just stared blankly at him and waited to see what else he would do.]

[ Camilo knows that face. He feels his own tidal wave of anxiety hit, as he shifts back into his own form, and crouches to his knees again, looking Antonio in the eye. He lets a silence settle for a moment, feeling incredibly awkward and afraid but also incredibly guilty for making this child feel awkward and afraid, too... But— what does any of this mean...? He sighs softly, closing his eyes as he does, letting his gaze drift down at nothing in pensive thought. He doesn't wanna torture the kid. He's just— shocked, too. Finally, he meets his eye again and reaches out to gingerly rest a hand on his shoulder, reassuringly... but maybe he's really reassuring himself more than Antonio. ]

...Hey. It's okay. I'm sorry. This, um— Heh, this is a little crazy, huh...? I know this must be scary. I didn't mean to scare you.

[Taking a deep breath in, at least he knew that he didn't have to worry about having to remember anyone else. While he knew that his "brother" meant well, it was just a relief that he wasn't forced to continue with this. As Antonio sighed too, he lets go of his head as he wondered just want to say. All of these pent-up emotions were just too much as he didn't understand what it was all supposed to mean.]

N-No, it's fine, I know that you wanted me to remember. It's...confusing. I don't understand what is going on.

[And yet, he still didn't meet Camilo in the eyes. After all, how could he talk to him directly when he didn't know what he was supposed to feel.]

[ Ouch, his feelings. Even with whatever is going on— Antonio is so nice. So empathetic. His Gift with animals never surprised Camilo for that reason — he's always been a softhearted kid. And knowing that at least that much, that deep truth about his personality, hasn't been corrupted, by whatever is going on, is just as reassuring as it is painful. Camilo's a great actor, but— even he has his limits. ]

...I don't, either.

[ He doesn't take his hand from his shoulder yet, staying crouched down to be eye level with him, though he lets his own gaze drift away again, too. It's a candid admission, but— what more can be said to any of this...? He lets a pregnant pause settle for a moment, fumbling for words inside, grasping at straws. ]

Um— ...do you— Uh. ...Are you hungry...?

[ A rather strange question to follow all this up with...? Though not as strange as everything that came before it, so, well, why should the strangeness end. ]

[Despite everything, the last thing Antonio wanted was to make someone sad. Try as he might, he couldn't remember anything outside of this strange woman he called his mother. In fact, he didn't even know how this person could change into different people with ease. Was it a part of him being on the app? He didn't know, he just wanted to figure out why all of this was happening.

As he looked at his "brother", he didn't say anything at first as he was still sorting out all of his emotions. Giving a small sigh, he nodded his head.]

Y-Yeah, a little. I haven't eaten anything since lunch. .

[Maybe he should eat. Food usually makes things a little better, right? Especially after a moment like this, he really could use anything as a pick me up.]

[ Camilo's face melts into a weak, apologetic smile, raising an eyebrow at the boy. Relief. Preemptive relief. It's something. ]

You like tamales? My aunt makes the best tamales in the world. We've got a bunch at home — if you wanna come over for an afternoon "sorry-I-scared-you" snack, eheh...

[ A-Awkward joke. He's trying... Camilo was never given the "don't take candy from strangers" talk. The Encanto is small. No one would dare cross the Madrigals. What is stranger danger? ]

Tamales? What are those?

[He said before tilting his head to the side. While there were various snacks he heard of, this was one he did not.]

But I wouldn't mind coming over for some! I just need to talk to my parents and see if that's okay though.

[After all, he can't go over to someone's house without telling his guardians!]

Oh. R-Right. ...Right. Um. Can you, uh— You wanna call them, or...?

[ A nervous hand reaches to rub at his own neck as he stands to his full height at last, throwing his gaze askance awkwardly. "His parents..." This is the most bizarre thing to ever happen to him. Way more bizarre than his wild labyrinth. This hurts. His mind is reeling. But— whether this kid is Antonio or... not...? He's still just a kid. Camilo's gotta keep it together. ]

[Antonio should say something but he doesn't. If Camilo was suppose to be his brother, wouldn't it make things awkward already if he called his 'parents'? As he got out his phone and then looked back at him, it was almost as if he was asking for permission to call.]

I could but... [He knows he should but he didn't want to upset his friend (brother??)]

[ The hesitation does draw an uncontrollable look of pain on Camilo's face, but he quickly (and poorly) tries to disguise it with an apologetic smile. ]

...They'd wanna know you'll be home late — i-if you're going to— a friend's house... [ He takes a sharp breath, forcing an uncomfortable smile even further. ] I— Heh, uh, I know my parents would wanna know.

[Again, all Antonio could do was just stare before looking down at the phone. While it hurt to see Camilo look so sad, he was right. He definitely needed to call his parents. With a mumble or two, that's when he called.]

Um...m-mom? It's me, Antonio? My friend said he wanted me to play with him for a little bit?

[He said before giving the teen a worried look.] I promise I'll be back home by 5!

[ Camilo listens awkwardly to the phone call, and shoves his hands in his pockets to keep from fidgeting, averting his gaze. All of this is bizarre. He has no idea what he's supposed to do, what's going on, how he's supposed to act... He's secretly just hoping that either seeing Casita or eating Julieta's food will fix everything.

When Antonio gets off the phone, Camilo inclines his head toward the exit. As they set off, Camilo pauses uncomfortably, but is quick to strike up conversation again, awkward as it is to try and smooth that over, wow... How do you continue from such an introduction? ]

...So, uh. You've never had tamales?

[As Antonio looked at the phone and then back at Camilo, he really didn't know what to do. While his parents agreed to let him stay over to a friend's house, he wasn't surprised by their reaction. They were always busy and barely had enough time for him.

If he was at someone else's house, it probably would make it easier for them. With a mumble or two, he slowly pondered if this was a good idea or not. As they walked toward the exit, he really didn't know what to say. When the teen spoke up, Antonio simply shook his head.]

No, I never had them. Are they good?

[ Oh, this is so surreal. What does he say now? ]

...Yeah. They're really good.

[ He started this topic! Get it together, Camilo! He strengthens his nerve a bit, feigning more comfort than he really feels, starting a good pace they can walk in stride with each other in. Though he keeps his hands in his pockets as they walk, just to have somewhere to put them... ]

...They're really good, actually, heh~ Tía— eheh, ah...— My, uh— my auntie, Julieta— She said she'd make a bunch for lunch today. She makes the best tamales. It's hard to describe if you've never had one. They're soft and full of meat and beans and cheese and stuff — I think Tía Julieta made these ones with pork. They're wrapped in a corn husk — but you don't eat that part, heh. That just keeps it all together. Trust me, it's delicious. You're in for a treat~

[ Playing it very casual, yup... Not weird at all that Antonio doesn't know what a tamale is and Camilo needs to call Julieta by name for clarity's sake. He's fine. This is fine. It's fine. He's fine. ]

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