#encantober coffee

[yellowcry]

A good tying point

If there were any coffee-fans in the family, it were Luisa and Pepa

@encantober-official prompt — Coffee

Coffee was pretty popular in Colombia. So, Madrigals had drank it daily. And naturally, there were avident coffee drinkers in the family.

In case of the Madrigals — a certain ginger and a giant. Pepa always felt better with after a cup. The skies were clearing with just one sip of the dark caffeinate liquid. And Luisa fell in additionate love with coffee after professionally stealing. Pepa's back when she was a child and didn't have Mirabel to cuddle yet. Since that day Pepa had to make sure her coffee is placed high where certain child couldn't get her hands on it. Well, until Luisa outgrew everyone and the high placement didn't matter at all.

But Pepa also had to admit it was nice to just sit with a cup of coffee sometimes. She and Luisa discussed it with such details that neither actually cared about. But it was fun and enjoyable way to spend time.

She took a small sip, allowing sugar to melt on her tongue. Luisa just swallowed the entire portion in one go. Her size makes it look so tiny, like porcelain toys between her fingers.

"Hey!" Pepa clicked her tongue in a fake disapproval as Luisa poured down another cup. "It's not fair, wait for me!"

Luisa chuckled. "Tia, you're the last person who can blame me,"

"I just don't want to be left out without coffee, at this rate you will drink the entire pot." Woman pouted, ringing the metal of her spoon agaist the pale brim.

They relaxed, slowly consuming a caffeinate drink. This was one way of family-quality time that wasn't risking with causing a mass destruction. Just laughing over nice hot cup of coffee. Maybe Julieta was right when she said Pepa has gotten Luisa addicted to coffee. But who made her get Mirabel so late on? And seriously, Luisa was a pretty enjoyable company. Pepa probably wasn't as close to her as she was to Isabela. But she knew she shared quite a few things with the middle girl too. Restless, when her mind always needed to be busy with something. Whenever it was a new book or another list of chores to do. And with it came the need for a stupid crave for physical activity with some idiots called 'boyish'. Oh, back when Pepa was a child, some adults seemed to put their life purpose to inform Pepa she wasn't acting like a girl. She never really bothered with them, Mama allowed her to run all over and do whatever she wanted. Besides, saying that girls can't be restless and love running around? Yeah, this was pretty bitchy opinion that deserved a punch in the nose.

Luisa was cool. Hardworking and kind for those she cared about. Pepa would never forget how she cradled Mirabel with almost motherly care when they were so little. Always making sure she didn't cause harm by accident. Even if she was a bit snappish at times, Pepa knew it wasn't much different from her. When emotions spilled out of control, making her feel terrible for breaking out.

And having a coffee-drinking companion at times was fun. Giving them some form of silent connection and way to quietly spend time together, whenever they didn't have time for more active thing to do. They did love to challenge each other with their gifts. And Luisa was the one that could possibly stand against Pepa's weather without much discomfort.

In a way it was almost iconic. Pepa needed to provide the weather to grow these beans of coffee. Sun or rain, she had controlled the process of making them rich, impregnated with sun. And Luisa chores definitely had included collecting the coffee. Then again, before the whole rebuild thing it was harder to think what kind of work Luisa wasn't doing. And now they both sat and used the coffee they had made with all this care.

Call Pepa a bit too passionate, but she would never imagine her day without a nice cup of coffee. It had guaranteed no clouds in the morning. Allowing Pepa to shine with her favorite taste. Who could blame her? It tasted so good. And Luisa had shared this trait. Jumping in when the middle of the day to get a cup. Ignoring the sweat that would come from a steaming drink. Because, as Pepa assumed, manual labor made Luisa drip with the thick stickiness way more than any coffee ever could.

When Pepa needed a company or some relaxing talk, getting Luisa on a cup of coffee was the best way for it to come. And it also gave both an excuse to drink once again. She adored some good relaxation, with a nice drink to share. Just don't tell their sisters.

[aquaauratora]

This was for Encantober, the theme was Coffee, took longer than intended to do. It's of @encantoartdump 's Oc Belisa and Bruno just being shy around each other as they drink their coffee. @encantober-official. Whish I had more time to get more done this year. I might continue down the list anyway and post for fun as I have time.

[hannahhook7744]

Bad First Impressions (Are Ones That Often Stick);

Summary: Why Bruno Madrigal is not on the isle.  Encantober: Coffee. Trigger Warnings: Gossip nearly leading to unfair imprisonment, swearing, talk of inhumane concerns, etc. 

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

The coffee Julieta had poured for Alma and the visiting rulers remained untouched as the Matriarch listened to the new King and Queen of Auradon talked. 

And talked. 

And talked. 

And talked. 

About Auradon. 

About how they were rounding up all the villains and major criminals to send to a prison they were building. They didn't call it a prison but that's what it was. 

A place where they wouldn't have to think about the villains and the henchmen they sent there. About the violent criminals they booted there. A place they called ‘The Isle of the Lost’, as if it was a place for people to go when they needed to heal and be reintegrated into society and not a prison that they planned to never reopen. 

As they talked about how the villains could live their lives there, unsupervised, and how Auradon would be safe once they were all there. 

And all the while, King Beast and Queen Belle didn't touch their drinks that her eldest triplet had slaved away to make. No, they just kept talking. Seemingly not realizing (or maybe just not caring) that Alma hadn't said a word to them thus far. 

No, they didn't notice or care that Alma wasn't even really taking part of the conversation or take notice of the way that the elderly woman was gripping her mug. Knuckles lightening as she gritted her teeth, somehow managing to keep her face calm and neutral. 

All while the diablos in front of her talked about sending not one, not two, but three of her family members there. 

Her beautiful, fiery, headstrong Pepa who was finally becoming herself. 

Her innocence, little Brunito who was only guilty of being socially awkward, a little odd, and being the reluctant bearer of bad news. 

And her miracle. The girl she had never treated as well as she should have. Her youngest nieta. Her Mirabel. 

All because of the damned gossip that had escaped the Encanto in the year it took the familia and the village to rebuild the Encanto.

They were here, talking to her about throwing two of her babies and one of her grandbabies into a prison with child abusers, animal abusers, creepers, murderers, and overall hardened criminals because of rumors that they hadn't even bothered to fact check. 

They wanted her to lock her now seventeen year old nieta up with men like Jafar and Frollo who shouldn't be allowed out of their homes let alone be let loose on an isle where they could do whatever they wanted. King Beast and Queen Belle wanted her to allow them to throw her Bruno onto the isle where he would stick out like a sore thumb and wanted her to throw her daughter who had a seven year old there with him. 

But Alma wasn't going to have it. 

No, she wasn't going to hear another word of it. 

They weren't taking her family anywhere. 

Alma stood up, interrupting whatever the idiotas the tontos in Auradon had elected had been about to say. “Get out.”

“Wha—”

Alma held up her hand. Their time for speaking was done, they had had an hour of it—now it was her turn. “Get out of my house and my Encanto and never return! My village has no villains and I will not allow you to take my familia anywhere.”

Beast, the petulant child he was, tried to argue or to apologize—the Matriarch wasn't sure what but at the moment she couldn't care less—but was once again cut off by Alma. “Casita, escort them out!”

Casita didn't need to be told twice. 

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

Several great grandkids later and Alma still couldn’t stand Beast, and likely wouldn’t ever be able to.

If there was one thing you could say about Alma Madrigal, widow of Pedro Madrigal, and Matriarch of the Madrigal Family, it was that she sure knew how to hold a grudge—especially when you messed with her familia.  

And, well, if you messed with Alma and her familia, you messed with Casita and the Encanto.

[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.   

[pogona]

Encantober 2024 - Coffee ⚕☼

[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

[cannibalthoughts]

“What? Oh, that.” Bruno made a shooing motion. “No, no, of course not. That was ages ago.” Then, grimly: “We’re way past the coffee.”

Julieta didn’t want to know.

---

Bruno and Pepa frequently fight and make up. Julieta does neither.

For Encantober 2024: Regret

[madrigaljail]

Encantober: Coffee

“So you won’t tell him,” Julieta said as she poured the hot water slowly into the pot. The warmth, and the smell of coffee brewing, was a comfort. “That’s fair. I suppose you want me to not heal him, too.” Bruno snorted. “Oh, no! You’re good and generous and sweet, it would be unthinkable for you to intentionally let someone suffer if you could help. Of course you’ll heal him, I just…hm.” “‘Hm’?”

*

When Pepa experiences her first heartbreak at seventeen, Bruno comes up with a plan for revenge. As he ropes Julieta in to help pull it off, she faces a dilemma: maintain the integrity of the Miracle, or aid her sister in her hour of need?

[foreveranevilregal]

Encantober Day 18: Sleep

It was the night of Antonio’s gift ceremony. Tensions were running high in the Madrigal household. All day, Pepa had endured snide little asides from various townspeople about how they hoped this gift ceremony wasn’t as bad as the last one. As if reminding her of her fear would help anything! Somehow, she resisted the urge to throttle that oblivious Osvaldo and instead focused on picking out fireworks for the celebration; something bright for her little boy so filled with brightness.

She had been running around all day, finishing up last minute things. It took longer than she thought since she hadn’t slept well the night before. Too many worries about what could go wrong today swarmed in her head to allow her to rest. To keep up her flagging energy, she snuck off to the kitchen for a cup of coffee after breakfast…and lunch. The cup she’d had with breakfast just wasn’t enough to stave off her exhaustion. Sure, her hands were trembling, but at least there was no way she’d fall asleep with how hard her heart was pounding.

Everyone was feeling the tension. All the Madrigals were doing their part to make sure tonight would go smoothly, but there was an undercurrent of unease running through the house. Stupid little things just kept going wrong. Isabela’s beautiful flowers wilted as soon as she hung them up. Luisa dropped the piano- the resulting discordant thud thrummed through the courtyard. Even Julieta had burned the arepas; something that hadn’t happened since they were children. Pepa guessed it was because they were feeling stressed too, but she couldn’t afford for anything else to go wrong.

Eventually, all the issues got resolved. A quick mist with some water perked the flowers right up. Julieta made more arepas, perfectly cooked this time. And the piano was fine where it was. They could just dance around it. The crises were fixed. Nothing else would go wrong tonight.

Her heart did a little pitter-patter when she saw Antonio enter the room. His cream suit fitted him perfectly despite his recent growth spurt, making him look very handsome and grown up. Ay, she couldn’t believe her last baby was growing up! It felt like only yesterday when she held him in her arms, rocking him to sleep. Now, he was preparing to receive his own Madrigal gift that would shape his life and allow him to contribute to the community.

She noticed with a wistful smile that he had some crumbs crusting around the corners of his lips. Licking her thumb, she used it to wipe off the crumbs. Maybe her little boy was still little after all.

The anxiety that she’d mostly managed to keep to a low hum crescendoed as the time for the ceremony finally arrived. Feeling overwhelmed, she watched with detached determination as he climbed up the stairs, his eyes darting nervously around the crowd. Her lips pressed together worriedly as he finally reached the top of the staircase. Would everything turn out well? Would he get his Madrigal gift, like the rest of his family members, save one? Or would he also be skipped over like Mirabel? Was it possible their family just wasn’t going to get gifts anymore? Had their blessings finally come to an end?

The questions bounced around her head frantically as he took the candle from his abuela. Her stomach twisted into knots, observing, horrorstricken, as the candle slid down through the grip of his sweaty palms, and Pepa knew. This was it. No more Madrigal gifts. For some reason, the tradition was over, and she didn’t even dare to look over at her mamá. Pepa already knew how disappointed she would be when Antonio tried opening his door and nothing happened. And then Antonio would look to her for guidance and comfort when she had none to give him. What could she possibly say to make it better?

The sheer terror she felt ripped her out of the dream. Her eyes bolted open and she gasped for breath. It was the middle of the night. Everything was pitch black and quiet. Félix slumbered soundly next to her.

He turned to his side, facing her, and reached out an arm towards her.

Impulsively, she grabbed his hand for comfort. It was big and warm, and she traced the lines in his palm to try and soothe herself.

Félix frowned in his sleep. “You awake, Pepi?” He murmured, his voice heavy with sleep.

“Yeah,” she whispered, surprised she could say anything at all with how tight her throat felt.

“Did you have another nightmare?”

Another nightmare? No. Just the same nightmare she’d been having all week. Antonio’s ceremony was coming up in a few days, and the worries plaguing her had rolled in from the horizon like a terrible storm. “It’s nothing,” she deflected.

Félix fumbled around in the darkness, wrapping Pepa in a clumsy hug. “Go back to sleep,” he encouraged.

Wind whipped her hair against her face. She couldn’t blame him for not waking up. He’d been working so hard lately, and he slept like the dead to recover. Unlike him, she was a light sleeper, and bad dreams tended to wake her up. It had been like this since she was a kid. Pepa had accepted that she just wasn’t destined to get a good night’s sleep. But she hadn’t had the same recurring nightmare so many times in a row since before her wedding. The first time she’d had this nightmare, Félix had listened to her sweetly, but couldn’t understand why she was so worried.

“So what if Antonio doesn’t end up getting a gift?” he had asked. “Will we love him less? Hell no! And if we don’t see him any differently, why would it matter if anyone else does?”

Because mamá’s opinion haunted her like a specter her entire life, Pepa had thought to herself. She knew Félix wouldn’t understand. His parents, and her mamá, all adored him. Pepa’s relationship with her mamá was more…complicated. No matter how much she tried, Pepa never felt good enough for her. The best thing she had done in her mother’s eyes was marry Félix. It felt like that decision finally gained her approval. Of course, Pepa agreed with this assessment, but it also served as a painful reminder that her mother’s approval wasn’t so freely given. Félix didn’t understand what it felt like to jump through hoops to gain his parents’ favor, so he never understood why her mamá’s opinion mattered so much to her. He took for granted what he got so easily.

Sighing in frustration, she got out of bed. Having experienced many a sleepless night, she knew lying in bed and trying to fall back asleep would be pointless. She was far too anxious to try to sleep. Her body was flooded with energy, like a windup toy that someone had decided to wind way too many times. Sleep simply wasn’t possible with the thoughts screaming for her attention and the relentless pounding of her heart.

She slipped out of the room, closing the door behind herself quietly so as not to wake Félix. Moonlight bathed the hallway in a silvery glow, giving it an ethereal feel. For a moment, Pepa felt like she was wandering through her dreams. But the hallway was deserted, so silent that it threatened to swallow Pepa whole. She traipsed aimlessly up and down the hall, touching the doors of each of her children’s rooms lovingly, making sure to be extra quiet at Dolores’ room. Idly, she wondered if Dolores could hear the incessant beating of her heart, then shook the ridiculous thought away.

She did a few laps around the upper floor of casita, trying to burn off the nervous energy before she could work up the nerve to see Antonio. Her feet felt like lead as she trudged around, absolutely exhausted, but too keyed up to sleep.

Eventually, she dragged herself to the nursery. Its door was cracked open, allowing Pepa to peer inside. Antonio wasn’t in his bed like she expected him to be. Instead, he was curled up next to Mirabel, his wild curls barely peeking out over the blanket. The sight warmed Pepa’s heart. Those two loved each other so much, it was almost as if Mirabel was another big sister to Antonio.

Pepa smiled wanly. She was struggling to form coherent thoughts. The desperate need for sleep clouded over her mind. All she knew was, she found it comforting that Antonio had Mirabel. Even if he didn’t end up getting a gift, he wouldn’t be alone in his situation. He’d have a wonderful role model to help him through it.

And, Pepa thought with a yawn, she was so tired of caring about what her mamá would think. She was a grown woman with a husband and children, for crying out loud. If her mamá dared say anything bad about her kids, well…that wedding day hurricane would look like a light drizzle.

Satisfied with this thought, she went back to her bedroom. The abject terror she had been feeling had left her body. All she felt now was a deep tiredness that pulled her down into the mattress. She loved her family. Nothing else mattered. The thought finally lulled her to sleep.

[halseyquinn]

“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 :)

Disclaimer: As usual, the original character (design) belongs to its creators/Disney.

[yellowcry]

We need a new foundation

For many years, Luisa was used for people acting like her physical strength was the only way she could be useful.

Abuela was the least person from whom she had expected a difference

@encantober-official prompt — Build

Luisa groans, rubbing her eyes. She reached for the steaming coffee pot. The family was slowly getting used to their lack of magic. It still hurt tho. Like an essential part of her was ripped out, leaving nothing but a gaping hole that Luisa didn't know how to fill.

The breakfast table was noisy. Even more so than before Casita's collapse. Adjusting was going slowly but surely. Even if an idea of taking a break (not even talking about a whole day off) still felt like a bizarre dream that Luisa would never have on reality. Because there was always something to do, no matter if it was a holiday or the weekend. There was always more work to pile up and carry on her shoulders. Like a dozen of brisks. Of course, now when family suddenly acknowledged Luisa didn't have to work all the time (that she wasn't completely worthless if she wasn't constantly serving others). It just... Didn't feel right. This idea was burned into her brain for the past fourteen years just to break away in just one night.

Seeing somebody else doing her job was strange. Luisa had to bury down her wish to go and help Papá and Tío Felix to carry the table outside. Even without her gift, Luisa still turned to be stronger than anyone else. It just didn't feel right.

She dropped into her chair, taking a big sip of her bitter dark coffee. Okay, sure, they would eat and Luisa is sailed at work. Cleaning the space and all this stuff. Collapse had left a huge mess. Well, sort of what you could expect from a giant house getting destroyed. 

Abuela lifted her skirt, stepping out of the house. She looked over the family, whoever was awake by now and ready to help. Honestly, if anyone's change felt so strange, it was her. Abuela still was strict, but the way she expressed love now was so much bigger. She acted so much more sweet with everyone. Doesn't mean Luisa had anything against it. She just needed some time to get used to the screen. And proper manners only added to Abuela’s gentleness.

"Good morning, how's today?" She asked, holding her wrinkled palms together. Luisa leaned on the back of her chair, sipping black drink "Do you plan on working today? I am going at meeting to plan new building." Her face turned to her granddaughter. "Luisa, do you want to come?"

Luisa blinked, her eye twitched. Did she hear it right? "What?" She re-asked, very confused. Why would Abuela even suggest her to help with planning and... well, mental tasks? 

"It's better to get together everyone who has more or less experience in building or construction." The old woman explained. "You have some buildings in your story, made singularly by you, if I’m not mistaken"

Luisa bit her lip. It was right, sure. Her endless list of chores included building hew places or the maintenance of old. It made sense, taking her immense strength that could compete with the whole town combined. But there still was enough rubbish to get rid off. And Luisa was the strongest in the town even without her gift, so she would be a huge help in her normal part of carrying heavy things. And the idea that Abuela, out of all people, asked to help her with something that wasn’t s form of hard exhausting job...  

"You don't have to agree." Her Papá got into the talk. "If you don't want to–"

"No, no." Luisa had cut him off roughly. "I just didn't expect this." Again, it was Luisa's job to do physical manual labour. Not mind tasking. She was the one to do things without questioning why she had to do them. And now, nobody else than her own grandmother wanted her to get with something other than that. "Are you sure, Abuela? I mean, there's still a lot of cleaning." 

Alma nodded. "If you want to help with taking old debris out, it's okay. I just feel like you have enough knowledge to help with blueprints. Especially as the one who both lived in Casita and knows about construction as well."

This felt strange. Even with all the talk that happened a while ago, with somebody telling Luisa she wasn't just her strength. The thought of being needed in other way... Just seemed abnormal. Especially when Luisa seemed to be the strongest person in the village even now, bounded by human limit. And she just assumed it made sense for her to keep helping with physical job she always did. But instead, Abuela suggested her to help with something that didn't requested her physical strength but rather Luisa's knowledge and experience. Abuela who no even a month ago would praise Luisa for her physical strength and how she was always ready to serve their community. Now was the one to get Luisa to do something that didn’t require her ability. Abuela was the one to make them serve community and help with their gifts so much. But now the one to try and seek beyond Luisa’s.

Luisa wasn't really used to he seen outside of brute power. But... she had to admit, it felt nice in a way. Being acknowledged as someone other than the one who can carry anything. Just unexpected. Luisa wondered for years if anyone could ever see her as anything other than a pack animal on whom they could throw every burden. And after now, once they started all this healing, Luisa wasn’t sure how long would it take for anyone to just think. Understand her. Perhaps that’s what’s happening when you put your self-worth at the fact of how useful you could be for years.

And she certainly didn’t mind helping again. Maybe get her chance to shine and tear the old threads a bit more. Maybe the fact that she still was stronger than anyone pushed her back into her role a bit. Unintentionally, but if Luisa thought about it, she still tended to work more than heeded. Doing her best to be helpful.

"I'm on it!" Luisa nodded, a little unsured. She took a deep breath, getting her composure. "When do we start?"

[mm-so-this-is-love]

Encantober prompt 5 - pranks

December 28, 1934

Bruno crouched low next the wall looking through a butterfly cutout into the kitchen on either side of him a niece stood, no need to crouch, heads barely high enough to see through their own butterflies.

“Wait for it, wait for it,” he breathed, peering into the kitchen.

Agustin was inside, just finishing brewing a pot of coffee. He poured himself a cup and added a generous spoonful of sugar. Raising the cup to his mouth, he blew gingerly before taking a hearty sip.

Then he sprayed the surprisingly salty liquid all over Casita’s counter. She flipped her tiles in disgust.

Bruno and the girls crowed with laughter from their hiding spot. “Inocente!”

The girls scampered upstairs, still giggling, but Bruno, though also still giggling, hurried to the kitchen to help clean up the mess. He tossed Agustin a towel and retrieved the actual sugar from the hiding spot under the sink.

Agustin wiped his face and tie before cleaning the counter. “Honestly Bruno? I thought we might skip dia de los inocentes this year.”

“No way, Gus, as the reigning prank king I cannot skip my favorite holiday!” He grinned at his brother in law. “Don’t worry though, Julieta and Pepa are off limits.”

Julieta, now seven months pregnant and almost as big as she had been full term with Luisa, and Pepa, twice as big as she had ever been with Dolores and due any day, shuffled into the kitchen.

“We had better be, hermanito,” Julieta gave him a rare scowl. “I’m too tired for your shenanigans.”

Agustin quickly offered his hand to guide her into a chair. “You rest, amor, I was just going to check on Luisa, she’ll be waking up any moment.” He passed her a fresh cup of coffee before ducking out of the kitchen to head up to the nursery.

Julieta turned to her brother. “You got him, didn’t you?”

Bruno chuckled, passing a coffee to Pepa where she leaned on the counter. “I got him good! You know he’s my favorite inocente,” he smiled fondly.

Julieta sighed. “Did you really have to get the girls in on it though? They didn’t need to know how to prank someone.”

“Juli, it’s my sacred tio duty to pass on my knowledge to my sobrinas!” Bruno sounded offended that his sister would even suggest otherwise. “How else are they gonna learn?”

Pepa snickered into her coffee cup while Julieta rolled her eyes. “Whatever, Tio Brunito. Help me up, I need the bathroom again.” She held out her hands, and Bruno quickly stepped over to help her out of the chair.

After she left, Pepa sidled up to her brother. “Got any more pranks planned?”

“Not on you, Pep, I want this baby staying put until he or she is ready.” He patted her belly fondly.

She beamed. “This niño is just fine, I’m starting to think he or she has taken up permanent residence in there. But I actually had a proposal for you.”

“I'm intrigued.” Bruno helped Pepa in a chair then sat beside her. “What do you have in mind?”

“Well there’s one person you’ve never been able to prank.”

“Félix?”

Pepa nodded. “What if we teamed up? He doesn’t think I'm playing this year. He won’t see it coming.”

“Dirty pool, sis. I'm in.”

They began their plotting immediately.

After they were all set up, they hid, peering together through the slats of the closet door. Félix would be walking in at any moment.

“I’m impressed with you, Peps,” Bruno whispered.

Pepa wiggled with barely contained delight. “I used to pull pranks with you all the time, I don’t know why you’re so surprised!”

“Just didn’t know you still had it in you.” Her arm bumped him again as she rubbed her swollen belly. “You okay?”

“I’m fine, just a little sore. Been on my feet a lot with all this.”

Even in the darkness of the closet he could see her grimace. “Maybe we should go rest for a bit—”

“Sh, shh! He’s coming!” She clapped her hand at him.

They watched with bated breath as Félix made his way through the room, closer and closer to the set up.

A splash sounded in the silence.

“Pep?” Bruno breathed.

No response.

“Was this an elaborate set up to actually prank me by making me think you’re going into labor?”

No response.

“Pepa? Please say inocente?”

Pepa let out a wail as a contraction hit rather fiercely, Bruno yelped and threw open the closet door.

Félix spun around and absolutely shrieked.

Much later, after Camilo Pedro Castillo de Madrigal made his first appearance in the world, and the celebrations had died down, there was much debate about who exactly was the inocente that day, and what exactly counted as a prank.

[hannahhook7744]

In Their Eyes I See You;

Summary: Alma didn't just lose Pedro.

She lost everything.

Aka Alma sees Pedro and their families in their triplets.

Encantober Bingo 2024: Recognition.

Trigger Warnings: mention of grief, raids, fighting, threats of violence, and implied character death.

Co-written with @igetthedisneybox .

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

Contrary to popular relief, Alma Olga Madrigal Botero (formerly Botero Molinari) didn't just lose her husband the night the raiders attacked.

Didn't just lose her wonderful, wonderful, playful, thoughtful, poetic Pedro….

No. 

She lost much more than her husband. Much more than her triplets’ father. 

She lost everything.

Her home. Her parents. Her brother. Pedro's family. Even some of her friends. 

Alma had lost everything she had ever known in one night, with the exception of her children—her children who she was absolutely terrified to lose and who she held on too tightly to. 

Her children.

Pedro's children.

Alma wasn't sure she would be able to live without them if something happened. Didn't want to know if she ever could get over something that horrible.

(Not when she still hadn't gotten over losing Pedro). 

She didn't want to imagine her life without her sweet, responsible, sensible Julieta. 

Didn't want to imagine her life without her fiery, impassioned, loud Pepa. 

Didn't want to imagine her life without her and Pedro’s quirky, helpful, shy little Brunito. 

She couldn't bear the thought of losing any of the triplets and so, she refused to even think of such a thing—just like she refused to let herself think of Pedro and the life they had, had all those years ago. When they were young and hopeful and still a they. 

But no matter how hard Alma tried, she couldn't completely forget her and Pedro's families— because she saw them in her children every day. 

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

Her eldest, her precious Julieta, strongly reminded her of her own mother, Alba.

Her madre had been a strong woman, who knew what she wanted in life. Stern at times, playful at others. She was the head of the family, and Alma’s father liked it that way.

Alma sees the way Julieta acts with her siblings, always leading them, guiding them, sometimes scolding, but other times joining in on the fun. Julieta was never one to back down when she knew she was right.

She recognized her mother in how closely Julieta resembled her—especially after a long sleepless night when she was too tired to take her hair of it's messy braid before having her coffee (before she had lopped it all off in frustration one night). 

But the moment where Alma saw her mother in Julieta the most was when she and her eldest had gotten in a fight over the Matriarch’s loud and vocal disapproval of Agustín Rojas Valdez.

“You can not control every single aspect of my life! I love him! And if you don’t accept that, then we’ll just leave!”

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

Alma was four the last time she saw either of her mother's padres.

She didn't remember most of what had occurred.

In fact, all she remembered was that one moment the familia was having dinner and the next her mother was fighting with her mother. 

“This is MY life and I refuse to let you control it any longer! Andre is a good man and I will not allow you to continue disrespecting him and our family by insinuating I made a mistake!” Alba had said, arms crossed, chin raised, and a glare in her eyes. “if you can't accept that, then we'll just leave!”

And so they did. 

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

Alma stared at her daughter. 

Julieta stared right back at her, chin raised. Arms crossed. And a glare in her eyes. 

Looking so much like her abuela had—though she'd never know it—just forty years younger. 

And maybe, Alma could have continued to argue. Could have risked it like her own grandmother had—but she didn't. Very aware of just how similar her daughter was to her own mother. “Very well.”

Ignoring Julieta's gobsmacked look, Alma turned on her heel and headed to her room. Hoping to shake the spirit of her mother out of her mind before dinner. 

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

Pepa, meanwhile, reminded her a lot of her sister-in-law, Alejandra.

Her younger brother, Raimi's, wife. 

Alejandra was a wild woman, who participated in sword fighting and liked taxidermy. Her emotions could change on a dime, and she took everything so seriously.

Her family had a miracle of their own: The female Yees could shapeshift into beasts to protect themselves, and the shift was often tied to their emotional states.

Very much like Pepa’s weather powers.

“TOUCH MY HERMANO AGAIN AND I'LL FRY YOU!” 

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

“Touch my betrothed again—” Alejandra snarled, towering over two men who had been giving Raimi trouble in her red panda form. 

Which wouldn't have been very intimidating if not for the fact she was taller than the homes in their village. 

"ALEJANDRA, DON'T—"

“—and I'LL RIP YOU LIMB FROM LIMB!”

The men never bothered Alma's brother again and it was in that moment that Alma knew that no other woman would ever be good enough for her brother in her eyes. 

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

“JOSEFA ALEJANDRA INÉS MADRIGAL BOTERO, DON'T YOU DARE!”

And just like Alejandra, Pepa didn't listen to Alma either. 

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

Her little Bruno reminded her of both hers, and Pedro’s, fathers.

Her father, Andre, was a shy but playful man. He was a local actor, which Bruno seemed to embrace wholeheartedly. 

“My true gift is acting, I always liked to say.” Bruno had joked on numerous occasions before he inevitably put on a show for his sobrinos and their friends with his rats. 

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

“Ah, but my dear children, my true gift is acting!” Her father said with a smile on his face, winking— earning a squeal of laughter from a then, three year old, Raimi. 

Alma still denied it to this day, but it had earned a snort from her too. 

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

Bruno resembled Pedro's father, Fernando, greatly physically. But that didn't mean that their personalities didn't lack similarities. 

Like both Bruno and Andre, Ferndando was introverted and shy. He was an animal lover, and just generally goofy, from what Alma remembered of him.

He was also an anxious wreck a lot of the time, something that Bruno unfortunately inherited.

Along with the superstitions.

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

The first time Fernando had met Alma, he'd knocked on wood three times—muttering under his breath—and had thrown salt over his shoulder. 

Just barely missing her. 

“We don't get a lot of guests.” Pedro had smiled sheepishly at her. 

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

Alma sighed, watching as Bruno threw salt over his shoulder—causing it to get in little Camilo’s hair. 

Much to Pepa’s fury. 

It seemed like Alma would never be able to stop seeing her fallen friends and family in her children or their children.

(Mirabel and Camilo were so much like Pedro —).

It was as if she was being haunted by them….

[cloudy-encanto]

Day 30 of Encantober 🌈💕🦋☀️ I can’t believe it! Tomorrow is the last day!

This has been an incredible journey and I love you all for checking it out 🥹 hope everyone else enjoyed creating for Encantober too!!

Today’s prompt: Milk

Excerpt:

"It sounds to me," Julieta placed more food onto the stove, "Like you are worried about today, Mama."

Alma sat at the dining table, hands clasped as she watched her daughter turn food with her fingers.

"I'm not worried." Alma corrected her. "I am vigilant. Today is so important for the Encanto, for our family. I just need to make sure that every-"

"Everything goes perfectly." Julieta finished Mama's sentence, "We know."

Julieta poured steaming liquid from one of the pots into a cup, then brought it over.

"Here." She placed the cup in front of Alma. "This will help."

"Is it coffee?" Alma asked, looking hopefully into the cup to discover white liquid.

Julieta laughed softly, shaking her head as she went back to the stove.

"Too early for coffee, Mama." She told her. "It's hot milk, to help you go back to sleep. You want to be well rested for the morning."

Alma frowned, cup in both hands as she gazed down at it.

"But I am up now." Alma insisted, stubborn as ever as she turned back to Julieta. "And I can smell you have made coffee."

Julieta picked up her own cup, eyes turning to meet Alma's as she took a drink.

"This is my coffee, Mama." Julieta smiled. "So I can prepare today's party feast, food for today's healing, breakfast for the family." She took another sip, then returned to the stove.

Alma watched Julieta, unsure how her daughter managed it all. Julieta always seemed so calm, like everything was under control. It was comforting. No matter what happened today, at least Alma knew Julieta's part would be perfectly taken care of.

"Drink the milk, Mama." Julieta encouraged, her back to Alma as she continued to work. "And try to get some more sleep. You'll feel better in the morning."

https://archiveofourown.org/works/42056430/chapters/107343858

[16magnolias]

Encantober Day 11: Door

Dolores has trouble falling asleep, and Felix helps. Over and over. Fluff, Good Parent Felix, Mild Hurt/Comfort - mostly comfort <3

****

“And then, Pablo PUSHED Eduardo, and Eduardo grabbed onto his collar, and they both fell into the mud and were rolling around and wrestling and Señora Domingo was having trouble separating them so I told Señora Muñoz about it and she went to help her pull them apart and then she ended recess early so she could ‘handle them’.” Dolores relayed with wide eyes as she bounced lightly on the edge of her bed.

“Well, it sounds like it was an eventful day at school today,” Félix said, distracted as he searched the drawer for his daughter’s nightgown.

“Ah – could you – put this on, mija?”  He said as he handed her the pajamas he’d finally found.

“Sí,” Dolores lisping slightly around her missing front teeth.  She’d lost both in the span of two weeks, and it was adorable. 

“And then it’s time for bed,” Félix said for the tenth time, as Dolores animatedly talked about everything she’d heard at school that day.

“Sí, sí, Papa, okay.  But I’m too tired to go to sleep.  I’ve got too much wiggle worms in me to sleep right now.”

“Well, you’re going to have to try,” Félix said with gentle sternness. “Because tomorrow is a school day.”

“Another one?!”  Dolores made a face.  “How may more days until it’s over?”

Félix chuckled.  “Only about a hundred.”

“A HUNDRED?!”  Dolores sat straight up in bed.  “But that’s practically forever!” She whispered.

Félix coaxed Dolores to lay back down and tucked her in again, giving her a kiss and smoothing the covers over her.  “It seems like it, but you do only have two more days until the weekend.  No school on the weekend, querida.”

“Yeah, that’s still two whole days.”  Dolores sighed. “Can we go on a picnic to the lake this weekend?  It’s so nice and quiet there.  Well, not quiet, really. But different sounds.  I like it there.”

Félix paused.  “Is your gift bothering you, mija?” 

Dolores shook her head.  She’d had her gift for over a year now, and she seemed to have adjusted as well as could be expected.  In fact, she was prouder than she’d ever been of it, because she had been the one to recently announce that her mamí and tía were both pregnant.  “It’s not bothering me today.  I just wanna go on a picnic.”

Félix smiled at her.  “I’ll talk to your mamí and your abuela and see what we can do, then, okay?”

“Okay!” Dolores whispered cheerfully.

“Now go to bed!”  Félix said with a smile as he closed the bedroom door behind him.  “Mamí will be in in a minute to kiss you goodnight, too.”

***

The sound of little feet passing overhead made Félix look up to the balcony.

“Dolores?”

“Just need a drink of water!”  She said.

Félix waited until Dolores had gotten said drink of water from the bathroom, and then ran back to her room.  “Good night, mija!”  He whispered.  “Don’t forget to shut your door.”

She paused at her door.  “…Okay. G’night, Papa!”

***

“Can I have some?”

Félix, Pepa, Julieta, and Agustín looked up from the kitchen table, where they were nursing cups of weak coffee and eating some sweet and sticky torta des tres leches, talking over the day and discussing the plans for the weekend.  Pepa was further along than Julieta, but they both seemed to be over their morning sickness and neither was so large that a picnic by the lake was unfeasible. They’d invited Bruno to sit with them, but he’d mumbled something about needing his beauty rest and escaped to his tower.  He’d been avoiding them all with increasing regularity these past few months. Maybe a picnic at the lake with the family was just what he needed, too.

Dolores stood, twisting the hem of her nightgown in her hands, eyes wide and looking hungrily at the cake on the plate.

“Hungry, mija?”  Félix asked softly.

“Sí,” Dolores said.  “Just a little.”

“Okay, a little piece, corazón, and then back to bed,” Pepa said, and patted her lap for her to climb up and sit with her.

***

Félix had just finished getting ready for bed himself and was leaving the bathroom when he nearly ran into Dolores.

“Dolores, mija, is everything okay?”  He whispered under his breath.  It was unusual for her to be out of bed this late.  She preferred the quiet of her room after a long day.

She blinked up at him.  “Oh! Um, yeah.  Sí, Papa.  I just – uh – I have to go to the bathroom.”

Félix moved out of the way.  “Okay, mija, and then I’ll tuck you in again.”

***

“So, having trouble falling asleep tonight, mija?”

Dolores flopped down onto her bed, hiding her face behind her hands. “I think I might be a vampire!”

Félix choked on a laugh and quickly swallowed it, sitting down on the edge of the bed beside her.  “What?”

“I’m just – so tired during the day and then I’m so awake at night!”  She curled her hands to imitate claws and lifted her lip in a snarl and hissed, pretending to show off her fangs. She then gestured to the air around her, giggling.  “I belong to the night!”

Félix shook his head and ruffled her hair affectionately.  It was nice to see some of her former spirit returning.  Her gift had taken away some of that cheerful silliness and made her so incredibly subdued for months.  “You do not belong to the night, Dolores Madrigal.  You belong here, in this family, in your bedroom, asleep at this hour.  But – why are you having trouble sleeping, mija?  You have been tired lately.  Have you…have you been hearing something at night?  Did something you hear bother you?” 

Félix tensed slightly.  They’d had a lot of trouble navigating Dolores’ gift this past year.  She’d heard things no child should ever hear.  But her room was her safe haven; it was completely quiet in here with the door closed. He’d spent many days and even nights in here with her, helping her to adjust. 

Dolores hesitated.  “No.” 

“Because you can always tell me if you hear anything you - ”

“It’s not that, Papa,” Dolores said softly.

“Oh.  Well – querida – what is it?”

“I just – I want to – hear you.”

Félix blinked.  “You want me to spend the night in here with you tonight?  Or sleep with Mamí and I?  You can if - ”

Dolores shook her head.  “Mamí snores now that she’s got a baby in her belly.  And that’s too loud to be next to her.”

Félix snorted.  “Ah – um – yes.  So - ”

“Just – leave the door cracked?  That way I can hear everybody.  Just for tonight.  I like hearing the baby’s heartbeats.  I like hearing you and Mamí talking before you go to bed.  I like hearing Tío Bruno’s sand.  There’s – there’s enough quiet noise in Casita that I don’t have to listen to anything outside if I don’t want to. Sometimes – I like the quiet in here, but sometimes – it’s too quiet.  And when it’s too quiet in the room, my brain thinks too loud.”

“Ahhh,” Félix nodded in understanding.  “You like soft noises to help you sleep?”

Dolores nodded. 

“Well, I think we can figure something out for you then, mija.  Tomorrow.  Tonight, I’ll leave the door cracked.  Okay?”

“Okay, Papa. Thank you.”

“You’re very welcome, mi amorita.”  Félix kissed her goodnight.

When he left, he left the door cracked open. 

She was asleep within five minutes.

****

AO3 here

[naoko-world]

Day 2 of the Encantober is also a short story, a ficlet/dabble! It inspired me something with Luisa. I'm not really used to write for her but for me it was obvious I had to do this about her.

Encantober day 2: Strength

Luisa woke up one day like any other day in her concreted room full of workout tools. And like any other day, she put on her dress and brushed her hair before starting her morning workout while the house was still quiet. She was obviously the first one up, as always since she had to do that much to stay muscular and strong. She glanced at her back room hiding the amusement park before picking up her dress.

Her bun made, she started her workout routine with pomps. Today, to add a bit more fun, she tried with only one hand. Then she switched them, thus many times, which she succeeded to do, bringing her so much pride! Then, she continued her routine until it was time for the rest of the family to wake up. She could hear Mirabel knocking on doors and talking to who knows who about her family. As always, she moved to her door with some weights and started running on the spot, Casita helping her by moving the tiles underneath. There she could see her family being active and preparing to do their part in the community.

While she was doing so, Mirabel passed besides her, singing “So many stars and everybody gets to shine” before running off to Luisa had no idea where. Probably continue to introduce the family. Luisa stopped quickly to make a little dance though, Abuela going out of her room while Mirabel was introducing her: “Abuela runs the shows. She led us here so many years ago.”

Then, she went down to drink her morning coffee and start going to town to use her strength to help the Encanto and strengthening it. Starting by helping building a house for the newlywed Rodriguez couple. Then, she got asked to move the bridge before she heard Abuela yell “Let’s get ready!”

“Coming Abuela” she replied before running back to Casita to help preparing Antonio’s ceremony.

The rest of the day was spend working on the upcoming gift ceremony for little Antonio. Luisa almost tripped Mirabel over when she had to throw the barrels of wine to go move the piano upstairs but, overwise, everything else went perfectly. She felt so proud of herself for all the works she did for that big and important event! Well, nobody told her anything about it but honestly seeing the smiles on her famly’s faces was the best reward she could have get.

Luisa was freaking out. The day before, at the moment Mirabel saw the cracks, Luisa suddenly felt weak. It wasn’t good! Not good at all! She needed to be strong! She had to be strong! Who would carry the weight of the family on their shoulders otherwise? She couldn’t let her family down!

This is why she decided to do as Abuela said, meaning “Work twice as hard”. She was determined to do so except...Mirabel decided she wanted to talk to her. She already tried during breakfast, when she told her Dolores reported to her she had been freaking out. Right! Why couldn’t her cousin keep her mouth shut? At the time, she got saved by Abuela not appreciating Mirabel was talking at the same time as her.

Now though, Mirabel seemed like she decided to stick to her to bother her with what she knew about the cracks. Yes, she knew something since she heard the grown-up talking after Tío Bruno left. No, she won’t say anything. Why would she? It was better for Mirabel not to know anything about these issues, to let her live her life as a powerless person, to not have to be pressured. Not to have to be strong to help the family survive.

She was determined not to say anything!