#mama abuela au

[gamerbearmira]

Now no one gets the apron

This title will make more sense if you read it I SWEAR

Very sad, I'm in the mood for angst today 😛😛 and who doesn't love some Mamabuela. Seriously, it has been a hot MINUTE you know I had to hook y'all up 💪💪💪

Anyway, sadness, mean words that weren't meant to be said. You guys know the drill 🤥

eh ge ie

—————

Isabela and Mirabel tugged at the apron. Their late mothers apron. They were gonna help their abuela in the kitchen, but they both wanted to wear their mothers apron.

"You wore it last time, it's my turn!" Mirabel said, her small hands gripping the blue apron with surprising strength. Isabela, now 14, was pulling it back in her direction.

"You always get to wear it! It's my turn!" Isabela seethed, tugging at the apron. By this point, the commotion had gather some attention from other family members, who peaked into hallway by Julieta's room where they were arguing in front of. Luisa seemed distressed, trting to find ways to break them apart without causing more tension.

"H—Hey, maybe we should calm down, I mean I'm sure you guys can-" Luisa was cut off by Isabela who shot her a look.

"No! She wore it already! I want to wear it this time!" Isabela argued and Miravel stomped her foot, pulling the apron again.

"My gift is closer anyway, that's why I wear it more!" She said. She wasn't really wrong, her gift was essentially Julieta's.

Alma by this point had exited the kitchen and began walking up the stairs. She had knew this was going to happen, it wasn't the first time. Last time Luisa and Mirabel had faught with it. She should've expected it.

"Girls, what is going on?" Alma asked, and the two stopped, though still held the apron, looking towards Alma.

"She won't let me wear the apron this time!" Isabela said, pointing to Mirabel who pouted again.

"It's not like she wanted to wear it anyway! She wasn't even thinking about it until I came out of the room with it!" Mirabel said and Isabela didn't like that answer.

"Give it!" She said yelled, her voice raising and she used her vines to pull back, cacti sprouting in a nearby pot. Mirabel quickly noticed, yanking back. Alma, nor anybody had any time to react before a loud tearing sound ripped through the room. The ribbon that went around the back had tore, now in Mirabel's hands while Isabela held the other, larger part, the two girls having fell to the floor.

There was silence before Isabela stood, her eyes glassy. "Look what you did! You ripped it!"

Mirabel looked offended, stepoing forward. "I ripped it? Your stupid vines pulled too hard!"

Alma decided to finally physically step in. But before she could fully even get a sentence out, Isabela had shoved in finger into Mirabel's chest, not to hurt her, but more out of anger.

"Why do you even care?! You didn't know her!" She screamed and Mirabel blinked. Bruno and Alma had stepped forward at this point, and Dolores took Luisa and Camilo and pulled them back. "You stole her gift!"

"Isabela, that's enough—" Alma had been cut off once more, not that she could formulate any words after Isabela's.

"It's all your fault she's dead anyway! If she wasn't pregnant with you, her and papá would've been able to move out of the way!" Isabela screamed, tears spilling from her eyes.

Casita was quiet. No one spoke a word, and everyone's eyes were on the two girls; mostly Isabela. She finally seemed to process what she said and her hands flew to her mouth and she stepped back, looking at Mirabel, who had begun to cry. Her lip quivered and tears began to spill out of her eyes as Isabela's words hit her like a freight train.

Thunder crashed as Pepa finally processed what her eldest niece said to her youngest and Mirabel threw the ribbon to the ground, running to her room.

"Mirabel, wait, I didn't mean—" Isabela words were drowned out by another crash of thunder and Mirabel's face twisted into one of pure sadness and guilt. Guilt that Isabela had never intended to make Mirabel feel, especially not for their parents death.

"Keep the stupid apron then!" She wailed, slamming the door to her room. There was more silence, aside from the now pouring rain and Isabela's faint crying.

Pepa had quickly taken to running to the other side of the house to Mirabel's room, Luisa and Camilo on her heels. Bruno seemed conflicted, glacing between Isabela and his mamá, Alma, before turning and walking back into his room, clearly in the verge of tears at the reminder of the death of his and Pepa's sister.

Felíx had quickly followed after him, Dolores by his side. That left Alma and Isabela in the hallway, alone. Casita was quiet, not even move a single tile or floorboard. Alma's face was that of disappointment, and maybe even confusion as she looked at Isabela, who was crying, soaking wet from Pepa's storm.

"I...I didn't mean to say that, Abuela, I...I waan't trying to..." Isabela wasn't even focused on the apron anymore, she didn't care. She had hurt Mirabel her youngest sister who was a miracle from God Himself. And she just blamed the death of their parents on her, knowing full well that it wasn't even remotely her fault.

She looked up at Alma, who was just staring at her. Her gaze shifted to Mirabel's room, where loud crying and soft voices could be heard. Alma rubbed her eyes, and Isabela wasn't sure if she was crying or wiping the rain from Pepa's rain away.

"Abuela? Wh—What do I do? I didn't mean to...to say those things, I swear!" Isabela said between her hitched breathing, hiccuping softly. Alma looked up at Isabela, her gaze conflicted, more than Bruno's.

"Just...go to your room, Isabela. We'll talk about this later. It's not a good time for anyone right now," Alma said, her voice low. Isabela opened her mouth to protest, to say she wanted to run into her youngest hermana's room and apologize. But the look in Alma's eyes told her everything, and she quiet nodded.

"Ok Abuela," Isabela said softly, dragging her feet to her room. The door shut quietly and Alma leaned against the railing, doing her best to hold back her tears and control her emotions. She had to. She couldn't break down. Not right now.

—————

OK. Isabela didn’t mean it, I promise she apologizes. She loves Mirabel’s and does not blame her 😭 it’s just one of those moments where you’re arguing and say something you don’t mean.

Everybody was hurt in this situation 🙏

[magicalmadrigals]

Nah because why did I just now remember about my Alma fic where she falls in love with one of the villagers and he and the triplets are little chaotic besties and the whole thing is just a pure fluff-fest 😂😭

[hurt-comfort-lover]

Mirabel AU / Mirabel Angst / Mama Mirabel / Part Ten

“Ah! Sorry- sorry I didn’t mean to- uh-” He stops not knowing what to say. Mirabel was so surprised that she stopped shaking and her breathing slowed. 

“Tio Bruno…? What are you doing here?”

“Well- um, I kind of live here? Unless you mean like- like in this area which is because I heard someone in the passageways, and then I saw my vision and you know uh, yeah.”

“Oh.. um, what do you mean live here? How?”

“It’s a bit hard to explain, it might be easier for me to just show you.” He says offering his hand, Mirabel takes it, pulling herself up. He takes her through the passageways to his “room.” Mirabel walks by and sees cracks that are covered in cement.

“Are you patching up the cracks?”

“Oh! No no no no no, I don’t go near those. All the patching is done by Hernando.”

“Who is Hernan-” Bruno puts up his cape and says,

“I’m Hernando and I’m afraid of nothing!” he pauses, “It’s actually me, I say my real gift was ‘acting,’ haha.” Mirabel looks at him and she can’t decide whether to find it funny, charming or concerning.

“I’m Jorge, I make the spackle,” Bruno says. Mirabel decides she should probably be concerned. They make it into Bruno's room. It’s filled with rats messing with his stuff, and his room is small and covered in small things he’d collected over the years. 

“You never left?”

“Well, I left my tower- a lot of stairs you know. It’s kitchen adjacent, and-” He goes over to the television, ���free entertainment! Telenovelas!” He says as he flips through different cutouts for the rats. He sits down on his red chair.

“Their love could never be.”

“I don’t understand, why did you leave, but not actually leave?”

“Well, free food, and uh ya know.” He just shrugs. Mirabel looks through a hole in the wall to see the dining table, and then looks at a small table that’s labeled with his name, showing that he uses it to pretend like he’s still a part of the family. Bruno stands up and walks behind her.

“Yeah, my gift wasn’t really helping the family, but, I love my family, ya know?” Bruno says. Mirabel nods and looks at the vision in her arms.

“Nobody was ever meant to see that vision.”

“Why- why did you take the vision?”

“Well, after you didn’t get your gift Abuela was worried about the magic and asked me to take a vision. When I saw the vision I knew how it was going to look, because I’m Bruno and everyone always assumes the worst, so.. So I left.”

“You left… for me?”

“I mean not just that, but yeah I guess. You are my niece after all.” Mirabel smiled sadly, just happy that he cared that much.

“Thank you, Tio.”

“Ah- no don’t- I uh, you don’t need to,” he stumbled.

“I feel like I should though. I messed up Isabella’s proposal and now I’m hiding in here instead of facing Abuela. I know I don’t have a gift but I love my family and I just want to help.”

“You are helping.”

“You don’t know that.”

“I do know sobrina. I still know a little about what goes on in the Casita. You’re doing fine. Whatever is happening with Isabella, it’ll be ok.”

“Gracias Tio,” Mirabel says as she hugs him. He awkwardly hugs back,

“Anytime, kid.” 

“I think I know what I need to do. I need to apologize to Isabella.” She says as she goes to leave but Bruno stops her.

“Wait, before you go, if you save the miracle, could you visit sometime?”

“When I save the miracle, I’m bringing you home,” Mirabel says confidently. Bruno smiles and then knocks on a bunch of wood as Mirabel leaves. 

Mirabel walks up to Isabella’s door, and a lot of emotions run through her, debating if this was the right decision. She goes into the room anyway to see an angry Isabella.

“What are you doing here?!” She says irritated.

“I came to apologize.”

“I’m listening.”

“I’m sorry for ruining your proposal, I’m going to talk to Mariano and try to fix this.”

“Don’t bother.”

“Why?”

“It’s not like he’ll change his mind.”

“You don’t know that- Do you… want to marry Mariano?” Isabella looks surprised at the question and thinks.

“I- I mean yeah. It’s good for the Ecanto, and Abuela-”

“I’m not asking about that, I’m asking if you want to marry Mariano.”

“I don’t know. I mean, I thought I was fine with it, but now- now that I have a chance out… I don’t know.”

“Why would you marry someone you don’t love?” Mirabel asks.

“Well, I don’t really want to get married, but Abuela just seemed so happy when Mariano and I started getting along. When she suggested getting engaged, I-”

“-Wanted to make her proud?”

“Yeah. I don’t know why I’m even telling you this. You know Abuela is livid right now? Mami and Papi were arguing with her and everyone’s looking for you.”

“Oh… well, I’m sorry. For all of this. I hope that you can get the ending that you want. I think I need to talk to Abuela,” Mirabel says. Isabella nods,

“It’s fine I guess. You kind of gave me a chance out, so thank you.” Isabella says. Mirabel walks out of the room and goes to talk to her Abuela, though she runs into her mami first.

“Mirabel! There you are!” she says as she pulls her youngest daughter into a hug.

“Hola mami.”

“I don’t know what’s going on. Your Abuela is being unreasonable and there are cracks littered around the house. I don’t understand.”

“I think it’s the miracle mami. I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet, but I need to talk to Abuela,” Mirabel asserts. Julietta just nods and lets her youngest go. Mirabel goes to the living room to see Abuela talking with Senora Guzman. She goes up to both of them, and Senora Guzman sees her first.

“Mirabel,” she says. Abuela turns around to see her youngest granddaughter, anger written all over her face.

“You need to fix this,” Abuela says.

“Lo siento Abuela. I won’t. Isabella-”

“What?! Don’t disrespect me.”

“I didn’t mean-”

“No, you listen to me. I don’t know why you weren’t given a gift but it is not an excuse to hurt this family.” Abuela says with venom. To Mirabel, it feels like a stab in her heart. Senora Guzman looks shocked. Her Papi comes to see what’s going on while Dolores and Camilo were sitting on the couch nearby. Tia Pepa and Felix were near the kitchen.

“I will never be good enough for you… will I? No matter how I try- No matter how hard everyone tries! Luisa will never be strong enough! Isabella will never be perfect enough! Tio Bruno left because you always saw the worst in him!”

“Bruno did not care about this family!” Cracks begin to form on the walls and ceiling.

“He loves this family, I love this family, we all love this family! You’re the one that doesn’t care.”

“Don’t you ever-!”

“The Miracle is dying because of you!” As Mirabel finishes her sentence the house begins to fall apart. Mirabel runs straight for the candle, while Casita tries to help her while also pushing everyone out of the house. Everyone is yelling at her to stop, telling her it’s not worth it. She continues though. As she goes up she sees her Tio Bruno escape the house with a bucket on his head, and she smiles slightly to herself. She makes it to the candle but the house is too far gone. Casita’s last efforts are covering Mirabel with furniture to protect her. The Casita was gone, all that was left was the rubble of what it once was. Mirabel holds the unlit candle as her Mami runs over to her.

“Mirabel! What were you thinking?! Are you hurt?” Julieta says while checking her, Mirabel is despondent, still looking at the candle. Julietta looks at her daughter, who had dropped the candle on the ground, and then back out hearing her hermana call her. 

“I’ll be right back- don’t move,” Julietta says as she runs towards her hermana. 

When most of the fog clears and most of the familia is together, they realize that Mirabel is gone. They call out to her but there’s no response. Everyone goes looking for her, including Abuela. After hours of searching it just so happens that Abuela ended up finding her, she found her holding her knees to her chest while crying next to a lake she knew too well. She walks up to Mirabel and sits beside her.

“I’m sorry, I- I just wanted to help. Instead, all I ended up doing was hurting us.” Mirabel says as she cries into her knees.

“No, it’s not you. Mirabel, this is on me. You are a child, I’m an adult. Ever since we got our miracle I’ve tried so hard to give back to the world. Why out of all people did I deserve a miracle? Instead, I’ve been so focused on the miracle that, now that it’s gone, I can see clearly. Mi familia, they are the most important thing. Not the candle, mi familia. So truly, I’m so sorry Mirabel. I don’t deserve forgiveness yet, but I’ll do my best.” Abuela says as her hand glides against the current. Mirabel looks over to Abuela and pulls her into a hug.

“I could never stay mad at you, of course, I forgive you. You’re mi Abuela, you’re one of the bravest women I’ve ever met.”

“Gracias Mirabel, you’re too kind.” They break from the hug as Bruno jumps through the bushes with a horse, and jumps off.

“Don’t blame her! I gave her a vision-” he says before his mami pulls him into a hug.

“Oh mi Brunito, I missed you. I’m so sorry I pushed you away.” She says as she squeezes him tightly. He wheezes, 

“I think I missed something.” He smiles sheepishly as all three of them jump on the horse.

“Mirabel! Mija I was so worried!” Julietta exclaimed as she pulled Mirabel into a tight hug. 

“Lo siento Mami,” Mirabel says while muffled by her mother’s arms. The familia gathers, happy that Mirabel was found and the entire familia was together. After Mirabel was released from Julietta’s death grip, Antonio jumped on her, Mirabel caught him and hugged him as well. From behind the horse came both Abuela and Bruno. Julietta and Pepa both look to see their brother, Pepa goes up to him first and slaps him in the face, and then pulls him into a hug.

“Don’t you ever do that again pendejo,” she says. Bruno awkwardly hugs her back.

“Lo siento hermana..” he says, not sure if she’s happy he’s back or angry he left. Pepa let him go and then Julietta hugged him as well.

“Welcome back hermano,” Julietta says.When the familia was reunited they realized they needed to figure out a plan as to where they were staying, and how they were going to rebuild their home. Despite earlier events, the townspeople all came to help including the Guzmans. Multiple people had guestrooms for the family to stay, Senora Gabriela had two guestrooms that Mirabel and Bruno took, the Garcias had a guest room that Julietta and Agustin stayed in, the Lopeses had one spare bedroom with two beds that both Isabella and Luisa too, the Guzmans had two extra guest rooms, which Pepa and Felix shared one, while Antonio took the other, Lastly the Gomezes had two extra bedrooms that Dolores and Camilo stayed in. The family was really grateful to all the townspeople, but they insisted because the Madrigals had helped them so much over the years. Plans were made for the next day of clearing the rubble from the area, while also planning out the blueprints for the Casita. That night though, the Madrigals got some much-needed sleep, at least most of them. Mirabel couldn’t sleep no matter how hard she tried, despite the apology from her Abuela, which she was elated about, her negative thoughts still flooded her brain. It was almost as if they got worse. Did she deserve to be apologized to? Does she deserve forgiveness? The more she lay in a bed that was not her own, the louder the thoughts became.

[miracles-and-butterflies]

[Reincarnation AU]

Mirabel, embracing Dolores: I know that. And Luisa tells me she’s proud and loves me every day, and I’m very grateful and warmed, I just…

Dolores: …Wish you could have heard Abuela say those things to you at least once?

Mirabel: *nods*

Mirabel: …And you wanted to hear a child call you “Mama”?

Dolores:

Mirabel:

Dolores:

Mirabel, tearfully: Wait, are you crying, Lola?

Dolores, sniffling: No, be quiet. Or I’ll send you next door to your sisters.

(Cut to next door, playing on the computer)

Isabela: Sim Luisa has set herself on fire trying to make dinner!

Luisa: What the fuck? Sim Luisa, you stupid bitch! You were literally making eggs!

[weaverpop]

Blue Flower au!

Continuation of this.

So wholesome right? Li Jing wants to be a grandad, Nezha is a panicked but excited father, and things couldn’t go wrong. Nezha won’t make the same mistakes his father made, right?

He doesn’t. But he does make different ones.

Li Jing LOVES Baby Qing in the same way Encanto’s Abuela loved Isabella. Qing is not only NAMED after Jing, but as he grows, the resemblance is uncanny. The few things Qing actually gets from his ‘mama’ are is face shape (chubby) and his short stature. Everything else? All Jing.

And Nezha loves his son. He does. But he just… can’t help but to feel sad sometimes. He sees the way Jing interacts with Qing, and just feels overwhelmingly sad and angry and hurt. He’s jealous, weather or not he realizes it, and that kind of taints some of their interactions.

Nezha would never hurt Qing intentionally. He never lays a hand on him. But he is a lot harder on Qing then he is any future siblings Qing has. It’s waved away as Qing being the oldest. But as Qing gets older, he notices.

It doesn’t help that Jing, despite how far he’s come, still has a long way to go. Remember encanto’s Abuela and Isabella situation? That’s what ends up happening.

Qing is Jing’s favorite, and that is not a good thing.

[thequeenofthedisneyverse]

My version of the Tainted Miracle Au

Isabela, she started out as the tomboy of the family, loved playing in mud, pulling flowers out from the root to give to her mama, reading about all kinds of plants, etc.

Alma, however, wanted the girl to be more girly so when she became four, she started teaching the girl how to do more feminine things. The miracle didn't know that was going to be a problem but knew what her gift was going to be and blessed with the gift of creating beautiful plants of all kinds.

By the time Mirabel came along she was turning into a perfect feminine version of the tomboy she used to be. But being only eleven, she still tried to hold her childish nature and play with her younger sisters and primos.

But whenever she got too rough or messy, she gets scolded.

"Isabela! You got your dress dirty, the seamstress didn't custom tailor it for you to treat it like that."

After Mirabel got her gift, which was crystal, glass, and diamond creation. She was forced into the perfection role with Isabela being tasked to teach Mirabel what she knows.

At eight Mirabel noticed Camilo, Luisa, and Dolores didn't nearly get as much praise as She and Isabela did. so, she started helping them. She started making cute accessories and dresses (or at least attempted it) for Luisa to wear around town. Same for Camilo and Dolores.

She taught her primos and hermana how to walk agile, how to sit straight, and keep a smile. Dolores wasn't really all for it but tried her best. People would often ask for certain types of jewelry or just about anything made of glass or crystal. So, she would have Camilo, Dolores, and Luisa help her mail them around town if they would be in the area.

Camilo would model as Mirabel's manniquin when it came to Mirabel making clothes for the family. Alma saw this and in turn, gave him praise for helping her "Chica Diamante Perfecta"

They would also help Isabela with mailing certain flowers to certain homes or just give them to people when Isabela handed them the flowers to pass out.

They all would get praise for helping Mirabel and Isabela out…but this took a turn. It was expectant for them to be pretty and helpful just like Mirabel and Isabela.

Camilo could no longer slouch over or do boyish things. He was now supposed to help Mira, be a perfect babysitter (in other words mother), respectful, clean, and eat a normal portion of food.

Luisa was now supposed to handle herself with grace when doing chores in town. No running, no dirtying clothes that Mirabel made for you, head up, back straight, swift movements.

Dolores was now actually forced to socialize and "not be seen as rude" because she used to stay in her room too much. Earmuffs (that look like stylish earpieces) are mandatory for her if she has to socialize, luckily Mirabel made her some cute earmuffs for her to wear.

Overtime Isabela wasn't liking the attention being taken away from her and became distant. In her mind, they were all taking away her chance at becoming a Matriarch and making abuela proud.

Oh! New idea! Alma constantly holds the "you might become the future candle holder if you keep this up" trophy over them.

The other grandkids picked up hobbies to appease Alma. Camilo: Baking, sewing, and painting. Dolores: Writing, crafting, and ballet. Luisa: kindergarten volunteer, candle making, and knitting.

"H- Here you go Abuela, strawberry buñuelo's just how you like them" Camilo handed Alma the cookies. In return he got a thank you but he still couldn't help but doubt. Was it enough? should I make more? I hope they were decorated good enough…please be proud

When Antonio is born and grows up, he's still the same shy kid. But Alma, having five other perfect grandchildren, is teaching him how to be just like them after his ceremony.

Antonio (let's say two years after his ceremony), is started to mimic his siblings and primas behavior.

"I have to be mature, sit up straight, don't get dirty, help the town, be polite, become the future matriarch and make abuela proud"

Everything was fine, until Isabela's wedding day. just before she walks down the aisle, her whole life of suffering flashes before her eyes…and she snaps at the realization that her life wasn't her own.

she ran all the way from the church and to Casita. goes for the candle to snuff it out and fails, ending up getting shocked and scarred by it.

She figured she had enough time to write a letter to her primas and hermanas on what happened. Writing everything she could as fast as she could and left it in Mirabel's room marked as "Hermana's and primo's eyes only."

"To mi hermanas and primos, I'm so sorry I've been so distant with you and mean to you. Alma just molded me into something she wanted me to be since my ceremony day. She told me that if I stayed strong, independent, and perfect that I'll one day be a matriarch…like she told all of you. She stole my youth, stole yours, and is going to steal Antonio's youth if we let her…get the candle. It gave me scars but maybe, if you bide your time and plan correctly, you'll get the candle without it hurting you and maybe she'll listen to you. if not…destroy it, it's obviously the only thing she cares about if she doesn't want to hear your pain"

One after one, they all tried to reason with her...and ended up scarred and in a donkey barn...plotting the demise of the remaining madrigal adults, especially Alma's.

Additional info:

What about their parents?

What about Bruno?

What happened to Bruno?

How does Alma treat Julieta and Pepa?

Just a little insight on how messed up the kids really are in the au

Mannerisms

Designs and relationships

Playlist

Battle with own mind

Future outfits

See this version of Isabela's villain song as all the madrigal grandkids villain song.

@toaverse

[yellowcry]

Hey, hey hey! Mamaluisa au!

So, this time grownups actually found a vision

Abuela, worried for magic, started to discuss an idea of putting Mirabel on adoption with other adults. They didn't plan to let the kids know, but Luisa walked out of her room at the middle of the night for some reason and accidentally overheard it.

She was not having it

Seeing how her parents didn't protect Mirabel enough, she got mad and was like "You want to give Mirabel to other parents? Okay, well, she's my daughter now"

And Luisa meant what she said. She'd already act like somehow a parental figure for her sister, but now? She claims Mirabel as her own daughter and takes care of her, making sure that Mira is fed, dressed and other stuff. Of course, soon enough Mirabel starts to call her 'mama'. And Luisa squeaks like a puppy when it happens for the first time. She probably comes to the parent meetings and includes Mirabel in the family. Alma thinks that Luisa is being childish. The rest of the family has no idea of what's going on anymore

[row-boats3]

A piece I wrote in like 20 minutes because I have Encanto brain-rot and I started thinking of how Mirabel got her “gift” in a Celebrity!Madrigals AU

……..

Mirabel returned home sluggishly, tossing her bag to the couch as soon as she crossed through the door of their home.

Unsurprisingly, the house was empty.

Mama had gone to an interview for her new cook-book, dragging Papa with her as even with her collected front she hated doing interviews alone. Tia Pepa was working hard on recording her next album with Tio Felix. Dolores was at a meeting for her cover art, Luisa at training for the athletic event, and Camilo at a table read for a new, exclusive movie he wasn’t allowed to tell her about yet.

Even Senorita perfecta Isabela would be welcome right now, but she was out too, negotiating a contract with a new, up-and-coming fashion boutique.

Once again, ordinary Mirabel was left alone as her extraordinary family won over the hearts of the public.

It wasn’t like Mirabel resents them for it.

(Well, maybe she did - just a little - but she really didn’t mean to.)

Mirabel loved her family more than anything, and they loved her. She knew her family loved her, they showed it every day. They were just so busy with interviews, and work, and fans, and fame.

(And yeah, maybe things have been tough for a couple years since Camilo had started getting serious acting work. Maybe Abuela was starting to pressure Mirabel, or asking her why she hadn’t started working on something impressive like her sisters or cousins. Maybe Mirabel felt just a tiny bit alone every time her parents, or sisters, or cousins were too busy to ask about her day or help with homework. That didn’t mean they loved her any less, right?

Right?)

She turned the TV on, just to drown out the silence of the apartment. It landed on an old rerun of a talk-show from last week, an interview of Dolores quietly teasing her new album. Mirabel left in on, the familiar voice always calming.

There she was, home alone, given full range of the top floor apartment building her family owned.

She was was wholly, completely, unequivocally bored.

With nothing better to do, she decided to actually do some homework, pulling out notebooks of her bag and flipping to the next clean page of her math one. Her eyes wandered, smiling at the paper.

Just before it was a page full of doodles from when she got bored in class, all symbols important to her family. Herbs for Mama, A thunderbolt (the name of Tia Pepa’s first solo album), a chameleon for Camilo, Flowers for Isabela who always said she wanted to be a florist before modeling took off. Beside the individual drawing had been a smaller sketch, the markings inside a pair of pants.

Mirabel paused.

She glanced down at her own, suddenly very plain skirt.

Her private school had many rules on dress code - no colored hair, uniform below the knees, black shoes.

They said nothing against modifying the turquoise uniform, did they?

In a sudden moment of weakness and ADHD hyperfixation, the teen shot up. Papa kept some extra sowing supplies in the back of his closet, didn’t he?

Somewhat quickly, with only a small fight with a jacket, she’d gotten the sowing kit and changed clothes to pull her skirt over her lap.

She sowed, carefully working the needle in and out of the fabric in a focus she’d never had before.

So often, she was “the other Madrigal”, the boring one, the child left to herself. So, if she had to be plain Mirabel, the least she could do was have a not-so-plain skirt.

Two weeks full of lonesome days passed by thanks to that needle and thread before the skirt was done, and she was no longer so plain.

She had no idea almost a year and a half after that, she sold her first fashion design, catapulting herself from ordinary Mirabel into the spotlight as one of the Magnificent Madrigals.

[brumiramybeloathed]

They Both Leave AU Snippet 7

"Veronica, are you sure you want to do this?" Anna asked as she tied off and cut the final string.

Mirabel held her dress up and examined it with a critical eye. It was without a lot of embellishment and embroidery and looked very plain compared to some dresses she has made, but it was a brilliant white and looked exactly how Mirabel wanted it to.

"Yes, Anna, I am sure. Bruno is a wonderful man."

"Mija, he is so much older than you, I am worried."

"I know, Anna. But he is respectful of me, has helped me financially without asking for anything in return, and I would gain my own family. He is a good man."

"Aye, he is a good man, but is he the right man for you? Or is he just the only man you know?"

Mirabel pauses ever so slightly at this. It is something she's wondered. How different would things be if both Bruno and herself had grown up with a proper community?

"I've asked myself that question too, Anna."

Anna pulls Mirabel close and kisses her forehead. "Aye, Veronica, you are brilliant and would shine brightly if you stretched your wings just a little bit further."

She pulls away slightly to look Mirabel in the eyes. "If he is who you chose, I will not stop you and I will be here for you in any way you need me. Veronica, mija, I only ask that you consider if Bruno is who you really want or if he's the only one in your life right now providing what you need."

"I will, Anna," Mirabel smiles gently, touched by the older woman's concern and love for her.

"Now, I believe we need to make the future groom's suit?"

The rest of the afternoon is filled with planning and jokes and wedding planning, but the question Anna asked haunts Mirabel's mind, joining the chorus of questions that comes out at night, when there is nothing else to distract her. Did Mirabel make the right decision in leaving the Encanto? Did Mirabel make the right decision in deciding to stop in Santa Laura? What if she hadn't left? What if Bruno hadn't left? Where would Mirabel be if she had made different choices?

She has no Miracle, no Abuela, no hermana major, no Mama, no Papa, no anyone to tell her if she messed up. Just her own thoughts going round and round and round, wondering at the possibilities and morality of her own choices. And now she had one more question to add to the mix.

Is the reason she loves Bruno because he is the only one to actually take care of her in the way she needed?

[disneyanddisneyships]

Family Reunion

Alastor x OC Human AU

Summary: Lilly takes Alastir to her family reunion.

Warnings: Google translate Spanish. Pls no hate if any of it is wrong-. Not proofread.

@gyubby99

Alastor sat on the plane, lost in thought as he looked blankly at the seat in front of him. He had grabbed a book, trying to find some sort of entertainment, only for his mind to start wandering.

Lilly was next to him in the window seat, gladly looking out with headphones on, excited to see her family.

Gabriel, Lilly's brother, sat in the aisle seat, fast asleep and snoring so loud, alastor couldn't hear himself think.

Lilly's parents, Charles and Deborah Carlton sat behind the group, watching a movie on the computer they had brought.

Alastor wasn't a fan of computers... he hated new technology... in fact, he was working on getting a promotion at the local radio studio he worked at. He wanted to be one of the voices behind it, not just someone who figured out how it worked and did what he was told. He was 28. he had time.

Alastor glanced over to his girlfriend. She would be 20 in a few months and alasgor was excited.

The two had met at a rehab facility he volunteered at from time to time. She was a patient.

She told him that she had lost a baby from her abusive ex and then went down a spiral doing drugs before her best friend ultimately dragged her to the rehab center.

Alastor took an interest in her and after a year, the two began dating.

However, he had only met her parents. On this trip, he was going to be meeting her entire family... that made him a bit nervous.

.......

When the plane landed they all made their way to where they would be staying.

The giant house full of people all of whom were related to his girlfriend.

"¡oh Dios mío! ¡mis bebés! ¡Qué bueno veros, queridos! ¡Oh, deja que te mire!" A friendly woman ranted as she ran out of the house.

"Hola abuela!" Lilly replied with a smile.

"Hola abuela!" Gabriel replied as the woman hugged both he and Lilly tightly.

"Mama! ¡te extrañamos! ¿cómo están todos?" Debirah asked as she gave her mother a hug.

Alastor stood there, not knowing a single word they said other than bits and pieces he remembered from high school Spanish class.

Charles nudged him before leaning down to whisper, "I don't understand most of it either. Deborah's mother is really nice about it. Don't worry,"

Alastor let out a breath and waited patiently to be introduced.

Lilly put a hand on her grandmother's shoulder, turning her attention to Alastor.

"Abuela, hay alguien que quiero que conozcas. Este es Alastor, mi novio," Aponinspoke in Spanish with a smile.

"Pleasure to meet you!" Alastir exclaimed, putting his hand out for the woman to shake.

But instead he was met with a giant hug that was so tight, he could've sworn he had died for a moment.

"¡Oh, es un placer conocerte, joven! Aponi speaks well of you!" the woman exclaimed.

"A-uh.. A-aponi?" Alastir asked, confused.

"Ohhhh it's a native American word! It means butterfly! She's always been our bright little butterfly! ¿No es así, hermosa niña?" The woman exclaimed, pinching Lilly's cheeks.

Alastor stifled a giggle at the blush that crept up on her face.

"Abuela, por favor! Not in front of alastor!" She complained before her abuela laughed and let her go.

"Well, come now, you have rooms! And then the reunion is on at 4!" The woman exclaimed as she walked into her house.

Alastor looked around the house. It was big. Big enough to fit two families. Maybe three if people bunked up. However, it was still full of life. Even thought it was empty.

"May I ask, where is everyone?" Alastor asked.

"Ohh! Most are outside setting up! Don't think we won't put you to work!" Lilly's abuela replied.

Alastor smiled to himself. She was quite spritely for an old woman.

......

Gabriel, Charles and Deborah had been bunked together, no suprise considering there would most likely be a lot of people who were coming..

However, Lilly and Alastor got their own room.

"Make sure to have lots of fun, ai?" Abuela exclaimed.

"Abuela! Dios mio! We're not even married!" Lilly exclaimed with a blush.

"Aiiii you're already almost 20, niña! You need a good stable husband with some kids!" Abuela replied.

Alastor gulped nervously, an awkward smile plastered on his face.

"Abuela, I-" Lilly was cut off by abuela shushing her.

"Unpack your things, dear. Meet us down in 10 minutes!" Abuela exclaimed as she made her way downstairs.

Lilly groaned. "I am SO sorry...." she muttered.

"Its alright, darling! If my mother were still here, she would act the same!" Alastor replied with a genuine smile before taking their suitcases and placing them in The room.

.........

10 minutes passed and Alastor and Lilly walked down to help set up.

Everything looked wonderful, from the table cloths to the food.

"Is that my Pequeña lirio?!" A voice came from behind Alastor and Lilly.

Lilly turned around.

"Tiá Dahlia! Hola!" Lilly exclaimed with a large smile as she hugged her.

"You're so tall, niña!!! And so skinny! Have they been feeding you at that rehab center? Is it good food? Do they let you pick your own spices?" Dahlia asked as she looked Lilly up and down.

"Tiá, I've been out of the rehab center for 2 months!" Lilly replied.

Dahlia's attention turned to alastor.

"And who is this tall drink of water?" She asked.

"Tiá, this is my boyfriend, Alastor," Lilly replied.

"Nice to meet you my dear!" He exclaimed, holding his hand out only to once again be swept into a hug too tight for his liking.

"Welcome to the family, niño!!" She exclaimed before pulling away.

Alastor took a breath.

This would be a long day.

[casitafallz]

LRTL AU | Uncertain pathways

Mirabel didn’t regret punching Camilo.

Sure she hurt herself, and that was perhaps karma for doing so given she rarely let herself use violence as means of resolving frustrations. She was not a violent person by nature but the fact Camilo was being both stubborn and self-righteously dense in his belief, it was worth it.

She had thought his mood towards her older sister was more from a place of protection given what had happened but… it seemed now that had grown to outright hate for the sake of it. Not for her benefit. Not for her safety.

Now all of that could have cost her her sister and her Sobrino.

The notion of Isabela having a baby still was…novel to her. A baby boy as well as another sense of unexpected joy as well. She was eager to see the baby and hold him and love him but… not this soon. Camilo had put her unborn nephew at risk…when he didn’t need to.

Was this messier than what Isa did to her?

Mirabel liked to think so. At least only her was in danger that time… and at least Isa actually was remorseful about it too.

A baby was thrown into the risk beside Isa’s overall health and Camilo couldn’t seem to care less, which, Mirabel thought was worse in comparison. Isa seemed to have…learned. Not Camilo. Why was this such a horrible contrast between her family?

Why did this have to happen again?

“You okay, Mija?” Her mother’s voice was soft.

Mirabel looked up and smiled softly as her mother sat down beside her, taking her hand and gently rubbing over the bruise that still lingered there with her thumb. Mirabel had declined her mother’s food for the time being; it felt good to have it.

“Si, Mami.”

Julieta sighed deeply, “I’m sorry.”

Mirabel looked at her in surprise, “For what?”

Julieta paused for a moment, “I’ve been….far more absent in all of your lives than I realized when I…shouldn’t have. Kept you from…your sister.”

Oh.

Mirabel’s eyes dropped from her face to her knuckle again. She hadn’t…overly noticed too much. Her mother had been quiet and tired but Mirabel had put that to stress more than anything.

“Are you okay now, Ma?”

Her mother didn’t answer right away, her gaze not meeting her eyes. “I will be. It’s… a lot I’m working through emotionally.”

Mirabel’s eyes furrowed in concern. “You can talk to me, you know, Mama.”

Julieta smiled, leaning forwards and kissed her cheek. “I know, but some things are still for adults. You’ve been through a lot and…your Abuelita’s is brutally blunt.”

The concern didn’t feel any less, but she supposed that… maybe her mother had a way to handle whatever was troubling her. “So…” Mirabel opted to change the topic, “I’m gonna be a Tia. You’re gonna be an Abuela.” She grinned, “Are you gonna be called Abuela Julieta or just Abuela?” she nudged her a little as she spoke,

Julieta’s face froze a little. “I’m going to be an Abuela….” Her voice was faint.

Mirabel’s smile faded a little, “Si, Mama. Abuela gonna be Bisabulea.” She gave her mother a soft look, “I thought Papa told you.”

Julieta blinked for a moment then nodded, “I…he did.” Her voice went a little higher, “I just…didn’t think too much about it…what it could mean.”

And now, Mirabel realized she had probably poked a hornet’s nest. Still, she supposed her mother would have had to come to terms with it sooner or later. More so sooner so she could help when the baby’s ready to be born.

“Hm, and Pa’s gonna be an Abuelo.” Mirabel chuckled. “I’ve already made the baby a hat. Of course, before I knew it was a boy, it was neutral colors. I’m not sure if Isa’s opened the present yet. She’s probably waiting for later. I plan to make a little blue knitted one now.” She could already think up a few designs. The knot hat was cute but now, she could make it personal. She bet Isa would definitely appreciate that.

“Oh…” Julieta huffed out deeply, “We’re going to have to sort out a lot…”

“I’m sure Abuelita’s got it sorted, I doubt Isa’s gonna just move back to Casita for the space when Camilo can’t get his head out of his—“

Julieta groaned softly, interrupting her. “Right… we need to get the mess with Camilo sorted.”

“What? You thought Isa would move back on the basis of the baby? After…all the shit she’d been put through?” After what she had been put through as well? But Mirabel didn’t mention that part. She did…like the space and it was comfortable; Abuelita was right to have Isa live away but… she didn’t want Isa to be unwelcome. Casita should still be her home.

But now, she supposed it was going to be the worse place for her to be: Camilo and his attitude problem, but also now Parce. She hadn’t seen what sort of damage had been done but... it was done.

“I…wasn’t thinking.” Julieta moved, standing up. “You’re Tia’s too on the defenses about Camilo.. I’ll need to have another talk with her.”

“Didn’t Tia throw a storm at Tio?” Sure, the rain had tapered off now but it had picked up rather harshly again. She hadn’t clocked onto what the issues were besides seeing Tio Felix leave his and Tia’s room in a huff but…she supposed that it made sense Tia was more on Camilo’s side. Camilo was a mama’s boy.

Annoyingly so.

“I’m…not going to get into the middle of their affairs.”

Clearly knowledge with experience, Mirabel noted so she left it at that. Antonio’s door opened, and the flurry of animals thumped across the balcony before both their heads turned and watched as the 5 year old hurriedly excitedly with his armload of paper.

“Mirabel, Let’s go visit Isa!”

  -

Abuelito had been the one to stay with her, as Isa lay in the clinic’s temporary bedding so she happily laid to rest, letting him talk and navigate a one-sided conversation, the distinct tobacco smell off his clothes seemed oddly comforting as well as he knitted. His smoking habits had seemed to return a little more, it seemed. 

Bella kept popping her head in often, giving her food and water, even a few new pills of vitamins and some she knew were simply to keep the baby healthy and to destress her. She didn’t see a fault in that; she wanted to keep the baby in as long as it needed.

“Have you thought of a name?” Abuelito asked, “I’m almost finished. All I need is the initials.”

Isabela didn’t raise her head, though she smiled softly as she looked at his work. It was beautiful, mostly a shell pattern across but while it was most indigo blue, it seemed to gradient off into white with almost a lacy patterned edging. She had watched at work and even tried herself but this was still stunning to watch him finish up the last corner so easily and quickly.

“Since we know it’s a boy…. I wanted to ask if I could call him Dante, after Tio Dante.” Isabela raised her head, noting how he seemed to pause with his wool though he nodded softly.

“I see.”

“I don’t have to, it’s just an idol thought. If it was a girl, I was gonna call her Dahlia, after the flower.” Isabela didn’t necessarily backtrack but she didn’t want to push any buttons. “I had planned to talk to Fran about them earlier.”

“I think… your Abuelita should be the one to ask. I’m okay with it, if that’s what you want to name him.” Abuelito remarked softly, gently cut the line. “If you stick with a D as a first name, then I can put the initials in now.”

Isabela snorted softly. “I suppose. There’s always Danilo or…Diego… or Dominic.”

A pleasant silence settled between them though she watched as he pulled his kit closer and treaded up a large needle with white wool and began to gently start stitching.

But, the peace didn’t last long before the door opened and—

“Isa!” Antonio’s voice was sharp, echoing loudly into the small room, Abuelito slipped with the needle and stabbed himself in the finger

“Indoor voices, Toñito!” Mirabel’s voice was soft, quickly catching up before the kid.

Isa blinked in surprise, sitting up swiftly though hissed sharply as the movement pulled at her injuries.

Antonio, a little oblivious, hurried in full of excitement and dumped his little armload of paper onto the side of her bed and all over the floor.

“Oh no.” Antonio didn’t look put off, bending down out of her line of sight and began to pick them back up. “Sorry! I spilled them. I’ll pick them up!” He declared.

Isa watched him for a moment before wordlessly glancing to Mirabel who seemed to watch him with a fondness.

“He spent a good portion of the afternoon on these.” Mirabel started off, “Didn’t you, Toñito?”

“Yes, well why not?” Antonio’s head popped up, looking very hopeful. “I’m very, very, very, very sorry about Parce, Isa. I made your cards to help you get better and…and I hope I gets first holds of the baby!”

Isa’s eyes flickered down to the sheets though the sense of bewilderness hadn’t entirely left her, she found herself pulling a few pieces of crude child drawings towards her.

Clearly, he had put a lot of effort into them, mostly stick figures, a few animals, balls with faces in the spidery hands of what she assumed was her holding the baby with him next to her, then there were a few just of animals—probably gotten side-tracked in his drawings and reverted back to his interests.

“Can you find her the card?” Mirabel guided.

Antonio’s curls bounced swiftly as he nodded then began to look through.

Isabela watched though…she couldn’t say she had interacted too much with Antonio at all…ever really. In passing it had been brief but they were otherwise so...different. Not to mention the sixteen years between them didn’t make it all too easy to talk with the kid.

Still, she’d humor him. She had to get better with kids if she was going to be having her own soon.

“Abuelito!” Mirabel finally noticed their grandparent, moving off to hug him.

“Ah, Mirabel.” Abuelito pulled his bleeding thumb from his mouth, gently coming to allow a soft hug. “It’s good to see you.”

“Is that a baby blanket?” Mirabel got distracted as she noticed his work.

“Here it is!” Antonio pulled her attention away as the two began to talk and gush about the baby’s presence. In his hands, he held out a single folded piece of paper, again one with a drawing on the front before she took it with a soft smile and carefully set it down to open it up.

To Isabella

I aM VeRy SoorrRy AboT ParCce.

CaMillO iS StuPid HeaD.

LoTs oF LovE

AnTonio

It was very rough and it seemed at least he had written it himself; not Tia Pepa writing in for him given the spelling and mishap of letters that were spread unevenly across the page but…she did

“Do you like it?” Antonio asked nervously, “I spelled and writed it all myself.”

“I can tell.” Isabela gently folded it shut, “Thank you, it’s a very….thoughtful card.” She answered.

Antonio lit up happy. “Does it mean you’ll let me hold the baby after you’ve done cooking it?”

Isabela leaned back onto her injured side, and patted the space available for him to clamber up on. Antonio didn’t hesitate to climb but she could see he was being very careful not to touch her. Probably worried. His eyes lingered on her arm for a longer moment which dampened his excited face as he settled, letting his feet swing off the side.

“We’ll have to see when he’s born, okay?”

“he? It’s a boy baby?”

Isabela nodded, “So far, Si.”

“Yay! I won’t be the youngest boy in the family for much longer!” He clapped his hands, “how long until he’s done?”

Isa sucked in a thoughtful breath, “Hopefully… as long as no one stressed me out too much, another two months.”

“Two months?!” he looked shocked, “But you’re not fat enough to be this far done!”

“Antonio!” Mirabel gasped as Isabela snorted.

“What?” Antonio looked at her innocently and confused, “I thought babies make women fatter when it’s near born? Señora Gutiérrez is really, really big!”

“Señora Gutiérrez is carrying twins, Toñito!” Mirabel flushed pink, “Isa, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s fine.” Isabela waved off the apology though she couldn’t but be amused at his innocent antics. He probably had no idea about how babies to made outside passing remarks and passive observation.

“So? One baby would make her half as fat. Wouldn’t Isa be bigger if she had a baby in her belly when it’s only 2 months away?” he frowned at her stomach, “I don’t understand.”

“It’s okay,” Isa hesitantly patted his back, “It’s still there, and just… something I inherited from my Abuela’s side of the family. Mirabel and Luisa also have the same potential to have a very hidden baby when they have children.”

“Wait, we do?” That caught Mirabel’s attention, she turned to Abuelito swiftly “We do?!”

“You’re not dating anyone, you don’t need to worry.” Abuelito assured, “Your Abuelita did mention telling you about it, did she not?”

“I didn’t think me or Luisa were part of that! Oh, we’re all gonna have to be so careful!” Mirabel nervously chewed on her nails for a second, “At least you’re right. I’m not seeing anyone. I can wait…..probably until I’m twenty to think about dating...”

As Mirabel continued to mumble, Isa turned back to Antonio.

“So…there’s a whole baby in there?” He pointed a finger to her belly.

“Si.”

Antonio stared down at the belly still, clearly trying to understand, looking like he wanted to prod her stomach to be certain.

“Are you sure?” He asked.

Isa sighed though gently took his hand and pressed it to the most prominent place of contact. It took a few seconds until she felt a flutter that hit in that area before Antonio pulled his hand away.

“Ew.”

“Toñito, that was the baby.” Mirabel chuckled, “You know, you used to do that as well in your Mami’s belly. We could even see your elbow or even foot as well every time you moved and kicked”

Antonio looked a little horrified. “How did I end up in Mama’s belly to do that?!”

“Why don’t you ask your Mami all about that?” Isa suggested slyly. “She knows all about how babies are made.”

“Isa…” Mirabel gave her a look.

“What? He’s going to ask sooner or later. Would you rather he asked his animals like Parce how they make babies?” She liked to think she had a point and was innocent but if anything she was feeling that Tia Pepa could do with a distraction.

“Wait, Parce knows too?” Antonio perked up at the prospect of learning from other sources.

“You know what, why don’t we go and visit your mother,” Mirabel hopped off the chair but surprisingly, Abuelito got there first by folding up the blanket and was on his feet before she could take a step forwards

“Actually, may I join you? I need to talk to your Abuela as well.”

“Are you sure?” Mirabel spoke, looking a little concerned, “It’s… a little tense at Casita.”

Isa raised her head a little at that but…it felt oddly nice to hear it. Were they upset about what happened? Mirabel seemed very upset and Antonio so… it seemed she at least had some people in her corner.

It really shouldn’t have come to her getting mauled for that really…though she was glad Mirabel seemed willing to stay in the room with her, even if it wasn’t the first time. She still half expected Mirabel to keep more of a distance.

“I don’t expect less in your household at the moment, given the circumstances.” Abuelito smiled fondly, “We’re taking the rest of Isa’s belongings from her room that she’ll need since she won’t be returning.”

“Wait, at all?”

Isa purposely didn’t answer but she had already talked with Abuelito about it. They already said they’d cope with the baby when he was born so…she was content with her decision. The baby would be safe with her at her grandparents’ house. Not Casita. Not with Camilo and certainly not around Antonio’s animals.

The three of them left her in peace and quiet so Isa got herself comfortable, collecting up the sheets of Antonio’s drawings into a neat pile underneath Abuelito’s hand-made baby blanket before she let herself nap.

 -

 The mood at Casita wasn’t any better, Mirabel found. The wind had picked up and the rain poured with thunder growling in the sky. Antonio huddled into her side as they walked, clutching at her skirt. In most cases, Antonio was never weary of the thunder. Mirabel knew that he had been hearing it since before he was born whenever Tia had her mood swings to find it a constant and comfort but it seemed today, it was not a comforting echo of thunder that he could listen to.

The sound of raised voices didn’t bode well as they crossed the threshold, Casita giving a sad wiggle of tiles but seemed to direct the trio to seats underneath the balcony.

Luisa sat with a book on her lap, surprisingly her hair was down though it seemed their mother was gently platting the front away from her face as she read. Though given her sister’s eyes weren’t moving across the page a lot, it seemed like she was distracted.

Not that Mirabel expected less given the weather.

“Are they still arguing?” Mirabel asked, sparing a look at her Tia’s door.

“It cooled down for about…ten minutes before Felix returned to talk. Abuela went in to discuss Camilo’s punishments and… well it’s been an hour since. I can’t see she’s very gotten far.” Julieta spoke, eyeing the door with concern.

“Well, I hope he gets severely punished still.” Antonio declared, with his hands on his hips and looking adorable despite his clear attempt to be serious, “he used my friends and almost killed a baby so he should!”

Luisa looked up worriedly from the page. “How…How is she?”

“Resting, no current risks,” Abuelito assured, drifting over to kiss Luisa on the cheek and going as far as to give Julieta a hug as well. “Now, May I borrow some hands? Isa’s asked for some more of her belongings to be brought down.”

“I can help.” Luisa rose to her feet, her hair falling from Julieta’s fingers. “Sorry,” She added down to her mother. Julieta sighed though held out a ribbon.

“It’s almost done, let me just tie it off at least.”

Mirabel led Antonio away towards the kitchen, getting him a snack and a drink first before he took his leave as a Pico dropped onto his shoulder and began to squawk about his day.

Mirabel found herself a little lost on what to do, aside from avoiding the weather, she could go to her room, and make a start on the little hat she had planned.

Her eyes slid across to the doors again, landing on Dolores’s door for a moment before she found herself walking towards it and gently knocked.

It took a few moments before the door opened and Dolores’s tired face appeared, wordlessly, she was nodded in.

“Are you okay?” Mirabel asked as she slipped in, shutting the door quietly after her though her eyes lingered around to see…Dolores’s room looked oddly empty. A bag packed and oddly organized. There were square tiles of triangular-shaped foam also packed in different bags. Like…Dolores was moving.

“I…suppose.” Dolores sighed, coming to sit down at the end of her bed.

“Are you...leaving?” Mirabel asked in alarm.

“No….well, I’ll be moving in with Mariano for two weeks to get a break away from this…mess. “Gesturing to the door. “I asked Pa if I could as well so…he knows. He’d told Abuela but… I don’t think she’s going to fight him on that. He knows I need this. He’d rather know and help than have me sneak out the house behind their back and risk getting hurt or lost”

“Does Tia know?”

Dolores shrugged, “She’s too focused on Camilo right now. She’s….too loud to approach just now anyway, you know....”

Mirabel winced in sympathy. But, she supposed if Isa had benefited from loving away, it made sense Dolores needed the space as well given the new mess that happened because of her brother.

“I hope it goes well for you.” Mirabel reached forwards, coming to hug Dolores’s shoulders. “Have you got any good plans?”

“Hm, well, now that you mention it. We’re going to go camping mid-week for a few days. Far enough that Encanto will be background noise for me.” Her eyes seemed to light up. “Just us. As a couple.”

Mirabel smiled deeply. “I really hope it goes amazing for you then. Did you need me to make you anything? A new head wrap for sleeping? A new nightgown? I kinda want to be busy right now.”

Dolores pondered thoughtfully before she reached over and pulled out her set of ear muffs and held them out. “Do you think you could make a night-time version of these? They keep slipping off during the night.”

Mirabel nodded excitedly. Certainly sounded like a good project to start and one that could be appreciated and needed. Dolores deserved a break and a chance of a normal relationship. This house was… a mess. Mirabel knew she could handle it and try to help. Her mother seemed to be a little more proactive now which was a good start and her father was certainly a little less stressed now. She hadn’t dared wake him up given she had passed him napping in a hammock to get up here. How he stayed asleep in this weather, she had no idea but she wouldn’t wake him either if he needed it.

“I’ll get started right away.”

 -

 Dolores watched her Prima leave with a skip in her step away, letting out a heavy sigh of relief as the door swung shut and left her alone again. She rose to her feet again, coming to her closed, roller desk, and pulled it open.

Inside, laid sheets of paper and her scribbles before she dug out the map and unfolded it, and began to continue to copy it out into a fresh page.

This was an old map, and while she knew the mountains had disfigured the traditional means of using it against old pathways out, she knew she had to at least get the general locations down for there to be a chance of a way out.

Dolores knew she was playing a risky game but this was her final part in it before she’d think more for herself.

She knew what Mateo Marquez wanted; a way out. Dolores could hear the anger the sister had every time his name was mentioned but also how anxious the woman was now she couldn’t find him given he had escaped through his bedroom window after she had beaten him. There was no mistake in her eye that Sofia Marquez would kill him in her next rage if they were to meet again.

There were many secrets that his family had that she knew she couldn’t simply share, the fact that Señor Marquez had wound up killing his abusive wife was one of them. She hadn’t understood back then what she had heard, she had only been seven at the time. Everyone thought she had died accidentally falling off a balcony when drunk. Señor Marquez pretty much avoided all types of conflicts himself now, even mildly addicted to some sedatives his daughter put in his morning coffee to keep him compliant.

How Mateo had a kind heart was beyond her but the fact he didn’t want to be like his mother or sister said a lot. He wanted to be there for his son… but he needed to leave. His hiding place kept him alive and secretly hidden from his sister and her probing questions for now. Francesca’s plan of keeping him quiet from her own family did seem to work out well; Sofia had no reason to suspect them of lying if they were genuine in their responses.

Dolores wasn’t stupid to know what would or could happen.

Given the hypocritical mess and the high chance of losing the baby, she’d rather Isa went with him. Give them a chance to be a small but happy family.

But, she was getting ahead of herself; Isa would certainly reunite with Mateo first before any decisions were final.

For now, Dolores busied herself with her maps, the sounds pleasantly scratching at her ears at the same time Mariano was idly humming a soft tune as he worked in town.

  -

Fran was glad to be allowed out of her room, having already taken the time to reorganize it to fit a small bed and squished her furniture out of the day to make space, taking the time to feed Mateo a few snacks as well as sneak him to the toilet for relief and a shower. She didn’t need man smell to bring up awkward questions again. As soon as he was done, redressed in both clothes and medical dressing, he was back under her bed and sketching designs of a baby crib in her old notebook for got bored of.

Now it was evening, before the evening meal and so, her mother retrieved Isabela from the temporary, clinic space. Her Abuelo was renting the building first to see if it’d work for their needs or if they’d need a completely new build to their specific requirements. Fran didn’t pay too much attention to the success of it really just yet.

Isa came looking very sallow and tried, her arm held up and wrapped up, hobbling a little as she walked to keep her weight off her leg though Fran led her back to her room to get her settled.

“Here, You take the big bed.”

As much as Fran wanted her own bed, she wasn’t stupid or selfish enough to forgo Isa’s needs. She wasn’t going to be responsible for the baby’s loss if she could help it. A big bed, more comfort and a big chance of the next two days in it, she was gonna need the space. It was only for a few days after all.

“it’s okay,” Isa mumbled, “I can take the small one.”

“No. I already swapped the sheets and put the clean set on the big one. Hush and get in.” She ordered.

Without much complaint, Isa complied and crawled straight onto the bed with a soft hiss and otherwise flopped and settled.

Underneath the bed, a box moved as Mateo’s face appeared between the gaps.

Fran gave him a soft look to hold off. “Isa…”

Isa looked up slowly, her chin settling on her pillow. “I know that tone… what do you want?”

The remark made her snort a little, rolling her eyes. “Look, just so you don’t freak out. Mateo is alive—“ Isa’s face brightened up as she said that, “and currently under the bed.”

“What?” Isabela blinked, wiggling a little to peek over the edge.

Taking the hint, Mateo winced as she moved a few boxes and wiggled his head out.

“Mateo!” Isa’s eyes widened as she saw him, slipping out of the bed onto the floor and pulling him immoderately into a kiss.

“Ugh.” Fran looked away. “You’re in my room and both fucked up by injuries. Don’t even do anything remotely sexual here!”

Isa pulled back, though it seemed a small flurry of flowers seemed to pop up around the window without much thought as she cupped his face. “I’m so happy to see you!” she whispered.

Mateo seemed also swept up in the moment as well though he winced a little as he moved, a hand coming to her stomach briefly then to her face to cup her cheek. Though his face morphed into concern as he saw her bandages. “What happened?”

“More shit hit the fan by the Madrigals.” Fran called, “Mateo, my mama’s gonna bring food in in a minute so hide again. As long as Isa’s resting, you can talk as much as you want in daytime hours. Once the lights are out, we all got to sleep.”

“Si, ma’am.” Mateo mockingly saluted after her.

[gamerbearmira]

ART WOO WOO

YRAHHHH. I know I've been inactive. But I'm doing all the shark Madrigals, and then I was writing for Mama Isa. BUT ART‼️‼️‼️ MOSTLY NEW STUFF‼️‼️‼️

This AU. Take a WILD guess what. Jkjk but uhhh basically these guys got gifts, and they hide it from the family. Because why not.

Candy girl 🗣️🗣️🗣️ no butttt uhhhh. Basically like a reverse Hansel and Gretel, and whenever anyone mentions “the witch” they’re like “oh that’s Abuela”.

Also yeah, their clothes are made of candy and their hair is cotton Candy🤠

BUGS 🤓🤓

The disappearance of the Madrigal Family⁉️⁉️ basically an AU where the Madrigals, one by one, from Antonio to Alma, just. Disappears, seemingly without a trace. And Mariano is the only one who seems to remember or care. So, he’s gonna find em. Cause he’s gangsta.

[magicalmadrigals]

Searching in the Shadows - Ch.1

Synopsis: Torn from one world and thrust into another in the space of one night, left to care for her three babies all on her own, Alma Madrigal truly has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Forced to push her grief aside and throw herself into caring for a displaced community along with her children, it only becomes more of a struggle for her to care for her own needs with every day that passes. Will she ever find a way to balance all she has to? Well, with the help of one man, she slowly comes to realize anything is possible in Encanto...

Her babies were sleeping soundly in her arms by the time she made it ‘home’ after checking in on all those in the group, both young and old, and making sure they were comfortable and had all they required to get them through the night. It honestly wouldn’t have been enough for her to say she was tired – she was sure she had never felt this run down and weary before – but she was far too smart a woman to so much as allow herself to entertain the idea she might be able to get some sleep this night. It just wasn’t going to happen, she could tell.

Making her way inside the silent house when it opened the door for her on approach, she cradled her children closer before her breath hitched and she span in place when the door closed and she heard the snick of a lock.

Ay, this was certainly going to take a bit of getting used to.

It was the sound of one of the babies whimpering in their sleep that caused her to turn her attention back to them and she hushed Bruno gently, brushing her lips against his forehead before he burrowed further into her chest and took her cloak in his tiny hand. Once she was sure he was comfortable and well on his way back to sleep, she walked further into the house and the candle in her hand illuminated the way to the staircase which she walked up before her brows knitted together at seeing there was nothing up there aside from one bedroom.

One bedroom in a house this size?

Really?

It was strange, of course, but she gave it little thought as she wandered down the hall to the door and reached for the doorknob. Her hand barely brushed it before immense power surged through it and it began to glow, prompting her to snatch her hand  back and create a little space between herself and the door. She watched in disbelief as an image started revealing itself to her and she gasped when she realized it was herself. Her name was engraved above her head once the image was in place and all she could do was stand there in sheer shock.

She had to be dreaming.

Houses weren’t like this! Houses didn’t do any of these things!

It took her a minute to muster up the courage to reach for the doorknob once again, but she did and gave it a slow turn before pushing the door open and peering into the room. It was then that tears brimmed in her eyes and it took every ounce of strength she possessed to remain standing. It was her bedroom. Or at least an exact replica. Everything was just as she and Pedro left it before abandoning their home and meeting with the group, the bed immaculately made and the curtains tied back, and she had no idea how to feel about it in all honesty.

In a way, she guessed, it was comforting because it was the last place she and her esposo were at peace.

At the same time though, it was so painful because it already seemed so much larger without him being there.

How was it that it was mere hours ago they were sitting together, happier than they had ever been?

It felt as though an entire lifetime had gone by since then.

Once she had stood there for a while, she closed the door with her foot and cautiously made her way over to the bed. She stared at it for a time, still blinking back the tears in her eyes, before letting out a nervous breath and turning around to sit down. No sooner had she done so did her stomach churn and bile rise in her throat.

No.

It was too soon, she just couldn’t do it.

Moving onto the floor, mindful not to jostle her babies too much for fear of waking them, she found a bit of a comfortable position in which to sit and that was when the tears came. For hours, since the candle at her side miraculously saved her and the others in the group, she had been made to ignore her grief and put on a brave face. She made scared, wailing children smile with little fables and jokes and taken the time to sit and hold the hands of ones who’d come alone, telling them they were a familia now and would make it through together. It helped lift her spirits for a time, bringing comfort to ones in need, but now there was nobody to do so for her.

Nobody was sitting with her with an arm around her, promising her that things were going to start looking up and she would work out a way to deal with all she had to deal with in time. How in the world was she meant to care for three babies, giving them all they required to grow and thrive, while looking out for a whole town? A town full of displaced, devastated, broken people at that? It was never something she imagined having to do.

Her life, as far as she was concerned, was all planned out.

She and Pedro were going to bring their children up together, the way it was meant to be, raising the three of them to be both considerada and upstanding members of the communidad. Whether they would have had any more children as time went on, she had no idea, but she also would have been contenta for them to remain a family of cinco. For them to just make the most of the precious time they had with their babies before they got older and had their own families. They were meant to grow old together, she was meant to tease him when he started turning grey and have him tell her she was beautiful and hadn’t aged a day, but she wouldn’t have that.

She was never going to see or hold or kiss her husband again.

Her babies were going to go through life having never known their papí.

For the rest of time, they would be a broken family and knowing his death was needless only made it worse.

Her thoughts were momentarily interrupted when Pepa grizzled in her arms and she lowered her gaze to her, letting her thumb dance over her downy red hair as a silent promise that she was near and there was nothing for her to fear. Her touch soothed her little girl enough to settle her again and she sighed with relief. If there was one thing she wanted to avoid tonight then it was one of them screaming and waking the other two. She was in too fragile a state to deal with something like that, especially on such little sleep, and it would devastate her even more if she snapped at one of them. “Duerman, mis bebés,” She whispered quietly. “All will be well.”

Whether she said that last part as an assurance for them or herself, she truly had no idea.

She thought they could all do with a bit of hope and faith at a time like this though, herself included.

It was going to be those two things that got her through the coming weeks.

The coming months.

The coming years.

In all truthfulness, she honestly had no idea how long it would take her to recover from all she had witnessed this night. It would be engraved into her memory for the rest of her life, she knew that much, but she prayed it became easier for her to deal with in time and the breath stopped being knocked from her lungs each time she thought about it.

She would never go back to being the woman she was before all this happened.

She lived in a different time and a different place, one she would never be able to return to.

No, she had to accept the fact that she’d been living a dream and it was time to wake up and face the world.

It was cruel and unfeeling, not caring in the slightest who it hurt or what families it tore apart.

She was more than a match for it though, or that was what she wanted to believe, and she’d get through this.

One way or another…

[hurt-comfort-lover]

Mirabel AU / Mirabel Angst / Mama Mirabel / Part Nine

Back at the party, Tonito was having a fun time with his friends and his animal friends. He was so excited to have his own gift and his own room. The only sad part is that he wouldn’t share a room with Mirabel anymore. He looked around and realized he couldn’t find his Mira. He tugged on his mami’s dress.

“Mami, where’s Mira?”

“I don’t know Tonito, why don’t you ask your sister?”

“Ok, gracias.” He said as he ran off to find Dolores, he found her in the back dancing with Camilo. He tapped his sister gently, and she turned around and smiled at him. Though it faltered when she saw the look on his face.

“Do you know where Mira is? I can’t find Mira,” he said with tears in his eyes.

“It’s a bit loud but I should be able to find her,” Dolores said as she closed her eyes and listened. Camilo gently patted Antonio’s head.

“Until she finds her, you can hang out with your super cool older brother.”

“I want Mira,” he said. Camilo deflated a bit,

“Ouch, child’s honesty I guess.”

“Lo siento ‘milo, I just want to see her.”

“I know, no hard feelings,” Camilo said.

“I hear her in the nursery, she’s crying,” Dolores said nonchalantly. Camilo gave her a look.

“What?!” Antonio exclaimed. 

“What? I don’t know what you expect. This is the first ceremony since her failed one,” Dolores said. Antonio scrunched his eyebrows,

“I’m going to the nursery.” He said as he walked off. Camilo followed him, 

“Wait! Mami will kill me if we leave you alone.”

“Then you can come with me,” Antonio said. They walked to the nursery and Antonio knocked on the door. He could hear her sniffling from the outside.

“Please just… leave,” she said as she wiped the tears off her face. She didn’t want her Mami or Abuela to see her like this. 

“Mira, why are you crying?” Mirabel jumped, realizing it was Antonio. She quickly opened the door, her eyes were red from crying, and there were tear stains on her cheeks.

“Tonito? What are you doing here? You should be at your party.”

“I was sad 'cause you weren’t there. Why are you crying? Is it because I got my gift?”

“NO! Never Tonito. I’m so very happy you got your gift, I’m so proud of you. You need to go back though.”

“Why can’t you come?” He asked with pleading eyes.

“I would just ruin the mood,” she laughed pitifully, “I was just sad but now I’m ok, so you can have fun at your party all right?” Mirabel said.

“You wouldn’t ruin the mood,” Camilo added.

“Hola Camilo, and gracias but it’s ok. It’s better if I stay here.” Tears began to well into Antonio’s eyes and Mirabel bent down and gave him a hug.

“Don’t be sad Tonito, if it’s what you want, I’ll come. It’s your birthday, remember?” she asked as she released him from the hug.

“So you will?” He pleaded.

“Si, but not for long.”

“Gracias Mira, I want you to meet my new animal friends!”

Antonio continued to chat with Mirabel, listing off all their names, and what species they were. Camilo was looking at Mirabel though. The sad empty look in her eyes, made his stomach turn. He could never imagine being in her place, as terrible as it sounded. Before they got back to the party Abuela stormed up to the three of them.

“Mirabel? Didn’t your Mami tell you to rest in your bedroom?”

“Si, bu-”

“And instead you take Antonio away from his party?”

“No-”

“Just…!” she sighed. “Go back to your room, I’ll take Tonito back to the party,” Abuela finished. Camilo was about to argue, but Antonio got to it first.

“I left the party, she didn’t take me.”

“Why Tonito? If there was something the matter you should’ve told me or your Mami.”

“I wanted Mira to be at the party with me.” He said as he held her hand tighter. 

“Si, Tonito. Mirabel, just don’t mess anything up por favor.”

“Si Abuela,” Mirabel said as Abuela walked away. Camilo was confused and almost angry for Mirabel. What did Abuela mean by “don’t mess anything up”? They got back to the party and Camilo was still thinking when Dolores flicked him on the forehead.

“OW! What was that for?!”

“What are you thinking about? You’re acting weird.” She said,

“You didn’t have to flick me to ask that.”

“I know.” She smirked, “Now what’s the matter with you?”

“Mirabel,” he said.

“What about her?”

“When Antonio brought Mirabel back with him Abuela accused her of taking Antonio away from the party, when she found out what happened she just told Mirabel to not ‘mess anything up,’ it doesn’t sit right with me.

“Abuela just doesn’t like Mirabel,” she said bluntly.

“That’s not fair though. What did she do?”

“Nothing. It’s not Mirabel’s fault, she couldn’t control it. Abuela just doesn’t like her. Probably thinks of Mirabel as a bad omen since she didn’t get a gift I guess. I’m not saying it’s right, but it’s the truth.”

“Can’t we do something?” Camilo asked.

“I’ve learned that in these kinds of situations, you shouldn’t get involved. It’s not our business so we shouldn’t interfere.”

After everyone had left and she had helped clean up, she went to go to bed, but before she could go Antonio asked her if he could stay with her until he fell asleep. So that’s what she did. She sat by his bed, next to his jaguar, waited until she heard his little snores, and went to the nursery. She grabbed out a notebook Senora Gabriela gave to her, and wrote down all the negative thoughts she had. She hoped that if she wrote it down, then maybe the thoughts would finally calm down. It only made her spiral more though, as she wrote down every negative thing that went through her head.

‘You’re not special’

‘Nobody likes you’

‘You’re a waste of space’

‘You don’t deserve the family you have’

‘You aren’t good enough’

‘You should just disappear’

She stopped, realizing that it was only getting worse. She shut the notebook and threw it in her closet. Then she went to sleep.

The next day she woke up by herself, she would have to get used to that. She did her daily routine, and breakfast began. She happened to sit next to Luisa, who looked off. Though she doesn’t spend much time with Luisa anymore, she was still her hermana, and she was worried for her. As breakfast ended, Mirabel decided to check on Luisa, and so before Luisa could run off, she stopped her.

“Hey Luisa, could I please talk to you?”

“I don’t know sis, I got a lot of work to do…”

“Por favor, just this once.” Luisa looked at her hermanita's pleading eyes and caved. They went off to the side, near where the donkey pen was. 

“So, what did you need to talk to me about?”

“Please be honest with me.”

“Of course, why wouldn’t I?”

“Are you feeling ok?”

“...” Luisa looked to the side anxiously, she didn’t want to lie but she didn’t want to respond.

“Luisa, I know we’re not as close as we used to be, but I still care about you. Just being able to talk about it will make you feel better, trust me.”

“Last night during the ceremony I felt… weak. I’m ok now, but what if it happens again? Then I’ll get behind on my chores and I’ll let everyone down.” Mirabel looked at her sister with sympathy,

“You are more than just your strength. You are beautiful, smart, kind, and ambitious. You always try to help everyone, but sometimes you need to help yourself before you help others.”

“I don’t have time, Abuela will get mad at me if I miss out on my chores…”

“Start off with something small, take a lunch break, and yes I do know that you skip lunch. You may be strong, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have limitations. I think you’re carrying way too much,” Mirabel said. Luisa squeezed her sister tight, thanking her for letting her vent. 

“Luisa, I’m sorry to ask but, if it is the magic that’s being affected, where should I look first?”

“Tio Bruno’s tower. I heard that he had a terrible vision before he disappeared. That’s all I got.”

“Gracias Luisa, take care of yourself.”

With that Mirabel was off to Tio Bruno’s tower. First the cracks, and now Luisa losing her gift temporarily? Something was going on, she needed to stop it before anyone got hurt. She snuck around while everyone was getting ready for Isabella’s proposal, and made it to Tio Bruno’s room. It was tall, really tall. By the time she got to the top, she was practically dragging herself. Then she found a gap between the cave and the stairs, so she took a deep breath and swung over it with a vine, just barely making it. She went through the cave until she came upon a room with green shattered glass scattered on the floor. She had found the vision and started putting the pieces in her bag. She sped up as sand started filling the room, she jumped out with all the pieces before the room flooded, and made it out of the tower.

She went to her room and saw Tia Pepa grabbing the rest of Antonio’s things. She said hi and told Mirabel to go help set up dinner for Isabella’s proposal. Mirabel obeyed and decided she would figure out the vision after the proposal. As she headed towards the dinner table, Abuela stopped her in her tracks.

“What did you tell Luisa?!”

“What do you mean?” Mirabel asks.

“I- I was trying to take a break as you said- but I got behind. So I stopped my break and I started picking up the donkeys and… THEY WERE HEAVY!” Luisa cries as she covers her face.

“Luisa-”

“Don’t. Mirabel do not talk to Luisa until I figure out what’s going on. Instead, help set the table for dinner, Luisa clean yourself up and get ready for dinner with the Guzmans.” Abuela says, before she leaves she looks at Mirabel.

“And whatever you’re trying to do- stop.” She finishes as she walks off.

Everyone sits at the table as dinner begins. Mirabel and Dolores do not know what the vision is, Mirabel has not put the pieces together yet, literally. Mirabel was mostly silent through the dinner, as Abuela and Isabella chatted with Senora Guzman and Mariano. Everything was going smoothly until Senora Guzman asked Luisa to pull the piano over so Mariano could play. Luisa sniffles and nods as she trots over to the piano, while Luisa left, Senora Guzman decided to say hi to Mirabel.

“Hola Mirabel, it’s nice to see you again.” Senora Guzman smiles at Mirabel, to which Isabella scrunches her eyebrows.

“You already know Mirabel?” Abuela asks.

“Who doesn’t know Mirabel? She’s always running around the village playing with the kids in the village, at Senora Gabriela’s Bouique, or she’s offering to help someone. Speaking of, thank you so much for mending Mariano’s suit jacket,” Senora Guzman says.

“Ah I see, that’s good,” Abuela says indifferently with a smile.

“Yeah, I never got the chance to thank you, Mirabel. It’s thanks to you that I had a suit jacket to wear today.” Mariano says with a smile.

“No need to thank me, it’s not that big of a deal,” Mirabel says bashfully as Isabella rolls her eyes. Luisa is struggling to pull the piano, she drags it with all her weight, and slowly but surely it’s moving.

“We should get back to talking about the proposal, Luisa what’s taking so long?” Abuela asks.

“I’m-” Luisa pants, “almost done,” Luisa says as she drags the piano towards them while crying, falling multiple times. Mirabel quickly gets up to help her.

“Luisa, it’s ok if you need some help. Let me grab this side and you can grab the other, si?”

“Ok…” she says sadly as she grabs one side. Together they both pick up the piano and put it down beside Mariano. Senora Guzman looks confused.

“Luisa, is everything alright?” she asks.

“Si, everything is fine! No need to worry.” Abuela answers for her as both granddaughters sit down. 

“Gracias Luisa and Mirabel,” Mariano says gratefully. Senora Guzman wasn’t too keen on letting that be the end of it, but she was interrupted before she could speak.

“Let’s get on to the proposal por favor,” Abuela says. As she talks, cracks form on the floor of the casita. Tia Pepa sees, causing a small cloud to form above her head as she whispers “clear skies” while messing with her hair.

“Are those cracks? Alma, what’s going on?” Mirabel looks at Abuela in frustration, because she told Abuela this was happening and she didn’t listen to her.

“Mirabel what did you do?!” Abuela yells as everyone else looks in shock.

“What?” Mirabel asks, shock evident on her face. 

“How is that fair? Mirabel wouldn’t do that,” Mariano says. Isabella crosses her arms and looks at Mirabel.

“Not on purpose. She always tries too hard and then messes everything up,” Isabella says with venom in her voice. Antonio’s face goes from shocked to offended on Mirabel’s behalf. 

“You shouldn’t say that, she’s your hermana,” Mariano says.

“What do you expect? She can’t really do much to help without a gift.”

“What is wrong with you? She’s not even the only one here without a gift. Your Abuela doesn’t have a gift, your papi doesn’t have a gift, my mami doesn’t have a gift, I don’t have a gift.”

“It’s different.”

“No, it’s you that’s a different person from the Isabella I thought I wanted to marry. I withdraw my proposal, this is over.” Mariano says sternly as Isabella’s face drops.

“Wait- Senora Guzman please tell your son to not make any rash decisions. Isabella didn’t mean that” Abuela says as more cracks form on the walls, and the clouds grow darker.

“I agree with my son, and I respect his decision. How could you just accuse your granddaughter like that? Then let her older sister say these terrible things about her? I’m sorry Alma, I don’t know what’s going on with your familia, but I don’t think we can make this commitment.” Senora Guzman says. Meanwhile, Mariano had tried to leave but Mirabel stopped him.

“Por favor, don’t be mad at Isabella.”

“Why? After what she said about you-”

“I don’t want to ruin her proposal. She may not be the best hermana mayor, but she’s still my hermana. I don’t want your relationship to end over a fight about me.” Mirabel says timidly.

“Lo siento Mirabel, really, I am. However, I believe in true loyalty, if she can’t be loyal to her own sister, what chance is there for me?” He asks.

“I understand, still please think about it. Isabella isn’t always like that, she can be kind and compassionate as well. She loves this familia as much as I do.”

“I’ll do it for you. Good luck.” Mariano says as he walks out with his Mami. Through all the chaos Mirabel is able to escape, she runs from the disaster that was the proposal dinner. She runs straight up the stairs near the doors and stops to take a breath. She hears a noise and looks to see it’s a rat climbing into a painting. Mirabel nudges the painting and finds a secret passageway, it’s dark and foggy. She sighs, relieved she found a place to hide, and sits down on the floor. She pulls out the pieces of the vision from her bag and slowly pieces them together. It reveals a picture of Mirabel behind Casita, flipping from being cracked and not cracked. Mirabel looks in shock as her heart falls into her stomach. Is… is she the reason Casita is cracking? Her hands begin to shake as her inner demons flood her head. Her breaths are small and shallow, and tears threaten to fall down her face. A figure is seen behind her and touches her shoulder, making her jump. She sees a man in a green cape pulls his hood off to reveal her Tio Bruno.

“Ah! Sorry- sorry I didn’t mean to- uh-” He stops not knowing what to say. Mirabel was so surprised that she stopped shaking and her breathing slowed.

[miracles-and-butterflies]

The second wip of the Reincarnation AU series; Isabela’s death.

Featuring another sketch at the end.

Time skip of fourteen years. What happened between Mirabel and Isabela’s deaths? You’ll never know.

Comments are always appreciated.

Warning, sensitive topics below: murder and character death.

~~~~~~

So Much Hides Behind My Smile

“Knock, knock? Mi flor? Are you in there?” Someone asks, opening the door.

Isabela is sat at her vanity, carefully taking out the flowers she’d woven into her hair that morning. From the mirror’s reflection, she can see Milagro stood in the doorway, her family going about minding their own business just behind.

It had been a busy day, of course. Her perfect, albeit long awaited, wedding.

“Of course, mi vida. Did you need something?”

“I just came to see you,” he answered, shutting the door behind him. He laughed, walking over to her, just about to set a hand on her shoulder. “Well, it’s been a long day but we’ve finally made it to the wedding night—”

“Get the fuck out of my room.” Isabela snarls.

Milagro blanks for a minute. “Um… where else am I meant to sleep?”

“I don’t care. It’s not my problem.” She seethes, turning back to the mirror.

“In case the rest of the day didn’t clue you in, mi flor, we are unfortunately husband and wife now. It very much is your problem. And from what I understand, the sooner you have a baby, the happier your Abuela will be. Which you’ll have a hard time achieving if you don’t want me here.”

“If you so much as touch my shoulder, I will rip your penis off and feed it to my carnivorous plants.”

Neither says anything more.

But it takes exactly two seconds for them to act.

Milagro goes to charge his entire body into hers but is yanked onto the floor by throned vines, as Isabela throws herself straight onto him.

“How dare you treat me like this!?”

“How dare you!? This is my room and don’t you forget it!”

“Just because you’re a Madrigal doesn’t mean you can get away with everything, princesa!”

They scratch and hiss and hit like wild jaguars, fighting over the last scrap of meat.

It just keeps going.

Not only does he deserve it and worse, she can let out all the steam that’s been building inside her.

~~~~~~

“A perfect match,” Alma hummed, as Bruno poured them all another round of wine. “Isabela deserves the best and that is what she has. They will both bring so much good to the Encanto.”

“I can’t believe it. Where has the time gone?” Bruno added.

Pepa nodded, still drying her hair. “It feels like just yesterday Isabela was born and now she’s married and going to have babies of her own.”

“That will be our Lolita soon,” Félix smiled.

“I’m too young to have grandchildren! We’re too young to have grandchildren! No offence, Mama.”

Alma was in too good a mood to even remotely care.

“Is it really Dolores’ wedding next?” Bruno asked, teasing. “Because I had a little peek into the future and I saw—”

“NO! DON’T YOU DARE RUIN IT! I DON’T WANT TO KNOW!” Pepa shrieked.

Bruno held his hands up in surrender as his sister began a play fight with him, Félix laughed riotously.

“Hey, I was only kidding!”

“Well, I don’t believe you!”

Alma chuckled too, before getting up. “I am going to check on Julieta and Agustín.”

“You do that,” Félix said. “I’ll keep an eye on these two.”

The rest of the grandkids, all of whom were drunk, were out in the courtyard, hyper as anything.

Camilo, Antonio and a variety of animals were dancing while Dolores played some lively tune on her bandola; Luisa singing a completely different song over the top.

Honestly, you wouldn’t know they were adults.

On any other day, she would probably have scolded them and sent them to bed. For now though, she is happy enough to just leave them. They aren’t hurting anyone or causing any trouble, to be fair.

Agustín and Julieta were sat quietly in another room, without the wine. Julieta has been in an odd state for the past few years with seemingly new cure, and Agustín has always preferred to keep some distance from his mother-in-law when he can help it.

But they should be together right now. This is Isabela’s day and they have all been her biggest supporters.

“They certainly make the happy couple,” Alma said, taking a seat beside them.

“Indeed.” Agustín agrees. “I had my doubts about this match, but I’m glad that I’ve been proved wrong.”

“So long as my girls are happy, then I’m happy.” Julieta declares.

“Well, mija, I can attest that Luisa is definitely happy.” She paused, trying to get the pair to hear the carryon happening outside. “And trying to make herself a soprano, apparently.”

After some wonky, forced long note from Luisa, they broke into laughter.

“It’s nice to see the kids are still enjoying life and spending time together,” Agustín remarked, smiling fondly.

Julieta’s smile drops.

“Not all of them.”

~~~~~~

Long after Milagro is gone and her temper has cooled, Isabela heads downstairs.

It’s late now.

The rest of the family is in bed. Or at least in their rooms.

She doesn’t know where Milagro went after she kicked him out, probably the guest bedroom, but she doesn’t care enough to check. He can sleep outside for all she cares.

She heard some footsteps on the way to the kitchen, but brushed them off.

One of Antonio’s animals, no doubt.

In the kitchen, she makes her way over to the coffee pot. It’s half full, just needs to be reheated - no doubt Luisa has beaten her to their usual midnight drinks.

Casita takes over, sliding her signature cup along to her.

“What do you think of all this, Casita?”

A few tiles clink.

“Mirabel? I’d be lectured for at least two hours about failed marriages in history or something if she was still alive.” Isabela glanced to the side. “Can’t imagine how she’d take this… knowing I just went back.”

More clinking.

“Well, what was I meant to do? I couldn’t say no.”

A cupboard smacks her shoulder, lightly.

She chuckled. Taking off the wedding ring.

“Haha, good point. You know, I always thought getting out of the Guzmán engagement would make me happy, and now I’m about two seconds away from committing murder.”

The beams squeak supportively.

“It’s nice to know someone’s got my back.”

The coffee pot, ready, is tilted over Isabela’s cup, filling it to the brim.

“Maybe I’ll let it happen. Let the family see he’s awful and then I’ll be free.”

It smells as good as usual, there’s an underlying hint of something that isn’t coffee though. She shrugs, and drinks it anyways.

Luisa’s been drunk since the ceremony ended, who knows what she’s put in here since. It’s probably alcohol - that she’s added in some spark of creativity. And Isabela isn’t too against the idea of alcohol in her coffee at all - it’s an idea she’ll try later, when she isn’t about to go to bed.

It doesn’t taste any different though.

She lets Casita dispose of the ring.

She returns to her room steadily, not paying much attention to the beautiful decorations that have been hanging since this morning.

It’s one of the odd times where she wasn’t the one to decorate Casita in her flora - it was her day. Abuela had made it very clear that she didn’t want Isabela to lift a finger.

She never really got a chance to admire them this morning either. She’s spent most of the day outside of Casita and when they have been home, she was in her room, getting ready with Dolores, her maid of honour.

Ah well.

They will still be there tomorrow.

All that matters now is that she’s alone, out of that hideous wedding dress and can sleep off her frustration with a drink.

She doesn’t bother switching on the light, just clambers into bed and setting the cup on her bedside table.

The café con leche is as inviting as always.

[Note reads, not in Isabela’s handwriting:

Dear family,

This is not about you, this is about me. I can’t cope with the pressure of being the perfect Madrigal any longer. I was not made to be a wife and mother - my most sincere apologies to Milagro, mi vida. I tried. You should not blame yourselves. I hope whatever is is next is better than this.

— Isabela]

[casitafallz-a]

Decay AU | Ghosts of Casita P1

Dante knew his first night should be easy, he had his own bed, Abuela had read him a story and tucked him in for the night. His ghosts were quiet this far away from the other part of his room but he couldn’t settle. The whispers were quiet and nothing he heard was too scary but he felt…unsafe.

He didn’t like that.

He wanted to go into his Mami’s room and cuddle with her...but Mami wasn’t here. Dante considered maybe going into his Tia’s room or maybe Abuela’s and see if they let him sleep in their bed with them… that would be nice.

Dante pushed his covers off before he pulled his teddy with him before wigging off the bed and padded to the door and poked his head out.

Unlike morning, the spirits seemed to come out a lot at night while the living slept. His cross on his door kept them out but looking around, he could see a few a few spirits fade in and out of the doors of his family. A few he felt were okay but… the rest felt wrong; negative and that wasn’t right.

He had to do something!

His eyes widened in alarm before he hurried over to a draw and pulled out a few wrapped sticks of herbs and incense and a huge canister of salt. It took a moment to find the matches but…he was supposed to have an adult light it.

Dante sighed out shakily, but kept his head down as he padded quickly across the balcony, avoiding the few ghosts on the way until he reached his Bisabuela’s door. Abuela, maybe but he felt compelled to go to his Bisabuela first.

He knocked lightly, waiting anxiously, his eyes glowing blue as he scanned the faces and features of the spirits though they were a lot louder outside now.

The door opened, making him jump a little to see the tired face of Bisabuela looking at him with the candle in hand. She was dressed down into her nightgown but had thrown on her black shawl over the top, her hair that was usually up was loose.

“Dante?” Her tone a little strict, “What are you doing up?”

“The dead people are in your rooms.” Dante spoke up, “they’re really loud and I don’t feel safe…. Can we get them out?” He held up the match box and smudge stick.

Bisabuela stared at him for a long moment, growing a few shades paler at the first part of his sentences.

“D-dead people?”

“Their ghosts. Some are nice but the rest… they’re not as friendly.”

Bisabuela spared a little around, then into her room cautiously, “All of our rooms?”

“Si.” He ducked under his Abuela’s arm, poking his head in uninvited but he recoiled as he recognised one of the scary ones lurking in the corner, opposite the bed but it gave off a such a putrid vibe that made him want to curl up into a ball and cry. “Bad one! Bad one!” He grabbed Bisabuela’s hand, pulling the 78 out of her room and slammed the door after her.

“Dante!”

“How could you sleep in the room with that?!” Dante sniffled, letting go and began to pout the salt he had across the front of her door, “its evil and the worst one here!”

“Mama? Dante?” Abuela’s tired voice echoed though he didn’t turn to see until he was done to see both his grandparents in their doorway.

“What’s going on?” Abuelo’s voice echoed.

Dante sniffled, wiping his eyes with the palms of his face before he hurried towards Abuela and hugged her legs. “Bad things are here! We got to clean the house!”

“Mama?”

Bisabuela looked uneasy, more so as she looked at her door before straightening up. “Dante, what’s in my room?”

“It a bad man… he-he has a horse with him and a red covered machete and-and… he feels evil! There are a three others like him but he’s the worst!”

If possible, Bisabuela’s face lost all colour before she nodded. “Let’s clean the house. Julieta, can you go and wake the priest?”

 -

Suffice to say, the whole of Casita was awake as Dante led both the priest, Señor Flores and his Bisabuela around; using his gift was growing exhausting, bringing the ghosts into view for the two had been helpful for them to know when the ghosts had left Casita from each room.

Another bad ghost had been in his mother’s room; hanging in the air above her bed in a dark, shapeless mass that he left the priest to shakily exorcize when he had shown it to them. They had yet to get to Bisabuela’s room to tackle that

Camilo hadn’t been for it until Dante pointed out the farmer missing half his face was lurking around his mirrors then he get very enthusiastic for it.

Antonio seemed to happily take all the ghosts of the animals that lingered so Dante just made sure to salt the doorway so nothing bad would enter at the least.

Getting to Dolores’s room and Mariano, Dante poked his head in first, ignoring the waiting couple for his assessment before they could go back to sleep.

He found the ghost under their bed, crawling under though this was a little boy, and looked about two and a half, he looked so cheerful under there. The only disturbing thing was the face his head sat at a off wrong angle.

“Do you see anything?” Mariano asked, yawning.

“Hola.”

The boy’s head turned, confusing at being addressed. ‘what? I’m playing…”

“You can play in my room… you’re not supposed to be in here.”

“I like it here. So quiet.”

“What’s your name?”

The boy shrugged, “Adan.”

Dante wiggled from under the bed and peeked up to the four adults from his froggy stance.

“Adan doesn’t want to leave. He like playing with his toys in here.” Dante explained, idly tugging on the rug’s carpet threads “he’s not a bad one. It’s just nice and quiet under there.”

“Toys…is this one’s a child?” Mariano asked, with an edge of uncertainly as he looked to Dolores

Dante bobbed his head. Dolores looked to her fiancé, talking to him softly before they seemed to come to an agreement.

“He’s fine here tonight but… can you convince him to move tomorrow?”

Dante nodded, yawning as he pushed himself up to his feet and picked up his salt “Tia Pepa’s room next and then yours…then we’re all clear.” Abuela and Abuelo had smudges the entire kitchen, dining room, pantry and cool room and Tio Bruno had already taken to between the walls with his so he liked to think the rest of the house was all covered at this point. Some salt was added to Casita’s doorway. Given Tio Bruno has salt on him at all times and the amount he threw around, there was nothing lurking around his room which seemed to surprise the seer but Dante was pleased.

But two rooms left and then they’d go to bed.

Felix opened the door for them though oddly enough, there was nothing. Abuela’s room had a teenage girl who liked the little kitchen but nothing was a good sign. Maybe the ghosts around here just wasn’t fond of the weather in here or maybe it was Felix’s warm energy that made it hard to feed off Pepa’s erratic one. Bad ghosts were drawn to negativity which, now Dante realised were in the most predominant places; like his Mama’s room and Bisabuela’s.

“There’s nothing in here.”

The relief on both Tia Pepa’s face and Felix’s was evident as he spoke, Tia Pepa’s clouds lightening up and he pulled her hand to kiss softly before he padded out though his nervously eyed Bisabuela’s door with contempt.

“What sort of spirit is this one?” Padre Flores asked, getting out a fresh stick to burn.

“Evil…. Sort of demonic but not a demon.” Dante curled into his Bisabuela’s side. “it feeds and grows on negativity and… and it doesn’t like this family. It hates.”

Bisabuela’s hand came to his shoulder, “Don’t worry, we’ll get rid of it.”

Padre Flores nodded, running a hand cover his bald head before he opened up his bible and began to read out prayers before the door opened and he shrunk away as it’s darkness made itself known; the warm air dropping in temperature though the candle in Bisabuela’s had grew brighter; shimmering a warmth around.

But now it was known, it wasn’t happy about that so it moved as a formless dark mist from it’s corner though it was easy to see inside; what once was a clear view of the bed and window out, it was now obscured by the mist … and the for glowing red eyes that now hovered near the ceiling…

Then there was the distinct sound of hooves scraping along the wooden flooring of Bisabuela’s room

“Dios mios…” Bisabuela breathed in horror.