The days following the ball game, Miguel was bordering on euphoric. He had saved 16 lives since first arriving to El Dorado. There wasn't enough gold in all of the Americas to compare to his glowing sense of reward. It felt phenomenal being in a position of power, where he could make a real difference, eradicate the violent traditions, make the world a better place, and like Chel said, be a god of compassion. For him, however, the best part was being a good person for no other reason than he wanted to. As he strolled happily along the glimmering streets, passing smile after smile of warm and welcoming faces, he realized what it meant to feel peace. Peace away from delinquency, away from the Inquisition, and mostly away from the guilt of his own unvirtuous intentions, past and present. Here, there was no burden of reputation, no persecution, no judgement. Europe began to loom as a darkened world, that even with new fortune promised oppression and hatred. But here, he was free to be whoever he wanted to be, even himself.
As Miguel sat to rest on an artistically crafted bench that faced the canal, he watched two golden butterflies flutter and play along the gentle ripples of the water. They seemed to exist so carelessly, only engaged in each other and nothing else. What would it be like to have that kind of freedom and merriment every day? The man's heart skipped beats as he imagined himself and his partner. Two vagabonds, overcoming misfortune and building their lives anew. Settling in a land that men only dream of. Living a life of love. Love for their people. Love for each other...
Miguel shook his head. He suddenly felt very silly. How could he ever entertain the idea that the two men shared feelings for one another, let alone were destined for a romantic union with a storybook ending? They were best friends, forever entwined into each other's lives through a deep connection and shared adventures, but that was it. Sure, it was clear that Tulio cared for him. He rescued him, stuck by his side, and kept him grounded. And yes, Tulio had always been a physical person towards Miguel. Providing affirmation via a friendly touch to the shoulder, arm or waist. And there had even been times when the two men shared uncharacteristic tenderness in the face of danger... At least Miguel thought it was uncharacteristic. Maybe it happened more than he had noticed. Maybe there was a lot he hadn't been noticing. His stomach twisted as he pondered. Was it possible? Or was it wishful thinking? There was no doubt that the pair were close, but none of it was evidence enough that Tulio was willing to change teams and elope. That is until he thought back to the contact made in their bed nights prior, and how every inch of his body was set on fire by the simple embrace. 'You're not going anywhere'. Perhaps neither of them had to...
A shadow slid forward along the ground, rousing Miguel from his discord.
"Lord Miguel, are you alright?" Chief Tannabok's voice boomed. Miguel quickly hoisted himself from his seat, nervously dusting off his clothes.
"Yes, of course, yes, I was just um... thinking about fish," said Miguel, collecting his persona.
"Fish..."
"Yes. I need to make more of them..."
"Well, if you're not too occupied," the Chief said through a pleasant smile, pointing over his shoulder, "would you like to see your boat?"
Miguel accepted, immediately feeling a sadness. A finished boat meant that his time in the city of gold was up. Three days go by fast when you spend them getting to know yourself in a new society. It all meant one thing. If he wanted to throw in all of his cards and propose a drastically new plan, then he'd better do it soon. Today. He followed Chief Tanny, who led as he lit up a cigar in celebration of his men's impressive turnaround. Miguel followed, watching the smoke curl upwards before dispersing into the atmosphere, up to the very Heavens that the two conmen were preparing to return to. For a moment, Miguel tried to imagine what a real place called Heaven was like. If it was real, was it better than here? Better than a life spent not only rich but worshipped? And with Tulio. With enough cultural influence to set the norm himself and live out his life in his partner's arms, was anything better? He swallowed down the pressure, ultimately deciding that the risk was worth it. Choosing El Dorado meant never returning to the Heavens. Or ever getting there in the first place. But he was worth it.