El Gallo Negro
Summary: after years of stolen glances, and deep conversations. It all comes to a boiling point at Pacos party.
-fluff, friends to lovers, it’s cutesy
a/n: The whole reason I’m writing this is because I rewatched blood in blood out and I couldn’t find A SINGLE PIECE OF MEDIA THAT WASNT WRITTEN BY A CHILD. Anyways I’ve decided to take it into my own hands…digital foot print is going to be crazy
•idk about yall but i love a bit of ambiance when im reading so turn this playlist on and get into it
You and Paco have been friends ever since you were kids. As stereotypical as it sounds, you found it hard connecting with the girls in the neighborhood. They always wanted to play tea party with their bears, or play house with their plastic baby dolls. As much as you liked playing with the girls, you would run to more exciting games.
You found your fun playing soccer on hot summer days, or riding bikes until the street lights turned on. Eventually, you found your place with the neighborhood boys, and at the center of the group was Paco.
Overtime the soccer matches and late night bike rides were traded in for turf wars and low riders. The boys began carrying scars and reputations far to heavy for their age. The neighborhood that once was filled with laughter now lay with echos of gunshots and engines.
By the age of 15, what started off as a simple friendship with Paco began developing into deeper bond. Sharing favorite snacks, staying up late talking about dreams and fears. His presence became comforting, he became someone you looked forward to seeing.
As you got older it became more apparent that there was something brewing between you two. The stolen glances that lingered for a second too long, lingering touches that felt like a secret, and the cheeky knowing smiles thrown your way when no one else was looking.
You knew of Pacos popularity with the ladies in town. He always seemed to have a new girl on his arm. But your paths never seemed to align. When you were single he would be having some sort of girl trouble. And when he was free you’d be with someone or simply trying to stay out of the chaos. You saw how crazy some of the girls would act, lost over him. And yet your heart constantly yearned for something more than shared memories and inside jokes.
“Ay Paco! Where you at?!” you yelled as you stepped through the door into the Aguilar home. You looked around at the empty house. The smell of beer and grilled meat flowing through the living room. You could hear muffled music and chatter coming from the backyard. He had invited you to a carne asada, a kickback for his birthday. Nothing big or extravagant. Simple and classic, just family.
“Paco!” You called again, louder this time. “You better not be hiding on your own birthday!”
“Ayyy look who decided to show up” Paco called out, his voice echoing from the hallway before he stepped into view with a smile. He had his hair sleeked back, a classic hairstyle for him. With a playful and confident look in his eyes. He was wearing a white button up dress shirt. The fabric hung loose around his arms, clean and pressed. Paired with black suspenders that sat comfortably on his broad shoulders and ran down to his pleated black pants.
An outfit true for a Chicano.
“It’s good to see you nena” he said as he wrapped his arms around your shoulders and pulled you into a tight hug.
You melted into his embrace. He smelled of cedar wood with a trace of leather. Like he just stepped out of a cool shower and put on his freshly pressed shirt. Subtle, yet endearing.
He never failed to make you feel safe in his arms. The world could crumble to pieces around you and as long as you were with him everything would be ok.
Paco had always treated you with tenderness. With you the persona of “El Gallo Negro” didn’t exist. He was simply Paco, the guy you grew up with, who would do anything for you.
“Happy birthday Paquito” you murmured into his chest “Can’t believe you’re 20 already” you teased, poking him in the side “Gonna have to put you in a nursing home soon”
He chuckled, pulling back slightly, just enough to study you with a smirk.
“AHhh apoco si?” He said, with a fake surprised look on his face “ You’re one to talk considering you’re next”
You laughed, he always seemed to have a comeback ready at any given time. As he pulled away the playful glint in his eye softened, his hands moving down to your waist.
“Nahhhh todavía estoy joven y bella, I still got time” you said as you gave him a cheesy smile, smiling from ear to ear.
“ That’s for sure” He said softly smiling as his hand gently reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind your ear. Eyes moving back and forth from your lips to your eyes. As if trying to memorize every detail.
You gently pulled away
“Here” you said holding out a bag “I got you a little something. Since you’re entering your twenties, thought I’d give you a little piece of childhood”
He takes the bag gently from your hand and gave you a quick grateful glance. “Thank you” he said softly. He pulls out a large photo album from the bag. The front is covered with doodles and colorful cutout paper that make it personalized and unique to Paco.
He looks at you with a small smile. “You got all arts and craftsy o qué?” he said teasingly with an unmistakable tenderness behind his words.
“Yea I put some blood sweat and tears into this” you said as you gave him a knowing look. “And don’t start complaining. This shits straight from the heart.” You had spent a week in your parents basement going through old photo albums, and dusty shoeboxes full of memories. You’d carefully picked each photo, cut each piece of colored paper into intricate designs, and glued down all of the memories. To say your hands hurt was an understatement.
He hummed and smiled nodding his head “I would never” he said holding it closer to his chest. Slowly he opened it up, holding it carefully in one hand.
The first spread was covered in different colored paper, cut into different designs framing the photo like papel picado. There you all were, him, you and the neighborhood kids. No older than 7, lined up infront of the house on your bikes. Little you stood off center, with a large smile stretching your face. Standing next to you was Paco on his bike, one hand holding the handlebar and the other flashing up a peace sign. Around you, were your friends in various poses. Some smiling widely, others with their arms crossed, mean mugging the camera.
“Ahhhhh,mira nomás ” Paco murmured with a smile that reached his eyes and softened his features. He continued flipping through the book. Each page pulling him in deeper and deeper into memory. “Ain’t no way you took the time to make this? You cut this all out yourself!?”
He looked away from the album long enough to shoot you a gucik glance. Eyes mixed with admiration and amusement.
“Obvioooo” you said grinning proudly as you looked down at the photos, admiring your work.
He shook his head in disbelief. “Chaleee, si me amas entonces” he said giving you a gentle nudge with his elbow. He looked at you from the corner of his eyes, curious, testing the waters for a reaction. He was used to you snapping back with an insult, or rolling your eyes.
But none came.
Instead, you let the silence hang for a beat, then leaned softly into his shoulder, your voice sincere.“I will always love you Paco… you know that.” You looked up at him through your lashes, with a knowing smile on your lips. Not quite shy, not quite bold. Knowing Hoping he was picking up what you were putting down.
He looked down at you and gazed into your eyes. His eyes steady, deep, searching. Slowly, he snuck his arm around your waist, pulling you in close. This was more than a simple side hug between friends. This was deliberate.
The album now forgotten he gently placed it down on the couch and turned to face you fully. His hand didn’t leave your waist. With a mischievous smile, he looked down at you, eyes filled with something unspoken.
“You love me?” he asked, voice teasing. Yet the vulnerability in his words was very much evident. As he spoke he slowly guided your arms up around his neck. Testing to see if you’d pull away.
His hands rose to brush away imaginary stray hairs from your face. He didn’t break eye contact. He knew what he was doing. The stolen glances, the lingering touches, it was all unraveling. It was a careful dance that kept things safe between you two. But now? He was done playing those childish games. No more pretending it was all a joke. He wanted an answer. He needed to know.
You looked up at him, your thumb gently rubbing the nape of his neck. Feeling the small tension and twitch of his muscles. You rubbed slow absent circles before sliding down to the curve of his biceps. You could feel the warmth and evident strength of him.
“You know I do” you said, your voice almost breathless. Your eyes met his, with a tender doe eyed look. You had imagined this moment, in silence, in dreams. But never like this. No amount of day dreaming could’ve prepared you for the way it felt to finally be here.
Paco stared at you half lidded. His expression soft yet determined. He glanced at your lips and then back to meet your eyes. He was asking for permission without words, giving you time to say no.
You looked at him the same way, responding in silence.
Then slowly, he leaned in
His lips brushed yours with caution, soft and hesitant, afraid of ruining the moment. But you melted into him, inviting him in.
His hand slid from your waist to the small of your back, as his other hand cradled your jaw. His thumb softly grazing your cheek. Deepening the kiss.The kiss was tender, but there was an undeniable hunger beneath the softness.
You responded instinctively, pulling him in closer by the back of his neck as your other hand drifted down to his chest. You could feel his heartbeat, steady and rapid, matching the rhythm of your own. He was nervous.
Years of child play had come to an end, and from it began new possibilities, full of happiness. Everything felt right.
Breathless, you reluctantly pulled away. You felt him chase after your lips. Craving more of your warmth.
He rested his forehead gently against yours. His eyes soft and hazy, filled with something deeper than desire, something real.
You both stood there in each other’s embrace, letting the weight of what just happened settle between you two. You had crossed an invisible line neither of you knew was there, and there was no going back.
He spoke first with a voice filled with emotion.“You know how long I’ve been wanting to do that chula?” he said with a sharp and playful smile.
You pulled your head back slightly letting out a soft laugh. His chuckle joined yours, filling the space with relief and joy. You leaned in again, pressing a quick sweet peck to his lips.
“Well now you can get them whenever you want” you said teasingly.
His grin stretched wide, like a kid on Christmas morning. Wordlessly, he pulled you into his arms, his chin resting on top of your head.
He pressed a kiss to your temple “Good,” he mumbled. “Because I’m not planning on letting you go. We played this kid shit for way too long. Gotta make up for lost time, hmm?”
You both peaked into each others eyes. Excitement evident on your faces.
“Come on, let’s go get you a plate” his face filled with content as he guided you through the house to the back door. His hand resting comfortably on your waist.
As you walked into the yard you couldn’t help but feel the eyes that followed you. There didn’t need to be a grand gesture or announcement. Just walking in together made it true. It made what you two had real. You two walked towards yours and Paco friends Los Vatos Locos.
As they saw you two walking towards them side by side they paused mid conversation, their eyes widening in realization. They immediately started exclaiming in excitement only growing louder and louder as you got closer. Wolf whistles and woops filling the air.
Cruz with a grin stretched on his face, pointed an accusatory finger at you both. “POR FIN! Chale you guys have been making googly eyes at each other since we were kids!” His voice rang out teasing. The whole group burst out laughing. One by one they all began teasing.
“It’s about time bro!” Chuey said with beer raised in excitement.
“We all saw it coming but damn vato you sure took your sweet time” Frankie joined in.
You and Paco could only smile and laugh with them with slight embarrassment. What they were saying was undeniably true.
Miklo came up slapping Pacos shoulder with a hearty laugh “ Didn’t think you had it in you, carnal.” He said with boyish grin. “Congrats to both of you” looking at me as well with sincerity in his words.
There was a genuine happiness within the group, it wasn’t just teasing, it was celebration.
Throughout the rest of the night there was a happy buzz in the party, and in the middle of it all, you and Paco stood close. You leaned into him letting his presence ground you. Your futures were now aligned
Paco pulled you in close, his voice dropping
“Forgot to tell you, but…” he trailed off. You turned your head toward him, your curiosity spiked. He turned down to look at you full of sincerity and affection.
“I love you too, nena”
