Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Encanto. A place where magic happens all the time. Well, to a specific family. The Madrigals, a large blessed family, given each an inhuman power by a magical candle. Except for a girl, Mirabel. Who is also your close friend. Just like Mirabel, you’re just a normal human being. You lived in Encanto peacefully with your 2 loving mothers, your mamá and your mami. You and your mamá both have a quiet nature, you two don’t talk much, whilst your mami always acts like a child high on caffeine.

And just like Mirabel, you have quite a talent in stitching, sewing, and basically can make anything out of yarn. Thus why the two of you go so well with each other.

“Mamá, mami, I’m heading out to see Mirabel.” You announced, grabbing a worn-out bag you crochetted yourself. “Leaving right after breakfast? Fine. Be back before dinner.” Amalia Serrano, your mamá said from the kitchen. “Yeah, don’t have a sleepover without telling us like last time, hija.” Delfina Serrano, your mami stood up from her chair to walk over to you, giving your cheeks a squash. “Yes, mami.” You sighed and walked out from your simple home.

It was a cheerful sunny day in Encanto, the kids running around without a care in the world, oh to be like them. You saw the great Casita of the Madrigals up on the hill, it’s been a good 5 years after you helped them rebuilt the house again. ‘It was horrible incident.’ You shivered and proceeded to walk up to the Casita to see her friend, silently walking through the crowded streets, filled with the townspeople greeting each other.

Your mami always told you that you have a faint presence, which fits perfectly with your personality. You don’t like talking with a bunch of people, you would rather save her breath, and you don’t want to be the center of attention.

Instead of walking to the front door, you went to side of the casita and stared up at a window. The window open and closes vigorously as if alerting someone in the room. “(Y/N)?” Mirabel’s head popped out from the window. “Are you free?” You asked, speaking loud enough for Mirabel to hear. “Uh, not really. Stay right there!” Mirabel pointed at you before disappearing.

You had a confused expression. You shrugged and walked to the front door, just in time for the door slammed open by Mirabel. “Why the rush? You’re going somewhere?” You asked. “Uh, haha. About that…” Mirabel nervously chuckled while looking back after every word. “Mirabel, you know you look very suspicious right now.”

Mirabel took a deep breath and gave you an awkward smile. “Why don’t you come inside?” Mirabel grabbed both of your hands and dragged you inside. You know the Madrigals, even from afar. They’re all so cheerful, loud, and so positive. It would be your literal nightmare if they gathered around her. “What are you planning now, Mirabel? You did something weird, did you?” You suspected.

Before Mirabel could take a step on the stair, she froze. And she let out a heavy huff. “You did, didn’t you?” You sighed. “Just come here with me.” Mirabel continued to drag you up to the second floor to her room. Mirabel fumbled in her drawer and took out a shabby looking crochet bag and showed it to you.

“For you.”

“You made it yourself?” Your eyes brightened up, who knew your friend would be this caring towards you?

“No.”

“No?” Your expression turned into a confused one. “You… Bought this? No… Was this yours?” You guessed as you examined the bag. It doesn’t seem to be professionally made, most likely made by a newbie or some sort. It was badly made.

Mirabel stepped closer and whispered into your ear, “My primo made this for you.”

“You have a lot of cousins. Which one? I want to thank them.” You asked. “Camilo.”

“Camilo?” You tried to remember. It took you a while before you finally remembered that cheeky Madrigal who can shapeshift. “Oh. Camilo. Where is he now? Why didn’t he give me this in person? Is he sick?” You have a lot of questions. “That’s the problem, mi amiga.” Mirabel bit her bottom lip. “I don’t know why.” Mirabel looks genuinely confused.

“He’s like… ‘Mirabel, could you give this to señorita (Y/N)?’ and just left!”

“You’re looking for Camilo?” Dolores suddenly popped her head inside Mirabel’s room. “He’s in the plaza. And don’t worry (Y/N), Camilo is just nervous because look intimidatingly sad and noticed your worn-out bag so he spent months making it so it looks like that.” Dolores blabbered out. She looked at you and Mirabel back and forth, both having their mouths agape. “Oops.” Dolores squeaked and left immediately.

You looked down at the bag in her hands. “Mirabel.” You said. “Y-yeah?”

“Help me find Camilo.”

So the two of you are out on the mission to find Camilo in the midst of the crowded Plaza. Different from the tall and buff Luisa, Camilo has a slender build, he’s easy to blend in the crowd and not to mention he might be in a form of someone else. But once you two got there, you suddenly felt uneasy and have the strong urge to avoid getting in the crowd.

“Wait, why are we searching for Camilo again?” Mirabel asked. Wait, she’s right. “Why am I searching for Camilo?” You whispered, with a confused expression. Mirabel pushed up her glasses and grinned. “Don’t tell me you fell for Camilo because of the bag he made for you?”

You snapped your head to Mirabel and gave her a blank stare. “No.”

“Yes. You are.”

You gave Mirabel a stare, right in the eyes. And Mirabel won’t turn down a staring contest. “Admit. You are, are you?” Mirabel asked as she stared. It had your face twitching. ‘No that can’t be… I don’t know much about him and he know nothing about me…’

“Mirabel?”

The staring contest stopped and the two turned to the source of the voice.

Speak of the devil.

“Camilo!” Mirabel exclaimed. “Hola, señorita.” Camilo greeted. You suddenly took a step back from Camilo, suddenly felt overwhelmed, as if she’s standing in front a large crowd, one of her weaknesses. “(Y/N)? Are you okay…?” You could hear the worry in Mirabel’s voice. But you’re too frozen to even respond. You couldn’t mutter a word and breaking into cold sweat.

“Hey! Snap out of it!” Mirabel shook her shoulders. “I think we should bring her home…” Camilo suggested, worried about you.

“Yeah, you stay here with her while I fetch Señora Delfina!” Mirabel shouted as she ran as fast as she could towards Violeta’s house. “Señorita… Calm down, why don’t you sit here for a while?” Camilo carefully grabbed your hand and guided you to the nearest bench. You carefully sat down and exhaled a shaky breath. “It’s alright, deep breaths.” Camilo said in his most soothing voice.

“(Y/N)! Hija!”

“Mami!” your head snapped towards the source of the voice. You saw your mamá and your mami. “Hija! You scared me to death!” Delfina cupped your face and sighed in relief. “Gracias, Camilo and Mirabel. Our hija always have a panic attack in crowds.” Amalia thanked the two Madrigals.

“But, (Y/N) was fine earlier… Before she met Camilo.” Mirabel was confused. “What?” Camilo was taken aback. “Dios mío, why don’t we talk this out in our house?” Delfina was already overwhelmed with what she listened. So the two Serranos brought you back home along with the two Madrigals with them.

Delfina took you to your room whilst calming you down while Amalia talked to the Madrigals. “So, Mirabel. You’re trying to tell me that Camilo is the cause of her panic attack?” Amalia is still confused. Mirabel nodded vigorously. “She couldn’t even greet him back!”

Amalia rubbed her chin, while looking at the frowning Madrigal beside Mirabel. “I’m sorry Señora Amalia, I honestly didn’t know…” He said in a guilty voice. “No no no… It’s okay. It’s not your fault. I’m confused myself…” Amalia grabbed Camilo’s hand and reassured him. “Don’t tell me…” Mirabel let out a gasp. “What is it?”

“Is it… Because of Camilo’s gift?”

“So I really am the bad guy here, huh?” Camilo rolled his eyes, believed Mirabel’s statement as just random.

“No! Don’t you get it? Because you can shapeshift into anyone here, she might see you… Along with everyone you can shapeshift into.” Mirabel looked at Camilo with a saddened expression. Camilo couldn’t say a word, same goes to Amalia.

“Amor…” Delfina called out for Amalia, having a grim expression on her face. “You heard what she said, mi vida?” She asked. Delfina responded with a nod. “Señora Delfina, is (Y/N) alright? How is she?” Mirabel asked in Camilo’s stead. She knew Camilo was about to ask that but all his courage and his goofy nature completely washed away right now.

“Yes, she’s alright. Thank you for taking care of our hija. She’s all we have.” Delfina gave them a bitter smile as she placed both of her hands on Amalia’s shoulder. “It’s alright Señora. It’s just our job as her friends.”

-3^RD PERSON POV-

After a few days passed, (Y/N)’s mental state is healthy enough to run around in Encanto like she always does. “Are you going to meet your friend Mirabel today, hija?” Delfina asked as she sipped her morning coffee. “No. Not today, mami. I’m just going to finish this bag I’m going to give to Mirabel. I’ll probably be at the bridge.” She said in a monotone voice. “What about that boy Camilo?” Right after Delfina finished with her sentence, she got whacked on the head by Amalia. “Amor! That hurts!” She pouted. “I’m… Planning to make him a ruana.” The young Serrano cracked a small smile. Both of her moms turned to her, surprised.

“Hija, are you sure? I mean… I don’t want you to have another panic attack when you’re going to give him the ruana…You almost gave me a heart attack last time.” Delfina sighed. “I can… Have Mirabel give it to him. It’s alright mami, I'm just going to give them an apology gift.” (Y/N) gave a quick peck on her step-mom’s cheek. “Becareful, hija. Come home before dinner.” Amalia reminded. “Yes, mamá.” She nodded and walked out from her house.

She glanced to the Casita of the Madrigals and sighed. ‘How am I going to face them now after that?’ (Y/N) asked herself. She took a walk to the bridge and sat on the railing, watching the waters calmly flow. She took out her crochet and her half-finished creation for Mirabel as an apology for causing a scene last time. (Y/N) mindlessly crochet, thinking about how she’s going to face Mirabel and her cousin.

She finally came back to earth to a yelp and rustling bushes. She looked around and saw a man with curly, dark auburn hair, seemingly was hiding in a bush. The man hissed and looked up, meeting with her eyes. She knew that green eyes and his facial feature, it was Camilo Madrigal.

“Camilo…?”

Chapter Text

“Camilo…?”

“I-I…” Camilo sounded very flustered and quickly went back into the bush. “Nope, who’s Camilo? I don’t see Camilo. I’m a bush.” He said in a monotone voice, like nothing happened. “Pff.” (Y/N) blurted out a quick laugh. “Why on earth are you doing there? You’ll get red, itchy bumps on your skin.” She said. “What are you talking about? Bushes don’t have skin. You’re out of your mind.” Camilo replied, still in-character as a bush.

‘If Camilo was the source of my panic attack last time… Why am I not panicking now?’ She questioned herself. (Y/N) let out a sigh and continued with her work. Obviously Camilo is staring at her crocheting the whole time. He was told by Dolores that (Y/N)'s going to the bridge, and off he went, abandoning his chores.

He lost his balance whilst hiding in a bush, and that’s how he got found. “Camilo, I’m going home now.” She jumped off from the railing. “I told you, there is no Camilo here. I’m a bush!” The “bush” exclaimed. She cracked a smile on her face. “Thank you Camilo, for distancing yourself from me. You’re very thoughtful.” She commented and went on her way to go home.

Camilo popped his head out from the bush and saw her back, slowly getting further and further from his sight. The young Madrigal blushed pink after he replayed what (Y/N) just said earlier. “Thoughtful.” He repeated. He went back home to the casita since he obviously not going to follow her back home. The casita doors opened before he could put his hand on the door knob, revealing a smiling Dolores. “I heard (Y/N), she said you’re a funny guy.” She said in a whispering manner, and left with a squeak.

Camilo just stood there and didn’t know what to do with the information his sister gave him, well, he used it to blush even redder.

“Ugh… I need Tía Julieta’s arepas.” He scratched his arms.

-IN THE SERRANO’S-

“Huh, Camilo… he’s a funny guy.” (Y/N) mumbled before opening the door to her house. “Welcome back hija, you’re just in time for lunch!” Delfina grinned brightly. “You finished the bag you were trying to make?” Delfina asked, setting up 3 plates on the table. “No, I haven’t.” She shook her head and went upstairs to her room. “¡Hija! Where are you going?! Lunch!” Delfina called out. “I’m not hungry yet!” (Y/N) shouted back as she dropped her bag onto the floor and flopped on her bed.

Camilo… Camilo… She saw him a plenty of times in the plaza, and basically anywhere in Encanto, he likes to help the townspeople and a very entertaining fellow, though he’s often seen messing around with the little children in town. But, what was wrong that time, when she had her last panic attack? She felt okay back then at the bridge… Was it the distance? Was it her state of mind? She has no idea.

She rolled left to right on her bed, shifting and rustling. This particular Madrigal, is making a mess out of her mental state, her heart. Then, a knock disturbed her thoughts, the door opened revealing Amalia. “Mamá, what is it?”

“Lunch. Come on down and have lunch with us.” She said in a soothing voice.

“Yes, mamá…” (Y/N) sighed and went down to the dining room with her mamá. She grabbed food and sat down on the dining table, silently eating while Delfina excitedly tells about her day in the workshop, Delfina opened a workshop in Encanto, she can fix anything you bring to her in the workshop. Home appliances, wagons, radios, sewing machines, everything!

“(Y/N)!~” Someone called out on the other side of the main door. “Hm, is that Mirabel’s voice?” Amalia was quick to recognize voices. “Wait a minute, Mirabel!” (Y/N) put her spoon down and rushed to the door, and opened it. She saw her best friend that she didn’t saw since the last 3 days or so. “(Y/N)! I heard you met Camilo and you’re back being you again, so I decided to stop by!” Mirabel put her hands on her hips, happily smiling to see her friend.

“Oh, I was eating lunch. Come, come in.” (Y/N) opened the door wider. “Oh! You were eating?” Mirabel stepped inside. “Yeah, but I’m almost done. I’ll be right back.” She fast walked to the dining room to eat the last pieces of her lunch. “Slow down hija, you’ll choke on your food.” Delfina tapped the table with her finger. (Y/N) replied with a yes after she gulped the food that was in her mouth.

After she’s done, she went and cleaned her plate before sitting down across Mirabel on the living room sofa. “So, are we going to go somewhere?” (Y/N) asked. “Unless you want to go somewhere else to chat.”

“No, I’m good here.” (Y/N) shrugged. “So, you met with Camilo earlier, right?” The special Madrigal asked. “Yeah.” She nodded. “And Camilo said you were fine even after seeing him, is that true?”

“Uh, huh.” Mirabel looked at her in confusion with (Y/N)’s answer. “So, why did last time…”

“I don’t know either, amiga…” She shook her head. “I don’t know what was wrong with me that time… I feel like I’m broken, malfunctioning.”

Mirabel sighed, she can’t stand looking at her friend like this. “No, amiga… You’re not broken nor malfunctioning… Why don’t we have a quick experiment?” Mirabel suggested. “Experiment?” (Y/N) looked up at her. “Yeah! There has to be something that was triggering your panic attack. How about it? With that, we’ll manage things out to avoid whatever triggered your panic.” Mirabel tried to explain.

“Well, I was thinking about the possibilities of my trigger.” The young Serrano admitted. “You have something in mind already?” Mirabel took out a notepad and a pen from her bag. Why is she carrying a notepad with her? Anyways, “I was thinking of the distance? I mean, last time he was so standing so close to me, and earlier he was like a good few feet away from me.” Mirabel wrote it all down like an interviewer. “And… Probably my mental state was not stable at that moment, that’s why I was easily triggered.”

Mirabel wrote scribbles on her notes. “Alright, what else?”

So the two went on to plan their little experiment. “Mamá, I’m going to go out with Mirabel. Where’s mami?” She looked around in the dining room. “Hija, you didn’t notice your mami leaving earlier?” Amalia chuckled. “Oh? I didn’t realized.”

“Don’t mind it, you know your mami always leave without a sound.” Amalia took a sip on her tea.

“Alright, I’ll see you later, mamá.”

“Come home before dinner, hija.” It sounded like a catchphrase for Amalia at this point.

“Come on, Mirabel.” (Y/N) swung her bag on her shoulders and left the house with the Madrigal. And so they marched their way to la casa de Madrigal. On their way, they met a few of the Madrigals, helping out around.

“Hola Luisa!”

“Mmm, mamá are we having arepa con queso tonight?”

“Isabella, you missed a spot!”

And (Y/N) definitely was not the one who made all of those remarks, she just followed Mirabel behind just like a baby chick following it’s mother. When they got there, casita opened it’s doors for them, as if welcoming their arrival. “Gracias, casita.”

“Camilo!” Mirabel called out. “Hey, tone it down.” (Y/N) nudged the Madrigal beside her, remembering there’s a Madrigal who has a very sensitive hearing. “Oh, crap.” Mirabel cursed under her breath. “Hm?” popped his head from the kitchen and instantly froze when he saw (Y/N). “(Y/N)?” Camilo panicked and used a tray to hide his face. “No, no Camilo, we actually need you for an experiment!”

“Experiment?” Camilo slowly lowered the tray to look at Mirabel as if she’s loco. “Yeah, we’re trying out why her panic attack was triggered. We have a few to test out.” Mirabel lift up the notebook. “So now I’m a test subject?” Camilo sighed heavily. “You two are the test subjects.” Mirabel smirked, pointing both (Y/N) and Camilo back and forth. “Mirabel, I have a lot of chores to do, I’m have to babysit Señora Martín’s baby son for a couple of hours and I promised the kids I’ll be playing with them at the plaza.” Camilo said in annoyance while getting some leftover food in the kitchen to snack on.

“Aw, come on mi querida primo Camilo~” Mirabel coaxed. Camilo looked over his shoulder to see Mirabel using her puppy eyes and (Y/N) looking, well, normal. “It’s okay, Mirabel. We can do this next time, it seems Camilo is busy today.” (Y/N) put a hand on her shoulder.

“Well, I think I can if you help me babysit.” Camilo smirked. “Deal!” Mirabel immediately agreed. “What?” She had never dealt with little kids, let alone babysitting a baby. What if she left her eyes off them for too long? How is she going to handle the tantrums? The screaming? What if the baby pulls her hair or knock things over? So many scenario possibilities.

“It’s okay if you don’t want to come, mi amiga. I know you d-“ “I’ll come with you.”

“What?” Mirabel was taken aback. “I mean, I won’t be babysitting alone. Am I?” (Y/N) nervously asked, praying to God she won’t need to deal with a baby on her own. “No! Don’t worry (Y/N), you have the reliable Camilo with you!” Camilo bravely pointed to himself while munching some food that his tía Julieta made.

“Why don’t you have something to eat first? Babysitting is tiring.” Camilo warned her as he gestured to the plate of empanadas. “Oh, no no. I already ate lunch before getting here. But gracias.” She cracked up a smile, thanking for Camilo’s generosity. “Oh! I want some!” Mirabel skipped her way to the plate. Camilo immediately turned around and blushed. ‘That smile…’ He replayed the clip of (Y/N) smiling in his head over and over.

And so casita dragged a chair near (Y/N), gesturing her to sit down, which she did. She saw Mirabel and Camilo joking around, they look so close together. As an only child, she never felt this family love the Madrigals clearly shows to the town. All she has is her mamá and mami’s love. A parent’s love is different with a sibling or a relative love. And Mirabel is also different, though she already saw her as a sister now.

‘I felt like I’m missing something.’ (Y/N) looked down on her hands. ‘I’m nothing but an introvert who can’t make friends even though I’m already 20.’

“Violeta, ¡vamos! Señora Martín is probably waiting for us!” Mirabel tapped her shoulder. Casita lifted her chair as if saying “Go on! Get a move on!” (Y/N) stood up from the chair with a small giggle and followed Mirabel and Camilo behind. The three of them walked in a row, with Mirabel in the middle, separating Camilo and (Y/N). During their walk to the Martín’s, Camilo would steal a glance of her chatting with his cousin.

Her smooth hair, her shiny bright eyes, her smooth skin, her pretty dress, and she even used the bag he made for her! Though it looked like Violeta fixed some parts where he messed up. Though she rarely saw her smile for all these years, but when she does, ay dios mío. It would be the death of him. He wondered if Violeta smiled when she knew that bag was made by him, did she smile? Laugh? He kinda regrets having Mirabel to give it to her instead, but he didn’t quite have the coura— “AAIYE!”

Camilo lost his footing while he accidentally step on a crooked paving stone on the road. Just before he could fell face first, (Y/N) grabbed his upper arm. Mirabel and the passing townfolks were frozen in place. “I… I caught you.” She breathed, relieved that her reflexes were fast enough to avoid any accidents on Camilo. The male Madrigal looked like he’s still processing what just happened. “Camilo you need to becareful of your steps.” She sighed and released her gorilla grip on him.

“Dios mío, Camilo! Were you daydreaming?” Mirabel let out a laugh. Camilo just chuckled nervously. “I lost my step.” He admitted. But true, he was too distracted by his daydreaming.

“But, (Y/N), you even touched Camilo… You don’t feel… Panic?” Mirabel’s eyes widened, noticed that (Y/N) was the one who caught Camilo. “No… That’s weird…” She looked at her hand that caught Camilo. Mirabel quickly took out her notebook and vigorously scribbled on it. “Now we know that the distance between the two of you is not the cause of her panic attack!” She declared. This is basically a green light for Camilo. “Oh, well. That’s good to know.” Camilo smiled at his savior.

She gave him a small smile. “That means it wasn’t your fault that I went to a panic attack last time. I guess I was a bit out of my mind. There was a crowd that time in the plaza anyways, so I guess I would be panicking sooner or later.” (Y/N) shrugged.

Now, Camilo won’t have to feel so guilty or need to hide from her anymore, no more itchy skins from hiding in a bush.

Chapter Text

-2^ND PERSON POV-

Hours flew by as you, Camilo and Mirabel were finally done with babysitting Señora Martín’s baby. “So, are we still gonna do this experiment you were saying? I mean, we unintentionally did a head start.” Camilo mentioned about earlier when you caught Camilo from falling. Mirabel took out her notebook and discussed things with Camilo. You on the other hand, still couldn’t believe she pretty much enjoyed babysitting.

They only had to babysit 1 child, though Camilo and Mirabel did most of the work since they were experienced with dealing with from babies to little brats, especially Camilo. You were expecting pure chaos, but it was surprisingly calm, you only chatted and joked around most of the time, so it was pretty nice. “Now that we know Camilo isn’t the source of your panic attack, it’s maybe with your surroundings.” Mirabel said. “Try not to think about things too much, just have fun or ask us to think about it with you, ¡mi amiga!” Mirabel put an arm around your shoulder. “I wasn’t thinking about anything.”

“C’mon, there has to be something, you’re not brain dead, are you?” Mirabel joked. You nudged her side and let out a small chuckle. “Alright then, I’ll probably should head back and help mamá with dinner, see you!” Mirabel quickly ran off, suspiciously.

“So, what are we gonna do?” Camilo asked nervously. Why did Mirabel has to leave him alone with you? She knows that he couldn’t function most of the time when he’s with you. “Want to accompany me while I make Mirabel’s bag?” You asked, and Camilo responded with a smile and nodded. “And, I noticed you used the bag I made…” He said sheepishly.

“Oh right! I was impressed, Camilo. I heard you know almost nothing about knitting.” You were genuinely grateful, though she had to fix some parts.

“Yeah, I had to ask Mirabel to teach me. Why were you using your old bag anyways? You could’ve just make a new one yourself, right?” He asked as they walked side-by-side to the bridge, where you usually go to have some peace and silence. “My mamá made it for me years ago, probably before I moved here.” You shrugged, it was your motivation to learn about knitting, sewing, and crochet. “Are you going to learn more about crochet or knitting? I can teach you if you’d like.” You offered.

“As much as I wanted to, señorita, I don’t want to stress myself again over those.” Camilo let out a heavy sigh, remembering that he gave a large effort to craft his gift for you. Which made you appreciate the gift even more. “Now it’s my turn to ask you.” He sat on the bridge railing, so did you.

“You always seemed alone, all the time. Why?” He did this best to construct his sentence. “Oh, I don’t really like socializing with new people. The reason why I’m so close with Mirabel is because she was the one who approached me first and that’s how we became friends.” You reminisced about the time when Mirabel approached you during a festival held at the casita. You were just this introverted new-comer and Mirabel is a very cheerful extrovert and she basically adopted you.

You took out your crochet needle and yarn along with your half-finished gift for your best friend, Mirabel. You quickly immersed with the sound of the water flowing below you and mindlessly crocheted like usual, Camilo on the other hand enjoyed this and watched your hands craft the bag. You were definitely showing how frequent you crochet and it only take you a couple of minutes to finish a line.

At this point, Camilo knew you’d pretty much enjoy silence instead of talking, so he decided to silently admire you.

Hours flew by as you and Camilo sat on the bridge railing silently in tranquil. “Oh, it’s done.” You lift the finished product. It was a bag made with cool colored yarns, such as purple, blue, and green. It has an intricate pattern that your mamá taught you. “It looks pretty cool.” Camilo showed her a thumbs up. You looked at Camilo and gave him a gentle smile, which resulted a red hue on his entire face. “Gracias, I’m going to give this to Mirabel right away.”

“Let me take you there, señorita.” Camilo jumped off from the railing and offered his hand to you to hold. You were hesitant, why? Why is Camilo doing this for you? You’re basically a no-one, you’re just an anti-social loner. “Come on, I’ll take you to our casita.” He offered again. You let out a hesitant sigh and grabbed his hand and carefully stepped down from the railing.

“I know my way there though.” You added. “Well, we’re going to the same destination, so why not?”

“Oh, you’re going home as well?”

“Yeah, mami would start a hurricane if I don’t show up in her face soon.” Camilo laughed, he remembered the time Pepa started a hurricane because Camilo slept over at a friend’s house without permission because he forgot. “You should’ve left earlier then, you didn’t told me you had to go home.” You huffed. “It’s alright, I couldn’t just leave you alone here.” The two of you walked along the path back to the casita.

“That’s kind of you, but I’ve been there alone for years now.” You said the truth, you’re a loner but it doesn’t mean you enjoyed locking yourself up in your room, you need some fresh air. The two of you had a light chat before you arrived in front of the casita. “You want to come inside?” Camilo offered with a smile, opening the doors wider. The sounds of several people chatting inside the casita immediately made your palms sweaty. “N-no thanks. I’m fine from here. Just tell Mirabel to meet me here.” You refused his offer.

Camilo let out a sigh and smiled. “Alright, I’ll go get her.” He disappeared into the casita, looking for his cousin. ‘Sorry… Maybe next time…’ You thought. You really want to get to know better of the Madrigals, but how could you? You would faint.

After a few minutes, Mirabel arrived at the door, waving as soon as she was in your view. “¡Hola! What’s up? Camilo told me you wanted to see me.” She gave you a bright smile. You took out the crochet bag and showed it to her. “I made this for you. Sorry for causing a scene last time.” You said in an apologetic tone.

“Oh… Oh! Mi amiga, you don’t have to do this for me… It’s alright.” Mirabel was flustered, she wasn’t expecting anything for you, she want nothing from you in return. “Mirabel, I put my sweat and tears into this.” You said in monotone and won’t let Mirabel refuse your gift. “Just accept it, I don’t really care if you’d use it or not.” You shrugged. In the end, Mirabel gave up.

“Alright, alright. Gracias, amiga. I’ll cherish it.” Mirabel gave you a genuine smile, and accepted the gift. “Mirabel! Time for dinner!” Luisa appeared in your view. “Oh, ¡hola!” Luisa immediately waved at you with a grin. “Yes, yes. You want to have dinner with us, (Y/N)?” Mirabel offered, though deep down, she knew you would refuse her offer.

“M-maybe next time? I haven’t asked for my mamá’s permission and I need to go home.” You made up an excuse, imagining the crowded dining table, surrounded by the Madrigals.

“I knew it. Alright then, see you tomorrow.” Mirabel and Luisa waved. You simply nod and walked back home. Why are you so nervous around the Madrigals? They’re kind, helpful, and making you uncomfortable would be the last thing in their to-do list. But why were you nervous? Sure, you dislike crowds in general, but there’s a different feeling with the Madrigals. A different kind of nervous. Just thinking about it would make your palms sweat like crazy.

You opened the front door of your house and saw your mothers setting up the dining table. “Hija, you’re just in time.” Amalia placed the plates down. “Yes—hija. What’s up with your expression? You look very down for some reason. Did something happened?” Delfina walked over and placed her hand on your cheek. “I… I was invited for dinner at the Madrigals. But…” You sighed heavily, looking away. “I want to, but I just can’t.”

Amalia and Delfina looked at each other before consoling you as usual. “Maybe you’re just tired today, hija. Come, have some of your mamá’s arroz con pollo, I know it’s your favorite.” Delfina smiled, guiding you to the dining table. “Since we’re all together now, I have something to talk to you…” Amalia spoke up as soon as you sat on the chair.

“Amor, we talked about this before.” Delfina let out a tired sigh. Unusual, you thought. “I know. (Y/N), you’re going to turn 21 soon, are you sure you don’t have someone in mind?” Amalia asked. Delfina slapped her forehead. “As in… Marriage?!” You looked at your mamá in horror. “Señor Sanchez’s son sent a proposal earlier today. Juan Sanchez.”

Your brows knitted as you tried to remember who the hell is Juan Sanchez. “I know Señor Sanchez’s face, but I don’t even remember his son’s! ¡Mamá!” You protested, you couldn’t handle a being in a crowd, not to mention marriage. Amalia lifted her hand. “I know, mija. I couldn’t refuse the proposal because Señor Sanchez plays an important role for your mami’s business in the workshop.” Amalia let out a frustrated sigh.

“Hija, what we’re trying to say is… We’re suggesting you find someone you love while me and your mamá hold the proposal back as long as we can.” Delfina gave you a gentle smile. “But…” “Hija, you’ve been here for like what… 6 years already and you’ve been going out and about in the plaza ever since! There has to be someone who caught your eye. Hmmmm how about that Madrigal boy. Camilla??” Delfina guessed. “Camilo. You’ve been here for 6 years and you still can’t remember their names.” Amalia corrected, giving the side eye to her wife. “Ay, mi amor… Forgive my old brain…”

‘Camilo…?’

“Anyways, yes you seem kinda close to that Camilo. Surely he has his eyes on you, hija.” Delfina stuffed her face with food. You wished, you couldn’t help but to notice the women’s glances and stares at Camilo whenever they went together. But what could you do, you’re a nothing and Camilo is in the spotlight. “But regardless if it’s Juan or Camilo, I don’t want to get married yet, I’m still in my early 20’s!” You refused the fact that you’re getting married at 20 or 21. “Well, I married your mamá around your age.” Delfina chuckled.

“That’s because you’ve been dating mamá for years even before mamá got divorced!” You protested again. “I- amor, how does she remember that part?” Delfina loudly whispered to Amalia. “As I said. I couldn’t refuse or it’ll destroy your mami’s business. All I can do is postpone the proposal.”

“But couldn’t you just say I have someone I love? They wouldn’t know who it is anyways.” You rolled your eyes. “That’s the problem, hija. If I said that, who knows if they’ll ask who’s the lucky guy. I couldn’t just say a random name, everyone here knows each other.” Amalia let out another sigh.

“Amor, you’re sighing too much today…”

“There’s no such thing as sighing too much. Hija, either find someone or I’ll have to set you up with Juan by the end of the year.” Amalia declared. You snapped your head to the calendar on the wall. “4 months?!”

“Yes, hija. Though you’ll still need my approval. Once you send the boy to meet me and your mami, I’ll set the plan to cancel the Sanchez’s proposal. After that you can go as slow as you want for your actual proposal.”

“How about Camilo? I’ve never seen you at least talking to other guys besides him.” Delfina smirked. That’s the question that you didn’t even know the answer yourself. Do you love him? Most importantly, does Camilo loves you? Or at least even attracted to you? You have no idea.

“I don’t know mami… After all these years we were just limited to exchanging greetings. I only had an actual conversation with Camilo recently.” You shrugged and finished your food. “Well, you still have 4 months, but remember... I don’t want you to be feel forced to get married to someone you don’t even love no matter how beneficial it is to our family. I don’t want you to feel my pain, mija. I’ve suffered to much being married to your father.” Amalia tucked your hair behind your ear.

“Be it a man or a woman, we don’t care hija. Remember that.” Delfina held your hand tightly. You looked at your mamá and mami back and forth. You could see the pain in their eyes as you recalled the days before the three of you moved to Encanto. Your mothers’ marriage wasn’t approved by the society and the church, you were bullied in school for having two mothers, and your mamá cried every night because of the abuse from the society.

“I know.” You nodded.

“Good.” Amalia sighed in relief. “Anyways, why Juan sent a proposal if I don’t even recall talking to him?” You finally asked the million dollar question. “He had a crush on you when you used to come by at my workshop.” Delfina said as she stood up, picking up the empty plates. “That was like, years ago!”

“I know, mija. I just couldn’t let you get married to someone you consider a stranger.” Amalia huffed. “It’s unacceptable.”

And so you went back to your room after helping your mothers clean the dining room. You were in deep thought, marriage? You didn’t even thought of dating. You sat on the bed and glanced at the bag that Camilo gave you. You were sure it took at least 4 months to finish that for an amateur. But for now, You still need some time to figure out if Camilo really has a crush on you, and if your feelings towards Camilo is a true feeling.

Chapter Text

A few days passed by, and nothing really changed. (Y/N) is still confused with her feelings, Camilo is not sure if he should really go for it, both (Y/N) and Camilo are not so awkward with each other anymore and Mirabel… still being the most supportive cousin/friend for the two of them. (Y/N) haven’t told them about her “proposal” yet, she’s still not ready to see their reaction yet.

She’s been knitting her gift for Camilo for a few minutes, sitting further away from the plaza with Mirabel, watching her knit. “Wow look at those hands go.” Mirabel is amazed, looking at (Y/N) knitting in a fast pace. “Of course, if I don’t… I’ll probably finish this in 3 months. I need to finish this within two weeks.” (Y/N) sighed. “Why?” The Madrigal asked. “It’s just a habit. I don’t like doing on long projects.” She shrugged, and glanced at Camilo, playing with the kids at the plaza as usual.

Why is he so good with kids? Why can’t she be like him? It’s something she’s still wondering until now. “Hm, true… I often forget about it in the end.” Mirabel sighed and leaned back on the bench. “Hey, isn’t that Claudia?” Mirabel squinted her eyes, leaning forward towards the plaza. “Who?” She’s clueless, who the hell is Claudia?

“It’s Señor Andres’ daughter? The priest!”

“Oh. I’ve never seen his daughter around here before.” (Y/N) said the most obvious statement. “Duh!” Mirabel rolled her eyes. “What about her? You wanted to go greet her?”

“No, she’s talking to Camilo. Her face looks red.” Mirabel took off her glasses and aimed it further from eyes. “Maybe she’s sick, probably asking for arepas from your mamá.” Mirabel snapped her head to (Y/N). “I don’t think that’s the face of a sick person.” Mirabel couldn’t accept it just yet. She decided to sit back and never leave her eyes from Claudia and Camilo, whilst reading their body language.

“Amiga, stop staring at them.”

“I can’t. This is all for your sake.”

“Mine?” (Y/N) looked at her in confusion. But she brushed it off after a few minutes of doubt. ‘She’s always like that.’ She thought to herself and decided not to think too much about her. “(Y/N)! He’s walking away with her?!” Mirabel half-shouted, standing up immediately and pulling (Y/N)’s hand with her. “¡¿Que?!” She gripped her  knitting needles and her half-finished ruana with her other hand. Mirabel dragged her to the direction Camilo and Claudia went, going on spy mode.

“¡Dios mío! Mira—“ “Shhhhh!” Mirabel slapped her hand on (Y/N)’s mouth, peeking from a nearby building. Mirabel could see Camilo and Claudia walking down the paveway together, laughing. Oh Mirabel wished she has Dolores’ gift right now, while poor (Y/N) is still processing what the hell just happened. “Why are they so close to each other…?” Mirabel whispered softly to herself. She pushed up her glasses and sighed. “Mirabel, you’ve got some explaining to do.”

“Camilo’s the one who has some explaining to do, not me!” Mirabel protested in a hushed tone. “Well, just let him be, I mean… I’m sure he has other friends than me.” (Y/N) sighed, she doesn’t know why Mirabel is like this. Mirabel slapped her forehead and turned towards (Y/N). “Look, I’m doing this for both you and Camilo. You’re too naïve with this kinda thing, (Y/N).”

(Y/N) didn’t say a thing, instead gave her a confused expression. Mirabel put her fingers on both of her temples. “Do you like Camilo?”

(Y/N)’s eyes widen and her brows squished together in the middle. “Why are you asking that?” She asked. “I’m asking a yes or no question, you’re supposed to answer me with a yes or no, not with another question.” Mirabel explained. “Uh… I just started getting close with Camilo like… Two weeks ago? I’m not sure about that.”

“It doesn’t matter if you just got close to him from two weeks ago, don’t you feel giddy whenever he’s with you?” The Madrigal with glasses asked. “Am I supposed to feel giddy?” (Y/N) asked instead, with a soft voice. She’s not sure she would be a perfect partner for a Madrigal. Mirabel sighed heavily and put her hands on her hips. “So you’re telling me you don’t like Camilo?” She crossed her arms in front of her chest. “Wha—“

“Who doesn’t like me?”

Mirabel blabbered out gibberish out of shock and whipped her head to the person behind her, Camilo. “Why are you here?”

“I’m supposed to ask that to you two. Why are you two hiding here?” Camilo chuckled. “No. We’re not hiding. Who told you that?” Mirabel straighten up her posture, hoping to fool him with her confidence. “Anyways, who doesn’t like the great Camilo Madrigal?” Camilo had a smug expression. “Her.” Mirabel pointed at (Y/N) behind her. “I didn’t say that!” (Y/N) defended herself.

Camilo had a surprised expression. “No… No I never said I didn’t like you, Camilo.”

“So you like me?”

“Neither.”

“Then what?” Both Mirabel and Camilo asked and stared at her at the same time. “I don’t know.” (Y/N) shrugged her shoulders. She then remembered what her mamá said a few days ago about her postponed proposal. ‘What do I feel about Camilo? Is this love genuine? Or is it because I had no choice?’ She asked herself. “Look, I-I need to go home. My mamá and mami are going to get worried.” (Y/N) stuffed her half-finished ruana in her bag and began to step away. “W-wait, (Y/N)!” Mirabel called out. “Look what you’ve done, Mirabel.” “Me?!”

Since the direction of her house is on the other side of the plaza, (Y/N) had to walk past the crowded plaza. (Y/N) was taken aback for a moment. “(Y/N)!” She heard Camilo’s voice from behind. She took a deep breath and speed walked through the plaza, her heart racing, she doesn’t know if it’s from the crowded plaza or from Camilo chasing her down. Whilst bumping into the other townspeople, her vision started to blur and she could hear her fast heartbeat in her ear.

She gripped the strap of her bag, hanging for dear life. Magically, (Y/N) arrived in front of her house. She opened the door and slammed it shut, surprising Amalia and Delfina who were sitting in front of the TV, cuddling. “¡Dios mío! (Y/N)?!” Delfina stood up and went to see her daughter, heavily breathing, leaning on the door. (Y/N) looked up to her mami. “Mami…” Her eyes began to pool with tears and she bit her lip. Delfina’s figure immediately soften at the sight of her vulnerable daughter. “Ay, mija. What happened to you?” Amalia walked over to (Y/N), cupping her face with her gentle hands, wiping away tears.

“Mamá… I don’t know anymore…” (Y/N) broken down into a sobbing mess. “Hija, mi princesa… Cry it all out, we’re here for you.” Delfina hugged both her daughter and wife with her strong arms. “Let’s move to the sofa, mija.” Amalia guided (Y/N) to the sofa with Delfina.

Both Amalia and Delfina let (Y/N) cry her heart out first before interrogating. “Are you better now?” Amalia asked, retrieving the empty cup that once filled with warm milk. (Y/N) responded with a nod.

“What happened? I told you to avoid going to the plaza at this time. Everyone is usually gathering at this time around.” Amalia sighed. “It’s not just that, mamá…” She softly said. “What is it? Did someone messed with you?” Delfina rolled up her sleeves, ready to throw hands on anyone who would hurt her hija. “Mi corazón, calm down. Who even dares to hurt our daughter?” Amalia patted Delfina’s thigh.

“Is it that Madrigal boy?” Delfina guessed. (Y/N) looked up at Delfina’s eyes with her red, puffy ones. “A-HA! WHAT DID THAT LITTLE TWERP DO TO YOU?” Delfina stood up and stomped her way to the door. “¡Mi amor! Delfina!” Amalia stood up and ran to hold her wife back before she could go on rampage. “Mami! It’s not like that!” (Y/N) protested. “Then what happened? It’s not like cried for no absolute reason, right?” Delfina let out a heavy huff, looking at (Y/N).

(Y/N) just stared into her mami’s eyes. “A-HA—“ “No, mami. I have a reason…” She muttered. “I know I hit the bullseye if I see those eyes, hija.”

“It’s a mix of both…” (Y/N) started. She then explained what happened to both of her mothers. “Well, I can’t really blame him. The most possible scenario would be the two of them knew each other since childhood.” Amalia sighed and crossed her arms in front of her chest. “This is why I’m lesbian.” Delfina scoffed and sat down on the sofa right beside (Y/N).

“Men are jerks and once you found a decent one, you’re just too late for it, he’ll have his eyes on someone else.”

‘Then… What am I in Camilo’s eyes? Just a friend?’

“Not yet, mi amor. That Madrigal boy is still declared single. Our beautiful hija still has a chance.” Amalia walked over to (Y/N) and kissed the top of her head. “But mamá… I’m not even sure about my own feelings…”

“Oh stop your silly talk, hija. You’re currently knitting a whole human-sized ruana for him. And you’re still doubting it?” Delfina asked, rolling her eyes. “Hija, what makes you think like that? Me and your mamá are waiting for you to become official. Love isn’t always expressed with words, but with actions.” She took out the half-finished ruana. “So don’t think much about it and your body work on it’s own. You’ll come to realize it’s your love language. Same goes to Camilo.” Amalia added.

“And about that Claudia… Either stalk or just ask him about it.” Delfina shrugged. “¡Amor! Don’t teach our daughter to stalk!” Amalia smacked her wife’s shoulder. “Ouch! But I’m sure you’ll do it too if I do the same.”

“No, I’ll kill you if you do the same.”

“No no no no I’m sorry mi amor…”

“I’m just going back to my room… Gracias, mamá, mami…” (Y/N) stood up from the sofa and walked up to her room. “Okay, remember to come down for dinner.” Amalia reminded. She didn’t responded and walked inside her room, closing the door shut behind her after. She let out a heavy sigh. (Y/N) walked over to her window and stared the casita of the Madrigals, light shining from it.

And she glanced at the church. “Of course he would rather choose a priest’s daughter rather than me.”

The next day, Mirabel visited her house, apologizing for her actions yesterday. “I’m really sorry. I went too far yesterday. I suddenly forgot you’re easily overwhelmed.” Mirabel let out a nervous chuckle, fumbling with her skirt. “Yeah, it’s alright… I wasn’t feeling too good anyways.” (Y/N) nodded, accepting the apology. The two went into an awkward silence for a few minutes.

“O-oh, I forgot. Do you want to come by at the casita? It’s Antonio’s birthday today.” Mirabel spoke up. “Today?” (Y/N) snapped her head to the calendar. “You don’t have any plans, do you?”

“No… But I don’t think I can make anything within a few hours…” (Y/N) rubbed her chin, thinking. “Well, we can go to the plaza and find something instead?” Mirabel smiled. The word ‘Plaza’ made (Y/N)’s spine shiver. Oh Lord no.

“The… Plaza?” (Y/N) squeaked. “Yeah. Don’t worry. It’s not that crowded during lunch time.” Mirabel stood up. (Y/N) thank the Lords above that she had an early lunch because both her mamá and mami went to the workshop to deal with something. “Alright, let me grab my bag.” She went upstairs to get her bag and left the house with Mirabel, and locked the door. And as Mirabel said earlier, there wasn’t much people in the plaza.

She grabbed Mirabel’s skirt as tight as she can like a child. “Look!” Mirabel dragged her to a toy stall, displaying various plushies and traditional toys that the kids usually play with. The two of them took their time to choose what to buy for Antonio. In the end, (Y/N) bought a capybara plushie, thought she’s sure Antonio already has the real thing. But oh well.

“¡Gracias, señorita!”

(Y/N) looked at the plushie in the paper bag and smiled. “So, when is the party?” She asked the Madrigal beside her. “In a few hours!”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner? I thought it was tonight!” (Y/N) speed walked back home. Mirabel only let out a laugh. “I’m sorry!~ But you look alright though!” Mirabel complimented as she followed behind. “If I’m going to meet your whole entire family, at least I need to look presentable.” She unlocked the door and rushed upstairs.

“Huh, is she dressing up to see Camilo?” Mirabel mumbled softly, grinning after.

(Y/N) changed her clothes in a speed of light, wore just a few dabs of makeup and tied up her long hair. She went downstairs and saw Mirabel on the sofa. “Hey, let’s go! Should we go see your mamá first?” Mirabel asked. “Oh yeah, I still need permission.” (Y/N) grabbed the paper bag and her own bag. The two of them marched to Delfina’s workshop.

“Mamá! Mami!” (Y/N) called out as she skipped her way to her parents. “Oh, mija?” Delfina’s eyes brighten up as she saw her daughter walking towards her. She abandoned her work on a broken TV. “My pretty pretty hija! Why are you here? Did you missed your mami?” She grinned widely as she wiped her hands on a towel. “Hola señora.” Mirabel smiled and waved.

“Hello! What do you two señoritas need here in my workshop?” Delfina asked in her most cheerful voice, one of her charms. “Where is mamá? I need permission to go to Antonio’s birthday today at the casita.”

“Your mamá is in the back. Let me fetch her.” Delfina went back to the back door, and came out with Amalia a few minutes later. “¿Hija? Why are you here, with Mirabel?” Amalia smiled. “I need permission to go to Antonio’s birthday party today at the casita.” (Y/N) repeated. Amalia let out a giggle instead. “¿Que?” (Y/N) had a confused expression. “(Y/N), hija. You’re already 20 now. You don’t need our permission just to go to the casita. You only need my permission if you’re spending the whole night out of our house.” Amalia explained.

“Well, I just felt like I need to.” She shrugged. “Well, go ahead now. Are you going to spend the night there too?” Delfina asked. “Well…” (Y/N) glanced at Mirabel, as if asking for help. “Sleepover!” She cheered. “That’s a yes then.” Delfina gave them a thumbs up.

“Oh, ¡hola señorita!”

(Y/N) looked around and saw none other than Señor Sanchez with his son, Juan. “Mierda.” Delfina said under her breath, which received a smack on the back from Amalia. “Ay, Señor, you’re greeting my daughter before me?” Delfina joked. “Of course! I know you for years! While the señorita here is going to be my hijo’s wife! I’m sure you forgot about me.” Señor Sanchez let out a loud laugh. “You can call me Señor Sanchez! And this is mi hijo, Juan! I’m sure your mami told you about the marriage proposal.”

Mirabel almost choked on air, staring at (Y/N) with very wide eyes. (Y/N) tried her best to crack a smile. “Sí…hola Señor Sanchez, Señorito Juan.” (Y/N) had a very uncomfortable expression. “And look who we have here, Mirabel Madrigal! ¡Hola!”

“H-hola…” Mirabel was kind of speechless. Why is this man suddenly came and talk about marriage proposals?

(Y/N) glanced at Juan and looked at him up and down. Very thin, thick glasses, shiny hair, wearing a buttoned-up shirt tucked in his pants, thick belt, shiny Oxford shoes, limpy limbs, looked like he couldn’t carry anything weighed more than a pound. Yeah, no.

“S-Señor, that reminds me I need to talk about you about something, do you think you have this part in this TV right here? I think I’m missing something.” Delfina hooked her strong arms around his neck and dragged the man with her to the broken TV. “And c’mere Juan! You’ll need to understand about these things before you could lay your hands on my hija! AHAHAHA!” Delfina called out. Juan squeaked and hurriedly ran to her.

“Go on.” Amalia smiled, shooing the two girls away. “Thank you mamá, mami.” (Y/N) immediately ran for her life with Mirabel. “(Y/N), what wAS THAT?!”

“Ugh… I’ll tell you later… This is super embarrassing.”

She was not expecting for Juan to look like that. She could’ve considered if he’s at least looked like Mariano, but no. He’s the complete opposite and he’s definitely not her type. Good thing her mothers are very picky with appearances. “Oh you better tell me EVERYTHING about that!”

Then they arrived at the casita, it’s not so crowded yet, since the peak of the party is around sunset, still a few hours away. (Y/N) could see the whole family and a few townspeople helping setting up the party. “Mirabel! Where were you… Oh! A friend! Aren’t you (Y/N)?” Agustín, Mirabel’s dad asked. “Yes, hola Señor Agustín.” (Y/N) nodded, greeting him with a soft voice.

“Welcome, want some churros?” He offered as casita dragged a chair beside her. “Mirabel’s mamá made too much, so come help us.” He chuckled. (Y/N) hesitantly sit on the chair and it immediately moved to the dining room, it’s like she’s on a roller coaster. (Y/N) is too overwhelmed to the point she went speechless. Everything is bustling around her. Isabela decorating the whole casita, Luisa lifting up and moving things, Julieta making food, Pepa trying to calm herself down, Félix trying to calm Pepa down, Antonio went who knows where, Dolores lovey dovey with Mariano, Abuela as commander, and lastly Camilo mostly lazing around.

Though Camilo hadn’t realized (Y/N) is at the casita, he’s busy goofing with everyone. Agustín placed a plate of churros in front of (Y/N) and smiled. “Don’t mind us and relax.” He said before leaving. The poor nervous Serrano looked around, searching for her friend, Mirabel. But she saw she’s busy conversating with her siblings, Isabela and Luisa.

She just sat there, in silence, not even touching the churros. Just when she think she’s about to break down and fall apart, someone finally called her name, bringing her back to earth.

“(Y/N)?”

She snapped her head back and saw Camilo, who was surprised and wasn’t expecting her arrival.

Chapter Text

“Hey, I was about to go invite you, did Mirabel took you here?” Camilo chuckled. “Yes.” You squeaked quietly. “H-hey… what’s wrong?” Camilo noticed something different in your voice. “I… it’s just too… lively in here…” You chuckled nervously, fumbling with your paper bag. “Do you want to go somewhere else instead?” Camilo offered in a hushed tone. “Where?”

“In my room. B-but don’t get the wrong idea…” Camilo chuckled nervously while you gave him a confused expression. “I can shapeshift my room into a soundproof one if you’d like. Mi hermana Dolores would occasionally borrow my room if she gets overwhelmed.” He explained. Now it makes much more sense. “Sure…” You nodded. So, Camilo gently guided you upstairs to his room. You took a quick look around his room, filled with mirrors hanging here and there.

You wanted to ask what’s up with the multiple mirrors, but decided to ask it in another time. Then, Camilo’s wallpaper changed to a soundproof material and now the crowded noise from outside of the room became muffled and it eased you a bit. “Better?” He asked. “Yeah. Better.” You nodded and let out a relieved sigh. “I was worried that you’d get another panic attack… You can sit on the bed since, there’s nowhere else to sit.”

You then sit on the edge of Camilo’s soft bed. “I’ll go get you some snacks and tell Mirabel that you’re here.” He said before leaving the room, closing the door shut. You looked around the room, it was surprisingly tidy, and is that a stage? The room is much more spacious that you’d thought it would be, but then again… “It is a magical casita.” You whispered. Standing up from the bed, you walked over to the stage and looked around. It’s a legit stage with red curtains and a back stage.

“Why does he has a stage…?” You have no idea why. Then, the door suddenly slammed open, revealing the gift-less Madrigal. “(Y/N)! I was looking ALL OVER for you!” Mirabel ran and lunged on her, tackling her down on the stage’s wooden flooring. “I was worried you ran off to who knows where! I’m sorry mi amiga I was too distracted, I forgot about you for a moment!”

“It’s okay… I know you’re busy helping around…”

“Oh, you noticed my stage, eh?” Camilo leaned on the doorframe, holding a plate of churros. “Yes… Why do you have a stage?” You decided to ask, whilst standing up from the floor. “Well…” Camilo shrugged. “Acting is part of my gift, I guess. Enough of that, have some churros.” Camilo brushed it off and offered you a plate of churros. You shook your head instead.

“No… I don’t like eating when I’m nervous…” Eating while you’re nervous is a horrible experience, you could literally throw up. “O-oh… okay then.” Camilo pulled the plate back while looking a bit sad. You felt instant guilt when you saw his face, he looked like a sad abandoned puppy. “Let me have some.” Mirabel reached for the tasty looking churros. “No, I’m not offering them to you.” Camilo raised the plate high up above his own head.

“Then what are you gonna do with those whole plates of churros?” Mirabel groaned, all she want is a little snack. “Go get your own downstairs, I’m going to finish it all by myself.” Camilo took a piece and stuffed it in his mouth. “You greedy little…” Mirabel decided not to finish her sentence and just left the room. “(Y/N)! If you need me, I’ll be downstairs!” Mirabel shouted, and she’s gone.

Then, an awkward silence filled the room. “It’s not so crowded anymore, do you want to get some fresh air outside? We set up a venue right outside of the casita.” Camilo offered, placing the plate down on his night stand. “Sure…” You nodded and followed him behind. Then you arrived at the outdoor venue decorated with fairy lights and… cacti?

“Perfect place for a dance, huh?” Camilo commented. Hoping that you would respond to his commentary. You’ve never liked dancing. Sure, you would occasionally dance alone in your room, but this kind of dance, is not your thing. You always felt everyone’s eyes on you even though they’re not really looking at you. It’s always an awful feeling for you. “Or… Maybe not.” Camilo shrugged when he saw you becoming all silent. “N-no… It’s looks good… to dance in.” You muster up your words.

“So, would you want to dance with me later, señorita?” Camilo’s eyes brighten up as he gently grabbed your hand. You grabbed onto your skirt tightly, this wasn’t the question you expected. It seems that Camilo hadn’t understand that you’re an introvert yet. “O-okay.” You nodded, even though you don’t really know what would happen. Will she have a breakdown? Will she finally be able to dance around many people at once? You don’t really know.

Camilo gave you the brightest smile he got after hearing your answer. “Gracias, señorita.”

“The dance is in the evening, while we’re waiting, let’s do something else.” He said, dragging you around. In the end you and Camilo decided to help around the family with whatever, especially you, a normal human being. Finally everything was set and so does the sun. Camilo is in charge greeting the guests while you’re sitting under a tree that Isabela grew for you to hide, after Mirabel told her about your social anxiety. Mirabel gave you a glass of light cocktail and some snacks for you and went off with her family, leaving you alone.

You’re not too far or too close to the crowd, so you don’t feel exactly left out or feel overwhelmed. Just right. Until you saw Señor Sanchez and his son, walking towards the casita. “Mierda.” You repeated several times and covered your eyes looking away, hoping they won’t recognize nor even see you. You stayed still in that posture for what felt like forever. “Hey, what are you doing? Dolores heard you swear a lot earlier.”

You snapped your head to the source of the voice, it was just Camilo. “Oh, it’s you…” Camilo had a concerned expression, well, you were swearing a lot earlier. And you’re also not sure if you should tell Camilo about Juan. “Did you saw someone you don’t like?” Camilo looked over to the dancing crowds. “And your parents came by, you want to see them?” Camilo asked.

“¿Mi mamá?”

“Sí”

You stood up immediately and followed Camilo behind, he brought you back into the casita and saw Amalia and Delfina talking to Pepa. It was a bit crowded, but you’re feeling not too bad. Is it because Camilo is right beside you? “¡Mamá! Mami!” You called out. “Oh, there you are, (Y/N)! I was about to ask where you were.” Amalia smiled. “Hola Señora Pepa.” You greeted Camilo’s mother, who had a double rainbows above her head. “¡Hola! So, you were with my Camilito!” Pepa smiled ever so brightly. “Yeah, ain’t they look cute together.” Delfina had a mischievous grin. “Mami!” You blushed red and shook your head in embarrassment.

“Ah, you think so too, señora?”

“Of course! I want the best for mi hija.” Delfina let out a masculine laugh, and Pepa laughed alongside her.

“What a coincidence!” A manly voice came out of no where. You turned around and it was them, the Sanchez’s. To avoid looking disrespectful, you cracked up a forced smile. “¡Hola Señorita! And you guys.” Señor Sanchez as usual greeted you first before the rest of them. This made Pepa a little bit cloudy, her rainbows were long gone. “Hola… Señor Sanchez…” on the other hand, Camilo greeted them very cheerfully. “Hola, Señor Sanchez, and Juan! You enjoying the party?” He asked. You looked over to your parents and saw a big vein on your mami’s neck. “¡Señor Sanchez! I was looking all over for you amigo! Why don’t we have a few glasses of tequila over there?” Delfina, again tried to get his attention off from her daughter.

“Sounds great! Mijo, why don’t you hang out with (Y/N) while I go drink her her mami? You know you’re getting married to her soon.” Blood rushed down from your face, leaving a pale hue on your face, you were NOT expecting this. That resulted a dark cloud over Pepa’s head, and a shocked face to Amalia and Delfina. You slowly turned your head to Camilo, he was in disbelief. “M-married?” Camilo squeaked.

Dolores definitely heard this and gathered. “So what I heard the other day was true…”

“Hm? Oh, I didn’t tell you guys huh? I would want to announce but I don’t want to crash on Antonio’s day!” Señor Sanchez laughed. “No no no no! W-we can do this another day!” Delfina tried her best to keep his mouth shut. You couldn’t move an inch, you couldn’t say a word, you were frozen, looking at Camilo. You were sure you saw a hint of pain in his eyes. “I-I…” You stuttered, panic started to engulf her. Camilo noticed this and immediately grabbed your hands. “You’re panicking… Aren’t you?” Camilo asked in a hushed tone. You were too frozen to answer. “Mija…” Amalia put a hand on your back.

“Please, bring her somewhere quiet. I’ll make her some warm tea.” Amalia put her trust on Camilo. “Y-yes…” Camilo nodded. He took a quick glance at Juan who was confused, as expected. He shook it off and guided you to his room. The group were confused, why do they feel so irritated, even Pepa started thundering, which brought attention to Félix.

“¡Mi amor! What’s wrong?” Félix immediately rubbed her sides while shooing the dark cloud away with his hat.

“Señor… I know you’re excited, but (Y/N) is a sensitive woman towards crowds. With you suddenly announcing like that brings attention to (Y/N) and she’s overwhelmed with that. Please refrain yourself from doing that, the engagement is not even official, Señor.” Amalia said with a stern tone. “Oh, señora… The two of them look perfect together!” Señor Sanchez laughed it off. “What, (Y/N) and Camilo? Yes they look perfect together.” Delfina sarcastically said.

“Hahaha! That’s funny! Of course my Juan and (Y/N)!” He laughed, people started to think he’s a heavily insensitive man. Which he is.

“But señor, instead of your hijo, Camilo was quick to notice her panic and moved her out from here.” Amalia glanced at the timid Juan. “W-well… I…” Juan stuttered. Amalia simply looked back at Juan’s father. “Dios mío… come on mi amor, we need to calm our hija down.” Amalia let out a frustrated sigh. Delfina simply obeyed and followed Amalia to the kitchen where Julieta is.

“What did I do??”

-MEANWHILE-

Camilo shifted his room to a soundproof one, just like before. “Don’t worry, you’re safe here.” Camilo reassured her as she sat on Camilo’s soft bed. He held your shaking hands in his large, warm ones. You felt so suffocated, as if someone is pressing down your chest. “(Y/N)… hey, look at me.” The Madrigal gently put his hand on your cheek, slowly lifting your head up to him. “You’re alright here, your mami and mamá will be here soon.” He whispered.

As if you have no control over your own body, you gripped his yellow ruana. “…Milo…” Your vision started to blur and your eyes started to feel burning, you couldn’t even hear your own voice anymore. Camilo used his ruana to wipe off your tears away. “Yeah, I’m here.” He let out a pained sigh, he also felt his chest tightened. What is this, jealousy?

He crouched down and carefully hugged you, letting your face buried onto his shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.” He lightly patted your head, which encourages you to cry harder onto his shoulder. Not long after, the door carefully opened, revealing Amalia with a cup of warm tea and Delfina behind her.

“Oh, mi corazón…” Amalia set the tea on Camilo’s nightstand and sat beside her. “Señora…”

Amalia peeled you off from Camilo and pulled you into her motherly embrace. “I’m sorry, mi hija made your ruana wet with her tears.” Amalia smiled weakly. “It’s okay señora, it’s nothing. Glad I could help even just a little bit.” Camilo nervously chuckled. “Should we tell him about this, mi amor?” Delfina asked, pointing at Camilo. “What?” the Madrigal had no clue.

Amalia sighed before telling Camilo about her engagement, how they couldn’t refuse the proposal and how you hated it so bad which made you in the current condition. “Thank God…” Camilo fell onto his knees, burying his face in his arms. “Trust me, we even don’t want her to get engaged with that twat.” Delfina sighed heavily. “Yes, I’m glad there’s someone else who can take care of her besides us.” Amalia smiled to Camilo, this made him red. “S-señora, it’s just my job to protect my friend.”

“Are you sure she’s just a friend?” Delfina smirked. “Yes.” “You sure?”

Camilo just couldn’t say the word “yes”, he stood in silence as he grew redder, hiding his face in his ruana. Delfina broke into a laugh. “I’m just playing with you! Of course you love our hija.” Delfina chuckled. “Delfina, stop teasing the poor boy.” Amalia sighed. “I’m so happy, mi amor! Did you saw that Juan standing there like a horse when (Y/N) clearly went into panic? He could’ve at least asked her if she’s alright.”

Camilo stood up and glanced at the young Serrano, still shaking. “Should I, leave you alone here?” Camilo asked. “Oh, sure. Please tell Pepa that (Y/N) is fine. She must’ve been worried.” Amalia smiled softly.

“Will do.”

Chapter Text

You suddenly woke up from your short power nap in your mamá’s embrace. “You woke up mija?” Amalia softly asked, rubbing your back. “Mmm…” You rubbed your swollen, burning eyes. “Do you want to go home, mi amor? I’ll talk with the Madrigals if you want.” Delfina kneeled down in front of you. “I… haven’t give Antonio’s present to him yet…” You said, peeling yourself off from Amalia. “I can give it to him in your stead.” Delfina replied. “No, I want to give it to him myself.” You were stubborn, you don’t want to feel rude towards Antonio and the rest of his family.

“Just let her, mi amor.” Amalia sighed. Delfina gave up and stood up. “Alright then.” She huffed. “You can always go home right away, (Y/N). Don’t push yourself too hard.”

“Yes, mamá.” You nodded, standing up. “If you need us, we’ll be waiting right outside Camilo’s room.” Delfina reassured. You looked around and remembered you’ve been in Camilo’s room the entire time. “Where’s Camilo?” You asked, noticed that you haven’t seen the owner of the room. “He went to tell Pepa that you’re okay. She looked worried earlier.” Amalia answered. “Why was he here?”

“It’s obvious, mija. Everyone is welcome to Antonio’s birthday party. That’s why we’re even here.” Delfina said. You let out a heavy sigh, contemplating whether it was a good idea or not to come to the casita in the first place, she could’ve just have Mirabel give it to Antonio instead.

“I’m going to look for Camilo and Antonio…” You grabbed the paper bag near Camilo’s nightstand. You left your two mothers inside the room as you walked out. The party is still going, judging by the cheery music. “(Y/N)!” Mirabel called out. “Oh, Mirabel.” You gave her a weak smile. “How are you feeling? Are you okay? You want to go home instead?” Mirabel threw a bunch of questions at you. “N-no… I’m fine… I’m going to give Antonio his present first… and probably I’ll head home after that…” You knew your mental state won’t be stable if you don’t take a good rest after a panic attack.

“Understandable. I think he’s with Camilo over there. Come.” Mirabel gave you a bright smile and showed you the way. You followed Mirabel behind and went to Antonio’s room, door completely opened and most of the guests and family are in there, having a blast with the friendly animals. “Antonio!” Mirabel called out and waved. Her call brought the attention of other people besides Antonio. Camilo and Pepa.

“(Y/N)!”

You gave them a small wave and a forced smile. Antonio hurriedly ran with his friendly tiger beside him. “Señorita, I heard you’re sick… are you alright?” Antonio asked, concerned written clearly all over his face. You couldn’t help but to give him a warm, reassuring smile. “I’m alright. Thank you. Feliz cumpleaños, Antonio.” You gave him the paper bag. “It’s not much, but I promise I’ll make you something with my own hands next year.” You smiled apologetically. If you knew his birthday was today, you could’ve made something else for him. A handmade doll or a matching ruana with Camilo.

“Gracias!” Antonio seemed happy with your present and ran away elsewhere. “(Y/N), how are you feeling?” Camilo asked, looking worried along with Pepa behind him. “Oh, I’m alright. I’ll probably need some extra rest... I’m sorry I caused a scene.” You chuckled nervously. “No no no, it’s okay. The señor did admitted his fault because he was too excited and left with his hijo.” Pepa explained. ‘But that doesn’t change the fact I’ll still be in line to be married to his son…’

“Camilo, why don’t you take her home? I’ll go have a talk with her parents.” Pepa smiled, giving a pat on her eldest son’s shoulder. “Yes, mami.” He replied. “Let’s get you home.” He said in his softest, soothing voice to you. You gripped your dress tightly as you felt a tight twist in your chest. ‘What is this feeling…?’ The two of you walked out from the casita and walked leisurely along the pavement. The two just walk in silence until Camilo broke the ice.

“You know, I was a bit relieved when your mamá told me that you’re against the marriage.” He admitted, a tint of pink spread across his cheeks. “Even my parents are against it, but we have much choice. Unless I date someone else before the end of the year, I’ll be stuck with that weird guy…” You didn’t even want to remember Juan’s appearance. Judging by how Mr. Sanchez acts around you, you could tell he’s a creepy guy, who knows what he will do to you, and of course judging by Juan’s overall, he won’t be much of a help. In short, hell. You would rather stay single for the rest of your entire life, you wouldn’t mind staying with your parents in your 40’s or something.

“(Y/N)? Are you okay? You feeling dizzy?” Camilo’s face turned to a concerned one once more, extending his hand for you to hold, snapping you out of your thoughts. “N-no… I’m okay. I think I spaced out a bit.” You gently put your cold hand on his warm ones. “Why are your hands cold?” He asked. “I don’t know.” You shrugged. “It must’ve been the night breeze…” He mumbled and took off his ruana revealing his white shirt. “C-Camilo?” You were confused. Why is he taking his ruana all of a sudden? “Hands up.”

You looked at him in utter confusion. “Hands up.” He repeated. You hesitantly put your hands up above your head as told, and Camilo slipped his ruana on you. “There, feeling a bit warmer?” He brightly smiled. You looked around, making sure no one saw you wearing Camilo Madrigal’s ruana. The warm, soothing scent of his made you feel more at ease, intoxicated. “W-why?”

“(Y/N), your hands are freezing! Of course I should at least do this.” He protested, shoving your hands to your own face, feeling the icy cold sensation of your palms. You jolted, you didn’t even realized that your hands are so cold, why are your hands so cold? “Anyways, let’s get to your house quick…” He said, picking up the speed a little bit so you could reach your house faster and call it a day.

In a few minutes the two of you arrived in front of the doorstep. “Thank you Camilo, I’ll give you your ruana back…” As you’re about to take off the ruana, Camilo chuckled and held both of your hands, preventing you to do so. “You can give it back next time, I have a spare in my closet.” He smiled warmly, looking right into your eyes. The moonlight helped you see in the dark better, and saw his flushed face. Is he also cold? You were speechless as the two of you look each other in the eyes.

He suddenly broke eye contact and let out a chuckle. “You really should stop making me worry so much.” He ruffled your hair for a bit and left just like that, leaving you mute and unresponsive. Realization hits you later on and it’s a mix of embarrassment and confusion. “Wha…” You whispered, whilst fixing your hair as you saw Camilo’s back, slowly getting further and further away from your sight. You walked back inside your house and immediately went up to your room. The warm scent of Camilo’s perfume started to fill your whole room. ‘Man, what kind of perfume does he wear?’ You wondered. Still, you brushed it off as you take off the ruana and folded it nicely in your laundry basket.

“Wait a minute…” You paused, you took the ruana out from the laundry basket and took your in progress handmade ruana. You placed it on top of each other and found out you made the size too small. Realization hits you and slapped your own forehead. “What was I thinking? Of course I need it a bit bigger, Camilo’s a grown-ass man.” You sighed. Not wanting your yarn to go to waste, you spent the half hour unraveling the unfinished product up into balls of crumply threads of yarn. “I got the sizing all messed up.” You muttered.

Then, you took a measuring tape and began measuring Camilo’s ruana, so it would be a perfect fit for the man. She wrote all the measurements on a piece of paper and kept it in her drawer. Her project might take longer than she expected.

The next day, you washed Camilo’s ruana and planned to give it back to him in the afternoon once you’re done ironing it. While you’re waiting for it to dry, you decided to help your mamá to cook. “Give me the peppers, (Y/N).” Amalia opened her hand while she stirs the stew on top of the stove. “Mamá, I don’t like adding pepper to my food…” You lazily passed the diced red intimidating chili pepper to her. You’re quite a picky eater, and most definitely not a spicy food enthusiast. “A little pepper won’t kill you, hija. This is your mami’s favorite.” Amalia added not just a little, but probably 10 or 15 of those habaneros and dumped it into the stew.

Your face scrunched up in disgust. “Mamá, those peppers burns my throat! And those aren’t ‘little’!”

“It gives a nice kick to the food, hija. Try to get used to it.” Amalia replied. You rolled your eyes. “How about you go fetch your mami at the workshop and tell her lunch is ready.”

You have no choice but to obey. “Alright.” You walked out of the house empty handed to go fetch your mami. As usual, you avoided the crowds as much as possible and silently walk to Delfina’s workshop. There, you saw Delfina just sitting around in the workshop. “Mami, it’s lunch time, mamá wants you home.” You approached her.

“(Y/N)?” The voice is definitely not Delfina’s. You had a very confused expression and your brain just lags. “N-no, this is me, Camilo!” The Madrigal shapeshifted back to his self. “Huh…? Why? Where is my mami?” You asked, looking around. “She went to get something for your mamá, but since she and Señor Sanchez are still awkward with each other, he won’t get close to the workshop if Señora Delfina is around. So here I am.” Camilo shrugged.

“Ah, I see… Oh, I’ll give you your ruana back tomorrow, I just need to iron it this afternoon.” You fumbled with your dress, nervous. “Oh, it’s okay! You can return it back anytime you want!” Camilo chuckled with goofy grin. You smiled back. “Alright, gracias Camilo.”

“(Y/N)! Why are you here?” Delfina walked up behind you. “Mami? Oh, mamá said it’s lunchtime, she wants you home.” You relayed your mamá’s message. “Just in time, I got her favorite flowers.” Delfina grinned happily with a blush while showing you and Camilo a bouquet red Geranium flowers. “But we don’t have a flower vase at home…” You hardly ever see flowers in your house. “We have one in our room! I just bought one 2 days ago!” Delfina proudly announced. “But, what’s up with the flowers?” You asked.

“Today is our 7^th wedding anniversary! I give her flowers every year for her!” Delfina smiled brightly. “Ah.” You forgot it’s your parents’ wedding anniversary. You never really paid attention to their marriage life, since all she could remember is chaos when they haven’t moved to Encanto. “Camilo, thank you for filling me in! Maybe I should close the workshop for today and spend some time with my wife.” Delfina gave Camilo a firm pat on the shoulder. “No worries, Señora.” He nodded. “Oh, why don’t you have lunch with us! Consider it as a thank-you from us for lending your room to my (Y/N).” She offered.

“Uh… Mami, mamá made your favorite spicy stew… I don’t think Camilo would enjoy it as you do.” You hesitated. “Ooooh! My favorite… wow she really does love me.” Delfina is basically drunk in love. What a simp.

“Well, I’m open with trying new things. I’m sure it’s not that spicy.” Camilo scoffed. “Good luck with that.”

So then, Delfina closed the workshop early and the 3 of them went to the Serrano household. “¡Mi amor! I’m home!” Delfina happily announced and immediately hugged Amalia who was just finished placing the dishes on the dining table from the back, peppering kisses all over her neck. “Welcome home mi corazón… Are these flowers for me?” Amalia asked, placing a hand on Delfina’s arm while looking at the bouquet. “Sure are. Happy anniversary.”

“Mamá. Mami. Camilo is here, save your make-out session later.” You just had to ruin the mood, no not with Camilo around. He responded with a chuckle. “It’s okay, my parents does that every anniversary too.” He shrugged it off. “You brought Camilo with you?” Amalia turned around, surprised to see Camilo came home along with her wife and daughter. “I offered him to eat lunch with us. He helped me cover the workshop while I bought flowers for you.” Delfina grinned.

“You should’ve told me beforehand if you wanted to bring guests over, I could’ve made more food.” Amalia sighed, pushing her wife away. “But mi amor! This is not planned! He just so happened to pass by so I asked him for help, and then our hija came to pick me up from the workshop, I would feel bad if I don’t offer him lunch.” Delfina defended herself. “It’s really okay, Señora. I don’t eat much either. I’ve been thinking of getting in shape, starting with dieting.” Camilo chuckled, trying to avoid Amalia and Delfina having a couple fight.

“Mamá you made a whole pot of stew and other stuffs, of course it will be enough to feed the four of us for lunch.” You rolled your eyes. “But hija, you don’t want these for dinner and tomorrow?”

“No mamá, I don’t want that spicy stew for 2 straight days.”

“Fine.” Amalia gave up. “Here, Camilo. Have a plate and sit down.” Delfina passed him a clean porcelain plate. “Gracias Señora.” He smiled and the four of them sat down and began to eat while having a fun conversation with each other. Amalia trying to enjoy her meal, Delfina telling inside family jokes, Camilo laughing at them, and you trying to be a camel by drinking too much because of the spice.