Me Llamo Tokio (My Name Is Tokyo) - A Money Heist Prequel

Chapter 15 - Sour Cherry Liquor

I still don't know what to believe, and I'm trying not to think too much about it. If it was true, maybe I'll hear it again and if it wasn't, it was the most beautiful dream I've ever had.
I take a look at him blinking his way out of sleep. I smile. Juan was making me so happy, even if he was doing basic things like waking up.
And, as he had the courage to sleep with me last night despite the fact that I'm crazy as fuck, I'm trying to make myself courage to do something too. Something that I did, only in a moment when he wasn't aware of it.
My hand is shaking as I start caressing his face gently. I was nervous he won't like it, or that this was too much, but I continued.
A smile appeared on his face and his soft laugh followed.
"An angel is touching me. Am I dead?"
I blush instantly and stop, trying to withdraw my hand in the subtlest way possible, but his hand catches mine and there's no way to escape his grip.
"Don't be scared." he whispers.
With his eyes still closed, he starts kissing my fingers one by one.
"Juan." I say giggling.
He looks at me and all I can see in his eyes is pure happiness.
"Oh, why you haven't told me it's you." he laughs.
"Why?" I ask entering his game.
"Because angels don't get kisses like this." he says kissing my lips.
I laugh in the kiss and he laughs too.
"Good morning." he whispers on my lips.
"Good morning." I reply.
And for the first time my lips go for his. Only when they embrace each other in a long kiss, I realize that this is what I was longing for the entire time.
"Te quiero."* he says.
My heart skips a beat.
Oh, so it was real.
If I though that I can't advance more in the state of bliss that I was floating in ever since I woke up, well here I am, probably on the highest peak of happiness.
"Te quiero."* I reply smiling.

There is no doubt that Lisbon is one of the best cities in the world if you're a distraction seeker. The culture, the people and the environment are perfectly shaped to help you emerge in the amazing amalgam of influences and local traditions.
We wander the steep cobbled streets of the bohemian Bairro Alto, holding hands, laughing and enjoying what could easily be called a perfect afternoon. The streets are packed with people from all around the world who, like us, came here to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere of a traditional Portuguese music festival.
"Are you hungry?" Juan has to almost scream in my ear due to the loud music.
"Yes." I reply laughing, because I felt like he just read my mind.
He guides me to one of the many tables stashed all across the street.
"Wait here." he says and disappears in the crowd.
If it wouldn't have been for this festival, I would've rather preferred to stay inside with him. But I knew he wanted to take me here and also I was curious to find out more about this country and its culture so, when he asked me if I'm still interested to go to the festival, I told him: "yes".
I take a seat on the wooden bench, then I look around me. From here, everything looked like I was an elf caught in the middle of a giant rainbow. The people were dressed in screaming colors, varying in style from traditional to sporty. I realize that even some of the centuries-old houses were decorated with vivid street art, matching the crowds. But the last element that amazed me were the huge garlands that were hanging over the street, caught from a balcony to the one in front of it, forming a huge multicolored ceiling.
Juan comes with some plates filled with sardines and some other round things that look like something fried. I want to ask him about them, but it's too late because he's gone, so I prefer to take a safe path and chew some sardines.
In a few minutes he returns with a plate filled with something that looks like donuts and a bottle that contains a ruby red liquid with two small glasses placed reversed on the lid.
"Sorry for the wait." he says while taking a seat in front of me.
"It's okay." I reply with a mouth full of sardines.
Juan takes the two glasses and places them on the table, then he proceeds to open the bottle. We're in the middle of a crowded street that mostly stinks of fried fish, but in the moment when he takes out the lid, a beautiful sweet scent hits me.
"Ginjinha, sour cherry liquor." Juan announces proudly while pouring it into the glasses.
"What are these?" I ask pointing to the fried rolls since we're at the part with Silene is discovering Portuguese stuff.
"Bolinhos de bacalhau, it's basically fried cod with mashed potatoes and spices." he explains me. "They are one of the most beloved Portuguese national dishes."
"Now I know why." I say taking a bite from one roll. "They're delicious."
"I'm glad you like them." he says and I can see how happy Juan is that I'm appreciating the things he's bringing me.
The sardines are good, the cod rolls too, even the donuts that I learned they're called Bolas de Berlim are having a delicious custard cream inside, but nothing compares with the taste of Ginjinha. We drink glass after glass from that delicious sour cherry liquor, until the bottle is empty and we both are a bit dizzy.
At some point, he leans over the table for a kiss. I close my eyes while I let our lips unite in a long sour cherry liquor tasted kiss.
I still can't believe it's real. Ever since last night I feel like I'm living in a dream that I'm unable to wake up from, and I really don't want to. The alcohol in my system makes me feel like I'm floating on a cloud. I open my eyes in the kiss to look at him. He catches me lurking and he starts laughing. I can't help but laugh too. We were like two teenagers in love.