#encantober cheese

[yellowcry]

A new birtday song (or cake)

Mirabel never really liked sweet food

@encantober-official prompt — Cheese

Between all the things Julieta could expect, her youngest asking not to make a birthday cake was the strangest thing she could expect.

"Corazon," She sighed, taking her arm. Even if the things got better in the last few years, Mirabel still struggled with her self-esteem, often confirming that she didn't deserve something nice. "You deserve all cakes in the world."

"It's not like this." Mirabel swallowed, clutching her pretty embroidered skirt. "I really don't want. You know, I never was a big fun of sugar."

Yes, when most kids were stealing candies and beg for another slice, Mirabel weren't filled with much enthusiasm about it. This had always confused people outside of the family when little Mirabel kept refusing for anything what other kids would beg for, not getting more responsible than giving others (mainly Luisa) her own.

But leaving her girl without a birthday cake? This didn't sit right with Julieta at all. But Mirabel shook her head at every word. Her voice trembling. "I.. I always felt I have to force myself to eat even one bite. I know Isabela and Antonio would want cake so much." She gulped, staring away. These two were the biggest sweet-tooths in her generation. Even if Antonío could be justified with his age.

Julieta had to admit, the idea of Mirabel being unhappy and willingly refusing the birthday dish was something surreal. Cakes had their importance as she symbol of celebration. But she knew Mirabel preferred saltiness. Her love for cheese wasn't a secret to anyone in the village. 

"But, Corazon, you deserve something special on your day."

It was true. Loved Mirabel cakes or not, she couldn't sit there without a treat at the same day she was brought into this world. Julieta needed for her daughter to know how appreciated she is. Especially if her birthday was always filled with bitter feeling that clung to her throat

"Can I get... an arepa instead?"

Julieta startled. Not from suggestion, of course. She would never mind cooking whatever Mirabel wanted. But arepas were a casual food. Something she could eat on a daily life. This didn't seem exactly right. 

So Julieta got to thinking. She needed something she didn't cook often and arepas just wouldn't go. Maybe something with cheese, aside from arepas Mirabel loved food with it in general. 

She wasn't going to give Mirabel cake or a pie she didn't want even if Julieta felt so bad about it. This was about her daughter. And as Juli had realized after the family started to communicate, sometimes she was a bit overboard even if she had a good reason. But now, she knew she had to respect her child's wish even if she thought it wasn't right. Part of her still doubted it wasn't caused by self-hatred. But if Mirabel wanted something else, she would have to fulfil that wish.

Julieta decided to stop on Pan de Queso. She didn't make them far too often, usually stopping on way simpler arepas. Still with soft cheesy mass. But special for her laughter's birthday.

It tasted good. Cheesy mass melted on Julieta's tongue. The tower on rolls was getting smaller and smaller in a rapid pace.

And Mirabel looked so delightful. Not fully, she never loved her birthday ever since... that day. But she enjoyed her cake-replacement. "This is wonderful." She fixed her glasses, while rolling her eyes at Camilo.  The boy shoved a entire pan into his mouth.

Julieta let out a heartful smile, because if her daughter like it, then it was all that mattered. Maybe not what was usual. But then, they were the Madrigals. Mirabel could be ordinary (by family's standards) but she was still the most special little girl. And Julieta will forever treasure her.

[hannahhook7744]

This Can't Brie. There's More Cheese To Choose Than I Can See;

Summary: Bruno's rats love the familia.  Encantober 2024: Cheese.  Trigger Warnings: implied past animal abuse.

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

Mercutio was a small, silver furred rat with a lean face and shaggy fur and was the most laid-back of Bruno's rats.

Out of the family (besides Bruno of course), Camilo was his favorite. 

The two of them were the best of friends, a fact only more reinforced by the fact that Camilo loved to spoil him with bits of food. Especially cheese. 

He told Antonio as much, which only resulted in more cheese not only for him but the rest of the rats as well. 

Something he loved to remind them of. 

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

Duchess was Isabela's favorite out of Bruno’s rats and vice versa. 

Isabela wasn't a big animal person and at first, hadn't liked the small spotted rat at all. But after awhile, she began to tolerate and even enjoy the lady rat’s company.

Duchess didn't try to eat her potato people and helped her paint. 

If there was one animal that Isabela truly didn't mind, it was Duchess, who liked relaxing on the leaves of Isabela's plants as they painted. 

Duchess who did not like Camilo and hid away from him whenever he approached them. 

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

Squeaks, a pure white rat with big ears, a long tail, and a bow favored Dolores because she loved being around someone who also squeaked. 

Like her. 

It only took the rat hearing the woman squeak once before the two of them became the best of friends. Even if Squeaks was mildly terrified Dolores’ brown cat, Romeo. 

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

Scatter was Antonio’s best rat friend. 

After Bruno properly introduced the two, assuring Scatter that Antonio wasn't a threat, that is. 

Now the shy little pinkie and the youngest of Mirabel's generation were thick as thieves. 

And would hide together when something, say a loud bang, scared them. 

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

Cheddar was a pudgy rat who adored all types of cheese, especially the type he was named after. 

He loved Julieta the most and could often be found in the healer’s present.

Nibbling on what little cheese and cheddar she could spare to the rat. 

It was honestly a surprise to no one. 

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

Orejero loved Bruno and Antonio, and absolutely nobody else. 

He'd been burned far too many times for him to make the mistake of trusting anyone other than those two again. 

He could be found in Antonio's hair or Bruno’s pocket, staring out at anyone who got a little too close to them. 

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

Dream, a completely brown rat, liked Mariano the most. 

Following him around and acting out the poems the man read out to Dolores. Sighing dreamily as Dolores squealed in joy. 

Reading the poems over his shoulder. 

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

Beethoven loved Félix and Agustín. 

Loved dancing to the music they played and loved eating the different types of cheeses they offered him. 

He'd even began copying how Agustin played the piano and tried to copy how Félix had played the guitar.

Mouszart loved them too.

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

Guáimaro followed Luisa around and tried to bite anyone who upset her. 

Hissing whenever tried to interrupt her breaks. 

Stealing fruits and veggies and sweets and anything he thought would make her happy.

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

Bishop loved absolutely everyone in the family, but preferred Bruno and Antonio.

That was until Ryder came around and fell in love with Luisa. 

Bishop loved Ryder. 

Loved how playful and kind and loving he was. 

Bruno was even starting to believe that Bishop loved Ryder far more than he loved Antonio and Bruno. 

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

Mouse loved Alma.

The two of them would sit side by side often, just watching the sunlight. 

Or watching their respective families run rapid, causing chaos with a sigh. 

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

 Mousie adored Pepa.

The two of them were both firey and anxious and loved to dance.

Dance and play and spin all day. 

Mousie adored Pepa and hated anyone who upset her. Evidenced by how quick she was to launch herself at the last farmer who tried to harp on her about the weather in her presence.

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

Picky, the pickest of Bruno’s rats, liked Mirabel.

Possibly more than any of the other rats did. 

The two of them were buddies. 

Picky would judge the embroidery she did and the sketches she did. 

She'd harp on how picky he was and laugh when he pretended to die of offense by the comments. 

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

Bruno's rats loved the family. 

Just as he did. 

But that was no surprise, the rats were family, after all. 

[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

[honeybeebytheseaa]

Cheese

A fun short story and piece for @encantober-official . I have two more prompts I plan to do, but due to my busy schedule I’m not sure if I’ll get them out on time. For now, enjoy these small pieces!

——

Bruno knew he’d get in trouble for having the rats inside of Casita. Technically, he was an adult now and could make his own decisions. But even at twenty, Bruno struggled to openly speak out against his mother.

Upon noticing their furry bodies along the windows, Bruno’s mama swooped in with her broom and demanded they leave her home. Which was frustrating, because if she didn’t want them inside Casita, mama could just ask them to leave. They are very intelligent creatures, despite what most of his family thinks.

Eventually, try as his mama might: they’d find a way inside Casita. Which was certainly the fault of Bruno. He may have scaled a few walls in the middle of the night (with Casita’s aid, of course) to shift the gutters in just the right direction so the rats could sneak into his room.

Although it might sound odd, Bruno was quite flattered that a few select rats often sought out his comfort. Granted, it was likely because he was the only person in the encanto who welcomed them inside his home with open arms, but it was nice to have some company during his particularly bad nights.

Bruno first met the rats when he was around sixteen. It was three or four in the morning. He was in the kitchen, shuffling through that night's leftovers. He reached out for a thinly sliced piece of mozzarella when he noticed a little ball of gray fur had already taken it.

Bruno wouldn’t lie: he screamed.

He then proceeded to fling the rat across the room. Which he did not mean to do! He meant to fling the cheese and the rat happened to latch onto it.

His reaction was somewhat justified. To his knowledge, they carried rabies and other fun diseases.

But when he realized the creature looked more frightened of him than he did… he felt really bad.

So, he did something that would quickly devolve into a bad habit.

He gently picked it up, set it by the window, and tried to usher it outside. It didn’t leave right away, so Bruno offered it the piece of mozzarella it had been chewing.

He took it from his fingers and quickly scurried into the night. It had worked.

Oh, he means for that one night. For that one night, it had worked. The rat brought back friends the next day.

And of course he fed them, he didn’t want to be a bad host.

Over time, the visits became more frequent. Sometimes they were subtle about it, only coming at night or into Bruno’s room specifically. Sometimes, they didn’t think it through and would visit in broad daylight where Pepa would let out a loud, shrill scream and their mama would come barreling through with her broom.

But as time went on, they’d often visit him during the colder months, seeking shelter from pelting rain storms or the extremely short-lived snowstorms always caused by Pepa. A few of them would show up randomly. As if they just wanted to say hello. Due to these frequent visits, Bruno found himself keeping a lot of cheese in his room. The rats loved cheese. Especially the cheese Julieta would make.

Bruno wished he could invite them into the kitchen for a more diverse palette of snacks, though Julieta would certainly lose her mind. So for now, they had to settle for the selection in Bruno’s room.

Bruno had to be careful about how much he brought inside, as Julieta kept track of her ingredients like a hawk. If she ever noticed something missing, she almost always tracked it back to him. Somehow. With her scary sibling powers or whatever.

Occasionally, Bruno convinces her to slip him a few treats under the excuse of being a ‘growing boy.’ Every time he nearly gets called out on his bluff. Julieta knows he eats like a bird.

Though she won’t turn her little brother down. Bruno knows that.

It all works out. He can bring something nice for his furry friends, and Julieta doesn’t have to waste as much food.

And to be fair, it wasn’t Julieta he had to worry about.

Finding them around Casita was bad enough, but if his mama found he had them in his room of all places she’d likely ground him til’ he was thirty.

And she’d also be able to track the rat infestation back to him. Which would then further his grounding til he is forty.

So for now, they’d stay in his room and only his room. With all the cheese they could ask for.

———

[oncexinxmyxdreams]

Encantober: Coffee ☕️

@encantober-official

First short for Encantober starring one of Bruno's rats Beatriz. I love this little rodent character I've developed.

Beatriz can smell it from the other side of the wall. Coffee: fresh, rich, roasted and piping hot. Sure, she can’t have it. Rats can’t drink coffee or even have that much cheese. Doesn’t mean she can’t appreciate it. From her hiding place, she can tell it makes everyone’s morning better. They’re more alert and cheerful. She wishes her human could be that way.

She creeps back through the woodwork. He must be awake by now and she needs to check on him. May as well check how many coffee beans are left. He doesn’t get coffee that often, but the rats try to fetch beans for him. There’s something about today’s brew that seems especially appetizing. No doubt he’ll want a cup.

She diligently weaves her way through the passages. She can already picture her human. Awake but groggy with messy curls, clothes askew and rubbing his eyes. No doubt, the dark circles remain below his eyelids. He slowly steps to the wall. He peers through the one crack. Nervous and longing. His rodent friends have seen it many times.

Beatriz hates seeing him this way. Her poor human deserves better. She’s still very young, only a couple months old, and she can already tell. Yes, she’s going to make sure he gets coffee today! She can hear tiles and windows clicking from outside. She’s too busy to make sense of it. She wiggles her way under the makeshift door and she’s in the main room.

The hammock is folded up. The chair is empty. She raises up on her hind legs and squeaks. Where’s her human? Other rats respond. Either they just woke up and don’t know or saying he’s already left. Beatriz thinks it over. It’s not laundry day yet...though maybe it should. He might be plastering walls again. Seems obvious, but then she realizes something. They all do. 

It’s very quiet. The rats perk their ears. It’s especially quiet and still. An empty house. All the Madrigals have gone. A couple of rats move to the crack which leads to the dining room. Nobody. It’s a rare time; Bruno can move about the house.

Up the maze of halls and stairs. Beatriz guesses he must be at the hidden door or what’s really a large picture. She’s reassured to see him there. He’s kneeling at the exit. A worn teacup in hand, but it's more clean than usual. He's probably getting the nerve to go out. She patters behind him and paws at his knee. He flinches, but relaxes seeing a friendly face. He smiles.

“Buenos dias Bea,” he whispers. He strokes her head and back. “Want to get some coffee with me?”

Beatriz accepts the invitation. She scrambles up his knee and onto his shoulder. She can smell the musty fabric of his ruana, but his neck has the faint scent of soap. There’ll be the scent of coffee for her human to indulge: fresh, rich, roasted and piping hot.   

[im-just-a-br0adway-baby]

Encantober 2023 Day 4: Mystery

It was a pretty normal day in the Encanto, well, as normal as you would expect. The sun was shining, which meant Pepa was in a good mood today. Most of the Madrigal family were out in the village doing their morning chores, except for Bruno and Antonio. They decided to stay behind and keep Mirabel company for the morning. The adults in the family agreed to rotate in doing so, along with the rest of the children before their gift ceremonies.

Bruno let Mirabel and Antonio come with him to his lounge in the walls, which he sometimes stayed in if he was feeling overwhelmed or needed a break. Mirabel and Antonio would also come to Bruno’s lounge when they felt overwhelmed too; they also made friends with his rats while she relaxed, which helped Mirabel overcome her fear. This also helped Bruno feel at ease, since whenever he would bring a rat home when he was younger, the rest of the family did not want him to bring them in the house.

Mirabel, Antonio, and Bruno hung out in his lounge that day, enjoying one of his telenovelas until one of his rats, Juan, ran up to the trio to tell them something. Since Antonio was the only one to understand Bruno’s rats, Bruno allowed him to translate what his rats were trying to say to him.

“He’s saying that his cheese collection went missing. He saw it this morning in the corner of his room where it always was, and when he came back for lunch, it was gone,” Antonio explained.

“It wasn’t anywhere else in his room?” Bruno asked.

“He says that he looked all over his room for it, but he can’t find it!”

“It sounds like we may have a thief on our hands,” Mirabel said.

“But how are we going to be able to find the stash? All of their rooms are way too small for us to fit in and find it,” Bruno mentioned.

“It could be anywhere in the walls for all we know. Don’t you have any rats that have stronger senses of smell than any other?” Antonio asked.

“Santiago and Ana have the best sense of smell of all my rats. Maybe they could help us! But I’m going to have to find them.”

“Do you know where they usually are?” Mirabel asked.

“They would normally be through the corridor. They tend to be running around there.”

The trio made their way through the corridor of Casita’s walls to find Santiago and Ana in the wall adjacent to the living room. Bruno picked them up and handed them to Antonio so he could explain what happened. Once he explained, Antonio translated what they said.

“They can’t smell it right now. We would have to look all over Casita’s walls to find it.”

“We should probably split up. I’ll take Santiago with me and you can take Ana, Tonito. Mirabel, you can choose who you want to go with.”

“Okay; I’ll go with Antonio and Ana. We can check the upstairs area together and you can stay downstairs with Santiago.”

As the trio split up, Mirabel and Antonio made the climb to the second floor of Casita’s walls. Mirabel went up first after putting Ana up, then she helped Antonio up and he picked up Ana once both of the two youngest Madrigal grandkids were on the second floor. The two quickly recovered before beginning to follow Ana.

“She says the smell is coming from over there!” Antonio said as he pointed straight forward.

Mirabel and Antonio followed Ana over to the corner of Casita that was adjacent to Camilo’s room. Antonio let go of Ana to let her go inside the hole and try to find the cheese stash in his room. They stayed behind to see what happened, but after only twenty minutes, they heard a yell coming from the room. Ana ran back into the hole and into Antonio’s hand to tell him what happened.

“She says she found where the smell was coming from, but it was not Juan’s cheese stash. It just smelled like it. Camilo also found her so she had to run back to us.”

“I’m not surprised Camilo’s room smells like a cheese stash. The amount of times he snuck mama’s arepas up to his room is too many to count.”

“We’ll just have to keep looking. I’m sure Ana will find it somewhere else.”

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

Later downstairs, Bruno and Santiago continued making rounds around Casita’s walls to find the stash. Santiago continued smelling for the stash for a while, but found nothing yet. It was not until after they got to the walls adjacent to the edge of the courtyard when Santiago ran to where the smell was coming from and Bruno followed.

Bruno and Santiago found themselves in a corner of Casita’s walls with a hole leading to the backyard. Santiago made his way inside the hole to try and find where the smell was coming from. Bruno stayed back for a half hour as Santiago scurried around Casita’s backyard, until he came back with no luck. It turned out it was the leftover smell of their grill when Julieta made her arepas outside.

“We’ll find Juan’s cheese stash, Santi. I’m sure Ana, Antonio, and Mirabel have found the stash by now.”

The trio met back in front of Bruno’s lounge with Santiago and Ana, explaining what they found. They explained to each other that none of the groups found any luck in finding Juan’s cheese stash. 

“All Ana could find was the smell of Camilo’s room,” Antonio explained.

“And all Santiago could find was the smell of the grill outside in the backyard,” Bruno replied.

“Is Juan going to be disappointed that even Santiago and Ana couldn’t find his cheese stash?” Mirabel asked.

“Probably; I’ll go get him and tell him the bad news.”

Before Bruno could go back to his lounge, Santiago and Ana ran inside the lounge and into a hole. Bruno, Antonio, and Mirabel followed them in to see what they were trying to find. After only ten minutes, Santiago and Ana came back out with a stash of cheese that looked just like the one Juan had. Juan came out of his hole to see Santiago and Ana with the stash and ran straight to them.

“They found it! I knew they would find it!” Antonio exclaimed.

“It turned out Juan just misplaced it this entire time. Did you know you left it on the other side of the room?” Bruno asked.

Juan spoke to Antonio. “He said he forgot he put it there and thought he put it where he usually put it.”

“Well, Juan, now that you found your cheese stash, do you want to let Santiago and Ana help you move it back to your room?”

Juan, Santiago, and Ana grabbed chunks of cheese and passed them over to Juan’s hole. Bruno, Antonio, and Mirabel decided to help them too and grabbed the rest of the stash to give to Juan to put in his hole.

“I guess we make pretty good detectives, don’t we Bruno?” Mirabel asked.

“If anything, Santiago and Ana were the real detectives. They were the ones who found Juan’s stash after all.”

[achitka]

Miracle Cheese

Chapter 30: Miracle Cheese

Summary:

Is all about the cheese...cause you know cheese comes from milk which is the actual prompt...

.

Alma was sitting near a window reading a novella, enjoying the spring sunshine. So peaceful she thought, when she realized Casita was very quiet…why was it so quiet? Having three four-year-old children was exhausting on a good day…and she was already tired.

“Casita?” There was a clatter of tiles nearby and Alma got up to go into the kitchen. She spotted Bruno, Pepa and Julieta sitting, holding hands, facing a small cup of milk, that was sitting in the center of the kid sized table on the patio. They were staring very intently at the cup. Nothing seemed to be happening but Alma sat at the kitchen window to see what they were really up to. After several minutes of fervent prayer, Alma thought she heard Bruno say they were praying for…cheese. Bruno loved cheese. He ate it with everything and they had recently run out of the stuff and Alma smiled knowing she’d just gotten more.

“This isn’t gonna work Bruno,” Pepa said and sat back pulling her hands loose.

“Of course, it will work, you just gotta be patient, Pep,” Bruno said and waved at her to give him back her hand.

Pepa sat with her arms crossed, face scrunched up in a pout.

“Come on, Pepi,” Julieta said, “you know he’ll just want to do it again after supper.”

“This is stupid,” Pepa said but flopped her arms back on the table.

Alma got up and pulled the cheese out of the cold box. After cutting off three good size chunks she placed them in a cup like the one they had and covered it with a towel then walked out on the patio. All thee stopped praying and looked up.

“Ah, mis bebés,” she said knowingly, “I see you are praying for cheese.”

Pepa and Julieta just stared at her, Bruno nodded vigorously.

“You are missing a very important piece; you do not have a towel to cover your offering.” Bruno’s eyes went wide, but he smiled, seeing she’d brought one with her. “Okay,” Alma said as she unfolded the towel over the cup with the cheese in her hand. “Now, hold hands and close your eyes,” they did and Alma said, “I’ll cover your offering now.” She set the cup with cheese in place of the other, spilling it a little. “Now say your prayers.”

Bruno began again and his sisters joined in with vigor this time. Alma drank the milk…it was warm and not good. She put the cup, out of sight in her apron pocket. The kids finished up their prayer with an enthusiastic Amen, Bruno opened his eyes and snatched away the towel.

“It worked!!”

“Whoa…” was all Pepa and Julieta could say. Bruno picked up the cup and offered cheese to his sisters and they sat and chatted about their miracle cheese. Alma went inside, cut off a small piece for herself and some for supper and put away the block. She could hear them playing and she smiled at their joyous laughter.

[breannasfluff]

Healing (1): Encantober 15

Arepas:

Paola will tell you her secret to arepas every time. It’s not enough salt.

Remember to make some without the cheese

If left unattended, Camilo will use his ruana as a basket and steal half of the arepas. Keep a close eye; he’s crafty!

Pandebonos

Carlos J. will only eat pandebonos that are perfectly round. Check batch before leaving for town.

Empanadas

60% meat/30% fruit/10% plain

Patricia A. says my food is tasteless, but always takes a plain empanada. Consider “accidentally” switching them one day and see if the comment changes.

Mirabel will forget her lunch when she helps in town, remember to put some aside for her to pick up.

Papa Rellena

Luis F. comes for one of these every day, injury or not.

Place double order of potatoes; need to have the Guzmán’s over for dinner and Mariano eats potatoes like he’s dying.

Buñuelos

Hide these when the school has a lunch break or the kids will eat them all.

David wants the third one he touches. Consider throwing the first two at his head and see what happens.

Cocadas Blancas

KIDS ONLY. Ramirez tries to get one every time, but an empanada heals him just fine

Agustín is the only exception. Consider making an extra batch just in case.

NOTE:

Never leave the house without Agustín’s healing food. If you give it to him directly, Félix will borrow it for target practice and miss. Consider eradicating all bees from Encanto? Honey isn’t that important…

~

Julieta sighs and rubs the paper list in front of her. She writes a new one every week. Some of the items don’t change, but after thousands and thousands of meals; it all blurs together. Is it age that leads to forgetfulness? Or repetition? Will she wake up one day and forget a recipe?

What happens when she’s too tired and broken down to cook anymore? Who will keep the town healthy? Julieta won’t live forever even on her cooking. Someday, the Encanto will be left dependent and helpless.

At least when she’s dead, she can rest.

But the Guzmán’s are coming for dinner and the chances of her expiring on the spot are slim. Time to peel some potatoes.

[msmacabre310]

RULES: Write the latest line from your wip and tag as many people as there are words in the line. Make a new post, don’t reblog.

Thanks @empty-cryptid for the tag! ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜

Had an insane night so didn't get around to this until later.

I have... a lot of WIPs floating around lol. Some of my most recent sentences are SUPER spoilery so I went for slightly different lines instead. Here are some from two unrelated to any fandom events (both going to be extremely long fics):

1. "Oh, you know, I just really felt like razing a village to the ground that day."

2. The silver hue of the moonlight hung in the air like a puff of breath on a cold morning, the forlorn lunar sigh replacing all the oxygen outside with an ethereal sense of loneliness.

And for Encantober:

1. “Toñito’s right, Mirabel, she makes that thing look like a cheese grater.”

2. In a sense, [the donkeys] were the closest thing Luisa had to coworkers, so it made sense that her backbreaking labor hardly drew a glance from them.

3. The Rata-novela didn't have a plot line so much as a plot-Gordian-knot.

4. For as much as Luisa adored kittens and puppies, they rarely adored her back for fear that they might incur further bouts of her affection.

5. Though everyone universally agreed that making herself cry should not be Luisa's new hobby, they had to question what on earth made Camilo think that making other people cry would suit her better.

I haven't started anything for the Encanto Big Bang yet, but I'm sure it'll sure be... Something 😅

Anyway I don't even think I know enough people to tag this for every word, so I'll leave it as an open tag for anybody who wants to do it 😂

[hannahhook7744]

Poetversary;

Summary: Mariano is struggling to write a poem for his and Dolores' sixteenth wedding anniversary. And that's where the kids come in. Encantober 2024: Poetry. Trigger Warnings: self deprecating thoughts, guilt, anxiety, and mention of the flu.

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

“Oh, my sweet Dolores,

Your voice is such a lovely chorus,

And there is no one I adore-as

Much as I adore-us—”

Mariano was stuck.

More than stuck, actually. 

He was suffering from a complete and utter stagnant of writer’s block where he could hardly get the words together in his head, let alone write them down on paper.

Which, normally wouldn’t be a problem because normally Mariano would have all the time in the world to step back and take a break, and come back to it later after taking a siesta and getting a bocadillo (like Señora Julieta’s Guava and Cheese Mini-Bites or Home Sweet Home Rice Pudding). But normally, it wasn’t a week from his and Dolores’ wedding anniversary. 

And normally on their anniversaries, Mariano had more than enough gifts and a lovely date night planned to excuse not being able to have a poem done on the rare occasions where he couldn’t write one in time for his and his querida musa’s special nights. 

But this time Mariano didn’t.

This time Mariano had dropped the ball.

At least, in his own opinion.

He didn’t have a gift bought for her (yet anyway).

Didn’t have the time to make her something more than a poem (paper mache or crocheted flowers and stuffed animals were timely to make if you wanted them right).

There was no way he’d be able to book a reservation for any of the good restaurants that Dolores liked (and that wouldn’t hurt her ears) in time for the event and he was a terrible cook so making her favorites himself was out of the question and there was no way he was going to be putting any more work on his beloved’s aunt. 

And well, as bad of a cook as he was, he was an even worse dancer so taking her out to dance (especially after last time) was also no.

Which just left him with the option of writing her a wonderful poem that was better than all of the ones that came before it to buy him time to make it up to his encantadora esposa—which he was now apparently incapable of doing. Great.

Just great. 

Dios, Mariano Guzmán era el idiota más grande de todo Auradon.

What kind of husband didn’t remember the sixteenth anniversary of their wedding?

Bubo, Mariano’s best friend and cuñado, said that he was being too hard on himself and that “Dios, amigo, of course you forgot! You have six kids and all of them had la gripe, you and Dolores and the familia have been exhausted for weeks. Calm down and we’ll figure something out—”but the guard and poet wasn’t having it. He knew that his mejor amigo would be just as stressed and would feel just as guilty in his shoes if he was the one who had forgotten his and Isabela’s anniversary. 

So, his words were an empty comfort for once and now Mariano had to fix the mess before it became an even bigger mess and careened into a disaster without alerting Dolores. 

Now, if only he could find something that rhymed with Dolores. 

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

Of course, being a parent meant that Mariano didn’t get much alone time. And being an uncle as well, that meant his alone time was even more scarce. 

Which meant it didn’t really surprise him when not only his seven year old son, Oscar, interrupted him but one of Isabela and Bubo’s eight year olds, Miguel Jr (or Smiley or MJ as everyone called him) as well. Both peaking over his shoulder to see what he was working on, like usual. 

“Papi, ¿en qué estás trabajando?” Oscar rested his chin on Mariano’s shoulder, squinting at the parchment with a furrowed brow and a small frown. Noodles the snake wrapped around him as usual. 

“A poem for your Mami, cariño.”

Miguel Jr leaned even further over Mariano’s shoulder and probably would have knocked him over if the man wasn’t used to his sobrino’s lack of personal space awareness, already. “Can we help, Tío.”

Mariano paused in his writing. He seriously doubted that they’d be able to help with this particular problem of his, but if he’d  learned anything from being a padre, tío, and cuñado mayor, it was to never underestimate what children—Madrigal children, especially. So he decided to bite the bullet. “¡Claro! Know anything that rhymes with Dolores?”

There was a moment of silence. 

Then another. 

Then—

“Laurice?”

“Norris?”

“Dorris?”

“Horace?”

Mariano sighed. Not sure what he was expecting. “Very good, niños. Gracias.”

“You’re welcome!”

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

Madrigals, even the children, could not keep a secret for the life of them. 

Which is how Mariano found himself being bombarded by nearly every child in the house, all of which had suggestions. Some more helpful than others. 

“Boris” Cornel, Bruno's sixteen year old son, had suggested. 

To which his brother, Cesare—nineteen years old—, had immediately protested. “Boris? Boris? Absolutely not, that sounds too close to Bore-us.”

“Well I don't see you coming up with any ideas—”

“There's plenty, like forest and tourist—”

Which caused their brother Cyriacus, fourteen, to snort. “Oh sure, call Prima Dolores a tourist. That's very romantic and I'm sure it'll go over well.”

Mariano regretted not locking his door. 

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

“Does Acorn rhyme with Dolores, Papi?” Leta, his three year old, asked yawning as she rested her head on his knee. 

“No, temeraria. No, it doesn't.” Mariano ran his hand through her hair. 

He was never going to finish this poem.

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

“Why did you decide to make everything rhyme with Mama’s name anyway?” Princesa, his lovely eldest, asked. Judging him with a scrutinizing stare and all the tact of a ten year old. 

But…

Mariano had to agree that picking to end every line with something that rhymed with Dolores wasn't his brightest move. 

“I thought it'd be romantic.”

“But it's not very practical is it?”

Elmira, Princesa’s twin, squeaked quietly at that—in agreement with her sister but clearly not comfortable enough to voice these thoughts.

Mariano found himself sighing again. 

He had a feeling that it wouldn't be the last time he found himself doing so this week.

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

“Pour-us? Poorest? Poorest rhymes with Dolores!” Ligera, his five year old, pointed out excitedly. Happy to be helpful.

And well, it did…. Kinda?....depending on who you asked, anyway, but Mariano wasn't sure how to include poorest in his poem. He also wasn't sure Dolores would be pleased if he did. 

“Fairest rhymes with Mami!” Fuega chimed in, very confidently.

It didn't but Mariano didn't have the heart to correct her. 

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

Mariano did end up getting the poem done and done on time. 

Dolores loved it. 

She also loved the dinner ‘he'd’ apparently helped Bubo make and the flowers with musical notes that ‘he'd’ given Isabela the idea of making and the dress he'd bought her months ago that he'd forgotten about.

(Okay, so maybe Mariano had been a bit worried over nothing after all.)

[oncexinxmyxdreams]

Encantober

Prompt 23: Rats 🐀

Beatriz is a rat character I made for my Encanto fic Miracles Come in Pairs. However, this works as a stand alone fic. 

She hasn't lived long. Rats live two or three years. She's six months old. At four weeks she was able to leave her mother and be independent. She never left the human who lived among the rats. Imprinted some would say. 

It goes through the rat grape vine why he lives inside the walls. The oldest passed it down their line. They mention his habits: throwing salt, knocking on wood, hopping over cracks, or holding his breath with crossed fingers. 

He has a name. Bruno. However, she calls him her funny human. It's comical how he suddenly becomes another person. He flips the green hood he wears up until it's covered his eyes and he speaks deeply. He goes by Hernando then.  He places a bucket over his head and very muffled will say he made spackle. That's Jorge. By any name, her funny human. It suits him. 

He's funny, kind, creative, but also sad. In her young life, she takes it upon herself to be a devoted companion to him. Companions are intelligent, helpful and loyal. 

She thinks she's the most intelligent in the mischief of rats. She's not, but her human acts like she is and that's what counts. Her human coos at her saying she's so intelligent. She loves hearing compliments. 

"Beartiz, you've got spunk." "Clever girl." "You're so smart Bea!" "Eres la rata bebé más inteligente y dulce" which meant "You're the smartest and sweetest baby rat." 

The cutesy ones aren't her favorite, but she appreciates it. She knows he appreciates all the rats who live with him, but especially her. She's one of the most helpful.   

She watches the family he belongs to, but doesn't interact. Snuggled in green fabric, she curls against his neck when he sleeps. She frequently rides on his shoulders and scampers down his arms. She notices when he needs something and she'll fetch it for him.

She sneaks so quietly through Casita. She'll even go outside and into town. It doesn't matter how dark or light it is. She escapes the smacking brooms, traps filled with cheese and predators with big teeth. They'll never catch her. Bruno's always glad to see her bring him something.     

"Thanks Bea. I needed a new pen."  "You found me an unused toothbrush? Aw, gracias Beatriz!" "Ooh! More scrap paper? Thank you!" "I know you don't like the game shows, but thanks for stepping up."   

She detests the entertainment. She's too clever to stick her head in the paper scenes he's drawn and act out his stories. She'd rather fetch things or burrow into his ruana. She'll do it when he asks so sweetly and promises her extra food. Only then. He's happy and she knows he could use some cheering up. The indignity of playing a star crossed lover or the losing sport team is worth it.  

 She's not alone in every endeavor. She'll round up her siblings and cousins if he needs multiple things at once. They all care for him, but she'll be the ringleader. She'll fight anyone who disagrees.      

"You a leader in the making Beatriz? I bet you are."   

She's certain she's the most loyal creature around. These dogs in town, proclaimed man's best friend, she disagrees. She's better than a dog. Besides, they're barking rattles her ears. She's not fond of cats, but most seem to ignore her. That's better. She's loyal to the rats, but mostly to her human. He's a part of the mischief and being part of it, he looks out for her.  

Especially now as the plaster and wood crumble. As she hurries along the bamboo railing and for once, panics. She never panics, but she's at a loss. Her funny human is hurrying behind her. Out of fright, her little paws raise up and his hazel eyes don't miss. His large hand encloses around her form. She's tucked securely in his ruana and holds on as they tumble to safety.