Defenders of the Home Front

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the canon characters; the characters belong to 20th Century Fox, Reel FX Creative Studios, and Jorge R. Gutierrez. Based on the drabble prompt: "Would you just hold still?"

Word Count: 200


Joaquín Mondragón has always had a knack for getting into trouble. However, with the loss of the Medal of Everlasting Life a few months ago, the war hero has learned the hard way that trouble and pain are almost always accomplices. He hisses in pain as a wet piece of cloth touches the injury on his left shoulder.

"Would you just hold still?" María demands, dabbing the wet cloth on the injury Joaquín took from a bandit. "I'd be done sooner if you stop squirming, big baby," she explains in a hushed tone, using alcohol to help sterilize the wound and her hands. "How did this happen?" the general's daughter asks, pausing to grab some bandages from the drawer.

"You know, the usual. I went to fight bandits on the outskirts of town. The scout crept up behind me," Joaquín hisses as María begins to carefully stitch the area closed. "Better me than San Ángel, though," he sighs, rubbing his eyes in exhaustion.

"Perhaps next time you go in with back-up, brother," Manolo suggests as he hands María more thread. "No retreat," he reminds with a wide grin as he stands upright.

"No surrender," María and Joaquín reply in sync.


Author's Note: Here's my second Book of Life story! As soon as I read that prompt, I knew it had to be for Joaquín getting into some sort of scrape and needing María to stitch him up. And, of course, Manolo is along to offer support and back-up for his best friend! I dedicate this fic to Rival Argentica since I did not speak to her for nearly a month. Rival Argentica, for that I sincerely apologize, and I hope you know how much our friendship means to me! I hope you all enjoyed this fic! As always, reviews are appreciated. Until next time, my dear readers! Have an amazing day, afternoon, or night!