#luisa madrigal drabbles

[prophetic-hijinks]

Princessa ( a Luisa drabble)

“OOH that slit goes high!” Isabella declared in a mock scandalized tone. As Dolores squeaked and blushed, flashing her leg out from one of Elena’s lounge dresses a few inches too short on the bottom. Enjoying the tinkling sound of crystal beads colliding only audible to her. As the excited sounds of Mirabel’s voice echoed from the closet into the cave-like antechamber of Bruno and Elena’s bedroom.

Elena giggled from her place on the loveseat next to Luisa, as Mirabel brought a handful of dresses to lay on the bed. The trio cooed over the glamorous styles. Deciding which dress would fit whom, and who was going to go next. Of course, these styles are not ones any of the girls would ever wear in the Encanto. But a throwaway statement of the girls being welcome to borrow any dress had a very pregnant Elena nearly dragged to Bruno’s tower to play dress-up. Meanwhile, the seer decided to make himself scarce to ask Antonio how to mediate a serious conflict among the rats.

Luisa and Elena watched the happy proceedings as Mirabel disappeared behind the screen to try on a velvet green dress with faux pearls hanging on the shoulder. The dress she wore the first night Bruno saw her, and her life changed. Instinctively she brought her hand to her swollen belly, happy as can be. She would be unlikely to fit those dresses again, but it was more than a fair trade.

“Whoo!”, Elena exclaimed as she felt a kick. Luisa flinching at her side, immediately reacting with protective concern. Hands at the ready to help where no help could be given.

“It’s alright, I think their ears were burning. I was thinking about them.”

Then another kick gave her a start, and Luisa reflexively checked on Elena again. “Should I get Mom?”

“I’m fine Lu. I think the armistice is over. The twins are taking turns trading fire as wombmates”. The pun perhaps not hitting, as Luisa’s brown eyes didn’t drop a smidgen of concern after the joke.

“I’m really ok, I promise.”

“Sorry, I know it is normal it's just… you’re just so small”. Luisa trailed off almost apologetically, she had been reacting strongly to every kick all morning. Elena put a reassuring hand on her arm, as she leaned back to take pressure off her spine.

“No smaller than Alma was I have been told, and she had three. Besides we know for a fact everything will be ok”. Elena said gently waving to the glowing green tablet of her future family framed above the bed. A rectangle piece of emerald glass save for a small corner cut out to make their wedding rings. A promise for a future that was almost here.

Satisfied Luisa smiled, and they both looked back at the three girls. Mirabel was trying her signature dancing twirl, but the too-tight dress was not willing to accommodate. A clever seamstress, Mirabel on her own embroidered skirt dropped the waist to capture maximum twirl. Obviously glitz and glitter had downsides.

“I’m sorry I’m too short for you to wear my dresses,” Elena offered as she thought about the contents of her closet, and if anything could be used to help her share in this moment. But her mind was drawing a blank.

“It’s alright, I like my practical clothes.” Luisa countered, but Elena didn’t quite believe it.

Luisa’s room at the beginning portion functioned like a gym. A room full of weights and dumbbells that would make Hugo jealous. The balcony like entry, opening up to a beautiful vista of rocky mountains as strong and imposing as her exterior. But like Luisa, her true nature was hidden deeper. A childlike sweetness of a woman denied a proper childhood. Her bedroom full of soft fuzzy rugs, flower linens, family photos and drawings collected on the walls, sheer curtains hanging over her bed, and a pile of stuffed animals she was gifted over the years. Of all his daughters, and despite all appearances, Luisa was Agustin’s little princess.

‘Oh that’s it!’ Elena thought with excitement as she swung her legs up, using the momentum to vault her and her rotund belly forward out of the chair. The sudden motion caught Luisa at such a surprise, she didn’t have a chance to help the petite songbird stand before she was waddling like a petite penguin to her cavernous closet.

“Now it’s not ‘practical’ mind you,” Elena called loudly from the magical closet that was bigger on the inside. Before emerging with a green velvet box. “But I have something perfect for you.”

“When I was young I used to do birthday parties during the day, and lounge at night.” Elena said with a sheepish smile, As she opened the lid. "The dresses are gone, but I couldn’t get rid of this.” With a flourish, she revealed a shimmering costume princess crown. Delighted to see Luisa’s eyes widen at the treasure. “I am a little bit of a pack rat.” Elena said as she gently fixed the crown onto Luisa’s head, pulling her braid to cover the sides. “But perhaps that is why your uncle loves me?”, she joked.

“So beautiful,” Elena said stepping back to admire her lovely sobrina. “It’s yours if you want it.”

The quickness a teary-eyed Luisa stood to tower over Elena to envelope her in one of her signature bear hugs, did give Elena pause as to whether she would pop under that affection. But ever conscious of her strength, Luisa adjusted quickly and gently enfolded her tia in thanks. Before excitedly going to admire herself in the long mirror, the trio of girls chorusing “oohs and awws” as Luisa joined them.

With very little grace, Elena gingerly sat down to watch the proceedings. A tiny oof as she settled into place with a pillow shoved behind her spine.

“I wonder, do I have a little princess of my own?” Elena asked quietly, but a smiling glance from Dolores told her it was still heard.

A tiny kick came in response and Elena leaned back happily.

#drabble #luisa madrigal #isabela madrigal #mirabel madrigal #elena ruiz #elena madrigal #prophetic vignettes #fanfics #encanto #family bonding

[empty-cryptid]

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I'm opening the ask box to little Encanto story requests.

I will write a drabble about almost anything: suggest a scenario, a character interaction, topic, au, etc. and I'll do my best!

#encanto #bruno madrigal #julieta madrigal #pepa madrigal #mirabel madrigal #abuela alma madrigal #antonio madrigal #camilo madrigal #dolores madrigal #isabela madrigal #luisa magridal #felix madrigal #agustin madrigal #fanfic #my writing #ask stuff #drabble #writing requests

[applesap-fics]

Day 19 - Otters

G, 100 words, Luisa

--

Luisa drifts.

The cold water carries her for longer than she knows. She can't move. Her head hurts; something must've hit her that caused her to end up in the river. The clear clouds above the Encanto tell her tía Pepa probably doesn't know what happened yet, and Luisa thinks, maybe this is it. 

She doesn't have the wherewithal to save herself. 

She drifts.

Something start to pull at her blouse, her skirt. When she manages to turn and see who it is that's saving her, she thinks she's dreaming. 

They're the little hands of otters, tugging her to shore.

#encanto #encantober #luisa madrigal #drabble #disney princess luisa

[casitafallz]

LTRL AU | Acceptance

“How did you sleep?” Abuelita’s voice was soft as Isa came down.

“Good, Very good.” Isa smiled because it had been unexpected; she hadn’t predicted she’d sleep well, let alone feel the warmth and relief that…Abuelita wasn’t going to kick her out or…punish her for this. It felt…so nice to have that.

Abuelita hatted her shoulder. “I’m glad to hear.” She led her to the table, though Isa noted that breakfast looked a little…different on her plate. It was the usual Huevos Pericos but had a slice of avocado, Apreas, and cheese. Far more than usual. No morning coffee, only juice. “I know you’ve not accounted for the need for extra calories, but I think it’ll be best if you start in case that’s what the child needs to grow faster,” Abuelita spoke, seeing her questioning look.

“Oh.” Oh. Isa hadn’t considered that. “Does…does Abuelito know?”

“He does,” Abuelita nodded, “I spoke to him last night about it after you went to sleep, and… he’s asked me not to talk to the family just yet.”

Isa let out a soft breath. “I’m glad.” Isa began to tuck into breakfast regardless, her stomach was rumbling.

Abuelita chuckled softly. “He also said to tell you to inform the father on your time, not because I asked. He doesn’t want you two to rush into marriage when there’s still a lot of time.”

The mention of marriage did make Isa wince internally a little but… it wasn’t against marrying Mateo. Her other family would certainly try and push for marriage to be quick and done as soon as possible…before the birth. She’d much rather marry Mateo than Mariano any day. She didn’t have to pretend with him, he enjoyed her for…her. Not that it was a fault on Mariano’s behalf—he had no idea what she was hiding. Both had their baggage and fears. Mariano never had that. Never could understand.

“Why is Abuelito so against arranged marriage?” Isa asked because that hadn’t escaped her notice that Abuelito was more of a voice against that.

Abuelita pondered her question for a moment, setting her fork down to sip at her coffee. “It’s… personal. His aunt was forced into a marriage when she was young. A…unhealthy marriage that… sadly resulted in her death.”

Isa’s eyes widened at that, though no details it was clear details, it painted a very vivid picture. One that clearly impacted her Abuelito still. Either Abuelita knew the whole story and was leaving that story to Abuelito or she didn’t. Isa believed it was the former, over the latter given they had been married for 50 years.

“He doesn’t like to talk about it.” Abuelita sighed, “Best if you don’t enquire either.”

Isabela nodded. “Si, Abuelita.”

Abuelita was quick to shift the topic onto something else. “I was thinking, since your Abuelito’s setting the shop to open early, I’ll pick up your new spinning wheel soon, you can spend this morning setting it up and trying it out.”

Isabela perked up a little. “Sounds good. I do have an hour of pottery this afternoon.”

“How’re the lessons going?”

“Alright… but I was thinking of dropping the lessons after I finish learning the wheel lesson today” Isa admitted because… the last four months had been educational and she enjoyed pottery but… it wasn’t fun. She could make a pot, bowl, and plates… could easily shape the clay and she just about knew how to mix to get the desired consistency of clay but… the people teaching her kept it as a job. It sucked the fun out of it.

Today was the last day of the wheel chapter before they moved onto a new method this time for making roof tiles. Not her interest. 

“So soon?”

“I want it as a hobby, not a job. It’s not overly fun when it’s taught like your livelihood depends on it. It was good at first because it meant I learned a lot to start but now… ugh.”

“Ah.” Abuelita nodded. “I suppose that’ll open your timetable a little more?”

Isa nodded, “But I can pick up more time at the weaving houses if they’re open to it. They have much larger looms than what I’ve brought back.” The family had a recent clean-out so she had been allowed to keep some of the old looms. The floor loom was the largest and had to be completely dismantled to be replaced. She couldn’t keep that but the new ones they had worked better. As much as she hated warping them, it was good to see her creations come to life on it. “It’ll be nice to make bigger things than the small looms.”

“Perhaps your Magical room could create one up for you? I heard that almost all the furniture had been created with magic after all.”

Isabela paused mid-fork full at the suggestion. She hadn’t considered that. Her room would always adapt and change to her needs, with more space and elevated areas for breaking up the dead spaces… her bed had changed in the last 9 months now, no longer something she rose to the air to hide in her curtain of flowers but it was still the center of her room. She hadn’t known what to do with it, even after the expansion of her gifts that had melded her room in vast diversity.

It was still a double bed, branch-like edging, and now framed with a branch-poles that produced a canopy. It was easy to produce a simple curtain of plants around to hide away in sleep.

She just…never paid it too much thought but…it made sense even the furniture would change.

 “I guess I’ll see when I go back.” Which, now Isa realized was going to be…risky. “Oh…”

“What?”

Isa swallowed tightly, “we…probably don’t have a lot amount of time when I go back before someone finds out”

Abuelita’s brow dented further with concern. “Are you worried about your cousin? I think she’d done quite well if she’s kept the secret this far.”

Isabela wrinkled her nose. “A little, but I’m worried…if I slip up. I was happy to ignore and carry on and now… I can’t ignore it and they’ll probably find out I’m hiding something!”

Abuelita’s hand came to her wrist. “You’ll be okay. Take a breath. We have three more days until you’re back over.”

Isabela exhaled deeply, forcing herself to nod. She was right. Of course… they had time. A lot could happen in three days.

“I’ll talk to the father today.” Isa opted. “I think… he’ll need the time to adjust first before the family finds out.” He’d need a way out first if anything and be ready to pack as well. Once her family then Mateo’s family would know. “I’ll invite him around this afternoon, he can’t be seen in public with me.”

Abuelita’s lip pursed, “Why?”

“His family dislikes me, it’s one of the reasons he wanted to keep things quiet on his side as well.”

Abuelita’s head cocked to the side, finishing her plate quickly, “is the father the Marquez boy?” Isabela’s pause seemed to be the answer. “I see…. I can’t imagine they’ll be thrilled at the news of the pregnancy, will they?”

“Nope.”

Abuelita nodded softly. “I…do have to ask… and forgive me for asking but have you two… done anything here?”

“No!” The heat rose in her cheeks, “No. Nope. The walls are thin and the shutters aren’t soundproof. Wasn’t worth the risk.”

Abuelita nodded, satisfied with that answer. “Aside from…the clear failure, were you trying to be responsible between your activities?”

“Yes, I had my teas and can we please not talk about this?” Isa begged, dropping her cutlery to cup her burning cheeks.

“We can, but you forgot, I’ve had children and your father’s not been subtle when growing up—”

“Ew.”

“—but I have to make sure you’re being safe. Don’t put yourself in dangerous situations for the sake of keeping secrets. Did you have Dolores help sneak him in and out of Casita?”

Isabela paused, wishing she could bail and get going but her morning was open and nowhere to go. “No.”

“You snuck him out of your window?” The disapproval was clear in Abueltia’s voice, “your windows are ten feet from the ground!”

“There’s a little bit of the dining room’s roof sticking out.” Isa defended weakly, not willing to let on that she was grown vines.

Abuelita sighed heavily, “Please don’t…let him exit that way. If you’re not going to stop your activities, then do it in a safer environment. The last thing you need is for him to slip and break his neck on Casita’s lawn.” She rose to her feet, taking the empty plates.

“You’re…going to allow us to continue?” Isa knew she should be concerned, but… it felt weird. Like permission. From Abuelita of all people.  Isa picked up the rest of the used breakfast items, helping clean them as she waited for Abuelita’s response as she began to wash up.

“You’re an adult… and since you’re already pregnant, there’s little reason to stop you. For me, as long as you’re both safe and discreet, I don’t see why I should. Couples don’t wait for marriage, not even your Abuela. As I’ve made it known before, the no-boys rule is fairly stupid so your Abuela should have dropped it when we asked.” The sour tone returned to Abuelita’s voice as she washed up, setting the newly cleaned plates onto the rack to drain. “I know your Abuela disapproves a lot of my ways, but… my physiology is different to hers. You know that.”

Isabela smiled, her arms coming to wrap around her elderly frame. “Thank you.”

  The new spinning wheel had a few kinks in it and by the time Abuelita had returned with the device to the shop, Isabela had spent an hour before carding and combing her cotton into elongated, fluffy sausages that’d be easy to wind on the spindle. The woodwork itself was beautiful, all the bobbins worked and sat in the Flyer but it took some oil to keep things a bit smoother and the drive band hadn’t been included but it was easy to remedy that.

“It is beautiful.” Abuelita gushed, helping her finish the setup.

“It is.” Isabela smiled as she could see the attention to detail Mateo had put. The three legs were simple but had gentle, vine carvings that wound around it, the wheel was in a similar state; the shape was unchanged but the décor was what made it stunning in the dark walnut wood that was simply varnished. Its beauty was not to hamper its practicality.

One of the few things that set Mateo aside from Mariano, if she were to compare; he knew he didn’t have to add the details, tending careful details of her interests into his work despite it adding time to his work. He added them because he wanted to. No getting gifts like chocolates she never ate—Camilo had served his use in having them for her to get the kid off her back with his good humor at the time for having a boyfriend—and no getting flowers when he knew she could grow them herself.

Those trivial gifts were just…meaningless to her.

This meant something. Isa couldn’t deny this personalized made her feel special. She was the only one in Encanto to have a customized spinning wheel like this.

“I think it’s time to get going.” Isabela happily twirled the cotton fibers to its initial start into the bobbin and slipped it into place and turned the wheel to start it all off and gently began to press down the treadle to keep it going.

 The threads weren’t as fine as she was used to and it took a bit of time before she got more comfortable and made a few adjustments for things to become much smoother, pulling the threads finer to test how fine she could get them on this wheel before she got into a familiar routine.

The soft sounds echoed of the wheel filled her ears, though Isa was in her own bubble as she worked in her Abuelita’s shop. The new apprentices had come and started work, Abuelito was helping with clothes adjustments of the men in the sub-section of the shop and Abuelita came and went.

Isa hadn’t noticed the figure standing in the doorway until she spoke.

“How does that work?”

Mirabel's voice startled her more than the question, almost knocking over the wheel before she caught herself quickly from reacting though quickly stopped the wheel from moving before hse could lose her strand and jam up the contraption.

“Sorry!” Mirabel stepped back, a sheepish wince on her face. “I didn’t mean to make you jump.”

Isa simply sighed, gathering herself up though took the opportunity to gather up a new handful of cotton. “It’s fine.” She shrugged, “it’s easy to forget other people.”

Mirabel nodded softly though her eyes turned back to the wheel. “How does this work? Does the thread go around the wheel to first or am I missing something?” She stepped in closer. “How do you get the cotton like that?”

“You sew. How can you not know what sort of threads you use?” Isabela asked because she was sure, out of anyone in their entire family—Mirabel had more of an idea here. She worked with the stuff daily.

“I use the premade stuff, I don’t see them getting made.” Mirabel pointed out, pushing her glasses up her nose, stepping further in, “I’ve never seen it made before.”

Isabela’s eyes flickered to the door, suddenly well aware that the talking in the other room was still going and she was…very much alone with Mirabel. She could barely remember the last time they were alone… Someone—most likely Luisa—was always there to keep an eye on her.

So this was a little weird.

“Do you…want me to show you?” Isa asked carefully.

Mirabel brightened up, “If you don’t mind.”

Isa looked around and nodded her chin towards the foot stool. “Bring that over and sit down, it’ll be easier to show you.”

Mirabel complied, taking the stool and seating herself close—not too close either—to see her as she started the wheel and carefully began to pinch and let the fibers spin into shape.

  Mirabel was amazed as she watched as the balls of puffiness were reduced down into spools of threading in her sister’s fingers though she had somewhat been disappointed to see the wheel only serves to spin the flyer than spinning the thread around it to tighten it.

The art of spinning…wasn’t what she was interested in but she could appreciate it and the work it created. She just never imagined Isabela of all people would do such work until she had properly seen her in passing at the houses she was learning from. She could see it was reflected now.

Mirabel didn’t ask the questions to learn, but she’d happily let Isabela talk it instead; a topical conversation and… it felt good to keep it to such anyway. It was easier to bond with someone when there was a middle ground—she wasn’t for anything more but… this was a start Mirabel wanted to make. Isabela would never make the first move—who could blame her—but the others weren’t either.

Mirabel knew she had to be the one to start the process... because despite it being a rotational period, Isabela leaving felt like a weight on her back. A small, weight but a present one nonetheless. Isabela had left because of her.

It was odd that Isabela was gone and…Mirabel hated how much the changes had been to the family had been so…different. Almost pleasant. While Isabela was gone and she hated the…relief that came with it in the first few weeks. It didn’t stop the guilt that came with it and… how the family seem to lighten as if a dark cloud was gone from the corner of their eye.

Mirabel hated that as well.

Isabela wasn’t the problem or a dark cloud. She was the reminder of it. Of their flaws. At least, that’s how Mirabel saw it.

Now, Isa barely felt like a member of the family. Mirabel only saw her at meals when it was her week in Casita and even then, the girl didn’t look her way.

How odd, Mirabel had realized how they had almost swapped places in the eyes of the adults. Once upon a time, she had been the one overlooked for her giftlessness despite her attempts to prove herself. Isabela, the golden child with the perfect gift was now…reduced to a girl in the family with her. Overlooked—giving her more freedom—but more unknown.

It felt odd to see her sister but feel more and more like a stranger.

It was odd to be alone with her, following along with her instructions on something so menial. She felt…relaxed.

Far more relaxed than she expected to be in Isa’s presence.

“Can you make sewing thread in this?” Mirabel asked. “That’d save me a lot of money if that’s the case!”

Isabela snorted, “I can but the work is a lot; you’ll spend more time making the thread than using the thread.”

Though after a moment, instead of carrying on a new puffball. Isabela pulled the half-full bobbin from the setup and set it into the lazy kate of two other empty bobbins, she began to pull and began to wind it up around her fingers and then,  knotted it up and began to start molding it into a ball of yarn.

She watched until it was a small ball before Isabela held it out. “Here, you can have this.”

Mirabel smiled, before she lent forwards and took it, surprised a little at how soft it was. “Thank you, Isa.”

  Isabela felt good as she collected the wheel on her return after her pottery class and headed back to her home with it covered by a thin layer of fabric from prying eyes but took a long pause at the post-box for her and Mateo to drop off a note, tucking in a red petal in the box’s side for him to see the urgency of it before she made it back home.

As expected, no one else was home and wouldn’t be for hours. The perfect time to tell him. Isa gently set the wheel up next to her window, glad to find her spare basket of cotton was not lost and pulled out her simple frame loom where she still had work of her hand towels still going and sat down at her bed to continue.

Isa felt surprised at how…good the day had gone. Mirabel’s unexpected…visit to the shop was pleasant. She didn’t expect the girl would try and seek her out… the last time she had was months ago before she was allowed to leave Casita alone and they both got a little heat about that. Isa knew better given she wasn’t still allowed to seek Mirabel out. Of course, it wasn’t applied the other way.

It was nice.

Mirabel had…put in the effort and seemed very interested. Of course, perhaps her work was very close to Mirabel’s passion was the main reason but… it was nice. It felt nice to feel a little more like Mirabel’s sister than the girl that almost killed her. Maybe Mirabel would try again? should she keep setting up at Abuelita’s workshop?

A knock at the door pulled her mind from her personal mind bubble, holstering the needle, and dropped the loom onto her bed and hurried to the door.

“Mateo!” She grinned as she opened the door to see Mateo standing nervously on the other side, anxiously shifting on the spot before she pulled him in and quickly shut the door after him. Not seeing the flicker of a blue skirt disappear around the corner.

“Isa, is everything alright?” Mateo asked, his hands coming to her shoulders in concern. “Are you okay?”

Isa paused though gently took his hand and led him away to her bedroom. “It’s… complicated.”

“Not really helping, Isa. Did something happen? Do you want sex, is this what this is about?” He asked again as she shut the door after him. “I thought this place was off limits?”

“No, I didn’t ask you here for that.” Isa moved her loom and set it on her desk. “I…have news and I…don’t know how else to say it but we don’t have time to really wait and….” She paused, her eyes flickering to the bed, “Why don’t you take a seat?”

Mateo’s face didn’t change—still concerned and even more worried. “You’re kind of scaring me a little, Isa…” Though he sunk down onto her bed carefully, “Please just…spit it out and it’ll be fine.” He reached for her, pulling her closer though she felt the warmth of his touch—pleasant against her growing nerves

“I’m pregnant.”

Mateo froze up, his hands tightening on her sides but she could see the color drain from his face and his expression wiped completely. Her hands came and gripped at his, her heart now thundering in her chest but she kept her grip—to keep grounded as possible.

“What?” his voice was nothing but a whisper.

Gently Isabela guided herself down seating next to him though gently stroking the back of his hand to try and get him back to earth than to panic….

“I’m sorry…but I’m pregnant.”

Mateo sucked in a heavy breath, his hands shifting to take her in a tense grip. “Ohh…” He shook his head. “Oh….” He repeated. “I’m a dead man.”

“No.” Isa shook her head. “No, you’re not. You’ll be okay.”

“I-I..” He stopped, his face full of panic. “My sister will kill me if she finds out! I’m not speaking figuratively here!”

“She won’t! I-I know this is scary but… I’m sure we can make an arrangement quickly. You won’t have to return when the news drops” There was a bitter relief the panic wasn’t about the baby and more about his sister’s reaction.

Mateo looked on the verge of passing out so Isa did the only thing she could think of and grabbed her bedside glass of water and pushed it onto his hands. He looked down into it for a moment then within moments drunk it though remained clinging onto the glass like a lifeline but it looked to have forced him to calm even by a fraction.

“Oh, this should have been whiskey.” He moped. “Ohh… okay” He took a breath, “A baby.” He stated, “Let’s focus on that right now…”

“Please do.” Isabela leant into his side. “I know… with things, it won’t be easy but… I’m sure we can come up with a plan of action. I know this…is far from ideal. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t… don’t be sorry.” Mateo’s frightened face softened, “I… I want to be a father… I just… I’m scared. Now is hardly a good time…and we’re not even married! My father won’t tolerate a bastard grandchild.”

“Aye, you’re not the only one worried about that.” Isabela added, “You know my family’s reputation has already taken one hit because of me. This is going to look so bad on top of that.”

Though the fear was still there, Mateo’s demur shifted to his more…calculated work side. Like he was solving a problem. “We probably have about nine months, so… plenty of time. If we get married, then we shouldn’t have to worry about an illegitimate birth… and I could move into your room and out of my family’s home.”

“Two birds, one stone.” Isabela realized, “though… we don’t have nine months, Mateo.”

Mateo paused, “What? It takes nine months to grow one! You’re stunning and I doubt that’ll change when you’re belly grows.”

“I’m… not early in the pregnancy.” She awkwardly stated, wincing at the confused frown on his face.

“Eh?”

“Let’s say… I have a family history of surprise, non-showing pregnancies and I’m…in my seventh month…” she spoke slowly.

Mateo stared at her for a moment, his head slowly cocking to the side then his gaze dropped to her middle. Isa remained still, watching as he processed this information. “Fuck.”

“Yeah, that’s how it started.”

Isa’s joke had been unexpected from her own lips but it caught Mateo just as off guard before he snorted; breaking the unease and tension.

“How about this… we talk to the priest tomorrow and see how quickly we can get married.” There was no getting around that fact; marriage was a necessity and…she’d rather marry Mateo. Maybe they’d finally be able to develop what they had instead of self-imposed boundaries for the sake of secrecy. Abuela wouldn’t keep a husband and new father away and would certainly push for a quick wedding to maintain family integrity, even with the shame of it and the shot-gun nature of it.

“I’ll…see about getting some of my things packed…just in case. But… I don’t have spare tools. My Pa owns the ones I use and he’ll keep them if he finds out I plan to leave. I’ll lose my lively hood.” The note of panic returned in his voice but Isabela patted his cheek, pulling his worried gaze to her.

“No, because do you think your best friends would simply let you live without a way out?” Isa questioned, “Fran…may have a spare set of tools at her home in case you’re put in a situation where you can’t get your set.”

Mateo’s face pulled in for a moment but didn’t look any different. “You two…went behind my back?”

“I know you don’t like our interference like this. I’m sorry but… is it not better for you to have a spare set now? You won’t lose you’re livelihood and… this baby might have a better chance with you helping support it.”

His body loosened up a little at the mention of the baby, his head turning down to her belly. “Can I?”

Isa nodded though she had her doubts about his ability to feel something she barely could.

“How is it so…hidden?”

“I...don’t know too much. Something about my uterus being tilted but...also the baby might be smaller than its gestational age. Dr Lopez said these sorts of babies develop slower; he thinks this baby is a month behind in development.” She mused, moving his hand higher, “This is…where I think it kicks. I…can’t be too sure.”

“You haven’t felt it kick yet?”

“No, but… Bella did say the placenta may be in a different place—taking the brunt of it more so I can’t feel it.”

Mateo nodded though his fingers trailed more around her abdomen though Isabela jumped at his arms suddenly wrapped around her pulling her against his body.

Isa stifled a laugh, relaxing against him but shifted this time, crawling to straddle his lap. She could feel his breath against her neck, and the gentile rise and fall against her of his breathing though the soft circles from his fingers rubbed into her lower back that…felt good against the pressure that had built from the day.

“That feels nice.” She mumbled.

Mateo’s head tilted back a little, though she rolled her eyes as she realized he was looking at her breasts. “I missed these. Not too sore, are they?” He asked, going as far as to pull a hand in to pull the edge of her shirt down an inch.

“Tender, but otherwise no.” She smirked, already seeing the cogs in his mind start to turn. Though she weighed her options as he pouted up to her with the question in his face. “Five minutes,” she decided, which was all Mateo needed to hear before he skirted his hands up her skirt to tug on her bloomers.

Her shirt had barely touched the floor with his before the hot, tranquil air was sucked away as the door to her room was slammed open. Isabela felt her inside turn to ice as she pulled sharply back from Mateo to see her Abuela standing in the bedroom doorway looking just as enraged as she had after the incident while Luisa stood in the background.

“Get. Dressed. Now.”

#encanto #encanto au #lest the rot lingers au #isabela madrigal #luisa madrigal #mirabel madrigal #alma madrigal #julieta madrigal #agustín madrigal #agustin madrigal #dolores madrigal #drabble

[casitafallz-a]

Decay AU | Lest the rot lingers P1

Isabela knew she had to be perfect. No complaints, no imperfections to her outward disposition. She was what her Abuela needed her to be. For the family. For the Encanto. That should be a pride of place.

She knew this was a heavy burden to carry but someone had to. Like the responsibility laid upon her mother’s shoulders for her work, Isabela knew this was her time to take her part to move the family forwards again.

She had to make it work with Mariano no matter what; he was everything Abuela wanted for her and Isabela couldn’t disagree with the fact he was a gentleman and certainly respectful but he had far too much loving passion than what she could reciprocate. He was a good friend and she liked him, but…it was never more than that. She didn’t love him but in a few months, she knew a proposal would be expected.

Marriage would be swift after that because why wait?

Well, it was few months. She could be ready for that, right?

Isabela walked quietly as she padded up the steps towards her room. Her shoulders relaxing as she no longer needed to put up a show inside with the door shut.

“Why not a year… another year...” She muttered to herself. A lot could happen in a year…if the proposal could wait just a little longer…maybe Mariano could get swayed by another woman. Then for certain, the fault would not be onto her. She’d still be innocent and perfect. “ugh…” she hated that train of thought. No Mariano didn’t deserve that.

“Why can’t Mariano be someone I liked…” Isabela blanched as she turned the corner to see Mirabel standing in the doorway. The newly-15 year old’s eyes were wide with alarm but that was enough for an indication; she had heard every single word she had just been muttering.

¡Mierda!

“You don’t want to marry him!” Mirabel realised with a gasp, finally breaking the second-long staring competition with a finger-point to add to it but the panic was quick to set into Isabela’s gut. Fearful that Abuela was around...that she could hear her.

She couldn’t… she couldn’t have this. Couldn’t have Mirabel getting involved. She could already see the mess of her life already burning around her…

“Oh Isa, you should have just said!” Mirabel’s shoulders relaxed, stepping closer. “I know it’s a serious thing but—“

“It’s nothing.” Isabela rebuked, forcing herself to remain calm despite the growing panic that someone outside her own head knew. She should have waited until she was in the safety of her own room; where she knew for certain no one, aside from Dolores, would hear. “I’m fine.”

Mirabel blinked. “Isa, you shouldn’t marry that big, dumb hunk if you don’t love him.”

Isabela straightened her back. “Mirabel, stay out of this and go away.”

“Oh, come on!”

“No. This has nothing to do with you. This is my choice. Say nothing and there’s no problem” Isabela hoped for once Mirabel would listen. It was a small simple thing she was asking of her. Just…drop it, walk away and say nothing. How hard was that?

“You can’t be serious, Isa.” Mirabel scoffed, “Don’t marry him for the sake of it. Abuela does care about your happiness.”

Frustration balled up tightly, and she could feel her flowers turn a dark violet. “Mirabel.” She warned, “Just. Drop. It.”

Mirabel’s law snapped shut to a deep frown. “Fine.”

Isabela’s eyes narrowed. As much as that would could have been comforting, Mirabel’s body language was tense and looking like a deer ready to bolt. Her hands were raised up towards her chest and her body was angled away and her eyes flickered about in quick searching and calculation.

“No you don’t!” Isabela reacted as Mirabel broke to speed quickly, her hand shooting vines that grabbed her sister by the wrist and tugged her back from the steps, the vines wrapping tightly and quickly stopped her from going much further before she began to let it creep a little.

“Isabela!” Mirabel cried out in alarm, “Let me go!”

“No! You don’t get to make that call for me!” Isabela thundered, threading veins into the gaps of the floor tiles to stop as Casita tried to get involved with its tiles trying to shift either one away, pulling Mirabel’s hand away

“I just… I just want you to be happy!”

“I will be! Why don’t you listen to what I’ve said?!”

“Isa, please!” Mirabel begged as the vines created up, wrapping around her arms and down her chest, holding her in a tense grip, shoving her into the nearest surface with a heavy thud—not realising it was Luisa’s door— to keep her slipping free. She couldn’t have her tell Abuela how she truly felt.

“Will you just stop?!” Isabela snapped, her eyes glaring at her little sister with unbridled rage burst from her dam of compartmentalisation finally seeping in, tunnelling her vision as the heat flooded her veins and pulse pumped through her hears that seemed to mute a lot of the outside world.

“You need to stop getting involved into things you don’t understand! I don’t want your help! I don’t need your help! I don’t need you mucking up my life any more than you have done because this isn’t about you!”

As she spoke, the vines began to tighten around Mirabel’s ribs.

“I have an image to maintain! This family and Encanto relies on the family’s gifts. Abuela needs this marriage to work and I need to make sure nothing gets in the way of that!” Her chest raged with each breath, flowers and prickled thorns began to spread across the vines as she thundered. She didn’t even notice them forming on the tightly wrapped vines around Mirabel’s arm and chest.

Mirabel wheezed for breath, her other hand clawing at the vines. Droplets of red from uncovered skin from the thorns as they continued to tighten and dig in. “I…Isa!”

“I can’t have you running off and telling! Abuela wants me married and I will make sure she gets that! I’m sick and tired of your interference! Like you always do! You’ll ruin this family in your stupid, futile attempts to help! I’ve had enough!”

“ISABELA THAT’S ENOUGH!”

It was the voice and the sudden of  Abuela that startled her mostly before she was sharply yanked away by the huge hand of Luisa that Isabela found herself almost winded as she was shoved hard into the support pole of the balcony and heavily sunk to the ground as she tried to suck in air as low pain tingled down her spine from the shove’s impact.

Blood pounded in her ears but ahead, she could see Luisa easily ripping away the vines from their little sister before Mirabel’s hurried rasps for breath reached her ears.

“It’s okay, take a huge breath in. Luisa, go get your mouther” Abuela’s voice was calm, her hands coming to Mirabel’s shoulder and arm as a support. Mirabel’s face was pale and hazy in expression, gripping tightly onto Abuela’s arm in a shaking grasp and that’s when Isabela began to notice the blood from small punctures decorating her arms and her white, embroided shirt…the thorned vine remains decorating the tiled floor.

Then…Isabela realised that… she had been hurting Mirabel.

No, Isabela could see it was worse than that by Mirabel’s demeanour alone.

She had been killing her.

The vines…too tight. Dios Mios….She felt sick to her stomach at that, frozen in the spot on the floor.

“Mirabel!” Julieta’s voice echoed before the teal seemed to descend into her, already shoving an Aprea into Mirabel’s mouth before the girl could get a word out but it looked to take the girl a second to catch up and start chewing.

“Take her inside, Julieta.” Abuela spoke, handing Mirabel fully off to their mother who led Mirabel quickly to the nursery, her tone cool but even Isabela could feel the anger in her Abuela’s voice…

Isabela could feel the icy terror in her gut before she found herself to her feet, adrenaline kicking in as Abuela’s gaze turned to her. She had never seen her Abuela this furious before… not once. Not even when she had knocked over Abuelo’s painting when she was 8 with Luisa…

This was different. Fury and disappointment that only grew as Abuela spared a glance to her hands, where Mirabel’s blood had decorated them to back at her.

And all of it was directed at her.

Isabela didn’t even wait before she turned and fled to her room… knowing sooner or later she was going to face this.

Face Abuela.

#isabela madrigal #julieta madrigal #mirabel madrigal #luisa madrigal #encanto au #encanto #drabble #decay au #injury tw #decay isabela #decay madrigals #decay julieta #decay alma #decay luisa #decay mirabel #blood tw #mariano guzman #decay mariano #alma madrigal

[naoko-world]

Day 7 of the Encantober was about Donkeys, so I made it about Luisa again! Enjoy!

@encantober-official

Encantober day 7: Donkeys

Roberto the donkey followed his comrades behind the fence circling them. They were doing it pretty often and they knew that the human named Luisa Madrigal would come to fetch them, but they’d do anything for a bit of freedom. Adding to that, even with Luisa hurrying to bring them back in, that grass was way too delicious not to break out the fence to eat it.

Roberto was taking advantage of this to joyfully savor grass near a house with red windows when he got startled by hands on his belly. He only realised it was Luisa when she put him on this broad shoulder, making him relax a bit. It lasted shortly, but it was a great outing! The grass was peculiarly good today. He was quickly joined by Dominic, Teresa and Constanza, respectively on Luisa’s head, on him and on the other shoulder. He also noticed a girl with glasses calling for Luisa, telling her to wait. Someone else asking for her help?

It wasn’t that though apparently; the girl running next to him asked Luisa, “You gotta tell me about the magic? What’s going on? What are you hiding?” Was something happening with the magic? Could they one day be able to eat outside the fence without being picked up by Luisa? The idea sounded awesome! But he wasn’t really sure if he wanted not to see her anymore. With time, he learned to appreciate her and how diligent she was with work. She was never complaining while their owner was always asking so much of her!

He remembered one day she had to pick them up. At the time she was clearly exhausted and had to sit down a bit. He was there with some other donkeys, eating grass under a very shiny sun while barely listening to her, when she started ranting about her problems, how she was tired of doing other’s work for them, to never even have a break. Then, after affirming she was the strong one, she cried.

He liked Luisa; she’s hard-working and exploited, like them. She almost never complained either, always agreeing to any work even though it hurts her so much.

He hoped she could have a break someday. And it could give them the occasion to eat that tasty grass longer.

#encanto #encantober #luisa madrigal #donkeys #my writing #encanto drabble #encanto ficlet

[xclearskiesx]

I am going to start posting drabbles here. @cheetee requested I write about Luisa so here is what i came up with:

-

Eight year old Luisa had fallen and skinned her knee while playing outside. She came running back to Casita crying. 

“What are these tears for?” Her Abuela asked.

“I hurt my knee!” Luisa sniffled.

“Come now, you are *strong*! You can handle it. No need for tears over a skinned knee.”

Though Abuela meant well, it didn’t convince Luisa very much, for her knee still hurt. She didn’t understand what that had to do with her physical strength. But Abuela said no tears, so she sniffed them back best she could and held her chin up.

“That’s a good girl.” Abuela patted her head and started to walk off, but stopped short when she heard Agustín’s voice.

“She is just a child.” The man glared slightly at his mother-in-law before kneeling down before his daughter, taking a look at her knee. “Not to worry, sweet girl, your Mamá will whip you up something to heal that. Let’s go find her, okay?” He held out his hand for her to take.

Agustín glanced back to Alma who simply shook her head and walked on, before leading his daughter to the kitchen, where he was sure his wife would be. She always was. 

Luisa clung tight to her Papá, grateful for his kindness, and feeling a little better already. 

#luisa madrigal #agustin madrigal #alma madrigal #encanto #drabbles

[dragoneyes618]

Luisa was strong. She was tough. Nothing freaked her out, nothing made her nervous. She could do anything.

That was her gift! Strength! What was the point of it if she couldn't do everything?

She had to do so much in so little time, and everyone expected her to do, well, everything. But she could do it! She had no need to rest, she was strong! She was Luisa Madrigal!

Then Mirabel asked her what was going on. The possibility of a listening ear was all it took for all of her pent-up feelings and worries to come rushing out.

#madrigal drabbles #encanto #luisa madrigal #surface pressure

[lolita-lollipop]

Miscellanious Masterlist

(AOT, BTS, ENCANTO,HXH, STRANGER THINGS, SPIDER-VERSE, ORIGINALS)

Yandere other mother x reader

Yandere demon HC's

Haruka x reader x juri kuran

Yandere father levi x daughter reader x mother change Pt:2

Yandere who can clone themselves drabble Pt:2

yandere levi x male reader

Yandere squid games x reader

Yandere Luisa HC's

yandere UA x reader

Yandere Sister vi x reader x Yandere sister jinx

Yandere Silco x reader

Yandere Madrigal familia x reader

Yandere flayed! billy hargroves x reader

Yandere Fallen angel x reader

Yandere mafia leader jungkook x reader HC's

BTS coraline Au

"Spiderweb" miguel ohara x reader

Yandere Uvogin x reader

#masterlist

[allofasudden00]

“Alright ladies, line up!” Julieta orders, smacking a wooden spoon against her hand. There is a chorus of giggles, followed by quickened tiny footsteps. Luisa dances in place, trying to contain her excitement. Isabela smiles widely as she carries Mirabel in her arms. The toddler’s chubby fists are clenched in determination. Julieta smiles down at her hijas. Today is Abuela’s 61st birthday and her girls all insisted on helping her make Abuela’s birthday breakfast. As much as she loves cooking with her girls, it is her kitchen and they need to follow her rules. So naturally, Agustin had suggested to make a little game out of it so they listen better. Julieta points the wooden spoon at them. 

“I want everything to be quick and clean. If one of you throws even a bit of cornmeal, you are spending time in the corner of doom!” She points dramatically at a random corner in the kitchen. Casita kicks up tiles and bangs the walls to further illustrate Julieta’s point. All three of her daughters stop giggling, changing their expressions to serious ones. “Okay, the three of you are making the arepa dough. Mira, you are adding the ingredients, Isa, you are mixing, and Luisa, you are forming them!” 

Isabela places Mirabel on a stool so she can see the table better. Julieta stares at them to make sure they look ready. All three girls smile at her and nod their heads. Julieta looks to Agustin. He drums his fingers on a pot, giving them a drumroll. The daughters silently hype themselves up, ready for the very important work ahead. Agustin finishes drumming with a dramatic flourish, and the girls immediately begin. 

Like a well-oiled machine, the Rojas Madrigal family work in tandem. Mirabel smiles wildly as she throws the ingredients into the bowl, Isabela flicks hair out of her face as she passes the mixture to Luisa, the strong ten-year-old quickly grabs fistfuls of the mixture and starts forming them into balls before flattening them. Julieta takes the somewhat malformed arepas and places them onto the flattop. They work like this for several minutes, breaking into giggles when Isabela accidentally gets some of the dough in her hair, and when Mirabel puffed cornmeal into her own face. 

“Lovely work girls! We've got our last batch!” Julieta proclaims with a smile. The girls cheer as Luisa places the last formed arepa with the rest onto the pan, lying in wait for Julieta to cook them. Isabela high-fives her sisters, her hands completely covered in the remnants of the sticky dough. Agustin rushes in to give them all a hug. However, not noticing the spilled cornmeal on the floor, Agustin slips. Julieta watches in slow motion as Agustin’s feet fly in the air. His hands reach out to anything for support. His arm smacks the pan that holds the last batch of uncooked arepas, sending them flying toward the ground.  

Agustin lands with a smack onto the tiled floor. He groans and looks up, blinking several times to regain his sight. Upon its return, he sees four faces staring down at him. Each of his daughters share Julieta’s slightly disappointed expression. They all look identical now more than ever. 

“They take after you, mi corazón.” Agustin jokes weakly from his spot on the floor.

Another short drabble! I love this family so much, can’t you tell?  

#encanto #fanfic #Short drabble #Ay Agustin #A 6 year old with the same disappointed look as her mother #they all just blink at him #I love them so much

[prophetic-hijinks]

First Christmas together.

*Antonio unwraps a book from Elena*

"*Baby names and meanings?*"

"Yeah, you work so hard finding human names for your animal friends, I thought a book like this would make it easier. But don't worry I got you something fun too"

Antonio: "I like the book, Thank you!"

Camilo: "Hey bro, what's my name mean?

Antonio: "helper to the priest or... nobble?

Pepa: "noble, Tonito"

Mirabel: ooh do me!

Antonio: ...wond- wondru... wondrous!

Mirabel: aw!

Bruno: sounds about right kid.

Luisa: could you do me?

*Antonio flips through and sounds it out* : ren-own-wd warrior

Luisa: oh wow. Hey Do Tio Bruno!

Elena: or don't.

Bruno: what does that mean?

*Antonio flips again*: brown.

Bruno: what?!

Antonio: your name just means brown.

Bruno: you named me Brown?!

Alma: I named you Bruno!

#encanto #encanto headcanons #encanto headcanon #christmas head canons #drabble #elena ruiz #antonio madrigal #luisa madrigal #bruno madrigal #camilo madrigal

[sleepingdeath-light]

last updated ; 16/10/23

listed below is everything that i have published on this account for encanto — with characters organised alphabetically by name.

* younger characters are aged up by default *

antonio madrigal

hcs — being best friends [here]

bruno madrigal

alphabet — smut

smut hcs — breeding kink [here]

camilo madrigal

hcs — being best friends [here]

hcs — genderfluid mischievous s/o [here]

dolores madrigal

hcs — being best friends [here]

felix madrigal

poly hcs — general [here]

isabela madrigal

alphabet — smut

hcs — being best friends [here]

yandere hcs — general [here]

one shot — “//title pending\\” (nsfw)

julieta madrigal

hcs — fluff [here]

smut hcs — segmented alphabet [a/b/t]

smut hcs — yandere [here]

luisa madrigal

alphabet — smut

hcs — being best friends [here]

drabble — pegging male!reader [here]

one shot — “gorgeous girl” (nsfw)

mirabel madrigal

hcs — being best friends [here]

pepa madrigal

poly hcs — general [here]

smut hcs — yandere [here]

#sleepingdeath #writing masterlist #encanto x reader

[cursed-encanto-au-blog]

How do each of the grandkids discover their powers/second forms? How does Alma/the adults react?

(This is my first ever drabble i hope you like it)

Everyone within Encanto, The “Cursed” Village, knew of La Familia Madrigal they were the ones who watched over and protected the entire valley. The Madrigals were also the weirdest of the village as unlike other families who’s creatures are hereditary mostly, the creatures that the Madrigals have the traits and abilities are almost all different. The matriarch,Alma Madrigal, was a Banshee, but her children were different creatures Julieta a Phoenix, Pepa a Storm Dragon, and Bruno a Black Shuck. And the most strangest comes from the Grandchildren who were even more different. Pepa’s children consisted of Dolores a dullahan, Camilo a cheshire cat, and Antonio a werewolf pup. Julieta’s daughters were Isabela a druid, Luisa a gargoyle, and Mirabel a siren. Now while they can use their abilities perfectly, when they manifested it was quite the experience for all involved.

Dolores was the first who had her creature manifest and it was a very chaotic day. Dolores was simply going through the village, doing some of her chores, when her head simply popped off of her body and rolled into a alleyway. The body however kept moving and eventually returned home much to the shock and worry of Pepa and Felix who ran out to find the head while Alma and Julieta focussed on keeping the body safe. After the head was returned to Dolores was made the center of attention for a few days after because everyone tried to focus on keeping her safe if her head popped off again. Soon a solution was found as one of the farmer brought over a horse that connected with Dolores becoming her well seeing eye horse in case of Emergencies.

Isabela was next and while her story wasn’t as dramatic it was hilarious. The boys of Encanto were always trying to gain Isabela’s affection via small gestures of love, none of which worked to be truly honest. One day a young boy named Paulo tried to win her over by giving her a garden a gesture she appreciated but she still rejected him. In a fit of childish rage the boy attempted to destroy his gift using his ability as a fire drake, however when Isabela cried out for him to stop, massive vines erupted from the ground and grabbed the boy and tossed him out into the water. The adults were quite impressed and after Julieta gave a piece of her mind to the boy and his family, she praised Isabela for her new power claiming that control over plants was quite useful, especially when dealing with troublemakers.

Luisa came next and while hers were expected it still came as a shock for how they appeared. Luisa was simply tasked with going out to check on the farmers and see what they needed. Hours later however Luisa never returned and the family learned that she never even got to the first farm. After a quick search a small winged statue was found near the road that was determined to be Luisa. While everyone was shocked and concerned, it was Agustin that calmed everyone down, stating that the statue was likely a cocoon like state for luisa, a fact that would be proven when a hour later the statue crumbled and Luisa emerged just fine, she just now looked like a living version of the Statue. The adults were all relieved and happy for Luisa as her new form showed off her strength greatly

Camilo’s transformation wasn’t even discovered until a day after it manifested when the madrigals started to note weird things happening around Casita. Objects mysteriously vanishing, buckets of water randomly appearing, and claims of a large grin being seen in the shadows. By the end of the day everyone was on alert when Isabela had a water balloon thrown at her, in a fit of rage she had a giant cactus spawn near where it came from. With a loud yelp of pain, Camilo appeared hissing softly. Everyone was a bit ticked at him for his pranks however, when Camilo woke up from a nightmare where he went invisible but couldn’t become visible again, all was forgiven as the adults did their best to help him.

Mirabel’s form was a shock for everyone because it took years for it to be properly awakened. Her power came in at 5, a soft gentle and hypnotic voice that put everyone that hears it to sleep and everyone believed that was it. However one day there was a incident where the valley was flooded due to some massive storms out of pepa’s control. A child was wept away by a current and Mirabel, in a act of heroism, jumped into the water and swam after the young girl. Everyone was shocked as when Mirabel made contact with the water her legs fused together into a tail as her hands became webbed, and she grew gills around her neck. With her new form she easily caught up to kid and got her to safety. She was hailed a hero for her action, however she was still grounded for being reckless and jumping in, when Pepa was nearby and was about to fly out and grab the girl. 

Antonio just recently got his new form and it was in a very adorable way. It was time for his party and after being comforted by Mirabel he was so excited he basically ran into the crowd happily. He was so fast everyone didn’t notice that he began to change from a boy into a puppy until Pepa was able to grab a hold of him. It was safe to say the youngest Madrigal received a lot of praises and pets. Everyone in the valley agreed afterall, that Antonio was the most adorable puppy ever. 

[applesap-fics]

Day 2 - Strength

Luisa wrapped the thick rope around her middle. It rained yesterday and the field had been weeded over for training, making her boots catch in the mud. The burly men on the opposite side of the red handkerchief, the divider, took their zigzagging positions alongside the rope. They drew it taut, testing it out.

Luisa had laughed a little when the men invited her to tug-of-war. She couldn’t help it. Nobody was as strong as her.

It came as a surprise then, as the referee whistled “go”, that Luisa’s feet — as well as her face — slipped right through the dirt.

#encantober #drabble #luisa madrigal #encanto

[casitafallz]

LTRL AU | Bringing Him Home

Abuela stood nervously, her heart thumping in her chest in a way that was…different to what she had felt before, her hands pulling the shawl around her tightly as she went

This morning, she hadn’t expected much, aside from a gentle day as she mulled on how Antonio’s gifts would be applied to help while he got used to it; to understand and learn in the meantime. She hadn’t anticipated running into Antonio and him suddenly spouting news about her long-left son hiding in the walls and that his mother and Tia had gone in after to look for him.

She hadn’t expected herself to follow but she felt the drive to go and see—in part to make sure her daughters weren’t going to get hurt and also… despite her anger and pain of his loss, to see him. Nothing good would come of living in the walls and she certainly hoped that… he was functional.

What possessed him to think the walls were a habitual place to live, she didn’t know and it wasn’t an answer to a sane mind which… only highlighted her concerns that her son probably was far from good.

At least some good had come quickly from Antonio’s gift… which did lead her to wonder, why did Dolores not say anything? Did Casita keep the inside of the walls quiet from her?

Abuela continued to mull, her nose wrinkling in distaste though the state of Casita’s falls were far from pleasing; she’d need to get people from down to patch up better than what…Bruno had been clearly been doing in his free time. It was hardly safe and she’d definitely lock it up. She couldn’t risk anyone hurting themselves.

Ahead, she began to hear the soft voices of her triplets, her heart leaped and her pace picked up in step.

“I’m not mad about the wedding.” Pepa’s voice got louder with a crack of light around the doorframe. “I was angry that you left me. Left our family… Until he was three, Camilo was your shadow until you kept shutting yourself away in your room. He was so upset. Then, you were gone. How could I not be angry at you?”

A hushed beat before Julieta said, “Pepa, not now.”

“No, yes; now.” Pepa fired back sharply, “We lost our brother, Julieta. He left us and now… he’s not trying. We needed him! You needed him. Mama needed him!”

Her brow pulled in before she pushed the door in to the sight of a small, lived-in room. Her eyes brushed past her two daughters that squabbled and went straight to the hunched, ruana-covered stick of a man that was her son.

Clearly not paying attention; he hadn’t noticed her arrival or how she stepped in, waving a hand to Julieta to silence her as her eldest child saw her; now was not the time.

Her heart pulled at the sight of Bruno. Small….and so fragilely thin. Not emaciated but… so much thinner than before. Grey lined in his long, unkempt hair now much more and the dark bags under his eyes were so much more prominent with the sun-light deficient pallor to his skin.

He also looked a few seconds away from hyperventilating.

He was not well at all.

“Brunito.” Abuela couldn’t help herself as she reached for him, the need to make sure he was not only there but to offer a small offering of comfort.

His entire posture stilled, aside from his head turning to face her. Pepa cracked in thunder behind her about something but she ignored that in favor of Bruno.

“No… no you’re not here.” He denied softly. “You’re not supposed to find me.”

Those words were heart-breaking to hear; how in clear denial he was about being found. This wasn’t right.

“Mama?” Pepa’s echoed this time, pulling Abuela around in annoyance at the interruption of such a moment. But this was a different tone as she noticed both her daughters were looking to the little hand-made table. She stepped away, only briefly though her heart sunk to see a hand-drawn picture painted onto the surface of wood of his plate, his name scratched into it and a stale arepa half-eaten by rats sat just off it.

It was easy to think before that he didn’t care; that he had left them without looking back. It was…easier to see him doing that. Easier to assume the worse because it made the pain of his absence so much easier to bare on top of Pedro’s loss.

Bruno did care. Abuela wasn’t blind to see the place he has set was meant to be beside her, not entirely behind. Putting effort in despite his distance…despite their ignorance. Ten years of sitting here at the table. Never being a part of the conversation.

Abuela shifted back but she couldn’t help herself as she lent into the chair and wrapped her arms around his thin frame, disliking how she could feel his bones through his clothes. “Brunito.” Her tone wavered, trying to project some strength back into it.

He remained stiff in her arms.

“You’re not here, mama.”

The denial was…

“Bruno—“

But suddenly, he moved and Abuela fell back a little as he pushed her arms away with a surprising amount of strength than expected and in a flurry of green was gone through the only door out. Abuela barely regained her balance by gripping the red chair tightly before Pepa took off after him with a crack of thunder and a—

“BRUNO!”

Her heart raced in her chest, staring wide-eyed to the door as the orange of Pepa and her cloud disappeared out of sight; their steps echoing away into the distance of Casita.

“Mama, are you alright?” Her daughter’s hand came to her shoulder, her eyes brimming with concern but Abuela nodded swiftly and straightened up.

“I didn’t think he’d do that,” She admitted, “Clearly, he’s in a worse state than I thought.”

“He…seemed okay. I think we’re pushing it. Three of us unexpectedly… and he won’t tell us why he’s here.”

That… didn’t surprise her. It was a fair assessment and… thinking back, Bruno had always been more of a run-first and then question.

“Then let’s…focus on him than his reasoning. He’ll keep running if we keep asking.” As much as she hated that, the need to know why he put himself through ten years of isolation… but if he was that fragile then she had to be craftier in her question. A long game, even. Abuela spared a look around, “He won’t be staying in here, that’s for sure.  I’ll ask Luisa to put the piano in front of the painting.”

With a final look, Abuela nodded Julieta back along out; keen to escape the…smell and the rats mostly.

“You’re…not going to block it off permanently?” Julieta grabbed her bowl swiftly and joined her.

“Not until I’ve had someone come and help patch the cracks and fill in any other damages. I want that room cleared and Bruno settled in his own room where it’s safest.”

-

Outside, it was very quiet aside from finding Pepa returning to Casita winded, both literally with how she was catching her breath and with the slight upheave of wind that shot through Casita’s lower building and ruffling their skirts.

“The rat bastard got away!” She sunk down, Casita sliding a chair under her just in time, “He runs fast!”

“How far did you get?” Abuela asked, her eyes flickering to the door.

Pepa took a few more breaths to answer, a hand clutching a stitch in her side. “That pit of death in the walls. He flew over that! I figured he got out the door by the time I got through the painting but… I couldn’t find him.”

Abuela nodded though thankfully, Felix came jogging in though with Dolores on his heels.

“Amor!” Felix dropped to his’s wife’s side, checking her over.

“Dolores,” Abuela watched Dolores squeak nervously, her head turning to face her but she was glad to have her attention, “Can you locate Bruno?”

Dolores’s head tilted though her shoulder’s relaxed after a moment. “He’s… ran into Isabela and more or less passed out. The adrenaline has worn off.”

Abuela licked her lips thoughtfully but she supposed she wasn’t the worst person for him to run into; she was still a family member so it seemed likely to return him back home.

“Where are they?”

Dolores hesitated after a moment. “It’s…a quiet spot in the woods further downtown. Why doesn’t Papa go down and talk to Bruno and talk him into coming back? He…might be more convincing, Abuela?”

“Bruno?” Felix’s head perked up, though he spared a look down to Pepa. “He’s here?”

“He never left, it seemed,” Abuela responded with tightly. “I take it you know where Dolores’s is referencing?”

Felix nodded, glancing at his eldest. “I do.”

Abuela pursed her lips, weighing her options though it was clear neither was going to share where Isabela was and where Bruno had ended up but…she supposed it wasn’t overly relevant and she had to make preparations now he was back. Like his room for starters.

“Then go, Felix.”

She turned her attention away, back to her eldest. “Why don’t you get more food ready and get together some new bedding? Dolores, go and retrieve Mirabel to help then Luisa and have the latter move Antonio’s old bed frame and mattress into Bruno’s room. Pepa, I’ll need help clearing out Bruno’s bedroom.” It had been a while but… she knew it was probably filled with sand. Hardly habitable but she needed things to get in order before Felix was able to convince Bruno back. So he had a place to rest his head at the end of the day. On a bed, not one of those flimsy hammocks that’d do little to help his back.

-

Between her and Fran, Bruno was soon propped up against a tree, his breath still ragged and his hands shook though he looked…anxious if ever she saw how he looked around but it was clear strength had failed him given he hadn’t tried to get up.

“So, this is your Tio Bruno? The one that has the visions of impending doom?.” Fran asked, not overly quiet and clearly not caring how Bruno looked at her sharply. “I thought he was taller.”

Isabela snorted a little, “Camilo?”

“He made a convincing argument a few months back when the topic of this guy came up but…actually now that I think about it… yeah, he’s tiny… and clearly malnourished. You’re family’s got a lot of work if you want to him to get physically healthy again and… god forbid, he looks like he’s ODs in a back alleyway.”

“Thanks.” The dry tone of Bruno was not missed.

“Should we take him to your family?” It seemed like a good start before they’d get home; an official doctor and all would get them a good idea.

Fran wrinkled her nose. “I’d rather not. My father and Tios blame him for my Abuela’s death. She died… five years before I was born after a rope snapped carrying several tons of stone bricks that fell on her when the building of the church in the plaza”

“Seriously?”

“Si, That amount of stone will kill anyone.” Fran’s nose wrinkled, “At least it was a quick death.” As if that was the only silver lining in this situation. Isa didn't quite know how to respond to that.

“Then we should take him back to Casita.”

“No.” Bruno shook his head. “I can’t… I can’t go back.”

“Tio, you need help” Isabela pointed out, “What happened to you?”

Bruno shook his head, his hands coming to rub at his eyes, “No… No. I need to go. I wasn’t supposed to be found…I’m not supposed to be here”

“Seems a screw might have loosened,” Fran remarked under her breath. “Señor Madrigal, I get you have a few issues but you’re coming across as half-starved and half-crazed here and clearly in no fit state to get up, let alone escape elsewhere. You can’t deny yourself the fact you’re not where you used to be, you’re here and your family knows about you being around again.”

“Fran,” Isa warned softly, watching as Bruno literally tears up.

“What, Isa?” Fran looked at her, “I know I have no bedside manner but sugar-coating won’t help him right now.”

“A little bit of sugar won’t hurt.”

A new voice made them jump. Isa turned around sharply though her shoulder’s relaxed as she realized it was…simply Tio Felix. He looked a little frazzled and wet but otherwise chipper, his face was otherwise melded in concern, and has a bag around his shoulder

“Tio, What’s going on here?” Isa asked, “I thought Tio left the Encanto… where did he come from?"

“You’re Tio spent the last ten years living in the walls of our home. He never left.”

“Kinda creepy.”

“Not now, Fran.”

Fran held her hands up into a surrender, wandering away for some privacy though headed to her bag and began to look through it.

Isabela turned her focus back to her Tio Felix “Is that all?”

“Your mother and Tisa found him… and Abuela.” He winced a little. “Bruno freaked out and ran.”

“I didn’t freak out. It was a normal reaction to unwelcome guests.” Bruno complained tightly, his arms crossing over his chest with a very steely edge of defiance. “I was asleep!”

Tio Felix smiled softly. “I’m sorry that…you were so rudely woken, Bruno. But… I am so happy to see you.”

Bruno looked about, his eyes not fully settling. “You are? I thought you jumped onto the same bandwagon as your wife. You think I don’t know the whole ‘we don’t talk about Bruno’ thing you’ve all been saying to the kids?”

Felix’s face fell, “It’s not that simple.” He moved forwards, coming to sit down onto the grass next to the exhausted man. “I don’t know what made you leave or why, but… Your disappearing hurt your family. Pepa…Julieta and… most certainly your mother, Bruno.”

Bruno stiffened up. “I don’t want to talk to her.” His voice shook a little. “I can’t… she’ll make me spill and… all that time away will mean nothing. I can’t do that, Felix!”

Isabela’s head tilted a little at that though it sounded like he was very scared of Abuela’s reaction; of knowing something that Abuela wanted to know. His gift, perhaps must be a factor.

“I’m sure your absence has a reason and I admire that and the strength you’ve had to keep away” Felix continued, “Ten years of isolation… it’s got to have been so hard and you’ve missed so much.  You missed the children growing up… heck, even Antonio’s birth. Sure, they don’t know much given Abuela’s rules but… she didn’t put those rules there to spite you. Your absence hurt her a lot. You know she keeps everything covered up. It’s easier to…say nothing and avoid the topic.”

Bruno’s eye twitched, “I wasn’t supposed to be found…”

“I know. But… what was the game plan here, Bruno? Stay there until your death and us finding your half-eaten skeleton a few months later in the walls? Were you ever coming out on your own terms?”

Bruno faltered at that. “I… I don’t know.” He swallowed thickly but his expression remained furrowed for a moment or so, “I…Abuela asked for a vision... I can’t tell her what happened. She can’t know…otherwise we lose everything!”

“You ran away because of a vision?” Isabela asked, “What could have motivated that?”

“Knowledge of a future sounds awful.” Fran remarked, breaking the slight unease through her dry attitude “Plus, I guess you’re worried you might cause a future to happen by spilling. Self-fulfilling prophesy?”

“Yep. That is the exact reason!” Bruno looked more determined by that reasoning. “If I say it, a bad thing will happen and I don’t want that! Not for my family.”

If there was more to it, Isabela opted not to question it. It seemed like a reason Tio Bruno was very content to cling to as well with every fiber of his being though it looked like he had loosened up a little.

“So… okay, we avoid that as a topic.” Felix decided, “But… I think it’s time for you to come home, Bruno. Don’t you want to sit at our table… maybe get to know the family again and… well I’m sure Antonio would love another Tio to talk to. He mentioned… you have a lot of rats.”

Bruno’s face remained uncertain though at the mention of Antonio, he looked sad. “He…He didn’t—doesn’t know about me, does he?”

“Not really. In passing and the…family tree in the dining room but…why don’t you come and meet him? You and the rats, him and his gift, seems like a good thing to bond over?”

Bruno’s expression softened, “What… what can he do?”

“He can talk to animals… and in all honesty, I think that’s how your sisters found you out.” Felix chuckled.

Bruno’s lip twitched a little though after a moment, his shoulders relaxed. “I… I can’t be around a lot of people.”

“That’s okay. I guess it’ll take some time for your to adjust and.. well me and Gus will certainly help.” Felix clapped him on the shoulder, offering a hand up.

Bruno swallowed thickly but after a moment, reached up and took it.

“I’m going to go home, talk to my Pa and Abuelo.” Fran whispered to Isa as the two began to walk away, “I don’t know how much your mama knows but if he’s been on a small diet for a long period of time, he won’t tolerate a lot of food at once. I can get more information for you?”

Isabela smiled at her gratefully, “I… I would like that. Thank you.”

-

Mirabel hurriedly helped her Tia as they dressed the new bed into basic clean bedding and help brush the sand from the room back to the falling curtain though Mirabel considered getting an actual curtain to stop the sand from coming in entirely. It was a lot of sand and it was everywhere.

She had been astonished to hear the rumors but she knew to help while she could while Tio convinced him back, so she heard from Abuela and Tia’s talking. With Tio Bruno’s discovery and… well she hoped it’d do the family some good in the long run. It was about time they brought him back. Maybe that’d take some of the burden of attention off Isabela’s actions of two and a half months ago.

To be gone for ten years and to suddenly be back…it was all a surprise and a huge thing for their family. Mirabel did hope to get to know him. It’d be nice to know about her Tio… and the only people she knew who remembered him were Isa, Dolores, and Luisa. Camilo was a lost cause on that front with his dramatics. Antonio now had a chance to really welcome him back because who could say no to that face.

Mirabel had seen her Tio’s dark door in passing and now, its carving was only vaguely lit now, not as dark as before but nowhere near as bright as the others of her family.

The front room in from the door, she helped clear before Luisa brought the bed frame in and they got focused on making the room itself habitable. New candles and the wardrobe from the nursery was emptied and moved for temporary storage.

“I think we’re done.” Tia Pepa decided.

“We are?” Mirabel asked, “What about his personal belongings? Spare clothes?”

Pepa pursed her lips. “I can find some of his old clothes but…I’m not going to search for it past that-” Gesturing a thumb to the sand curtain. “Don’t ever go through that, okay? It’s been decaying for years and I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Mirabel spared a glance at the curtain. “What’s on the other side?”

“A ton of steps up to the vision cave. Nothing important there. This was always Bruno’s sleeping area but… it seems he probably took most of his stuff into the walls with him.” Her tone turned a little sour, the cloud above her head darkening with small flickers of lightning.

Mirabel sighed though her curiously lingered. Another time…maybe when the room was in a state of repair. Though she could see her Tia once again straightening up a pillow and double-checking everything.

“Tia Pepa,” Mirabel cocked her head to the side. “Are you okay?”

Pepa looked back at her sharply. “Of course.” She seemed almost offended, “Of course I’m okay. I’m okay.” A clap of thunder said otherwise. “It’s not like our life is going to change. I’m perfectly happy. My brother is out the walls, god forbid why he went there in the first place without a damn note and leaving us all for ten years!” She took a pause, “Clear skies, clear skies…”

Mirabel crossed the space and gently pulled her Tia into a soft hug, breaking her out of her mantra though she ignored the soft pattering of water. Tia Pepa seemed to freeze for a moment before she loosened up and gently hugged her back.

“He’s here!” Antonio’s voice startled the two apart, though Mirabel yelped as she was nearly thrown back as Pepa moved suddenly and was through the door in a heartbeat.

Mirabel’s hand shot to her chest, scurrying out afterward, and almost ran into the back of Luisa though she caught sight of Isabela and Felix but in between, them was a small man, dressed in a green ruana that was clearly far too big for him.

Tio Bruno.

“Hola!” Antonio ran forwards excitedly, “Are you really my Tio Bruno? Did you know the rats call you Mama? It was really confusing when they were telling me about you and-and..”

“Antonio,” Felix coughed, “let the man breath.”

Antonio pouted a little.

“It’s… It’s okay.” Tio Bruno replied, his voice a little tight. “I don’t mind.” He turned his attention back to the 5-year-old, “you like rats?”

Antonio nodded, “They’re very interesting. How many do you have?”

Mirabel prodded Luisa softly to get her moving than just being an observer. Talk about an awkward audience. Hardly the welcome wagon a nervous-looking man needed.  “Let’s give them time to settle.”

#lest the rot lingers au #encanto au #encanto #drabble #alma madrigal #antonio madrigal #luisa madrigal #isabela madrigal #agustin madrigal #agustín madrigal #julieta madrigal #pepa madrigal #dolores madrigal #felix madrigal #camilo madrigal #bruno madrigal #mirabel madrigal

[casitafallz-a]

Decay AU | Lest the Rot Lingers P4

Julieta set both Mirabel’s plate up carefully next to Isabela’s on the tray, keeping a small cover on Isabela’s mostly as the day since, Isabela hadn’t eaten much and it would grow cooler much slowly with it. Now was the first time she knew she had to speak to her eldest now Mirabel was out of danger of any hidden effects that came with Mechanical asphyxiation. From Blood clots to fluid build-up…

Julieta knew she should have spoken to Isabela sooner. Agustín had but Isa had been reluctant to talk to him. But Julieta couldn’t deny the fury she felt at her eldest that was another factor that kept her away just a little longer… that her own child would hurt her sister so carelessly when she was supposed to protect her…

The punctures in her skin… and the blood… not only soaked Mirabel’s clothes but her hands too when she check her over in the nursery. The bruises had wrapped around her arms too, the sight of such markings over Mirabel’s chest and ribs were horrifying. Any tighter or the vine any sharper or thinner, then there would have definitely been more mess and Julieta doubted she could have handled that. Her food worked well in stages; once she knew what she was healing but Mirabel had already been worryingly quiet.

Julieta inhaled deeply as she reached the nursery first and knocked softly before she heard Mirabel’s voice before she entered, Mirabel was sitting on her bed with a pad and a numerous amount of thread colours around her.

Since the…incident yesterday, her shirt couldn’t drop the stain out fully despite Pepa’s insistent washing and raining on it, the light orangey tinge wouldn’t lift, her skirt was far easier to clean and the naturally dark material covered it up anyway but in some lights any…residue stains were only slightly heightened but had spent the last day in clearer and drying. Since then, Mirabel was wearing another shirt, a longer one, with sleeves to her elbows with red trimming, it lacked her embroidered touch. But from the looks of it, Mirabel was clearly planning on decorating it soon enough with her designs.

“How you feeling today?” Julieta asked softly, settling the tray down before holding out the plate to her daughter.

Mirabel set her pad down and shrugged, “Bored.” Before she took the plate and set it on her knee though looked to debate between carrying on, or eat food.

Julieta nodded though reached out softly for her hand. “Breathing okay?”

Mirabel nodded. “I’m healed, Mama. You know that.” Her tone lifted in her exasperation, only by a fraction but it didn’t make Julieta feel less worried as she picked at her plate

“I worry, Mira. I love you so much… I don’t want you to stay hurt physically, emotionally or mentally.” She squeezed her hand softly.

“I’m fine.”

“No, you’re not fine. Right now, you’re okay… but what you’ve been through, you shouldn’t bounce back without repercussions.” Right now, Julieta could only assume Mirabel was in denial about it at the moment. The process of grief still has its hand in trauma and they had to make it through to heal. Mirabel had to.

Mirabel huffed put but began eating nonetheless which did make her feel a little bit better.

“Who’s that for?” Mirabel asked, nodding to the covered tray.

“Ah, Isabela.” Julieta spoke carefully, watching how Mirabel’s bite paused before the girl frowned.

A few seconds passed.

“She’s not….eating with the family?” Mirabel asked.

“No. Abuela’s not yet come up with the appropriate punishments for her actions yet so, until then she’s confined to her room.”

To her surprise, Mirabel looked angry about that.

“Look, she’s not a prisoner, Mama. She got angry and lashed out.”

“She almost killed you, Mirabel. If she was in a city with a proper government, she’d be held in a jail cell and charged for attempted murder.” Julieta reasoned, “It’s complicated, Mira.”

“It’s not, as long as she repents and atones, then we can all move on!” Mirabel set the plate down but Julieta caught her wrist to keep her from rushing; fearing she’d go for the door.

“You’re not allowed to go near her room.”

“I’m not going to Isabela. I’m going to Abuela.” Julieta released her wrist with a heavy sigh and to her relief, Mirabel took the other route down the steps.

Julieta sighed but she doubted Abuela would be swayed. Mirabel was a victim in this but it wasn’t that simple Mirabel’s word and hope. Julieta set Mirabel’s plate more neatly and reset her cutlery before she picked up the tray and headed to Isabela’s room and knocked softly.

She heard nothing of a welcome in so she pushed the door in before her stomach clenched a little at the…sight and stench this room had.

The flowered had withered in a lot of the space, some purely welt mulch which explained the smell and she could recognise the bundle that was Isabela from the bed that was no longer held up by vines but sat amongst the new plants that looked to have overtaken the roses and pink with blues, greens and even cactuses.

The sight of new plants were amazing but the dead plants and the smell concerned her more as she squelched her way through, trying not to feel disgusted but it was hard not to when her feet sunk into dead plant matter.  It took a bit of time before she stepped onto normal plants and a solid surface before she got to her eldest’s bedside.

Isabela was lying face down on her bed, asleep from the look of it but looking to be in a very pitiful state, her breathing was even—thank god—but looked to be somewhat tangled with her plants and pollen that decorated her hair and skin in different colours.

“Isa..” Julieta spoke, her hand coming to Isa’s shoulders to shake her awake before she began to notices the soft scratches in her skin, like thorns mostly but what stood out was the dark bruise down her spine.

Far too dark to be simply accidental injuries like she hoped the scratches, she had taken a fall of some kind to get this. It was far too straight to possibly an impact bruise.

Isabela’s shifted away as she brushed her hair away to get a better look though didn’t stir too much which was another concern before she decided to bite the bullet and wake the girl in case this was a serious condition.

“isa, wake up.”

Isabela groaned, burying her face into her pillow. “Go….away.” was the muffled reply.

Julieta touches along the bruise; clear that it was sensitive from how her daughter hands flapped at her to stop before she reached for her tray and food and plucked off one of the warm empanadas.

“Isa, can you eat this for me please.” She coaxed, moving around to Isabela’s other side, brushing away her hair from her face and was met with a very crabby and tried expression peeking over the edge of her pillow which did soften a little.

“I’m fine.” Isabela croaked, “I don’t need that.”

“Your back said otherwise, Isa.” Julieta pointed out, “I know you’re not…feeling great but I would feel better if you ate your food. I know…you’re feeling bad but…you shouldn’t feel like you should endure any physical injury to make up for it. Mirabel wouldn’t like you to hurt yourself.” Just as much as she didn’t either. The idea that Isabela might...hurt herself was now suddenly very real and she hated that growth of new fear. She couldn’t let Isabela go down that way.

Isabela inhaled deeply with a wince before leaning forwards took the empanada and retreated back to her pillow. Julieta lent up, her stomach tense but there was relief as the bruises faded away and the half-healed scratches also faded. Her hand came to her daughter’s arms, rubbing softly.

“Isa…” she struggle as she tried to find the words to speak because…she wanted to be mad at her and stay mad… but the sight had been unexpected. Relieved in only the matter that this was a clear sign that Isabela regretted her actions but… she didn’t want the girl to spiral in regret and drown in it. It wasn’t healthy.

Julieta knew regret wasn’t going to remove punishment, certainly not in her mother’s eyes but actions had to have consequences. Letting Isabela off for…essentially was attempted murder would also not sit well with the family. They needed to see Isabela repent and she felt…Isabela wanted that as well.

“Abuela’s still deciding on your punishment for your actions, I believe she’ll announce over a dinner with the rest of the family so they’re on the same page of what you’re expected to do.” Julieta spoke, “You need to get yourself cleaned up ready and presentable for that, my Vida.”

Isabela let out a heavy sigh and nodded. “I’m not allowed out my room…”

“You haven’t made bathroom trips?” Julieta asked in concern. Has Isabela taken a full literal view without any physical considerations?

“Haven’t felt the need to go.”

Julieta stood up sharply. “Get up, we’re going now.”

“Ma..”

“I’m not asking for your opinion on the matter, Isabela. You could have asked Luisa to escort you… I can’t have you ignoring another basic human need.” Not to mention the unhygienic view as well if Isabela was lying to her. Julieta found Isabela’s dressing gown, towel and more or less forced it on to her daughter’s frame. “You are going to the loo and showering.”

“Mama…”

Julieta wasn’t met with much resistance but she did have to push Isabela into moving until they got out.

“Ma..” Luisa hesitate but the look she gave silence the 19 year old quickly before Julieta carried on with her eldest in tow until they reached the door and for a second, Julieta wondered how’d she have to get Isabela to go in before the girl squeaked and dashed right in before it locked.

Julieta turned her head to see Abuela coming up the steps with a chattering Mirabel at her heel before her mother saw her and came directly over.

“Tonight at dinner, Isabela will come down.” Abuela spoke tensely. “See to her being presentable and orderly, Julieta and get the smell of decay gone from her room. I can smell it walking past and it’s disgusting.”

 -

Isabela did feel a little better, surprisingly, after a long-bath and some self-care to feel more like a human being than a plant; she had found patches moss where it shouldn’t and it took a lot of scrubbing to get her skin smooth and silky as expected. She said nothing to her mother as she left, lest she may say the wrong thing and she didn’t want her to worry more than she already was.

She chose a new, clean dress as her old one was very much…stained with dirt and pollen and other plant remnants and soon enough, she looked as perfect as she normally did. She couldn’t shake the blue flowers from her hair so she left them before Luisa escorted her down from her room.

There was no mistake in the stop on conversation as they joined though Isabela took the seat at the far end, opposite of Abuela and Luisa was on her left, her father on the right. Mirabel looked to have been seated between Abuela and their mother.

Isabela looked down to the table top than at her relatives, feeling the blood rise to her cheeks before food was handed out and plates filled but Isabela didn’t put much down; she doubted she could tolerate much.

She could feel Camilo glaring just as much as Antonio at her mere presence and normally, Isabela wouldn’t have cared but it was Antonio’s look at her that felt the worse. Of course he was five; Mirabel was his best friend… it was natural for him to act out towards her...hate her even for a little while.

It just wasn’t a pleasant feeling.

So Isabela remained quietly picking at her plate before Abuela found it prudent to finally address what was no doubt her sentence.

“It’s taken a good portion of discussion between myself and Julieta for the consequences of your actions, Isabela.”

Isabela set down her cutlery to listen while Camilo leant forwards instead in anticipation. Her heart felt like a drum of anxiety in her chest and she fought to keep a composed face, even as her flowers turned black with dread.

“For the next month, you’ll be confined to Casita and helping your Father and Tio with Chores. After that, if you leave Casita, it will not be alone; you’ll have to ask someone to accompany you.” Abuela started, “Your gift will be confined to familiar needs or your bed room. No vines unless there is an emergency that require them. You’ll have a curfew for 8 pm, after which you stay to your room unless for bathroom breaks. I’ve already spoken to the Guzmans and have officially ended your relationship with Mariano.”

Besides Abuela, Mirabel looked downright annoyed as each punishment was relayed but shrugged at the last with a noncommittal sound of agreement.

“No alcohol, your mother’s suggestion which I support.” Abuela added, which explained to Isabela why she had a juice. Not that she cared. “Now, you’re not to enter anyone’s rooms, nursery included and you’re not to be left alone with Mirabel or to seek her out. No one is also to enter Isabela’s room either, aside from an adult.”

“Okay, this is a bit much!” Mirabel remarked, “Look don’t get me wrong, some of those are reasonable but…you shouldn’t restrict her gift or give her a freaking curfew! She’s not a child!”

“Mirabel, it’s either those punishments or complete confinement to casita or her room until she’s proven she’s got control of her emotions and gift. You of all people should be supportive of these.”

“Look, she lashed out in a panic and anger because in all honestly, I was about to betray her trust about a personal matter. I…can forgive her actions but there’s no need to drag her through all of that when it’s very apparent she does regret her actions.”

Isabela’s heart pulled at Mirabel’s defence of her…even after everything.

“Really?” Camilo pressed, “I mean, I haven’t heard her apologise so I’m not a firm believer here.”

Mirabel turned and gave him a firm look, “She doesn’t need to apologise to you. I haven’t seen her since the incident so she couldn’t. Don’t instigate a forced apology now, Camilo.”

“It’s quite alright,” Isabela spoke up tightly, her voice polite and calm. “I am sorry for my actions Mirabel. But these punishments aren’t as simple as it effects the family reputation, not just you which is why Abuela’s so insistent on the…vast scope. The ending of my relationship with Mariano and absence from my town work will draw difficult questions for starters.”

Mirabel scowled a little at the last bit but Isabela knew she had her there. For now. She didn’t want to hear any more of her jumping to her defence either; she didn’t deserve that… she deserved the punishments after all and she knew she’d be slowly earning them away, right?

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