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aeoneri · 2 months

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[Tacones Rojos] Chapter 16: A Little Hot Mess

Summary:

ACT II: GABRIELA – Feeling conflicted and guilty, Gabriela decides to pay a visit to someone who (probably) has all the answers.

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The room was still dark when Gabriela finally opened her eyes. Every part of her felt sore, and she strangely felt the chill in the air. For a moment, she forgot where she was, wondering why the room seemed so different.

It was only the soft snoring next to her that made Gabriela realize how her night had ended up.

Oh. Oh no.

Panic, then guilt, swept her up, and she instinctively clutched the blanket closer to her. “What have I done?” She whispered to no one in particular, her eyes glancing next to the person sleeping soundly across the bed. “What did we do?”

The man shifted a little in his sleep, his mess of curls framing his peaceful face. His hand was outstretched towards her, and it made Gabriela’s stomach drop. She buried her face in between her knees, contemplating on what to do.

She wanted fun, and she got it. Their encounter led itself into a one night stand that was filled with passion that burned her insides. He built her up and watched her fall apart in his arms multiple times throughout the night, and if given the choice, she would gladly let him do it all over again.

But there was something that Gabriela couldn’t quite piece together. Somehow, the way it felt was the same, yet so different. The sex with him was intense, and she loved it, but the way he worshiped her, cared for her needs, and even went as far as wrapping her in his arms while they drifted off to sleep — worried her.

Gabriela quietly repositioned herself off the bed, and froze when he suddenly murmured.

Stay.

Tears suddenly sprung to her eyes. They barely knew each other, and she hadn’t thought to ask his name, but she was certain he had irrevocably fallen head over heels for her. “I can’t.” She choked, resisting the urge to caress his cheek. It felt all too personal too soon.

She had to get out of there, away from this unfamiliar room. Gabriela knew that she would break his heart by leaving, effectively cementing their night together as nothing more than a memory, but she needed to pull herself out before she even got too deep.

The sky was starting to color with streaks of beautiful oranges, reds and yellows, peeking behind the mountains of Monserrate when she exited the building, pulling the thin coat she thankfully thought to bring with her last night for warmth.

She had fallen for his charms, even just for a little bit, and she feared she’d make the same mistake again if she stayed.

…

There was a heavy pit sitting at the pool of her stomach, threatening to churn the waves of emotions she battled over. Gabriela sat quietly on the bus going to the other side of the city. She didn’t have a reason to feel guilty, though part of her wanted to mourn for what could have been.

She had initially contemplated going home, but dismissed it, dreading the possible questions her friends would throw at her. She was grateful that the streets were thankfully still empty, save for a few night owls and graveyard shift workers making their way home.

Without a second thought, her fingers hovered slightly over her phone screen, carefully typing out the words to a message.

>Can we talk?<

She didn’t even bother to check if it would be well received when she managed to find her ride. As she looked out the windows, watching the outline of the mountains recede and replace itself with towering buildings, she tried to keep herself together. There was still a long way to go, but it was more than enough time to get her thoughts in order.

…

“I didn’t expect you to drop by suddenly. I hope you weren’t waiting too long.”

Gabriela cautiously entered her brother’s apartment even as he motioned for her to come in. She felt glad that her brother didn’t take her sudden intrusion into his space as a nuisance, though she could not avoid the awkwardness that made her so guarded. She had only been in his apartment a handful of times since they reconnected, and while they were on good terms, most of the time they met outside at a restaurant or café to catch up.

Not today, though.

“No, not at all. I just arrived myself.” Gabriela murmured, shaking her head when Julián reached out a hand to take her coat. “Sorry, I know it’s such short notice and I’m not sure if today is a bad time, but I really needed someone to talk to, and…”

Julián didn’t hesitate while calmly leading his sister to his couch and prompted her to sit. “Woah there, manita. There’s never a bad time for my baby sister. Wait right here while I get you something to drink.”

While Julián was busy in the kitchen, Gabriela tried to take in her surroundings, realizing she had not taken in much of the details of her older brother’s living space. The living room did not have the typical layout of a bachelor living on his own — unlike the usual neutrals and leather, Julián’s was warm and inviting. Sure, he had a few musical instruments laying about, and a huge TV in the center of the room, but there were plenty of knick knacks on the shelves and color in the room that reminded Gabriela so much of their childhood. His couch was a nice, deep blue, and the accent walls popped out at her. While Julián was a few years older, it never stopped them from essentially gaining the same interests and tastes, especially since they came from a creative family. Gabriela couldn’t help but eye his records piled neatly in the corner next to his model figures.

It felt familiar to her, like she was seventeen again and all was right in the world. They haven’t been living at their family home for a number of years now, but it reminded her of it.

“What are you looking at?” Julián asked his sister when he returned with a mug of chocolate santafereño, handing the hot drink to Gabriela who took it gratefully. “Careful. It’s hot.”

“Nothing in particular.” Gabriela blew away the steam before taking a small sip. “I was just thinking how I never realized your place felt so much like…”

“Our house? That’s because it kind of is.” Julián shrugged, taking a seat opposite his sister. “Mamá usually changes some of the decorations when she visits to match the seasons.”

“Oh.”

An uneasy silence fell and Gabriela had to fight the urge to jiggle her knee.

“They asked about you, you know. If you’re doing okay.”

“What?”

Julián gave her a meaningful look. “They’ve never stopped asking, every time they visit here it’s the first thing they want to know. Even yesterday…”

“Did…did you just come from Chía?” Gabriela’s eyes turned wide like saucers. “Is that why you asked me to wait for you because you’re driving?”

Julián didn’t say anything else, making the emotions and her carefully crafted questions thrown out the window as the world blurred around her. “You were visiting them! I can’t believe I made you cut it short because of me…”

Gabriela didn’t realize she had started crying until Julián gently took the shaking mug out of her hands. “Hey. Hey.” Julián quickly wrapped a comforting arm around his sister. “No, no. It’s fine. The moment I received your text, I was already preparing to head back here. I guess it was timely enough, but I should’ve gotten home sooner.”

“I’m pretty sure Mamá and Papá hate me even more now.”

“What makes you say that?”

“They’ve been asking you about me, and…Marco…my ex…has been over the news lately. They told me…I was a fool when they first kicked me out…”

“Papá has told me multiple times how he regrets that night you left home. It’s the one thing he’d like to do if he could turn back time. He was angry that you fell for someone who…you know, attracted trouble, but he hoped that you were happy, at least. After the scandal broke and spread over there…if anything, the tabloids are fueling his anger towards your ex. Not you.”

“Then why haven’t they reached out to me all these years if they regret so much…? It was easy for you to do so.”

Minutes passed. Or maybe an eternity had before Julián managed to get the words out. “They don’t know how to start a conversation with you, manita. You weren’t on such good terms with the family when you had left.”

Much had been said, and Gabriela pondered over it all as the last of her tears ran empty, shivering up her spine in noiseless sobs. “I don’t think I can face them still, Julián.”

“Why?” Julián took a good look at her, confusion scrunching up his brow. “Did something else happen?” Her brother’s face grew dark which made her flinch. “Did he do something to you, Ella?”

“No, it’s not him, Julián.” Gabriela trembled. She contemplated telling her brother what had happened the night before and decided it was in her best conscience to confess. “It’s me. I did something…that I shouldn’t have done at all. And what’s worse…I think it’ll haunt me for the rest of my life.”

…

Ávila was close to ripping their door open and tackling Gabriela to the floor when the latter came home hours later. “Where the hell have you been?!” Ávila half-screamed, arms flailing around while chewing Gabriela out. “I thought something terrible had happened to you!”

“I was at my brother’s house and my phone went dead.” Gabriela winced under Ávila’s glare. “We hadn’t seen each other in a while and I lost track of time. Sorry, Ávi.”

“Can you imagine the panic when José told me this morning that he lost track of you last night? I had half a mind to call the policía and report you as missing.”

“But I’m here now, though.” Gabriela padded herself to the kitchen where José was trying to keep himself distracted by obsessively cleaning the stove, with Ávila following close behind her. “And why would you even call the police?”

José stiffened when Ávila cleared their throat. “Because someone thought it would be a good idea to place a bet.”

“It was in good faith, amor!” He protested before a look from his beloved cut him short.

“And as I was saying,” Ávila continued. “What kind of person wouldn’t be worried if they found out their best friend had been having drinks with a complete and total stranger? Like, I know everyone at the bar is well-equipped to handle any problem customers that might try to take advantage of those vulnerable, but you disappeared for hours without telling any of us where you were going. What if your ex suddenly showed up and kidnapped you by force? What if the secret admirer you were drinking with turned out to be a serial killer and my BOYFRIEND had inevitably led you to your doom?”

“He’s not like that though…” Gabriela started to say before she could stop herself, and the room immediately fell deathly silent. “Ay Dios mío, forget I said anything.”

“Oh no, no, no. Sit. Down.” Ávila hissed when the initial shock passed, pulling a chair for themselves and Gabriela. “Spill.”

Gabriela crossed her arms across her chest, as she attempted to avoid meeting Ávila and José’s eyes. “It’s nothing.”

“You’re avoiding my eyes. It’s definitely something.”

“You’re just imagining things.”

“I’ve known you for years, chica. And I know how you can’t even lie to save your life. So spill.”

“...”

The tips of Gabriela’s ears felt hot and she wished the earth could swallow her whole. At that moment of vulnerability, her brother’s advice came ringing in her ears.

You have nothing to be ashamed of. Life changes at any moment, so what will you do?

What will she do?

For a moment, she caught a glimpse of the future in that room, spending another night tucked in his sheets, smiling up at the man whose eyes held the deep mysteries of the universe. But she would never have the chance again.

Not all of your questions will have the answers.

But what if it does?

So stay.

“I slept with the man at the bar.” Gabriela quickly confessed, clenching her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms. She ignored Ávila and José’s shocked expressions and Gabriela pushed on with what she wanted…NEEDED to say. There was no other way but forward, and while there was a chance for her to connect with him in some way, she needed to figure herself out. “It’s complicated, and if it wasn’t for the bet…I’ll tell you both all you need to know, but first, I need you, José, to swear not to tell him the truth.”

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#fanfiction #encanto #bruno madrigal #original character #young bruno madrigal #tooth rotting fluff #fluff and romance #smut #friends to lovers #mutual pining #modern AU #non-magical #madrigal family #humor #drama #telenovela #ao3fic

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average-dilf-enjoyer · 7 months

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KINKTOBER 2023

MASTERLIST:

Day 1: Voyeurism/mutual masturbation + Robert Small (Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator)

Day 2: Anal play + Shane (Stardew Valley)

Day 3: Roleplay + Bruno Madrigal (Encanto)

Day 4: Daddy kink + Joseph Christiansen (Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator)

Day 5: Virginity + Joel Miller (The Last of Us)

Day 6: Sex pollen + Stanford Pines (Gravity Falls)

Day 7: Oral fixation + Hugo Vega (Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator)

Day 8: Hand kink + Joel Miller (The Last of Us)

Day 9: Choking + Joseph Christiansen (Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator)

Day 10: Mirror sex + Stanford Pines (Gravity Falls)

Day 11: Somnophilia + Robert Small (Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator)

Day 12: Praise + Joel Miller (The Last of Us)

Day 13: Bondage + Joseph Christiansen (Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator)

Day 14: Lingerie + Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)

Day 15: Nipple play + Joel Miller (The Last of Us)

Day 16: Cockwarming + Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)

Day 17: Sex toys + Spider Noir (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)

Day 18: Priest kink + Joseph Christiansen (Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator)

Day 19: Body worship + Shane (Stardew Valley)

Day 20: Exhibitionism + Joel Miller & Tess Servopoulos (The Last of Us)

Day 21: Pegging + Shane (Stardew Valley)

Day 22: Size kink + Miguel O’Hara (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse)

Day 23: Degradation + Joseph Christiansen (Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator)

Day 24: Titfucking + Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)

Day 25: Breeding + Joel Miller (The Last of Us)

Day 26: Sensory Deprivation + Stanford Pines (Gravity Falls)

Day 27: Overstimulation + Robert Small (Dream Daddy: A Dad Dating Simulator)

Day 28: Spanking/impact play + Joel Miller (The Last of Us)

Day 29: Thigh riding + Arthur Morgan (Red Dead Redemption 2)

Day 30: Biting/marking + Miguel O’Hara (Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse)

Day 31: Orgasm delay/denial + Joel Miller (The Last of Us)

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girl-next-door-writes · 1 year

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So, I borrowed this Build-A Blurb idea for my last follower milestone and I thought it would be a great way to celebrate hitting 3500 followers!

Rules:

Step 1- Pick a character that I write from the list below.

Step 2 - Pick angst or fluff. (If you don't specify then it will be fluff because this is me writing things)

😢 Angst

🥰Fluff

WARNING: If you pick angst I will not be writing a part 2 to fix what I have broken.

Step 3 - Pick up to 4 emoji's, one from each category you will find beneath the cut. You don't have to choose one from EVERY category, you can simply pick fluff and 1 emoji if you wish.

Step 4 - Send me your choices in an ASK! I will not be accepting dm's for this one guys.

THINGS TO NOTE:

All my blurbs will be character x reader because that’s the lane I am sticking in.

I will only be accepting 8 because I have a bit of a request backlog and a couple of series playing around in my mind, so get your requests in asap.

Characters I will write:

SUPERNATURAL: Crowley, Gabe, Sam

STAR TREK: Scotty, Bones

MARVEL: Loki, Clint, Scott, Bucky, Steven Grant

STAR WARS: Hux, Poe

HARRY POTTER: George Weasley, Remus Lupin

SHERLOCK: Mycroft

ALSO... Spencer Reid, Steve Harrington and Bruno Madrigal.

Set 1: Choose 1 from this list.

👀best friends to lovers

👫 fake dating

😍 mutual pining

🤫 secret relationship

🤯 They were roommates

Set 2: Choose 1 from this list

😙 A chaste kiss

💋A fierce kiss

👄 A gentle kiss

😘 A hello/good-bye kiss that is given without thinking

😳 An unexpected kiss

Set 3: Choose 1 from this list

🤬 blurting out a confession of love in a stressful moment

🤮 drunkenly confessing feelings

🤡 everyone Knowing™ before they do

🤝 taking each other’s hands during a stressful situation

👩‍❤️‍👨 people thinking they’re already together

Set 4: Choose 1 from this list

😴 accidentally falling asleep on/next to each other

🍕cleaning food off someone’s face

👕 sharing clothes

👗 helping each other dress/fixing someone’s outfit

💭 dreaming about a love interest

#Build a fic #follower milestone celebration #em rambles from the dojo

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let-love-run-red · 2 years

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Peppermint Tea - Masterlist

AO3 Link

You smelled like lavender, and honey, like a spring rain, like fresh mint.

Visions left him with a debilitating migraine, one not even Julieta's gift could heal. The only thing that helped was peppermint tea.

AN: Age gap! Reader is 20, Bruno is 51

Chapters posted Fridays at ~5pm MST

Chapters containing smut will be denoted by - 💕

Prologue

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5 - 💕

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Epilogue

Tag List:

@racyreverie, @hannahdinse8, @jessicarosequinzelfleck, @dai-tsukki-desu, @aesthetic-mist, @wedonttalkabouthenry, @princessjilianuwu, @bunkyung, @stupid-stinky, @lumimon47, @massivedreamkitten, @cremedelabrulee, @heck-heckers-hecking, @samnblack, @rosiedevil

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laws-yellow-submarine · 2 years

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Ratas Casita Ch. 9

Ahahaha idk why but I’m nervous about this chapter. I have no reason to be, it’s a totally normal, cute chapter. But I apparently have anxiety about my writing today lol RIP me

I said it in the author’s note as well, but if anyone has any suggestions for Rat Lady/Madrigal Grandchildren interactions (pre-canon) then please feel free to send them my way!

#Encanto #bruno madrigal #original characters #encanto fanfic #fanfic #Slowly moving this plot along lol #venturing into the 'mutual pining' tag a bit lol #look I just always thought it'd be cool if 'mutual pining' meant:#'Character A is pining for Character B who thinks he's pining for Character C but it's actually Character A' lol #anyhoo enjoy!

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supernaturalgirl20 · 2 years

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heyy!!! so, I saw that your requests were open and wanted to know if you would be okay with writing something for Frankie!

I was watching Encanto again and something crossed my mind. maybe reader works for Frankie babysitting his daughter and they find the movie one day and Frankies daughter can’t stop watching it ( cause it’s a great movie duh ) and the reader just loves it too! so, one day Frankie comes home earlier and sees them singing and dancing to the first song of the movie ( The Family Madrigal ) and just starts watching with them? maybe reader could point out that she thinks that abuelo Pedro looks a lot like Frankie too?

hope it gives you inspiration!! if it doesn’t that’s okay!!! I love your work!!! hope you have a great day!!!!

Yes 🙌 I am loving this 🥰 can you imagine Frankie joining in 🥺 anyway thank you for your request hope you enjoy 😊

It ends with us

Warnings: Fluff, mutual pining, sexual tension.

Click Keep Reading only if you have read the warnings and understand that they may not be complete to avoid listing spoilers. As AO3 says ‘creator chooses not to use warnings’.

Frankie rushed around trying to gather his things as you watched smiling. He’d called in a panic. Work needed him to take a tour out today, someone had rung in sick. He apologised profusely but you didn’t mind. Reassured him as such. A glint caught your eyes and you grabbed his keys jingling them in your hands. “Looking for these?” He stopped his frantic search and smiled brightly at you. “You are a lifesaver. Literally. Are you sure I didn’t interrupt plans?”

“Frankie it’s ok, honestly. I was only going to head to the bookstore and chill. Now go before you're late.” Walking towards you he almost leans in to kiss your soft lips when he realises what he’s doing. “Isabella, mi sol. Be good for Y/N and I’ll see you later ok?”

“Si papa.”

Closing the door you turn to face a very excited little girl. “So little miss! What are our plans today then?”

“I wanna watch Encanto. Please please please!” You laugh at her excitement. “Ok, but first let’s cook dinner for papa and then get some snacks. Sound good?”

“Yes yes yes.” You’ve been babysitting for Frankie for almost a year now and you love Isabella like a daughter. She is such a beautiful soul and she looks so much like her papa. You also love him too but that’s another story. You’d made Frankie’s favourite, empanadas. His mom had given you the recipe and you cook them once in a while.

“Y/N come on….I wanna watch it now.” You laugh as you grab some popcorn and make your way into the sitting room. “Ok ok calm down little miss.”

Frankie finishes the tour early and rushes to get back home. He hates calling you like this. Last minute. You were always picking up the pieces for him. His light in the dark. Isabella loved you. He did too really but he couldn’t get involved. It wouldn’t be fair to Bella if things didn’t work out. Pulling up at the house he opens the door and is greeted by loud music coming from the sitting room. He’s intrigued now so trying not to make too much noise he sneaks over and his heart melts at the sight before him. There you are dancing away with his daughter singing along to the song from Encanto. All doubts about his feelings for you are gone. Seeing you dancing and singing with his little girl has his heart swelling. Isabella has never looked so happy. Butterflies erupt in his stomach. His heart beats a little faster. This is what he wants to come home to everyday. Everyday for the rest of his life he wants you, you and his daughter and maybe a kid of your own. He leans against the door silently watching you both.

“My tía Pepa

Her mood affects the weather

When she's unhappy

Well, the temperature gets weird

My tío Bruno

We don’t talk about Bruno!”

When the song is over you both laugh and you lift her up and twirl her around. That’s when you notice him. Leaning against the doorframe a loving smile on his face, soft brown eyes taking in the sight before him. “Hey! When did you get home?”

“Oh about ten minutes ago. Having fun?” He says in a teasing tone.

“We had great fun, didn’t we, little miss?”

“Yeah papa, we had so much fun.”

“Why don’t you come join us?”

“Oh no I’m gonna go get a shower.” He moves off the frame and turns to leave but you’ve grabbed his arm and are pulling him along behind you. “Come on, it'll be fun.”

“I don’t know the words.”

“We’ll teach you won’t we?”

“Yeah papa it’s easy.”

You stood staring at him and he began to feel a little self conscious under your gaze. “Isabella, don’t you think your papa looks a lot like abuelo pedro?”

His daughter turns to look at him and an intense gaze sets upon him. “He does! Papa you look like abuelo pedro.”

“I look like an old man?!”

“No he’s not old. He’s very young and handsome. Sad though he dies young.”

You're busy trying to find the clip of Pedro, too busy to notice that Frankie had gone still. Do you think he’s handsome?

“There we are. He looks just like you. I should call up Disney and tell them if they ever do a live action version that we have their guy right here.” He’s blushing now. You don’t notice as you start to sing again. Some songs about Bruno. He finally gives in and starts singing too.

A little while later you are all sat on the couch, Bella is fast asleep beside you. Frankie has his arm thrown over the back of the couch, fingers running along your shoulder. You could get used to this. That little voice inside tells you otherwise. Frankie doesn’t want you. Not like that. You stare down at the beautiful little girl asleep beside you, fingers running through her hair.

“I should get going.” The words leave your lips but you remain seated beside him. His heart flutters. This is his chance. His chance to let you know how he feels. Man up Frankie.

“You could stay.” He waits with bated breath. Hoping he hasn’t ruined everything. “Do you want me to?” You look at him now, hope in your eyes. Hope that you aren’t reading this wrong. He starts to lean in. His eyes flick between yours and your lips. He’s so close. His breath is hot against you.

“Yes.” He whispers. He leans in the rest of the way. Your lips meet in a soft kiss, careful not to wake Bella. “I think I’d like that.”

Permanent tag list: @lunaserenade @anaaaispunk @maievdenoir @elinedjarin @seasonschange-butpeopledont @alberta-sunrise @dihra-vesa @pintsizemama @athalien @loserrlauraa @thorins-queen-of-erebor @pascal-rascal424 @ikinmahlen @pascalisthepunkest @dindjarinneedsahug @almaeunice @jediknight122 @prostitute-robot-from-the-future @colorlesswhispersunknown @stevie75 @rosie-posie08 @hauntedmama @greeneyedblondie44 @prettylilhalforc @giselatropicana @spanishmossmagnolia @phoenixhalliwell @sherala007 @its--fandom--darling @donnaa @javierpinme @luxmundee @littlemisspascal @hayley-the-comet @ezras-channel-rat @misspearly1

#pedro pascal #frankie morales x f!reader #pedro pascal x reader #frankie morales x female reader #pedro pascal x female reader #francisco morales triple frontier #pedro pascal fanfiction #frankie morales x you #frankie morales x reader

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strawberryxfieldz · 2 years

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Chapters: 1/1 Fandom: Encanto (2021) Rating: General Audiences Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Bruno Madrigal & Julieta Madrigal & Pepa Madrigal, Bruno Madrigal & Julieta Madrigal, Julieta Madrigal & Pepa Madrigal, Bruno Madrigal & Pepa Madrigal, Félix Madrigal/Pepa Madrigal Characters: Julieta Madrigal, Bruno Madrigal, Pepa Madrigal, Félix Madrigal, "Abuela" Alma Madrigal, Casita (Disney: Encanto) Additional Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Angst, Light Angst, Canon Universe, Canon Compliant, Pre-Canon, Julieta Madrigal-centric, Madrigal Triplets | Bruno Madrigal and Julieta Madrigal and Pepa Madrigal are Triplets, Teen Madrigal Triplets (Disney), Young Madrigal Triplets (Disney), Kid Madrigal Triplets (Disney), Young Julieta Madrigal, Young Pepa Madrigal, Young Bruno Madrigal, Young Félix Madrigal, Protective Julieta Madrigal, Supportive Julieta Madrigal, Good Sibling Julieta Madrigal, Anxious Pepa Madrigal, Pepa Madrigal Has Weather Powers, Family Bonding, Sibling Bonding, Trauma, Childhood Trauma, Food, Crying, Anxiety, Anxiety Attacks, Panic Attacks, Pining, Mutual Pining, Friends to Lovers, One Shot Summary: "Do you sometimes wish… the miracle didn’t happen?" Julieta Madrigal has always been responsible for healing not only her family but the entirety of Encanto. So, when her siblings, Bruno and Pepa, get into a fight that leaves them both emotionally hurt, Julieta puts it upon herself to fix the situation. She learns, however, there are some kinds of pain she can't heal, especially when they come from something much deeper than just a petty sibling argument, and it's not a fact she is entirely ready to face.

#encanto #encanto fic #encanto fanfic #bruno madrigal #julieta madrigal #pepa madrigal #madrigal triplets #felix madrigal #pepa x felix #encanto bruno #encanto julieta #encanto pepa #strawbs fics #mine

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trashpits · 2 years

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well its time to info dump about all the bruno/me au ideas i’ve had. for this i will just be using y/n in place of me though bc its just easier that way for me

some are wayyy more fleshed out than others. and i apologize for any typos i dont wanna fix em bc too much reading gives me a migraine. also im horrible at writing. i just..... say ideas. i just be saying shit

but i will start with the disneyland one. so the premise for all my disney land aus is that its a modern au where everyone just works there. i have never worked there so i dont know all the ins and outs of it. SO it’s probably not for you if you HAVE worked there. but basically bruno works as a butler at the haunted mansion. he fits in really well bc he just looks so dead all the time and he just really plays up the part for the kids when appropriate. y/n is a new hire at the mansion and bruno is your trainer. there isnt much more to it besides falling slowly in love at disneyland and mutual pining and cliche romantic moments. its completely self indulgent bc disneyland is my fav place lmao

THEN there is the art teacher one. its also pretty cliche and basic. so y/n is mirabel’s high school art teacher and she adores you and always makes such fun and colorful pieces and is excited to turn them in or get your opinion on things. she looks up to you a lot. idk if you have had like a chill friend teacher, but my art teacher was like that for me and so thats what i was inspired by.

there is an open house but julieta and agustín cant make it for one reason or another. probably work. so bruno volunteers to go instead. (pepa and félix also offered but they also have to visit all of camilo’s classrooms as well and it wouldnt be enough time. i feel like camilo would be like “nah its fine you dont have to go” but his parents want to see all his work and be so proud of him and all that.)

but anyway once they get to your classroom mirabel is excitedly showing bruno which pieces are hers and where she works and stuff. youre talking to other parents and notice them scurrying around so once youre done with the family, you head over to them. you see so much potential in mirabel and have been wanting to talk to her parents about maybe looking into some college level art classes for her because she has shown so much interest in learning more but you dont have the proper tools or space to do so. mirabel gets distracted talking to one of her classmates so that just leaves you and bruno to talk which is fine. thats kinda what you wanted. you go over and introduce yourself and once he turns and does the same, you are immediately flustered. you find him quite handsome which throws you off your rhythm. he only introduces himself as “bruno madrigal” so you just assume that he’s her father. you awkwardly just immediately dive into your spiel about how you think mirabel could benefit from other classes, refusing to look him in the eye. he just nods along, seeming to agree with your words, which is a positive sign.

not to far in mirabel pops her head in and is like “oh! Mx. y/n! i see you’ve already met my uncle.”

"o-oh! he’s not- you’re not her father?”

“no no no, things came up last minute for julieta and agustín, so i’m here to make sure mirabel is doing all her work. i know she can be a handful.” he chuckles and playfully nudges mira.

“oh i’m sorry i didn’t mean to dump all that information on you. if i knew i-”

“no you’re totally fine, i completely agree. i think...”

and you both are kinda awkward messes trying to explain yourselves and how much you both think mirabel is super talented and stuff. i’m not the best writer, but the conversation would kinda trail off and you both would have that quiet moment where you just stare at each other. the mutual attraction admire stare. and then the flustered break away. asdjkfhaskjdha im blushing thinking about it i hate myself.

it would take mirabel all of two seconds to realize what exactly is going on here. and she would make it her mission to try and set the two of you up. or at least urge you guys to talk more. find ways to get it to happen. you both obviously have this attraction at first sight type of thing.

but yeah thats!!!!!!!! the basis of that.

ALL my ideas are super basic i feel lmao. but the coffee shop one. i basically already explained everything i had for that. bruno is a screen play writer who writes under a pen name so no one knows its him. he doesn’t really enjoy interacting with people (he feels like hes terrible at it. also anxiety. which y/n later finds funny since the way he writes people seems so natural), but he does enjoy being around them. people watching. so a lot of the time he writes at coffee shops and you just so happen to work at his favorite one.

you get a lot of regulars and you remember all their names and orders. you like when they come in because they are all pretty chill. some will tell you their life gossip which you are so interested in even though you have no idea who any of the people they talk about are. you just like to be nosy. but bruno never speaks to you all that much. you’ve tried to make conversation a few times with him to be polite, but he always just awkwardly laughs and gives short answers. he is very polite and never feels stand offish. just quiet. he orders, sits down with his laptop and types away for hours.

the day you finally decide to talk to him is at the end of what you think to be his work week. he’d been staying later and later every day, seeming so caught up in his work that he’d lose track of time. that day you had to talk to him to tell him you were about to close. you tap him to try and get his attention to which he jumps and looks at you, panicked.

youre extremely worried. he looks like he hasnt slept in weeks. like much more than usual. “hey, we are about to close and... look, i don’t mean to be a bother, but is everything alright?”

he tells you that he’s just stressed about deadlines. that it’s not that big of a deal. but your nosiness gets the best of you and you prod a bit more. you’re off the clock anyway so a few questions can’t hurt.

at first he is silent, but he’s so tired that the walls he usually puts up crumble so easily. you feel like he had been waiting for the moment someone asked if he was alright...

and thats all i have rn. idk where i really want it to go from there. i have a few ideas but aaaaa too nervous to share.

---

and the ghost au.

so in this au, ghosts can just roam as they please depending on how sentient they are. most are trapped in a loop of their old life, but others who realize they are dead can do whatever and go wherever they want.

y/n is dead. you passed have just been mindlessly roaming the earth ever since. at first you were desperate to try and find someone who could see or hear you. but after a while you just gave up and decided to explore. you would spy on peoples lives, trying to live vicariously through them since you felt you had no purpose anymore. a lot of the time you wondered why you were still around. why the other ghosts you did come across would act like you werent even there. you never stuck around one person for too long. just gathering bits and pieces of peoples stories.

but eventually you come across something new. a family who were granted magical gifts to help their community. it fascinated you. you got there just in time to watch the youngest member get the power of inhuman strength and durability. you began to wonder if one of the children would ever get the gift to see you. that was the original reason you stuck around. it would be so nice to have someone to speak to.

you would snoop but still try to give people personal space at appropriate times. you liked the family dynamic they had at first. it seemed very sweet and helpful but you slowly learned more about this family and their secrets. their stressors, fears, and burdens. and one of their biggest secrets, bruno.

he’s already about 30 at this time. already closing himself off. he would rarely leave his tower. you noticed his sister julieta would invite him to dinner every night, but he would always decline. that slowly turned into her bringing him a plate of food, which became just leaving it by his door. tbh you dont think you had ever even seen him yet. just heard his name in conversation every now and again.

at this point you were a bit afraid of him. people talked about him in such awful ways. maybe you’d get jinxed even though you were just a spirit. you still werent sure of the rules. but your curiosity finally got the best of you. you went through bruno’s door.

he wasn’t anything like the stories. he was kind of pitiful to you at first. all this talk and he’s just this sad lonely man. his own friends were the rats. he’d chat with them all day, sometimes being silly and cracking jokes, other times talking about how he desperately wished he had a different gift. or didnt get one at all. and you honestly think the rats could understand him sometimes.

you would spend a lot of your days listening to him tell stories to his little friends. he was surprisingly very good at it, and had a flare of the theatrical. he would sometimes try to write songs but he was a terrible singer. he dabbled in drawing, painting, sewing, any type of arts to busy himself with. you could tell it helped him escape the life he was given.

before you even realized, you had spent 10 years in the encanto. you knew so much about everyone in the town, but none were as enjoyable as bruno.

you couldn’t wrap your head around why everyone despised him so much.

he rarely would use his gift if he could help it. sometimes alma would ask him to try and see things and he would never turn her down. you wished he did. especially the night that the newest madrigal didn’t get her gift.

the second you watched him hold that vision in your hands you never wanted so desperately to be heard in your death. you yelled and screamed hoping he would hear you telling him that its not his fault but there was nothing you could do.

he did try to leave. you even went with him to the top of the mountains of the encanto but he paused. bruno looked back at his home and you knew he couldn’t bring himself to leave.

during the time in the walls is when you start to feel yourself fall in love with him. or at least realize that you are. maybe you have been for a while. when he is in the walls, you can tell he’s more free than he’s ever felt. being in that tower with all the constant reminders of who he was weighed down on him more than you ever imagined. now he can make this space for who he truly wants to be. (also side note i like to think that the rooms are effected a lot by the owner so the more he distanced himself from his family, the higher up his tower became and the more ominous the space was. he didn’t want it, but he couldn’t help it) its just a lot of you falling for him and him not even knowing you are there. and once the events of the movie happen you are so happy for him. you finally get to see him accepted back in the family he loved and did so much for.

you start to distance yourself from the family though. you are far too attached but now that you know bruno will be okay, you feel that you can leave.

that is, until dolores and mariano’s first baby gets the gift to see/speak to spirits.

AND THATS IT./ okay i spent too much time typing this out. i even had to take pain killers in the middle bc the migraine was gonna kill me lmao.

#bruno madrigal x reader #self ship #i cant remember what my writing tags were #bruno madrigal #randomhatthief

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andtheyweresiblings · 2 years

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am absolutely dying to hear any thoughts about the madriga/ triplets nobody ships them enough and I'm lonely

You know, over the last couple weeks I have been thinking about them more and more. A word of warning, though. The way I ship them probably makes them my most toxic Madrigalcest ship.

And just to be clear, this is purely me running with headcanons for these three. I don't think my thoughts are heavily based in canon because I have not really thought about these three through an analytical lens. But I'd be happy to do that if that's what you're looking for. Just let me know.

Basically, I want their story to end in tragedy. I know I could have Bruno, Julieta, Pepa, and their husbands being in one happy polycule, but I am much more interested in exploring the evolution of the Madrigal triplets' relationship growing up followed by their inevitable separation as Pepa and Julieta begin dating.

The basic premise of my thoughts for them stem from my headcanon that Bruno and Pepa quickly became feared in the town because of their gifts, so they were ostracized and unable to make friends. I think Julieta would willingly ostracize herself in a move of solidarity with her siblings, so they would very much develop an "us against the world" mentality.

I think we can include a lot of classic sibcest tropes with these three. The ones I'm thinking of include mutual pining in the earlier years, followed by the three of them sharing all their "firsts" in the mid to older teen years. Not to mention trauma-bonding and codependency. I also really like the idea of them having really enmeshed personalities when they are younger. Just really terrible boundaries of self.

I kinda want to see them as the local town cryptids, where yes, their mother is essentially the head of the town and has a good deal of control over her children, but ultimately, the triplets are this weird group of supernatural children that the town absolutely does not and should not trust.

Within that, there are definitely some softer thoughts about them. They are deeply loyal to each other and care about each other, so there can be a lot of tenderness amongst the three of them, but it's all surrounded by some very unhealthy dynamics that I don't think would begin to clear up until the introduction of Felix and Augustin in their lives. And when Felix and Augustin enter the picture, that's where the real Bruno angst starts in my head because that's when everything falls apart, in his eyes, among the three of them.

Sorry for being vague about this. I'm still in the process of fleshing things out for them, but I would also love to hear your (and others') thoughts on them, even if they widely differ from mine!

#bruliepa #madrigalcest #julieta x pepa x bruno #avoiding their main tag alas #f:encanto #trio: past present future #bruno #julieta #pepa #frasor: eros #atws #headcanons #asks #anon #c

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aeoneri · 2 years

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[Tacones Rojos] Chapter 9: I Felt It, Let Myself Go

ACT I: BRUNO – The attraction turns into something else as the night progresses.

-- WARNING: This chapter contains explicit sexual content. Reader discretion is advised. The theme song for this chapter: La Temperatura by Maluma ft. Eli Palacios

+☕☕☕+

He never expected to have this much fun dancing. Normally, when he tried to, he felt as if he had two left feet. Growing up, it was always Pepa who had the most rhythm. His older sister could dance circles around him and he would not even make it through the first half.

Things might be different right now because he was drunk.

Or maybe it was because of the beautiful woman that was dancing along with him. Before he knew it, one dance became two, then three. They didn’t feel the need to talk. Their bodies did all the talking. And it felt free to be moving like it.

He asked himself. Is this what she feels?

The song changed again. She let Bruno take the lead this time, and he ran a hand up her waist before twirling her around. The smile never left her face the entire time as she took his cue. A crowd began to gather around them. Some even decided to join them on the dance floor.

Tres.

Bruno was too focused to even notice what was going on around him, hypnotized by the way she moved her hips so close to him. If someone came up to him two weeks ago and told him he could dance Bachata Sensual, he would have laughed in their face…but here he was now, doing pretty well.

Dos.

The spark between them became a wildfire that burned everything in its way. There was only one way this night would end.

Uno.

Bruno flushed, embarrassed, the moment they came face to face. Something else came out to play. Shit. Why now?

But she didn’t mind. He made a strangled gasp when she whispered into his ear. “You’re being naughty. I was waiting when you’d crack, but that’s okay. I happen to like bad boys.” Her voice sent a shiver down his spine at the suggestion. “¿Por qué no vamos a un sitio más tranquilo?”

They didn’t finish the dance. Instead, she pulled him through the crowd, towards the back where the bathrooms were. The music was less loud and the lights were dim…and the perfect storm hits.

Without warning, Bruno pressed her to the wall and leaned in. Everything spiraled out of control the moment their lips touched. He could taste the mint and alcohol on her tongue. She fumbled for the door to the bathroom desperately, pulling Bruno by the collar of his shirt to lead him in. He moved away to kiss her neck and she clicked the lock closed. His hands roamed her body as they explored each other’s mouths.

This was not how Bruno expected his night to go, but he had her right where he wanted her to be.

She moaned when his hand slipped under her skirt. Bruno growled when she clamped his hand between her thighs, his fingers rubbing circles through the thin fabric. Soaked. His pants were now getting uncomfortably tight and thankfully, she noticed. With swift precision, her hands quickly undid his belt, and Bruno let his jeans fall to the floor. A gasp escaped her lips as Bruno lifted her to sit on the edge of the sink, ready to do the deed when…

A loud knock broke them apart. They tried to ignore it, the shallow breaths of wanton lust taking over them, but the banging on the door behind them was getting more and more impatient.

Terrible timing.

“Do you…want to take this back to my place?” Bruno asked. The look on her face was glorious and he couldn't blame her. With the way she bit her lower lip at him and squeezing her legs together, he knew she was more than willing. “It’s not far from here.”

…

It was a difficult ride back. A miracle they did not make a mess in the back of the cab. The driver stared stoically straight at the road, ignoring his two passengers who were very close to breaking their composure. If there was no one else, they would have already destroyed each other in the car.

But they both persevered till they got to his building…that was, until they reached the elevator. Her hands were immediately on him the moment the door closed.

So hot.

When they finally got to his apartment, Bruno was already half-naked, his shirt pried open in the short ride up. She, on the other hand, had lost her underwear, already stuffed inside his back pocket.

"Didn't expect my night to go like this," Bruno bit back a hiss when she kneeled in front of him, laying a kiss over his arousal, desperately begging to be freed.

"Me either," She breathed while she undressed him. Bruno gulped heavily when he noticed her licking her lips. "Oh…wow."

He had hoped she found him Impressive, and she did. A fluttering feeling sat in the pool of her stomach. She didn’t think much of it, as most men would have exaggerated, but he didn’t. She knew she was already dripping from excitement all over his floor, and she realized fairly quickly by the way he stared at her that he was turned on by that fact.

She couldn’t resist a taste. So she put him in her mouth.

"Santa mierda…ah…"

Bruno could barely think with the way she was pleasing him.

"You like that?" She hummed. He made a guttural noise, hands hovering so close to her head, and fought the urge to hold her in place. He gripped the edge of a nearby table instead while her hands and mouth moved up and down his length. Bruno's eyes darkened when he caught her touching herself, and all he wanted was to take her right there and then.

The second she came up for air he immediately pressed her back to the wall. She whimpered against his shoulder when his fingers found their way into her. "I do," Bruno whispered low into her ear. He never knew he had it in him, but he started talking dirty. “Ay, Mami, don’t think I didn’t see you touch yourself.” He pumped his fingers like he was making a point and she shivered. “It’s making me want you more.”

His hot breath and the thought of him between her legs made her feel weak. Bruno left little love bites on her neck and her hips moved on their own accord, furiously trying to chase her release.

“Oh, you’re so wet,” He groaned. She was full-on moaning now, making his cock twitch with need. God, Bruno just wanted to bend her over and fuck her till she forgets her name.

Whatever her name was.

She protested when he stopped toying with her to lick his fingers. Something carnal, primal triggered in him and Bruno lost all sense of control. “Joder, tengo que probarte.” He pulled her up to the table and dove between her legs. Her eyes rolled into the back of her head while he destroyed that little bundle of nerves.

Then he added his fingers back into the mix and all hell broke loose.

Her body tensed up and she made a sound halfway between a gurgle and a scream. She rode out her orgasm, gripping fistfuls of his curls and pressing his face even closer to her wet heat. Bruno hummed in satisfaction, content in staying in whatever position he found himself in.

The passion burned stronger when they clashed together. Lips and tongue and teeth. The way they tasted in each other’s mouths was enough to drive Bruno wild.

He carried her into his bedroom and they fell into his bed, a tangled mess of limbs as they gave in.

+☕☕☕+

Glossary of terms (in order of appearance in-text): Bachata Sensual - a variant of the Bachata that was created in Cádiz, Andalusia, Spain, by Korke Escalona and Judith Cordero. It is characterized by mostly circular movements and body waves, but also body isolations and dips. Por qué no vamos a un sitio más tranquilo - Why don't we go somewhere quieter Mami - Mommy. Bruno's usage of the word in this chapter is sexual, though this word is also used in the literal sense and as an endearing term. Joder, tengo que probarte - F*ck, I have to taste you

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aeoneri · 2 years

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[Tacones Rojos] Chapter 10: The Morning After

Summary:

ACT I: BRUNO – Bruno receives some news he doesn't expect.

– The theme song for this chapter: Mareado by Camilo

+☕☕☕+

The buzzing noise on his nightstand woke Bruno from his sleep. It happened, annoyingly, multiple times. He ignored it, his hand reaching over to touch the other side of the bed where she should be sleeping, except…

She wasn't.

Bruno immediately jolted awake and the nausea hit. Shit. He drank too much again. He tried to recall anything else but unfortunately came up empty. His clothes from the night before were still strewn all over the floor while he stumbled around his apartment, trying to find her, hoping she didn't leave.

But she was gone.

Shit. Shit. Shit.

He didn’t even get her name.

He had his chance last night, and he blew it. Bruno shut his eyes, the memories of her body against him vivid behind his eyelids. Every curve he explored, every stroke he thrusted, every moan she cried out as they consumed their lust. They fucked hard into the night, ruining his good sheets. It was a wild night, and it was perfect.

Until the night ended and reality hit. Why did he mess up like this? He shuffled back to his bedroom, dejected. Was it never meant to be, then?

His eyes casted over the phone on his nightstand. It continued to vibrate, over and over and over. Bruno begrudgingly picked it up and winced, contemplating if he should answer. After a long pause, he answered. “¿Oye?”

He moved it away from his ear when the person on the other line yelled at him. “What the hell, Madrigal? I’ve been trying to contact you for a good hour! Are you hungover again, you little shit? Do I need to send you to rehab?”

“Julián,” Bruno rubbed his temples to ease the throbbing pain that felt like a jackhammer to the skull. A warm bowl of Changuas seemed so good right now, maybe a smoke too. He hadn’t touched a cigarette in years, but today felt like he’ll break his clean streak. “Lo siento. You caught me at a terrible time. Can I call you back?”

On the other side of town, Julián furiously stared at the road ahead. The rush hour traffic was getting on his nerves and he was late for a very important, albeit last minute, meeting. It didn’t help that his soon-to-be star client was being a prick. “No, you dumb fuck. Get your act together, because you got the part.”

“What?” Bruno’s voice cracked through Julián's earpiece. He ignored the questioning tone as rolled down his windows to yell profanities at another driver. “Julián, are you…driving right now?”

A loud honk and a screech. “Julián?” Bruno began to panic when he didn’t get a response. “Parce?”

“Yeah, I’m still here.” Julián’s voice came through moments later. The world outside started to mute itself, and Bruno guessed that his friend had finally decided to roll up his windows. “I swear some people don’t know how to fucking drive…”

“You don’t know how to fucking drive, you madman.” Relief washed over Bruno, thankful that he did not put his best friend into some accident. Why would he be calling and driving anyway? What kind of news couldn't wait?

Bruno buried himself back into his pillows. It smelled just like her and he felt himself hardening at the thought. Fuck this. He immediately stood up to distract himself by pacing the room to survive this phone call. He knew that he wouldn’t have long enough before he caved in if he remained seated. He felt ridiculous being butt-naked, but he was in his apartment and all of the curtains were drawn. It wasn’t like he was giving any of his neighbors a free show. At least, he hoped he didn’t with what had happened…“What did you say earlier? I wasn’t listening.”

A long pause and a loud, defeated sigh greeted Bruno on the other end. Oh Dios, dame paciencia. “I swear to God, Bruno, you cannot pull this stunt in front of the director and producer when you meet them,” Julián grumbled as he finally reached his destination. He slowly pulled into his parking space, spotting a familiar face waiting for him by his front steps.

“...wait, did you say, director? Parce, what…?”

Julián did not give enough room or time for Bruno to ask any more. “I’ve got to run. I’ll just say this once, okay, because I have things to do today. Listen and listen well. YOU GOT THE PART. You’re the new male lead for that casting call you thought you butchered up two weeks ago. Felicidades, Bruno, mi amigo. We’ve finally got the break you’ve been waiting for.”

The call disconnected, and Bruno just stared at the walls of his home, dumbfounded into silence.

…

“I’m so jealous! Felicidades, Brunito!”

Bruno laughed at Pepa’s toothy grin. It was a miracle how he was able to keep calm the entire day despite receiving the greatest news he had been hoping to get. Maybe it was because there was something else at the back of his mind, one he would very much not want to think about right now. He had to remind himself that he was currently sharing the news to his sisters, who had also been waiting for this moment to arrive. Bruno could not deny that the bond between the three of them is strong, but despite sharing something so long awaited, he still wanted to keep a few secrets to himself.

And also because he would never hear the end of it from his older sisters if they ever found out about…that.

“Where are you right now?” Julieta grabbed the phone away from Pepa. “Are you out celebrating? It sounds so loud where you are…?”

“Me? Oh, uh, yeah, sure?” His eyes scanned the place. No dice. Why did he think it would be a good idea to go back to the bar?

“Hey!” Bruno could hear his older sister shout at the oldest. “You could’ve just asked me for the phone.”

“Sorry Pepa.” Julieta apologized, then focused the camera on them both. Her laser focus threatened to bore a hole into Bruno’s forehead, if it was any possible through a phone screen. “Are you, Bruno? You don’t sound very convincing.”

Thankfully, Bruno noticed José observing him out of the corner of his eye. “Uh, can I call you back, Juli?”

“Wait? What?” Julieta began, at the same time Pepa hissed. “Don’t you dare drop the–!”

Bruno’s phone immediately lit up the moment he ended the call. He quickly placed his phone on airplane mode, blocking his sisters’ attempts to reconnect. He had anticipated this and knew that they would be pissed, most especially Pepa. His sisters could badger him about it afterwards, but right now, he needed to focus if he wanted answers.

Bruno ambled over to the counter, armed with the desire to find out who his mystery woman was from the bartender himself.

Amazing. I remembered that information but forgot to ask her damn name…

“Oh, señor! Back again, huh?” José greeted as Bruno settled into a seat. “I’m afraid I can’t serve you today, you’ve been drinking far too often.”

“Ah? Lo siento, no, no, no.” Bruno brushed off the comment, flustered. “I’m…I’m not here to drink. I mean, unless you just serve regular coffee. I’m still…hungover from that cocktail you gave me last night.”

“Pretty strong stuff, isn’t it?” José regarded him with a critical look. Bruno felt himself shrink a little in his seat, but thankfully the man lightened up. “Don’t worry, I do sell other drinks for patrons who aren’t into alcohol. Give me a second.” He disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Bruno all alone with his thoughts.

The bar was less packed, though, as Julieta noted, still a little loud. There were not many people mingling on the dance floor as no one would be willing to get themselves shit-faced from partying on a Sunday night. Stupid. Of course, she wouldn’t be here today. Tomorrow’s Monday. But it never stopped her before…?

Maybe it was all because of him. Was she avoiding him?

José cocked an eyebrow when he returned with Bruno’s order. “Everything alright, señor?”

“Huh? Oh yeah, yeah. Everything’s peachy.”

“Hm.” José shrugged as Bruno gratefully took the coffee. “Pardon me for being so straightforward, señor, but I feel like it is in my best interest to. You’re not here in my bar just for a warm drink, are you?”

Bruno almost choked on his sip of coffee. Is the look on his face that obvious?

A beat and a pause.

“Sorry. The coffee was too hot?”

José ignored Bruno’s fumbling. “I used to work in another industry.” He started. “It helped me understand what makes all of my customers tick.”

Now the coffee accidentally went down the wrong pipe and Bruno struggled to clear his throat. His thoughts were threatening to overtake him again and he had to remind himself that he wasn’t doing anything suspicious. He decided to introduce himself instead. "Maestro José, por favor llámame Bruno.” He wheezed until he settled. “Just Bruno."

"Ha, okay. Mucho gusto, Bruno. Frequent patrons just call me by name, though I like the sound of ‘maestro’."

"Then if you don't mind, I'll continue to call you as such. You’re one heck of a bartender. I'm very particular with my coffee."

"I thought as much. You're the only customer I have that ever orders Carajillos."

"You have a reputation of sorts." Her voice, clear as day, whispered near his left ear. Bruno quickly whipped his head to look behind him, half-expecting her presence. No matter how hard he tried to ignore it, she had been running in his mind the entire time. Damn, he almost got distracted. Bruno sat up a bit straighter, hoping he didn’t look like someone who had lost their mind. If José had noticed anything odd about him, he didn’t comment on it. "Maestro,” Bruno gulped. “To answer your question about me being here…I assume you can guess why, then?”

José lowered his voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “Guess? More than that. I’ll do you one better. I can tell you why you’re here. You’re looking for La Diosa.”

“¿La Diosa?¿Que?”

“The woman you were with last night.”

Bruno’s cheeks immediately flushed pink. “Do you…by any chance…”

“Have her number? Not really. She’s an acquaintance of mine, but we’re not that close, and that is too personal for me to have.”

“How did you know I was going to ask about…that?” Bruno eyed José suspiciously. For a moment, the man looked uncomfortable, but then his expression changed in a flash before Bruno could even register it. “That was a wild guess.”

“Her name then, maybe? I could probably search her socials…”

“Lo siento.” José shook his head. “I only know her by her nickname around these parts. She’s…quite secretive.”

Bruno had many a rejection, but none ever ended up a dead end. He pressed a hand to his forehead. “The world must be fucking with me.”

“¿Perdón?”

“Oh, no, don’t mind me. Heh.” Bruno made a pained smile. “I was just thinking out loud.”

“Might I offer some words of advice, then?”

“Are all bartenders required to?”

“Not really, but I do like making my customers feel at ease, that my bar is a place of comfort and safety for them to be who they want to be. It’s good business practice.” José nodded towards Bruno’s phone. “Don’t worry so much. The world may seem like a mess at times, but as long as you believe, it’ll be fine. Anyway, you may stay as long as you’d like. I have to excuse myself to check on my other guests. Disculpe.”

“No hay problema, maestro. Gracias.”

José left Bruno, who sighed into his near-empty cup. Life seemed more complicated than ever. The thought of her danced around between imagination and reality and made it near impossible to breathe. Maybe he wasn’t as settled into this kind of life as he thought he was.

Bruno paid for his drink and left, and restored his connection. Another call from his sisters came in, and he answered on the first ring. “Sorry, something urgent came up and I needed to handle it for a bit.”

Julieta and Pepa glared at him. “FINE.” Pepa huffed. “But I’d have you know that Julieta and I had been waiting for you for like fifteen minutes. It better be life-altering besides that new gig of yours.”

“If I told you what show I’d be on, would you stop getting mad at me, Pepita?”

“Deal.” Julieta pursed her lips. “But I’ve got to ask since you didn’t answer me the first time…where are you, and what kind of trouble did you get yourself in to put me and Pepa on mute??”

+☕☕☕+

Glossary of terms (in order of appearance in-text): Changuas - a typical hearty breakfast broth of the central Andes region of Colombia. It has a reputation as a hangover cure. Oh Dios, dame paciencia - Oh God, give me patience Felicidades - Congratulations Llámame - Call me Mucho gusto - Nice to meet you La Diosa - The goddess Que - What Perdón - Pardon Disculpe - Excuse me No hay problema - No problem

-- Research links for this chapter: Conversation Do's and Dont's for Bartenders

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[Tacones Rojos] Chapter 8: The Girl in Red Heels

Summary:

ACT I: BRUNO – Bruno finds himself back at the bar, where fate allows him to meet her again.

– The theme songs for this chapter: Da Ya Think I'm Sexy by Rod Stewart ft. DNCE and Despacito by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee

+☕☕☕+

Bruno had not heard back from Julián about the audition results for the past two weeks.

The dream felt more and more out of reach. It had been hard for him not to think about it, but thankfully, he managed just fine even with near sleepless nights and dazed days. Other work kept Bruno occupied. If he wasn’t busy running shifts at the café with Cecilia, he would be doing his modeling gigs on the side. He wasn’t a big enough celebrity to get recognized just yet, but he was always pleasantly surprised when some random person on the street stopped him for a photo. Bruno never lets it go to his head, though, for he had even bigger, bolder plans for his life.

Except…why was he back at the bar again?

When night fell, his sense of self-preservation broke and he would always find himself back to where it all began.

“It’s like you never learned anything at all, forcing yourself through this…” Bruno muttered to himself as he stared into his glass. The bartender knew him enough by now from his constant visits that even before Bruno said a word, a drink would already be served in front of him.

“Back again, huh, señor?” The bartender asked. Bruno simply shrugged. He wondered if the good man knew why he kept coming back to the same bar, night after night. Not to discredit the bartender’s genius — he looked like a skilled craftsman who cared about what he’s serving, and it was the reason why the place was almost always packed. But Bruno wasn’t there for the drinks. For some reason, Bruno had been sucked into a vice. It was like gambling, the way he would test his mettle. Sometimes he was lucky, sometimes he was not. But even on luckier nights, there was always a feeling close to supernatural that would prevent Bruno from getting to her in time.

Bruno became an addict for her presence, and he had been chasing that high ever since.

…

“You can’t simply rush it, Bruno, that’s not how things work.” Tomás mused when he told him and Cecilia everything.

“So you do believe in fate then?” Bruno let out a defeated sigh. “Then what’s the point of even going forward if it’s not meant to be in the first place?”

Tomás’ body vibrated, a wide grin set on his face. “I don’t confirm nor deny my beliefs, but…I can only tell you this. The more you force things, the more they will run away from you. You may think I’m being cliché and all, and maybe I am, but to preface it with a story of my own…I wouldn’t have made it here, met Cecilia too…” He nudged his wife who turned to him with so much love in her eyes. “...if I didn’t focus on getting myself to where I wanted to be. There is no use worrying about things you can’t control, Bruno. Just trust the process.”

…

Bruno would never understand how Tomás managed to get him to talk. He couldn’t even tell his best friend or his sisters when they asked how he was doing.

…

“That’s mi esposo for you,” Cecilia beamed when he asked her a few days later about what she saw in Tomás. “I did say he was never a handsome man, but I didn’t fall in love with him for his looks.”

“So what made you say yes?” Bruno glanced over at her while he worked on an order. “I mean, to everything about him?”

She clicked her tongue, taking the finished drink from his hands. “Hm, looks aren’t everything. People grow old. What doesn’t change is how someone will treat you, twenty…even fifty years from now. Do you want to know why I fell for Tomás?”

“That’s why I asked?”

Cecilia ignored Bruno’s snarky comment and continued like it never happened. “I fell for Tomás because of his heart. He always understood me, even when everything in my life didn’t make sense. And maybe, I'm not really into very handsome men?” Her eyes twinkled while Bruno took in her words. “What's with that look? I’m just teasing you! But yeah, Tomás is my type. You willingly opened up to both of us because you can sense it too, don’t you?”

“Sense what?”

Cecilia gently patted his shoulder as she handed him another ticket to complete. “Ah, Bruno, to be young and naive. You’ll understand it soon. Now, when you find this mystery girl of yours, promise me you’d be the kind of man she needs, okay? Sometimes, there's more to people than meets the eye. No matter what, just be honest, and I’m sure she'll feel like she’s the lucky one.”

…

He knew better than to argue. Of course, everything they said made sense. And therefore, Bruno wasn’t forcing anything by being back here, right?

Little did he know what tonight held in store. He scanned the crowd when the music started, and there she was again. His palms began to sweat when their eyes met.

Has she finally realized his existence?

She smiled.

Que carajo.

Bruno slammed down his Carajillo in one gulp and the bartender suddenly appeared out of nowhere. He placed a cocktail glass in front of Bruno. “On the house.”

“Uh, thanks…?” Bruno blinked at the suspiciously pale green liquid. “What’s this?”

“An Absinthe cocktail. It’s part of our secret menu.” The man said coolly before walking away. Bruno gave the bartender a questioning look when he added further. “Good luck.”

Good luck?

Bruno observed the drink and lifted it close to his nose to take a whiff. The cocktail looked like a gin martini, except it has the same distinct scent as his go-to guaro. Nothing looked worrying about it that he could detect, and the drink came from the bartender himself. If there was anything unusual, the man would have lost business a long time ago. Bruno decided that there was no harm in trying. “Bottoms up, then.”

It went down too easily, which was a good thing, because the moment he finished, the lady in red heels was already on her way to him.

Panic settled itself in. He wasn’t ready.

He pretended to not notice her when she took a seat next to him at the counter. Even with the deafening music, strangely, he could hear her loud and clear. The way she sounded was almost, if not exactly, as he imagined it to be. “I’ve noticed you’ve been checking me out.” She teased.

Say something! Bruno tried to speak, but the alcohol hadn't kicked in, and…

“José tells me you’re here almost every night.” She murmured with a lilting tone as she folded her hands onto her lap. “You sometimes go big or go home and it’s interesting, to say the least. Why is that?”

“José?” Bruno finally managed to find his voice. His mouth fell slightly agape when he noticed what she was wearing. Her caramel skin was complemented by a pretty red dress, one that would be sensual and sexy but still respectable enough to twirl in. His eyes followed the curve of her leg down to those heels that he couldn’t keep his mind off since the first day he saw her.

“Oh, yes, José’s the bartender. Good man. Did you know this bar was a gamble? He thought it wouldn’t last very long, but I told him that he’s too much of a genius for it to fail…um, excuse me, my eyes are up here.”

Bruno immediately whipped his head up to meet her stare. Green, just like his, but maybe a little bit darker, close to olive or hazel. It was kind of hard to tell. “Ah, lo siento, I didn’t mean to…”

“I’m just messing with you!” She laughed. “But, I’ve got to ask, why are you here every night? You’re not some raging alcoholic, are you?”

The absinthe thankfully kicked in.

“Me? No, no.” He waved a hand. Then before he could filter his thoughts, he went right into the offensive. “I’m sorry. I hope I don’t sound like a creep, but I’ve seen you dance before and I was immediately smitten with you.”

“Sounds like something a creep would say. Is that your pickup line?”

Bruno motioned to the exit. “Was that a terrible one? Sorry, should I go back out and head in again?”

Her whole body shook as she tried not to break into fits. “You’re funny. I like you.”

“Thanks, I try.” Bruno grinned. His heart swelled with pride when he heard her words. This was his chance. “¿Me das tu número?”

She pursed her lips, lightly drumming her fingers on the counter. “Hm, I don’t know. I don’t hand it out to every cute guy that looks my way…but maybe, if you buy me a drink, I’ll reconsider?”

The girl blinked in surprise when Bruno called José’s attention. “Maestro, a drink for this lovely señorita, por favor? Whatever her poison is. Make it two.”

José’s lips twitched upwards in amusement. He arrived with two Mojitos moments later, handing one to Bruno and the other to her. “Play nice, okay?” He clicked his tongue at the both of them before leaving them be.

…

If this was a dream, please don’t wake him up. He would not want to wake up.

They spent the first half of the night talking, getting to know each other. She hadn’t told him her name yet, but it didn’t matter. Conversation flowed easily between them and it felt as natural as breathing. Bruno's heart beat in anticipation the entire time. Here he was, finally talking to the girl of his dreams. Don't mess this up. Knock on wood.

“So, Mojitos, huh?” Bruno questioned. He knew he should stop drinking soon before he even got too hammered. He was now in his third drink for the night, but common sense be damned, it was future Bruno’s problem. “Let me guess. You travel a lot, have a tattoo or two, and like being mysterious?”

She covered her mouth to hide a smile. “Do you judge people’s drink orders for a living?”

“Not really. Am I correct?”

Bruno’s cheeks heated up when she playfully tapped him on the shoulder. “How would you know that? Amazing. I am indeed an avid traveler, and I do have tattoos.” She showed off the delicate tattoo of a clef note on her wrist as she says it. He whistled in appreciation.

“That’s just one tattoo, though. You said, ‘tattoos’.”

She pulled her hand back and fluttered her lashes. “It’s a surprise where my other tattoo is. I have two.” He blushed at the thought and his mind started reeling from all the possibilities. “Anyway, my turn to guess. Are you…a coffee snob?”

“Me?" Bruno sputtered. "I’m not even drinking coffee right now. What would make you say that?”

“Oh, you’ve got a reputation here. I’ve heard you only ever order Carajillos…that, or you’d take the whole bottle of Amarillo and slam it down. So, maybe not a coffee snob…you’re a full-on hipster!”

His eyes grew wide and she finally broke into laughter at his reaction. God, even her laugh sounds melodic. “I’m not a hipster!” He huffed indignantly, making her laugh even harder. What kind of people would be gossiping in a bar? Still, he was flattered that she took note of his favorites. “I…I just happen to appreciate a good cup of coffee, and when I want to get blackout drunk, the traditional is the way to go! At least, that’s how we did it back in my hometown.”

“Oh, you’re from the countryside, are you?”

“I am.” Bruno had some sense to keep his true identity a secret, even if disclosing it might earn him some points with her. He smoothly redirected the conversation away from him. “But enough about me. What about you? Besides the wanderlust and the ink and the way you’re making me curious, wondering if you’re flirting with me, what do you drink when you want to party?”

"Is it not yet that obvious?" She leaned forward with a cheesy grin. "I’m flirting with you alright.”

The mutual attraction was obvious from the get-go, but Bruno wasn’t sure earlier if she was interested in him. Now that she confirmed it, it made his thoughts go haywire. He’d be damned if nothing else happens. Bruno gulped, hanging on to every word she said. Was he turned on by the way she slowly took a sip of her drink before she continued?

Maybe.

“I don’t drink often, but tequila all the way. Then, of course, I follow it up with some dancing!” Right on cue, the DJ pumped up the music and her eyes immediately sparkled. “Oh, I love this song! Do you dance?"

"Who, me? No, no, no, I’m not a good dancer like you." He flustered. "I only dance when no one's around."

She boldly took his hand and Bruno's heart dropped to the floor. He had to remember how to breathe. "Just one dance with me, and I promise, I'll give you my number."

Do not let her go again.

"Okay, okay, I’ll hold you to it. But fair warning, you won't be able to keep up with my moves." Bruno joked as she led him onto the dance floor.

"I think I'll manage. Do you know they call me the dance queen of Bogotá?"

"Are you looking for a king then? I'd gladly fill up that position."

She grinned as the beat overtook them both. "Maybe. Come on, show me what you've got."

+☕☕☕+

Glossary of terms (in order of appearance in-text): Guaro - a popular slang term in Colombia for aguardiente. Que carajo - What the f*ck Absinthe cocktail - a classic, old-school cocktail found in many bartending books, including Jerry Thomas' "Bartenders Guide" from 1887. It is considered one of the purest ways to enjoy absinthe. Gin martini - another classic cocktail that only requires a few key ingredients, but the main stars are gin and dry vermouth. Me das tu número - Can I have your number Maestro - Master Mojito - a traditional Cuban highball. It is popular as a summer drink. Tequila - a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily found in the area surrounding the city of Tequila and in the Jaliscan Highlands of Mexico.

– Research links for this chapter: Classic Absinthe Cocktail The Classic Gin Martini 5 Reasons a Mojito is the Perfect Drink to Order on a First Date What Your Alcoholic Drink of Choice Says About Your Personality

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[Tacones Rojos] Chapter 5: Frame of Mind

Summary:

ACT I: BRUNO – A curveball throws Bruno in between fiction and reality.

+☕☕☕+

“Okay, can you give us a read of Héctor’s lines, please? From the top.”

…

Bruno wouldn't leave everything behind if his mind was never opened in the first place.

It all started when his Papá first took him and his sisters one day to watch a play. Bruno’s eyes widened in amazement when he saw the costumes, the dramatics, the music. It appealed to his imagination, how impossible feats can be achieved through magic, or how there’s always an adventure to be had.

When they came home that day, Bruno started to build his world and made up performances. Pepa would always beg him if she could act in one. Sometimes he’d concede for his sister, but most of the time, he was the actor and his family, a willing audience.

That day at the local theater started young Bruno’s fascination with acting.

His fascination eventually grew into a passion when they got their first TV. He would cuddle up close to his sisters watching cartoons on Saturday mornings, but his favorite would be sneaking up behind their parents while they watched dramas. He was curious, but his Mamá didn’t want him and his sisters in the room because she deemed the shows inappropriate for a child. The stories were always extreme and sometimes unreal, but he liked that it almost always had a happy ending. He was too young to know any better and they all went over his head anyway.

His favorite was the one where a man fell in love with a woman who didn’t believe in fate. The man had a tragic past, but it never stopped him from being a passionate lover with a golden heart. It was also his Mamá’s favorite telenovela, but Bruno knew she would have fainted if she knew that behind her back, he snuck to watch it and even acted like the leading man.

Bruno was never interested in the love scenes anyway. He simply liked the feeling of pretending to be someone else.

Back when the world was a lot less complicated, he and his sisters could be whoever they wanted to be. His Papá beamed with pride when he told him that he wanted to be an actor. Bruno could still remember it, even now, how he ruffled his hair and told him he’d be the first one to watch him then.

But then tragedy happened, and their lives forever changed.

The thoughts of the past mingled with his present.

Bruno closed his eyes and steadied his breathing. This wasn’t the first time he’s been in an audition, but this particular one hit differently. The words that came out of his mouth were sure, his voice steadied and deep just like he practiced so many times before.

“Ay Imelda, ¿cómo podría olvidarte? Eres como el sol que brilla en mi cielo, la canción que canto en mi corazón…”

…

It has now been two decades since Pedro passed away.

The day Bruno lost his Papá was the day he and his sisters were forced to grow up too quickly. His Mamá was at a loss, from being a happy wife to a tragic widow in one night. She thought their life would’ve been different, but fate, just as it was kind, was also a cruel mistress. Alma couldn’t even find the time to grieve properly. The business the family built struggled without the head of the home, and she had children to feed.

So she didn't dare mourn until she never did.

Bruno watched her tirelessly care for him and his sisters and revive everything on her own. When it came time for him and his sisters to decide their futures, she immediately shut his dream down. There was more that the family needed, that what he wanted for himself was unbecoming. A pipe dream. Helping the town through the empire she had built from the ground up after the death of her husband was the path she had expected Bruno to be on, and it was the end of that discussion. Bruno didn’t like it, but he obeyed. She meant well, and his Mamá had given everything up for them. So for a long time, he found himself stuck doing something he was good at, but never passionate about.

That was until he stumbled upon people who were just like him.

…

“Nunca te olvidé, mi amor. Ahora te pido, ven conmigo. Juntos podemos construir nuestro propio paraíso...”

…

Alma was furious when he announced he was leaving the family home to pursue his dream in the city. There were a lot of angry words exchanged, but he had made up his mind. He was done following the path his Mamá laid for him, even if it guaranteed him success. Bruno knew deep down that he wasn’t happy, and he wanted to be the kind of man his Papá made him believe he could be so long ago. He would do it on his own terms. Bruno trusted himself that could make it.

So Bruno reached out to a friend for help, and his new life began the moment he arrived.

Just like all the dreamers, he had been working his ass off ever since.

…

“Okay, now we’ll do it a little differently. This time, interpret Héctor’s reaction when meets Imelda for the first time. He doesn’t know that she is with another, but he is convinced that she is his destiny. And…action!”

Bruno's palms started to feel clammy when the casting director looked at him expectantly. This isn’t in the script Julián sent through.

Then SHE suddenly popped into his head. Her and her blood-red heels.

Everything blurred and Bruno was transported back to the bar. She was so close, yet so far. The alcohol had been long gone, but he felt the buzz on his fingertips. How is she here?

He looked around, half expecting a nasty prank, but there was no one else. No directors, no producers, no pressure.

It was just him and her.

Bruno fumbled forward, unsure. She just stood there, waiting. He blinked a few times, wondering why she was there. His eyes, filled with yearning for the phantom in front of him, made him think otherwise. “Señorita…” He asked in disbelief. “¿Crees en el destino?”

The panel observing him murmured to each other. A man with a stoic expression scribbled something down.

Bruno's destiny waited for him at the edge of his fantasy. The music of the night pounded in his ears.

He would not let her go again.

“He tomado demasiados tragos, solo para tener el valor de hablar contigo.” Bruno confessed, his speech speeding up as he tried to grasp air. She smiled at him and the noises around them swelled to a crescendo. “Creo que he muerto y me he ido al cielo porque nunca he visto un ángel tan hermoso como tú.” Bruno reached out to touch her. “A ver...adónde nos puede llevar la noche, ¿vale?”

A shrill ring broke Bruno’s daydream, making him yelp. The world returned itself to normal and he turned to see everyone staring at him with an unreadable expression on their faces. Fuck. What did he just do? The alarm continued until one of the panelists tapped their phone off.

Someone coughed.

“Okay, that’s all the time we have for you today. Gracias.” A woman with thick-rimmed glasses raised an eyebrow at him as the rest of them started shuffling papers. She nodded at the assistant standing at the door. “Next one, please.”

+☕☕☕+

Glossary of terms (in order of appearance in-text): Cómo podría olvidarte - How could I forget you Eres como el sol que brilla en mi cielo, la canción que canto en mi corazón - You are like the sun that shines in my sky, the song that I sing in my heart Nunca te olvidé, mi amor - I never forgot you, my love Ahora te pido, ven conmigo - Now I ask you, come with me Juntos podemos construir nuestro propio paraíso - Together we can build our own paradise Crees en el destino - Do you believe in fate He tomado demasiados tragos, solo para tener el valor de hablar contigo - I've had too many drinks, just to have the courage to talk to you Creo que he muerto y me he ido al cielo porque nunca he visto un ángel tan hermoso como tú - I think I have died and gone to heaven because I have never seen an angel as beautiful as you A ver...adónde nos puede llevar la noche, ¿vale? - Let's see...where the night can take us, okay?

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[Tacones Rojos] Chapter 4: The Show Must Go On

Summary:

ACT I: BRUNO – Bruno arrives home late after failing to find his mystery woman and almost misses an important audition the following day.

+☕☕☕+

He arrived home past midnight. After his hasty escape, Bruno scoured through various clubs and bars within the area in search of the woman of his dreams. His destiny. By the fifth hotspot, however, he gave up and called a cab home.

He wasn’t lucky today, but damn, he could not stop thinking about her and those red heels.

In the cool darkness, he imagined what could’ve been. He moaned as his eyes closed, his hands firmly gripping his hardness. He stroked himself and silent whispers rang in his ears. He never got a chance to approach her, and they never spoke, but he knew her voice would be as smooth as velvet.

At least, that was what he’s imagining.

“Oh, Bruno…Ay, Papi…” She would cry out. “Faster, baby. Faster. Harder. Give it to me.”

He would explore her body, leaving marks where it mattered. He would lay claim and make her his.

And he would never let her leave his bed.

Bruno’s breathing suddenly becomes ragged as the thought of her submitting to her ecstasy crossed his mind. The world started to spin. His hips bucked forward and a groan escaped his lips.

If only it was real.

Exhausted, he slumped back down on the bed in the wee hours of a new day, ignoring the feeling of emptiness that followed right after the clarity. His heartbeat slowly steadied as he fell into dreams, satisfied for the time being, dreaming of the woman he’d never met, of her smile and blood-red skies.

…

The throbbing feeling in his head felt like it was getting worse by the minute. He pulled his cap lower, squinting at the brightness outside. He shouldn’t have drunk so much last night, but that was past Bruno’s poor decision making, and present Bruno’s problem. How could he forget that he had somewhere to be in the morning?

Bruno tilted his phone to check again. Shit. He dressed himself as quickly as he could, but forgone the shades. It screamed pretentious, even if he truly needed it.

The morning was a disaster from the moment he opened his eyes. He was running too late to even take the train into the city. He rarely took rideshares, what with the traffic, but it was the only logical solution. He praised whatever deity was out there when he managed to get himself an Über quickly.

I guess there is some hope today.

As soon as he got to his destination, a man leaning against the building rushed toward him, yelling profanities. Bruno tried hard not to shrink himself, as the noise caught the pedestrians' attention.

“Fucking hell! Do you know how hard it was to get this call for you, and you dare to be late?” The man hissed. Well-dressed and impeccable, he looked like a celebrity in their downtime, wearing a crisp blazer over a simple shirt and jeans, paired with sneakers that are too fresh to beat. “You’re lucky that they haven’t called for you yet, ¡tu tarado!” He ran one hand through his short, wavy hair while he dragged Bruno inside, who remained silent the entire time. The man prattled on again when they got to the second floor, over to a line of people waiting outside a door. “You’d better have a good explanation for this, Madrigal.”

“And good morning to you too, amigo,” Bruno’s jaw clenched. He knew this would happen the moment he saw the number of missed calls and angry texts. “Can you keep your voice down, Julián? I can hear you just fine.”

Julián pressed his lips together tightly, arms lightly resting across his chest. “Did you even get some sleep last night? You look like shit." He stood imposingly over Bruno, which was easy, given he was a few good inches taller than him. “And before you go being a smart-ass, I’m asking you as your friend, not as your agent. What the fuck happened to you?”

“Nothing.” Bruno shrugged nonchalantly, resisting the urge to lash out himself. “Just your usual Miércoles.”

“Hm. And does the usual involve you getting to an audition hungover as fuck?”

More curious stares.

Bruno contemplated if he should tell Julián what happened last night. He knew he failed miserably at even getting up to talk to someone, and it wasn’t typical behavior for an actor of his caliber. His friend might laugh at him for losing his touch, or be more pissed that Bruno almost missed out on the audition that might potentially be the break they were hoping for.

In the end, Bruno decided to be vague about it. There were too many ears around, and his migraine was getting worse. “No. And keep it down, will you?”

“Whatever. Care to explain why you were out drinking on a Wednesday night?” Julián clicked his tongue disapprovingly. “And you didn’t even think to invite me?”

"It was…a sudden excursion?"

Julián didn’t look convinced. “Bullshit, Madrigal. We both know you don’t go out on a bender even if I dragged you out of your hermit hole.”

“Whatever, man. Your idea of a bender is brunch on Sundays.”

Both men stared each other down, willing the other to crack.

“Bruno…Madrigal?” Someone calling Bruno’s name broke their odd conversation. “Is Bruno Madrigal here?”

“Yes, I’m here,” Bruno responded, ignoring Julián's satisfied smirk. What a child.

A woman holding a clipboard motions him over. “You’re up next! Follow me when you’re ready.”

“Huh.” Julián tilted his head at the assistant waiting by the door, his earlier annoyance at Bruno’s unprofessionalism dissipating, replaced with visible amusement. “Great timing, that’s you. Good thing you've already arrived or I'll never hear the end of it. Alright, go do your worst. I’ll just wait here.”

Bruno fidgeted with the collar of his shirt, the nerves making him hot and sweaty. “Thanks for the pep talk.” He responds sarcastically. Bruno nudged Julián as he walked off. “Hey, let's go get something after this. I’ll tell you what went down yesterday. My treat for not inviting you. Deal?”

Julián smirked. In all the years they’ve known each other, Bruno was still the same as they were back in unibersidad. It didn’t matter if Julián was a few years older, their personalities made them one heck of a duo that carried well on into their professional lives. “Fine, fine. La idea me parece chévere. You better make good on your word, Bruno.”

+☕☕☕+

Glossary of terms (in order of appearance in-text): Tu tarado - You a**hole/moron Unibersidad - University La idea me parece chévere - I like that idea/It seems like a cool idea

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[What We Don’t See] Chapter 44: No es lo que Parece

Summary:

Bruno is forced to tell the truth when his nieces come asking questions. -- Written in Bruno's POV.

++++

I’ve just finished applying the last coat of paint on the wall when the door behind me slams open, making me yelp. Before I can gather my bearings, Isabela stomps into the room where I’m working, waving a cactus. “You have some explaining to do, Tío Bruno!” She screeches. “How could you do this to her? HOW COULD YOU DO THIS TO TÍA?”

“Wha-what?” I stammer as she glares at me. The sharp plant is terribly close to my face. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Isabela takes a deep breath and tries her hardest not to strangle me. I don't know what I’ve done to make her this angry. Boy, she’s as scary as Julieta. Like mother, like daughter. “Who is that woman you’re seeing?” She accuses.

“Wait, what?”

“We saw you yesterday. You seem all cozy with her by the river.”

Realization hits me. “Did you follow me out?” Oh no. They saw her. Just when she’s starting to become comfortable with me again…

“It doesn’t matter!” Isabela fumes. “Don’t play dumb with me, Tío. How could you move on just like that from Tía Gabriela? Just because we haven’t found her? WHO IS SHE?”

I tilt my head, confused. “Who?” I parrot. Wrong answer. Isabela looks like she’s straight-up ready to murder me.

“Hey, hey, calm down, Isa,” Dolores enters the room with Mirabel following behind her. “I’m pretty sure Tío Bruno has a perfectly good explanation.” She eyes me. “Don’t you, Tío?”

“Dolores...Mirabel...what…what is going on?” I cling to the paint roller for dear life. “...what did you three see?”

“Don’t ask me. I’m just as lost as you are.” Mirabel shrugs. “It was Isabela’s idea to see what you've been up to and Dolores and I just tagged along. I have no idea what the fuss is about.”

Isabela whips her head to stare daggers at her sister. “Oh, please, you were curious as hell. Don’t act so innocent, Mira. Also, I can’t believe you forgot about her!”

“Mirabel was five when she disappeared, Isa. I don’t think she would have that much of a memory.” Dolores placates her prima, takes the flower pot from her hands, and sets it down. “Tío, what were you doing in the mountains yesterday? With the ermitaña?”

“¿Ermitaña?”

“Tío Bruno…” Mirabel blinks. “That’s who we saw you were with yesterday…oh. OH. I get it now. That’s why Isa is freaking out.”

“I’m not freaking OUT!” Isabela’s eye twitches. “How can you explain it? It’s barely one, maybe two months since he’s back, and he’s immediately acting all lovey-dovey with someone he doesn’t even know! Just...where did he even meet her? HOW did he even?”

Dolores heaves a sigh. “That's true. We can't demystify the situation. I can see why anyone would be scratching their heads if they saw something like that. None of us even know where she’s from, or what her name is.”

“¿Disculpe?”

“So you really have no clue, Tío?” Mirabel asks. She decides to offer more, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper when I don’t respond. “Oh, um, you see…Papá told me that a few days after you disappeared, the ermitaña suddenly appeared in the Encanto. No one knows how she arrived here. Growing up, I’ve seen her a few times in town, though she mainly keeps to herself. Honestly, I never questioned it, and in the rare times I've interacted with her, she’s very nice.”

Isabela hisses. “MIRA! You’re not supposed to side with the ermitaña!”

“Why not?”

“There must’ve been some kind of mistake.” My brows furrow together. They're not making any sense. “I…don’t know who is this…ermitaña you’re speaking of…”

“How can you NOT know?” Isabela growls. “We saw you with OUR OWN EYES! Why would you act that way if you don't even know who she is in the first place? I need ANSWERS!”

I accidentally drop the roller I’m holding to the floor in fear and shield my arms in front of me. Thankfully someone grabs Isabela from the shoulders before she could even lunge to attack. “Slow down there, sis.” Luisa arrives just in time, putting her furious older sister in a stronghold. She may have lost her superhuman strength, but that doesn't mean she isn't strong. “We don’t hit our elders.”

“I’m not going to hit Tío Bruno!" Isabela spat. "Dios mío, Luisa, what do you take me for? And how did you get here so quickly?”

“I was just across the hall. You’re pretty loud, but at least we’re the only ones working in this part of the house right now.” Luisa sets Isabela down, though she’s still gripping her arm. “Anyway, I heard what you were all talking about and came over. I want to know the truth too. I mean, I helped Mamá ‘that day’, you know? I’d be pretty disappointed with Tío if it turns out he’s seeing someone else.”

I feel myself deflate. It looks like I need to come clean to clear this mess up. “Fine. Fine.” I say to catch their attention. “I’ll tell you my secret. But please, don't tell the rest of the family.”

“Depends. This better be good…” Isabela mutters under her breath before Luisa pinches her elbow. “¡Ay! Alright, Luisa! Geez, I thought you said not to harm your elders…is that a way to treat your hermana?”

Mirabel snorts and earns herself a nasty look from her oldest sister.

“I’m not sure how to start this confession, but I’ll just go with it,” I begin with a shaky breath, fidgeting with my ruana. The battered cloth twists and untwists on my fingers. “You see, two months ago, your Mamás unceremoniously dragged me to La Casa Álvarez to get some answers. Dolores, I want you to know that your hunch was right. They were indeed hiding something, but it’s not what you think.”

“I knew it!” Dolores claps her hands together. “That kind of explains your reaction then, Tío, when you told me I was never meant to find her.”

“Wait. You’ve been helping Tío Bruno?” Luisa asks in wonder. “Since when?”

“Didn’t I say I heard him every day back then?”

“Fair point.”

“But enough about that,” Dolores waves a hand. “…what is your secret exactly, Tío?”

“Well, the secret is that I have found her. I just didn’t tell anyone.”

Gasps from my three older nieces. I raise a finger to stop their questioning looks. “Let me finish,” I gulp, gathering the courage to press on. “I don’t know what you’ve seen, but that’s why I’ve been dodgy lately. I was sneaking off to visit her almost every day. Your Tía Gabriela lives in the forest, close to the river where we first met…but for some strange reason, there is something like magic in the air…”

I jump in surprise when Isabela yells. “¡Dios dame paciencia!” She throws her arms up in frustration. “He’s gone mad. Not to be very rude, but…have you lost your mind, Tío? There’s no way there’s any magical intervention. No magic left in the Encanto, remember? The miracle broke?” She glances at Mirabel. “Sorry, sis.”

The youngest Madrigal sister just shrugs with a “none taken” look.

“But…”

“The ermitaña isn’t Tía Gabriela.” Isabela interrupts. “I was old enough to remember what she looked like!”

“But….”

“And I don’t believe you! Wait till Mamá and Tía Pepa hears what a lying, two-faced cheater you are, Tío Bruno!”

“Hold on, that’s too much,” Luisa interjects. “I don’t think Tío Bruno is even capable of doing that…?”

“Oh, you’d be surprised at what his telenovela plot points revolve around.” Dolores squeaks. “Though I agree, that’s a little far-fetched, Isa.”

“WHAT?” I back away, almost knocking down the paint can by my feet. “I’m not cheating on anyone. I’m telling the truth! I was with your Tía Gabriela yesterday.”

“Eh, but…that’s impossible, Tío.” Dolores purses her lips. “The ermitaña doesn’t look anything remotely like Tía.”

“There’s a perfectly good explanation for that, I think.”

We turn to find Julián by the doorway who’s carrying some wooden planks. “Sorry to barge in. I was just passing by when I overheard someone mentioning my sister's name." He apologizes. "But I can confirm that your Tío isn’t lying…and he’s certainly not doing anything suspicious either. I believe he’s the only one who can actually see what we don’t see.”

Isabela straightens up. “Uh, sorry, Señor…um…”

“No need to be so polite,” Julián laughs. “Just call me Julián. Or if you’re not comfortable with that, the Señor at the beginning would do. I baby-sat you, Dolores, and Luisa when you were younger, though Gabriela had been the one who took care of Mirabel.”

Mirabel blinks. “Really? Why can’t I remember?”

“Like I said,” Dolores emphasizes. “You must’ve been too young, but you know, you were her favorite. Isa and I were super jealous for a time.”

“I was?”

“You were!” Julián winks. “Anyway, whatever you do, don’t call me Señor Álvarez, please. That’ll be mi Papá.” He sets what he’s holding aside to join our conversation. “Now that we got that all cleared up…no luck yet in convincing her to come back home, amigo?”

“Wait, wait, wait.” I’m more disoriented than ever. “I don’t get what you mean. I’m the only one who ‘sees’ Gabriela? Let’s set this straight. What about you?”

“I did mention there was magic involved, didn’t I?” Julián smirks. “I don’t recognize my sister, actually. She looks different to me.”

“So you’re telling me that this…ermitaña everyone knows, and…my former…fiancée, are the same person? If you don’t recognize her, then how the hell did you know it was Gabriela in the first place?”

“I already told you, she tells me everything.”

“And you believed her with no question? How was Dolores not able to hear you two at the first instance?”

“Don’t underestimate the bond I have with my sister. I would do anything for her in a heartbeat. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it again.” He retaliates. "Anyway, she knew the family would be looking for her, so we communicated mostly through letters."

“But she goes into town sometimes? Just...how do you…KNOW?”

“Eh, she may look different, but she still certainly acts the same way." Julián scratches his chin. "You know she's not very talkative unless it was with people she trusts.”

“That kind of explains why I only hear her when she wants to be heard...but this seems familiar...” Dolores chirps as the wheels in her head spin. “WAIT!”

“Uh…okay…?” Mirabel tries to hold back a laugh. “Do you remember something, Dolores?”

“Well…I was just thinking…Isa, do you recall when Tío Bruno used to tell us bedtime stories? There’s this specific one that was our favorite…”

Isabela’s eyes twinkle at the memory. “Oh, I do! We begged Tío to tell us the story over and over again…it's about a girl named Maria…”

“...who changed into someone else…”

“...and hid in plain sight until a man named Carlos…”

“...BROKE THE SPELL,” Isabela and Dolores say in unison.

“Wait, isn’t that the fairy tale about a woman and a magic river?” Luisa exhales. “It sounds exactly the same as to what’s going on…”

“Yeah. YEAH! So it does! Luisa, you’re a genius!” Isabela squeals, her mood suddenly shifting from confrontational to sheer excitement. “If what Señor Julián says is true, then that means…she’s Maria, and you’re Carlos!” She begins to shake me. “Tío Bruno, do you know what this means?”

“Woah, hold on,” I release myself from Isabela’s grasp. “There’s no way that would happen in real life. It’s just a story I made up…”

“What’s the gist of it?” Julián queries. “I’m curious.”

Dolores quickly runs down the entire story.

“So it was open-ended, huh?" Julián looks contemplative after she finishes. "Up for interpretation?”

“No. I mean yes. I mean, I don’t know, I just left it like that for dramatic effect when I told them the story,” I bite the inside of my cheek. Their theory sounds so ridiculous, but if I’ve learned anything from living in a once-magical, enchanted town, everything is not what it seems. “It was a long time ago. Of course, it wasn’t completely open-ended.”

“How does it actually end?”

“Look, that’s fiction. This…strange thing that's happening between me and Gabriela…is real.” I dismiss Julián’s question. There's a lump forming in my throat as I pick up my bucket and walk off. “Anyway, we still have a few more things to complete for the day, so let’s get back to work…”

Mirabel blocks my way out. Are all of Julieta’s mijas going to keep doing this? Who’s next? Luisa? “Mirabel, please,” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Why not, Tío?” Her hands spread against the doorframe, preventing me from leaving. “Anything is possible, isn’t it? Is the outcome…something…bad?”

I glance over at everyone. The worry sits heavy in my gut. “No, but…the truth is, the story seems open-ended because Carlos doesn’t get to decide what Maria looks like.” I look down and find myself gripping the handle so tightly that my knuckles turn white. My fear tips over and it’s all I can think of. “If this…magic that’s protecting Gabriela the same thing, then that means I don’t get to decide the ending. She does.”

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Glossary of terms (in order of appearance in-text): Ermitaña - Hermit (feminine) Disculpe - Excuse me

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#fanfiction #encanto #bruno madrigal #original character #young bruno madrigal #tooth rotting fluff #fluff and romance #fluff and angst #friends to lovers #mutual pining #slow burn #original character has a gift #madrigal family #humor #trauma #ao3fic

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aeoneri · 2 years

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[What We Don’t See] Chapter 43: Guardar Secretos

Summary:

Bruno barely escapes before his secret can be revealed. -- Written in Bruno's and Gabriela's POV.

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“You’ve been distracted lately, Tío Bruno. Why is that?” Mirabel asks me as I help her make the spackle to plaster onto the walls. “Where are you escaping to these days?”

“Hm? Who’s Tío Bruno?” I joke as I hand her the trowel. “I’m Jorge.”

Her skirt makes an airy swishing sound as she quickly turns to face me. “Okay, Jorge,” She sighs defeatedly, a slight hint of impatience in her tone. “Where has my Tío Bruno been these days?”

“Oh, I haven’t seen him. I don’t know where he goes. You should ask him that. I’m just here to make spackle…”

Mirabel lifts the bucket off my head and I squint at the sudden light. “I’m being serious, Tío.” She gives me a leveling glare. “You’re acting very strange. Stranger than normal.”

“Heh…hey, Mirabel! Am I?”

“Tío Bruno…”

“Fine, fine. I…uh…just go into town.” I lie, knowing she won’t drop the subject unless I respond properly. There’s a scary glint in her eyes that I can’t quite place. “You know, checking everything out. It’s no place special…”

“Really? Because I see a mishmash of flowers hidden in your ruana. Are you…meeting someone today, Tío Bruno?”

I immediately scoot away. Busted.

It’s been two months since my sisters and I dropped by unannounced at the Álvarez household.

Two months since…everything else.

Julieta and Pepa have been quiet up to now, though Pepa is getting impatient with the lack of progress. There are moments when she would do nothing but badger on if I’ve found Gabriela, sometimes within earshot of the rest of the town. I incessantly steer clear of the conversations, quelling the suspicions with fibs and half-truths.

The fear of losing my beloved again is reason enough to keep my mouth shut. Sometimes I feel guilty. I know they both treat Gabriela like a sister.

But I want to keep my time with her a secret for a little while longer.

It’s not easy to do so when everyone keeps a watchful eye on my actions. I’ve been increasingly more reclusive, always sneaking away whenever I get the chance. There are a handful of times when someone in the family comes too close to figuring everything out. When it happens, I hold out a bit longer and hope for the best. I haven’t had much luck in convincing Gabriela to come back home, but at least she’s slowly warming back up to me. Having anyone hot on my tail would complicate things.

Redirection is the only option I have.

Mirabel has her arms crossed, waiting for an answer. “What flowers?” I pretend not to know what she’s saying, deflecting her comment. “I, uh…think you’ll be able to handle the renovations on your own for today. I do have somewhere to be, so I better get going…”

I quickly break towards the exit, but Isabela suddenly appears out of nowhere, blocking my way. “HOLD ON, where do you think you’re going, Tío Bruno?”

“Isa!” I shriek. I’m still getting used to her ‘wild child’ look. It suits her, though. “Didn’t see you there. May I…pass?”

“You’re going to run off to somewhere and leave us with your share of the work again, are you?” Her eyes turn into slits. “That’s not pretty fair.”

“No, I’m not! It’s just that…I have somewhere really urgent to be.”

“He’s hiding something!” Mirabel yells to her sister. “There are flowers hidden in his ruana!”

Santa mierda. I was hoping to avoid being the target of attention. Mirabel just placed the spotlight on me. “Your eyes are probably playing tricks on you, mi mariposita. No, no flowers!”

“What’s this about flowers, Mira?” Isabela asks, trying to peek behind me. “For whom?”

“De nuevo, ¡sin flores! And if I do have any, it’s not for anyone…”

“Don’t listen to him, Isa!” Mirabel insists. The way she talks comfortably around her sister makes me beam with pride but also fills me with dread. Who knew that the embrace would be the beginning of their rekindling relationship? The two are now attached at the hip, working together and even successfully matched Dolores with Mariano Guzmán, much to her glee. Their newfound bond reduced the amount of bickering that Julieta had to deal with, but meant that there was more trouble when they play pranks on the family. And when someone is the subject of their interest, it’s hard to shake them off. “Tío is lying, look at his face! He won't tell me who or what it’s for, but I think he’s probably going off to see someone special.”

That stops Isabela in her tracks. “Wait. What?” She stares at me. There’s a terrified look on my face knowing the pieces are coming together in her mind. “You...you’ve…?”

“OKAY, I have to go now. ¡Adiós! I’ll be back before dinner!” I exhale in one breath and retreat, not daring to look behind me.

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I break into a sprint towards the mountains the soonest I get myself out of the house, careful to take alternative routes to ensure I don’t get followed. If I’m not yet ready to let the truth be known to the world, I’m sure Gabriela isn’t keen on it either. Why else would she be living in seclusion instead of being in town?

“Gabriela?” I call out when I finally reach the clearing. I find her outside, tending to her small garden. Her hair is tied up high on her head, stray ringlets grazing her forehead. My breath catches in my throat at the sight.

Tan hermosa, mi amor.

“There you are,” I find my voice moments later. “You look so beautiful. I mean…hi. Sorry, I took so long. I had a little bit of a mishap at home.”

“Oh, hey,” She beams at me and my heart immediately jumps. “That’s okay. I wasn’t expecting you for at least another couple of hours. Are you done with the renovations for the day or did you leave early again?”

I offer her a weak smile and fight the urge to replay the events in my head. In the past, Gabriela avoided using her gift unless needed, but that doesn’t mean she couldn’t 'hear' bits and pieces of anyone’s thoughts.

I don’t want to take any chances.

She tuts at me disapprovingly as she pats the dirt off her skirt. “Mmmhmm. Figures. The house won’t be finished in time before the rainy season starts again if you keep escaping to see me, Bruno.”

“There are three more months before that even happens,” I assure her, relieved that she didn’t pick up on my nervousness. I allow myself to relax. “I think we’d be able to finish the house fairly quickly given the whole town is helping out.”

“Still, that’s not much time. Casita is big.”

“Ay, trust me, it’s more than enough. The second floor is almost set and we’re now working on the tower wing.” I shrug nonchalantly. “They’ll be fine. I have ten years' worth of catching up to do.”

Gabriela rolls her eyes. “Hm. You’re illogical sometimes, Bruno Madrigal. I’ll never understand you.”

“Ah, but you love me anyway, don’t you?”

She shoots a look and I reel myself back in. Too soon? “Um…” I gulp when the silence becomes a little awkward. Sometimes I forget that Gabriela doesn’t see me the same way as I do with her. “...I wasn’t thinking again. I’m not trying to rush you into anything. Ah, I…I got these for you.” I hand her the flowers I’ve been hiding in my ruana. “A gift. Sorry, they’re a little smooshed.”

I wish I knew how to woo someone. I didn’t need to court Gabriela in the first place when our relationship then just simply…happened. I feel out of my element, but I want to make her feel special every chance I get. I missed out on so many years.

If only I could give her the entire world.

Better late than never.

“What’s with that expression? I’m not mad at you,” Gabriela says as she takes the bouquet from my hands. “They do look messed up, but I love them. Gracias, Bruno.”

“I thought I said something stupid.” I chuckle nervously. “I know…I still have to prove myself.”

“Yes, but…ay, I don’t know what to expect with you. You always leave me wondering. Maybe that’s why I like you.”

“You do?”

“Don’t let it get to your head, you’re still not forgiven,” Gabriela bumps my side with her hip playfully. She presses her nose to the flowers and breathes in. “Anyway, you didn’t get a sneezing fit when you were getting these, were you?”

“What?” I’m in the clouds at this point. “A little, but…you remember?”

“How could I forget?” She grins. “I mean, you shouldn’t put yourself in harm’s way for me, but this is such a nice surprise.”

“Oh, heh,” The cool metal of her ring that's hidden around my neck feels like it’s burning my skin. Or maybe it’s just me. “It’s not much trouble. I like seeing you smile. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for mi princesa.”

Gabriela’s face immediately flushes pink at my words. “Speaking of which,” She coughs, turning away to enter her home. “Can you hold on for a moment? I’ll put these in a vase.”

“It’s okay. I’ll just be here.”

I blush when she suddenly kisses me on the cheek. Before I can say anything else, she leaves me alone, softly closing the door behind her. My heart is beating so fast and I wonder if I’m imagining things. A wide grin spreads across my face.

The feeling of the kiss lingers.

It’s slow, but it’s progress.

Just like the house, I’m rebuilding our relationship all over again.

++++

I stare at the flowers Bruno gave me earlier with a big, goofy smile on my face. We just spent the afternoon together by the river, quietly enjoying each other’s company. He told me the next installment of his telenovela, new stories about the family, and even gossip in town. It warmed my heart knowing he’s finally doing well, and that people are treating him the way he should have been treated in the first place. Bruno is much livelier and less alone, though it's sad to know Casita had to fall for their family to become whole again.

He looks a whole lot more attractive when he’s happy.

“You’re being crazy,” I tell myself for the umpteenth time as I burrow into my arms, trying to quell the excited feeling sitting in the pool of my stomach. Recently, I find myself looking forward to his visits. He’s making an effort to rekindle our friendship first and didn’t push me to decide right away. It made everything easier.

I’m drawn to him, like a moth to a flame. He feels familiar. He feels like…home.

Home. I haven’t been home in so long, ever since that day. Bruno and I are so similar and yet so different in so many ways, forever watching and guiding our families from the shadows. Maybe that’s why we are a perfect match.

WERE. I suppress the thought, but the more I do, the more Bruno comes to mind. All of my emotions start jumbling together into one hot mess. “Him calling you ‘mi princesa’ doesn’t mean anything." I chant the reminder. "I’m not in love with Bruno Madrigal. No. No way.”

As soon as the words leave my lips, my mind betrays me. My pulse quickens, pounding in my ears when I remember kissing him on the cheek like a shy schoolgirl. I groan in embarrassment. Why am I acting the same way I did when we were younger? “We’re starting to become friends again." I fret. It can't be, can it? "I’m not FALLING in love with Bruno…”

Denial, denial.

A knock on the door breaks me from my reverie. I turn to the wall clock behind me to check the time. Who would be here this late?

Another knock. “Is anyone home?” A voice calls out.

“Yes! Um, coming!” I say as I get up from my seat. I’m thankful for the distraction, but it makes me wonder who's outside at this hour. I rarely get visitors, what with me living in the densest part of the forest. Most of the time it’s just a random villager that mistakenly took a wrong turn and needed to find their way back into town.

I ignore the goosebumps rising from my arms as I turn the knob. I'm probably overthinking things. “How may I help–” I stop short when I see who it is. “–you?”

Qué diablos. Joder.

What in heaven’s name are they doing here?

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Glossary of terms (in order of appearance in-text): De nuevo, ¡sin flores! - Again, no flowers! Tan hermosa - So beautiful

-- Research links for this chapter: Best time to visit Colombia (for the weather)

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