Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Silence was something Dolores cherished; her entire life had been nothing but excessive noise. Such was the breaks of having the gift of super hearing. As a rule, both personal and not, Dolores made a conscious effort to not actively listen in on the daily going-ons of her family members. That absolutely didn’t mean that she didn’t hear everything. It was just a matter of whether she focused or not.
Today, however, something is off.

Everything had started as normal. Mirabel had kept up with her wake-up tradition after they had rebuilt the house and breakfast had gone fairly normal as well. In fact, everything had been going like normal until about an hour ago. Dolores had been visiting with Mariano and his family to iron out some more details about their upcoming wedding when she heard the strangest sound come from Mirabel. Something between a groan and a cough; nothing so unusual that it immediately rang as cause for concern. She hadn’t thought about it at all for the rest of the afternoon until she was preparing to walk home and ran into Camilo.

“Did you see Mirabel this afternoon at all?” Camilo asked his sister as they fell into step together heading back to Casita.

“Of course not. I was with Mariano all afternoon.” Dolores replied as she looked at her brother.

“She was supposed to meet me at the Plaza this afternoon and she never showed up.” Camilo stated as he stretched his arms behind his head.

That comment made Dolores pause long enough to consider that she hadn’t heard a peep from her cousin aside from that weird noise earlier. Dolores tilted her head slightly left and then slightly right, Camilo, who had also paused, knew she was trying to focus on whatever it was she was listening for. There was a slight moment of silence before Dolores's eyes flew open and she took off in a dead sprint in the opposite direction from where they were standing. Blinking in surprise and disbelief, Camilo began chasing after his sister; only his height giving him an advantage.

“Where are we going?” Camilo called as he caught up to his sister.

“I… I don’t know. I just know the direction right now.” Dolores hissed as she gathered her skirt up and began running a bit faster.

“Something is wrong.” She added as she stopped at a three-way stop and cocked her head to focus on whatever it was that she was tracking.

Camilo couldn’t get a word in before they were both racing off down the road towards whatever Dolores had heard. After several moments, they began to approach a tattered and run-down-looking barn. Dolores had slowed and was beginning to move forward with a stalking sort of motion.

“Lores! What is going on!” hissed Camilo, already upset that he’d been dragged halfway across the Encanto.

“I don’t know.” His sister whispered as she halted just shy of the barn and stared at it with an intense look on her face.

Both siblings turned to face the barn as they both heard the sound of a whimpering animal. Or at least that’s what it sounds like until Dolores focused in on the noise. In a sudden instant, Camilo was lunging forward to grab his sister as she lunged towards the barn door in unbridled fury. He’d never seen her so angry before and ultimately, he wasn’t fast enough to grab her. Dolores threw the barn door open with such force that Camilo was sure the entire Encanto could hear the resulting noise. Neither of them were prepared for what was inside the barn.

Laying on the ground in the middle of the barn was their missing cousin. Mirabel’s hands were tied behind her back and her clothes were missing. Dark purple and yellow bruises were littering her skin and there was blood up by her head. She hadn’t responded to the noise and by the sounds, she was making, Dolores realized she was unconscious. She wasn’t alone. Neither of them immediately recognized the person who was on top of her but that didn’t stop Camilo from pulling off his ruana and surging forward to grab the guy off of her.

“Don’t kill him!” called Dolores as Camilo proceeded to punch the guy as hard as he could.

The moment Camilo had the guy outside, Dolores snatched the ruana up and darted towards Mirabel. Trying to be as gentle as possible, she untied the binding and proceeded to try and wake the younger girl. She was trying to focus on Mirabel, but she couldn’t tune out the things Camilo was saying. Gently, Dolores stroked Mirabel’s cheek in an effort to wake her up, but she got no response. She tried again and nothing. There was still no response and now Dolores was starting to become more concerned. She didn’t have any of her Tia Julieta’s cooking on her to help heal Mirabel. Heaving a sigh, she gently laid the ruana over her cousin and sank to the floor to think of something else.

Outside, Camilo was holding the guy up by his collar. He vaguely recognized the offender as Armando Ruiz; he was the son of one of the market owners in town. Camilo knew that he was about the same age as Dolores and Isabela but that didn’t stop him. Rage was coursing through him, and he was hell-bent on giving this guy what he deserved.

“Why?” Camilo demanded and Armando laugh as the younger Madrigal scowled.

“Why that little whore? She’s an easy target. Always so eager to please.” Armando started but was cut off as Camilo punched him in the face.

After the miracle had been restored and the cracks had begun being fixed, Camilo had been inspired by Isabela to try broadening his horizons with the use of his gift. He’d learned recently that he didn’t need to transform into entire people, but rather he could just transform parts of himself. It certainly helped at this moment. He remembered Dolores had said to not kill the guy but as he threw punch after punch and growled death threat after death threat, Camilo realized that was going to be a lot harder than he thought. It’s not until Dolores approaches them that he stops punching.

“He’s not dead yet, but you should leave him. We need to get Mirabel home. She isn’t waking up.” She whispers as Camilo glares at Armando.

Camilo says nothing as he stands and turns back to the barn, leaving the rapist lying in a beat-up pulp on the ground. Between the two of them, they’re able to get his ruana over Mirabel’s head and while it's not really enough to totally cover her, it does the job to be able to get her home. Gentle as possible, Camilo scoops his favorite prima off of the ground and Dolores helps make sure she’s covered enough. As they turn to leave, Dolores spots something colorful tossed on some hay bales and that’s when she realizes that it's Mirabel’s skirt, top, and bag. Grabbing the things up, she hurries after Camilo who is already making great strides back towards Casita.

It doesn’t take them very long to get home and Camilo doesn’t stop at Mirabel’s room, rather he heads straight for his and his sister does nothing to stop him. Instead, Dolores tosses Mirabel’s clothes into her room and then begins looking around for something that the poor, unconscious girl can wear. After a few moments, she finds a nightgown and extra underclothes. Dolores hurries back to Camilo’s room. Opening the door, she’s only just slightly surprised at the scene before her.

Mirabel is still unconscious but now she’s laying on Camilo’s bed and he’s laying next to her whispering in her ear how sorry he is that he couldn’t protect her, that she’s safe now, that he’ll never let anything like that ever happen again, that he loves her, that he needs her to come back. As much as Dolores doesn’t want to interrupt, she does so, so that she can get Mirabel cleaned up and changed.

“Go check the kitchen for some arepas or something while I get her dressed.” She whispers and for a moment it looks like he might argue but he doesn’t.

For Mirabel being as short as she is, she’s not all that light but Dolores somehow manages to get her out of the ruana and what little of her undergarments are left. There’s blood on her underwear and Dolores wants to vomit. Instead, she swallows hard and tries not to focus on the blood or the sticky residue on her cousin’s skin. She avoids the bruising as much as possible and after what feels like forever, she manages to get the nightgown over Mirabel’s head and pulled down so that she’s covered before she manages to get another pair of underwear on her. Once she’s done, she pulls the blanket on the bed up over her. Standing up, she quietly retreats from the room and finds Camilo standing in the hall. He’s changed shirts, she notes.

“I couldn’t find anything.” He whispers and she nods.

“I’ll head into town and find Tia Julieta. She needs to know.” She replies and Camilo just heaves a sigh before heading into his room.

“Casita. Can you make sure no one gets in here?” he asked the sentient house and behind him, he heard the door click, a sign that the door was now locked.

There was a part of him that had always dreamed of having Mirabel, his Mira, in his bed but this was not at all what he wanted. He never wanted to see her hurt. Gingerly, he sank onto the edge of the bed and ran his fingers over Mirabel’s forehead. She really was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. There was no denying anymore that he loved her more than anything.

“I’m so sorry, mi vida.” He whispers, gently carding his fingers through her tangled curls.

For the first time since they’d found her, Mirabel relaxed a little; turning towards Camilo’s touch. That was the only sign he needed to gently lay down on the blankets beside her, fingers still brushing against her hair. He’d do whatever he could from now on to keep her safe.

Chapter Text

Dolores heard the click of Camilo’s door locking as she stepped through Casita’s front door. Being the one who had super hearing meant that she heard everything going on, but she also tended to see more than other people did. So, it was no surprise to her that her little brother might have intimate feelings for their cousin. Heaving a sigh, Dolores pushed those thoughts away and began intently listening for the sound of her Tia Julieta’s voice. Julieta was at the market square, so Dolores began heading there. She was a street away when she ran into Isabela, who had been busy helping Senorita Sofia create new dyes.

“Lores! There you are!” called Isabela as Dolores froze mid step and turned to stare at her prima.

“Isa? What are you doing here?” a dumb question, Dolores knew, but it was what she came up with.

“Oh! I was helping Senorita Sofia develop some new dyes for her yarns and fabrics.” Isa said airily as Dolores nodded.

“Well, I’m heading to see Tia. Camilo needs an arepas.” Dolores lied as she turned back to her destination.

“To Mami? I’ll come with you.” Isabela replied and suddenly the two girls were walking towards Julieta’s food line.

Dolores hadn’t though ahead to what she would even say to her Tia Julieta, and she certainly hadn’t even considered Isabela or really anyone else for that matter. She had hoped that her tia wouldn’t be too busy so that maybe she could have said something quietly; Dolores was certain that Mirabel wouldn’t want everyone to know. Unfortunately, she ran out of time to think because just moments later, they were standing behind her tia.

“Mama!” chirped Isabela and Dolores paled as she realized she had to come up with something believable to say.

“Ah. Isa. How was your day dear?” Julieta asked her daughter as they hugged, some of Isabela’s dyes transferring to her mother’s dress.

“Sofia and I made so many new dyes and she said that she would maybe be able to make me a new dress in the new colors.” Isabela gushed as she twirled around, flowers sprouting in her hair at her happiness.

“Oh. Dolores. Are you alright dear?” Julieta asked, having noticed her niece standing somewhat behind her daughter.

“I’m fine. Camilo needs an arepas. We couldn’t find any in the kitchen.” Dolores replied with a tight smile and a squeak as she stared at her tia.

Internally, Dolores was screaming. She was supposed to tell Tia Julieta that Mirabel needed help and that she was hurt but she couldn't do it. Why? This was important! As she accepted the small bundle of arepas, Dolores realized she was afraid. If that had happened to her, she wasn’t sure she’d want anyone in the family to know at all. So, she kept her silence. It wasn’t until she was far enough away from the market that she realized that Isabela had followed her.

“Lores, you are an absolute terrible liar.” Isabela whispered and Dolores froze.

“Liar? What am I lying about?” Dolores questioned her voice barely a whisper.

“Camilo doesn’t really need those arepas, does he?” Isa said as she crossed her arms and fixed her cousin with a narrowed stare.

Instead of answering, Dolores began quickly walking towards the Casita. If she couldn’t tell Tia Julieta, then she most certainly couldn’t tell Isabela. So, she shook her head and continued onward. Isabela, on the other hand, wasn’t going to take no for an answer. She knew her cousin well enough to know that Dolores was hiding something; she just needed to figure out what.

~

Back at Casita, Camilo, who had dozed off was awoken by the panicked cries of Mirabel as she seemed to be having a nightmare. Groaning as he sat up on the floor, he looked over at Mirabel who was now curled up facing him and crying. Her shoulders shook as she sobbed.

“Mira?” Camilo whispered, quiet and gentle, in an effort to not scare her.

She didn’t respond. So, Camilo climbed back on the bed and scooted a bit closer to her. He didn’t want to scare her in the case that she woke up while he was lying there but he couldn't resist. Carefully he draped an arm over her waist and surprisingly, she moved closer to him.

“Thanks, Milo.” The whisper was unmistakably Mirabel and Camilo pulled back just a bit to look down at her.

“Are you awake?” he asked quietly, and she opened her eyes to look at him.

“Can I stay here?” she whispered.

Instead of responding, he pulled her closer and Mirabel pressed her forehead against his chest. Her entire body hurt, and she wasn’t entirely willing to deal with the memories of what had happened to her today. She wished it was nothing more than a nightmare, but she knew it wasn’t. Mirabel had never hated herself more than she did right now. This was entirely her fault. Sniffing slightly, she tried to keep the tears away. She didn’t deserve any of this.

“I don’t know what you’re thinking Mira but whatever it is, you need to stop.” Camilo mumbled as he pulled her closer still.

That was when the dam broke. Mirabel screamed out in broken anguish and Camilo’s heart shattered as he listened to her. He wanted to cry too. Actually, he really wanted to take away all of her pain, only then could he go on the murderous rampage that he so desperately wanted to right now. Right now, all he could do was to hold her as she cried.

“You’re safe here, Mira.” He whispered into her hair, gentle fingers making circles on her back.

“I promise.” He added.

~

Isabela was absolutely not giving up on whatever Dolores was hiding. She’d considered using some kind of vines to hold her and force her but that was a bit excessive. She had time to figure it out. Isa was trailing slightly behind, idly wondering if maybe the secret was about Mariano. Maybe they’d had sex and Dolores was too fearful to say anything. There were so many things that the secret could be that she failed to notice Dolores flinch.

“Oh! Hey guys!” called Luisa’s voice from behind them and while Isabela stopped for her sister, Dolores continued walking.

“What’s wrong with Dolores?” she added, and Isabela shook her head.

“That’s what I’m trying to figure out.” Isa replied as she watched her cousin step through Casita’s front door.

“Maybe she heard some things she shouldn’t have.” Luisa suggested as she shrugged before following her cousin to the house.

Isa hummed at the thought. Maybe that was it. Or maybe Camilo really had done something stupid and as his older sister, Dolores was trying to protect him. There was so much to consider, and Isa decided that she had time. Either she’d figure it out on her own or Dolores would spill it all eventually; after all, that’s always what happened. It was just a matter of time. Nodding to herself, Isa wandered into the house as well.

~

Even though he’d had his gift for just over a year, it was still somewhat shocking to see Antonio riding a jaguar through the town. On most normal days, he was out and about playing with the other children in the village. Playing tag with animals was always fun. Today was different. Instead of playing, he was walking at a rather brisk pace while talking to a rat that was sitting on his arm.

“You’re sure it’s her?” he asked quietly, and the rat bobbed its head as if to say ‘yes’.

“Alright. Tia Julieta is right there, and she looks like she’d almost done.” Antonio added softly as he hurried over to his aunt.

“Tia! Tia!” he cried as he ran up to Julieta, worry etched onto his face.

“Carlito told me, he’s a rat, that something terrible happened to Mirabel today. Is she ok?” he added, spitting the words out so quickly that Julieta almost had no idea what he had said.

“Calm down, pequeño. Nothing is wrong with Mirabel. She should be with Camilo.” Julieta stated as she knelt down to her sobrino’s height.

“No. The animals can’t lie. Carlito said that some man did something terrible to Mirabel and that she’d hurt. We’ve gotta find her and help her.” Antonio cried, almost in tears at the idea that his favorite prima could be hurt or injured somewhere.

Julieta was surprised. Antonio wasn’t the dramatic one; that was reserved for his older brother. She wasn’t entirely sure if animals being unable to lie was true or not, but he looked so desperate and sincere. It seemed like there was little choice to believe him, at least just a little bit. Looking around, she saw Agustin handing out the last few arepas. There were a few people who didn’t get one and Agustin reminded them that they could wait until morning, or they could come up the Casita and Julieta would have a fresh batch in about an hour.

“Alright Tonito, let's head back to Casita and check on Mirabel.” Julieta stated, taking the boy's hand in her own.

“Is something wrong with Mirabel?” Agustin asked as he joined the duo, confusion, and concern on his face.

“Antonio says that the rats told him that something terrible happened to Mirabel today. Did you see her today?” Julieta asked as Agustin shook his head.

“I haven’t seen Mirabel since we parted ways this morning. She was on her way to teach a few of the kids how to embroider.” Agustin replied and Julieta nodded.

Mirabel had always kept busy as a child but was often out of sight because then she wouldn’t be in the way as Abuela would say. That would always be one of Julieta’s biggest regrets; not doing more to correct her mother’s behavior towards her youngest daughter. She’d done nothing more than comply with every one of her mother's demands when it came to Mirabel. She should have done more. But through all that, Julieta realized that she wouldn’t know if her own daughter was missing because she wouldn’t even notice she hadn’t been around. Everything was going to be fine. They’d head back to Casita and Mirabel would be there and there would be nothing to worry about. No need for a fuss.

~

Pepa Madrigal was not a woman to be trifled with. She’d learned early on in her life that control meant stability. Since she controlled the weather with her mood, it was important to contain everything. She had amazing control over and then they lost the miracle, and the magic was gone. Why maintain complete control when you have nothing to lose? In the months it took to rebuild Casita, Pepa had begun learning how to handle the emotions she’d spent so long hiding. Then the magic came back, and she stopped being completely in control. Tonight, was proving that that had been a terrible idea. She was livid and storming.

Everything had been fine. Today had been hers and Felix’s day off. They had gone visit Felix’s family. Everything had been great until it wasn’t. She and Felix had been walking back to the Casita and they’d been just passing the market stall that was owned by the Ruiz family. Maria Ruiz was berating her oldest son about getting into fights. Armando claimed to his mother that Camilo attacked him. Well Maria Ruiz decided to take that out on Pepa.

“Pepa! A word!” Maria called out and Pepa halted to see what was going on.

“Of course, Senorita Ruiz.” Pepa called as she pulled Felix behind her.

The moment that they were at the market stand, Maria exploded. A mother protecting her son.

“What is this that I’m hearing about your son attacking my boy?” Maria cried as she waved her hand at her son.

“Camilo did what?” Pepa asked in disbelief as Felix laughed.

“Why would he beat up Armando? Are you sure it was Camilo?” Felix asked as he shook his head, disbelief evident in his voice.

“Oh, it was him all right. I was flirting with Mirabel, and he threatened me. I didn’t back off and he attacked me.” Armando argued, eyes hateful as he glared at them.

Pepa frowned. She was concerned. Why would Camilo attack anybody? He was a shapeshifter so he could have been shifted to someone else but still, why? Mirabel was his favorite cousin, Pepa knew that, and since Mirabel had no brothers; maybe he’d taken it upon himself to take up that role. But they were 16 and it was just flirting, nothing to beat someone up over. The thoughts were beginning to spiral and before she knew it, the sky was darkening, and a smaller storm cloud had begun to rumble over her head. Felix wasn’t convinced but he’d rather talk to Camilo first, get both sides.

“We should go find Camilo, mi vida.” Felix whispered as he tugged his wife’s hand gently enough to get her attention.

“Oh, we will. I’d like to have words with our oldest son.” Pepa growled as she turned away from the stall and began storming towards the Casita, Felix close behind.

Neither of them noticed Armando’s smug smirk as he watched them leave. Retribution would be swift and once this had been dealt with, once he was sure that no one believed that little punk. That’s when Armando could swoop in and try to get Mirabel. He always got what he wanted in the end.

~

As soon as Dolores was in the house, Casita tapped its tiles to get her attention. Blinking, Dolores placed the small bundle of food on the tiles and sure enough, Casita managed to make the food travel up the stairs and disappear underneath Camilo’s door.

“Thank you, Casita.” Dolores squeaked as she hurried up the stairs to her own room.

Chapter Text

Bruno was getting too old for this. He was too old to be dealing with the crazy drama that surrounded his nieces and nephews. Yet here he was, staring at the emerald glass tablet in his hands and wondering what exactly on earth had happened to make Camilo react the way that he did. In the background, Bruno could make out Dolores crouched in the darkness of the barn while her younger brother fought with some kid out front. Groaning, he decided that he needed to stay out of this one. Camilo was probably defending his sister; Bruno could respect that. So, he’d just keep this one to himself.

~

Mirabel was excited. She’d grown up being the gift-less Madrigal but that didn’t mean she wasn’t talented in other ways. It had taken years and years’ worth of work and effort, but she was undoubtedly one of, if not the, best seamstresses in the Encanto. She was especially good at embroidery. In the last month or so, she’d taken to teaching Cecelia how to make doll clothes. Those few lessons had turned into smaller group lessons with two more kids, Ava Hernandez, and Gabriela Ruiz. Today, she had decided that she was going to teach them how to embroider.

The three kids were already sitting under the tree in their usual spot waiting for her. As she drew closer, she noticed that they weren’t alone. Leaning against the tree and looking bored beyond belief was Gabriela’s older brother, Armando. Internally, she cringed. While he wasn’t the worst guy to be around, he didn’t make her feel totally comfortable. She couldn’t really say anything though because he was clearly there for his little sister, not her.

“Are you guys ready to learn something new today?” Mirabel asked as she approached the group.

“Mirabel!” cried the girls as thy all jumped up and rushed her.

“What are we going to learn today?” Cecelia asked as she grabbed Mirabel’s hand and practically dragged her over to the tree.

“Well… I figured today I could start teaching you guys how to do something like this.” Mirabel replied as she motioned to her blouse and skirt, both of which were covered in embroidery.

Immediately the girls all started talking at once and Mirabel laughed. From her peripheral vision, she could see Armando shaking his head and scowling. Rather she elected to ignore him and after a few more minutes, he pushed off of the tree and vanished across the bridge.

For the next two hours, Mirabel patiently taught the three little girls how to make lines and basic shapes with the thread. Luckily, she had brought a few of her mama’s arepas as a snack because there were multiple pricked fingers. The sun was high in the sky when she decided to break for lunch.

“We’re going to have lunch at my mama’s stall today. Do you want to come with us?” Gabriela asked as she tucked her project into the pocket of her dress.

“That’s alright. You guys go ahead.” Mirabel replied as the girls said their goodbyes and raced off towards the more crowded area of the market.

Closing her eyes briefly, she enjoyed the silence. When she opened her eyes again, Armando Ruiz was standing in front of her. One hand shoved in his pocket and the other holding flowers.

“Can I apologize for being rude earlier?” he asked, a complete change from the arrogance he displayed earlier.

“These are for you.” He added and Mirabel was surprised.

“Oh. Um. Thanks.” She replied, her tone belying how awkward and confused she was.

“Will you walk with me?” he asked, and Mirabel took a step backward.

She couldn’t come up with a good reason to decline the invite. Boys didn’t show interest in her very often and while he wasn’t the boy, she wanted attention from; this sudden change had left her feeling conflicted. In the end, she nodded and agreed; after all, what harm could one walk do.

~

The moment Antonio made it through the front door of the Casita, he was bounding up the stairs and heading for his older brother’s door. If anyone knew where Mirabel was or if anything had happened to her, it would be him. He was sure of it. Tiny hands pounded on the door as Antonio shifted nervously waiting for his brother to answer.

“Camilo! Have you seen Mirabel?” Antonino called as Julieta came up the stairs behind him, heading for Mirabel’s room.

Camilo’s door remained unanswered, and Antonio suddenly had a funny feeling in his tummy. The door was locked. Antonio felt like he was getting sick. He needed Mirabel, she just had to be ok. The rats had told him some pretty terrible things and he was terribly confused as to why someone would even do something like that. Tears were starting to well up in his eyes as pounded on his brother’s door again. Down the hall, Julieta was knocking on Mirabel’s door but also not getting a response. Pushing the door open, dread began settle in the depth of her stomach.

“She’s not here, Agustin.” Julieta called, a hint of panic beginning to creep into her voice as she turned to look at her husband over the railing.

“What’s going on?” called Isabela as she wandered out of the kitchen where she’d been thinking about everything with a cup of tea with Luisa.

“Isa. Luisa. Have you girls seen Mirabel?” Julieta asked as she looked at her older two daughters.

“Is she with Tio Bruno?” Luisa asked while Isa shook her head in response.

“Maybe Dolores knows.” Isa added and Julieta brightened considerably at that.

Though her room was generally soundproof, Dolores seemed to have heard Isabela because she appeared in her own doorway seconds later. Julieta noted that her sobrina seemed tense and fidgety. Before Dolores could even open her mouth though, Pepa stormed through the front door with Felix close behind her. Julieta was somewhat concerned. What exactly had set her off now, she wondered.

“Pepa? Have you seen Mirabel?” Julieta called to her sister, the red head pausing to look up in confusion.

“Supposedly she was with Armando Ruiz today.” Pepa replied as she ran her hands over her braid, frowning as another lightening bolt struck out from her storm.

“Mirabel was on a date!” cried Isabela as Luisa frowned.

“I don’t know. Maybe?” Pepa replied and Felix was trying to coax her away from the staircase.

“Is Camilo in his room?” she added as she tugged away from her husband and proceeded up the stairs to her older son’s room.

“Camilo Madrigal! You open this door right now.” Pepa called as she slammed her fist against the door.

~

The first thing Mirabel saw when she woke up the second time was Camilo’s shirt. His chin was resting on the top of her head and his arm was draped across her middle, holding her firm. This moment was a far cry from earlier in the day; the memories flooded her mind as she buried her face into Camilo’s chest. Tears prickled at her eyes again as she sucked in a breath and tried to push those thoughts away. Her entire body was sore, and she felt disgusting. Yet, as she lay there against her primo, she didn’t feel any of that at all.

She wasn’t entirely sure when it had happened. Couldn’t place when her love for her cousin had changed from the sibling-like love and affection that was normal between two cousins who were the same age, slept in the same nursery for five years, and who had been like twins. It was before the magic faded and before Casita had collapsed. More tears prickled her eyes as the harsh realization began to set in. All of this was so unfair. So much more unfair than anything else she’d been through.

She had begun shaking and Camilo stirred as he tried to pull her closer. Her heartbreaking sobs tore through his heart, and it was breaking him from the inside out. Clutching her tighter only seemed to make things worse because Mira started crying harder.

“I wish it would have been you.” Mira mumbled through her sobs, but her voice was so quiet and broken that Camilo barely caught it.

“What?” he whispered, and Mirabel shook her head as her sobs increased.

Neither spoke for a moment as Mirabel cried and cried. Camilo hated that asshole even more and he was starting to wish that he’d done more physical damage than he probably had. Given the chance now, he’d probably kill him if he ever saw him again.

“I wish it would have been you.” Mira whispered again, her voice still quiet but now more audible and Camilo froze.

“Me? Why me?” Camilo whispered; heart so full of a multitude of emotions that he didn’t even know how to begin processing them.

“I love you. If I could have chosen anyone to have sex with the first time, I would have chosen you.” She replied and Camilo could feel himself tearing up slightly.

She loved him? Him? Every dream and fantasy that he’d ever had came rushing into his mind at that moment and then he forced all of it away. While this felt like an amazing win, it wasn’t exactly what he wanted. Mira was broken and hurt; that was unforgivable. As much as he wanted to tackle Mira and fulfill that wish of hers, he couldn’t. He just couldn’t. Camilo loved her more than anything in the world and as much as he wanted what HE wanted, he would never put that above Mira and her happiness or wellbeing. Right now, she needed his strength and comfort; not some horny heart sick teenage boy who wanted to jump her.

“I love you too Mira. Nothing could ever change that.” Camilo whispered softly as he adjusted himself and leaned back slightly so that he could see her.

Her head moved and tearful brown eyes starred up at him in a mix of emotions that he couldn’t entirely decipher at the moment. He couldn’t let this moment slip away, though. So, he leaned down and pressed a kiss onto Mira’s lips. He wasn’t expecting her to kiss back. Especially not after what had happened today. But here she was leaning up, pressing her lips back into his; a hum echoing from the back of her throat.

“Maybe someday I can be your first. The first chosen willing partner.” Camilo whispered against her lips and Mira sniffed.

This day was something that she had imagined in the depths of her heart and mind. Something she had desired from the moment her heart had decided that it belonged to him, her primo. If she could have given herself to him first, she would have; wholeheartedly so. Sniffing slightly, she pressed her face into his chest again and smiled. The dark moments of the afternoon tugged at the edges of her mind, taunting her but right here and right now she felt safe.

“Thank you, Cami.” Her voice was soft, and he felt a twinge of pride.

The embrace that followed was soft and sweet and warm and understanding. No rush on either side. Everything was peaceful in those few moments as it was just them. Then there was a loud banging on the door which caused both teens to jump.

“Camilo Madrigal! You open this door right now.” Pepa called as she slammed her fist against the door and Camilo groaned.

Through dealing with Mira and getting so caught up in her and the subsequent revelations that he had totally spaced on the fact that they were both going to have to deal with what was happening outside of his room. Glancing down at Mira, he could see that her eyes were wide, and a flicker of fear moved across them before she flinched away from him.

“What do you want to do, Mira?” he asked as he released her, watching as she cowered under the blanket.

“Just Mami.” She whispered, voice barely audible again, and Camilo refused to let his heart hurt more as he nodded before standing up.

“I’ll let Tia Julieta in and that’s it, ok. I promise you’re safe in here.” He replied as he watched her nod before heading for the door.

Chapter Text

Of all the Madrigals that lived in the house, Casita seemed to respond the best to Mirabel. And Casita knew that its most treasured occupant didn’t want or need to be crowded at the moment so when Camilo finally opened his door and Antonio tried to run into the room; Casita stopped him by sliding him further down the hallway while also simultaneously moving Julieta closer to the door. Camilo breathed a sigh of relief, at least Casita was being somewhat helpful in this situation. He, however, did not get to say anything before his mother was reaching forward and grabbing his arm. Camilo yelped as his mother dragged him downstairs. The clicking of a door behind him and a glance over his shoulder told him that Tia Julieta had gone into his room to Mirabel.

“Explain to me why Senora Ruiz said that you beat her son Armando up today?” Pepa demanded as another storm cloud began to brew over her head.

Camilo frowned but he wasn’t about to let this get out of hand.

“She’d right. I did and I’d do it again too.” He replied, a hint of pride in his voice but Pepa wasn’t proud at all.

That was not at all the response that Pepa, or anyone else, had been expecting. Now Isabela and Luisa were standing in the archway leading to the kitchen and Dolores was still standing in her own doorway, even Antonio had moved to the top of the stairs to watch the scene unfold between his mama and his hermano.

“Camilo Madrigal! What were you thinking!” Pepa thundered as she pointed a finger in his face.

“You know that the family has a responsibility to this village, and we can’t be upending that by beating people up!” she added, the storm cloud getting darker.

“I did it for Mirabel.” Camilo replied as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“She was on a date! She didn’t need your interference!” cried Pepa in exasperation but Camilo felt like he’d been smacked.

Turning slightly, he glanced up at his hermana who was now standing at the edge of the railing. She was shaking her head but wasn’t moving to say anything, he could see tears in her eyes though.

“Mama, I don’t know if they were on a date but good dates don’t end up like that.” Camilo growled out, interrupting his mother rant.

“End how, Camilo? What could he have done?” Pepa demanded and Camilo felt the bile raising up in his throat as he was thrown back into the memories from earlier in the morning.

“He was raping her!” he cried and the silence that followed was deafening.

Pepa had stopped talking and even her storm cloud was making no noise. Camilo was glaring at the floor now because he couldn’t bare to look at his mami.

“What!” shrieked Isabela, shattering the silence.

“What happened, mijo.” Pepa asked her son, all anger dissipating as she reached out to place a hand on Camilo’s shoulder.

“He’s telling the truth mama.” Dolores supplied from the upper railing.

“Camilo found me as I was leaving Mariano’s house. He wanted to know if I’d seen Mirabel because apparently, she didn’t meet him in Plaza like she was supposed to. I was able to find her because of the noises she was making. We found Mirabel tied up and he was doing terrible things to her, mama.” She added as Pepa’s eyes widened.

The Casita was deathly silent. Pepa was in shock as she turned to look at her husband who was standing behind her. That was when she realized that he was blocking the front door. Agustin was beyond livid, who dared to injure his little girl. No one noticed Antonio sneaking inside Camilo’s room.

~

Julieta hadn’t really been in Camilo’s room since his gift ceremony. The room wasn’t important, however. What mattered the most to her was the trembling and shaking figure that was curled up on Camilo’s bed on the other side of the room. With careful steps, she made her way over to the bed where Mirabel was curled up.

“Mirabel. Dios Mio.” Julieta whispered and that was the moment the dam broke inside Mirabel.

With a strength that she didn’t know she had, Mirabel launched herself at her mother and began sobbing and screaming and crying again. It was, honestly, the most terrifying sound Julieta had ever heard her daughter make.
“What happened mi Corazón? Julieta whispered again and Mirabel just cried louder.

“It hurts mama.” Mirabel sobbed as she clung to her mother.

Julieta calmly rubbed circles on her back as Mirabel continued to cry. Her heart was shattering with each noise, and it hurt that this wasn’t something that she could fix. A single arepas could heal the physical damage but would do nothing for the mind or the soul. She hadn’t realized that she was crying either until she realized her face was wet too.

“He forced himself on me. It’s my fault.” Mirabel’s voice was broken and so quiet that Julieta almost missed that she’d said anything at all.

Julieta felt like she’d been plunged into ice. Forced himself on her? Her baby had been assaulted? Raped? Just the single thought of that word made her want to vomit. And the amount of emotion that poured through her was overwhelming. She was angry and it was such a raw sort of anger that she didn’t know what to do with it. Swallowing the bile that was fighting its way up, Julieta wrapped her arms around Mirabel and held her as tight as she physically could.

“None of this was your fault.” Julieta said as she hugged her daughter tighter.

“None of this could ever be your fault.” She repeated as she shook her head.

Mirabel pulled back and looked at her mother. She was shocked to see tears falling from her mama’s eyes and the guilt she’d been feeling grew larger.

“I could have said yes instead of fighting back.” Mirabel argued, her voice still quiet and shaky.

“He should never have touched you.” Cried Julieta and she was immediately regretful at the tone when Mirabel shrank back.

“I can ask Leon to eat him.” Piped up small voice from the doorway.

Both Julieta and Mirabel were surprised to see Antonio standing inside the room now and the door closed behind him. He didn’t waste another moment before launching himself across the room and into Mirabel’s chest. Shakily, she wrapped her arms around the now crying little boy as he held onto her.

“I was so scared. Carlito, he’s a rat, told me what happened, and I don’t understand any of it but it sounded really bad and I was so scared that you were going to be really hurt.” Antonio cried as he buried his face into Mirabel.

Mirabel glanced at her mother and then down at Antonio. He had heard everything. It didn’t really matter if he understood it all or not, the guilt was getting even worse. Deciding that it was time to avert another breakdown, Julieta gently tapped Antonio.

“Your prima is safe now Antonio, but we need to get her cleaned up. Can you go tell your mama that we need Abuela?” Julieta asked softly as Antonio starred at her.

“Ok.” He said softly as he hugged Mirabel a bit tighter.

“And no Leon can not eat him.” Chided Julieta with a small smile as her sobrino frowned and shook his head.

Once Antonio was out of the room, Julieta stood up and pulled Mirabel up with her. Keeping her close, Julieta proceeded to exit Camilo’s room and hurried to get them into her own room. That was the safest place right now. Mirabel needed a bath and Julieta needed to assess the injuries so that she could make enough treats to fix everything she could.

Each bedroom had its own bathroom, but Julieta decided that the safest place to help Mirabel clean up was in hers and Agustin’s room. So once she got Mirabel inside of the bedroom and settled with another blanket, Julieta stuck her head out the door and called for her other two daughters. The clamor of footsteps on the stairs was intense before the door was thrown open by Isabela, revealing three people in the doorway. Luisa looked like she had been crying and Isabela was fuming.

“That’s why Dolores said Camilo need those arepas.” She whispered to her mother who blinked before realizing what she was getting at.

Turing her attention her youngest sister, she felt sick to her stomach. Mirabel had a larger bruise blooming below her chin that spread across the entire front of her neck. Her eyes were puffy and red from crying. Behind her, Luisa was quietly crying. Both sisters felt an enormous amount of guilt.

“I’m so sorry, Mimi.” Isabela whispered as she approached the bed and wrapped the youngest sister in a hug, tears in her eyes.

“Me too.” Added Luisa as she joined the hug on the other side.

“We’ll protect you. I just wish we could have stopped it from happening.” Isa replied.

For a while, the sisters just sat together on their parent’s bed, holding each other. Mirabel closed her eyes and rested her head on Isabela’s shoulder. In the year that had passed since the cracks had started getting patched, Mirabel had become much closer to her oldest sister, but this was different. In this moment, her mind retreated back to the time when she hadn’t been as loved or felt as loved. She didn’t feel like she deserved this. Or maybe they were doing this out of pity. They felt sorry for her.

“That is absolutely not true Mimi.” Isabela whispered as she pulled away to look at her baby sister.

“It’s not pity.” Added Luisa as she frowned.

“I’ll admit that in the past I’ve been really nasty to you. I can’t take back any of that.” Isa continued as Mirabel looked up at her.

It was in that moment that she realized she must have said the last part aloud. Shame crept up into her face and Isa just ran her fingers over Mirabel’s cheek.

“Alright chicas. Mirabel needs to get cleaned up. Isabela, you can go get Mirabel some clothes from her room. Luisa, will you go see where Abuela is?” Julieta asked as she began ushering her girls into action.

Both of them left the room and Julieta even shooed Agustin out so that their daughter would have the privacy she deserved. When she turned around, Mirabel was already standing up; arms wrapped her middle.

“Can I just shower Mama?” she asked softly, and the healer nodded.

“Can I shower by myself?” she added, already beginning to feel self-conscious.

Mirabel practically ran into the bathroom and almost slammed the door behind her. Never in her life had she been more afraid of her family than she was right now. Even when they’d ignored her or been mean or asked her to not trouble herself so much; she hadn’t been afraid of being seen. Now? Now that her body had been terribly violated? She was terrified.

Turning to look in the mirror above the sink, Mirabel saw that she looked worst than the thought she did. She could see the scratch marks and the bruising under her chin on her throat. It was only at the moment that she noticed that she was actually wearing her own nightgown. Had Camilo changed her? Somehow, she suspected that it hadn’t been him. It didn’t really matter as she carefully and gingerly peeled the clothing off and dropped it on the floor. She was also wearing different underwear but no bra, so someone had to have changed her or redressed her at some point.

Coffee colored eyes returned to stare at the mirror and Mirabel felt revolted by what she saw. Her entire body was covered in purple and yellow bruises; she also saw scratch marks and on one of her breasts, there was an already bruising bite mark. Seeing that mark alone made her physically sick and she vomited into the sink, the noise causing Julieta to carefully enter the bathroom.

“Oh Mirabel.” The words were soft as she gently guided her daughter to the toilet in case she was going to be sick again.

Julieta gathered up some rags and laid them across the mess on the floor so that she could return to Mirabel when Isa knocked on the bathroom door. The oldest daughter didn’t wait to be asked, instead choosing to enter the bathroom and sidestep her mother to get to her sister. Isabela started the shower and once the water was warm enough, she gently pulled the younger girl up and coaxed her into the water. Mirabel was shaking still and after she didn’t move, Isabela stripped off her lacy mix-dyed dress to the pink satin slip underneath and stepped into the shower with her. Reaching behind her, she pulled the curtain closed.

“Let’s clean you up Mimi.” She said softly and Mirabel just nodded.

Somewhere in the depths of Mirabel’s mind, she was desperate to make a snappy retort to her sister and their secret childhood nickname. She wanted to make a joke about how this wasn’t appropriate, but she couldn’t. Everything in her mind was a mess right now.

“I’m not disgusted; you know. I’m angry with that boy, whoever he is.” Isabela murmured as she gently washed her sister’s hair.

“I don’t even really like him.” Mirabel whispered as she closed her eyes and leaned into her sister.

“I just thought he was being nice. He even gave me flowers.” She added as Isa huffed.

“That’s so common and tacky.” Grumbled Isabela as Mirabel giggled, which made Isa smile.

“I just want him to go away. I want it all to go away.” Mirabel whispered as she opened her eyes to look at her sister.

“He will be delt with because that’s what he deserves as a monster. Not just to you but to this Encanto.” Isabela stated as she hugged her sister while trying to be mindful of the bruising.

Once Isabela was satisfied that Mirabel was properly clean, the two girls dried off and got dressed. Mirabel breathed deeply; the shower had done wonders for Mirabel’s soul. She still felt stressed out and hurt and confused and guilty but different emotions were starting to overtake the other ones, anger and fear and regret and sadness. When the two exited the bathroom, they were both fairly surprised to see Abuela sitting at a table nearer the door with Julieta and Agustin.

Her eyes widened when she saw how battered Mirabel looked and that she was missing her signature glasses. The old woman made a mental note to get her a new pair. Guilt also coursed through her. Deep down Alma blamed herself for this incident. If she hadn’t been so hard on Mirabel for not having a gift and had given her the attention that she deserved, maybe she could have had a hand in averting something like this.

“Can you tell me what happened, Mirabel?” Abuela asked as she motioned for the girls to have a seat at the table as well.

“This must be dealt with as swiftly as possible so we need to know as much as we can.” She added and Mirabel nodded meekly as she accepted the tres leches ice cream that her mother was handing her.

While arepa con queso were Julieta’s standard healing fare, any food she made would work and she had guessed that maybe the ice cream would make her baby feel better. Sure enough after one bite, the tingling cold of the ice cream had spread to a majority of the injured spots across Mirabel’s body. The last bruise to fade was the large one on her neck. Closing her eyes, she tried to will herself into a safe place.

“I’ve been teaching Cecelia, Ava and Gabriela from the village how to sew and today we started embroidery. Gabriela’s older brother, Armando, was with her today and he was kind of rude to me this morning. He left at one point and came back with flowers and an apology when we were breaking for siesta. I didn’t think it would be so bad to take a simple walk with him.” She whispered, her voice breaking as she tried to tell the story without crying.

“I don’t remember getting to wherever we ended up. I just remember coming too at one point and had my arms tied and his hand was on my neck and he was on top of me. The next thing I remember was someone touching my face. Then I woke up here.” She finished, furiously wiping away the tears on her face.

Abuela’s face was hard set by the time that Mirabel finished her story. She had been hoping that the girl would provide more details but it seems that wasn’t going to happen. Instead, she would have to take what she had been given and would now have to proceed with deciding what would be an appropriate response to this situation. She’d already heard the story from Camilo and Dolores, who had rescued her. And she had also heard from Pepa about how Senora Ruiz and her son had blamed the entire thing on Camilo. There was so much that need to be considered here.

“Go to your room and get some rest. I will deal with the Ruiz boy.” Abuela stated as she stood and disappeared from the room.

For the first time since she’d been back home that after noon, Mirabel was ready to do something of her own volition. Moving faster than Isabela, Mirabel practically ran to her room and slammed the door behind her. She definitely needed a moment even though she didn’t feel like she really wanted to be alone.

~~

At dinner an hour later, Camilo was eating lethargically. Normally he wouldn’t hesitate to stuff his face and even get seconds but tonight even Tio Bruno was eating more. He hadn’t seen Mira since he’d left her in his room earlier and he needed to make sure that she was ok. He didn’t notice that Abuela was beginning to notice his behavior.

“Camilo. If you’re so anxious to see Mirabel, why don’t you take her up her dinner?” Abuela asked as she gave the teen a pointed look, at which Camilo flinched.

“I’ll do that.” He said hurriedly as he shot up from the table and gathered the plate that Tia Julieta had prepared for Mirabel.

Abuela wonder absently if Camilo would ever become brave enough to tell Mirabel how he felt. She’d seen that look before. It was the same look that her Pedro had had on his face when he thought she wasn’t watching him. They’d make a strong pair, she thought.

Chapter Text

Pepa felt like she’d been plunged into ice. Mirabel had been raped and yet, she’d stood there and lost her temper with her son who had had to witness such an act. Tears welled up in Pepa’s eyes as she stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Camilo, who was shaking. Even through all of the stress and responsibility that she’d been saddled with, Pepa had always known about her Camilo’s fondness for his cousin. Gently, she ran her fingers through his hair like she had when he was younger and breathed out a sigh.

“Please forgive me, mijo.” Pepa whispered as she held her son.

“I let the emotions get the best of me. I can’t imagine what you must be feeling right now.” She continued as Felix wrapped both of them in hug.

Camilo was still shaking as he stood in the middle of the courtyard. He hadn’t meant to shout like that, but he was already stressed out about everything that was happening. He didn’t even want to be standing here anymore. All he really wanted was to go back to his room and curl up with Mirabel again. He couldn’t keep her safe if he wasn’t there with her.

“I’m glad you found her.” Stated Agustin as he placed a hand on his sobrino’s shoulder causing the little huddle to break apart.

Camilo looked up at his tio in confusion. The man looked like he wanted to say something more when noises sounded from the top of the stairs. Antonio was running down the stairs and Camilo had very little time to step away from his mother before his younger brother barreled into her. A few moments later, the door to Camilo’s room opened and Julieta ushered Mirabel down the hall to his tia’s bedroom. Neither Agustin or Felix missed the pained look that crossed over Camilo’s face as he watched Isabela and Luisa run up the stairs to follow their mother and sister.

As a father to three daughters, Agustin was well acquainted with the look that Camilo was giving Mirabel. It was the same look the donkey-herders son used when Luisa returned the donkeys in the evenings. Or when the boys would look at Isabela, who had had already been promised to Mariano. He’d even seen some of the village boys stare at Mirabel. He wondered if anyone else had noticed the attraction between the two teens.

In a burst of energy, Camilo bolted away from his parents and uncle. He headed up the stairs and disappeared through his door. At the same time, the front door of Casita opened again and this time Abuela Alma and Bruno walked through. In the year since his return, Alma had made the most effort to reconnect with her only son. So, every few weeks, the two of them would go for longer walks. Abuela was laughing at something and Bruno had a small shy smile on his face. The moment they entered, they were greeted by a heavily increasing torrent of rain.

“Whats going on here?” Abuela asked, as Felix and Agustin turned to look at the new arrivals.

Before anyone could speak, Antonio was jumping out of his mothers arms and running at Abuela. He was still crying as he hugged her.

“Someone did something terrible to Mirabel.” He cried and Abuela frowned in concern.

“I’m sure she’s alright now, Tonito. Where is she?” Abuela asked as she patted the boy on the head.

“I think she’s in Tia Julieta’s room.” He responded, sniffing as he starred up at her.

Whatever was going on was enough to put Antonio in tears, so Abuela patted him on the head again before stepping away and heading to her daughter’s room. Agustin, who had been standing in the courtyard followed her up the stairs.

“What happened to Mirabel?” Bruno asked quietly and Pepa looked up at him in surprise.

“Some boy from town, Armando Ruiz, raped Mirabel this afternoon.” His sister replied and Bruno shook his head.

“Camilo and Dolores found her this afternoon and Camilo beat the kid up.” Felix added and Bruno felt like all of the air had been knocked out of his lungs.

How could he have been so wrong? The vision from the morning flashed through his mind as he starred at his sister in horror. A sudden look of realization crossed the red heads face as she sprung to her feet.

“You saw this didn’t you?” she demanded and Bruno shrank backwards.

“I saw Camilo beat some kid up with Dolores in the background. I never saw Mirabel. I would have gone and found her myself if I had known.” He protested weakly as Pepa glared at him for another moment before she deflated and shook her head.

“What are we going to do.” Pepa asked as Felix rubbed her back.

Bruno didn’t say anything as he skirted past her and hurried up the stairs to his room. He had to do something about this. He just had too. Once he was in the vision space, he tired to focus entirely on the kid from the earlier. This proved to yield nothing, instead the sand showed him another vision of Camilo. He was holding onto Mirabel as she cried. Its not what he wanted to see but he had no choice but to see whatever the sight wanted him to see. He just didn’t know what he was going to do with this one.

~

Despite the drama and turmoil of the day, Abuela insisted that they all try to eat together. Camilo begrudgingly came down from his room at the pleading of Antonio, who had begged him to be there. The only one who hadn’t joined them was Mirabel, who had locked herself in her room earlier. Dinner was a silent affair and Camilo looked like he wanted to disappear.

“Camilo. If you’re so anxious to see Mirabel, why don’t you take her up her dinner?” Abuela asked as she gave the teen a pointed look, at which Camilo flinched.

“I’ll do that.” He said hurriedly as he shot up from the table and gathered the plate that Tia Julieta had prepared for Mirabel.

He all but ran out of the kitchen. Gripping the plate, he hurried up the stairs and nearly ran to Mirabel’s bedroom door. When the magic had been retuned with the rebuilding of Casita, Mirabel had finally gotten her own room. Gently knocking on the door, Camilo was surprised when the door swung open. Mirabel wasn’t in her room at all and that made him panic. Where could she have gone?

“Casita, do you know where Mirabel is?” he asked hurriedly and sure enough, though somewhat surprisingly, the floor tiles clicked in front of his room.

Breathing out a sigh of relief, Camilo crossed the hallway and slowly opened the door to his room. Sure enough, Mirabel was there. She had fallen asleep again and was currently curled up under the quilt on his bed. Sliding the plate onto the table near the door, he decided that it was plenty late enough to be going to bed. So, he changed into the pajama pants he always slept in before sliding under the covers and wrapping an arm around Mira. Hopefully, tomorrow would be a better day.

~

“I’d like for Camilo and Mirabel to get married.” The statement was sudden and out of the blue as everyone remaining at the table turned and looked at the family matriarch.

“Now? Who would you have them marry?” demanded Pepa as she glared at her mother.

“Each other, of course. Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how they look at each other.” Alma stated and Pepa’s frown deepened.

“They’re cousins!” she cried, but Felix was coaxing her back into her chair while shooting their daughter an apologetic look.

“Francisco and Rosa are cousins too.” Interjected Agustin, as his wife starred at him.

“You approve?” Julieta asked as she looked at her husband in confusion and worry.

“I just want Mirabel to be happy. I think Camilo could give her that.” He replied and Felix nodded in agreement, much to Pepa’s dismay.

“She was raped, and you want to marry her now?” asked Isabela as she starred at her grandmother.

“It will be good for both of them, and it will keep Mirabel safe.” Abuela replied with a tone of finality.

No one else at the table said anything else on the matter and pair by pair, the table emptied. Pepa and Felix disappeared to their room. They carried Antonio to his room as he’d fallen asleep at the table. Bruno had long since disappeared to his. Isabela, Luisa and Dolores all left at the same time. Julieta and Agustin cleared the table and did the dishes together before retiring to their room. Abuela headed to her room as well. Tomorrow would be a better day.

Chapter Text

Dusty early morning light filtered through the curtains of Camilo’s room as Mirabel stirred awake. Aside from her mama, she was the earliest riser in the family so this was a normal time for her to be awake. Carefully sitting up, Mirabel gathered her glasses from under the pillow. Sliding them onto her face, she cracked a tiny smile. She had tried to fall asleep in her room, but she hadn’t been able to. Despite Casita trying to keep the room as noise-free as possible, Mirabel couldn’t escape the noises in her head. She wasn’t sure how or why she’d ended up in Camilo’s room, but she remembered curling up on his bed to wait for him. She must have fallen asleep like that. Glancing down at her primo, heat swelled in her cheeks. She hadn’t realized that Camilo slept shirtless. His curls were messy, and he had his opposite arm thrown over his eyes. He really was the most handsome man she’d ever seen. And if he really meant what he said yesterday, then he would be all hers. Forever. Though as much as she wanted to keep lying in bed and enjoying the warmth that Camilo provided, she needed to get up and go to the bathroom and get dressed and get downstairs to help her mama with breakfast.

“Cami. I need to go pee.” Mirabel whispered as she gently leaned down to kiss his cheek.

Mirabel giggled a little bit, a welcome feeling after recent events, when Camilo’s face twitched and then he proceeded to roll over. Deciding that it might be best to not wake him up, Mirabel crawled towards the end of the bed and climbed off. Quietly, she padded towards the door and carefully opened it. By the sounds of it, there was no one else awake yet except her mama; so, Mirabel slipped out of Camilo’s room. Making sure that the door was closed, she scurried down the hall to her own bedroom door. Once she was inside, she felt strange. This was no longer the nursery but it also, for some strange reason, didn’t feel entirely like it was her room anymore. Or something like that. Taking carful steps, she moved to the wardrobe and began looking for something to wear.

Delicate fingers trail along each piece before she decides on the pieces that she’d going to wear. Her favorite outfit had been ruined and in a spark of determination, she decided that she needed something new. Something different. In that moment, Mirabel’s resolve hardened. If she ignored everything, it would go away. It had too. She had her familia and she had Camilo, in particular. There was no way that she’d let that monster have any control over her. As of now, he didn’t exist.

However, she still hadn’t figured out what to wear. She’d gone over each piece twice already and she couldn’t figure out what she wanted. Casita seemed to pick up on the indecision because the floor beneath the wardrobe shifted and a single dress with a belt swung out. It was white on top with a goldenrod-colored collar, a belt that she had embroidered with the name Madrigal across it, and a deep blue skirt that had embroidered characters at the bottom of it.

“Are you trying to tell me something?” she asked, and Casita clicked a few tiles on the floor.

“Alright. Guess this is it.” She added as she pulled the dress out and headed into her bathroom.

Once she was dressed, Mirabel hurried downstairs to the kitchen. Sure enough, her mama was in the kitchen preparing the dough for the arepas that she would need later in the day.

“Good morning, mami.” Mirabel greeted her mother who turned to look at her with a warm smile.

“Oh good morning, mi mariposa.” Julieta greets her daughter and while she’s glad to see Mirabel up and moving; it feels premature.

“I didn’t expect you to be up so early this morning.” She adds and there is a visible tension that runs through Mirabel as she stares down at the counter.

“I’m fine, mama.” Mirabel replies as she turns to put the plates on the table.

Julieta doesn’t say anything further, but she knows that her daughter is not fine. What happened to her was traumatizing. She was sure that Mirabel was indeed not fine, but she didn’t want to push the subject. Instead, Julieta smiled softly and gently pulled her daughter into a hug. No words were exchanged. Both women were smiling when they broke apart. Mirabel felt better. Releasing her mother, she turned and returned to setting the table. It wasn’t exactly what Julieta had expected but it was a start. The tension had eased from Mirabel’s shoulders a bit and for that small thing alone, Julieta was grateful.

Breakfast was finished fairly quickly, and Agustin had arrived in the kitchen to help set the table as Mirabel was heading up the stairs to do her morning wake up call. In some ways, it was like the day before had never happened and as she pushed back the ever-invading thoughts; Mirabel was content to keep it that way. Normally, Abuela’s door was the last one that she knocked on before heading back downstairs but today Mirabel decided to make Camilo’s door her last stop. The moment she knocked on Abuela’s door though, she was surprised to see Abuela seemingly waiting for her.

“Good morning, Mirabel.” Abuela greeted and Mirabel instinctively froze, even though she had no need to.

“Good morning Abuela.” Mirabel replied as she regained herself, smiling brightly.

“Could we have a word in privet? Please?” Abuela asked as she stepped back from her door and Mirabel tensed slightly but knew better than to say no.

Mirabel was silent as she stepped into Abuela’s room. Carefully, she followed Abuela to the small sitting area in the corner of the room and delicately sat down on the chair opposite of Abuela.

“I want to ask you if there is someone in the village who you are interested in?” Abuela asked, hands folded in her lap.

Mirabel felt like she’d plunged into ice. Of course, there was someone in the village that Mirabel was interested in, but she was terrified of actually saying anything. She loved Camilo like she need air to breath, but she couldn't, wouldn’t, sacrifice the healing that had happened in the family for the admission that she loved her cousin the way she did. Her hesitance to answer made Abuela smile softly.

“It’s Camilo, isn’t it?” she asked, and Mirabel nearly fell out of her chair as she starred at her abuela with a look of both shock and fear before averting her gaze entirely.

“Please don’t lie to me Mirabel.” There was pain in Alma’s voice as Mirabel’s gaze snapped back to the older woman.

“I know we haven’t had a good relationship and that’s my fault, but you don’t need to hide this from me.” Alma added and Mirabel’s gaze snapped back to her face.

There was a kindness in Abuela’s eyes and Mirabel felt like she was going to cry again. Instead of answering, she just nodded and Abuela smiled softly in return.

“You and Camilo will make a good pair. That will mean good stability for the family and for the Encanto.” Alma added before she stood up and motioned for Mirabel to follow her out of the room.

Both of them were surprised to see Camilo standing on the other side of the door when Abuela opened the door. His arm was raised to knock and when he saw Mirabel standing behind their Abuela, he tensed slightly but dropped his hand. He’d panicked slightly when he’d woken up and Mirabel hadn’t been next to him still. He was sure that he’d never moved so fast in his life. He’d been pulling his ruana overhead when he entered the kitchen and his tia Julieta had asked him to go find Mirabel and Abuela.

“Tia Julieta said breakfast is ready.” He mumbled as Abuela nodded before stepping past him.

“Thank you, Camilo,” Abuela stated as she rested a hand on his shoulder before turning back to Mirabel.

“Please think about what I said, Mirabel.” She added before moving down the hallway and down the stairs.

Camilo saw Mirabel nod and he was curious as to what she and Abuela had been talking about, but he didn’t have time to think on it as Mirabel grabbed his hand and began pulling him down the stairs behind Abuela. He was surprised that she was being so forward but maybe it was nothing.

Chapter Text

Breakfast was a fairly normal affair except that Mirabel was sandwiched between her mother and Antonio, who was talking animatedly about his animals to his favorite prima. Everything was alright until Abuela tapped the edge of her water glass to signal that she had something to say.

“Mirabel. I would like Camilo to accompany you to town should you decide to go into town today.” Alma stated and Camilo was surprised enough that he didn’t even say anything, choosing to just nod instead.

Nodding herself, Abuela sat back down in her chair and resumed eating, the rest of the family following suit; though there were cautious glances being cast around the table. Mirabel, who was both surprised and flustered, only looked up from her plate once. Her coffee brown eyes glanced up and over at Camilo who was looking just as flushed and flustered.

Once breakfast was done, Julieta and Agustin gathered up the daily batch of arepas and headed into town. Pepa and Felix gathered up the dishes and delivered them to the kitchen where Mirabel, Camilo and Antonio were on dishes duty for the day. Pepa patted Mirabel gently on the shoulder before stepping away and wandering out of the kitchen. Felix, who obviously had a different idea, assured his wife that he wanted a privet word with their youngest son.

“Antonio. Can we talk for a moment?” Felix asked as Camilo turned an upturned brow to his father and brother.

Antonio carefully set the plate he’d been drying on the countertop before darting out of the room to talk to his dad. Camilo looked somewhat confused as to what exactly could have been so important that he wouldn’t have been included but was quickly silenced by the look his father shot him before disappearing out of the room. With the youngest Madrigal now out of the room, Camilo took a moment to glance at Mirabel but was surprised to see that she was hunched over the sink with her head resting on her elbow.

“Mira?” he asked softly but was surprised when the woman next to him shot upright and threw the rag she’d been using into the sink.

“I am not delicate, and I am not broken!” cried Mirabel as she turned on him, tears beginning to form in her eyes as she stared at him.

“Everyone is acting differently, and I just want everything to go back to the way that it was.” She added as Camilo stepped forward and gently wiped the tear that was escaping from her eye.

Mira’s eyes were glossy and wet, and Camilo stared at her. He was at a loss for words; was there anything he could say? He didn’t think that there was, so instead, he opted to pull her in for a hug. He desperately wanted to tell her that none of what she thought was true, but he couldn’t. Taking a deep breath, Camilo hugged her slightly tighter and thought about what his father would do.

Camilo could remember all of the times that his mother had broken down and caused accidental storms or blizzards. Abuela would get upset and that would often cause Pepa to cut off whatever she’d been feeling. What Camilo remembered most was that his father never shied away from his mother’s storms. He was always right there, whether that was the center of the hurricane or underneath the brightest glaring sun. That was the sort of man that Camilo wanted to be for Mira.

“Maybe they don’t know how to handle this either but I’m here so we can get through this together, ok?” Camilo responded as he leaned back and flashed Mira his most cheesy smile.

For a moment, he wasn’t sure she was going to buy it because Mira was fixing him with her famous “incredulous raised eyebrow” look and that made Camilo somewhat nervous. Or at least he was until a wide smile cracked across her face and she started laughing. Relief flooded him because he knew then that for the moment, she would be ok.

“Thanks Cami. I needed that.” Mirabel whispered as she wiped her eyes and smiled before standing up on her tiptoes and pressing a gentle kiss to Camilo’s lips.

Surprise flooded him but that didn’t stop him at all from leaning forward and cracking a smirk as he tried to deepen the kiss. Mira had to bite back a moan as her eyes fluttered closed and they became lost in the moment.

“Mirabel! Why are you kissing Camilo!” called Antonio, startling both teens as they jumped apart and stared at the youngest Madrigal in an amalgamation of feelings and emotions.

“Actually, mi hermano, I was kissing Mira because she just tastes so good.” Stated Camilo as he ran a hand through his hair.

He then proceeded to wrap an arm around Mirabel and place several loud, wet kisses all over her cheek; causing the girl to squeal in surprise before giggling and laughing.

“Oh. Ok.” Antonio nodded, seeming to accept the logic though he knew there was something more going on that they weren’t telling him.

“Well, Papa said that once we’re done with the dishes, you guys should take all of the village kids to the river because it’s supposed to be super warm today.” Antonio stated as he beamed at his prima and his hermano.

Mirabel and Camilo exchanged a glance as they stood together. Had that been the plan all along?

“Alright, Tonito but we need to finish the dishes first.” Mirabel stated as she turned back to the sink and resumed washing dishes.

A soft smile crossed her lips as she heard Antonio scramble to return to his spot of drying the dishes while Camilo returned to rinsing the dishes that she was handing him. Since they didn’t have much to do, they were done in no time. As soon as they were finished, Antonio was grabbing both Mirabel and Camilo and dragged them upstairs.

“Papa said he’d tell everyone that you guys were going to watch us.” Antonio said as he bounced up and down.

“Alright, well why don’t you and Camilo go get ready while I get ready ok?” Mirabel suggested as she turned back to her room.

Reluctantly, Antonio released her hand and watched as his most favorite person in the world disappeared into her bedroom. Once she was out of sight, he turned to his brother with a frown.

“When is Mirabel going to be, ok?” he asked softly, and Camilo looked down into his brothers’ big brown eyes.

“She’s not smiling like she used to.” He added and Camilo frowned.

“I don’t know Tonito. I don’t know.” Camilo replied as he led the younger boy to his room so that they could get their swimsuits.

It took the boys all of five minutes to change and gather their stuff because by the time they had changed, Casita had gathered up all of the blankets and towels that they would need for the afternoon. Camilo and Antonio gathered everything into the basket that they normally used when they went to the river, but Mirabel still hadn’t appeared by the time they were done. They were standing in the courtyard when a rat scampered across the floor and up Antonio’s arm. It was chittering and while Antonio wasn’t phased at all, Camilo cringed slightly and scooted slightly away.

“Uh-huh. I’ll tell him.” Antonio whispered softly as he produced a small treat from his pocket for the rat before gently patting it on the head.

“Carlito said that Mirabel is crying and that she needs you.” Antonio stated as he turned to his older brother.

Camilo frowned as he turned his gaze from his brother to the brilliant teal door of Mirabel’s room.

“I’ll go check on her.” He finally replied as he stood up and started up the stairs.

Antonio watched as his brother disappeared through the door to his prima’s room. A part of him was upset that no one would tell him what exactly had happened to Mirabel the day before but at the same time, he was excited by the prospect of his older brother being in love with his favorite prima. He knew that if Camilo married Mirabel, then she’d never leave the family and she’d always be around.

Camilo felt the gnawing feeling of worry begin to settle into his stomach as he wandered up the stairs and down the hall to Mirabel’s door. It really shouldn’t have taken her that long to get ready for their outing. When he reached her door, he felt a wave of pain roll over him as he heard the tell-tale sounds of sniffling and crying coming from beyond the door.

“I’m coming in Mira.” He called out before entering the room and closing the door behind him.

The room before him looked like one of his mother’s windstorms had torn through it. Clothes and blankets were strewn all over the place and in the middle of the mess sat Mira, curls a mess and tears streaming down her face. Stepping over the articles on the floor, he was careful to not startle her.

“What happened Mira?” he asked softly, crouching to her level, and gently wrapping an arm around her shoulders; refusing to feel hurt when she flinched away from him.

“What if he’s there? What if he sees me?” she whispered through her tears as she turned to look up at him, tears streaming down her face.

“Then I’ll deal with him.” Camilo replied and Mira was struck by how green his eyes were causing a blush to creep across her cheeks.

“See something you like?” he asked cheekily and in typical Mirabel fashion, she scrunched her nose up and giggled.

“Yea. You.” She replied softly once she’d gotten the giggling under control and then leaned up to place a kiss on Camilo’s lips.

He could get used to this he decided as he leaned into the kiss. He wasn’t sure he’d ever be able to get enough of Mirabel as he heard her squeak slightly beneath him.

“Antonio is waiting for us so we should hurry.” Camilo whispered as he gently pulled Mirabel to her feet and twirled her.

“And don’t worry about that dick Armando. If he even has the nerve to show his face around us, I’ll deal with him again.” He added as he pulled Mirabel in for a hug.

“Thanks Cami.” She replied with a small smile, still feeling terribly apprehensive but better at the same time.

Camilo stepped out of the room again and Mirabel tried not to let the panic resurface as she gathered up the clothes and dropped them all on the bed. It had only been a day, but she was tired of the overwhelming amounts of emotions she was experiencing. She desperately wanted things to go back to the way that they had been. Groaning, she decided that she wasn’t going to go swimming at all and that she’d just sit on the shore and work on her embroidery projects. Making sure she had everything she needed, Mirabel hurried out of her room and down to the bottom floor where the boys were waiting.

Antonio, who was riding on Parse, talked the entire time; filling what might have been a tense or uncomfortable silence with childish chatter that only he was capable of. At the turn for the road to the river, they were met by Cecelia and Gabriela.

“Where’s Armando, Gabi?” asked Antonio, and the flinch that Mirabel had didn’t go unnoticed.

“He’s in trouble with Mama and Papa so they’re making him do lots of chores today.” Gabriela replied as she shifted the bundle in her arms.

Camilo wrapped an arm around Mirabel’s shoulders again and she released the breath she didn’t even know she’d been holding in. She’d been so afraid that he’d be there that she hadn’t realized that the stress was physically affecting her.

“Well let’s get down to the swimming hole alright.” Coaxed Camilo as he gently tugged Mirabel forward and she followed him towards the river.

As the teens were walking away, Cecelia turned to Antonio.

“Is Mirabel, ok? She seems sick.” Cecelia asked as she looked up at the youngest madrigal.

“I don’t know. Something bad happened to her yesterday and she was really injured.” Antonio replied as he leaned down on Parse, a frown on his face.

“What happened?” asked Gabriela as the trio resumed walking towards the river.

“I don’t know. Mama yelled at Camilo a lot yesterday though. So, he probably knows.” Antonio added as he looked towards his brother and prima.

“I heard Mama arguing with Papa last night. She said Camilo beat Armando up. He wouldn’t tell them why though.” Gabriela whispered as she clutched her rolled-up towel to her chest.

“Are you three coming or not? At this rate it’ll be nighttime before we get there!” called Mirabel from down the road; her voice interrupting their thoughts.

All three kids turned to look down the road where Mirabel and Camilo were standing; Mirabel had her hands on her hips and Camilo was making silly faces behind her. Cracking his own smirk, Antonio offered his hand to Gabriela and Cecelia in the offer of a ride. Both girls accepted and once they were settled Parse took off with a burst of speed. The jaguar easily surpassed where Mirabel and Camilo were standing with shrieks of laughter from the girls.

When they finally reached the swimming hole, Alejandra, Juancho, and his older brother Miguel were waiting for them. The rest of the afternoon was amazing. Mirabel didn’t swim at all, but she got plenty wet from Camilo and Miguel splashing her. All of the kids had fun swimming and playing with Parse, who was remarkably docile for a large cat. By the time they were supposed to head home, all of the kids were exhausted, and the three teens were just about the same.

“I’m going to take Antonio home. Can you make sure that the other kids get home?” stated Mirabel as she ran gentle fingers through Antonio’s hair as he lay on the back of Parse.

“Yea. I’ll make sure that Cecelia and Gabriela get home.” Camilo responded as he shouldered the bag with all of the towels.

“I’ve got Alejandra. Thanks for inviting us to hang out you guys.” Miguel stated as he situated his younger brother on his shoulders and grabbed Alejandra’s hand.

Nodding in response to Miguel, Mirabel smiled at Camilo before turning and heading up the road with Antonio and Parse. The boys watched until she was out of earshot and then Miguel turned to Camilo with a serious look on his face.

“Armando is telling some of the other boys that he’s going to ask for Mirabel’s hand in marriage.” Miguel stated as he turned and began walking back towards the village.

If Camilo’s power had been anything other than shapeshifting, he probably would have done something incredibly stupid at that moment. He was absolutely livid. How dare that monster even entertain the idea of being anywhere near his precious Mirabel after what he did. Gritting his teeth and then forcing himself to swallow, Camilo shook his head.

“Thanks for the heads up. He’s too late because she’s already engaged, though.” Camilo replied, not realizing how accurate this lie actually was.

Chapter Text

Twenty-two-year-old Armando Ruiz was pacing around his bedroom grumbling and punching various sections of the wall. He was beyond furious as he thought about the dark-haired bitch that had escaped him. That hadn’t been part of the plan at all but somehow, he’d forgotten about her bitch cousin who could hear anything. Somehow, he’d not realized that Dolores’s hearing it was better than that because he’d done everything, he could make sure that Mirabel wouldn’t make any noise. Hell, he’d even used his sister as a ploy to even be around her.

As he though back to that afternoon, he smirked to himself. She’d had no idea what was going to happen and that had made the whole thing so much sweeter. She’d squirmed and cried but what did that matter to him. Once he’d deflowered her, it would be a simple task in painting her an easy woman who was so desperate for sex that she’d do anything for it and then he’d have her all to himself. She deserved it after all, with how she had constantly teased and denied him.

Armando was also confident that he had his mothers support in getting Mirabel to be his wife. Marrying a Madrigal was the ultimate status symbol in the village. He knew that his father wasn’t entirely taken with the idea, but he had no plans to move into the stupid house. Besides, Mirabel was gift less; it would be no issue to move her to the village. Didn’t her family hate her anyways? They should be grateful for him coming in and taking her away.

~

In the month that had passed since the attack, Mirabel had done her best to move on and gain back some semblance of normalcy. In an effort to combat the nightmare that had begun to plague her since, she had “unofficially” moved into Camilo’s room because that was where she felt the safest. Also, she hadn’t had any contact with Armando, thanks to a coordinated effort between her family and the Guzman’s. At some point, Dolores had cracked and spilled to Mariano. That hadn’t gone over very well. Mariano had wanted to confront the Ruiz’s and tell them because it was fairly obvious that they had no idea what their son had done. He didn’t agree at all that it should be kept silent, but he’d conceded to keep the peace. However, afterwards, he always kept an eye on Mirabel when she was in the village. He also kept a closer on Armando Ruiz, in an effort to make sure no one else was attacked.

Also in that month, the wedding plans between Dolores and Mariano had moved into full swing. If the lead up to Antonio’s gift ceremony had been stressful and busy, then this was a whole other level. Most of the preparations were arranged fairly quickly and that was good, but Mirabel had taken up the task of making Dolores’ dress. She’d started working on it as soon as she’d been able to and in just two short weeks, it was mostly done.
One morning, Mirabel was measuring Dolores for the wedding dress; making sure that it was going to fit just right and that nothing had been messed up, when the smell of her mothers’ cooking wafted in through the open window of her old bedroom that has now become a sewing room. The sudden, unexpected wave of nausea that followed, however, almost knocked her over. Dolores squeaked as Mirabel reeled back and slammed her hand across her nose and mouth. The nausea was quickly becoming overwhelming and then, in a mad dash, she bolted from the room and disappears into the bathroom. Dolores flinched as she heard the tell-tale sound of someone vomiting and she frowned.

“What happened to Mirabel?” asked Isabela, who had been coming up the stairs as her youngest sister had gone bolting from the room.

“She’s throwing up in the bathroom.” Dolores whispered as she carefully removed the dress and laid it on the bed before getting dressed again.

“You don’t think she’s…” Isa whispered in reply, eyes wide as she starred at her cousin.

“I don’t know.” Was Dolores’ only reply as she smoothed her skirt and fixed her hair scarf before following Isa to the bathroom.

The sounds of vomiting had stopped but both women were cautious as they opened the door. Laying with her face pressed against the edge of the bathtub, Mirabel looked incredibly pale. Tear streaks tracked down her face and her glasses lay on the floor nearby.

“Are you feeling alright?” asked Isabela as she crouched down and ran a hand across Mirabel’s forehead.

“Come on. We need to get you up.” Isa added as she gently coaxed Mirabel off the floor.

Mirabel didn’t reply at all, instead choosing to be gently guided out of the bathroom and down the hall to Isa’s room. Dolores followed behind them quietly, listening for anything that could prove their suspicions. There were a lot of women in the house, and it was fairly common for all of them to have their monthly cycles in sequence. The more Dolores thought about it, the more concerned she became. Then she heard it, a strangely quite fluttering noise; not quite strong enough to discern without focusing on it. She didn’t say a word however as they entered Isa’s room and Dolores was carful to close the door behind them.

One of the first things that Isabela had done when she’d regained her gift after the rebuilding of Casita was to branch out in the types of plants that she grew. Of course, she still grew the pretty flowers because they made great gifts and decorations for celebrations but there were so many plants in the world that she’d only just begun to learn about. For her birthday, her father had gotten her a book on healing plants from around the world. So, Isa had read it a million times and then she had begun to try and grow some of them. From that book she’d learned that there were certain plants that could fix some of the problems if they were taken early enough.

Carefully, Isabela settle Mirabel on the lounger that she’d added to the room and began moving around the little kitchen that had been built into her room. It was a place for her to process all of her plants. Carefully Dolores moved to sit next to Mirabel, who looked upset.

“I’m pregnant, aren’t I?” she asked softly, causing both Dolores and Isabela to freeze.

Before either of them could reply, Mira shot up of the lounge and she screamed. Turing quickly, Isa raised her hand and within seconds there was a small plot of tomatoes and watermelons growing near the lounger.
“Throw those at the wall.” Isa instructed and Mirabel growled as she stomped over and grabbed a tomato.

The tomato made a very satisfying splat against the wall and yet, Mirabel didn’t feel any better. In the immediate aftermath of the attack, of the rape, she had been shocked and surprised because she’d never thought anything like that could happen. In the weeks afterwards, she had recovered from the shock but that feeling had been replaced by a quietly simmering anger with hurt and resentment added in. She hated him, though Mira felt like she’d never really be able to say that. Instead, she reached down and picked up a watermelon this time. It made a satisfying crack as is shattered against the wall. But it didn’t feel the same.
“I hate him.” She screamed as she threw another tomato.

Throw after throw, scream after scream until she physically couldn’t even do it anymore. The anger wasn’t going away, rather it felt like it was growing. She was angry that he had done this to her. That she was being robbed of an experience that should have been Camilo’s as well. She didn’t even realize she was crying until she sank to the ground and let out a heart wrenching sob. Dolores was quick to jump up and wrap her in a hug.
“I don’t want a baby. Not with him.” Mirabel cried as Dolores hugged her tighter.

“Take these two tablets and drink this.” Isabela stated as she stood over her younger sister.

Wiping the tears away, Mirabel took the two tablets that Isabela was offering her and quickly chewed them up: nose scrunching up at the awful taste. Accepting the cup, she quickly swallowed the liquid.

“You’ll need to take that twice a day for the next week. I’ve made enough for you. Drink the tea when you take them, alright.” Isabela stated as she pointed to the kitchenette.

“We’re killing it aren’t we?” Mirabel asked in a small voice as she blinked.

No one had to respond. This was for the best, Mirabel thought but it was still a painful thought. Mira had always dreamed of having children in the future. Recently she wondered if they’d have Camilo’s eyes or hers. That’s what she wanted, that was the future she wanted. Not the one that was currently shaping up. Taking a deep breath, Mirabel nodded before leaning forward and hugging her sister.

“Thank you, Isa.” Mirabel whisper as the older girl cracked a smile.

“We’ll figure it out.” Isa replied as she leaned back and looked down at Mira.

“Now. We’ll keep this between the three of us, alright?” She added as both sisters turned to look at their cousin, who nodded.

“We should get out of here. The guys will be home shortly, and I hear Antonio too.” Dolores added as she leaned her ear towards the door.

Moving separately now, the three women walked out of Isabela’s room and parted ways in the hallway. Mirabel returned to the sewing room to finish what she’d been working on, and Dolores disappeared downstairs while Isa wandered off to somewhere else.

~

“Stop stomping around the house. Why don’t you go make yourself useful and go chop more wood for the fireplace?” Senor Jose Ruiz demanded as he glared across the table at his son.

“Why? There’s plenty.” Armando replied as he turned to glare at his father.

“You keep acting like that and you’ll never find a wife.” His father retorted and then frowned as Armando growled.

“I’d have one if she wasn’t stupid.” Armando growled as he crossed his arms over his chest.

“This isn’t about that Madrigal girl, is it? You’re far better off finding a nice girl here in the village rather than chasing that crazy obsession of yours.” Jose stated, pointing the knife he was sharpening at his son who was still glaring at him.

Instead of responding to that comment, Armando stormed out of the kitchen and up the stairs to his room. His father shook his head as he returned to sharpening the knife that he was working on. He was still working when his wife and daughter came through the front door.

“Is Armando home?” Maria asked as she set a basket on the table.

“In his room.” Replied Jose as he looked up at his wife.

“Good. We need to talk.” Maria stated as she began unpacking the bag.

~

Camilo was exhausted as he trudged back up to Casita. It had been a long day of babysitting and helping around the village. He couldn’t wait to get home and curl up in bed with HIS Mira. That was still something that felt new, and he loved it. He didn’t have to hide it anymore. He could shower her with all of the love and affection that she rightfully deserved, and he’d never been happier.

He was passing the last shop in town before heading up the road to Casita when something in the window caught his eye. In the window of the shop sat a basket of sewing supplies and other things but among them was a book of patterns for toys and baby clothes. Camilo was impulsive but he knew that book was absolutely something that Mira would love. So, he entered the shop.

“Ah, Camilo Madrigal! What brings you into my shop?” questioned the woman behind the counter as the door closed behind him.

“The book in the window? How much for it?” he asked as the shop keeper flitted over to grab the book.

“Its 20,000 pesos.” Stated the shop keep and Camilo nodded, digging in his pockets for some money.

Once he had paid, he gathered up the book and headed for home. Somehow, he was the last person to arrive home before dinner.

“Ay, Camilo go wash up and then come get some food for Mirabel.” Called Tia Julieta as she moved food from the kitchen to the table.

That was concerning. Shouldn’t Mirabel already be in the kitchen like she always was? Calling a response back to his Tia, Camilo practically ran up the stairs to his room. He was careful to not slam the door open, but he was somewhat upset when he saw Mirabel curled up on the bed. The closer he got, he could see that she’d been crying and that killed him. Quietly he placed the gift for Mira on the dresser before turning and heading for their bathroom. At dinner, he was quick to eat so that he could take the food up to Mirabel. She didn’t wake up for it though.

“Mira. Mira, are you awake?” Camilo whispered as he sank onto the bed next to her, gently brushing her curls out of the way.

“Ugh. Cami? What time is it?” Mira groaned as she blearily opened her eyes.

“It’s bedtime, mi vida.” Camilo whispered as he gently ran his fingers through her hair and Mira squeaked.

“Bedtime! What about dinner? Why didn’t anyone wake me?” Mirabel shrieked as she shot up, only to tumbled over sideways when a new wave of nausea struck her.

Mirabel rolled back over and shoved her face in the pillow to avoid the smells or the lights. Camilo frowned again. Quietly he asked Casita to dim the lights, to which the house complied. With some convincing, he was able to get Mira back up after a moment to change clothes for bed. Once they were both laying down, Mira rolled over and buried her face into Camilo’s chest. He responded by wrapping an arm around her and pulling her closer. She was crying again, and Camilo hated that but for now, holding her was the best he could do.

“It’ll be alright, Mira.” He whispered and she sniffed as she tried to nod but couldn't bring herself to do it.

“I love you. No matter what happens.” Mira sniffled as she tried to dry her eyes and stop crying.

Camilo felt a chill run through him. He’d just gotten her. He could lose her now. Taking a deep breath, he swallowed the feelings.

“I love you too Mira. No matter what.” He replied before drifting off to sleep.

Chapter Text

Maria Ruiz was fuming, though she’d never let anyone else know or see. As the mother of two children, she’d always tried her best to instill as much love and care as she could onto her children. She liked to think she knew both of her children, inside and out. She knew that her daughter Gabriella had a major puppy love crush on Antonio Madrigal. They were six years old, and she didn’t think anything of it. Maria was also entirely aware of her son’s growing obsession with Mirabel Madrigal, something that had started a few years ago. It was frustrating and now, after what she’d heard, it was a full-blown concern.

“You wanted to talk Mama?” Armando asked as he stepped off of the stairs and into the dining room.

“Yes. Your father and I want to talk with you.” Maria replied as she gathered a dish from the kitchen and carried it into the dining room.

“Good I have something I want to say as well.” Armando added as he smirked to himself, entirely sure of how the conversation would go.

Armando knew that his mother wouldn’t say no to him, she rarely did. Maria waited until the three of them were settled around the table before she contemplated what exactly it was that she wanted to say. What she wanted to ask.

“Where’s the kid?” Armando asked as he glanced down at the empty seat beside him, where his sister should be sitting.

“Oh! Gabi is staying at a friend’s house tonight.” Maria replied quickly and while she felt fine, she noticed that her son was glaring at her.

“Well, I’m going to cut to the chase, Armando. Your mother and I want you to find a wife.” Stated Jose as he stared at his son across the table.

There was silence throughout the room. Maria and Jose both knew that this wasn’t going to be an easy conversation. They both knew that their son was different.

“I’m going to ask for Mirabel Madrigal's hand tomorrow.” Armando announced to his parents and neither of them seemed totally surprised by the declaration.

Rather instead of replying, Jose slammed his fist on the table. He was furious. All this talk of marrying a Madrigal had never made any sense and now this was the final straw. Before he could say anything, his wife placed her utensils down and stared at their son.

“What did you do to Mirabel?” Maria asked as she stared at her son, a frown etched onto her face.

If they thought that he was going to react at all to that, they were mistaken. Armando kept a mostly straight face, but he was fighting to keep a smirk off of his face. They couldn’t know, he reasoned. No one would tell them because he’d covered everything perfectly. Sure, a majority of his friends knew but none of them knew any details. The only one who knew more than they should was Gabriella, the little snitch.

“There are rumors floating around town that you did something to Mirabel. What happened?” Maria asked again, her face echoing the pained expression that was in her eyes.

“That’s why you got beat up by Camilo. What did you do to Mirabel?” demanded Jose as he stood from the table and began advancing towards his son.

“I fucked her if that’s what you’re asking. She asked for it though. She wanted me to fuck her.” Armando replied as he stood from his chair and glared at his father.

“I knew you were obsessed with her, but this is ridiculous.” Shouted Jose as he came face to face with his son.

Fear was starting to creep into Maria's heart as she sat and watched her husband and son fight. Sure, Armando had always been a little bit different from the other kids his age but that didn’t make him a bad person, did it? Surely, he would know better than to do something as terrible as forcing someone to have sex with him. Didn’t he? The rumors that were swirling around town, however, were terrible. Some of the stories were simple; that Armando had asked Mirabel to marry him, and Camilo hadn’t liked it all and had proceeded to beat him up. However, if he was admitting to actually sleeping with her; then the worst-case stories were starting to sound more real.

“No son of my mine would take advantage of a woman like that.” Shouted Jose and finally, Maria had had enough.

“Enough! We will deal with this in the morning!” Cried Maria and the two men stopped and stared at her.

Armando glared at his parent before storming out of the house. None of this was going how he had planned so now he needed to fix it. Shoving his hand in his pockets, he smirked to himself; one way or another, Mirabel Madrigal would be his. Then an idea hit him. There was one person in the valley who could help him, so Armando grinned to himself as changed his direction and headed for the church.
It was late but not late enough for Senor Flores to have closed his offices for the night and while it wasn’t unusual for people to come by the church in the evenings; it generally wasn’t the younger residents that he saw. He was just about to begin his final rounds for the evening when he noticed young Armando Ruiz sitting in the front pew. He looked excited when he saw the priest approaching.

“Ah, Father Flores, just the man I was looking for.” Armando called, jumping to his feet and approaching the priest.

“Armando? It's unusual to see you here at this hour. What can I do for you?” Senor Flores asked as he shook hands with the younger man.

“I need your help with a marriage proposal, Father.” Armando said as he pulled a ring from his pocket.

Father Flores nodded before turning and motioning for the younger man to follow him back to his office. This wasn’t the first time that Father Flores had heard talk of Armando Ruiz wanting to marry young Mirabel Madrigal. In fact, he’d spoken to Jose Ruiz several times about the matter; Jose wanted his son to move on. He had also heard some of the unsavory rumors that were swirling around town.

“Does Mirabel want to marry you?” asked Father Flores as he sank into the chair behind his desk while Armando took a seat on the other side.

“She’s propositioned me for sex several times Father. She must want something. Especially since she begged me to have sex with her last week.” Armando said in a solemn voice as Father Flores raised a brow.

“I see. I would never have thought that Miss Mirabel would be capable of something like that.” The priest responded quietly though he didn’t believe the statements in the slightest.

“Why don’t you go home for tonight. I’ll go talk to Senora Alma tomorrow morning and see where she stands on the idea. It's really her blessing you need anyways. Then you come and talk to me tomorrow afternoon.” Father Flores suggested as he stood and offered his hand to the younger man.

Few other words were exchanged as Father Flores bid Armando good night. He’d known Alma Madrigal for his entire life and while she’d been harsh on Mirabel after her failed gift ceremony, he knew that she would judge every man or woman who wanted to marry into her family. He also knew that Mirabel was nothing like what Armando had described. In the entire time, he’d known her, Father Flores had seen Mirabel work just as hard as her special family members. As far as Armando was concerned, that conversation was a complete success. He wasn't worried about Alma Madrigal. She hated Mirabel and Armando knew that so he saw no reason why she wouldn't let him Mirabel. If he had the Priest and her grandmother behind him, there's no way he could lose.

Chapter Text

For a week straight, Mirabel snuck out of hers and Camilo’s room early and she met Isabela in her room. For a solid week, Mirabel stomached the gritty sour tasting capsules and tea before breakfast and then again at night. The nausea abated at the end of the second week. Yet, Mirabel felt terrible for begging for a resolution. Mirabel was terrified of anyone finding out about what was going on with her. Sure, Isa and Dolores knew but she was absolutely petrified by the idea of anyone finding out. She hadn’t breathed a word of anything to anyone else, including Camilo. Though she was becoming wary of the fact that he might have figured it out.

On a clear morning at the end of the week, something happened. She was curled up around Camilo, limbs tangled together when she woke with the strangest sensation. Mirabel was sure that she was wet. It wasn’t something that she wanted to wake up and feel. Carefully extracting herself from the warmth of Camilo’s body, Mirabel rolled out of bed and made her way to the bathroom that Casita had added to Camilo’s room. With the door closed and the lights on, she could finally see what exactly had happened to make her feel wet.

Her nightgown was covered in blood and there was a lot of it. Enough so that she felt shocked and so very suddenly lightheaded. That sudden change in blood pressure sent her straight to her knees on the floor. She didn’t scream but she did cry out loud enough that she woke Camilo. Mirabel was trying to stand when he pushed the bathroom door open.

“Mira? What’s wrong?” he asked, voice bleary with sleep as poked his head through the door.

“I’m fine Cami. It's just mother nature.” Mirabel replied with a somewhat shaky voice as he looked her up and down.

Mother Nature? Blinking, his eyes widened when he realized she was covered in blood. Living in a house with mostly younger women, Camilo was entirely aware that women had monthly cycles. That was something he’d learned from his father, that women deserved the utmost care during these times. In truth, his mama never wanted for anything before hers had stopped because his papa had always made sure she had what she needed or wanted.

Carefully, he helped Mirabel stand and settle on the edge of the bathtub. A grimace crossed her face and Camilo was mentally trying to figure out what exactly he could do for her to make her feel better because it looked like this cycle was more painful than the others. Before Camilo could even move for the tap, Casita had already started the water.

“Can you go get Isa? Please Cami?” Mirabel asked as she hunched over as another cramp surged through her abdomen.

Nodding, though he felt it was something of an odd request, Camilo turned and headed out the room in search of his oldest prima. Luckily, she was just exiting her room when Camilo exited his.

“Isa! Do you have a moment?” he called, and the older woman turned to look at him with a curious look.

“Mira wanted me to get you.” He added and at that Isabela hurried past him and into his room without another word.

Camilo was left standing in the middle of the hall in surprise. He hadn’t realized that Isabela and Mira had gotten closer to each other like that in the last year. He was just about to turn around when Dolores hurried out of her room and over to him.

“Go tell Tia Julieta that Mirabel needs a few arepas, hermano.” She stated quietly as she too slipped past him and disappeared into his room.

Spinning around, Camilo felt somewhat irritated that he was be shuffled around for errands and had essentially been run out of his own room. However, he didn’t want Mira to suffer through what looked like it was shaping up to be a fairly bad cycle. So, in the spirit of that, he headed down to the kitchen. It was early enough that no one else was in the kitchen except for his Tia.

“Oh. Camilo. You’re up early.” Julieta stated as she turned around and looked at her nephew who was standing in the doorway.

“Mirabel asked for some arepas because she doesn’t feel well.” Camilo stated as Julieta raised an eyebrow.

Julieta nodded as she placed a few on a plate and then on the counter, to which Casita moved the plate towards Camilo. Nodding his thanks, Camilo grabbed the plate and then bounded up the stairs to deliver the food to his love. However, Julieta was starring at the counter in confusion. None of the other girls were on their cycles right now and now that she thought about it, Mirabel hadn’t said anything about hers. It was unusual to keep it a secret, and the more she thought about it, the more a sense of dread began to settle into her stomach. The idea of what could possibly be wrong made her feel ill, but she resolved to check in on Mirabel after breakfast.

Back upstairs, Camilo was curious to see his sister and cousin standing outside of the room. They were talking but stopped as soon as they saw him.

“How’s Mira?” he asked, and Isa crossed her arms while exchanging a glance with Dolores.

“She isn’t feeling well. I’ll talk to mama about it.” Isa replied as she stepped past him and headed down the stairs, her posture stiff like she had been before the cracks.

“Take care of her, Camilo. She needs you.” Dolores added as she gently placed a hand on his shoulder before she too disappeared down the staircase in pursuit of Isabela.

In the bedroom, Mirabel was laying on her side on the bed. She was wearing a dark blue dress now and he noticed that the sheets had also been changed. Carefully he closed the door behind him and approached the bed quietly. Mira was curled upon herself on her pillow and Camilo felt his heart ached. Something felt off… Felt wrong. As quiet as he could, he placed the plate next to last nights dinner that Mirabel hadn’t eaten. While he was sure that he hadn’t made any noise; when he turned to glance at the bed where Mirabel was, she was sitting up and watching him.

“Camilo?” the request was soft, almost unintelligible, but he heard her.

“I’m so sorry.” Mira whispered, her voice wavering with every letter.

Within an instance, Camilo was wrapping himself around Mirabel as she collapsed into an unintelligible sobbing mess. His heart was breaking with every cry and whimper. After what seemed like ages, Mira moved to sit up and he moved with her until they were curled together against the wall. Silence engulfed them and then, when the world around them was silent; Mirabel whispers her gravest secret.

“I killed it.” Mirabel whispered; her voice soft but hoarse from crying.

If Camilo was confused before, then this was even worst. However, nothing could have prepared him for the next few minutes as Mirabel began to hyperventilate and then ramble. She had pushed aways from him and was now pacing back and forth in front of the bed ranting about something. She was talking to fast for him to really pick up on what she was exactly talking about until mentioned the word “baby”. The ice that crept into his veins felt both terribly chilling and like he’d been lit on fire.

“You were pregnant.” He whispered softly, almost too quietly for Mirabel to realize he’d said anything.

Within seconds, he was standing and pulling Mirabel into a hug. The last week finally made more sense; what with all the strange early mornings, the sudden lack of energy and the weird reactions to food. Internally, he felt like he should have known. Camilo felt like he should have been able to tell that something had been going on.

“I’m so sorry, Mira.” He whispered into her hair as he hugged her tighter.

Mirabel froze in the embrace as she processed what Camilo was saying. Then she realized that she hadn’t told him at all, that she’d kept it a secret. Wiggling slightly so that she could see his face, she saw that he was crying as well. It wasn’t the tears that shocked her, but rather the look in his eyes. She had never felt so loved.

“I wish you could have told me, Mira.” Whispered Camilo as he gently wiped away the tears that were still streaming down Mirabel’s face.

“You never had to do anything alone.” He added as the tears began to well up in Mirabel’s eyes again.

The tears were flowing again, and Mirabel felt both anguish and resolve. She hadn’t intended to hurt Camilo. In the aftermath of what had happened, she felt like she’d done nothing more than hurt him. Instead of saying something, anything; Mirabel began to cry again. Everything hurt: her heart, her body, her mind. For several moments, there were no words. Mirabel was crying and so was Camilo. Mirabel felt sick and she wished that she’d never hid anything from Camilo.

More tears fell as Mirabel spilled everything. How she’d almost thrown up on Dolores’s wedding dress and how Isabela had offered her these pills and tea that would fix it. How in the moment she wanted nothing more than to be rid of the issue and with it the monster that had done this to her. How she had gotten up earlier than normal every morning for a week and gone to Isabela for those pills and tea and how she always felt tired and sick but didn’t want anyone else to know so she kept her silence. The words kept flowing as she talked about how scared she’d been this morning when she awoken to find herself bleeding badly and the emotions that had settled into her heart as she started to see what she’d done.

Camilo remained entirely silent as he listed to her talk and talk. He listened to her anguish and pain and fear. He wasn’t entirely sure how long they’d been standing there when Mirabel finally stopped, chest heaving, and face stained with tears. Deep down, Camilo was doing his best to stifle the murderous rage that bubbling up in his chest. Had he still not been holding Mira; Camilo was sure that he would have been out of the house and hunting that bastard down. They stayed like that for a while, just standing together in that embrace.

“Never again.” Camilo whispered and Mira leaned back to look at him.

“Yea. No more babies unless they’re yours.” Mira quipped as she smirked and that immediately changed the mood.

“Don’t temp me, Mira.” Camilo growled, resting his forehead against hers, emerald green boring into coffee brown.

“Then marry me.” Mirabel whispered and she was smiling, the first smile since the incident and Camilo didn’t miss that.

“Marry you, huh? Aren’t I supposed to ask you first?” Camilo asked as he gazed down at her and tried to be super serious, but Mira was giving him that stern leveled playful glare and he couldn’t contain it.

“All right then, Mirabel Madrigal, will you marry me?” Camilo asked as he twirled her away and dropped to one knee.

Camilo didn’t have a ring at that moment but when Mirabel turned back around, the sight of him down on one knee and holding his hand out to her made her stop dead. There was no fear, however, as she stepped forward and gently took his outstretched hand within her own.

“Yes, Camilo, I would love to marry you.” Mirabel replied as she beamed at him though she couldn’t stop the happy tears from streaming down her face.

In the next breath, he was sweeping her up in a hug and a desperate kiss. When they broke apart for air, both of them were smiling for the first time in over a month. It was like a weight had been lifted; not all of the weight but at least some of it was alleviated. Things would get better from here, they just knew it. They had each other now, and of course, two hearts are better than one.

~

If Alma Madrigal was surprised to see Father Flores standing at Casita’s door early that morning, she never showed it as she led the priest into the house and into the sitting room when they could talk. She observed that he seemed nervous, uncomfortable even, as she offered him coffee and some cookies that Julieta had made the day before.

“What brings you to our door so early in the morning, Father Flores?” Alma asked as she held her cup of coffee and starred at the man seated opposite of her.

For several moments Father Flores was silent, staring into the depths of his coffee before he formulated some sort of reply. He opened and closed his mouth several times before he took a deep breath and placed the cup on the table between them.

“It has come to my attention that Armando Ruiz would like to court and marry Mirabel.” Father Flores stated, quietly and calmly, as he glanced over at Alma Madrigal.

In the past 11 years, Alma had made terrible choices when it came to Mirabel because she had been the giftless one. There was little she could do to change what she had done, however, this moment was something that she could manage.

“That is unfortunate because Mirabel is already engaged to be married.” Alma replied calmly as she placed her drink down as well and giving a faint smile.

“Oh! Oh?” the priest questioned as he watched the Madrigal matron carefully.

“We hadn’t wanted to announce this until after Dolores and Mariano’s wedding; we didn’t want to detract from them.” Alma stated as she nodded her head.

“Who is she engaged too?” asked Father Flores, who was filled with both immense relief and serious curiosity.

“Mirabel is going to marry Camilo of course.” The older woman replied with a startling air of confidence that took Father Flores by surprise.

“I feel like that is a good choice for her. I’ll let Mr. Ruiz know as soon as I see him.” Father Flores stated as he nodded his head and then moved to stand.

There was a brief moment of silence as Alma stood as well and walked her guest to the door. Father Flores bid Alma a good day before turning and wandering back to the village. Alma was suspicious but she chose not to say anything as Casita closed the door for her. Turning, she headed up the stairs to her own room.

“Oh Pedro. How I wish you were here.” Alma whispered as she entered her room and cast her gaze upon the window where the candle belonged.

“Mirabel never deserved any of this and I’ve made so many mistakes, mi amor.” Her voice was soft and emotional as she approached the dresser and jewelry box.

Lifting the cover revealed two slightly tarnished thin gold bands. Aside from her children, this ring was the only thing that she had left of her beloved husband. She had considered giving the rings to Julieta when she’d gotten married and then again when Pepa had married but she’d never been able to part ways with them. At least not until now. She knew that Mirabel deserved these the most; if she wanted them that is.

~

Armando Ruiz was pacing around the church entrance with the patience of a newborn baby. He’d waited until the evening like Father Flores had asked and he was running out of patience. Finally, Father Flores grew tired of watching him pace and called him into his office.

“I spoke with Alma Madrigal this morning, son.” Father Flores stated, his face set into a hard look.

“Good news I hope?” Asked Armando, who was entirely confident that Mirabel would be his sooner than he anticipated.

“For Mirabel, yes. She is already engaged and has been since her 16th birthday. She’s set to marry Camilo sometime after Dolores and Mariano are wed.” Father Flores stated, refusing to flinch as Armando stood from his chair in a bolt of angry energy.

“She’s going to marry that idiot? Of all people! When she could marry me!” cried Armando in outrage as he slammed his fists against the desk.

“Now Armando, she doesn’t belong to you. She is allowed to marry whomever she pleases.” Father Flores said as he stood from his desk and stared at the younger man.

“And believe me, I’ve heard the rumors about you and what you’ve done. You’d do well to stay away from her.” Father Flores added as he shook his head.

“We’ll see about all that.” Armando growled as he stormed out of the church office, slamming the door behind him.

The evening air was crisp, and Armando was furious. How dare she betray him, he seethed. She was HIS! How dare she think that she could get married to someone else. Rather than heading home for the night, he headed down the riverside. He’d fix all of this in the morning because Mirabel Madrigal belonged to him and no one else’s.

Chapter Text

Possibly for the first time in his life, Camilo was awake before Mirabel. She was laying next to him on the bed and still asleep, breathing even and quiet as she slept. It was obvious by the dried tear tracks on her face that yesterday had taken its toll on her. Running a gentle hand through her messy curls, Camilo smiled to himself as Mirabel smiled in her sleep. At some point in the night, her arms had moved from around him to being wrapped around her stomach. He was content to remain there in bed, just enjoying watching her sleep when a barely audible knock came from the bedroom door. Eyebrow quirked, he wondered who exactly was bothering them at this hour.

Not wanting to awaken Mirabel, Camilo gently scooted around her and crawled off the end of the bed. A quick glance behind him showed that Mira was still sleeping. Stretching as he stood, Camilo grabbed his ruana from the back of the chair where it hung. While Mira didn’t care that he slept without a shirt, he wasn’t entirely sure what the rest of the family would think. Sliding it over his head, he yawned as he opened the door.

“Good. I’m glad it was you that answered mijo. Come. We must talk.” Abuela stated as she turned and walked back down the hall towards the stairs.

Camilo did as he was told, following his Abuela; only just making sure that he closed the door quietly behind him. Abuela led him back down the hall to the door that led into her room. From where he was upstairs, he could hear the other adults talking animatedly downstairs. Abuela, however, ushered Camilo inside her room. The teen was somewhat nervous but refused to let it show as he sank into the chair that was closest to the door.

“You love Mirabel, don’t you?” Abuela asked as she sank into the chair opposite of him, her gaze fixed on him.

“There’s no need to hide it, Camilo.” She added when he looked away from her.

“Of course, I love her. I think I always have but now it's deeper. I’m never going to let anyone hurt her ever again.” Camilo replied as stared at his grandmother.

“I want to marry her if she’ll let me.” He added, hope shining in his eyes and Abuela smiled.

“I’m sure that she’ll say yes, Camilo. Consider these an early wedding gift.” The words were soft-spoken as she offered a small wooden box to him.

Camilo accepted the box with a look of confusion. As far as he was concerned, this conversation had gone far differently than he had anticipated. He hadn’t expected Abuela to be as open to the idea of his love for Mirabel. Maybe things had changed more than he’d realized in the last year. Carefully he lifted the lid to the box and shock flooded his system.

“I often wonder how different our family would be if Pedro had survived.” Alma whispered as she stared at the box in Camilo’s hands.

“He would want you to have his ring though. Its tradition. It came from his grandfather because the ring has belonged to the men in the family for nearly a century. As the oldest grandson, it would be yours now.” She added softly and Camilo glanced between her and the box.

Nestled inside were two gold bands, newly polished with one being thicker than the other one which was thinner and smaller.

“One of these is yours, isn’t it?” Camilo asked softly as he gently fingered the bands, already imagining the thinner gold band on Mirabel’s finger.

That vision prompted another one to enter his brain. He wondered what sort of wedding Mirabel would want. He wondered if her dress would be fancy or simple. Or whether she’d let him make suggestions. He knew that she’d probably make her own dress and that made a sort of warmth bloom in his chest. He could believe this was actually happening.

“We’ll make an official announcement today after breakfast so that the rest of the Encanto knows.”
Abuela was saying but Camilo was barely listening to her as he stood up and hugged her.

Returning the hug, Alma Madrigal felt at peace with her decision. She knew that this was what Mirabel wanted and now she was able to give her that. Nothing could fix the terrible things in the past but Alma was infinitely glad that Mirabel would have Camilo. Their moment was interrupted but a soft knock on the door.

“Come in.” Called Alma as Camilo stepped away and gripped the box.

Camilo had guessed that it would be either his tia Julieta or his mama that would be knocking on the door. He was surprised to see his Tio Bruno push the door open and slip inside. In the last year since Bruno had returned to the family, he’d gained a bit of weight and didn’t look as gaunt as he had before. Now he was looking somewhat nervous as he stood with his hands clutched around something covered in a cloth.

“Did you have a vision, Bruno?” Alma asked as her only son stepped towards her and nodded; hands holding out what had to be vision plates.

Camilo didn’t even bother to hide his curiosity as he leaned over and stole a glance at the tablet. It was at that moment that he saw that there were two tablets. On the first one, he saw what looked like a mob of people; it was strange to see that sort of thing in the Encanto.
“Go wake Mirabel for breakfast, Camilo.” Abuela stated as she looked up at the teen, her hard look not leaving any room for arguing.

“Bruno and I need to talk about what this means. Don’t tell anyone what you’ve seen.” She added as Camilo nodded before skirting around his Tio and out the door.

Once Camilo had closed the door behind him, Bruno stepped forward and shifted uncomfortably. Sure, things had changed dramatically in the last year or so, but a single year wasn’t enough to heal an entire lifetime of trauma. At least, now since Casita had been rebuilt, his mother wasn’t blaming him for terrible prophecies.

“What is this?” asked Alma as she removed the cloth again and stared at the terrible-looking image.

“The vision wasn’t very clear. I’m still learning how to explore them in the moment.” Bruno replied as he sank into the chair that Camilo had previously occupied.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I know that the entire family will be there.” He added as he stared at his hands.

This was another thing that Bruno had learned over the last year, mostly at Mirabel’s insistence. He was learning to not focus so much on a vision’s outcome but rather on the events that would lead to the end. With Mirabel’s vision all those years ago, he’d focused on the end result and not the how or why. He often wondered if those pieces would have made a difference back then.

“I know that that mob has to do with the kid that raped Mirabel.” Bruno added as he looked at anything other than his mother.

“Did you see what his punishment would be?” Alma asked softly and Bruno stiffened.

That was tricky to think about the future. It wasn’t always set in stone, or at least not nearly as much as they had believed. In this case, that kid had a lot of fates and a good majority of them were not good. As he was thinking about it, Bruno realized that he had a moment here in which he’d never had before.

“We should see what Mirabel’s reaction will be when it happens.” He stated and Alma raised an eyebrow.

“Nothing is going to happen to Mirabel, I promise.” He added as he tried to quell the panic that was rising up in his chest.

“It's just that Mirabel lets him have it and she seems like she might need that.” Bruno added quickly as he tried not to fidget.

For a long moment, Alma regarded her youngest child with a look of concern. They’d been through a lot in the last decade and while she’d done a lot to try and rectify the past issues, there were so many things that still remained unfixed. So, instead of asking more questions; Alma set the first emerald tablet on the table between them and shifted her gaze to the second one. She was somewhat glad that Camilo hadn’t seen this one. It was clear to see in this one that Mirabel had her arms wrapped around Camilo’s neck and they appeared to be dancing. She looked happy and Alma realized that this was their wedding.

“I’ve seen that scene a dozen times already.” Bruno chuckled as he smiled softly.

“That one won't change.” He added hastily as his mother looked at him in surprise.

“I see.” The matriarch replied as she glanced between her son and the tablet in her hands.

There was silence between them as Alma set the second tablet on the table as well.

“Thank you, Bruno.” She added softly, a hand reaching out to pat him on the knee.

~

Camilo felt like he was walking on air as he hurried back to his room. The box with the rings fit nicely in his pants pocket and he was excited. He’d dreamed of marrying Mirabel for years and now it was finally coming to fruition. Nothing could stop him now.

He entered his room as quietly as he’d left and smiled when he saw that Mirabel was in the same place that he’d left her. She was still curled up on the bed and now that he knew that he had his future set, he really just wanted to go back to bed.

Pulling off his ruana and changing pants, he slid under the covers and pulled himself tight against Mirabel’s backside. The noise that left Mirabel’s mouth made him reconsider because he was fairly sure that every ounce of blood in his body rushed to his dick. He wasn’t entirely sure how deep into her sleep she was but after a few moments, Mirabel rolled over and snuggled closer to him. Camilo couldn’t help the groan that slipped from his as Mira slipped her leg over his.

Or maybe she knew exactly what she was doing and maybe she knew exactly what it was doing to him because he knew he saw her smile in her sleep as he tried not to give in to the erotic feeling of her being pulled up against him.

“You don’t know what you do to me, Mira.” Camilo whispered as he gripped her tighter and closed his eyes.

“No. I think I know exactly what I do to you.” Whispered Mira is a smaller, softer voice; her body pushed tight against his.

Opening his eyes, Camilo stared down at Mirabel; whose eyes were alive with a sort of passion that he hadn’t seen in ages.

“I was supposed to wake you up for breakfast.” Camilo whispered as he pressed a kiss against Mirabel’s forehead.

“Well, what if I just want to stay in bed with you?” she asked, cheeks flushed, and Camilo knew what he wanted his answer to be.

“I’m sick of him haunting my dreams, Cami. I wish I could dream about you.” She added quietly, her eyes leaving his in fear.

“I want that too Mira but we need to wait.” Camilo whispered, tilting her chin up so that he could see her face.

“At least wait until after breakfast?” he added quickly, knowing full well of what was going to happen.

“Ugh. Cami…” Whined Mira as she shifted against him, her voice pleading for something more.

Camilo wanted nothing more than to climb on top of her and fuck her until she couldn’t think straight. However, he knew that she was still most likely bleeding and that she still needed time to recover.

“I promise, Mira, that once you stop bleeding; we’ll do something special.” Camilo conceded as he pressed a kiss to her lips.

“We do need to get up for breakfast before someone comes looking for us though.” He added and Mirabel groaned.

Eventually, they both crawled out of bed to start the day but there was a slight struggle with both of them being able to keep their hands to themselves. Once they were dressed, Camilo laced his fingers with Mirabel and pulled her out of the room. Some time ago, Camilo had asked Mirabel to teach him how to crochet; and he’d used that knowledge to make a simple crochet ring, which is what he planned to propose with because it was just so Mirabel. As they approached the dining room, he put the plan into motion. Hurrying ahead, and dragging Mirabel slightly behind, he waltzed into the room.

“I’d like to make an announcement!” called Camilo as he twirled Mirabel before him, eliciting a laugh from the woman he loved.

“Mirabel Madrigal, would you do the honor of marrying me?” Camilo asked as her spin came to a complete stop, her eyes widening when she saw the crochet band in his hand.

He’d asked her before, but this was different because it was just so him. Tears prickled at the edges of her eyes as she nodded and smiled. Camilo was careful as he slipped the band onto her finger and smiled softly as he wiped the tears away. Across the room, Agustin was groaning as he shoved his hand in his pocket and slipped it across the table to Felix.

“Were you betting on them?” asked Julieta as she stood from the table and moved to embrace her youngest daughter.

“I didn’t think he’d make it official until after the first wedding.” Agustin replied quietly as he too stood and joined his wife.

“We’ll make an official announcement in town today then.” Added Abuela as she sipped at her coffee.

Congratulations were shared and Mirabel took a seat between Camilo and Antonio, who insisted on being able to remain seated next to his favorite prima. Breakfast remained a decent affair, and once everyone was done with their breakfast and their house chore; Alma insisted that they all go to town to make the announcement.

~

Mirabel wasn’t nervous or frightened as she walked toward the village; her fingers were firmly in the grasp of Camilo, who hadn’t let go of her since they’d left the house. Abuela had left shortly before them with the moms and dads of the family who were set to register the marriage with the church. However, at this moment, none of that mattered to Mirabel as she tugged on her soon-to-be husband’s hand. She had the one thing that she’d always wanted and there was nothing that could take that from her.

Then the morning air was shattered by a scream. The next few moments were a blur as a figure jumped out at them and attacked. Everything happened so fast and when the dust settled, there was blood everywhere.

Chapter Text

Dolores was pacing around her room. Abuela had asked that all of the parents accompany her to the church office so that they could register the engagement. That meant that only the kids were home right now. That was a problem. As she paced in front of the window again, she paused to listen for the person that she knew was up to no good. She was so focused on listening that she failed to hear someone standing in her doorway.

“I’m not sure Casita appreciates you wearing a hole in the floor, Lores.” Stated a voice and Dolores squeaked as she spun around to face Isabela.

“Armando is up to something.” Dolores replied as she returned to the window and her focused on listening.

Isabela didn’t utter a word as she waved a hand at Luisa, who was coming up the stairs, to join them. Once it was just the three of them, Isabela closed the door and crossed her arms.

“What do you mean, he’s up to something?” she asked, and Luisa frowned.

“You mean Armando? Is he going to do something to Mirabel again?” Luisa asked as she glanced from Isabela to Dolores and back.

“That’s just it. He isn’t talking about it. He’s mumbling but it's nothing coherent. I can hear him, but I can’t understand him.” Dolores replied as she huffed in frustration.

“So, what should we do?” asked Luisa and Dolores shook her head.

“Where is he?” asked Isabela as she moved to stand at the window beside her cousin.

Dolores was quiet for a moment and then she frowned. She closed her eyes, focused, and the frown deepened.

“I can't hear him anymore. He’s not mumbling or talking at all.” She replied and Isabela raised an eyebrow.

“I can find everyone in the family just by the sound of their footsteps or heartbeat but that’s only because I’ve known all of that my entire life. I don’t know anything about him.” Dolores added, frustrated that she couldn’t do anything more.

For a moment, all three of the women were quiet. There had to be something they could do, and Isabela wondered idly if she would just poison him. How would anyone know? There were so many plants she could use. From outside, below the window, they could hear the three youngest Madrigals leaving the Casita. Mirabel and Camilo were hand in hand, as they had been all morning, and Antonio was riding Parse behind them, chatting excitedly with a few of the smaller animals that were sitting on him.

Dolores frowned again as she watched the three of them disappear down the road towards the village. That’s when she heard it. The sound was moving quickly and then she was too, tearing out of her room and down the stairs. Isabela and Luisa followed; whatever was happening, they didn’t want to be too far behind.

“Camilo!” Dolores was screaming as she raced down the road.

Then the morning air was shattered by another scream. The next few moments were a blur as a figure slammed into Camilo, knocking him to the ground and causing the teen to cry out. Mirabel had been knocked backward by the tackle and she didn’t realize that she was the one who was screaming until she remembered that she had to breathe. In the few short seconds that had elapsed, Armando had plunged a knife into Camilo’s side. The moment she saw the blood, Mirabel became enraged. Fear was overshadowed by anger as she desperately searched for something to help and when her eyes fell on a rather large tree branch, she let the emotions take over.

Mirabel grabbed the branch and in one swift movement, she cracked Armando across the head which resulted in a sickening crack. He wasn’t down though, instead, he stood up off of Camilo and turned his gaze on Mirabel. Blood trickled from the side of his head as he sneered at her. One step, then two and Mirabel swung again. This time her branch connected with the side of his neck and Armando dropped to the ground. Dropping the branch, Mirabel ran to Camilo who was struggling to sit up.

“You’re bleeding.” Whispered Mirabel, her eyes full of tears as she pushed him back on the ground and began tearing strips from her skirt to make bandages.

“Its just a cut. I’ll be fine.” Camilo tried to say but his eyes were already struggling to stay open, and his breathing was heavy.

“Please stay with me Camilo, please.” Mira was begging now.

Her hands were covered in blood and her eyes were blurry and the anger had ebbed away to fear. She couldn’t lose him, not now. Everything that happened after that thought was a blur. People had begun to arrive and somewhere around her, she could hear her Tia Pepa screaming and then she was being pulled away. She tried to fight but she couldn’t, and she let whoever it was guiding her back to the house.

That person ended up being Luisa, who kept a soft but firm grip on her younger sister. Somehow, she managed to get Mirabel cleaned up and changed and by then, Isabela had arrived with a cup of tea that made her drowsy. The two sisters were careful to make sure that the youngest one ate one of their mother's arepas along with the tea so that any injuries she might have would be healed up. They managed to get her into her bedroom and laying down on her bed when Antonio tore through the bedroom door and climbed up next to her.

“I wanna stay with Mira.” He sobbed and Isabela nodded.

Mirabel was used to sleeping with Antonio and once she scooted over and he curled up to her side, they both fell asleep. Isabela was quiet as she closed the door behind them and then shivered as she saw the blizzard clouds gathering in the courtyard. Both she and Luisa hurried downstairs, and Isabela was quick to wrap her tia in a hug.

“He’ll be ok, Pepa.” Whispered Bruno from the edge of the courtyard, hesitant to get much closer to his sister still.

Green eyes met green hazel and the clouds began to lessen a bit. She wanted to ask if he had seen this. If he had known what was going to happen.

“I didn’t see this coming, but I saw their future. He’s going to be fine.” Added Bruno, just as softly as before.

Pepa finally allowed herself to be guided to a chair by Felix and it was Felix who gave Bruno an appreciative glance. Bruno returned it with a small nod. It occurred to him now that the first vision he’d shown his mother this morning had been the crowd after the fight or at least the crowd that had gathered afterward. Carefully and quietly, he slipped out of the courtyard and back upstairs to his room. He’d have another look at the future just in case.

~

An hour after she’d begun treating Camilo with the help of the local doctor, they were finally done. Camilo’s stab wounds had been stitched closed and wrapped with clean bandages. The torn pieces of Mirabel’s skirt lay in a heap on the floor. Julieta had managed to make up some tea that she was able to administer through a straw. It was working but less effectively than her solid food normally would.

“He’s stable. Once he wakes up and can eat, he should heal up with your magic just fine.” Stated the doctor and Julieta breathed a sigh of relief.

“Thank you so much for your help.” The oldest of the triplets whispered as she shook his hand.

“Send me word if you need anything at all, Julieta.” He replied and Julieta followed him out of the room where Camilo was.

The doctor broke the good news the remaining family members who had gathered. Pepa wept with relief as she cried and cried.

“What about the other boy?” asked Felix and the doctor frowned.

“Mr. Armando Ruiz is dead. He suffered a severe blow to his head and neck.” The doctor replied and there was silence as he nodded his head and departed out the front door.

~

The next morning, Mirabel woke to heaviness in her side and the sight of her own room. Carefully slipped away from Antonio and tucked him in before she moved to the door. Casita seemed to know where she wanted to go because a line of floor tiles silently flipped over and lead her in the direction of where Camilo was. The trail ended at his bedroom and while she could voice coming from the kitchen, she just needed to see him. Her journey was interrupted when Abuela and her mama came out of the kitchen.

“Oh. Mirabel. You’re awake?” called her mama as Mirabel froze at the top of the stairs.

“Can you please come down to the kitchen for a moment?” She added and Mirabel wanted to protest but one glance down the stairs told her she should do what they wanted.

“Morning mama. Morning Abuela.” Mirabel whispered as she descended the stairs.

The moment that her feet were on the floor at the bottom of the stairs, Julieta was pulling her daughter into a hug. There were tears in her eyes and Mirabel sniffed as she returned the hug. The stress and trauma from yesterday was held only at bay by that single moment. With a gentle hand from Abuela, the three of them returned to the kitchen. Once they were sitting down with their individual cups, Abuela cleared her throat.

“Are you alright, Mirabel?” the older woman asked, and Mirabel looked up from her cup.

“How’s Camilo?” she whispered in response and Julieta sighed.

“He’s sleeping but you need to take care of yourself, Mira.” Replied Julieta as she reached across the table for her daughter’s hand.

“You’ve been through a lot in the last few months Mirabel. We’re worried about you. Especially after yesterday.” She added and Mirabel could feel the tears trying to escape her eyes.

Her mother was right and yet, Mirabel didn’t really want to talk about it or anything for that matter. She wanted to see Camilo, to see for herself that he was alive. Also, she was angry with Armando for ruining everything. She hated him and there was a small part of her that hoped he’d just die.

“I just really want to see Camilo.” Mirabel replied as she fidgeted with the gold crochet ring on her finger.

Alma and Julieta exchanged a look and both of them felt resigned.

“Alright. We can talk later. Why don’t you take this up to his room and relieve Dolores? She’s been sitting with him all night.” Julieta replied softly, offering a plate with some arepas.

Mirabel swallowed the rest of her tea and then grabbed the plate. Then she all but practically ran upstairs. Taking a deep breath, Mirabel opened the door and took a step inside. Dolores was sitting stiffly in a chair by the bed, and she jumped slightly when Mirabel approached her.
“I’ll stay with him, Dolores. Why don’t you go get some sleep?” Mirabel asked and for a moment, her prima stared at her.

“I’ve been listening to him all night.” Dolores whispered as she rubbed her eyes.

Without another word, the older girl stood up and hurried from the room. Once the door was closed, Mirabel turned to her love. Camilo was still unconscious and there were bruises running up his arm and side to his chest, which was still rising and falling. The relief that flooded her when she saw he was still breathing nearly knocked her off her feet. Carefully, she placed the plate of arepas on the chair beside the bed and slipped her shoes off. Then she climbed up the bed on his uninjured side. She was careful when moving the covers as she settled next to him.

Gentle fingers traced across his forehead, moving errant curls out of the way and Mirabel gently pressed a kiss to his cheek. Carefully, she curled up against him and closed her eyes. The room was silent, and Mirabel was content to listen to Camilo’s breathing. For a few moments, there was nothing except the silence and the breathing until it hitched. Mirabel sat straight up and stared down at him. A nose twitched, a frown, and then finally green eyes fluttered open, and Mirabel breathed a sigh of relief.

Camilo’s eyes widened and then he blinked and then he blinked again as he stared up at Mirabel. Then he looked around, realizing that he was in his own room and not outside. He was confused. How had he gotten back in the house? What had happened after Armando had jumped him? Groaning he tried to sit up, but Mirabel was quick to push him back down.

“Eat first, move later.” Mira whispered as she leaned over him to grab an arepa from the plate.

It was food and Camilo realized that he was terribly hungry as Mirabel offered him the food. All it took was one bite and he could feel his aunt's magic course through him, fixing everything. After the first bite, he’d been able to sit up. It only took one arepa before he was feeling much better and he took complete advantage of that. He was quick to wrap an arm around Mirabel’s waist and pull her close.

“I love you.” He whispered against her lips and Mira smiled.

“I love you too Cami.” Mira whispered back and moved for a kiss as her eyes fluttered shut.

That kiss lasted until they had to break away for air. Mirabel giggled when Camilo whined.

“We have all the time in the world, don’t we?” she asked softly, lacing their hands together.

“We do, don’t we.” He whispered back, resting his forehead against hers.

“I’ll go let everyone else know you’re awake.” Mira stated as she moved to move off the bed but Camilo stopped her.

“We’ll go out there together.” He insisted and Mirabel just nodded.

Mirabel climbed off of the bed and moved to help Camilo stand up; while he was healed up, he was still super sore. Camilo grabbed a white button up shirt and was looking for his ruana but Mirabel shook her head.

“I’ll make you a new one.” Mirabel stated as she reached out for his hand.

“I feel strange without it.” Camilo mumbled as he accepted Mirabel’s hand on one side and grabbed the plate of food with the other.

The door swung open on its own thanks to Casita and then closed behind them. Antonio was the first person to see them on the stairs and the noise of his shouting alerted the rest of the family who all came running when they heard him. Pepa was beside herself as she rushed through the courtyard and threw her arms around her oldest son. The rest of the family gathered around the teens as well and hugs were exchanged all around.

“I’m still alive, mama.” Camilo whispered as he hugged his mother.

“It’s going to take more than a stupid guy with a knife to kill me.” He added and while it was intended to be a joke, Pepa wasn’t having any of it.

“Armando is dead, Camilo. He didn’t survive his injuries.” Pepa stated, the relief evident in her voice.

There were so many questions and once the family moved back into the kitchen, Julieta and Pepa shared the job of explaining the details. They shared a softer version of what had happened, due to Antonio being in the room, but they all understood. Abuela shared that there would be a burial for Armando but that none of them were required to attend. She’d already talked to the Ruiz’s and while Maria was broken over the death of her son, Jose had been firm in the fact that Armando was no son of his due to his terrible actions. Once the details of the day before were exhausted, and dinner had been done; Camilo dragged Mirabel back upstairs to his room. Once they were safely inside the room and the door was closed, Camilo spun Mirabel around and wrapped his arms around her waist.

“You know you’re stuck with me forever, right?” he asked as they danced and swayed around the room.

“I’ve always been stuck with you, mi Corazón.” Mirabel replied as she laced her arms around his neck and continued dancing.

Camilo leaned his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. Everything that had happened up to this point was nonexistent at this point because there was nothing that could come between them, no one left to hurt them.

“I love you, mi prima, mi vida.” Camilo whispered as he pressed a gentle kiss to his future wife’s lips, though the soft dancing never stopped.

Chapter Text

A tiny smile crept onto Dolores’s face as she silently watched her youngest prima hum to herself as she flitted around her workroom. Beside her, Isabela was also watching her youngest sister, though she couldn’t really hear the humming. Together the two women watched as Mirabel moved and pinned and cut at a white dress that was taking shape on her dress form. It was off white really with long sleeves, a scooped neckline that sat just a bit off of the shoulders, and an A-line skirt that stopped at the floor. Above all of that, however, was the intricate embroidery on the dress. It was covered in various sized butterflies and chameleons, all embroidered in thread just a shade darker than the base fabric of the dress itself. After everything she’d been through, both Dolores and Isabela were relieved to see Mirabel returning to her old self.

“It looks really good Mimi.” Called Isabela from the doorway and Mirabel turned to look at her sister with a half scowl on her face.

“Mimi? Really?” Mirabel replied, rolling her eyes in an attempt to seem irritated though she really wasn’t.

“It does look really good Mirabel.” Added Dolores as she leaned against the door frame.

A smile worked its way onto Mirabel’s face as she turned to look at the wedding dress that she’d been working on. She’d designed and made Dolores’s wedding dress and yet, it hadn’t been anywhere near as intricate as the one before them.

“Have you tried it on yet?” asked Isa as she walked towards the dress and Mirabel shook her head.

“Not since the last time when you helped me measure it.” She replied and Isa cast a look at her.

“Can we see it? Dolores asked as she stepped into the room and closed the door behind her.

“Camilo is still in town with Papa, so we have plenty of time.” She added and Mirabel nodded.

With the help of her sister and cousin, Mirabel slipped into the dress and both of the older women felt somewhat teary. Of course, Mirabel’s own wedding dress would fit her perfectly. Stepping back, Isa took a moment to look her baby sister over. The dress was prefect and yet, something was missing; or at least that how she felt. That’s when she spotted it; a section of gauzy white fabric that was laying across the table next to them.

“Hold still.” Isa instructed as she grabbed the fabric.

With a flick of her hand, she’d cast the sheer fabric over Mirabel’s head and then with another wave; a crown of white roses appeared on Mirabel’s head, to which Isa gently flipped the fabric in Mira’s face over top of the crown. Stepping back, she surveyed her work with a critical eye before nodding.

Mirabel turned to the mirror and her breath caught in her throat as she stared at her reflection. Gone was the nervous, giftless little girl who had spent so many years trying to gain the approval of her grandmother. In her place stood a grown woman who had survived through so much and now had everything that she’d ever wanted; including being able to marry her love.

“He’s not going to know what hit him.” Dolores stated with confidence as Mirabel starred at herself.

“Papa is going to cry.” Whispered Isa as she rested a hand on her sister’s shoulder.

Mirabel giggled a little because she knew it was true. The wedding was in two days, and she knew that her papa was probably going to cry. He’d almost cried when Isa had nearly gotten engaged to Mariano, but she was his baby, this was bound to be different. Carefully, the three women got Mirabel out of the dress and back into her normal clothes before they got caught. As Mirabel was putting the dress back on the form for its final look over, Dolores noticed another box on the desk.

“What’s that?” Dolores asked as she reached for the box and Mirabel quickly grabbed it.

“It’s a gift for Camilo. Do you want to see?” Mirabel replied as she gently opened the box.

Neither Dolores nor Isabela were surprised to see a matching vest in the box with the same style of embroidery on it that matched the dress. Except, there were more chameleons on the vest.

“He’s going to love it Mirabel.” Dolores whispered and then she straightened up and turned her head to the door.

“I’ll see you at dinner.” She added before quickly scurrying out the door, though she made sure it was closed behind her.

“Camilo must be home.” Mirabel stated as she quickly tucked the box away.

“We should head down and see if Mama needs help with dinner, then.” Isa replied as she exited the room as well.

Mira spent a few moments on her own to tidy up the room and covering the dress form with a blanket before she too turned and hurried out of the room as well. Casita was really good about not letting anyone into the workroom, but Mirabel didn’t want to take any chances.

~

The day of the wedding came and the entire Encanto was in a flurry of activity. The wedding would be held at the church in town and then there would be a huge celebration in the town square. Camilo didn’t care about any of that, not really. Today was the day that he’d never thought would happen and yet, here it was. In less than six hours, he’d be married to the woman he loved so much. However, he was becoming somewhat anxious. Not from fear but rather from the fact he hadn’t seen Mira in over 24 hours, and he was becoming anxious to see her. Idly, he wondered what her dress would look like. He knew that she’d made it herself so whatever it looked like, he knew it would be amazing.

“Are you still pacing?” asked Antonio as he entered his brother’s room without knocking, a thin box tucked under his arm.

“I’m not pacing.” Camilo replied as he turned to look at his little brother.

In the two years that had passed since the fall of Casita, Antonio had grown quite a bit. Abuela suspected that he’d be tall like his mother and so far, that was proving to be true. Camilo, however, was now curious about the box as Antonio sat it down on the bed.

“A gift from Mirabel. Tia said that I was supposed to give this too you.” Antonio stated as if he’d read is sibling’s mind.

With careful hands, Camilo opened the box with Antonio watching on in interest. Mira hadn’t shared her work with any of the men in the family. Inside the box was a beautiful look vest, off white in color with very intricate embroidery all over the fabric. Camilo instantly recognized Mirabel’s handywork. Quickly, and carefully, he pulled the vest on and buttoned it up. It fit him like a glove.

“Oh Camilo! You look so handsome. Is that the gift from Mirabel?” asked Pepa as she flitted through the doorway, Felix slightly behind her.

“Let him breath, mi vida.” Whispered Felix as he gently pulled his wife away from their oldest son.

“We do need to be getting down to the church though.” Felix added and Pepa whirled on him, a cloud forming over her head.

“I’ll be fine Mama; they won’t start without us.” Camilo added, soothing his mother like he always had.

Elsewhere at the church in town, Mirabel was standing in a side room of the church. The ceremony would be starting soon, and her stomach was churning with a mix of excitement and anxiety. Around her, stood the other women from her side of the family; her mama and Isabela were fussing with her hair and Luisa was guarding the door. Abuela was sitting nearby as well, holding baby Carmen, Dolores’ oldest child.

Everyone stopped talking when someone knocked on the outer door. Luisa cracked the door open and peeked out at whoever was on the other side before nodding and closing the door once more. Turning to the rest of the room, she shifted.

“Everyone is seated and ready.” She stated and everyone in the room was quiet.

One by one they all filed out of the room until it was just Mirabel and Julieta and Isabela. Isa was fussing with the veil and then finally, once she was certain that the flowers were perfect, she stepped back and nodded. Then with a wave of her hand, a beautiful bouquet of flowers appeared in her hands, and she gently handed it off to Mirabel before hurrying to the door where their father now stood. With one last hug, Julieta followed her oldest daughter out the door and to their spot in the church leaving Mirabel and Agustin together.

“Mi pequeña mariposa.” Agustin whispered softly and Mirabel tried not to cry.

“I never dreamed that I’d be giving you away first.” He added and Mirabel stepped towards him, hands clutching the bouquet because she was afraid, she’d be shaking otherwise.

A watery smile crossed Mirabel’s face yet she couldn’t say anything, she was afraid that all of her effort to keep from crying would disappear if she spoke. In another heart beat, she could hear the change of the music and with the steadiness of her fathers arm they departed the room.

The church was packed with nearly everyone in the village and Camilo was desperately trying to not fidget as he stood at the front of the church with Father Flores. He was looking at his hands when the music changed and then a flicker of movement caught his eye. Straightening up, his eyes widened when he realized what he was looking at. It was Mirabel, HIS Mira, is a beautiful wedding dress that matched the vest he was wearing. His eyes followed her until she was standing next to him and for, maybe the first time in his entire life, Camilo was struck entirely speechless. Mirabel’s dress was amazing and though he could tell that the flower crown was Isabela’s doing, it just really worked with the veil.

“Cami, you’re staring.” Whispered Mirabel as she smiled at him, and Camilo blinked before smiling back.

“I’ve got the most beautiful woman in the world in front of me. How can I not stare?” he whispered back, and Mirabel resisted rolling her eyes with a slight smile.

Father Flores began talking, asking the standard questions of marriage; were they here wholeheartedly and willingly without coercion? Are you prepared, as you follow the path of marriage, to love and honor each other for as long as you both shall live? Are you prepared to accept children lovingly from God and to bring them up according to the law of Christ and his Church? Mirabel almost laughed at the eagerness in Camilo’s voice when he answered the questions. After a moment of prayer, Father Flores handed each of them a ring and Mirabel felt a slight bit of confusion as she starred at the ring in her hand.

“With this ring: I, Camilo, take you, Mirabel, to be my wife. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life." Camilo stated, softly as he slid the thinner of the two bands onto Mirabel’s left ring finger and Mirabel had to sniff back tears.

“With this ring: I, Mirabel, take you, Camilo, to be my husband. I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life." Mirabel whispered, her voice shaking as she returned the favor of sliding the ring onto his hand.

“With the power invested in me by the Church, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You many now kiss the bride.” Father Flores stated, and Mirabel sucked in a breath.

This was it, the moment she’d been dreaming about since she’d realized she’d fallen in love with Camilo. Her hands were shaking but it was the lifting of the veil that felt like it took forever. Camilo was relishing in this moment, he’d always been one to draw things out for show but now, he just really wanted to kiss his wife. One step forward, an arm slipped around her waist and in the next instant; Camilo pressed the gentlest, warmest kiss on her lips and Mirabel smiled as her eyes fluttered closed. When the kiss finally ended, there was a round of applause from the crowd that had gathered.

The two teens practically ran out of the church, eager to start the reception party so that they could get on with other, more important, things.

Chapter Text

“Don’t you dare try ripping this dress off of me, Camilo.” Mirabel half-growled through the searing hot kisses as Camilo carried her across the threshold of their room.
“I wouldn’t dream of it, Mira.” Camilo replied huskily as the door closed behind them, thanks to Casita.
Mirabel felt herself do a mental eyeroll because she knew that, if given the chance, Camilo would leave the dress in shreds just to finally be able to have nothing between them. That was the thing that made Mira pause, however, and it must have showed because Camilo was careful as he set her on her feet.

“Are you aright, Mira?” he asked as he tilted her chin up to face him, tears gathering in the corners of her eyes.

“Yea. I just need a moment. Can you help me unbutton this dress?” she replied, tamping down the memories that were threatening to rear their ugly heads.

Camilo was silent as he unbuttoned the back of Mirabel’s dress, and his throat went dry at the sight of her bare skin peeking out from the back. He couldn’t resist gently brushing his long fingers against the bare skin of Mira’s shoulder; the action earning him a breathy gasp as a reaction. Mirabel spun around and laughed at the petulant look on Cami’s face.

“I need to go to the bathroom.” Mira whispered as she leaned in to kiss her husband.

Quickly, she turned and hurried into their bathroom, closing the door behind her. Once she was alone, Mirabel exhaled. She loved Camilo with every fiber of her being, but she’d be lying if she said that she wasn’t nervous about tonight. In the time that had passed since the assault, Camilo had never pushed or pressured her into anything that she hadn’t feel ready for or comfortable with. That wasn’t saying that they hadn’t had any sort of intimacy since then, but Mirabel had always insisted that they wait, that she needed more time. Now, however, she was tired of waiting.

Carefully, she peeled herself out of the dress and draped it over an empty spot on the counter. Then, she knelt down and into the back of the cupboard, looking for something. When she stood back up, she was holding another box. Inside the box lay a lacy white nightgown and a matching lacy pair of panties. Mirabel felt her cheeks flush slightly as she stared at the garments in front of her. These two pieces were her own creations, intended to be a surprise for Camilo for their wedding night. Steadying herself, she quickly finished changing. The reflection that starred back at her from the mirror was that of a grown woman and that was startling enough but Mirabel felt she’d left Camilo waiting long enough.

For his part, Camilo had changed into his pajama pants rather quickly and had taken to lying on the bed to wait for Mirabel. When he heard the bathroom door open, he sat up; only to have every ounce of air sucked out of his lungs. Standing in the doorway to the bathroom was Mirabel, dressed in the skimpiest lacy white night gown he’d ever seen. The material was tight across her chest and see through enough that he could see the perkiness of her nipples through the fabric. From the tightness across her breast, the fabric draped down just past her ass and was just loose enough that it shifted when she moved.

“Dios Mio Mira.” He whispered as Mirabel stared at him; eyes far darker than they had been before.

“Do you like it?” she whispered in return, as she stepped forward and he wrapped his arms around her waist, hands settling on her bottom.

For maybe the second time in his life, Camilo had absolutely no words. Did he like it? He’d be a damned liar if he had said anything other than yes, but he couldn’t get the words to come out of his mouth. Instead, he leaned forward and pressed a hot kiss to Mirabel’s lips. The soft moan that escaped Mirabel’s mouth was sinful. One kiss, two, then three and four; Mirabel’s lips were puffy and somewhat swollen from the assault.

“I hope you won’t be upset if I destroy this one.” Camilo whispered, a growl hinging on the edge of his voice as his fingers trailed along the bottom edge, dragging against the skin of Mirabel’s thighs.

“I’m sure it’ll come off in one piece.” She replied, delicate fingers carding through Camilo’s mess of curls.

Mirabel gently but firmly tugged on Camilo’s hair and that elicited a low growl from deep within his chest. That was enough of play for the shapeshifter as he swiftly lifted his new wife up and deposited her on the bed. Surprise flickered across Mira’s face as she fell backward but that was quickly replaced by one of desire as she stared up into the smoldering green eyes of her love.

“Please say something if you feel uncomfortable. Okay, Mira?” Camilo whispered, words barely audible and Mira nodded.

“I will. Please don’t stop.” She replied in a near breathless whisper, voice just as quiet as he had been.

That was all Camilo needed as he reached down and lifted the bottom of the nightgown up. As much as he wanted to tear the beautifully offending piece of fabric off of his wife’s body, he knew that she’d made it herself. Instead, in a single swift motion, Camilo pulled the gown up over Mira’s chest and shoulders, tossing it on the floor behind. Mirabel’s coffee-colored eyes were heavy with lust but her cheeks were flushed slightly; being totally naked was something that they hadn’t gotten too. A devilish smirk crossed Camilo’s lips as he leaned in and caught her in another searing kiss; one hand moving to cup Mira’s exposed breast, the other planted firmly on the mattress next to her hip.

Breaking apart, Mirabel scooted backward across the bed, and she tugged Camilo to move with her. The shapeshifter had other plans, however, as he slid his hands down and in one more swift movement, he

pulled the silky white panties down from Mirabel’s hips and off of her entirely. Glancing up, he was with surprise and lust that clouded Mira’s eyes. He took that as a sign to keep going. Carefully, he dragged a hand across her hip and then across the soft flesh of her inner thigh and with a soft moan, Mira moved her legs apart for better access. Camilo felt his breath hitch in his chest as he stared down at the goddess of a woman laying before.

Mira’s dark curls were splayed across the pillows and her eyes had drifted shut in pleasure; her bottom lip was caught between her teeth as she breathed slowly from the sensations of pleasure. Her full breasts, perfect in size, moved with the rise and fall of her chest. His gaze settled on her fuller midsection and hips; the idea of seeing her swollen with his child made him run even hotter. With as much care as he could manage, he ran his fingers across the soft brown curls of her pubic area and Mira’s eyes flew open and she sucked in a breath.

“Please. Don’t stop.” Mira whispered, eyes glossy and pleading.

Nodding, Camilo carefully slipped a finger between the folds of her heat and was surprised at his warm and slick Mira was already. The touch only lasted for a moment before he decided on a radically different course of action. Gently pushing her legs apart, he lowered his head and experimentally ran his tongue across her slit. Even without parting her, he could already taste her. Mirabel, on the other hand, shuddered at the contact. No verbal complaints or physical aversions told Camilo to keep going and so he did; sliding his tongue into her slit and reveling in the sweet and tangy taste she held.

For her part, Mirabel was shocked when she felt his first cursory, exploratory finger slide between her womanhood. Camilo had touched her before through her panties, but this was drastically different. Then she felt his tongue against her slit, that had been unexpected. Opening her eyes, she raised herself up on her elbows; only to be met with the most provocative sight she’d ever seen. Camilo had his cheek rested against her inner thigh and was gently lapping at her slit, causing liquid fire to course through her veins and run straight to her core. In the moment that their eyes met, Mira knew that she was in for something entirely different as she watched her beloeved husband move forward and slid his tongue into her slit and give a long, lazy lick.

The gasp or moan that tore itself from Mirabel’s lips was loud but breathy as she fell back onto the pillows. Her reaction tore a growl from the shapeshifter between her legs as he continued. Camilo’s tongue moved up and down at a lazy pace before dipping further inside her and then resuming its trek back and forth. Mira’s noises were enough to fuel the fire that was building in him but he refused to relent until she’d had her moment. She deserved as much and he’d be dammed if she didn’t get more than she deserved.

“Feels so good, Milo.” Mirabel breathed as she clutched the sheets under her in her hands and Camilo laughed against her.

“Well you have to be the best tasting thing I’ve ever eaten.” He replied as he ran his tongue over the increasingly sensitive bundle of nerves at the top of her slit.

“I love tasting you Mira but I really want to feel you.” He added and Mira’s eyes widened as she stared at him.

Careful as he could, Camilo ran a single finger down her slit before gently prodding her tight, wet, warm hole. Moving painfully slow, he gently inserted a single finger into her tight pussy and Mira’s breath caught in her throat. Taking her response in stride, he began slipping his finger in and out of her; pausing only when he discovered the soft, spongy spot on the inside that caused Mira to sit up straight and gasp with eyes wide. Camilo froze at that moment, and he watched Mira carefully. This was really going to be a make or break moment. If she wanted to stop, then he would. Mirabel, on the other hand, was determined to not let the past interfere with this special night so she nodded and Camilo smirked.

If it was possible for someone to devour a person, then that’s what Camilo did to Mirabel. A single finger slipping in and out of her tight pussy and his tongue on the increasingly sensitive bundle of nerves that was her clit. The cacophony of noises that filled the room was enough to make even the most lewd person blush as Mirabel breathed, called and chanted Camilo’s name like it was a prayer for salvation or even the air she needed to breath. Both of them could feel the fire building, though, and Camilo was desperate to commit the sound to memory when Mirabel shattered for the first time around his finger; walls tightening and chest heaving as she came down from her orgasm.

Camilo lazily licked up her dripping wet slit before kissing the insides of her thighs, her hips, her tummy, her ribs; he left kisses in a trail as he crawled up the bed to meet her face to face. Mira’s face was flushed and her eyes were glazed as she stared up at him. Another devilish smirk crossed his lips as he leaned down to kiss her.

“You ok?” he asked softly, voice barely audible as Mira gave him a shaky smile.
“That was amazing.” She replied, her voice somewhat hoarse.

Camilo moved sideways so that Mirabel could sit up and as she did, she noticed that he was still wearing his pajama pants. She could she the bulge at his crotch however, and that gave her an idea. Within seconds, Mirabel had pushed Camilo onto his back and was carefully straddling him; her delicate fingers tracing the waistband of his pants.

“That’s not really fair, is it primo?” she asked softly and Camilo felt his cock twitch with her words.

“Why should I be the only naked one? Let’s fix that, yeah?” she added, and he didn’t really have any sort of justifiable response.

All Camilo could really do was groan softly as Mira hooked her fingers in the waistband of his pj's and proceeded to tug them down from his waist and legs until she was able to throw them on the floor. The moment his cock was free from the confines of his pants, it bound straight up; something that caused Mirabel to giggle. From the moment she’d admitted that she’d wished Camilo had been her first, she’d wondered about his own size and taste.

Camilo wasn’t entirely sure what to think as he gazed at his wife with lust filled eyes. Mira was watching him intently with a devilish smile of her own but the watching didn’t last long. Mirabel was gentle as she wrapped her slim fingers around the base of his cock and began to slid her hand up and down along his shaft. Coffee eyes watched intently as green eyes fluttered shut and caramel curls hit the pillow. He was already leaking glistening white pre cum and Mirabel idly wondered what it tasted like but quickly decided that idleness didn’t deserve a place in the moment. Instead she bobbed her head down and quickly ran her tongue over the tip of his member.

The strangled sort of moan that left Camilo’s lips made the heat return to the core between her legs. One lick, two and then she decided that she could try something different. Lowering her head, she experimentally licked the base of his shaft; receiving another strangled noise. Carefully, she licked all the way up Camilo’s cock before reaching the top and swirling her tongue around the tip before taking the tip into her mouth. The shapeshifter below her gasped and groaned but didn’t move, instead his eyes squeezed shut and he gripped the sheets. Mirabel, however, was encouraged and so she slid more and more of his cock into her mouth until she was about half way. Her gag reflex triggered and tears prickled in her eyes but she refused to stop as she bobbed her head up and down; tongue sliding and swirling as she went.

“Dios Mio Mira.” Camilo breathed and Mirabel felt inclined to continue.

“Oh! Mira! I’m going too…” he added, breaths coming in heaves almost.

Mirabel hadn’t been entirely prepared for having her primo blow an entire load into her mouth but that’s what happened as strings of hot cum shot towards the back of her throat. She was quick to try and swallow everything but at some point she broke away and gasped for air. Her reaction caused Camilo to sit up quickly to make sure that everything was alright with the love of his life.

“That was amazing,” Camilo whispered and Mirabel’s cheeks flushed at the compliment.

“That’s because you’re amazing.” She quipped in response and Camilo shook his head.

“You’re the amazing one, Mira.” He responded, moving so that he could kiss her soft lips.

“Ill prove it.” He added and Mirabel starred at his in slight confusion before he pulled her to lay on top of him.

Mirabel felt slightly awkward being on top of him like that and yet, Camilo was having none of it.

“I want you on top, Mira.” Camilo whispered as he gently pushed her up a bit.

“I want to be able to see all of you when I fuck you.” He added and Mirabel’s eyes widened a slight bit.

Camilo couldn’t know at all that those were almost the same words that Armando had taunted Mirabel with all those months ago. Yet, in this moment, she refused to have this moment tarnished by anything. Taking a deep breath, Mira decided to take the matters into her own hands. Reaching down between them, she carefully guided the tip of his cock to the entrance of her hole.

“You want this?” Camilo asked, feeling like he knew the answer but needed to hear it vocalized.

“Milo, there’s nothing I’ve ever wanted more than this moment.” Mira replied softly as she leaned down to capture his mouth in a kiss while simultaneously sinking down onto his cock.

The moans from each of them were lost in each other as Mira took control. It took a moment or two for her to settle on a stable rhythm and as she bounced her hips, Camilo was fairly certain that he’d died and entered whatever heaven awaited him. Mira was still so tight and wet and hotter than he’d ever anticipated. He could feel ever flutter and squeeze of her walls as she bounced herself up and down on his cock. Reaching for her hips, Camilo held her in place as she bounced on top of him. Hand placed firmly on her hips, Camilo reveled in the sight that he had above him; Mirabel had her head thrown back, eyes closed and tits bouncing with ever bounce she made.

Mirabel could feel the fire building, the molten lead creeping into liquid metal. She could feel it building but she felt like she needed something more; or different and Camilo seemed to pick up on that feeling. In one swift and fluid movement, he flipped them over and Mirabel gasped as his cock hit the soft spongy spot inside of her.

“Oh! Fuck Milo.” Mirabel swore and Camilo smirked as he moved her legs and began to pick up the pace.

Gentleness seemed to be off the table as Camilo proceeded to fuck Mirabel with a force that she never knew she needed. His cock stretched her in a delicious sort of fashion and with every thrust, the tip dragged across the sensitive spot inside of her. Mira’s words had been reduced to near unintelligible cries as she felt the coil at her core wind tighter and tighter. In the moment that the coil snapped, Mira screamed and arched up into Camilo’s chest; fingers clawing along his back and trying find some sort of purchase as she was jettisoned into the sky. Camilo felt her walls flutter and they tighten hard; that must be the moment, he thought.

Mirabel came, her orgasm shattering through her body like nothing else and Camilo felt like everything was complete. This was all he’d ever wanted and as he rested his forehead against Mira’s, he knew that it would always be them. Forever and always.

In the aftermath, Camilo was careful while removing himself from her body. He anticipated she’d be sore, and he wanted to make sure that this night ended in a positive light. Mirabel was already starting to nod off so Camilo rolled off the bed and carefully shushed Mira before making quick strides toward the bathroom. Grabbing his underwear on the way, he got redressed and then found a pair of panties for Mira. When he returned to the bed, he had clean panties in one hand and a warm wash rag in the other. Carefully, he cleaned Mira up with the rag; taking care to not overstimulate her. Mira was able to slip into her own underwear but she quickly collapsed into Camilo’s chest as soon as he was lying down beside her.

“We should do that again sometime.” Camilo whispered softly and Mira giggled before shaking her head against him.

“I’ll always do you.” She replied; voice tinged with sleep.

“I love you so much Mirabel and I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you.” Camilo stated calmly and quietly, to which Mirabel snuggled into him even more.

“I love you too Camilo. Forever and ever.” Mirabel replied in an equally quiet whisper.

Wrapping an arm around her, Camilo held Mirabel close and with the peace restored between them; Camilo vowed that he’d never let anything bad happen to his favorite prima ever again

Chapter Text

Mirabel groaned as she leaned against the kitchen counter. Around her, the counters and table were covered in the food that had been prepared for the party that night. Across the kitchen, Julieta was dancing with a little girl that looked like a tiny female Camilo but she was wearing bright pink glasses. A soft smile slid across Mirabel’s face as she watched her mother and her daughter dance. She was occupied enough that she didn’t notice someone standing behind her until she felt arms snake around her waist and hands come to rest on her growing stomach.

“Hard to believe she’s turning 5 today.” Whispered Camilo and Mirabel nearly jumped out of her skin in surprise.

“Dios Mio Cami.” Swore Mirabel as she smacked her husband on the shoulder.

“Don’t scare me like that.” She added as Camilo laughed at her now deep-set frown.

Before Camilo could apologize, a much smaller body had wedged their way in between them forcing both adults too look down. Wedged between them was the little girl who had been dancing moments before.

“Dance with me, Papa!” the girl cried as she grabbed at Camilo’s hands, her coffee-colored eyes sparkling behind her glasses.

“Si. Camilo, go dance with your princesa.” Added Mirabel as she scooted backward and ducked out of the way of her husband and daughter.

Heaving a dramatic sigh, Camilo accepted the girl's hands and allowed himself to be dragged off to the open end of the kitchen. Giggling behind her hand, Mirabel smiled as she watched two of the most important people in her life dance a silly waltz together. Running a hand over her slightly swollen middle, Mirabel smiled when she felt a thump against her hand. At nearly the same moment, a shriek emanated from the hallway and then Antonio appeared in the doorway with a smaller boy on his shoulders.

“Mama!” cried the boy and Mirabel had barely enough time to react before the boy was launching himself into her arms.

“Careful Juanito, you could hurt your baby sibling.” Warned Antonio as Mirabel shifted the toddler in her arms.

“Si Juanito. We’ve got to be very careful with Mama.” Added Camilo who had scooped up the birthday girl and returned to where Mirabel was standing.

Juan reached out for his father and Mirabel had no resistance to handing the now bouncing toddler off to his dad. Antonio nodded before disappearing out the door to finish the task he’d had to do before the party later that night.

“Let’s go and make sure everyone else is ready for the party, yeah?” Camilo asked Estella and the girl cheered with excitement as she rushed out of the kitchen.

Camilo stole a quick kiss from his wife before following his daughter out of the kitchen and up the stairs to the room she shared with her brother.

The rest of the house was alive with movement and as Camilo climbed the stairs to the nursery, he made silly faces at Juan. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Antonio chatting animatedly with two girls. Pausing to do a little bit of spying, he recognized them as Cecelia and Gabriela. Seeing the darker-haired of the two sparked a memory in Camilo’s mind but he was quickly distracted as Estella poked her head out of the nursery, glasses all askew which made Camilo chuckle.
“Papa! Hurry!” the five-year-old called as she disappeared back into the room.
~~
The next few hours moved quicker than Mirabel expected and before they even knew it, the ceremony was upon them. When Antonio had received his gift six years ago, the entire town had been invited and then the whole family had nearly fallen apart. Abuela had agreed to change that tradition when Dolores and Mariano had their daughter, Vera. At Vera’s gift ceremony, only a few close friends of the family and the birthday girl were invited to see the actual ceremony itself; the party itself had taken place outside of Casita and had served as a much nicer event.

Tonight was nearly the same. Abuela stood at the top of the stairs next to the door that had appeared this morning while the rest of the family was gathered at the bottom of the stairs. Juan was being held by his own Abuela, Julieta while Camilo and Mirabel stood at the base of the stairs with Estella. Her dress was the same one that Mirabel had worn to her own ceremony all those years ago, albeit with a brilliant amount of colored flowers now stitched along the skirt. Her hair was combed and styled as neatly as her curls could be and her brilliant pink glasses sat perched on her nose. The little girl was nearly vibrating with excitement as she stared up the stairs at the door that would soon be hers.

For her part, Mirabel was biting back an undesired feeling of dread. She’d been able to conceal her anxiety when Vera’s gift had been determined, the little girl had a photographic memory of anything she’d heard or read aloud. But this was her daughter. Her own flesh and blood and while there had been a lot of changes in the family, that did little to quell the dread and anxiety that was brewing in her heart.

“She’ll be alright, mi vida.” Whispered Camilo as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close.

“Si. It’ll be ok, Mama.” Estella added as she turned to her mother and hugged her before turning back to the stairs.

Mirabel leaned against Camilo, her head on his shoulder as the door began to glow a bit more and Estella ascended the stairs to greet her bisabuela. Abuela smiled at the girl and gently took her hand.

“Estella Madrigal, do you promise to use your gift for good and to help people when and where you can?” Abuela asked, her voice gravelly and soft as she watched the girl before her.

“Si. I will.” Estella replied and she smiled.

There was no candle anymore but the door process was the same. Estella reached out to the door handle and whatever fear Mirabel had had that the door wouldn’t open or would disappear vanished as a magical image etched itself onto the door. There was Estella, depicted with a smile and a multitude of varying-looking faces behind her. Twisting the knob, she pushed the door open and gasped. The room looked like a rainbow had exploded in pastels inside. There were several different areas in the room, each with its own color scheme and purpose. Above the bed were the words “Empathy grows as we learn.” By now, the rest of the family had come up the stairs and everyone was marveling at the new room. Amongst the grandparents, aunts and uncles, and cousins, there were words of praise and congratulations before the only people who were left were the birthday girl and her parents and brother.

“An empath, huh?” whispered Camilo, as he scooped up Juan to prevent the youngster from running crazy around his sister's new room.

“We’re so proud of you.” He added Estella hugged her father before smiling and turned to her mother, who had a strange look on her face.

“A gift or none, it wouldn’t have made a difference in how proud of you we are and how much we love you.” Mirabel added as she bent down to hug her daughter who was beaming and smiling.

“Now, it is still your birthday and there’s a party going on outside in your honor.” Camilo added as Estella gasped, eyes widening at the prospect.

“Let's go Juanito.” Estella called and once Juan was on the floor, Casita assisted the two children in a speedy exit out of the house to the party occurring outside.

In the ensuing silence, Camilo turned to Mirabel and wrapped his arms around her. In the last six or seven years, they’d been through a lot. They’d overcome a lot of things together and now here they were, standing in the doorway of their oldest daughter's new bedroom.

“I’m glad she had a gift.” Mirabel whispered as she leaned into Camilo’s arms.

“Gift or no, we would have loved her no matter what. There would never have been a repeat of how you were treated.” Camilo replied, hugging her tighter for a moment

“We should probably get downstairs.” Mirabel whispered and Camilo nodded.

Exiting the room and beginning their descent down the stairs, a certain peace washed over them. This was the family that Mirabel had always desired and now, with her own children living happily; there was finally peace at last.