#Encantober: Secret

[oncexinxmyxdreams]

Encantober: Secret 💚

@encantober-official

How does a secret allow so much freedom? (Consider this PG for some hints of adult romantic relationships.)

It started off as a secret for simple reasons. Just to see if courting would work. Just to see that if it didn't work out, they would still be close friends. There'd be no fuss from others if it didn't work. He feared if she was romantically with him, she'd be completely shunned. She already gets comments about being an old friend. His best friend. Her cold mother wouldn't like it. She's never liked him. Even when asking him petty future requests to see if she becomes rich. Who'd want to be associated with Bad News Bruno? Bruno was thankful Mercedes could see through his insecurities and meet him halfway. 

The secret was sealed with a promise that whatever happened, it wouldn't hurt their bond. Also sealed with a gentle kiss on the cheek.

It started off with meeting a couple times of week. Always at night when they know everyone is deep asleep. Bruno whispering to Casita he needs to go for a walk and clear his head. The sentient house obliges and never even hints to anyone. A long trek through the jungle and into a clearing with part of the river. They'd stargaze, practice dancing and just talk. Sweet and brief kisses as their relationship progressed. Bruno blushing and stumbling over his words much to his beloved's amusement.

It later became lustful kisses and embraces. By then, it's more fun that it's just the two of them who knows. It's like a book or telenovela. Their love is more clandestine, and they cherish it. Crave. Desire. Yearn.

Now it's nearly every night. It doesn't matter if they lose a couple hours of sleep. They need each other. They need their secret time alone. It's become more intimate. Heated. Sensual. Passionate.  

It's not that he fears what his family will think. Bruno knows his family would be happy. They'd be thrilled that he and Mercedes are in love. The secret between him and Mercedes is freedom. She doesn't have to meet her family's unrealistic expectations or demands. The harsh reality of being the Encanto's prophet fades. The heavy lift he's had to carry for the past thirteen years is gone. He's just Bruno: the version of himself he wishes he could always be forever. He's only with Mercedes. Their own secret.  

[hannahhook7744]

Family Secrets.

Summary: There are somethings Alma Madrigal will never tell her children.  Encantober 2024: Secret. Trigger Warnings: Grief/mourning, past character deaths, trauma, etc.

------------------------------------------------------------

“Mami, story? Please.” Little Julieta asked in her doorway, chewing on her bottom lip nervously as she tugged on her sleep braids. Eyes wide and pleading as she looked up at her in her little teal nightgown. “Bruno can’t sleep.”

Alma sighed, setting the candle down. “I’ll be right there, cariño.”

The five year old beamed at her, before bolting out of the room and to her room where undoubtedly her siblings were waiting to hear the news. 

“No running in the house, hija! You’re gonna hurt yourself!” Truth be told, Alma didn’t want to tell them a story. In fact, she wanted nothing more than to tell all three of her children to go to bed because it was late—so late that it was way past their bedtime—but the matriarch didn’t. Couldn’t. Not with the candle there to remind her that her husband, who’d been so excited to be a father, wasn’t there and that she was—that she was the only parent they had and they needed her to do all the things she and Pedro had planned.

Which meant that if the triplets wanted a bedtime story, they were going to get one. Even if Alma was beyond exhausted from trying to manage the town and three now superpowered children (one who could heal via food and needed supervision anytime she wanted to use her gift, one whose emotions controlled the weather, and one rat loving seer who saw things no child should) all by herself.

But nobody had to know that.

No, it would just be her and Casita’s little secret. 

One of the many secrets Alma would never tell her children.

------------------------------------------------------------

Alma would never tell the triplets how their father had written stories for them that they would now never get to read because they’d been left behind when their family had fled from the burning remains of what had been their home. 

Would never tell them how Pedro had run a shop that he had planned to hand down to them and their children and their children’s children, or that he’d had a brother named Benito who’d worked at the shop with him who had been so excited to be a tío that he’d fallen out the window and dropped a hammer on his foot when trying to make them their first toys. 

Alma would never tell Pepa how she’d gotten her red hair from Pedro’s mother, Rosa, and her temper from her own mother, Alba.

Would never tell Julieta how she could pass as her abuela Alba’s twin.

She’d never tell Bruno how he has his abuelos’ (Andre and Fernando) black curls and how he reminded her of his grandfathers, his grandmother Rosa, and both her brother, Raimi, and Pedro’s brother, Hernado. 

She’d never tell her babies of where they’d came from or how their father, Pedro, hadn’t been the only one to die so they could escape. 

Bruno, Pepa, and Julieta would never know what they’d lost. 

Who’d they lost. 

They wouldn’t know of their tía Alejandra, who’d turned into a giant red panda and grabbed her sword and screamed at Alma and Pedro and Bentio and Raimi to go and take the niños.

They wouldn’t know of their grandparents who’d fallen behind in the crowd or their tíos who’d run off with their primas who weren’t that far in age from them. 

The Madrigal Triplets would grow up not knowing what their mother had lost and the secrets of the family would die with her, if Alma had anything to say about it, and they would be safe. Even if Alma had to give smile and grit her teeth the whole way, and appease the village on her deathbed. 

They deserved that much.

They deserved more than that, actually, but Alma couldn't bring back the dead so they'd all have to settle for second best and hope that they were making Pedro proud.

[yellowcry]

Problem shared

It's been years. And they don't talk about Bruno. No matter how much Isabela wonders of what possibly made him run away without saying a word

@encantober-official prompt — Secret

Pedro-Alma swap au this timee

Talking about why she was so worried at the last night wasn't in Isabela's to-do list. But it wasn't like she had much place to go to. And even if the magical rooms were big, they only had so much space.

It's been years. What Isabela knew wasn't important. Nobody remembered anyway. They didn't talk about Bruno, he was a shame of the family. For not being strong enough. For leaving all this mess behind him. And even if it still was painful, even if Isabela was desperate to know, nobody would allow her. She knew she shouldn't know about thay one vison at all. It was a mere accident because she was too restless to stay in her bed. And nobody talked about it. Even if almost everyone knew. Abuelo was the one to ask. Luisa was present at the moment. And later her cousin (whom she had told about what she had heard) confirmed adults gossiped about it. Which only left Camilo and Mirabel. And with Camilo she wasn't even sure.

Of course, this all was a long time ago. Now they didn't talk about Bruno. And about that vision that was never found. Growing up, Isabela had wondered many times, what could there possibly be. The silent shadow of uncertainty grew behind her, heavy and static. Because Isabela wanted an answer but it wasn't here. They don't talk about Bruno after all. Everything was normal. Well, until yesterday (Isabela still can't believe Mirabel tried to ruin the party like this).

It didn't really mean anything. They didn't talk about Bruno and Isabela didn't talk about thay vision. Didn't even talk of how she knew it existed.

"Get out. I have to get ready." Isabela snarled. Today was her proposal, she was supposed to prepare, it was very important day. No time for some childish nonsense whatever Mirabel had imagined herself. Everything was good... There was nothing wrong. Nothing was ever wrong.

"Just tell me what's going on! Your big himbo won't dissapear!" Mirabel rolls her eyes. Did she have to be so damn annoying exactly today? It was as if she purposely was getting on Isabela's nerves.

The neirons heated, running agains the bottled anger. Isabela already was frustrated, Mirabel didn't have to fuck with her even more.

That's okay... Everything's fine... At least when she's married, Abuelo would probably leave all this irrational protectiveness to Mariano. This was always Isabela's point to marry despite the fact she didn't want to. Get some sense of isolation and so maybe Abuelo's focus would leave her for somebody else. Just maybe because Isabela knew damn well there weren't that many candidates. Camilo and Antonío were boys and Luisa was... well, Luisa. Which only left Dolores and Mirabel.

"Isa, just tell me what's going on? Is there something wrong with the magic?" Mirabel yapped, making Isabela roll her eyes. Couldn't she choose even worse time. "Your himbo won't dissapear if you just give a minute of your precious time."

"I don't want to marry him!" Isabela yelled, predator vines crawled around the room, thickening and swelling. 

Mirabel blinked, pulling away. Isabela's toe rubbed against the soil under fer feet. A low growl left her lips as she tried her best to contain herself. "I just want for Abuelo to stop treating me like a toddler."

There was the root of the problem. As much as she loved her family, this helicopter parenting did annoy her. Leaving a better taste of frustration in her palms. Feeling like she couldn't be independent or deserving of trust. And to remind, she was a literal adult.

Mirabel tilted her head, fixing her giant glasses. Green frame shone bright. Matching the stems of endless flowers growing around.

"This is what I'm working for."

Isabela stalled, her arms stopping in the air as she trew a quick look over her shoulder. "What?" 

Mirabel dug her small fingers into the delicate fabric of her skirt. "If I manage to discover what's wrong, maybe Abuelo will realize we aren't that weak to need a constant help with everything." Teenager reached, taking Isabela's  warm hand.

Ohh, yes! Isabela exhaled in pure excitement that filled up her veins, getting deeper with every breathe. She screeched, jumping from emotions as Mirabel gasped, clearly startled. Glasses almost falling off her nose.

Mirabel had always been the one whom Abuelo had portrayed like the weakest between the entire family. The poor giftless lamb. So if Abuelo saw her succeeding in something even remotely dangerous, if he realized Mirabel wasn't as weak as he thought she was... He would certainly loosen his grip on Isabela too. (Well, maybe not but it was really her best shot)

The thing, whatever was going on with the magic was their window to freedom. And if there was a chance to climb on that tree, Isabela wouldn't jump off it. Because nobody knew if there would ever be a second chance. If Isabela wanted a change, she had to act. Or... well, just the act

"Tio Bruno had a vision before he left." Isabela nodded. She didn't know if it was related. There was no way to tell, nobody had found it, as far as Dolores was aware.

Teenager winced, mouth opening a bit as she flopped her eyelashes. "What vision? What had he seen?" She breathed out, pulling the teal fabric of her skirt.

Isabela shrugged. "No fucking idea, sis." As far as Isabela was aware, the family gave up on the truth ages ago. Because otherwise everyone would know what exactly tio saw. This family couldn't keep secrets for life.

"Language!"

"Spanish" Isabela clarified almost instinctively.

She knew Mirabel didn't remember Tio well, she could barely remember any interaction between them. But for now it was their best shot. "So how about you go to Tio's room? I'll distract Abuelo."

[george-washingmachine73]

Opposites Attract

Finally did something for Encantober!!! ive been so bad at posting yall its embarrassing 😭 but another one is in the works!

@encantober-official for the prompt ‘secret’

[encantober-official]

#Encantober

Encantober is an Encanto fandom event with themes to challenge artists and writers throughout the month of October (link to theme list in a copy/pasteable format here). Encantober is open to any and all art and writing, including sketches, drabbles, one-shots, and more.

Fanworks can be shared via the #Encantober tag on tumblr and/or posted as part of the AO3 collection here.

The goal of the bingo event is to fill five prompts in a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. You can use the bingo card on this post, or send us an ask to receive an individual randomized card. You must send the ask off anon, so that we can respond privately.

Rules:

Works must be a part of the Encanto (2021) fandom. OCs, AUs, and crossovers are permitted.

Works must adhere to one of the Encantober themes.

Series of Encantober works are welcome.

No incest.

QA:

Q: Can you explain the free space? A: "Comment 5+ people" means comment on works for this year's Encantober posted by at least five different people. This can be a (positive!) comment left in the tags or body of a reblog, or a comment on AO3. It's our reminder to check out what everyone is doing!

Q: Can I link prompts together? Or cover multiple prompts with one work? A: Linking works together to create a story series is a wonderfully creative idea! However, combining multiple prompts into one work defeats the purpose of the multi-prompt challenge. Each work (or chapter in a series) must focus on one prompt.

Q: Do I have to complete every prompt? A: You do not! The goal is to fill five prompts in a row, but you can choose to complete fewer, or more. This is meant to be fun, so please don’t stress yourself out.

Q: Do I have to complete prompts in a specific order/at a specific time? A: Not this year! Fill out your bingo card at your leisure :)

Q: I followed all the rules. Why aren’t my posts being reblogged? A: Either you didn't indicate which prompt you're filling, forgot to tag #Encantober, or the admin team just missed it! We’re doing the best we can across time zones <3

Browse:

Use the links below to find the works for each prompt in our archive!

River Return Truth Haunt Healing Coffee Poetry Recipe Relaxation Discovery Regret Recognition Wall Leaves Team Umbrella Build Thread Cheese Sign Mountain Secret Rose Burn

[optimistic-violinist]

Summary: Isabela and Dolores have a heart to heart about liking girls, coming out, and wanting to be known without being perceived.

Based on many of my own experiences.

Filling the Encantober prompt: Secret!

And a special shout out to @honeybeebytheseaa for getting me thinking about bi Dolores.

@encantober-official

[foreveranevilregal]

Encantober Day 22: Reflection

Isabela’s morning started the same as every other morning. She was awoken by the sun streaming in through her window, inviting her to get out of bed and begin her day. Letting out a dainty yawn, she rolled out of bed…and was immediately caught by a net of vines which deposited her gently atop her bed. She kept forgetting that she’d raised her bed so no one would bother her. This mishap prompted Isabela to say some very unladylike curses that she was glad no one was around to hear.

Once she was actually ready to get out of bed, she lowered the vines that held up her bed, easing them down like a system of pulleys, until the legs of her bed touched the floor. Double checking that she was firmly on solid ground, she stretched out her arms, the feeling invigorating her, and then placed her feet on the ground and rose out of bed.

The first thing she did was to check all her plants. This took a while since Isabela unwittingly made more in her sleep. Intentional or not, she wanted to make sure they were cared for and healthy. Then she would wash up and brush her hair until it fell down her back in a silky curtain. One hundred brushstrokes exactly. Brushing before bed and after waking was the secret to beautiful hair, her abuela had told her. As long as she kept brushing it morning and night, it would shine like the sun.

And Mirabel thought beauty was effortless, Isabela thought bitterly as she brushed her hair. She had no idea- no idea!- how much hard work went into looking the way she did. She grimaced, accidentally snagging the brush on a knot. Sighing, she set the brush down and untangled the knot using her fingers before resuming her brushing. Ninety-eight…ninety-nine…one hundred! Satisfied, she let out an exhale and set out on her next task: picking out what to wear for the day.

Normally, it wouldn’t matter quite as much, but despite the morning starting out the same way, today wasn’t like every other day. Today was a celebration, the wedding of a couple in town. Naturally, everyone had been invited. So, Isabela had to look extra nice. Frowning, she held a couple options in front of herself, examining them in the mirror. One dress was a deep purple, almost black in color, and otherwise unadorned. The other was a pale lilac, covered with intricate frills and ruffles that would make moving her limbs a pain. She knew what the right choice was. She knew which dress her family wanted to see her in. But, just for a minute, she let her longing and curiosity win out. Peeling off her sleep clothes, she put on the dark dress.

Oh, that was striking! It brought out the darker tones in her hair, making her look…well, beautiful wasn’t the right word. Powerful. She decided it made her look powerful. And, she realized with a twirl, she could move in it freely! The dark-colored fabric was deceptively lightweight on her body.

Summoned by her thoughts, a black dahlia popped up in her hair. More quickly followed, wrapping around her head like a crown. The effect was stunning. Isabela tilted her head from one side to the other, admiring them in the mirror. She could hardly recognize her own reflection. Looking back at her was someone strong, confident; someone who knew what she wanted and wasn’t afraid to go after it. Maybe some smudged out eyeliner and a bloodred lipstick to go with it. Yes, that would complete the look.

She couldn’t help herself. She stared at her own reflection, entranced. Curious, she conjured more dahlias, creating a makeshift sash down her body. Perfect. She met the eyes of the girl in the mirror and smiled at her. Really smiled at her. Finally, a reflection she liked.

“Isabela!” Mirabel’s shrill voice pierced her reverie.

“What?” Isabela snapped back.

“Aren’t you done getting ready yet? What’s taking you so long?”

Isabela could hear the annoyance in her voice. “I’ll be down in a minute, Mirabel.” The moment of bliss was over. With a sigh, she started taking off her dress. The dahlias scattered around her on the floor.

“Don’t take too much longer. We’d hate to be late because señorita perfecta Isabela took forever to do her makeup.”

Isabela clenched her fists and gritted her teeth. Oh, she could just scream! Except she couldn’t, because she was Isabela, and she was graceful and beautiful and didn’t scream. And she didn’t wear dark interesting dresses or conjure up dark interesting flowers. She wore dresses that were light and feminine and made flowers that were pretty and uninspired. It made her want to throw up. “Just give me one more minute, Mirabel!”

In her haste to get off the dress, she had trampled the dahlias. Black wilted petals carpeted the floor around her feet.

Yeah, that felt about right.

Taking a deep breath, she put on the lilac dress.

[applesap-fics]

famous anonymous author!bruno idea? 👀

👀 i already wrote about this a little bit during encantober (for the gift prompt), featuring Osvaldo

The premise is that Bruno wrote a LOT of romantic/smutty fiction during his time in the walls. His sisters/the guys find these, like it, and encourage him to sell the stories as books. Bruno agrees, but wants to do this anonymously. His relationship with the Encantonians still feels a little awkward. He becomes immensely popular however and is the Encanto's number one romance novelist!

additional notes:

gay Bruno, like always.

he uses a pseudonym which vaguely references the miracle. I was thinking something along the lines of "Estrella del Milagro"/"Estrella Milagrosa", but time has passed and it sounds a little dorky/off to me now, haha.

the stories are so dramatic. and so trashy. exactly how people like it.

they start out as little secrets (mostly) women pass around but prove hugely popular.

in that encantober fic I linked I made alma the cover artist. I like the headcanon that she's an artist (opposite Pedro the poet) and that she painted at least a few of the paintings in Casita, such as the one Bruno hides behind.

Alternatively: she has no idea this is Bruno. She loves the more romance-focused novels/novellas to death.

I'm not sure how active the Encanto's book publishing market is. I think they mostly rotate through old books and (especially at the start) don't have the resources to publish books. And because they're a social community they wouldn't have use for a newspaper since all of their news happens via word of mouth. Maybe there's a guy from the original refugees who had notes on printing, lol. Argh, the Encanto needs an archivist!

On that note, I can see Mariano putting out little poetry collections. (He's not so popular. Sorry!)

Osvaldo is involved because they need non-madrigal distributor. Secrecy is sworn. The truth may eventually come out though...

The identity of the author is speculated for years! A few Madrigals are considered~

Pepa also writes one short story after reading a really bad concept Bruno wrote in the walls about…rat babies…that she sees potential in (but needs a feminine, motherly touch). It's still published under the "Estrella" pseudonym but is revealed being hers years later. A bunch of people win the betting pool.

Bruno loves crazy passionate female main characters. The 'lore' is that it's always "Estrella" in different universes, though. Kinda like Barbie, if I had to give an example.

He needs an editor. I vote the most passionate of Madrigal men, Félix, and maybe Agustín. Osvaldo was briefly considered since he's already a middleman and essentially his partner, but he has unreasonable opinions on the sexual workings of women.

Bruno mostly wrote these stories in the walls for his own pleasure (literally. a lot are smut stories), and were ultimately about gay men having sex with each other, or other passionate and complex relationships. Even after editing for the general public, some of his work uses very ambiguous language for the main characters. They are presumed to be women, but if you read through the lines it's easy to read the mc as a man, making his novels gay romance fiction.

Encanto's gay population feel vindicated when the truth reveals itself. As do the 1950s slash shippers.

Years later, after "Estrella" reveals her identity, which probably involved an impatient and overly excited/smug Osvaldo and a Bruno who said "Oh, fuck it, fine. It was me. I'm your favorite author", Bruno publishes an omnibus/collection for the novels' anniversary in which he has a chapter on his identity. He talks about being gay and adresses the speculation that the mc could have been gay all this time, just like its author. All is interpretable, though. Bruno has never had a relationship, but Estrella has been in hundreds. Everyone is allowed to see themselves in the characters, man or woman, or enjoy the stories for what they are. He just hopes people will be open to the idea, will respect it and maybe consider it. He ends the chapter by thanking the Encanto for welcoming him back, as both "Estrella" and Bruno.

There's a q&a that basically boils down to: Q: Why did you decide to write [controversial plotpoint people loved but fundamentally made no damn sense]? B: Oh, I wrote that when I was hiding in the walls. I was a little crazy. Q: But how did you come up with the idea? B: I can't say I understand anything I did when I was in the walls.

[halseyquinn]

I posted 61 times in 2022

That's 44 more posts than 2021!

45 posts created (74%)

16 posts reblogged (26%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@waitingonavision

@silver-words-and-inky-secrets

@reversia

@palestxrlight

@luxiferxx

I tagged 36 of my posts in 2022

Only 41% of my posts had no tags

#encanto - 28 posts

#bruno madrigal - 18 posts

#encanto fanart - 14 posts

#bruno encanto - 11 posts

#bruno madrigal fanart - 11 posts

#encanto bruno - 9 posts

#madrigal family - 5 posts

#encanto theory - 5 posts

#julieta madrigal - 5 posts

#alma madrigal - 5 posts

Longest Tag: 31 characters

#inkworld appreciation week 2022

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

Sooo - I was wondering the other day: how is Bruno‘s hair still so comparatively short after 10 years behind the walls? Either he cut it himself or...he got “help” - this was probably the first (and last time) ever Bruno let the rats cut his hair LOL-

This is how it probably went:

Bruno: “Hey, little guys - do you think you could possibly help me with my hair?”

Rat 1: “Squeak?”

Bruno: “My hair - you know” *takes a pair of scissors and a strand of hair and cuts it*

Rat 1: “Squeak!” (to Bruno) *turns around to the other rats*: “Squeak-squeak!” [Translation: “Bruno needs help with preening his fur!”]

The other rats: “Squeak!” [Translation: “Alright, let’s do this!”]

Timeskip - about half an hour later...

Bruno: “Uh, guys? You know, the hair is supposed to be the same length on both sides?”

Rats 1, 2 & 3, who have been trying to cut Bruno’s hair for the last 30 minutes: “Squeak?”

Bruno [out loud]: “You know what? I think next time, I’ll just cut it myself - don’t want to trouble you again...”

Bruno [under his breath]: “Miércoles!”

37 notes - Posted July 13, 2022

#4

See the full post

39 notes - Posted April 2, 2022

#3

Mirabel adding something to her dress/skirt (as requested anonymously - I hope this is how you imagined the drawing :)

I personally think that sewing is not only a nice hobby for Mirabel: Each family member’s gift is symbolized by their clothes - so it only seems natural that Mirabel would like to add some “meaning” to her clothes, too - in order to feel more like a part of the family...

52 notes - Posted August 13, 2022

#2

My contribution to the Encanto DTIYS-challenge by the amazing @glitternightingale! Here’s the awesome original drawing: https://glitternightingale.tumblr.com/post/691303126623485952/glitters-dtiys-2022

I drew all of the characters separately bc I wasn’t sure how each one would turn out (I’ve never drawn any of them before, except for Bruno). Afterwards, I cut the drawings out and put them together like a collage and then I played around a bit with Photoshop and added a filter to make it look like an old photograph (I totally imagine them like this at the photographer’s ;) Hope you like it! :)

87 notes - Posted August 7, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

“Bruno grabbed a cup of coffee, pulled a rat out of it, and drank from it” (from the Encanto Deluxe Junior Novel). Ever since I read this, I’ve wanted to draw it - and since today’s Encantober prompt is “rats”, have this little video :)

164 notes - Posted October 23, 2022

[pinwheelwhirl]

I posted 5,154 times in 2022

That's 3,153 more posts than 2021!

114 posts created (2%)

5,040 posts reblogged (98%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@amazinlei

@sokkas-first-fangirl

@encantober-official

@madrigaljail

@spongebob-connoisseur

I tagged 4,319 of my posts in 2022

Only 16% of my posts had no tags

#arts - 1,336 posts

#encanto - 1,039 posts

#sing - 436 posts

#encanto arts - 370 posts

#videos - 236 posts

#kittens - 234 posts

#encanto fics - 205 posts

#spongebob - 198 posts

#tiktok - 184 posts

#fics - 164 posts

Longest Tag: 138 characters

#golden slumbers is absolutely a very special song to him i also hc that his dad would sing it to him glad to see someone else does too🥺🥺

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

See the full post

206 notes - Posted January 12, 2022

#4

Buster has a folder titled “Top Secret” on his desktop, sweetie that trick never works

256 notes - Posted February 2, 2022

#3

506 notes - Posted November 24, 2022

#2

I'm so bummed the glasses didn't make it into Buster's final design, he's so cute in them 🥺

See the full post

607 notes - Posted February 7, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

See the full post

2,434 notes - Posted January 7, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[aeshnalacrymosa]

Behind the Scenes of Fic Writing: 30 Questions for Authors

What was the first fandom and/or pairing that you wrote fic for?

My first finished fic was for Twilight. I was not a fan of the franchise, but I was enamored of the Leah/Sam/Emily subplot because I had enormous sympathy for Leah Clearwater in that situation. So I wrote a post-canon fic called “Wolf People” where Leah leaves La Push and falls in love with a man who has a few secrets of his own.

2. Do you participate in any writing events or challenges throughout the year? If so, what do you like about them?

I recently participated in Encantober and I am currently an artist for the Encanto Big Bang. If there is another similar event, I may try being a writer. (I think I’m a good writer, but I’m a better artist IMO.)

3. Do you write fics from start or finish, or jump around?

I write fics from start to finish, but I tend to conceptualize the ending first. The rest of the narrative works its way to it more easily that way.

4. Do you outline before you start writing? If so, how far do you stray from that outline?

I don’t do outlines. I let my writing lead me.

5. What is the perfect environment for you to write in?

Preferably alone in my room, with a personal mood music that helps me think.

6. If you’re really concentrating, how many words can you write in a day?

Roughly 1500 words.

7. Which part of writing do you struggle with most?

Sometimes there are characters that I just don’t know or don’t relate to very well, and I end up neglecting them.

8. Do you listen to music while you write? If so, share a song that’s been inspiring you lately.

Yes, I always listen to music when I write. I really like rock music, but sometimes it distracts me, so lately I’ve been gravitating to instrumental or foreign-language songs. (Not understanding the lyrics means I don’t get tempted to stop and listen.) In the last couple of years, it has been the compositions of Hildegard von Bingen for me.

9. Do you prefer to write AUs, canon divergence, or canon-compliant fic?

Most of my fics are canon-compliant.

10. Do you enjoy writing dialogue, exposition, or plot the most?

It’s going to be exposition for me. I enjoy being descriptive with the narrative, painting a picture with words. Dialogue is more of a challenge because it gets difficult to get different characters’ voices right, a lot of the time.

11. If you could only write angst, fluff, or smut for the rest of your life, which would it be?

It’s definitely going to be angst. I’ve been writing angst for as long as I can remember, having been exposed to Philippine telenovelas as a child. I haven’t watches telenovelas in decades, but the sentimental dread of having bad things happening to good people has stuck with me.

12. Is there a trope you haven’t written yet but really want to?

A truly modern AU, with social media and smartphones and everything. Even for my present-day fics, they still feel like pre-social-media days because that’s what I grew up with.

13. Is there a trope you wouldn’t write if it was the last trope on earth?

The they’re-cousins-or-siblings-but-they’re-not-blood-related-so-it’s-okay trope. NOPE. No. Not gonna touch that. It’s gross and it’s wrong. Adopted siblings are real siblings. Period.

14. If you were stuck on a desert island with only two characters, which would you pick?

Irma Lair from W.I.T.C.H. and Isabela Madrigal from Encanto.

15. A Hollywood producer tells you that they want to film just one of your fics. Which fic would you want it to be?

It would be “Wolf People.” I think it’s going to be beautiful, visually.

16. What is your most underrated fic?

That would be “A Smile from Sara,” a smut piece for Sleeping Beauty (2011).

17. What fic are you most proud of?

Again, “Wolf People.” I think it features my best writing.

18. What is a line/scene you’re really proud of? Give us the DVD commentary for that scene.

In the first chapter of “Wolf People,” Leah meets her love interest, my OC, who is a photographer. She is 27, and he is 28. He’s not much to look at, at first glance, but he charms her easily. His conversational skills are honed by years of communicating with clients at his studio. They each share information about themselves without giving away too much. He compliments her beauty and makes her smile. Eleven years later, I read it again, and it still holds up.

19. Who is the easiest/hardest character for you to write about? Why?

For my Melancolía series, the hardest character would be Abuela Alma Madrigal. In “The Two Healers,” I wanted to explore the triplets’ relationship with her, particularly Julieta, who is the fic’s POV character. I visualized it as being turbulent, with Alma having unresolved issues that lead to conflict between her and her children, especially Bruno and Pepa. But I found it painful to dig up memories of near-constant fighting with my mother in my youth, so I ended up “painting” the narrative in broad strokes and allowing the readers to paint their own picture. I think it worked, but I’m not entirely satisfied with how that looked.

The easiest character ended up being Bruno. I explored the idea that Bruno deals with depression throughout his life. In “Viñetas,” he is frustrated to still be battling inner demons after their house and their family is rebuilt. It was cathartic to go through that journey with him.

20. What’s your favorite minor character you’ve written?

I toyed with introducing the deleted character Bubo Márquez in my fic “Something Pretty, Something True.” It came out well, I think.

21. What is the one fic that got away?

I started to write a Hunger Games fic in which Primrose Everdeen becomes the new Mockingjay after Katniss and Peeta successfully commit suicide at the end of their Games. I thought it was really good, but I couldn’t get the climax to come together.

22. Have you cried while writing a fic?

Oh, yes. For my Encanto Sushi Day fic, Luisa is conflicted about her gift and her self-worth. Writing it stabbed at something in me and I had to put down my pen and cry.

23. If you had to remix one of your own fics, which would it be and how would you remix it?

While I am proud of “Viñetas,” it is one of the fics that practically wrote itself. If I were to remix it, I would have continued to write each chapter in a different characters’ POV. And maybe I might have included Abuela and Félix and Agustín, too.

24. How did you come up with title for “Viñetas”?

“Viñetas” is Spanish for “vignettes,” which was the plan for the fic. I wanted to have a different character in a moment in the life of the Madrigal family post-canon. But it wrote itself, as I said.

25. Which idea came to you first in “Viñetas”?

When I saw this post, I envisioned Bruno drinking alone in the kitchen in the middle of the night, in the throes of depression. I wrote “Viñetas” around that moment.

26. Which part of “Viñetas” was the hardest to write?

That would be Chapter 10, which is in Camilo’s POV. I think the chapter came out okay, but it became more about how Camilo perceived Bruno than about Camilo himself. I like how it came out, but I could have done better, I think.

27. If you were ever to do a sequel to “Viñetas”, what do you think might happen in it?

I actually have done a few sequels and prequels to “Viñetas,” mostly exploring Bruno’s depression pre- and post-canon. In “La Bruja del Encanto,” I explored Bruno’s relationship with my OC Aya before he went into the walls. If I were to explore their life together post-canon, it would be interesting to have my OC integrating with the Madrigal family.

28. In Melancolía, what is a happy, post-fic headcanon you have about Bruno/Aya?

They may adopt orphan children from outside the Encanto.

29. Send me a word. If it’s in your WIPs, include the sentence and a short summary of the fic.

Grinning, Aya put her arm around the boy’s shoulders. “Bruno, this is Emmanuel Morgenstern. I adopted him five years ago when I was living in Riohacha. He came to Colombia from Germany with other Jewish children. Manuel, this is Bruno Madrigal, mi media naranja.”

“Huh?”

Aya bent down slightly, smiling at the boy. “Er iz meyn gelibter—metuka sheli.”

29. Tell us an idea for a longfic you want to write in the future.

Part of me still wants to finish that Hunger Games fic I’ve mentioned. I also wanted to write an Underworld fanfic where Selene falls in love with Raze instead of Michael.

Behind the Scenes of Fic Writing: 30 Questions for Authors

What was the first fandom and/or pairing that you wrote fic for?

Do you participate in any writing events or challenges throughout the year? If so, what do you like about them?

Do you write fics from start or finish, or jump around?

Do you outline before you start writing? If so, how far do you stray from that outline?

What is the perfect environment for you to write in?

If you’re really concentrating, how many words can you write in a day?

Which part of writing do you struggle with most?

Do you listen to music while you write? If so, share a song that’s been inspiring you lately.

Do you prefer to write AUs, canon divergence, or canon-compliant fic?

Do you enjoy writing dialogue, exposition, or plot the most?

If you could only write angst, fluff, or smut for the rest of your life, which would it be?

Is there a trope you haven’t written yet but really want to?

Is there a trope you wouldn’t write if it was the last trope on earth?

If you were stuck on a desert island with only two characters, which would you pick?

A Hollywood producer tells you that they want to film just one of your fics. Which fic would you want it to be?

What is your most underrated fic?

What fic are you most proud of?

What is a line/scene you’re really proud of? Give us the DVD commentary for that scene.

Who is the easiest/hardest character for you to write about? Why?

What’s your favorite minor character you’ve written?

What is the one fic that got away?

Have you cried while writing a fic?

If you had to remix one of your own fics, which would it be and how would you remix it?

How did you come up with title for [x fic]?

Which idea came to you first in [x fic]?

Which part of [x fic] was the hardest to write?

If you were ever to do a sequel to [x fic], what do you think might happen in it?

In [x fic], what is a happy, post-fic headcanon you have about [pairing]?

Send me a word. If it’s in your WIPs, include the sentence and a short summary of the fic.

Tell us an idea for a longfic you want to write in the future.

[hannahhook7744]

I Wanna Know The Truth. Even If It Hurt-Hurts Me;

Summary: Bruno had hoped Rory's gift would be a good one.  One that wouldn't cause the hurt he had suffered from in his own childhood.  Even after Casita crumbled, there were still a few people who cursed his name—and those people hadn't hesitated to curse his other children's names when they thought no one could hear it.  They cursed him and Cyriacus for being able to see the future. They cursed Rick for being a human lie detector and Cesare for being able to read mines.  They avoided Cornel at all costs when he started seeing the dead and they always looked at Claudine with suspicion after she had started turning invisible. The only ones of his children who had been safe so far were Rachel, who had sewing animation as a gift which suited well, and Rory—who hadn't gotten his gift yet. Bruno had knocked on wood, threw salt over his shoulder, and prayed that Rory’s gift wouldn't be harmful to him or cause him to be the next town pariah. So of course his youngest son would end up with the inverse of his and his brother's gift. Aka Rory can see the past. Including the events of Encanto that everyone in the family who was alive at the time had worked so hard to keep hidden from the younger kids.  He doesn't react well.  Encantober: Truth. Trigger Warnings: family secrets, powers going wrong, fear for one's child, mention of a house crumbling, implied violence, etc.

Co written with @igetthedisneybox .

------------------------------------------------------------

Bruno had hoped Rory's gift would be a good one. 

One that wouldn't cause the hurt he had suffered from in his own childhood. 

Even after Casita crumbled, there were still a few people who cursed his name—and those people hadn't hesitated to curse his other children's names when they thought no one could hear it. 

They cursed him and Cyriacus for being able to see the future.

They cursed Rick for being a human lie detector and Cesare for being able to read mines. 

They avoided Cornel at all costs when he started seeing the dead and they always looked at Claudine with suspicion after she had started turning invisible.

The only ones of his children who had been safe so far were Rachel, who had sewing animation as a gift which suited well, and Rory—who hadn't gotten his gift yet.

Bruno had knocked on wood, thrown salt over his shoulder, and prayed that Rory’s gift wouldn't be harmful to him or cause him to be the next town pariah.

So of course his youngest son would end up with the inverse of his and his brother's gift.

Of course his precious, big bright eyed, tiny son who already got odd looks for his pale skin, long blonde hair, and affinity for top hats would end up being hindsight. 

Very funny papá. 

NOT. 

------------------------------------------------------------

Things had gone wrong the moment Rory had touched the handle to his door. 

Before then, things had been going great. 

Well, as great as things could be with the mass anxiety the rest of the family was feeling due to the past gift ceremonies. 

Rory had been having fun—laughing and playing with the other children from the familia and the village. Had been coming out of his shell and talking a mile a minute for once.

Soaking up the positive attention like a sponge. 

And then, the moment he touched the handle, his eyes started to glow gold as a scream escaped him. 

A scream that never seemed to end even as Mirabel tried to sooth him. 

“Rory, Rory! It’s okay, you’re okay!” Mirabel was trying her best, but she was out of her depth here.

“No! No! Get away! Get away! You're dead!” The tiny blonde sobbed, hugging the stair railing. “The house fells on you!”

“She’s not dead, mijo!” Bruno surged forward, desperately trying to calm his son. “She survived, Casita protected her.” 

He glanced up at Rory’s door, and had to hide his gasp. It showed Rory in a position very similar to his own, with his hands up, but the main difference were his eyes. Rory’s eyes held images of past civilizations: the pyramids of Egypt, the temples of China, the colosseum of Rome.

“The house fells! It fells on her!” His youngest son wailed. “It fells! Mirabear is dead!”

As Bruno hugged Rory, he stared at his door. “You can see the past.”

Rory didn't seem to hear him. 

It was official: Bruno was gonna strangle Casita, the remains of that stupid candle, the miracle doorknob, and possibly his father when he got to the afterlife. 

How, he wasn't sure. But he was gonna do it. 

------------------------------------------------------------

Pepa was pacing when Bruno left Rory’s room. 

She wasn't the only one. 

Félix was trying to calm Pepa down, Julieta was fidgeting with her apron, Luisa looked like she might cry, Ryder didn't look far behind, Isa was hissing at the doorknob with what was no doubt death threats, Bubo was nowhere to be seen but was likely with the kids and Miguel Sr, and everyone else was helping his mother shoo the guests out. 

When they all saw Bruno, they scrambled over to him for answers.

“Dios mio, is he alright?” Julieta got there first.

“No, he cried himself to sleep. I don't think he believes me about Mirabel being alive.”

Mirabel whimpered. “Why does he keep thinking I’m dead? Am I dead?”

“No, Miraboo. You’re not dead.” Augustín soothed. “Clearly Rory didn’t get the whole picture…however his gift works.”

“Dios mío, how am I supposed to explain to my son—” Bruno pinched the bridge of his nose. “—my five year old—that Casita fell on his prima because we were fighting?”

“Tell him the watered-down version?” Julieta squeezed her brother’s shoulders.

“Or tell him the truth?” Antonio suggested. “Families fight sometimes, it’s normal enough. I was able to understand that when I was his age.”

“But what if it scares him into thinking that the house will fall whenever one of us gets in a fight or an argument?” 

“Honestly, I’m still kind of scared that will happen.” Luisa admitted, a little sheepishly.

“Of course my son gets the gift of seeing the future. Por supuesto.” 

“Stop blaming yourself, hermanito.” Julieta tried to anchor him. “None of us have control over what gifts we get. Our job is to guide the niños along, and help them. Not control their destinies.”

“How long until he sees something somebody doesn't like?” Bruno asked, stressed out. “Until he reveals something he didn't know was a secret? Until he gets hurt?”

“We’ll protect him.” Isabela declared, apparently having finished her conversation with the doorknob.

“This isn't fair. I just want to protect him. Rory is a good boy, he doesn't deserve to be treated like I was.”

Pepa thundered. “And he won’t! I’ll be damned if mi precioso sobrino won’t be treated like an ordinary child!”

“Everybody calm down.” Alma said sternly, as she finished walking up the stairs. “Panicking will do nobody any good.”

“I AM CALM, MAMÁ.” Hail plinked onto Casita’s tiles.

Félix quickly scooted over to his wife, rubbing his hands down her arms. “Hush, mi vida. Let’s listen to what your madre has to say, eh?”

“I think—” The matriarch paused momentarily before continuing “—that everyone needs some rest. We can continue this discussion in the morning and think of ways to protect him from any negativities that may arise.”

Before anyone could argue, Félix piped up. “Exellent idea, Señora. We need a fresh start.”

Eventually, Pepa relented. “Sí. I know I need to clear my mind.”

“Está bien, mamá.” Bruno sighed, eyes darting back to Rory's door. Not looking forward to the talk they were bound to have in the morning.

------------------------------------------------------------

Rory clung to Bruno's ‘Go Away Green’ ruana after he awoke, fists clenched tightly around the fabric. Refusing to open his brown eyes in fear that he'd see the house collapsing on Mirabel and the rest of the family again. 

The blonde was much calmer than before but he was still scared and confused. Still afraid that Mirabel was a ghost and that his life was a lie. 

“Kid, please.”

“Why did the house fells on Mira, papá?” Rory whimpered. “Why?”

“It's complicated, Hijo.” Bruno ran a hand through the blond’s hair. “But I promise you, Mirabel isn't dead.”

“How do you know?”

Bruno wracked his brain looking for an explanation. Perking up as soon as he found one. “Well…Cornel can see ghosts, remember? It wouldn't be much of a gift if everyone could do it, would it?”

Rory thought about it for a moment. “I guess not.. but if Mira isn't dead, what'd I see?”

Bruno took a deep breath. “It's… a long story, Ror. Why don't I start at the beginning? Around seventy-ish years ago—”

[yellowcry]

Her recepies are redemies for real

Agustin knew he was the one who tended to be injured the most. But, honestly, there was some benefit to it. Bacause if he's injured, he has an excuse to see Julieta @encantober-official prompt - burn

Agustín was used to be hurt. It wasn't a big secret. Was it a bad luck or something else, but there was no day when he didn't injure himself in the most ridiculous way possible. Broken bones, stings of the insects that weren't even native to Encanto, bruises or goddamn poisoning. Agustín knew it all.

And, being hurt so often, Agustín needed healing more than anyone else. He was a casual visitor at Julieta's stand. Ofter needing healing several times per day. Agustín couldn't lie, he felt bad about it. It wasn't her problem if Rojas somehow couldn't keep his limbs intact. But Julieta always smiled at him, handing him an arepa or two. Just in case. Sometimes Agustín wasn't even sure if Julieta was a human at all. She felt like an angel that came from heaven. Always ready to bring her remedy. Soft round lineaments. Deep and mature voice. He didn't know at which point he started to WAIT for when he would be injured. Just an excuse to see Julieta again. He didn't know why, but the idea if at least seeing her at the moment didn't seem as bad.

First time he ever thought to thank Julieta was in secret. Back when he was a child. He ripped the daisies from his garden and left it at the stand so the next morning Julieta would find it. Oh, and a small card too, just to thank Julieta for all her efforts. At first it happened occasionally. But later on these small gifts became a casual part of his life. Agustín would bring something nice and leave it for the Madrigal. After all she had dealt with him on daily basis. It was only right to cheer her with something.

So, today Agustín wanted to bake some Empanadas.

And it went about as bad as you would expect.

Deep burn bit him arm. Blister rose from the spot. As he stood by Julieta, playing with his fingers. Maybe a bit ashamed. He wanted to make Juli happy with a small gift, not cause any more problems to heal.

The Madrigal just smiled, never upset, never blaming Gus for not being more careful. It would be so easy for him to just... Not cause problems. 

Instead, Julieta leaned closer, pressing a gentle kiss on his hand. Agustin felt blood rushing up to his face. Blushing growing. Before awkward Agustin pulled back, feeling heart pounding in his chest. So hot that burn felt like nothing. His stomach clutched... Weird, he didn't think he ate anything bad.

"Uhm, sorry?" He chuckled, rubbing the back of his head

"No, I didn't mean to..." Julieta mumbled, looking away. A bit red too.

"No, no!" Agustin shook his hands, his breathing ragged. "I don't mind! It-it's sweet!"

And he still felt sparkles in his eyes. Have Julieta kissed anyone else? He... hoped she didn't. Hoped he was at least somehow important to her. More so the others. 

Ah, damn! What had gotten into his head? Julieta just was so... so sweet! And kind and... 

His head felt dizzy. Heart fluttered. Was it normal to feel this way after a beautiful girl kissed his hand? Agustin wasn't able to throw Julieta out of his head at all. She was always there, buried deep inside his mind. Making his thought trail so damn often. Daydream about her, what their marriage would be like...

Wait? No! He mentally slammed his head into the table (or not mentally judging be the dull pain). You don't think about marrying your friends. Uh... Sisters of your friends? The point wasn't in it.

And maybe he felt slightly different with Julieta. A bit strange in a sense. Not the same type of feeling he had with Pepa or any other friends. A bit warm and giggly. Understanding these feelings was impossible He didn't want to look away from her. No matter how hard he tried, if Julieta was around, Agustin threw cautious looks at her direction. The fact he was hurt so often stopped being a nuisance. Because when he was injured, it was another excuse to come to Julieta. Look her in the eyes and stand by her side. They were friends for years, of course Agustin would love to spend time with her. It made sense that she was so special that his heart was jumping off a cliff, his breathing quickened the moment their eyes locked together. Even if the burn he got had changed nothing

These feeling made his head hurt (And magical food only seemed to make it worse. Congrats, you just broke the miracle). Julieta just was so special. More so than anyone else. Always patient and sweet. He just really adored her. So hard that his stomach tingled. It was a different type of adoration. Something that Agustin had never experienced towards other friends. Suh a strange feeling, when he wanted to stay close, listen to her voice. When every word from her mouth was a divine speech. Not something to question or even deny. He wanted to hold her close, never leave.

And damn, his cheeks were getting burning hot with blood if he dared to think of it. A possibility to live with his dear friend and have a beautiful wedding or the best date in the world.

Wait, no, hold up, you don't dream about dating your friends.

Uh... oh...

He was in love. In burning passion streaming through his veins whenever Juli was around. Because Agustin wanted to spend the rest of his life, waking up next to her. This was confusing, the idea that he had something more than a simple friendly gestures in mind was so confusing. 

But this was the beginning of... something and his heart flattered with every careful look. Every second when her hands, rough from constant cooking, touched him. Carefully healing every stupid injury he managed to get. He had owe Julita his life at this point.

And he wished to. Stay close by her side. And allow himself be burned again and again. Just to see the angel of kindness who came to Earth to protect and spread love with every feather falling off the tree.

[junosaccount]

We had a secret santa event in our discord server Casa Brainrot 🎄🎅🎁

It was not promoted on tumblr, because it was just something small for members 🥺

I'm glad you enjoyed the content! ☺️

(With encantober recently and Encanto Big Bang still going, I guess no one considered making a big secret santa event 🤔)

Crying because I was completely not aware about the encanto secret santa event that was happening

Immediately cheering up because holy shit look at all this content!!!!

[encantowishes]

(All my Encantober stories will be collected here.)

Encantober Day 3 - Tragedy

Hand Puppets

“How could you!” Camilo’s quivering voice carried through the courtyard. “After all we’ve been through! After we accepted you back, as one of our own!”

“Little fool!” Bruno sneered. “You all fell right into my trap. Now I will have my revenge!”

They both turned to look at Mirabel, who held a hand to her chin in thought. “I don’t know, it seems a little too dramatic, if you ask me.”

Their faces fell. “How could you!” Camilo repeated, flinging the back of his hand against his forehead in dismay.

“It’s supposed to be overly dramatic,” Bruno said. “It’s for kids. The two of you used to eat up this kind of dialogue when you were little.”

Mirabel bit her lip and glanced off to the side, possibly thinking something like it would hurt Tío Bruno’s feelings if I told him that I don’t remember that at all.

“Really?” Camilo said. “I don’t remember that at all.”

“No? I had these, these hand puppets, and I’d pin different little hats on them and do all the voices. You two would laugh and laugh. Mirabel? No?" He looked between the two teens, who clearly had no idea what he was talking about. "Oh. Well. You were pretty small when I -- I, I guess it makes sense that you wouldn’t … a-anyway, thanks for the feedback.” He gestured with the script in his hand. “I’m gonna go work on revisions in my room. See you at dinner.” He slunk away.

Bruno did try. He sat down at his desk and pulled out his pen and tried to read back over the script. But he couldn’t keep his attention on it.

I used to say my real Gift was ‘acting!’ he’d told Mirabel when she’d stared, dubious, at his odd behavior. Yeah. Acting like everything was okay. Acting like the things people said about him never bothered him. Acting like he understood why people would ask him questions, and then be upset about the answers. Acting like his decision to spend the last decade living in the walls was noble, and not cowardly.

He recalled the shock and pain in his sisters’ eyes when, sometime after the glow of reunion had faded, at last he’d explained to them what he’d done. 

“I don’t understand,” Julieta had said. “Why was it you couldn’t tell the two of us, at least? Couldn’t we have figured something out together?”

“And even if Mamá did know what you saw, what did you think she was going to do to Mirabel, anyway? Eat her?” Pepa joined in. “She’s unreasonable sometimes, but she’s not a monster.”

When he'd been isolated behind the walls, hearing his name spoken less and less until it was never mentioned at all, it had been easy to believe his family was happy to be rid of him. Silently watching the kids grow up one meal at a time, he convinced himself they were better off forgetting him. Now the truth of the matter was stripped bare for him to see. For everyone to see. Could it really be that all his sacrifice had gained was ten years robbed from everyone, including himself?

Ugh. He was dwelling again. He kept telling himself to stop that. Dwelling on a past he couldn’t change was no better than dwelling on a future he couldn’t prevent.

Someone knocked softly on his door. He was torn. He didn’t really feel like talking to anyone right now, but on the other hand, doing so would force him to break his mind away from all that dwelling.

“Come in,” he called to the person, who his intuition (not his Gift) told him would be Mirabel.

She carried a small basket over to his desk. “I  think hand puppets sound like a lot of fun (aaand maybe a less scary way to present your play to kids) and I was hoping you might teach me how to make them? I’ve got a bunch of fabric scraps and yarn bits and mismatched buttons here.”

Bruno smiled despite himself. “The real secret is widowed socks.”

“Ooh! I guarantee Camilo has some. Actually, he might want to learn, too … And maybe Antonio … I mean, the play’s for kids, who better to give input?”

Bruno scratched his beard, hesitating a moment. But then he said, “Sure, why not. Bring 'em both.” The kids would enjoy it, and it would distract him for a while.

A few hours later, Bruno watched Mirabel and Camilo improvise a scene for a giggling Antonio. The puppet Mirabel had designed looked a lot like Bruno’s old Princesa Mariposa. The voice Camilo gave to his puppet sounded suspiciously similar to the one Bruno had performed for cranky old Capitán Gruñón. 

They did remember. They just didn’t remember that they remembered. More importantly, he thought, as he eased himself down onto the sandy floor to join the kids, they were making new memories. All of them, together.

He’d spent long enough writing a tragedy. Time for some comedies.

[16magnolias]

Encantober Day 6: Hugs

Mirabel sniffed and lifted her head from where it rested on her knees, her arms wrapped around them, hugging herself. Her tangled little cross-stitch had been tossed a few feet away, frustrated and angry after poking herself with the needle one too many times.

Agustín entered the nursery, making a soft sound of surprise. “Miraboo, what’s wrong?”

Mirabel held up her pricked finger. “I hurt my finger.”

Agustín kissed his six-year-old’s indicated injury and passed her a homemade honey-lemon drop from a handkerchief in his vest pocket. Mirabel sucked on it dejectedly, and the throbbing in her fingertips subsided as her mama’s gift took effect.

“Is there something else?” Agustín asked gently.

Mirabel rested her cheek on her knees again and gave a half-hearted shrug.

Agustín sat down beside her, folding his long legs and arms carefully so as not to accidentally hurt her – or himself – or anything else in her room.

After a moment, Mirabel sighed. “I just - I can’t do it Papá.  It’s too – I’m not - good enough - ” her words came out choppy and squished together.

His heart constricted painfully in his chest. 

“Mirabel, mi amor, look at me.”

Mirabel lifted her head from her knees and looked up at her padre.  He took her hands in his and rubbed his thumb gently over their backs.  They still had the sweet, chubby uniformity of a child’s hands, but he knew all too soon she would grow and leave this stage behind.  He would do everything he could to help her leave the notion that she was ‘not good enough’ behind as well. 

“Mirabel. You are good enough.  You are perfect, just the way you are.  You are – how old are you now?”  He tilted his head and peered at her over his glasses.  “Four?”

Mirabel giggled and wriggled away, crossing her arms.  “Papá, I’m six!” 

“Six!  No, no no,” he shook his head.  “I distinctly remember you were a baby yesterday.  You could maybe possibly be four.  But six?!”

“I’m six!”  She insisted with narrowed eyes and a smirk on her face that let him know she was onto him. 

“Okay, okay, six – I suppose it could be true.”  He winked at her, and she smiled a little, happy smile.  “Well, you are six.  And you are doing an exceptional job.  It takes practice to become good at sewing, good at embroidering.”  Agustín leaned forward, imparting a secret.  “It took me two years to thread a needle without stabbing myself silly.”

“Two years?”  Mirabel asked in awe, wrinkling her nose at the thought of all those finger pricks.

“Two years,” Agustín confirmed with a serious nod.  “And I’m still learning different things, you know.  Skill takes time, mi amor.  Keep practicing, and you’ll get better.  Lo prometo.”

Mirabel thought for a moment and then nodded as she reached for her discarded project.

He placed a hand on her arm to still her and she looked up at him, a determined fierceness in her eyes he recognized all too well. 

“But even – you know – even if you never get better, even if – sewing is not your thing, you’re still good enough, mariposa.  Just the way you are.  You know that, right?”

He swallowed.  He wasn’t just talking about the sewing, anymore, but – not getting a gift was still a sensitive topic of conversation for his youngest daughter. 

She stared at the cross stitch, turning it over and over in her hands, her head down.

In less than a minute, she lifted her head again to grin at him.  “I know. But!”  She continued, fingers playing with the frayed thread, working it out of its tangles slowly but surely – “but if it’s not sewing, maybe it’s painting!  Or woodcarving.  Or playing the accordion.  Or – or - ”  she paused.  “There’s – gotta be something I’m good at, right?”

His heart turned over once again.  “You are already good at so many things, Miraboo.”

“Like what?”  She smiled up at him, trusting him entirely to keep her dreams aflight with his reassuring words.  

“You are good at hide and seek.  You are good at playing with your sisters and primos – at making sure they play and have fun, with you.  You are good at coloring.  You are good at imagining so many fun and beautiful things.  And,” he added, “you are good at loving your family, Mirabel, and you have such a – kind and generous heart, and – a – courageous, fearless spirit, and - ”

He stopped, emotion coating his throat and making it work harder to get the words out.

“I do love my family,” she said with all the confidence and matter-of-factness of her age.

“And we love you,” he said, matching her tone to the best of his ability.  “We all love you, so much.”

She nodded and went back to working on untangling her thread.  He watched her for a moment, and then patted her on the shoulder and slowly stood.

Mirabel stopped as he did and then suddenly, her arms were around his legs, giving him the biggest hug she could manage.  “Gracias, Papá,” she whispered.  “You are so very welcome, my Mirabel.”  Agustín hugged her back with equal fierceness.  “And I am so, so very proud of you and everything you do.”

***

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