Archive of Our Own

Flexing her aching fingers as she set down her sewing needle, Mirabel immediately jumped to her feet to admire her latest work in the mirror.

It had taken a while, her hands hurt and she was up way later than she was probably supposed to be. But she'd finally finished it in time for the party.

Along her long blue skirt, she had embroidered several patterns and symbols over the years as she learned to master the art. Each drawing stitched into the fabric represented a member of her beloved family. The candle represented her Abuela. The basket of food for her Mama. Flowers for Isa, Weights for Luisa, the list went on. Before the fall of La Casa Madrigal, the last thing she had embroidered onto her outfit was the animals she stitched on for Antonio after he recieved his gift to communicate with them.

But now, after days had passed since the rebuilding of Casita, as well as fulfilling her newfound role of serving the community in her own right, Mirabel had finally found the time to finish her latest creation.

It wasn't much in the ways of showing her love, or at least that was what she thought. No one else had ever really noticed the work she was able to produce with what initially started out as a hobby that she picked up from her Mother as a child.

In her eyes, the gesture wasn't a big deal. It just didn't feel right to her that after spending months in her estranged Tio's company, she still hadn't embroidered something to represent him too. Heck, she would've done years ago if she actually remembered much about him aside from the faint memories she had of him before her ceremony.

She proudly admired the little hourglass she had stitched beside the candle. A small line of rats trailed through each of the drawings leading to the hem of her skirt. Granted, she may have put more work into this one than most of the other's, but she'd admit she was a tad biased.

Bruno was a central part of her life now, and aside from her favourite little Primo, was probably the closest she had ever been to anyone within the family.

She owed him so much for everything he had done to help her, even if he had been protecting her without her knowing it for so many years. He was easy company to keep and never failed to make her smile. Despite his initial awkwardness around...well anybody, her Tio had a strange but endearing sense of humour.

Mirabel had tried to thank him multiple times since they had all moved in to their new home. Bruno wouldn't hear of it. He would tell her it was all down to her that this happened, not him.

He wasn't used to people praising him for his gift, or anything for that matter. It made Mira's heart ache as she watched him brush off compliments or praise, or follow it up with a joke implying that in his eyes, he still thought of himself as a bad omen.

Deciding that just wouldn't do, Mirabel had spent most of her free time with her Uncle. He often wondered aloud whether or not she would rather spend time with anybody else. He never complained when she said no. He never complained much at all really. Bruno was easy to talk to and it filled her  heart with warmth that she could understand another person so easily.

Bruno sought her out too. There was a long celebration after the magic was brought back and the number of people combined with the noise was bound to be overwhelming for a man who had been isolated for the past ten years of his life.....longer than that. Mirabel was far from used to having any kind of spotlight cast on her either. She had stuck by him throughout the evening, drowning out the volume around them so they could just exist in their own little bubble.

Though, despite her Tio's gift of being able to forsee the future, she kind of blamed herself for not being able to expect the sudden onslaught of attention and questions that would come with his return. People would shoot him odd looks and then turn their eyes onto her in confusion as she sat contentedly by his side. Looks were easy to ignore.

It was when the questions came that Bruno quickly grew uncomfortable. There were of course the innocent questions that came from kids being nosy, Mirabel knew they meant no harm. It was the not so subtle jibes hidden under the laughter of the drunken party guests that made her Uncle start to fidget in his seat before he quickly excused himself.

Like it was Señor Ortiz's business why Bruno did what he did. Mirabel humoured the man despite simultaneously fighting the urge to roll her eyes, nodding along as he talked, giving the perfect distraction for her poor Tio to escape.

Her Mama Julieta had left the kitchen a while ago in order to join the party herself, leaving the room empty behind her. It was an easy place for Bruno to escape to until the liveliness of the Casita eventually died down. She debated whether or not to follow him and keep him company there. But she knew that if she left, she would most likely be followed by one of the family or just another random stranger or the kids from the village. It was better to let him have his space. This couldn't be easy to handle so soon after returning to the Encanto. Not that he ever left. Not that the village knew that either.

When the noise has finally started to die down and people gradually started to leave, Mirabel was one of the first to volunteer to start cleaning up. Luisa was taking a well earned break from helping at everyone's beck and call. Her Mama had been cooking all evening and was dancing with her Pa. Dolores was spending some long awaited time with Mariano. Abuela was calm and content as she chatted away with Mrs Guzmán. She was happy to help out so that they could continue to have a good time. She grabbed several plates of her Mama's leftover food and all but sprinted for the kitchen where she knew he was hiding.

The music thriving throughout the house was still so loud as she approached the right room. It gave the teenager a slight skip to her step as she balanced the plates in her hands.

While she had been expecting to find her missing Uncle behind the closed door to the only vacant room in the house, Mirabel almost dropped the plates in surprise at what she saw behind it.

With how loud the music was, it was no surprise that she could hear it just as clear in this room as she did back at the centre of the party.

This was something Bruno seemed to realise as well as when she opened the door, she was greeted to the sight of her eccentric Tio dancing around the room like a maniac.

It was no secret to her that Bruno enjoyed music as he had practically sang his apology to Pepa upon his return to the family months ago. She was also well aware that there was a particular dramatic flare to him that while she tried to take seriously, was often times too funny to keep a straight face.

What was happening in that moment was no exception as she watched him jumping around the kitchen while several rats sitting along the counter stared up at him.

Though, whether or not it was because she was also fighting the urge to cry, Mirabel couldn't bring herself to laugh at his antics.

He looked so innocent, like a child dancing in their bedroom. He looked like he was enjoying himself, oblivious to anyone who may see him.

He was the strangest person Mirabel had ever met, in the most endearing and remarkable way possible.

She was well aware that anyone else to see him like this wouldn't see what she saw. She didn't care. The smile that grew on her face was making her cheeks hurt from how wide it was while simultaneously she couldn't stop blinking at the burn of tears building behind her eyes.

She was at the point where she couldn't even put into words how glad she was to have been the one to find him. She had never been so happy to know a person as she was right now.

While her Uncle remained oblivious to her presence as he continued to dance without a care in the world, Mirabel almost threw the plates in her hands up in the air when she felt a light tapping on her shoulder.

Narrowly avoiding making a sound, Mirabel turned to see Camilo staring back at her, carrying the rest of what she had been unable to carry from the party. Her Primo gave her a funny look and opened his mouth like he was about to say something to which Mirabel quickly shook her head and quietly shushed him.

Before he could ask her what she was trying to say, Mirabel tilted her head towards the sight in front of them.

Camilo's jaw dropped in disbelief as their Uncle continued jumping and spinning around without a care.

The two cousins locked eyes with eachother. Mirabel could only smile and shrug while an open mouthed smile appeared on the face of the boy who was practically her twin.

Then a mischievous look that Mirabel knew all too well appeared on her Primo's face making her feel slightly weary. Camilo slowly and carefully placed down the plates and glasses in his hands, careful not to make a sound before making grabbing motions towards Mirabel, indicating to pass hers along as well.

Once they both had empty hands, Camilo extended his hand out to her to which she looked at him questionably. Camilo only smiled and nodded his head towards the head of the kitchen where their uncle was.

Understanding the unspoken question almost immediately, Mirabel beamed and took her cousin's hand, letting him lead her into the kitchen with a spin.

Neither of them said a word as they just started jumping around rhythmlessly with a craziness that rivalled their overly eccentric Uncle.

Once he finally turned around frozen on the spot as they were unable to hold in their laughter, Bruno just looked at them for all of a second before a glowing smile stretched across his face once he saw what they were doing.

The three of them danced around the kitchen, having a silent competition as to who could come up the most insane dance move possible. Their Tio laughed along with them, quickly realising from the start that they weren't trying to make fun of him. He spun Mirabel around much to her delight before doing the same with Camilo.

The tears in Mirabel's eyes were coming back as she watched her Uncle and her cousin laughing loudly and moving with a freedom that she had never seen out of either of them.

She was so happy. No matter what came next for her family. Nothing would ever take this moment away from her.

Neither of them cared to notice as the rest of the party filtered out once the trio finally stopped to catch their breath.

Camilo continued to make quiet noises of laughter as he leaned against the counter letting the rats sniff at him. Someone should probably clean that before breakfast in the morning.

"So....how come you were hiding out in here? I know the people of the Encanto can be a bit much, but..." The shape-shifter trailed off as he saw the smile slip from his uncle's face.

Mirabel wasn't sure why she was so surprised to hear her cousin say something like that. She had seen first hand the effects that the expectations the people of the Encanto had on her older sister

Camilo lived to make people laugh, to add a little brightness into their day with his antics. Mirabel never imagined that he would ever admit to feeling overwhelmed in any way. He always acted so carefree

She would talk to him about this later. She couldn't just let something like that slide.

She was brought back to the issue at hand however when Bruno let out a nervous chuckle.

"Well, heh.....that's actually kind of the reason....it's weird being around so many people at once, you know? Leaving with a reputation like mine, only to return and find people who didn't accept you before accept you now....it's..."

Camilo stared at the older man solemnly before nodding his head.

"Yeah. I used to hear alot of stories as a kid. I started to believe them because everyone else did. It made me wish I could remember more. Now when I look at you, I just get mad at the villagers for the way they spoke about you. I mean firstly, you're no where near seven feet tall!"

Mirabel failed to hold in a snort at that last comment, remembering her cousin's impression of him while her Uncle just looked confused.

"You're even smaller than Mira and I and we haven't finished growing yet."

Mirabel fought the urge to facepalm as she knew without a doubt that Camilo didn't think about that statement at all before saying it out loud.

"Excuse me?" Bruno asked now looking slightly offended. Mirabel was biting her lip to hold back her laughter.

That proved to be almost impossible when Camilo finally came to the same realisation. His eyes went wide before he started to wave his hands around frantically.

"Oh, no no no! It's not a bad thing! Some people are just shorter than others, I mean Mama is way taller than my Pa and no one ever thought bad of him for that- not that they should! I-I mean no one should feel bad about themselves for being on the shorter side! I know-"

Mirabel decided to grant mercy on her floundering cousin and put him out of his misery.

"Camilo."

"Yeah?"

"When you're in a hole,"

"Yep?"

"Stop digging."

"Cool."

Bruno blinked at the duo, looking even more confused than before until suddenly he started laughing which took them both by surprise.

"You two remind me so much of your mothers'. I swear it's like they're both standing right in front of me."

The two of them lit up at that, being compared to people as amazing as their mothers was amongst the highest level of praise one could offer.

The three of them cast their eyes to the doorway as they were disturbed by knocking. The door opened to reveal Felix holding a half asleep Antonio in his arms. He grinned at the sight of the three of them.

"Ah, so this is where you've all been hiding. The guests are leaving. The rest of the family will be retiring soon. Camilo, your Tia Julieta was asking if you would give Luisa a hand with the rest of the decorations. Isa and Dolores can't quite reach the ones on the ceiling."

Camilo nodded, "Si, Papi."

Felix reached forward and patted his son's shoulder. "Straight to bed afterwards, Mijo. You look tired. Say goodnight to your mother before you leave."

Camilo half shrugged and reached forward to ruffle his brother's hair.

"Alright. Buenos noches, Hermanito."

Antonio offered a sleepy smile in response before closing his eyes again.

Once Camilo left, Felix turned back to the two oddballs left in the kitchen and waved.

"It's been a magical night. Goodnight to you both. Dulces sueños."

Mirabel waved back, "Buenos noches, Tio."

Now left alone, the silence that stretched between them was surprisingly comfortable. Her attention was brought back to her uncle as he let out a bark of incredulous laughter.

"Tio Bruno?" She questioned.

Bruno, still smiling, shook his head dismissively.

"It's nothing. I guess j just find it a little strange to see a kid as young as little Toñito living in the Casita. Last I was here, the youngest member of the family was you." Bruno paused to pull out a chair for himself, Mira quickly doing the same as she sensed he wasn't finished.

"I was pretty speechless when I found out Pepa was pregnant a third time. By that point I had already been in the walls for five years and starting to feel my age. I'd kinda just accepted a few years before that the family life just wasn't in the cards for me. It hurt, but I grew to accept it. I was just happy to be able to watch as you all grew up. Then one day during dinner, I hear Pepa announce that she's expecting again and it just floored me, given that we're the same age and she was about to do something that by this point I'd long since accepted that I would never have."

His eyes were sad while his smile remained as he stared off into space like he was deep in thought. Mirabel's heart hurt for her Tio, to know that he had wanted what both of his sisters had but was forced to come to terms with the fact he would never have it. She didn't doubt for a second that the reputation he had built from the rumours of the villagers had contributed to that.

Not for the first time, Mirabel found herself filling up with anger towards the people of the Encanto. She'd felt this way multiple times growing up as they would belittle her and push her to the side for not having a gift.

She had felt that way even moreso once she realised the extent of her family's suffering due to the community exploiting and abusing their gifts for their own gain.

They exploited Luisa's strength to the point where she didn't know how to relax and felt useless everytime she spent more than a few minutes off her feet.

They turned Isabela into an object of perfection, scolding her if there was so much as a hair out of place to compromise her perfect image.

Her Tia Pepa wasn't allowed to cry unless they needed her to in order to produce the crops well. The pressure of keeping the skies clear at all times causing her to develop serious anxiety as she tried to keep her emotions in check.

Camilo was always asked to turn into someone else in order to be seen as helpful. Mirabel couldn't actually remember the last time anyone had asked for her Primo's help without needing him to shapeshift.

Her Mama spent day after day working her fingers to the bone in the kitchen to heal even the smallest of scrapes, since apparently people didn't know what bandages were anymore.

They drove Bruno away from his home and even his own family because they were too stupid to realise that his gift was merely to see the future, not to control what happened.

Though there was one other person at the centre of all this whom Mirabel couldn't let off the hook.

Maybe it was unfair to keep thinking about her this way. She knew her Abuela was trying to be better. Since they had been able to figure out how Mirabel had brought back the magic, in that she was the next in line to take over the family and the Encanto, her grandmother had gone out of her way to prioritise the wellbeing of her and the family more than anything else. When her mother and sisters had asked about where we go from here after the celebrations died down, Abuela had let Mirabel make the decision on her own to ensure changes were brought to her Familia's way of life. They couldn't go back to the way things were before and she knew that.

And Mirabel could honestly say that things were getting alot better. She couldn't really speak on her family's behalf, but there was a sense of peace and contentment in the atmosphere as she went about her day to day life that she hadn't felt before.

Maybe she hadn't forgiven the people just yet. Maybe she hadn't fully forgiven her Abuela yet. Maybe her Tio sitting across from her felt the same way. She wouldn't push him for that information. He could tell her if and when he was ready. She knew he still had yet to have a proper conversation with his mother. She was just happy he trusted her enough to tell her this much.

Though on the topic of Abuela, Mirabel was reminded of what Bruno had just told her. She cringed as she recalled the countless conversations she really shouldn't have overheard in the months leading up to Pepa and Felix's announcement that they would be having another child. She recalled her family's reaction to the news, each of them giving similar looks of astonishment. Even the two children they already had seemed aghast.

he only one who hadn't been shocked by the news, was her Abuela.

"Mira? Ay Mariposa, mi Sobrina, anyone in there?"

The feather light shaking of her shoulder startled her out of her thoughts as she caught on to her Tio's affectionate nickname for her that he only used when he was worried or trying to calm her down.

"Oh, sorry! Sorry! You just seemed like you were spacing out there for a minute. Everything okay? Sorry, I didn't mean to get all depressing there, heh." Bruno chuckled nervously.

Mirabel's eyes widened slightly, "No! No, not at all! I'm glad you feel like you can talk to me about this stuff. I'm sorry you had to go through that. Trust me, you weren't the only one surprised when we found out Tia was pregnant with Antonio. Pepa herself wasn't sure it was possible despite what Abuela told her."

She quickly cut herself off before she could say anything else. She had already said too much. This wasn't her story to tell.

Unfortunately, Bruno seemed to catch on to her sudden hesitance.

"And what was that exactly?" He asked slowly, making Mirabel curse herself internally for letting her mouth run away with her.

Mirabel pressed her lips into a thin line and looked away. She could still feel her uncle's eyes on her and contemplated bolting for the door.

"Mirabel." Bruno said her name firmly but quietly. She wasn't getting out of this.

"I was never supposed to know." She sighed lowering her gaze towards the floor. She quickly picked her head up again when she felt a hand land gently over her own, giving it a light squeeze.

"It's alright. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have out you on the spot like that. If you really can't tell me, then I'll understand."

Slowly turning back around to meet her Tio's eyes once again, she saw that there was no anger to his expression. If anything he looked worried. That wasn't anything particularly new. But even so, she found herself unable to be anything but honest with him.

She hoped that Tia Pepa and Abuela would forgive her for this.

She took a deep breath and began. "A few years after I didn't get my gift, Abuela was starting to get worried with the rumours about the magic still going around the town. According to her, she could still hear people whispering about what happened at my ceremony. She had hoped that the people would've forgotten about it by then, or at least put it to the back of their minds. She tried everything she could to make it seem like the magic was stronger than ever."

Mirabel remembered those years following her failed ceremony. Everyday she would watch from her window as her family left each morning to service the community and put their gifts to the use of the people. Her sisters and cousins would spend the day in the village, helping the people and having the chance to show off their amazing gifts.

She would stay behind with her Papa, though sometimes Tio Felix would stay behind as well as the two men had no gifts to call their own either aside from their children.

She remembered begging numerous times until she was at the point of tears for Abuela to let her come with them the next time. Her parents fighting her corner too only for the attempt to be in vain. Mirabel was not to be seen outside of the Casita.

Now that she was older, Mirabel knew that Abuela had done this for the purpose of making the town forget all about that fateful night ten years ago when their miracle seemed to have failed them for the first time by not granting her a door.

She was just another problem. Out of sight, out of mind.

Nevertheless, her Abuela had been unable to stop her from going into town after her youngest Primo was born.

Mirabel came out of her reverie to discover that as she had been spacing out, Bruno had shifted his chair closer so that he was sitting right next to her whereas before he was directly across from her. He kept his hold on her hand, giving it another light squeeze indicating for her to continue.

"One night when I couldn't sleep, I came downstairs to grab some of Mama's food to make me feel better, when I heard the grownups talking. I wasn't sure what about at first and was about to turn back when I heard them say my name."

What she was about to tell him was something she never told anyone. Though she had no doubt that her cousin who could hear everything had already known. Dolores had hidden the fact that their Tio had been living in the walls for ten years, who knew what else her Prima could possibly be hiding? Not that it was any of her business and she had no intention of asking unless Dolores wanted her to know..

"Abuela was freaking out about the magic, telling Mama and Tia Pepa there had to be a reason why I didn't get a gift and what it would mean for the family if our miracle was starting to fade. I don't remember exactly what they said, it was almost seven years ago now. But remember one thing that Abuela said before I ran back to my room."

Bruno's brow rose in dread filled anticipation.

"She brought up whether or not the reason why I didn't get a gift was simply because of me. She worried that the community would start to lose faith in the family if we didn't show them that the miracle was still thriving. And so... to stop all the rumours about the magic for good, she brought up the idea that-"

"That if either Julieta or Pepa could produce another heir in the near future in order to make another ceremony happen, then the community could rest assured that the magic was still strong once they recieved a gift of their own after the last one didn't work."

Mirabel winced at the brutal honesty of her uncle's words after he abruptly cut her off. Though it wasn't like she could deny it, it sounded alot worse when such words made her wonder if her favourite person in the whole world would've even been born had she actually recieved her gift when she was supposed to.

With how taxing her own birth had been on her mother, Pepa had agreed to Abuelas's request. Not that there were any regrets following her decision. Unlike the first two times, Pepa was practically glowing throughout her third pregnancy. Both her and Felix had been so sure it wouldn't happen, yet once they found out, Mirabel remembered the following nine months as some of the happiest she had ever seen the couple. Not unlike the first two times however, that didn't mean their son wasn't born during one of the worst hurricanes Mirabel had ever seen.

Despite the circumstances leading up to his birth, Mirabel could almost look past them for the sake of that special little boy. She wouldn't trade him for the world, and she knew that went for the rest of the family too. Antonio was immediately loved by all, a gift to the Encanto in his own right.

"Yeah, that's Mama for you." Bruno scoffed.

Mirabel blinked at her Tio, who was still looking down at the floor.

"I mean, I knew she had it in her to put the happiness of the community above her own family, but to pressure one of her own into having another child for the sake of keeping the reputation...I don't even know why I'm surprised..."

His words we're laced with a bitterness that Mirabel wasn't used to. She knew that despite her own forgiving nature and her belief that her grandmother really was trying to be better, there was still along way for her to go until she would fully earn her son's forgiveness, if she ever would. But that was Bruno's decision to make, not hers. She would be there for him and support him no matter what choice he made. As long as he didn't leave again.

He had left once due to circumstances involving her. Mirabel wasn't about to let that happen again now that they had become so close. He'd made her a promise the same day the magic returned and she was holding him to it.

Bruno patted her hand gently before rising to his feet. The gesture on its own was more than enough to tell Mirabel that he wouldn't say a word. Not because he was trying to spare Abuelas's feelings, or because he felt that he didn't have a right to be angry with his mother, but because like always, he was trying to protect her. He didn't want to get her in trouble.

The moment he started squinting indicated that it may be a good idea to turn in. They were most likely the last ones awake by this point and her Tio suffered from headaches badly enough without adding exhaustion onto the pile.

After walking upstairs side by side and she bid him goodnight, Mirabel hesitated in front of the door to her room.

It was in the same place where the nursery once was, the familiarity making her feel slightly more at home that first night after they all moved back in.

She had her own door now, like the rest of her family. Her glowing golden portrait surrounded by dozens of engraved butterflies shone brightly like it was beckoning her inside. Only she found herself hesitating, questioning.

Why was she hesitating?

This was all she had ever wanted, right? To be seen as equal as the rest of the family. Her gift wasn't the same as those of her sisters or as obvious, but it was no less important. She was the next in line to lead the family after her dear grandmother. That was a great responsibility to uphold with some pretty big shoes to fill.

That first night once she saw her new room for the first time, Mirabel had wept. It wasn't the jungle that Antonio had or built upon rows of roses like Isabela's, but it was hers. The room itself was similar to her Abuelas's with how simple the layout was. But as she had looked around, the room was so utterly and completely her.

She loved it so much. So why was she hesitating now after a week of celebrating with her family?

All of this would take some getting used to. She had expected that from the beginning.

It appeared she wasn't the only one to feel this way as she felt that now familiar gentle touch to her shoulder bringing her eye to eye with her Uncle.

Those kind eyes and warm, slightly anxious smile told her everything he was thinking. He didn't need to tell her he understood her, it was written all over his face.

His reluctance to let go of her shoulder conveyed what he was probably too awkward and nervous to ask out loud.

You don't wanna be alone either.

She spent the night sleeping in his room after he offered. The rats weren't a problem once she settled and didn't mind when a few of them curled up closer to her than her Tio sleeping a few feet away. She smiled with relief when he dozed off almost immediately, hearing his soft snores as she closed her eyes facing the wall.

Julieta looked relieved when her daughter came down the stairs after getting her first real full nights rest in months. She patted Bruno's shoulder to show her appreciation for comforting her youngest before squeezing Mirabel's cheeks affectionately and leaving to start breakfast.

As the family gathered around the table, Mirabel took her place in her seat beside Abuela with Bruno to her left. The party that had ended the night before seemed to have left her family in good spirits. Her smile widened when she saw the rainbow over her Tia's head as she laughed at what her husband was saying. The mixture of colours could also be seen covering her oldest sister's dress as she watched her excitedly recounting something she had learned about this particular flower she found in a book she was reading to their mother, who was happily nodding along as she ate.

After a few minutes of their separate conversations, Abuela rose from her seat rendering everyone quiet. The family matriarch smiled softly as her eyes travelled over her children and grandchildren.

"Familia, it warms my heart to see you all in such good spirits this fine morning. With the return of Casita and our bettering relationship with the community, our future is looking brighter than ever."

Mirabel didn't miss the second long glance aimed towards her Tio, not looking at him as she heard him shift in his seat. He had noticed it too. Had he actually had any more visions since before Casita collapsed?

"Today is such a beautiful day. It would be a shame to waste such an opportunity. I want you all to spend the day freely. Make the most of the sunshine and enjoy this time as you wish."

Silence stretched across the table as the family each responded to her smiling expression with equal looks of bafflement. The shock didn't last long however as they each started excitedly making plans for the day.

Mirabel couldn't hide her joy as she stared at her grandmother, who in turn winked at her once she caught her eye.

She was giving them a break. A well earned time to rest and spend their day as a part of the community as opposed to just working for it.

Abuela was trying. She was really trying. She was putting the wellbeing of her family before the people.

It was a start in the right direction. A new start for all of them to do better, not with their gifts, but a new start for them to better themselves, to be themselves.

"Mira! Isa and I were gonna take a walk. You wanna come with us?" Luisa asked her across the table with the excitement evident in her tone.

Mirabel looked stunned for a moment at her sister's hopeful expression before glancing across to Isabela, who surprised her even more by matching the look on Luisa's face.

Under any other circumstances, she probably would've found it incredibly funny to see her two big sisters looking at her like that. Though for some reason, Mirabel felt like she could break down in tears.

They....actually want to spend time with me....

She cleared her throat to get rid of the lump that appeared and blinked away the burning in her eyes before beaming at the two of them.

"Of course! Sounds like fun!"

Little did the three sisters know, that near the opposite end of the table where their parents were sitting, staring at their daughters in astonishment, Julieta wiped away a tear of happiness that she had been unable to hold in while her husband squeezed her hand.

Their girls were going to be okay. They had eachothers back as always. Only now, they knew it too.

They each asked around in case anyone else wanted to join them. Dolores politely declined with her no so subtle excuse that she was going to see a friend. Camilo wanted to take Antonio into town today. His gift of talking to animals had become a popular one with the kids in the village and his older brother knew that. Their parents had the opportunity to spend the day together if they wished.

Bruno never mentioned having any plans that morning as they all started to depart for the day. He gave Mirabel a smile and told her to have fun before she left.

He would probably spend the day in his room or wandering about the house. Going out and facing the people wasn't really something he was comfortable doing yet, especially not alone. She wouldn't push him into something he wasn't comfortable doing just yet. These things took time.

Mirabel gasped in surprise when one of the rats hiding in her Tio's ruana had all but leapt onto her skirt and scurried up her arm before making itself comfortable on her shoulder.

"Benedicto wants to see the village too! He wants to spend the day with you, Mira!" Antonio exclaimed excitedly.

Mirabel blinked at her cousin before slowly glancing back up to the rat sitting peacefully on her shoulder. The furry little creature just stared at her blankly.

Bruno shrugged when she looked at him questionably.

"I don't get a say in the matter, kid. He's adopted you now." There was a slight smirk to his mouth as he said the words with an ominous flare.

Mirabel raised a brow before rolling her eyes fondly. She found pretty quickly that she didn't mind the presence of the little brown rat on her shoulder. She wondered mildly if this one was one of the younger ones out of the many her Uncle accompanied himself with.

Benedicto, as she found out, was rather quiet company to keep as she walked across the fields with her sisters in tow.

It felt just like old times as they came to a stop underneath a tree, letting the long branches shield them from the scorching sun.

Isabela had already recieved her gift before Mirabel was even born with Luisa receiving hers mere months after her first birthday. The point of that being, her sisters had been too busy serving the community in their childhood for them to really pay her much attention. There were the rarer moments in which they had the chance to play together after she learned to walk. She couldn't remember much of anything before that.

Though it was painfully obvious that her oldest sister wasn't really comfortable around children, even less so around babies, Mirabel's own memories of her early interactions with Isabela would tell a different story.

Their Papa had told her numerous stories of how Isa used to carry her everywhere as a baby, not letting anyone else near her if they knew what was good for them. These were stories that made her sister scowl and deny the truth behind them before. Since they were able to somewhat work out their differences before Casita collapsed, Isa no longer scoffed or sighed with impatience and disdain once she was reminded of those times. If anything, they seemed to make her sad. She had told Mirabel that thinking back to those moments only reminded her of how guilty she felt for turning on her so young. How the bad memories greatly outweighed the good.

Mirabel hadn't hesitated to pull her sister into a hug the moment she heard those words, hoping to make her realise that no matter what they went through, she still loved her oldest sister very much. She may not like her all the time but she loved her always. Isabela seemed to take this to heart as she had put aside so much of her former responsibilities to spend time with her.

Following her twenty second birthday, Mirabel had gifted her sister with a dress that she had put all other projects she was working on to the side in order to finish it on time to give to her.

The dress was made from a dark blue fabric, much like the colour she dyed her old dress before. She abandoned the ruffles on the sleeves, keeping them at a length that reached just past the shoulder. The skirt of the dress however, had been the most taxing part to make. Mirabel had spent hours dying the fabric multiple different colours that gradually faded out as they reached the waist until they blended with the dark blue of the bodice. She admired the outcome of the rainbow skirt as the dress started coming together, feeling immensely proud of herself.

But then came the fun part, the part that she excelled in: embroidery. Mirabel had sewn two matching Jaceranda flowers on either shoulder, following the pattern with green vines that travelled down to the waist. The vines were then decorated with multiple wild and exotic flowers and plants on either sid of the bodice making it look symmetrical. She made the hemline of the skirt look much like her own as she stitched an array of blue, purple, and yellow flowers around it.

She hung it up in her wardrobe to avoid creasing the fabric and had taken a moment to stand back and admire it. It was by far some of her best work. She just hoped that her sister would appreciate it too.

Come the morning of her birthday, Isabela had come to Mirabel's room at her request, more than a little curious as to what her baby sister had in store for her.

Mirabel had made her close her eyes as she took her gift out of her wardrobe, still covered over to keep it hidden before placing it into her sister's outstretched arms.

Isa had very carefully taken the white cover off of the present before going completley silent once she saw what it was hiding.

Mirabel held her breath as she waited for her sister to speak. The excitement on her face started to dim as Isabela only stared at the dress she worked so hard on.

Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all. Maybe she'd gotten the style all wrong? Maybe she just didn't like it. Hurt filled her heart at the thought. What should she do now? Should she apologise? Why wasn't Isa saying anything?

"Isa?" Mirabel called out while her sister remained completley still holding the dress in her arms.

The younger opened her mouth again, ignoring the tears in her eyes as she was about to apologise until suddenly she found herself winded as her sister near enough tackled her to the floor in a fierce embrace.

Despite the air being literally knocked out of her, Mirabel could only gape in shock as she tried to realise what was happening. When she felt a wetness against her neck, she blinked, looking down to see that her dear sister was crying.

"Isa? What's wrong? Is it the dress? I'm sorry if it's not what you wanted....I-I can-" Mirabel cut her self off when she heard the sound of unmistakable laughter amidst the sobs shaking her body.

Now she was even more confused.

"W-Why a-are you laughing?" The younger sibling stuttered, which for some reason only made Isabela laugh even harder. Mirabel's expression turned from panicked confusion into one of bemusement.

She stiffened slightly when her sister only hugged her tighter.

"Mira.....I....I love it." Her voice came out as a hoarse whisper, though Mirabel had heard it perfectly. Her eyes widened in surprise.

"You...do?" She sqeaked.

Isabela finally picked her head up to really look at her. Her smile held a sadness to it even after she wiped the tears from her face.

"Oh Mira, es tan perfecto como tú. Lo amo tanto. Muchas gracias, Hermanita."

Mirabel would go to her grave denying that those words made her cry as much as they did. Despite the fact it was technically her sister's job to tease her, she knew Isabela wouldn't say a word either.

That same dress was the same one she was wearing now. She had rarely taken it off since Mirabel had given it to her. The rays of sunlight coming down on them highlighted the threads of colour sewn within the patterns while Isabela was enjoying the summer breeze. She sprouted flowers out along the grass, picking them out as she went and tying them together to make a chain.

Glancing up towards her other sister, Mirabel's smile grew impossibly wider. Luisa was sitting between them both against the tree, head tilted back and her eyes shut, humming a quiet tune under her breath.

It made her incredibly happy to see her sister so relaxed.

People still approached Luisa in town, asking her to do things for them that they couldn't do themselves. But after some strong words from their Tia Pepa, she was finally beginning to learn how to say no when the number of chores simply became too much. Pepa out of all of the family was arguably the most stubborn and above all else, incredibly protective of her family. She had told Luisa that it wasn't wrong to say no from time to time and had furiously scolded Senor Lorenzo about getting his gate fixed so that the donkeys wouldn't get out again.

Though it was obvious that it still made her uncomfortable to have to say no to people from time to time, Mirabel could see the progress her sister was making.

One thing she had discovered was that Luisa didn't like being cooped up at the house all day. She enjoyed being outside more than anything. Even if she started feeling useless or self deprecating for not spending every waking moment of her day lifting and carrying, it helped to calm her nerves just by being outside like this.

It would take time. The same could be said for each member of her family, but they were making progress. Perhaps in time, as long as they had eachother, their family could finally begin to heal.

Once it looked like Isabela had finished her flower chain, consisting of a mixture of daisies and various small purple blossoms, she indicated for Mirabel to hold out her wrist. The younger did curiously, eyes widening in surprise and excitement as she tied the chain around her wrist, careful not to snap the stem holding it together.

Once Luisa saw what they were doing, she pouted at her big sister making her laugh once she saw it.

"Don't worry, Hermana, I can make another for you too." She said making Luisa instantly lighten up.

After spending precious time out in the sun, the three sisters started wandering the streets, greeting and waving at the people they passed by.

This was so....easy. Mirabel couldn't remember the last time she had felt so carefree in the company of her older siblings. They had been so kind to her in the past few months, telling her to take it easy and not to overwork herself. They went out of their way to make time for her that would've been impossible before. She was finally getting that time that she wanted as a child, to accompany her two sisters among the people rather than staying behind indoors. She may not have a gift to call her own like they did in case anyone needed their help, but that wasn't what today was about.

In fact she had been so caught up in laughing at what Isabela was saying that she never noticed the glare being cast in her direction from up ahead.

As they continued to walk on by, hearing greetings from kind people as they went, Mirabel suddenly found herself stumbling backwards when somebody barged past her.

She blinked stunned for a moment as she quickly gained her footing before turning around to see who had walked into her. Luisa had instantly shot her hand out to steady her while Isabela paused in her storytelling as she whipped around to see who in the world had just pushed her sister.

Señora Pezmuerto continued to stride on by like nothing had happened before looking over her shoulder wnd scowling at the three of them.

"Foolish girl, watch where you're going."

Mirabel gaped at the woman, who turned to leave before she could say anything to that. Her attention was then brought to her oldest sister however, as Isabela came to stand in front of her facing the woman.

She cleared her throat loudly, "Excuse me, but my sister was watching where she was going just fine before you walked into her like that. Don't you think you should apologise?"

Mirabel gulped as she recognised the light yet venomous tone in her sister's voice. This probably wouldn't end well.

Just because the family now embraced her as a gift in her own right, that didn't mean the community shared the endearment. She'd had many instances in which she was treated like before by the villagers since the magic was brought back. Not that her family knew about it. She didn't want to cause any trouble.

She was used to people being dismissive or condescending towards her, she didn't want to drag her family into this when instances like this were easy enough to just brush off. Some people had been kinder to her, sure. The kids were always happy to see her and she had a few friends here now outside of the family.

But there would always be some who were unable to let go of the past.

Señora Pezmuerto paused and turned back around to face the eldest of the three. Her eyes widened slightly at the look on Isabela's face though Mirabel couldn't see it. She could imagine the poisonous glare her sister was giving her right now.

"Well, go on. Apologise." Isabela seethed.

The scene starting to build up had attracted the attention of a few of the villagers who had been going about their day.

Even she was still getting used to the new Isabela, who didn't hold back in any meaning of the word. The people however, were in for a surprise that their Senorita Perfecta wasn't as perfect as they thought.

Except she was perfect, because she could now finally be herself. Mirabel wouldn't have her any other way. Though in those first few months, she started to get the sense that her sister had been holding in a lot of her anger and frustrations over the years. And under circumstances like this, she was free to take it out on those who deserved it as she pleased.

The woman blinked at the demand before rolling her eyes and scoffing.

"Why should I? Is it not already bad enough that she makes a show out of you two by clinging onto you like this? You don't have to pity her, you know?"

The words stung, but it wasn't anything she hadn't heard before.

The only difference before, was there had been nobody willing to stand up for her.

She heard Luisa gasp to her left whereas Isabela on the other hand, had gone deadly silent

Luisa came to stand behind Mirabel, wrapping her arms around her protectively as Isabela's fists clenched at her sides.

"What did you just say?"

The two younger Madrigals both froze at the iciness in their big sister's voice. When it came down to it, Isabela had a temper that matched their mother's, and those who knew her, knew to fear the erruption of Mt Julieta.

Señora Pezmuerto sensed it as well as she blanched at the three before taking a step back.

Oh no, Isabela wasn't going to let her go that easily.

"I asked you a question. Maybe I misunderstood, because I could've sworn you just implied that the only reason reason I would wish to spend time with mi hermanita would be out of nothing more than pity. So I'll ask you again, what was that you just said about my sister?"

The woman then shot her a disbelieving stare.

"I don't understand how you could be so forgiving, Isabela! She's the reason why your family went for months without a home! She's the reason why that devil is back living in the Encanto!"

Mirabel paused at the mention of the supposed devil she was referring to, knowing full well who she was talking about. Isabela however, cut in before she had the chance to say anything.

"Mirabel is the reason why the magic was restored to our family to begin with! She's the reason why our family are still able to be of assistance to ungrateful people like you. Do you not realise how hard we work just so you people can take it easy?! Mirabel is the only reason why our Encanto still protects us from the dangers beyond the mountains despite how this community has treated her! Yet you stand there and have the nerve to blame her and our Tio for why our community suffered?! Newsflash, Lady! The only thing that ever hurt the Encanto was the pressure this community put on our family to bow to your beck and call! You are the reason why my sisters never felt like they were good enough. You are the reason why my Uncle left our family!"

Anyone who had been walking past or was within earshot of the conflict had all stopped what they were doing to look at them. Mirabel shifted nervously, not used to having this many eyes on her at once. But even so, she couldn't stop looking at her sister in awe and disbelief at the fact she just defended her out loud to this woman and the small number of people who were listening.

Part of her hoped that would be the end of it. She didn't want Isabela or Luisa to get in trouble on her behalf. Abuela had changed her ways over the part few months, but the family's reputation was still important to her. If she was to hear that all three of Julieta's daughters had started an argument in the middle of the street the first time they'd been out alone together, it wouldn't bode well for anyone.

Nevertheless, Señora Pezmuerto seemed to have other ideas as she sneered at the three of them defiantly.

"Have you forgotten the bad luck that man cursed this community with everytime he had one of his visions? My fish died because of him! My brother's wife divorced him and left him for another man all because of him! Just because he made his grand return after disappearing for years doesn't change a thing! He was a bad omen then and he's a bad omen now! That won't ever change. If you kids want my personal opinion, the Encanto was a better place without him. He's already brainwashed your sister! Look! She's even carrying one of his little beasts with her now!"

Mirabel froze in shock. Benedicto was poking his head out from her bag, sqeaking in response as the woman pointed towards the harmless rat.

All at once, anger slammed into her like a freight train at the insult towards her uncle. If this lady wanted to insult her, that was fine. She could live with that.

Insult a member of her beloved family however, well that was another story. None of her family deserved to be referred to as a devil, especially not her kind and funny Tio who was just trying to move on with his life.

She glanced up to Luisa who was just staring at Señora Pezmuerto in disbelief and anger.

That was it. She'd heard enough.

Mirabel wrestled herself out of Luisa's grip, even though she wasn't really holding her back to begin with and stepped forward.

"Excuse me!?" The girl bellowed, effectively silencing the woman. She could see Isabela looking at her out of the corner of her eye.

"You mean to tell me that the only reason you've been holding this pathetic grudge against our Tio is because your goldfish died?! So much so, that you'd rather he was exiled from his home and his family, all because you couldn't take care of your damn pet properly?! You do realise that fish die right? They're not immortal! It would've died eventually whether Tio Bruno warned you in advance or not. You asked him to show you that future! He can't control what will happen to a person when they ask him for a vision, he only sees it! Frankly Señora, I've lost count of the number of fish you've killed over the years. You can't blame that on him when he wasn't even around to warn you!"

"Warn me?! That devil cursed me for life!" She exclaimed.

"Give me a break!" Isabela cut in with a harsh bark of laughter. "That poor little guy was already swimming on his side before Bruno even got to him! You're supposed to clean the water, you know? And as for your Gilipollas of a brother? Any fool could see that he was already cheating on his wife long before they were even married! He got what he deserved. Senora Valentina is a dear friend of mine, who do you think told her that her husband-to-be was seeing another woman behind her back?"

Mirabel and Luisa gave eachother equal looks of surprise, blushing slightly and shifting awkwardly on the spot at that last little bit of information.

Señora Pezmuerto was sputtering at this point, practically foaming at the mouth.

"How dare you speak to me like that? Senora Alma will hear about this! You wait and see!"

Isabela scoffed, "Yes, I'm sure Abuela be very sympathetic once she finds out you verbally attacked three of her grandchildren and insulted her son. Not to mention you physically assaulted Mirabel and tried to blame it on her. Look around you, we have our word and plenty of witnesses. Who do you think she's going to believe?"

The woman glanced around at the numerous eyes watching the four of them before shaking her head.

"What's it to you two anyway? She's the one I have an issue with, not you." She said pointing at Mirabel causing her to shrink back.

She was stopped however when she felt Isabela grab ahold of her hand, clutching it tightly as Luisa took the other.

"Yes, well you mess with one of us, you take all three of us on." Isabela fired back.

Luisa squeezed her sister's hand, "Yeah, don't you go picking on our Mirabel, or else you'll have me to answer to."

"And me." Isabela spat at the woman.

Mirabel had never been so lost for words in her life. She didn't know whether she wanted to cry at her sisters standing up for her, or laugh at the bewildered look on Señora Pezmuerto's face. She held onto her sisters' hands tightly, hoping the action would convey the words that kept on escaping her. Judging by the fierce looks in their eyes, Mirabel had no doubt that they would rain hellfire on this woman if she so much as looked at her wrong.

Then Isabela's glare dimmed into a bored expression.

"Now if you don't mind, I'm bored of listening to you now, so unless there's anything else you want to say?"

She stuttered, her eyes comically wide as she was stared down by the two women.

Isabela watched her fumble for a response before abruptly cutting her off, "No? Alright then vete a la Mierda!"

The eldest of the three sisters didn't intend to stick around as she heard the audible gasps from the small crowd of people around them as she turned with Mirabel's hand still holding her own and led her two younger sisters away.

The three of them continued to walk along in silence until they reached their house.

Once Casita let the three of them in, the sisters just stood there, equally dazed over what just happened.

However, the moment Mirabel locked eyes with Luisa before the two of them turned towards Isabela, that one look was all it took to send them into fits of loud laughter.

They wound up collapsed in a pile on the floor, clutching their sides as all that escaped either of them were small wheezing noises.

"Dios Mio, Isa! I can't believe you actually said that! You do realise she's gonna tell Mama and Abuela regardless, right?" Mirabel said around a smile as she slowly got her breath back.

Isabela smirked and shrugged, "Oh, I'm counting on it. I'm not gonna sit there and let that fish killer talk like that about my family. Abuela will understand once we explain the whole story, and if Mama or Tia Pepa catch her in the streets after this, she'll be seeing all of her old beloved pets again sooner than she thought once they find out what she said to you."

Luisa shifted underneath the two of them so that they were lying in a more comfortable position with an arm around both of them.

"Yeah, who cares if we get into trouble, right? She's the one who started it. We've got your back, Mira. We all do. Besides, it was really cool watching you stand up for Tio Bruno like that. I wish I'd only been brave enough to have said something too. You guys were amazing out there!"

Mirabel glanced up at her sister seeing the self deprecating look on her face that she was all too familiar with.

"Don't say that, Luisa. You both did more than enough out there. Don't get be wrong, I'm glad that you were both there to defend me, but I don't want either of you getting into trouble on my account. You don't owe me anything. I'm used to hearing things like that."

She didn't miss the sadness that clouded their expressions when she said that.

"Mirabel....Hermanita....you're wrong."

She glanced at Isabela in confusion before she elaborated.

"We, our family, we owe you everything. The way we treated you for years, all because you didn't have a gift, was unforgiveable. Yet you forgave us anyway. It's because of you that I was able to realise what I was truly capable of. Even after everything I said to you, you were there for me when I needed it and because of you I was able to become the best version of myself. Our family needs you, Mirabel. We always did. You are our light in the darkness."

Luisa strengthened her hold on her little sister and nodded her head, though Mirabel could hear her sniffling.

"She's right. If you hadn't helped me out that day and told me not to carry so much, I probably would've been carrying that pressure on my shoulders for the rest of my life. I wouldn't have had an ounce of happiness or an opportunity to do one thing for myself. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy helping people out from time to time, but these past few days I've been able to relax and have fun without the constant feeling that I should be doing something for somebody else."

Isabela hummed, "It is also good for the people to learn not to be so reliant on you, Luisa. They need to learn how to fix some things on their own. It will help them to grow as a community by helping eachother instead of turning to you everytime they need a bridge to he relocated."

Mirabel's smile was practically reaching her ears. It was incredible how much they had both grown in such a short time. She couldn't be prouder of them.

"You guys, I appreciate you both looking out for me. I know I would do the same thing had our roles been reversed. But I don't want you both to spend the rest of our lives trying to pay me back for helping to bring back the magic. All I ever wanted was what was best for my family so there's no need to thank me or make me out to be some kind of hero. I know we've had our issues in the past and while it doesn't excuse the way you treated me, I wouldn't change what we have now for the world. It doesn't matter what happened before, what matters is that you're here now. If we spend the rest of our lives focusing on the mistakes of our past, how can we possibly hope to make a path for ourselves going forward?"

That seemed to do it for Luisa as she broke out into loud sobs while squeezing Mirabel impossibly tight. She reached for Isabela's hand and clutched it tightly in her own, hiding their own tears filled eyes in Luisa's shoulders.

"Oh boy! Group hug!" The sudden voice from across the room startled the three of them when before they knew it, Camilo had all but flopped on top of them.

Isabela grumbled half-heartedly complaining that he was crushing her, Luisa didn't sat a word and just let him join in while Mirabel broke into laughter once more at her cousin's antics.

"Toñito! Get in here!" Camilo called out.

There was the sound of little feet pattering across the floor towards them followed by giggling until Mirabel suddenly found her arms full of her youngest Primo. She hugged him tightly, ruffling his hair as he nuzzled into her. Benedicto seemed to sense his presence as he scurried out of her bag and up her dress, squeaking with excitement as Antonio took the rat into his hands, stroking him gently.

"Umm, why are you all on the floor?"

Five pairs of eyes were directed up the stairs before landing on Mariano, who was standing there with a puzzled expression on his face.

"Mirabel was upset so we're restoring balance to the universe!" Camilo exclaimed.

"Yes, I heard what happened." Came a quieter voice as Dolores appeared at the top of the stairs, linking her arm with her perplexed beloved.

"Mi amor?" Mariano questioned her.

Dolores sighed, "Señora Pezmuerto attacked Mirabel in the street, blaming her for everything that went wrong with the magic. Isabela and Luisa stepped in to defend her but then she started picking at old wounds by blaming Tio Bruno as well. She's always held a grudge for him."

Camilo's brow dipped in confusion as he sat up to look at his sister.

"You mean that weird lady who kept having to replace her goldfish every couple of weeks because she kept forgetting to feed it? Why would she attack Mira?" He placed his arm around Mirabel's shoulders in a defensive gesture as the anger was evident in his eyes.

Dolores shrugged, "I can only hear what the people say out loud, not what they're thinking internally. Maybe she was just looking for an argument and Mirabel was an easy target for her. Maybe she still hasn't been able to move on like the majority of the people have. Just because our Encanto recognises our Prima as our family's miracle, that doesn't mean the people will accept her the way we do. Some of them still want things to go back to the way they were before the candle went out and so they blame Mirabel for it happening in the first place. We all know the truth of course, but some people are just too stuck in their ways to see it. Things like this take time."

Camilo waved his arms around wildly, "Well, what can we do?! We can't just let her get away with humiliating Mirabel like that!"

Dolores sighed, now making her way down the stairs with Mariano beside her.

"We tell Abuela, Mama and Tia Julieta and trust that they will handle the matter. I agree that this isn't an issue that should be ignored, but the grown ups can take care of it. They won't let any harm come to Mirabel or anyone else in this family. We stick together."

Camilo wasn't particularly satisfied with his sister's response, but he knew she was probably right. His Tia and Mama would let a tornado wash up the village before letting any harm come to Mirabel. Oh how he wanted to be there once they got their hands on that crazy lady!

Mariano knelt beside Mirabel and offered his hand out to her, "Are you alright, Mirabel?"

The girl blinked in surprise for a moment before nodding and taking his hand, letting him help her to her feet as the rest of them got up off the floor as well. It always surprised her how protective Mariano had instantly become of their family since he had started courting Dolores. It made her feel slightly bad for the way she spoke about him before.

"Uh, speaking of the grown ups, where are they all?" Mirabel asked, to which Dolores shared a grimace with Camilo and Mariano.

"Well....I know that Abuela has been out in the gardens with Mrs Guzman since this morning. Tia and Mami are still in the kitchen, though Casita has probably informed them of your return by now...." Her Prima trailed off as her expression shifted to slightly uncomfortable.

Mirabel's brow quirked, "So where are Papi, Tio Felix and Bruno?" She questioned.

"Felix and Augustin dragged him out into town for a guys day out." Came the voice of Pepa from the next room as she appeared in the doorway.

She looked at her niños and Sobrinas with nothing but fondness  from the kitchen doorway, crossing her arms over her chest with a happy smile on her face.

Mirabel's smile became strained once her Tia's words sunk in.

They dragged Bruno out of the Casita and took him to the village? That didn't sound good. If she knew her Uncle as well as she thought she did at this point, she knew that Bruno would've tried valiantly to get out of it while not wanting to offend her Papa and Felix. Those two had always been close since marrying into the family but she never really thought to ask whether or not they were ever close to Bruno the way they were with eachother.

She knew that at least one day a week the two of them would have one of these so called 'guys days out'. She wondered what they possibly could've said that would persuade Bruno to tag along. Though judging from the slightly smug look on Pepa's face, it didn't seem like her poor Tio had much help from his sisters in getting out of it.

They had been telling him for weeks that he needs to spend more time outside. She should've known that Mama and Tia Pepa would jump at the chance to get him out of the house to have a little fun even if they weren't there to see it.

Mirabel loved her father and her Uncle very much, but even she knew that they could be a bit....much when left alone with the two of them. They fed off of eachothers energy and made for an interesting pair to watch when together. But the volume and excitement that came with them was alot to handle.

She silently prayed for Bruno. This would be an interesting story once they got back.

Julieta appeared beside her triplet sister, wiping off her hands on a towel and smiling at the group.

"Yes, they left a couple of hours ago. They'll be back in time for supper, no doubt. But on a not so unrelated subject, how was your walk girls? Did you have a good time?"

All three sisters froze at their mother's question before turning to eachother awkwardly.

"It was.....interesting." Mirabel replied attempting to smile back.

"Señora Pezmuerto attacked Mirabel." Dolores said with a deadpan expression on her face.

The smile immediately fell from Julieta's face. Mirabel thought her Mama might have looked less shocked if Dolores had slapped her. She sent a glare towards her cousin who acted like she hadn't seen it.

The seven of them startled at the sound of thunder clapping, every pair of eyes going wide at the blackened cloud that appeared over Pepa's head.

"She did what?" The two sisters asked simultaneously in a dangerously low tone of voice. Mirabel gulped.

This was going to be a long afternoon.

By the time the sun started to set, all of them were seated around the table as Isabela told her mother and aunt the full story of what had happened. Julieta had brought out a plate of arepas she made beforehand, placing it in the middle of the table as the kids absentmindedly munched on them.

Mirabel kept her eyes cast down to the floor, not wanting to meet the eyes of either of them as their expressions gradually shifted from concerned to downright furious.

"That woman.....it was no secret that she was always against our Hermano, but now she's after Mirabel too? I'll never understand what her problem is." Pepa ground out, reaching out to her niece sitting beside her and brushing her fingers through her hair. The action was enough to encourage Mirabel to look up at her family.

Dolores told her the same thing she explained to the rest of them earlier and Julieta sighed.

"You may be right, Sobrina. We can't expect everyone to just accept that things aren't the way they used to be."

Isabela looked at her mother in shock, opening her mouth to protest only for the healer to hold up her hand.

Then that furious look was back.

"But that doesn't change the fact she attacked and insulted my children. I doubt your Abuela would be too pleased with her once she hears about this either. You did the right thing in telling us first. Let us speak to Abuela. This won't happen again if I have any say in the matter. But on a more important note, mi vida are you alright?" She asked, looking worriedly towards her youngest daughter.

Mirabel fidgeted in her seat as all eyes were suddenly on her before nodding, "Yes, Mami. I'm fine. I had Isa and Luisa there with me. They wouldn't have let anything happen to me."

Luisa lit up at her words while Isabela nodded fiercely.

Julieta smiled proudly at her three daughters, wishing that Augustin was here to see this.

It was at that thought that she frowned, looking at the time. Surely they should've been back by now.

And then, almost as if they could hear her thoughts, the front door of the Casita opened up revealing the three men on the other side.

"Familia!" Felix belted with a wide smile on his face throwing his arms out wide once he caught sight of them. Mirabel's brow furrowed when she saw the handkerchief up his nose.

Augustin stumbled over his own feet, hand held up to his forehead as he waved at them excitedly. He recieved some awkward waves back in response.

Though what really made Mirabel fight the urge to facepalm, was when Bruno walked in with a grace that rivalled that of her clearly intoxicated Papa.

Bruno bumped into the doorframe, muttering out a 'Perdóname' before looking up towards the rest of the family.

Then he beamed at them, practically glowing as be waved at them all enthusiastically.

"Hola!" He greeted them, slurring slightly.

Pepa blanched at her brother, "Ay, Dios Mio, Brunito! Are you you drunk?!"

Bruno gestured behind him, "Someone in the tavern....told us all of the ones he used to work in," He paused as he started swaying on his feet, "and we decided we had to have a drink or two in every one of them just to be polite." He smiled like he was expecting them to praise him. Augustin nodded in agreement while Felix couldn't stop snickering.

Camilo quirked a brow in question though he was clearly amused, "How many taverns did he work in?" He asked bewildered by the state they'd gotten themselves in.

Bruno paused looking deep in thought, "Um, three." He replied holding up four fingers.

Camilo blinked before sniggering, "Oh querido." He looked across to Mirabel who was biting her lip to hold back her laughter. Isabela held her hand over her mouth to hide her smile while Luisa, Mariano and Dolores just looked concerned.

"Pa, what happened to your head?" Luisa asked making Augustin spin around to look at her and almost falling over in the process.

"Oh! Well.....you see it's kind of a long story, but-"

"He walked into a lamp post on the way back." Felix interrupted with laughter in his voice, not even looking the slightest bit guilty when the man in question glared at him.

"And what happened to you, Tio?" Mirabel asked gesturing towards the tissue up his nose.

Felix reached for it before chuckling, "Oh, I laughed so hard I think I burst a blood vessel in my nose." He answered wrapping an arm around Bruno's shoulders as he broke into laughter.

Julieta sighed in exasperation, "Ay Augustin."

Her husband at least had the sense to look slightly guilty as he started walking over to her with his arms out.

"Have I ever told you that I love you?" He asked slurring his words more than a little as Julieta rolled her eyes.

"I'll make some coffee." She said before leaving the table, pulling him along into the kitchen so she could heal the bruising bump on his forehead.

Pepa rose from her seat as well, "Camilo, take your brother upstairs."

Her son groaned disappointed, "But, Mami-"

"Now." She said in a tone that left no room for argument as the cloud above her head rumbled.

Camilo picked up a sleepy Antonio before leaving the room. Once they were gone, Pepa swatted her husband's arm making him yelp in surprise.

"What we're you two thinking?! I told you to take him out to spend some time in the village, not to get him drunk! You know he can't hold his wine!"

Bruno made a noise of protest, "Excuuuse me!"

Pepa snapped her fingers, "You be quiet. The grown ups are talking. We can't let Mama see him like this!" She said looking back at Felix.

The man's expression softened as he reached for her hand, "It's alright, amor. There's no harm done...not much anyway. But we actually had a really fun guys night out. Just like old times, eh Hermano?" He said nudging Bruno affectionately.

"Huh? Oh, uh, yeah!"

Felix reaches around his wife for the plate of arepas, taking one for himself to heal his bloody nose before offering one to Bruno, who was surprisingly the only one of the three without an injury.

Pepa sighed defeated. The cloud disappeared, but the irritated look on her face did not.

"Ay, off to bed with you. You don't want Abuela finding out you got him drunk." She shooed at both of them. Felix laughed, kissing his wife's cheek before walking away, probably to check on his sons before retiring for the night.

"What am I going to do with him?" Pepa muttered though her eyes were shining with fondness.

Her attention was then brought back to her brother as he started knocking on the doorframe with a dazed look on his face.

"Come on, Brunito. Sit down." She took his hand helping him into a chair. It was at that moment that Julieta returned with Augustin.

"Hola, Juli!" Bruno exclaimed, a little too loud for Dolores as she covered her ears. Mariano noticed as he took her hand.

"Amor, maybe we should leave them to talk?" He suggested and his beloved nodded appreciatively.

"Buenos noches, la familia Madrigal. We're going for some fresh air." Mariano and Dolores bid goodnight to the family as everyone returned the sentiment before they left.

Julieta placed a cup of coffee in front of her brother while Augustin held another in his hand.

"Juli....I don't feel good..." Bruno whined at his sister.

Julieta gave her brother a look of false sympathy, "I know, Brunito. Drink this and you'll feel better."

It was becoming blatantly obvious at this point that Pepa was trying not to laugh as Julieta patted his cheek.

'"Fifty years old, hermano, and you still can't hold your wine." She said leaning her head into her hand.

Bruno looked at her betrayed with puppy eyes that probably shouldn't have been as disarming as they were.

"Hey, it's not my fault! I was just feeling nervous....you know, what with going out in public again and all that. Felix told me that a drink would calm my nerves, so I believed him. But when it was gone, I didn't feel any different! So I told him it didn't work and he gave me another one and said 'let's see if this one works.' By the fourth or fifth one I started calming down. Then when we went to the one in another part of town, the people started spinning for no reason and wouldn't stop, even when I asked them nicely! They just looked at me like I was crazy, can you believe that!?"

The two sisters could only blink at him as he continued before they had the chance to say anything.

"Then Augustin said that I should slow down a little, and I turned to him and said 'That's some pretty big talk for a man who can't keep his face in focus."

Augustin choked on his coffee at that, causing Julieta to reach and pat his back, while Isabela and Luisa just looked at their uncle with raised eyebrows. Mirabel however, finally lost the battle to hold in her laughter. It seemed she and Pepa were in the same boat as her Tia snorted before covering her mouth.

"Mirabel." Julieta chastised her lightly, though there was a hint of a smile on her face too.

Mirabel pressed her lips together to stop her giggles from escaping her as she imagined all the things her Uncle just said.

"You three are in so much trouble when you wake up tomorrow." Pepa said with a smirk on her face once she'd calmed down.

It took the help of Luisa to carry Bruno to the couch once he promptly fell asleep at the table. Mirabel followed with a smug grin on her face, knowing how embarrassed he would be if he found out about this. The rest of the family started to retire one after the other until Abuela finally returned, looking exhausted from her busy day.

The following morning was beyond amusing to watch as it would appear that Abuela was informed of the night before by her two daughters.

The rest of the family was already seated at the table for breakfast until the three men gradually joined them. Felix being the first, appearing fine for the most part as he took his seat beside Pepa, who was doing her best to act like she was still annoyed with him. Augustin appeared next with a simple good morning to the family and displaying noticeable signs of a headache.

Bruno on the other hand looked like he hadn't slept in a week once he joined the family. Though he tried to play off his obvious hangover by smiling and waving at them before sitting in his empty chair between Mirabel and Luisa.

Abuela fixed her son with a stare as equally unimpressed as the one she cast towards her daughters' husbands.

Bruno seemed oblivious of this at first as he mumbled out a quiet "Buenos dias."

"Buenos Dias, Hermano!" Julieta and Pepa chorused loudly, both with sweet smiles on their faces.

Bruno groaned at the volume, reaching up to cover his ears.

For a moment, Mirabel could've sworn she saw a hint of a teasing smile appear on Abuelas's face before it quickly vanished.

"Do you two have to be so loud?" Bruno asked, though he already knew the answer.

Julieta laughed lightly while Pepa just looked at him with overexaggerated concern.

"I'm sorry, Bruno. Do you have a headache?" She asked picking up the volume once again at that last part making him cringe even more.

Bruno grumbled, "Brujas." under his breath.

Much to the surprise of everyone everyone the table, Abuela chuckled at their antics as Julieta handed him some coffee and told him to help himself to the food.

"I'm afraid the only one to blame for this outcome is yourself, Hijo. Eat, drink, and don't think that either of you are getting out of working today." She scolded them like she was taking to three naughty children.

She started to assign each of them with their typical jobs and routines for the day.

"Bruno, you can go into the village today and pick up what Julieta needs for Dolores' engagement dinner tonight. There will be alot to carry so you can bring someone along to help you."

Mirabel perked up at that, "I will accompany him, Abuela."

Her grandmother gave her an appreciative smile before affectionately patting her cheek. "Gracias, nieta. I'm sure your Tio will appreciate it."

The duo wandered into the village, bidding good morning to everyone who greeted them. The two of them walked in a comfortable silence for the most part as it seemed Bruno was getting through the worst of his headache.

What Mirabel didn't anticipate was that someone would approach her about what happened yesterday.

It appeared luck wasn't on her side today however as Senora Valentina came running towards the pair once she set eyes on Mirabel.

"Oh, Mirabel! I just wanted to make sure you were alright. My mother told me everything that she heard between your sisters and Señora Pezmuerto yesterday. She told me she was worried about you and hoped that she said didn't upset you too much." The kind woman rambled, taking her hand and squeezing it gently.

Mirabel was a tad stunned at the sudden approach, though she recovered quickly enough to smile at her reassuringly.

"Oh, I'm fine. Tell your mother not to worry. I had my sisters there with me and...well...you know how scary Isa can be when she's mad." She could feel Bruno's eyes on her back. She still hadn't told him about yesterday,

Valentina laughed with fondness at the mention of her friend, "Indeed I do. God help anyone who gets on the wrong side of Isabela Madrigal. But just so you know, you and your Tio aren't the first people that woman has held a grudge over. Ever since I left her brother years ago, she's never let me forget it, even after I remarried and had my daughter. Some people just weren't made to forgive. It still doesn't give her the right to talk to you in such a way when you did nothing to deserve it."

Mirabel felt warmth flood her chest at her words. Though her family assured her of the same thing many a time since they lost their miracle all those months ago, it helped alot to hear these words from the people themselves. Maybe not everyone shared her opinion and maybe there were some who never would, but it made her feel alot better to know there were some on her side.

"Anyway, I should get back home and relieve my mother of her babysitting duties. I just wanted to be sure you were okay. Give your family my best. Hasta luego, Mirabel. You too, Bruno!" She called behind her as she turned to leave.

Recalling their task at hand, Mirabel turned to Bruno to ask of he was ready to press on. She stopped when she caught him staring at her with an indecipherable look on his face.

"Everything okay, Tio?" She asked.

Bruno blinked, "What was she talking about just now? What happened between you and Pezmuerto yesterday?" He asked with thinly veiled concern.

Mirabel waved her hands dismissively, "Oh, it's nothing. There was a little misunderstanding, that's all."

Bruno shot her a dubious expression, "Lying isn't exactly your strong suit, Kid. Tell me what happened. Whatever you say, I'm not gonna be mad at you. That woman has been giving me grief for years but I'm old enough to ignore it. If she's said something to you however, then I've got a problem."

Mirabel let out a resigned sigh. She indicated for them to keep walking as she told her story. She paused every few minutes to gage his reaction as they reached the market.

"She basically went on about how it was my fault that our family lost their gifts and how I was the reason you came back. Guess she still isn't ready to let that thing with her goldfish go. It wasn't anything I hadn't heard before, plus I had Isabela and Luisa there with me so it wasn't too bad. Isa shut her up eventually." She smirked at the memory of what her sister had said the day before, checking a few things of the list her Mama gave to them before they left.

Mirabel had been too distracted in what she was doing that she didn't realise that in all this time she had been talking, Bruno hadn't said a word.

Hence why the moment she heard his voice behind her, it startled her.

"You know that none of that is true, right?" He asked her in a quiet voice that made her turn to look at him.

"Huh?"

"What she said to you, blaming you for the magic dying, Casita breaking, you know that none of that was your fault, right?" He explained.

Mirabel's brow furrowed in confusion.

"That future was always going to happen, no matter if we want it to or not. You are not the reason why the cracks started appearing in the walls, Mirabel. Our family....was broken for a very long time, long before you were just a bump in your mother's belly, long before your sisters were born, long before my sisters and I were given our gifts."

Bruno paused as he sat down on a rock and helped his niece down with him.

"My mother, your Abuela, she had her heart broken so badly by your Abuelo's death. The ways she went about dealing with her grief and the amount of pressure that was on her shoulders brought alot of damage to the state of the family as we grew up, and that carried on as my sisters had their children. You already know from what Abuela told you that all you've ever done was try to save this family. The magic had to be destroyed so that you could bring it back, something I wish I was able to figure out a long time ago. The state of the family is what keeps our miracle alive and you have a gift for helping people become the best version of themselves. And that power is something far greater than any of us will ever have."

Silence ensued between them once more, making Bruno slightly anxious as his niece didn't say a word.

When he turned to face her however, Bruno almost found himself knocked off of the rock he was sitting on as Mirabel threw her arms around him, taking him completely by surprise. He shifted awkwardly at first since they were still out in public, but quickly found he didn't care and hugged his niece back, knowing she needed it.

He took a moment to think back to the last time he ever held her like this. It was the night of her ceremony, just before he left. After seeing her in that vision, it was all he wanted to do to let her know that she was loved, with or without a gift. She had been crying so much that night that the moment he set foot into the nursery for what he thought would be the last time, he scooped her up into a hug the moment his eyes locked with her tear filled ones. He'd thought that would be the last time he ever saw her.

Since he was reunited with her ten years later, a large part of him wanted to hug her so badly as he admired how grown up she was. She really did look just like Julieta, though her slight clumsiness that he became aware of as she chased him through the walls was something she got from Augustin. Though despite this, she reminded him so much of himself.

He'd noticed how drawn to him she was and they'd gotten along so easily right off the bat. As the family's resident outcasts, they stuck together more often than not. Talking to her was as easy as breathing and they understood eachother better than anyone else ever could.

>But even so, there had been some instances during their talks where he could tell she was contemplating whether or not to hug him. Maybe she thought it would make him uncomfortable. In her defense it probably would've, not because he didn't want her to, he just wasn't used to it. He wasn't exactly receiving many hugs during those ten years he spent in the walls.

So in this moment, he would let her hang onto him for as long as she wanted to. He didn't mind at all.

No words needed to be said when she let him go after several long moments, though she looked at him apologetically.

He rose to his feet, holding his hand out to her to help her stand up too. They still had a few things left to pick up before they could start heading back.

But still, even as they continued walking along, Bruno couldn't help but ask, "So, does your Mama know what happened yesterday?"

"Mhm. Tia Pepa as well. They reacted about as well as you would expect. Dolores explained that it was best to let Abuela deal with it. All they cared about was whether or not I was okay, even Mariano was worried." She said with a laugh.

Bruno raised an eyebrow, "Mariano?"

Mirabel shrugged, "Yeah. He helped me up yesterday when he found us all lying on the floor. It makes me feel kinda bad for calling him a big dumb hunk when he really is kinda sweet. Luisa calls him our surrogate older brother, though I think she only does that because of how much it annoys Isabela. It's weird, growing up I used to wonder what it would be like having a brother. Don't get me wrong, I love my sisters to death. But when I was little, I was always far closer to Camilo than either of them. They were always so busy that I hardly ever saw them."

Bruno hummed in thought, "I get that. Juli and Pepa were always out here when we were growing up. I had to spend most of my time up in my tower in case anyone wanted me to give them a vision. Your Pa and Tio Felix always wanted me to hang out with them before and after they married into the family. I guess they were under the impression before that I wouldn't approve of them courting my sisters and so they tried to gain my favour so that I wouldn't scare them off."

Mirabel smirked, "Oh yes, because you're so terrifying, Tio."

Bruno smirked right back at her, "I have my moments. And if I wasn't enough to scare the living daylights out of anyone who hurt my family, I could've always gotten Hernando on them." He made a dramatic gesture causing Mirabel to throw her head back as she laughed.

They started to head back not long after carrying a box each in their hands that were almost overflowing as they walked back the way they came.

"Hey!"

The sudden exclamation startled Mirabel so badly she almost dropped the heavy box she was trying to balance in her hands. Bruno turned around to face the source of the voice that startled his niece and saw an angry looking mad approaching the two of them with two other men on his heel.

"If you want to get our attention, I think 'perdóname' will do just fine." He said with disinterest as he recognised the man practically stomping towards the two of them. Judging by the uncomfortable look on Mirabel's face, she recognised him too.

The angry middle aged man pointed at Bruno seething, "Don't try and act all innocent with me, wretch! I want a word with that one about what she said to my sister!" He barked at the pair of them before casting his glare onto Mirabel, who started to look unnerved.

Nevertheless, she took a deep breath before starting, "Señor Eduardo, I understand that what happened yesterday may have gotten out of hand, but-"

There's no buts about it! You and your sisters attacked my hermanita and made her cry! That's right, she told me everything that happened! She was left disgraced all because your sister humiliated her! I don't even know why Abuela let you outside of the Casita after what you did! My sister was only speaking the truth! I demand an apology!"

Eduardo's face somehow got even redder as he pointed furiously at Mirabel, who shrunk back in fear at being yelled at.

But then, Bruno stood between the two of them and placed his hand against the man's chest forcing him backwards.

"Hey! Now that's enough-"

"And you!" He cut Bruno off before he could finish. "You should've stayed away! If your niece had just been a good girl and stayed in her room then she never would've found you! Don't you think you've done enough to our town? You're the reason why my wife left me! She won't even look at me even after I asked her many times for a second chance. You are nothing but a curse to the Encanto and that's all you will ever be!" Then the man's expression softened as a condescending smirk appeared across his face.

"Don't you think you've caused your family enough misery?"

Bruno's eyes widened slightly at the malicious question but buried the sting of the words and stood his ground.

"Look, I understand your anger. But your problem is with me. Don't take it out on my niece. She doesn't deserve to be yelled at like that. You wanna yell at someone, yell at me. Leave her out of this."

Eduardo let out barks of harsh laughter, like he couldn't believe what he was hearing. His goons on either side of him joined in too. He took a step towards Bruno before bowing his head down so that he was at eyelevel with him.

"Or what?" He asked.

Whether it was out of panic or stupidity, Mirabel dropped the box she was holding and placed herself in the middle of her Tio and this man.

"We don't want any trouble." She said making the men laugh while Eduardo sneered at her.

"Stay out of this, Kid." He said.

But then, he placed his hands on her, grabbing her arms and pushing her back.

Her anger at being shoved reached its peak before Mirabel even realised she was feeling it.

Bruno watched, eyes full of rage as he saw this creature grab his Sobrina by her arm, to pure astonishment as Mirabel swung out and clocked the man in the face.

Eduardo's head snapped backwards as her fist got him square in the nose. He stumbled back, clutching his nose while his lackeys became distracted in making sure he was okay.

But Bruno couldn't have cared less about the man who just got punched by a teenager as he looked over to said teenager to make sure she was alright.

Mirabel was breathing heavily, but her eyes were furious. He couldn't believe she just did that, and yet he found himself filling with pride towards her.

It was his job to protect her, he knew that. There was nothing he wouldn't do to keep her safe. Yet she didn't hesitate to put herself in the middle of that situation, rushing to his defence and acting in the heat of the moment to protect them both. She hadn't punched him in fear. She'd lashed out in anger. Because no one, not a single person in this world would be allowed to talk about a member of family like that in her presence.

She was the bravest person he had ever met. And he was so proud of her.

The adrenaline he felt at what just happened spurred Bruno into action as he left the boxes, grabbed his niece and before he could stop to think about it, he started running.

He wasn't sure why or how but as they both ran away from the scene, the two of them started laughing hysterically. Casita opened the door to let them in before they even reached the house.

The house was empty. It was the middle of the day, everyone would still be out. Perfect.

They could go back for the boxes later, or someone else could bring them. He didn't really care. He led Mirabel into the kitchen and seated her on the counter as he started rummaging through the cupboards and drawers to find what he needed. All of the food from breakfast had been cleared away and Julieta wouldn't be back until later. He would have to make do with the alternative.

"What are you looking for?" Mirabel asked, speaking for the first time since they came back. However, Bruno was too distracted with his searching around the kitchen.

"Tio Bruno?" She asked again.

"Where does he keep it. Where does he keep it. Aha!" He exclaimed as he found what she knew to be Camilo's secret stash of food at the back of one of the cupboards. He'd probably placed that there this morning before heading out.

Mirabel's brow furrowed. What would he need Mama's food for unless-

Her eyes landed on her red knuckles.

"Tio, I'm fine. Really, I'm okay." She tried to reason.

Bruno shook his head, "No, you need to get ahead of the swelling, kid. That was a hell of a punch."

He hopped up on the counter beside her and handed her an empanada. It had gone cold by this point as it had been there since breakfast, but Mirabel knew it would be fine. She ate it without question if anything to make her Tio stop fussing and watched as her brusing knuckles faded back to normal.

"Where in the world did you learn to punch like that?" He asked out of nowhere once she finished the food.

She shot him a half smile, "Mama."

That was enough of an explanation to make Bruno understand. No one messed with Julieta or her daughters. He wouldn't be surprised if Isabela and Luisa could throw a punch like that either.

"Thanks for sticking up for me back there." She said leaving Bruno bewildered.

"U-um, n-no problem. Though it seemed like you could stand up for the both of us just fine to me." He scratched the back of his head nervously.

"After yesterday, I can't imagine what Isa would say if she found out about this. Those idiots would never leave their homes again." Mirabel laughed.

"Hah! between you and me, Mariposa, I'm not sure Isabela is the one they should be afraid of." It wasn't exactly a compliment, though his niece seemed to take it as one.

"Though, for Dolores' sake, how about we keep what happened back there between us for now. At least for tonight anyway."

Mirabel nodded, "Yeah. Tonight's her night. I don't want to ruin it. I can unleash Abuela on Senora Ozma and Señor Eduardo tomorrow." She replied making Bruno chuckle at the image.

He wrapped an arm around Mirabel's shoulders, "If anything, I should be thanking you. No one's ever.....defended me like that. Not to that extent anyway."

Mirabel reached up to place her hand over the one he rested on her shoulder, "Don't worry about it. None of what he was saying was true. He was just looking for an excuse to start a fight. Our family needs you here, Tio. What happened before was in no way your fault. Its not like you can control other people's future. The future you give them is based on the decisions they make, its up to them to change it. Life's what you make it, you don't like it then change it. We all did it. And I wouldn't change this for anything. Our family loves you, Bruno."

Bruno listened to every word from his favourite person, knowing full well that she meant it.

No, he was not crying! Really, he wasn't. He just had a bit of sand in his eyes, that's all.

He squeezed Mirabel tighter to him and kissed the crown of her head. She would be just fine. They both would.

"Mirabel?"

"Hmm?"

Bruno smiled softly, "Thanks, for bringing me home."