Requested by RebelArcher2022

Carmen POV (First Person)

I glance around wearily at the Buenos Aires supermarket, my nerves tingling like crazy. I had finally built up the courage to come here, but really it was just, well, normal. So far just your average supermercado, with it's wonderful smells and beautiful colors.

Sometimes I wondered why I hadn't visited sooner.

I love that there's Spanish flying around everywhere. It feels right in my mouth when I speak it, and my ears seem to tremor when people speak it back to me.

"Señorita, are you lost?"

I turn as I'm addressed in English by a guy, and I'm surprised that he did.

"No," I respond, surveying him. I talk slowly and say, "How did you know that I speak English?"

He just laughs. "I had a hunch, hermana."

His accent is precise and electric, like his laugh. I could tell that he wasn't Latino, but the way he mixed the two languages was almost comforting. He was young, about my age I would guess, and an energy sparkled in his eyes.

"Lo siento, soy Y/N," he says, introducing himself.   *I'm sorry, I am Y/N*

I smile. "Mi nombre es Carmen."    *My name is Carmen*

He smiles back. "Are you from around here?"

"Yes, actually. I was born here, but I've been bouncing around the world my whole life."

"Ah, an Argentinian! Finally, I meet one who will actually talk to me." His smile faded a bit. "I'm afraid that the people in this specific area are not to friendly to Americans. Well, at least not to me."

I raised an eyebrow. That's the accent he used when speaking English. Duh.

Y/N gulped nervously. "So, Carmen, am I correct to assume that you are fluent in inglés?"    *English*

I have to bite back a laugh, but I do feel a bit sorry for him. "You're not from around here, are you, Y/N?" I ask. Then I nod. "I'm fluent in several languages, actually. Speak English all you want."

"Oh, good." His features visibly relax. "I do know my fare share of Spanish, but I'm always too scared of messing up. I don't want to end up disrespecting a culture, you know?"

"I understand completely," I say, hoping to calm him a bit. "What are you doing in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Y/N?"

"Visiting family. I was adopted into a Latino house hold, but sadly never got a grip on the language, not properly at least."

I tilt my head to the side. "Your accent was flawless, though."

He smiles again, blushing slightly. "Thank you."

Reader POV

You smile at her, at Carmen. Her comment makes you feel a bit braver, and you appreciate it. She's returning the smile, and you step closer. "I'm not used to this specific market, would you happen to know your way around?"

Carmen nods, and you feel a flush of brightness in your gut. She seemed awfully nice already, and there was a bounce in her step that added to the rich tone of her skin, the glimmer of her gray-blue eyes.

You blink, then mentally scold yourself. This woman was just a stranger, barely even an acquaintance. You couldn't just go falling in love with every girl you met. Not even this one.

Wait, but why not?

You begin to argue with yourself. Maybe just get to know her... But you were only in Argentina for a few days, then you were traveling with your mom up to Mexico to visit her side of the family. Carmen had also made it sound like she was just traveling. There's no way anything could work.

And yet...

You clear the throat, realizing that Carmen must have answered you. "Sorry, what was that?"

She just smiles again. It's a little sad, and some of it moves into her eyes, swirling like the worst plot twist with a tragic ending. It startles you, but she keeps going.

"I said that I'm just as new as you are. I'd be more than open to exploring around with you, though. If you wanted to, I mean. And if you aren't too busy."

That had not been what you were expecting.

Carmen POV

A part of me had wanted to book it as soon as Y/N asked me about knowing my way around. The thought of running into family without even knowing it terrified me, but at the same time I didn't want to be rude. So apparently I had decided to ask him out instead, which made absolutely no sense.

But whatever. It's fine.

Y/N seems surprised by my request, but he quickly gives that smile again, the one that lights up his entire face and makes me want to smile, too.

"I'd love to, thank you," he says, dipping his head slightly. He suddenly looks shy, and I can't help but feel the same way.