A/N: This was written back in August for the first day of EoA Appreciation Week 2021's prompt: crown. It's a little rough, but I figured it was about time I posted it officially.
If Esteban had been asked what he expected after Elena saved him from Cahu's petrification and after Avalor was saved, he wouldn't have had an answer, but he certainly never would have guessed an invitation to Elena's coronation would be an option. He hadn't dared hope for anything more than a chance to make amends with the rest of his family, and he knew he had little right to expect even that.
Elena clearly had a different idea and would hear no argument.
Esteban found himself standing in the entryway of his room. His eyes swept over the draperies and furniture. "Everything's the same." Wonder laced his voice, and he lifted a hand to his cheek – eyes widening.
Francisco chuckled. "Elena did consider tossing everything out, but some gentle persuasion convinced her to leave it and just close your room off." A flash of pain broke through the humor in his eyes.
"Abuelo," Esteban began, stepping closer and awkwardly raising an arm to reach out. His hand hovered a moment more before dropping onto his grandfather's shoulder. "I'm sorry." A heavy sigh built in his chest, but he refused to release it. "You believed in me – even after finding out what I'd done, and I betrayed your trust." His gaze lowered. "Worse still: I brought the Shades here and endangered you all. There's no way to undo the past or any reason for you to forgive me, but I will endeavor to be the kind of man you can be proud of once more."
"Oh, Esteban, but I've already forgiven you."
Startled, Esteban's eyes rose to meet the watery, kind eyes staring back at him. He found no anger, resentment, or disappointment there, but only love, relief, and understanding. Heart twisting fiercely, he almost choked on his emotions. "I don't deserve it."
Francisco huffed – eyes smiling. "Well, that's not how forgiveness works. I forgive you, and that's that." Seeing the inner turmoil of his grandson and knowing he'd need a moment to collect himself, the soon-to-be-former council member nodded towards the wardrobe. "Your formal jacket should still be in there and clean. No one's touched anything in your bathroom either, so you can freshen up."
Eyes lighting up, Esteban disappeared in the adjoining bathroom. "My moustache comb! How I've missed you!"
"Remember: the ceremony's in half an hour. I have to get ready myself." Francisco hesitated. "Will you be fine on your own? You don't have any injuries, do you?"
The concern apparent in his abuelo's tone had Esteban exiting his bathroom. A weary smile crossed his face. "Only a few bruises, and nothing that won't heal. I think hygiene is my most pressing concern at this point."
The joke served its purpose, and Francisco relaxed with a laugh.
"I'll leave you to your cure then." With one last smile, Francisco closed the door on his way out and headed down the hall to his own room.
Despite his desire to linger as long as possible in the tub, Esteban pushed himself to clean himself quickly and return his hair back to its usual style. It came as a relief to discover he could reshape it, and his fear that magic might make it stay that way forever was unfounded. He hated the look in its own right, but the reminder of his time as an outlaw shunned from his family made it unbearable.
Once he exited the bathroom and dried off, he stood in front of his wardrobe and pulled open both doors. Brown eyes took stock of what he'd left behind and caught on the multi-colored paper crown on the top shelf. He absent-mindedly reached up and brought the carnaval crown down so he could get a closer look. Unbidden, memories resurfaced.
What would have happened if he'd told Elena then what had happened that day? What if he'd allowed Victor to tell her and didn't refute it? Would he still be here – forgiven and still considered familia, or would it have gone even worse?
Esteban shook his head to dispel the thoughts. The what-ifs didn't matter. There was no way to get an answer and going down that path would help no one. He hadn't told her the truth, and it came back to bite him in the worst possible way. He set the crown back in its place and began dressing.
The past was the past. He couldn't do anything about it or go back in time to stop his mistakes before he'd made them. All he could do was look to the future and keep his promises – to his familia and himself – to be better and work towards atonement. Elena had given him a third chance, and he didn't intend to waste it.
A/N: Feedback is always appreciated! :)