Twice To Once Au - Tumblr Posts
Another au? Another au while I'm on it.
Twice to once
Agustín didn't live in Encanto. Therefore he and Julieta were married to different people.
That's until he and Luisa had to find a new home just to stumble upon a cracked mountain.
Feel free to ask more
Why stay if you can't pay the rent?
Just like that, their stability was broken again. The life was a never-ending marathone anyway. (AU where Agustin is not from Encanto and isn't biological father to Isabela and Mirabel)
Do you remember I said about this AU and then did nothing?
Warning for mentioned arson and death as aspects of war
Luisa felt smoke.
It took her a second to proceed with this. The awful smell that filled her nostrils, getting stuck in her throat. She jumped, startled by the disgusting aroma. When something burned it meant no good. Before the war had started it meant that some of their meager belongings were damaged which meant a money loss, and they never seemed to have enough of it. And now... Luisa dreaded to think what it would imply this time.
"Papí," She breathed out, turning to her sleepy dad in panic. She started to shake him, grip so tough that there was a huge chance it would leave faint bruises. There were serious troubles, and they couldn't stay inside any longer. She felt her heart pounding, demanding to get free.
Agustín groaned softly, he was never one for the early mornings. According to the darkness that she could see behind the window for a short time, it wasn't even morning. Another attack at night. Very soon it became bright, not from Helios, but from Hephaestus. Or maybe Athena and Ares were more correct collation. "Lu, is everything okay?"
Something shouted behind the window. It was enough to get Agústin on his two, drawn of what was going on. He shrank his shoulders, looking at the bright light outside of the window with squinted eyes.
The smoke was rising, there was an evident cracking outside. A hungry fire that ate everything on its way.
Luisa felt fear growing in her chest. It twitched her lungs, making her choke. Or maybe it was the lack of oxygen, she couldn't tell. Her eye twitched. She knew what they had to do.
Agustín looked around the place. A small one-room house where they stayed. Cheap, barely having a place for one person in it. But with constant terror in the cities, it was the luxury they needed. Even if it took a back-breaking labor to keep living under a roof. Which was even worse with how accident-prone was Agustin. (And maybe she was too.)
"We have to get going!" He ordered even if Luisa knew it already, she could see how pale his face was in the sheet of darkness. Wrinkles of holden-back terror stretched across his face. He grabbed his broken glasses — one of the temples was taped. Moving out again.
If there was a good thing in their constant lack of money it was that they never had many things to carry to begin with. Two sets of clothes at best except those that they wore, a bunch of hygiene products, and whatever food they had if there was any at the moment.
Luisa grabbed twill trousers, they were originally made for her Abuelo. It was nearly impossible to find clothes for Luisa, especially feminine, and her dad couldn't afford a seamstress to make a personal dress. Even if he suggested it several times, it would push their budget out of balance. And it was too much of a risk that wasn't necessary at all.
Luisa had no idea where they would go. It wasn't the first time, they were often moving from one place to another even before the war raised its ugly head, cursing whatever kind of normality they had. She wanted peace, to stop waking up in the panic of screams. It wasn't something that they could affect, despite all Luisa's wishes. Her inability to do anything stung. Maybe that's why she clung to her dad. He was the most stable thing in her life. Probably the closest person she had. With how often they were moving, they were almost always in speed, it was hard to maintain many friends. How were all of these she was close to even a little? Were they alive? Luisa had prayed for their safety, but she had no way of telling for sure.
She tensed her fists, hearing a woman screaming outside. Things were tearing apart as if they were a Prometheus' Liver and were pecked by an eagle every day. The good thing is that Greek mythology existed. It was one of the best coping mechanisms Luisa had: Compare everything to Ancient Greece's people's beliefs.
Luisa hit the door with her foot in whole strength. She didn't know if it was actually locked from the outside, but it was a faster way without so many risks. Time cost a lot. It could have a price of a life and Luisa wasn't going to pay it.
And just like this, they had to run again. They always did. No matter if she was a toddler and they were kicked out because Papí had spent all their money unsuccessfully trying to save Mamá from dying in childbirth, or a young adult and a war blaze had spread around their tiny place to stay.
There's nothing left behind. There's nothing ahead of them. Just this suffocating uncertainty when they run into nowhere under the shouts of bullets, saving their lives and clinging to whatever they can find along the way. It's just blood spilled between people Luisa had never known. And wouldn't. They were at Hades', never coming back. And Luisa didn't care enough to be Orpheus.
The streets were filled with the violence of Ares. It seemed to penetrate into every corner of Colombia, throwing the grass and the sky into the meat grinder. And then turn the handle until it's just an indistinguishable mess of blood spilled over the cold grass.
They pushed through the thick greenery, getting away. Luisa felt branches whipping her arms, leaving red itching marks. She'd have to check on it later if she remembered to. But, ah, it wasn't like she was going to die from it. The pain wasn't pleasing, but she could tolerate it for a while.
"Careful," Papá placed his arm on her back. "Lu, don't injure herself." It was the hypocrisy of him to say something like this, but Luisa bit her lip, burying this upsetting knowledge inside her gut.
"How much do we have?" She turned to him. This question was the only thing she thought about every time they had to leave. When would they live? What are they going to do? The fact that stability was ripped out from under their feet again clung to her with the sharpest claws.
There was no reply, just shrugging with an attempt at consolation. "We'll get through it." He patted her shoulder, trying to ease the situation, but it wasn't helping at all. It didn't change the fact that they were homeless for an unknown time again. Of course, they would 'get through it'. They always did. But Luisa's soul still burned, exhausted from a never-ending marathon.
She wasn't a child, she could know what was going on with their status. As much as her Papá tried to assure her that they were doing well for years, she knew that it for the most part was as far away from the truth as they were from the Gods on Olympus.
"We just have to find another village and hope we won't be caught in there." Agustín lifted his chin, taking Luisa's wrist in a soft gesture.
Maybe he was right, they just have to push themselves through it. Returning like Er and rising from the ash of death. Things were nowhere okay, but it's just how it was. A cycle of escaping from the edge of death. They just have to hold on and pray for another day to come. What else could they do? Papa would never allow her to the dangerous battlefield. Luisa couldn't blame him, she would be the same to the smallest point if he ever thought of joining the forces. The fear of losing the only stable beam of her life was something that she couldn't handle without wanting to merge with the floor.
So there wasn't much she could do except for looking after her dad. He deserved it, after all, raising her alone for almost her whole life. Luisa squeezed his arm, trying to find reassurance in physical closeness. Just confirming to herself that she wasn't alone made it not as impossible as it was from the depth of their position.
If they were lucky, maybe they could stay in a peaceful place for longer.
And my days are numbered
After days in a way, they had found another village. Agustín hopes, prays that they could stay
Twice to once!
After days of walking, Agustín could swear his legs were about to fall off. Moving through the tropical forests, just to hide somewhere, find another small village away from the bloodfield. The amount of effort to move was exhausting. But they also needed to find a safe place to stay there. Two loaves of bread and a couple of arepas could only get them this far. Luisa needed provisions, she was a big girl after all. And Agustín needed too, but he would prefer to feed her at first. It was a habit of giving her his portions, claiming that he wasn't hungry that he got from the situation where they had such a small amount of food that it just couldn't be enough. He just was doing his best to stay strong for Luisa during her childhood. Even when Luisa was a fully-grown adult who towered over him.
He had to make Luisa rest several times per day. She was always the type to push through even when it was evident how much she needed sweet rest. From the sweat that she tried to wipe off until her papa could see it to the times when her movements were slowing down.
Luckily, the card "I'm too old, I need to take a break" always worked. It was a good key for Luisa to immediately step back without complaining or attempted denial of being fine.
On one hand, moving through the jungle was hard, it would be much easier if they were on the laid way from city to city. But there was a bigger chance of becoming a victim of assault too. And if there was an isolated village, usually of native people, they had a chance of being left unseen.
Agustín froze, observing giant mountains — taller than he had ever seen. But, the most strange thing that he could see was a crack, that broke one of the elevations in half. Even if he wasn't interested in geography, it wasn't possible naturally which left him confused over the sight.
It left him in a stupor, unsure for a while. On one hand, it could mean somebody was there. At the same time, they could waste time trying to get there, just to find nothing. It wouldn't be too long, a couple of hours at best. Tho taking that he and Luisa were both tired, it could be way longer.
The other thing that added its weight was their place. Agustín was awful in spatial orientation, he was that one person who could get lost between two trees. Luisa was better, but she didn't have a good internal compass as well. It wasn't clear how long would they walk until the next possible stayover.
He sat on the hot rock, stretching his sore limbs. The sun was still hight, but it started to go downhill already. Luisa shifted from foot to foot, eye twitching.
"Are we going there?" She asked hesitant, lips pointed in the direction of the cracked mountain.
Agustín groaned, he didn't know. It was a game of guessing where he couldn't tell if it would do anything for them. It wasn't something he enjoyed but as far as he was aware nobody could predict the future.
He just wanted to protect Luisa. Any parent would do anything for their baby. Agustín checked their supplies, trying to scale their next set of actions. There wasn't a right way to do this, just stepping on a random slab in the temple hoping that it wouldn't fall under their feet.
"I think we should check for anybody else." He ended up saying it with a heavy heart. It wasn't an easy decision, and he wasn't even sure if it was right. They could find nothing, they could find another hostile armed group. Everyone knew that you could get burnt if you played with fire. And Agustín didn't like burns. Both physical and metamorphic.
Agustín pushed himself through the mountains, broken stones ripped his clothes and scratched his skin. By the time they had gotten in here the sun was setting over the horizon. It painted the sky bright fruity orange. Not dark yet, but shifting to this step by step.
What he could see inside were the neat lines of houses. The place was all ruffled. Asphalted roads were all cracked as if an earthquake just passed through, crashing everything on its way. Maybe it was the case with mountains too.
Better yet, there were people. Peaceful villagers that didn't seem dangerous and just wanted to enjoy their lives. Something that Agustín could relate to at an extreme point. And he needed this, just a small house to stay, he could help them with the housework. Anything would be enough, no matter how small or uncomfortable it would be. Just a roof over their heads.
Several villagers came over, probably attracted by the noise like moths flying at the light source. Just wanting to see what was going on.
Agustín held Luisa's hand in a tight grip, looking over the people. "Excuse me.. " He cleared his throat, the crowd stared at him. "Me and my hija have no place to stay."
He felt bad, there was a chance that they wouldn't be pleased with two strangers coming in and asking for a place to stay.
One of them muttered, fixing his hat. "Doña Madrigal was always the one to deal with all problems."
From the tone of his voice, Agustín could see that Doña Madrigal held a hight respect in here. Not a person you would want to disappoint or make her disapprove of you.
The other villagers looked at his fellow countryman, getting into unsured chat. "But they had lost their house too..."
"She's still our leader." Just as he thought.
Doña Madrigal had looked nothing like Agustín imagined. She was old, all wrinkled, enough to be the same age as his parents. But at the same time steady, full of life experience that Agustín would never line up to.
They sat at one of the local houses over a cup of coffee much to Luisa's delight, they weren't able to get it for a while. Agustín didn't know what to do. He didn't want to ask questions not to look rude. This woman's decision was the heaviest weight on the scales of whenever they could stay or not. So it was important to make a good impression. As much as their exhausted, disheveled selves could.
Señora Madrigal took a deep breath, eyeing Agustín. "Señor..." She stumbled, realizing that she didn't know his name.
"Agustín Rojas." He clarified after a few seconds of awkward silence between them "And Luisa." The mentioned girl drummed with her fingers, eyetwitching over the old woman's gaze. Trying to find herself a place in grown-ups conversation.
Madrigal nodded, keeping a stern expression. Not hostile, but distrustful. Maybe it was an understandable reaction, considering that they appeared out of nowhere. "What..." Swallowed. "What happened with your home..." Her tone was uncomfortable, pained just from saying these words.
Agustín tried to keep a calm face, ignoring the heart rushing in his chest. "War climbed there too..."
He could see how Doña's face lost its colours, going so pale that he almost thought that she would faint any second now. Her wrinkles deepened from horror, eyes shrank. "War?" She gasped under her breath.
Maybe it wasn't a surprising reaction. There was no doubt that she was old enough to witness (and remember) a Thousand Days war. Hearing about somebody else being affected by the other must be painful like putting salt in a wound. The thing that lay so deep inside her eyes, but wasn't forgotten. Part of his stomach twisted in guilt. Realizing that he probably had awoken the worst memories.
Doña Madrigal just stood like this for a while, trying to maintain herself. "Another one..." she breathed out, but before Agustín could get confused over the fact that she didn't know it she continued. "I apologize for losing my temper, I just..." She hesitated, hiding her hands under the table Something ringed. "Remember something. Regardless." She looked between Agustín and Luisa. "Encanto welcomes you both. I do not think we have many spare houses, but you can stay in church for a night."
They were.... Agustín gasped in relief. At least they were in safety now. And Dios, he prayed for this to be their final stayover.
"Thank you so much, Señora!" He jumped from his place, knocking his cup over the table. Luisa's almost had the same fate, but she reacted in instant, taking it from the way. He shook Madrigal's hand in delight. "I owe you so much!"
"No need for thanks..." Her voice trailed again, lips were purced in discomfort. "I understand your situation really well." Doña had said firmly. Now, standing closer, Agustín could see that she held a round thing that was attached to her belt. Something like pocket clocks, but he didn't know for sure.
[Twice to once AU]
Agústin: Hola, mm, Señor, could you've seen mi hija?
Félix: Oh, hello, are you the newbies Alma told us about?
Félix: What does your hija looks like?
Agustín: Well, she's tall.
Félix: It doesn't tell me much, you kno...
Luisa: Oh, sorry, Papi, I just went out to explore the place while you was asleep!
Félix: I take my words back
Twice to Once AU:
Let’s hear more about Julieta’s side of the family! What are they like/have been up to while Luisa and Agustín travel through Colombia for safety?
Ooh!
They are far more protective of Mirabel. While Isabela and she stull have a strained relationship. Maybe even worse as there no child in-between in their Golden Child—Scapegoat dynamic. But Isabela also takes some of protector role over Mirabel that canon Luisa has. Not as blatantly, and it probably had washed away over the years.
Why is she protective?
Let's just say, some people didn't like that Mirabel didn't get a gift and blamed her and her father for the bad genes.
Isabela was the one one to find his body. Obviously leaving her terrified for herself and her family (especially Mirabel as a giftless child). Her perfectionism is probably also an act of protecting Mirabel. If she's good enough, people won't be too mad because of Mirabel's lack of gift, right?
For couple of years the family had probably went into a bit of isolation, especially as Alma was too afraid that town might go after someone else. It got back on track later, as murderers were kicked out of Encanto. But she is definitely less strict/more catious of what people are thinking. Tho the family still was pushed into their messed up dynamic so it's up to debate. And, yes, it's a huge part of why she seemed so distrustful of Agustín and Luisa when they came in Encanto.
Julieta tries her best to be a good mother. It might be a bit harder for her as she's very busy and got no husband to tell her what's going on. She might be even closer to Mirabel this time around. Both because she's a single mom. And also because she didn't dare to leave her daughter's alone for a while after the ceremony.
Welcome to the family Madrigal
Luisa just wanted to check the place. After waking up and realizing that she isn't here, Agustín got really worried
Twice to once!
Luisa bounced off her straw bed. It was early, the sun. The barn wasn't big and was filled with working instruments. Different types of hammers, saws, and axes. The table had wood chips scattered over it. Señora Madrigal had said that it would take a while for them to find a normal house. Especially with some things that were going on in here. But, Luisa didn't mind it too much. Again, they came here as two strangers, they would need a lot of time to earn enough money to settle.
She scratched her head, unsured of what to do. Her father was still asleep, and he would be for a while. But Luisa couldn't sit in one place. She loved being in the move. She enjoyed physical activity as long as she could remember. Her heart jumped, wanting to run all over the place. It would inevitably turn everything upside down. And she didn't want to ruin their recent stayover. Plus, the owners of the barn wouldn't pet her head for this. Her energy was better to be taken outside.
Luisa travelled alongside the empty streets of the fine village houses. Trying to jump between the ugly cracks that had crawled around the place. Had an earthquake hit this place or what? It looked awful, tho Luisa couldn't really complain. It looked far better than where she came from. And, besides the broken street and the beat even for Chloris flora, which had certainly done some damage too, it looked okay. They could deal with that.
The life was waking up. Luisa stared at people watering the flowers and rustling behind the curtains. Existing in a strange predicament, where townsfolks were neither asleep nor awake. Stuck in a morning limbo. It wouldn't be for long. Soon the life would start boil, spilling out of the brim. But right now, the neat streets were empty. Well... Almost empty
She blinked, staring at the girl. Really small, probably a child. Tho Luisa also had to admit she could be biased, almost everyone looked really short to her. The stranger leaned her body, facing the wall. She took deep breaths, trembling all over. Maybe she got lost? Luisa stared around, no adults. (Well, Luisa herself was one, but she had often forgotten this fact). All messy, still not changed for daily clothes.
"Hey," She approached, unsured, and fixed her bun tighter. The girl winced, turning her
head at the voice. "Where's your parents? Are you lost?"
It was awkward, Luisa shouldn't actually have talked to a random kid. But she also could leave her. (And if she's useful, she would become part of the town faster.)
Her interlocutor trembled, taking short pined breaths. Her eyes were closed as right as possible, holding the tears back. Face pale, palms shaking.
Damn! What is Luisa supposed to do?? She didn't interact with children that much to know how to calm one down. Her eye twitched with a loud sound.
Luisa kneeled, trying to get attention. "Hey, it's alright!" She took the girl's arm. "Breathe, okay?"
"No, no, I WANT OUT!" Her voice cracked for a moment before she forcefully tensed her facial muscles. Trying to remove the panic from her face.
Eventually, she breathed out, relaxed a bit. Not exactly calm, but with some progress done.
The girl stepped back and tilted her head to the side, examining Luisa. "Wait, I... I don't remember you?" She muttered, her big brown eyes blinking, trying to distract herself from bad thoughts. Cletching an oversized shirt that's supposed to be her nightgown. At least the young adult thought so.
"Oh, yeah, we just moved in here." Luisa shrugged, hoping that she wouldn't scare a child. People usually remembered her after meeting once, an advantage of being taller than almost everyone. It was hard to forget somebody quite like her.
"Wait, are you those about whom Abuela had told us yesterday?" The girl rubbed the bridge of her nose.
"I... I don't think so..." She and her Papí hadn't met much, people yesterday. But on the other hand she didn't know if the mentioned Abuela wasn't the one they talked to yesterday. "What's your Abuela name?" And it would also help to find her parents or other caretakers.
"Alma Madrigal"
Beat. Oh, yes, they probably did.
"Like, the old lady in magneta who's respected by everyone?" Luisa asked, unsured. She huffed, seeing a small nod.
Now, looking closer, there was some resemblance between the two of them. Not so evident, but Luisa didn't look at Señora Madrigal much yesterday to remember much of her features.
"Where do you live? Your parents must be worried sick." Luisa has a serious doubt that the girl warned her dad of where she went. But, saying with honesty, Luisa didn't say anything either. It probably was hypocrisy to judge the young Madrigal for this.
The girl's gaze shifted somewhere far away. She stepped from foot to foot but said nothing. Just barely gritted her teeth for a brief moment.
Felix observed how Julieta rushed across the house.
"Mirabel, where are you?"
Did she go missing again? Oh... Don't get him wrong, he could understand it well. He was a teenager too. A wonderful youth that he had outgrown. Maybe yelling at Abuela had awoken some rebellious phase in his younger sobrina.
Félix placed his hand on Julieta'a shoulder. He had always been the calmest of the bunch, playing a huge mental support for everyone. It was natural for him to comfort the others. Usually his Pepíta, but others needded it too from time to time. "Ah, Juli, I'm sure she's just gone for some fresh air."
"I'm just so worried. I'll go check outside"
Félix followed after his hermana, just in case. Even if he was more relaxed, it didn't mean he wouldn't make sure that Mirabel was fine himself. Even since Alfredo's death, they all couldn't be actually calm for her safety. Even if the criminals were outed years ago, this murder had left a huge stained spot. A deep fear that it would repeat with the giftless child.
He hadn't spotted Mirabel. But there was someone else.
"Luisa? Where are you?" A thin tall man yelled, running over. Then, in front of the Madrigal's eyes, he tripped over his own leg, getting himself falling on the asphalted ground. "Ouch."
The stranger slid over the bricked masonry, barely avoiding smashing his face
"Dios!" Julieta yelped in maternal worry, rushing to check on him. "Señor, are you alright?" She gave her hand, helping him to get up.
He groaned, rubbing the fresh dust off
his shirt, the cuffs looked a bit wrong... Wait, did he put it inside out? "Thank you, Se..."
"Julieta," She shook her head. Neither she nor Pepa weren't used to being called like this, especially when it comes to their last name. The villagers had only used it for Abuela.
"I'm Agustín," he introduced himself.
Félix stepped closer, making sure that the man was unfamiliar. Alma had said about some people from the outside world that came yesterday. But they didn't get to meet them yet. Objectively, the new family probably had been too busy yesterday to introduce themselves. And Alma hated any sort of talking behind people's back. Even if she tried to loosen her grip, she didn't approve of any form of gossipping. The only thing she had asked is not to mention their now-gone gifts. Maybe from fear, maybe she just didn't want to disappoint them with the fact that they wouldn't be able to see it.
"Are you hurt?" Oh, Julieta with all her care seemed so worried. Maybe it was a part of being able to cure everyone for forty-five years of her life.
"Don't worry, I'm used to tripping over." He showed his teeth in an awkward smile, unbothered by the recent accident. "I'm sorry for burdening you, but do you happen to see my daughter?"
Another kid walking off. Do they smell some honey around and fly on it like bears?
"Oh is your kid gone somewhere too? Sorry, I don't think I saw her" Felix patted Agustín's back, giving his commiserations. "I'm Félix by the way. Everyone pretty much knows everyone in here."
Maybe Félix couldn't speak for the whole village, but it had been a deal with the Madrigals. Coming with serving the community. And Félix just was too big of an extravert. He most likely would notice a new face around. Like he did with Agustín. On the other hand, he would notice him tripping over regardless. So maybe it didn't count.
"I'll tell your daughter that you're looking for her if I see her," Julieta promised. "Could you do the same with Mirabel if she's around? She looks a lot like me."
Agustín gave a quick nod. "Oh, of course!" Then sighed. "Where could they be, I'm so worried for Luisa."
Félix never had his kid missing, even for a short time, unlike Julieta or Alma. (The latter was not for a short). But, as a parent, he could relate to the fear of one of his kids wandering all alone, possibly hurt or lost. This was something that connected him and Agustín, despite the fact that he had just met him.
But, maybe the fact that Félix was an open, positive, and really social man had played its role. He liked everyone, you should've done something extreme for him to dislike, not even talking about hate.
The new voice came seemingly from nowhere. "Sorry, Papí" The woman gasped. Félix looked up at her, trying to comprehend this new face. "I just wanted to check the town." He supposed it was Luisa. She pulled her arm forward, forcing Mirabel, who was clinging to her to get from behind.
Luisa was even taller than her father, and Agústin was tall enough already. With a broad body, closer to Félix's own, a huge opposite of her lanky papá. Agustín and Julieta showered their kids in affection. Mirabel reacted as her usual teen-self, trying to escape in embarrassment. Luisa seemed much more happy with physical affection.
Félix chucled at the irony. Who could expect that both of them would show up together?
Julieta broke into gratitude for Luisa once Mirabel was able to step away.
"How about you two stay for a cup of coffee?" She waved at the entrance of their house. There was no way she could thank
Luisa enough, but a nice hot coffee would do some good too.
Luisa's eyes sparkled with delight. "Coffee?"
[Twice to once au]
Bruno, walking into the kitchen: *Sees Luisa* Oh, hello, Prudence
Luisa: *eyetwitches in confusion* I'm not Prudence?
Bruno: Oh, you aren't? You just look like somebody who should be named Prudence
Nothing unusual, just me being me
[Twice to once]
Antonío: Oh, you love animals too!
Luisa, playing with a donkey: Of course! I always wanted a pet!
Antonío: I had a lot of pets before house collapsed! My favourite was Parce, he ride me on his back!
Luisa, curious: Was he a horse or a donkey?
Antonío: Oh, no! He is a jaguar!
Luisa:
Luisa: I'm afraid to ask
Welcome to the family Madrigal.
Part 2. Aka Agustín and Luisa are confused
While Agustín was chatting with the adults of the family, learning more of how things were in here. The Madrigals were the leading family here in a way but didn't hold a bad opinion about the rest of the town. The kitchen was small, the presented people, Two Rojas, and three Madrigals shrunk, fighting for space. The old wooden shutters swayed on the wind, somewhere an old clock beat its melody.
Julieta was careful, even pedantic in a way. Moving with more grace than a beautiful swan. This deserved even more admiration, taking the fact that it wasn't their house. Just a place where they had stayed for the time being. Agustín had noticed the ruins on the hill, what used to be a beautiful house before and now was turned into a pile of debris. He knew how awful it felt when the normality was stripped away, broken into a thousand glass pieces.
Félix talked about everything. Shining with optimism so much, that Agustín almost could see him glowing in a bright sunshine.
Luisa drummed her fingers against the table — the sound that was accepted as a clock ticking by mistake earlier.
The next to come in was a very exhausted teenager, pulled by a toddler. Closer to Félix in look than to Julieta, even if her facial features were showing in some way, confirming Agustín's first internal thought that those two could be married.
The older boy didn't look any bothered about the people he hadn't met. More excited, the same way Félix was. The younger one tucked his sister's arm. Mirabel chuckled and put him on her lap, wishing Toñíto a good morning.
"Hola, Señor!" The older boy stared at him.
"Oh, it's nice to meet you, I'm..." Agustín started, trying to be polite. Even if both boys looked young, even younger than Mirabel, they still were important people just because of how much importance their Abuela had played.
The boy laughed, lowering his voice, now fitting more to Félix. "I'm so proud!" Immediately, Félix pulled him away, scolding him for this.
From the following conversation, Agustín had found out that he was wrong in his assumption again. As Camilo called Julieta as 'Tiá'. It left him stunned for a bit. Even if there wasn't much, they looked related. Maybe extended family? It would explain why they live together.
Following was an annoyed ginger-headed woman. She yawned, her green eyes ran over the place. Before eventually her gaze stopped at Luisa. She smirked with excitement, traveling to Agústin's daughter. Ginger woman picked up the cup, completely unbothered, and took a sip.
"Hey!" Luisa yelped, her face widened, eyebrows crawled up. Agustín had pulled her by the sleeve. They were at a stranger's house, even if the situation was odd, Luisa should be respectful.
Ginger woman breathed out in relief, wiping her mouth with a thin wrist. "Oh, thank goodness, I was about to commit murder." She placed the light blue cup back. Then blinked, taking into account Rojas' existence in the room. "Are they supposed to be here?"
"Yes, Pepa." Julieta sighed, imposing fresh rice onto her plate. "That's my little sister, Pepa."
Pepa scoffed, crossing her arms. "Hour and twenty minutes, Julieta."
Agustín tilted his head, fixing his glasses. "Twins?" He hadn't met kids from multiply pregnancies before. Of course, he knew that it was far more common to have fraternal twins. Still, it was shocking how pale Pepa looked compared to Julieta. The nature seemed to give her all the recessive genes it had.
"Nope," Pepa smirked, taking another sip of offended Luisa's coffee.
Before Agustín could say anything about the fact that if they had an hour of age difference, they should be twins, another man walked in. How many people were in here?? The new face rubbed his eyes, sleepy.
"Oh, Bruno, are you already awake?" A smile had spread across Pepa's face, as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Triplets." She added, clearing Agustín's question. "We're triplets."
"Oh, no, no," Bruno shook his head. "I'm not already awake, I'm still awake." He took a glass of water under his sister's moralizing about his health.
Bruno stretched, looking around the present crowd. "Oh, hello, Prudence?" He waved his hand awkwardly, staring directly at Luisa.
It took a moment for her to realize that Bruno was talking to her. If before she was confused, now it could break all the records. "I... I'm not Prudence?"
Now Bruno stared confused, stepping back and examining her face. "Oh, um, sorry... You just look like someone who should be named Prudence."
Agustín wasn't sure how he had to react to this. Neither seemed to do Luisa. She just blinked silently. At first, some ginger woman decided to drink her coffee, now a rat man had played a game of guess with her name. Agustín couldn't blame her for feeling off about this. And he also was convinced of what a mess they were. Just observing them interacting was like reading some crazy novel with too many characters to remember them all.
Antonio who was drawing with crayons, coloring somebody between toucan and capibara. Sometimes the little boy turned to Mirabel to ask for her opinion. Camilo put so much food on his plate that it would be enough to feed four people. Bruno snored in Pepa's arms. Julieta moved in tact with the time, dancing in her cooking work.
If Agustín was honest, it was strange just sit in the small kitchen with a whole lot of people. The house's owners had peeked on the kitchen at some point but disappeared in the blink of an eye. Agustín couldn't blame them, it was crowded already without anyone becides Rojas and Madrigals in there.
"Who the hell decided that living all together in here would be a good idea?" Dolores groaned, squeezing her coil strand. Isabela patted her shoulder with a snort. The house wasn't made for ten Madrigals and five Flores to live in. Abuela had said that they would move somewhere else later, but Dolores doubted that they should stay together. Placing her branch was a problem already. Not so much with Tía's, as the cold side of the family had fewer people.
Dolores had to suppress her groan when she realized that there were more than people who lived here. All packed in the kitchen, talking with each other. It took a moment for her to realize that the odd pair didn't look familiar. As the lead family, the Madrigals knew the entire community. And in Dolores' case, even the hermits were in her hearing range. Oh, right, Abuela had said something about newcomers. Dolores supposed her grandmother was the one to invite them to learn about the arrangement in Encanto.
Isabela frowned, her fists clenched as she eyed two strangers. The older cousin had a short temper. And Dolores knew how much she struggled with trust. Not a good combo.
"Mirabel, come here." Isabela had practically yanked her younger sister away from the giant woman. The latter's eye twitched but she pulled away from the teenager. Somebody really should tell her about what happened.
Knowing her family, Dolores had no doubts that these two were confused to the brim already. The good for them is that the Madrigals didn't have gifts anymore. It would be so much worse if they had to learn about all the magic of their family. And, either way, it should be so hard for them. Dolores grew up in Encanto, and the idea of tearing the connection with her home was awful. She couldn't imagine it, just leaving all her life behind. Poor them, it must be so hard. And they appeared at the worst time. Before, maybe they could've stayed in Casita. It would've been big enough to contain visitors for a couple of months. Until the village effort paid in another house to live in.
And about that, it was another day of working with rebuilding. Luisa (the giant one) had volunteered at the moment she heard what they were doing. Her papá rubbed her back, asking her not to overwork.
Sweet. Dolores wondered where Luisa's mom was. Abuela had said about two people. So either way she wasn't in Encanto or they hadn't met each other yesterday. But Dolores didn't want to ask, just in case. She still remembered how hard it was for Tía and her cousins when Tío died.
Being in service (I think my sacrifices are nothing if I don't feel like I'm helping)
Luisa loved working. Not only it gave them money and was a good way to return the favour after being given a place to stay. But also it made her feel important.
She's not even tired!
A new part of Twice to once!
The morning was passing rapidly. Not staying for a break at all. The hot equatorial sun was up high and steady. It crawled over the azure sky. The warm rays lay on Luisa's dark wavy hair. She stayed close to her dad, even if all the team of the Madrigals and Rojas wasn't big enough to lose each other. Even less when two of them towered over all the Madrigals. Luisa stepped over the breaks, catching Agustín from time to time when he stumbled over.
She let out something between a chuckle and groan whenever it happened. Nothing new, she would be far more surprised if Papá didn't fall at all.
Luisa tilted her head, eyeing the sight in front of her. The dusty debris, lifelessly colorful wooden shards. The powdery sweet sand was mixed with the rough stone chips. The scattered glass dishes and old broken frames peeked from under the rubble. The tiles were inside out, shaking without a movement.
Yeah, this place didn't look good if Luisa wanted to put it short. Berenched in destructive death. There wasn't a centimeter free of the faded life. The incident must've happened not so far in the past if she judged by how dirty it looked.
"Right now, we are busy with rebuilding Casita." Señora Madrigal nodded, standing in front of them. Luisa bit her lip, suppressing the wish to ask in which world it would be considered as a small house. It had looked bigger than any other inside the village that she spotted by now.
Luisa rolled up her sleeves. Tensed her muscles to prepare herself. "What do I do?"
Señora Julieta stared at her, shaking her hands. "No, no,. you don't have to."
"Don't worry, I want to help!" Luisa loved helping, being useful. It made her feel connected to people for the short time she stayed in one place
She loved feeling as if she was important. Somebody who would be remembered at least a little on the back of somebody's mind. That she wasn't forgotten the moment she left one of her places to live. Even if she doubted it was the case, it was nice to imagine. And this is if she had forgotten the payment that they received for work. Luisa knew how important the money were.
Papí sighed, petting her back. "Don't overwork yourself, okay, Mija?"
She shrugged, it would be okay, no need to worry. "I'll be fine!" Luisa promised, lifting a broken doorframe. Just need to avoid getting a splinter. A bit of work had never killed anybody.
There were several wagons. According to Señora Madrigal's words, they were supposed to take away the garbage of what was left. Simple and easy. Luisa placed a broken wood into one and got to pushing the rocks. A whole lot of work had to be done. It wasn't a one-day job, so Luisa was better to be prepared. At least, she had a stable way to help for a long time. She thought it would be enough for as long as she stayed in here. Sooner or later they would have to move again. Even if Luisa hoped that it would be later, she could know if it would happen in a day or a month.
"Okay, where do I put it?" Luisa yelled, picking another fairly big piece of ruined wall. Her muscles tensed from effort, knuckles were turning cloudy.
She had wiped a sticky wet sweat from her dark brows. Deep breath, there was still so much to do. After a week, she got into a rhythm with this. Wake up, go to work, avoid Papá trying to drag you to rest. And then repeat all tomorrow. Luisa worked a lot. She liked being useful, needed. This way, they won't be kicked out for now.
Her muscles felt sore, swollen from the effort of cleaning the place. It was a few more of the pointer cycle before the long day would be over. And then repeated tomorrow. She was used to it. Even if Papí tried to stop her from work every so often, Luisa couldn't allow herself to lillegag. Nobody dies from a little exhaustion, she would be okay by tomorrow. Probably.
She rubbed her arms, whisking the chips that clinged onto her. Her finger slid over the cuff, where was a visible transition between her natural paler colour and a deep tan, earned from the constant work on the fervent star.
Okay, no time, she had so much to do. They hadn't even cleaned the mess by now. And then it would be projection, getting supplies... And she doubted the house would be any smaller than the last one. They had a whole lot to do ahead. The house wouldn't finish itself.
Her alpragatas slurped against the water padles which often formed after the morning rain. Sometimes it even poured during the working time. But Luisa had to admit, she could deal with bad weather very well. She had lost count of how many times Zeus had spread with rain when she and Agustín were on the run. If there was anything good in this it was Luisa's strong immune system. She couldn't remember when she was sick even a little for the last time.
People were doing their parts. Luisa didn't really pay attention to them. Aside from asking about what she had to do she barely contacted with them. There was no time to lose on chatting without any goal. It would be far better to help, discussions would give them nothing.
Days were passing fast when Luisa was busy, even more with how busy she was right now. Most of the time she moved without paying attention to what was her body doing. Barely noticing the callouses on her hands growing thicker. It wasn't something that Luisa hadn't experienced before. Manual labor jobs were easier to get. And with how strong Luisa was, it was a natural choice for her.
She didn't even work that much this time around. Once Luisa worked on fiveteen hours job seven days a week. And then Papí learned of how much she was forced to work and punched her employer. They left two days after. So, working from ten to twelve hours wasn't too bad. Luisa wasn't even hurt, she handled it very good. Just a bit tired, sure. But it would pass after a decent night sleep. As she loved saying, Ponos would help her. She did wonder if the Greek God of toil would like her.
Okay, there's no time for distraction. She had to work. Oh, there was so much to do... Besides, there wasn't anything better for her to do anyway. Doing a craft required equipment that Luisa didn't have. As well as skills that also didn't exist. And she doubted they would stay for long enough to master something. So she just helped in all the ways. she could. She had to return the favor after being given a place to stay.
Being in service
Part 2!!
What Mirabel had noticed the first was that Luisa worked a lot. The second thing was that Luisa worked way too much. She seemed to appear on the construction site before anyone else and didn't leave until the darkness of the night fell upon Encanto. What was more is that it happened every day. Who set her schedule, and when were the weekends in it?
Luisa worked more than anyone else did, despite the fact that she probably had the least reason for it. The Madrigals hadn't served her family for the last fifty years. Mirabel had to admit how concerned she was. Luisa was pushing her body too hard and Mirabel could see it in the dark circles under Luisa's eyes. This wasn't normal...
At first, Mirabel thought that it would last after a day or two. She had always been very eager to start a new project. Maybe it was the same with Luisa. But it didn't stop after days, even when Luisa looked like she could faint any moment now. And Mirabel wouldn't let this happen. One way or another, Luisa will get a break.
"Hey?" Mirabel peeked from behind Luisa. Her hand gripped a picnic basket.
The taller woman wiped her forehead, smearing the glimmering heavy sweat. "Yes?", She blinked, staring into a space for a short time. Soon enough she noticed Mirabel's presence. "You're one of these Madrigals, right?"
"Yes, I'm Mirabel." She bit her bottom lip and nodded. "We talked before. I just think, how about we take a break together?" Was it stupid? Probably. She and Luisa almost didn't know each other. The Rojas had no reason to do as Mirabel asked. Or even believe them.
As expected, Luisa gritted her teeth, keeping up with her work. "I don't need breaks. I have to work. Do you need anything?"
Mirabel pulled Luisa by the sleeve, trying to get her down. "I haven't seen you taking rest at all."
As much as the villagers wanted to help, rebuilding Casita had been a volunteer thing. And even if it was caused by the fact that they couldn't stop their life just for one goal. There were kids in school, farmers had to take care of their animals and crops. Even if Rojas didn't have anything else to do, they were supposed to get used to the place. But the only thing Luisa did was work.
Luisa shook her head, punching another rubble up. "Because I didn't take it." She explained in such a calm voice as if it were the most normal thing in the world.
Mirabel wasn't sure what was more worrying. The abnormal passion for work or complete calmness in Luisa's voice when she talked about her unhealthy habits. Even proudness if Mirabel would make an assumption.
"You need a break," Mirabel stated, firm. She wasn't going to stop with her line.
Luisa sighed, holding herself back. She didn't want to get in trouble for being disrespectful. She didn't have time for this. "I'm fine, I promise."
What was she talking about? It was obvious that working this much didn't give her any good. Unless the trembling of her muscles could be counted as something useful. Mirabel wasn't the type to stop pushing if she really was determined to do something. In this case, she was stubborn in her plan to force Luisa for a break.
"No, you're not." The Madrigal managed to slide just in front of Luisa, forcing her to back a step away. Mirabel threw back her head to look into Luisa's face with their height difference. She squinted her eyes, seeing a bright sun getting into her vision.
Luisa's eyes ran from one side to another, searching for an answer that was invisible. "Can you just say what do you want from me?" She wanted to get a transparent message instead of whatever Mirabel was doing.
"I said you need to rest." Mirabel walked closer for Luisa. The latter seemed to be unable to get this information straight into her head.
Luisa pursed her lips, tapping her fingers together. Mirabel tilted her head, feeling her curls tickling her neck. Taking a staring contest against each other without even announcing it out loud.
"As long as these Madrigal leaders won't announce a break for everyone, I can keep up with this." Luisa declared after some thoughts, not backing up.
Mirabel's eyes blinked. Clap, like a bird's wings. "As long as Madrigals won't announce a break?"
It took a moment for Luisa to realize. She breathed a curse under her nose. Her hands twisted the cuffs of her shirt. But she couldn't say anything about this fact. Eye twitched under Mirabel's piercing gaze. But as she said, if a Madrigal asked her for a break, she would be forced to take one.
They sat a bit away from the workplace. Mirabel unwrapped an arepa that her Mamá made in the morning. Luisa stared at the ruined Casita, almost frozen in place. Her fists tightened in tense worry.
"So, how long do I have to sit like this?" Luisa muttered, leaning forward. Trying to keep her voice calm and steady.
Mirabel shrugged. "Twenty minutes or so."
It is not a long time. But Luisa looked like she had gotten a personal insult. "It's too long. I can't just..."
Mirabel rolled her eyes. What was the matter with Luisa? She acted so upset over the break. As far as Mirabel was aware, most people loved their rest time. Even if they adored their job. Luisa didn't seem to like pushing the rubble. But she still did it.
"You actually can." She said, lifting her chin. "And a short break will make you feel better." Mirabel swallowed, trying to find a good approach. "You will work way better if you're well rested."
Luisa rubbed her neck, her eye twitched. As much as she didn't want it, the bigger productivity meant she was more useful.
They sat silent. Mirabel's finger pulled a thread of her embroidery. It left several colorful strings dangling free. Not held back anymore.
"Why are you doing this?" Luisa sighed, leaning on the back of the bench. Mirabel jumped on her place for a moment, the grip on a basket loosened. But it was still steady enough. "I mean... You don't know me. You just could do anything else. I am able to do this"
Mirabel's eyes shifted to the floor. She wasn't sure herself. But, deep inside, she had a kind heart and didn't want Luisa, even if she was a complete stranger to get hurt. "You tried to help me. When we first met, remember?"
Her interlocutor trembled, taking short pined breaths. "Wait, I... I don't remember you?" She muttered, her big brown eyes blinking, trying to distract herself from bad thoughts.
Right, that girl that Luisa saw in the middle of panicking on her first morning in Encanto. She just wanted to be useful for the community. But, Mirabel forcing her to take a break because of this? She didn't see this coming
Mirabel placed her feet on the ground steady. Unsure of what she was supposed to say. "I just... Thank you? It was nice of you" She wasn't sure of how hard it would be if she was all by herself. But for certain, the presence of somebody made her feel better. A presence of someone who didn't know her as a 'Poor giftless Madrigal who was outcast in her own family and almost got crushed by a house.' Mirabel hated pity. But Luisa didn't know it all. She didn't have any reason to say how unlucky Mirabel was. No reason to play the old record over and over again until Mirabel got sick from it.
Favor for the favor. That's what that say, right? Besides, any person with a social responsibility would do the same thing. Midabel didn't want people to be hurt. And overworking was burning Luisa. Maybe Madrigal took after her mother, she couldn't tell for sure.
Luisa chewed an arepa. Her eyes narrowed. The free hand wrapped a hand wrapped a strand on her finger. "It was nice, I guess." Luisa breathed out. "I'll see you around."
Mirabel had a feeling she would be forced to grag Luisa for a break again soon enough.
Garish Isabela: Imagine not having your mother abandoning you
TTO Luisa: Imagine having a living mother.
Worship Isabela: Imagine having a family instead of a crazy messed up cult
Hurricane is red
After some time in Encanto, Agustín starts getting friends.
Twice to once!
Agustín sat in the warm room. The stuff air rose around, pushing out of the window shutters. The fingers of his healthy hand squeezed the swelling on the opposite arms. The pain sizzled with fire under his skin, crawling all over the limb. Even being accident-prone, all types of broken bones, cuts, and animal bites were no pleasant. He was looking for Luisa earlier, planning to get her for a break. His daughter didn't have very healthy work habits, so Agústin tried to force her to rest himself. Most of the time, it worked as much as a rusty grinder.
So, now he sat after tripping in a very bad place. And he hadn't even seen Luisa. Much to his shocking delight, she didn't seem to work at the moment. His arm swelled, dripping with sizzling fire inside his bones. Agustín kept it still, not willing to feel more pain. There might or might not be any cracking sounds around the time he fell. Skin turned an oxygenless bluish pattern.
The door slammed as if it were a drum that the drummer happened to hit too hard. Pepa, the tall gingerheaded woman broke in, scowling. Her loud footsteps echoed in the room as a series of deep scratches covered her cheek. The other one was on her arm. She might need stitches for that
"Hello?" Agustín asked, clamming his palms and leaning forward to see her.
Pepa clutched her jaw, looking down at him. "You here too?" She took a deep breath, whispering "Clear skies" and waving her hands over her head. Red stood bright on her pale thin skin.
Agustín stared at it, not knowing how to react. His brows furrowed as Pepa kept pushing an imaginary cloud away.
Pepa paced around the room, energy spilling out of her body. Agustín didn't know what to say. The ginger Madrigal was an... expressive woman. Emotional and unsteady. Her healthy hand pressed against the damage. Face squirmed as the red vessels ran down
"So, how are you?" Agustín asked, to clear up the silent environment. The Madrigal was definitely in a bad condition. But it wasn't anything better if they just waited.
Pepa chucked, cracking her back. "Ah, it's nothing, I've got so many injuries way worse than this in my teenage years!" She stated proud of herself, pale hand gripped onto her head. The blood clung to the ginger hair, but Pepa just shrugged it off after being told about this.
The funny thing that Agustín had learned after a bit of chatting was that Pepa was pretty much accident-prone too. It was better now but in her childhood... Oh boy! It wasn't clumsiness, she just loved seeking some troubles. Agustín supposed they could've been good friends. Or maybe he would've been dead by now. He got into enough painful situations without anyone dragging him along for an adventure. And she was energetic too. Agustín couldn't recall seeing her standing in one place longer than a very short time period. Like a boiling sun ball, never stopping.
She talked a lot, almost constantly once they got used to each other. Agustín didn't spend much time with the Madrigals. He supposed they had way better things to do and he still adjusted to the place. Because it was crazy. He had to expect that a town that was stuck in the middle of nowhere wasn't modern but this... everyone was so old-fashioned. Agustín preferred city clothes style, used to it way more than standard village shirts. He didn't even mention how strange everyone acted. Three days ago he saw a couple, reaction to rain as if it was the most shocking thing they could've waited for. And the lack of any medical place, only some elderly helping in their houses. All the doctors that he had met were so old... No offense.
He and Pepa walked down the streets. Now Agustín got a sling, holding his broken arm. Pepa complained that she had some minor injury and Julieta got worked up over nothing.
"Your hermana forces you to make sure you're okay?" Agustín clarified, his heart melted into a bubbling shape. It was cute. "That's so sweet of her."
Pepa shrugged, jumping forward. "Well that's her role." She jumped over the cracks like a child.
What did she mean by 'role'? Some siblingly thing probably. But Agustín lacked context to be sure about this.
Encanto was an unusual place, sticky like melted cheese, things had spread in a rapid temp. Always moving but frozen.
"Are you free tomorrow?" Pepa turned to him, standing in front of the house. Not the one she stayed in when Agustín first met the Madrigals. But he supposed it was fair, it didn't have enough space for such a big family.
He nodded, fixing his glasses. Hm, he would need to ask if anyone has a tape in here to glue it. "I think yes, just need to make sure Luisa doesn't overwork herself."
Peps's green eyes lightened. "Yes!" She threw her hands to the sides. "There's a cool cave in the mountains, we're gonna see it." She asked, not bothering to wonder if Agustín himself wanted it too. He doubted he should go anywhere with his arm broken. He had enough self-acknowledge to realize how worse his wound would become. And he had a feeling Pepa shouldn't put much pressure on herself either.
"Maybe we should wait until we're healed?" Agustín asked, trying to get some sense into Pepa.
The woman crossed her arms, scoffing. "It's nothing!"
He and Pepa became friends after this. The latter soon pushed Agustín to socialize with the rest of the adult Madrigals. But it worked only with Julieta and Félix. Not much, but he knew it was a result. It was less than a month since he and Luisa came here. Still unused to the things around. The place felt like stuck in time, the look of shock when Agustín told them about simple modern injenery or principles was shocking.
Pepa was hyperactive and anxiously emotional in every of her movements. Felix stood steady as a pillow where his wife could fall. So caring and supportive. Truly they had a marriage made in heaven. Julieta was single, not like Agustín could say anything on this account. He didn't want to ask questions, knowing how uncomfortable it could be. Especially when you moved to a new place. He supposed everyone in Encanto knew about what happened (except for himself) so maybe Julieta at least didn't have to deal with the blunt people.
For Twice to Once:
Has Agustín ever considered remarrying? On a similar note, would he like to have more children? Same questions as above for Julieta.
What was Luisa’s mother like?
What are Agustín and Luisa’s opinions of Julieta, Isabela and Mirabel as of the current time? Vice versa, what are Julieta, Isabela and Mirabel’s opinions of Agustín and Luisa? Have these changed since their first impressions/meetings at all?
What does Luisa think about having a gift? (I know people haven’t had the discussion with her and she isn’t a part of the Madrigals, but would she like a magical ability/superpower?)
Has Luisa met any of the donkeys yet? Even if it is as minimal as just petting them on her way to overwork herself each morning.
I think Agustín had thought about remarrying at some point. But as they usually don't stay in one place for long enough, he probably didn't actually. For children, I mean, his wife (and their second child) died in the childbirth. So it's safe to assume he wanted more kids.
It's a bit more complicated with Julieta. As the Madrigal, at least some people would definitely try to marry her for the status. So she probably has a hard time accepting the idea of dating for now. For children, Julieta probably wouldn't mind, but she is satisfied with Isabela and Mirabel. Was even before her husband's death
I honestly hadn't thought much of Luisa's mom. She's probably even less relevant to the plot that Julieta's husband. She was... Nice, I think?
I think Agustín and Luisa wouldn't really interact with kids/adults respectively. Age gaps and thing. It less awkward to talk to a person around your age. Luisa is probably confused of why Mirabel tries to help her. Mirabel is secretly happy Luisa (and Agustín) don't know about the whole Casita's falling thing/her lack of a gift. And therefore won't pity her. Julieta, with all her motherly nature is probably concerned (especially for Gus' physical's health now that he and Pepa are friends). Agustín probably finds Julieta's sweetness really cute Isabela doesn't like them both and that they are hanging over her Mamá/Hermanita for whatever the reason. But they really didn't have enough time to get close to eachother. For a reference, Agustín's birthday hadn't passed yet, so they didn't spend even a month together
Luisa: Actually, I have a super power! I can talk with the donkeys! // But I nean, who wouldn't want to have a super power? You bet me Luisa would bring the Greek Mythology in.
And, they are cleaning the place. Somebody should carry away the carts with the trash. Who do you think would do this? It's pretty safe to assume Luisa had met some donkeys by now. Probably even spoke a word or two with them.
Add some sugar
Mirabel didn't want to admit how surprised she was when Luisa wasn't working.
Turns out, it's Señor Agustín's birthday soon
Twice to once!
Mirabel had to admit she was too shocked by Luisa's lack of presence at work for her own likance. Because as she stated before, Luisa was at work every single day Don't get her wrong, she was glad that Luisa did something other than breaking her back at where Casita used to stand. But, considering how Mirabel had to drag Luisa for a short rest just a few days ago, she doubted Rojas would skip the work by her will.
It wasn't very hard to find Luisa. She paced around the streets like a child wandering in the wild forest. Coming from one place to another without any visible goal. Black hair wasn't collected as usual, lying in waves on the tall woman's shoulders
"Luisa, what's wrong?" Mirabel purced her lips, staring at her acquaintance with big eyes.
"Everything is fine.." Luisa muttered, ignoring Mirabel. Her fingers traced the brim of the clay cup that was on sale. "No, pa'll just break it..." She said under her breath. Intended to, as Mirabel assumed by the exhale. But the words were heard on the opposite side of the street.
Several people stared at Luisa. Mirabel noticed Señor Ortiz approaching the woman. Luisa listened to him, her fists clutched. Body shook in panic. Oh, yes. Osvaldp had always been known for being blunt and lacking a concept of social cues. Coming with the worst possible help, even if he meant well.
The more Luisa was searching, the more anxious she looked. Like Tía Pepa during one of her unstoppable hurricanes. Which only added to Mirabel's worry. The only thing she got from the older woman's unintelligible mumbling was that she needed something for her dad, Señor Agustín. And she didn't seem to have any progression in here.
"Goddamit, what do I do?" Luisa gasped, taking a moment to shake herself.
"Are you... sure you don't need help?" Mirabel looked from the corner, tucking a strand of her unamenable hair behind her ear. Luisa looked down at her with wide eyes, brows arched, and mouth open a little in confusion. "You were going in circles for hours. I won't be surprised if everyone had noticed how you're doing a marathon or something."
Luisa sighed, throwing her head back. "Papá's birthday in a few days." She confirmed, exhausted. "I have no idea what to give him.", Her eye audibly twitched. "Can you imagine? I'm running out of time!" She claimed in worry.
Oh, Mirabel wasn't sure if she could help with it. She had barely contacted with Señor Rokas. Why would she? He was her Mamá and Tíos' contemporary. There wasn't any real reason to interact with him beyond simple greetings when they met by accident.
Luisa groaned. "Damn, I need coffee for this." She slipped down the lifeless rock of the fence.
"It's serving nearby. I can show you... Besides, I planned to buy some cake for Toñito too." Mirabel shrugged. Anything was better than sitting here in panic. She was meant to remake the party for Antonío for days. His birthday was interrupted by the whole cracks thing. And besides, it would give.him.some.form.of consolation after losing his gift.
"Oh, he's so lucky! it's been a while since I had one." Luisa scratched her chin. "Now, thinking about it, I need to buy a cake too!"
Of course, a good sweet would cheer most people up. Even if Mirabel herself wasn't a fan of the sugary taste, she preferred the saltiness of a good cheese. Bonus if it was in arepa. But having a cake was a birthday tradition so it was only natural for Luisa to get one for Agustín.
Mirabel stood in a moment, the wheels moving inside her head. "Or, you can make one! I mean, as a surprise for your dad!"
She was a crafty person and she was well aware of this. From embroidery to drawing, she always made gifts for her family herself. Who would not like a nice thing you did with your very own tiny hands? Again she didn't love sweets much, but she would melt if anyone bothered to waste their time on her like that instead of doing something they actually wanted.
Luisa's eye twitched, she waved her hands frantically. "No, no, I don't know a thing about bakery! She explained. "And, I don't even have a place for it."
"I'm sure, Mamá will help you!" Madrigal insisted, leaning her hands on the grays. She squinted, feeling how hot it was from the bright direct sun. Now that nobody could create a cloud to cold down the village, the equatorial weather was spilling out in milk.
Becides, if Mirabel is busy with the cake, she would have a reason not to go back to the tower that had nearly crushed her to death. As much as she wanted to make everyone believe it was fine, she didn't enjoy the idea of staying near the place for the time being.
Mirabel shrugged the thought away, it wasn't about her. Luisa doesn't need to know about the whole thing with the magic. Ignorance was treasure as someone smart had said. The magic was gone anyway, so it wants a big deal.
"So, cake it is?" Luisa chuckled, looking down at Mirabel. The back of her leg bumped into the rock.
Mirabel nodded. Her Mamá was an amazing cook, so she was sure Luisa would grasp the purpose somewhere in the middle of the work.
Luisa still thought this Idea was stupid. She just didn't have anything better. So now she stood over the kitchen counter. Hunching next to Julieta and Mirabel. She shifted from foot to foot, trying to prevent her eye from twitching too much.
"Don't be so nervous, I don't bite." Julieta chuckled, placing her hand on Luisa's arm. Luisa winced at the voice. She gulped, throwing her gaze down. Seeing Julieta and Mirabek closer reminded her of how similar they looked. a clear familiar heritage.
"Yep!" She replied at a speed faster than the military could ever hope for. Mirabel threw a concerned look at her. Luisa thought Mirabel wouldn't join her. After all, they had the whole rebuilding thing. But Mirabel stated that she still has nothing better to do, despite all the work that has to be done yet. Oh, crap... Luisa would be so behind her schedule after this!
"It's sweet of you to make a cake with your own hands." Luisa decided to examine a small painting on the wall instead of admitting that it wasn't her who wanted it. The oily fruits glimmered from the sheeting. Luisa tensed her eyes, examining how the colors played together. "Ah, is everything alright?" Julieta asked, seeing a clear discomfort in Luisa's posture.
"Luisa, it's okay, you'll do it great. I know it." Mirabel tried to pep-talk her. Luisa closed her eyes holding back her laughter. A short chuckle managed to creep out. Luisa leaned on the table.
"Do you know what you want to make exactly?"
"Ah, well, pastel?" Luisa spreaded her arms.
"Well, you have to choose which one exactly." Julieta nodded.
Luisa bit her lip, stretching her hands. She didn't know much about cakes. They didn't exactly have them often. And with the beginning of La Violencia, it only worsened. So, she had no real idea of what to say. "Mm, Torta de Manzana sounds... okay?" She said the first thing her mind came up with. It wasn't too complex... She hoped at least. And who doesn't like apples anyway? Sure, it wasn't cake, but pies count as sweets too!
Señora Julieta explained to her how to measure ingredients. Luisa squinted her eyes, observing when the flour would hit the mark. Gotta make sure it won't be too much. Threw an egg into the bowl, then took out the pieces of a shattered shell.
Luisa wiped her finger against the edge of the kitchen cabinet, getting the ropy foodstuff off. Well, not very prim and proper. Who can stop her?
The older Madrigal was an advicer for the most part, allowing the girls to learn themselves. Well, at least for Luisa it was like this. Mirabel could be just as good as her mamá. Cooking is usually a family thing. At least it was like this with Luisa. But, to be fair, it was probably caused by the fact that allowing Papí to do anything that could produce flame was a fire hazard.
"Good thing Camilo isn't around, we would have to clean the whole place after his cooking," Mirabel muttered to herself, kneading the dough. Meanwhile, Luisa was busy beating hers with all the passion that she could muster. The thick substance stuck to her knuckles and fell back into the bowl. Yeah, it might be a little funMeanwhileLuisa was busy beating hers with all the passion that she could muster. The thick substance stuck to her knuckles and fell back into the bowl. Yeah, it might be a little fun
Several orange drops fell on the table. Luisa didn't listen to whatever Julieta had said about this, too focused on the process. Maybe she should remember that fighting the floor and eggs wasn't exactly knucking it. But who cares? It would do something. Probably.
"You're getting into the process." Mirabel chuckled, slicing the apples. Luisa looked away, nervous. How can she hold herself back anyway? It's so fun!
According to the smell... Their cooking experiment might got burnt a little, even with Señora Julieta's help. Luisa poked a finger into the hot soft surface. Damn, she really hoped she did it good.
"Good job, girls!" Julieta smiled, staring from behind Mirabel. "Luisa, I'm sure Señor Agustín will be very proud of you.
Luisa did taste some dough before the baking. Señora had said it was a good way to determine if they lacked of something. This way, Luisa added a few spoons of sugar back then. Really hoping it didn't fucked up anything. No, of course, Papí would appreciate it either way. But there was a difference between it being appreciated because of family feelings and the torta being nice.
One of the best things in TTO is that how when Luisa and Mirabel have a downfall in their relationship, Isabela, who had previously fought Luisa like her mortal enemy to protect Mirabel is the one to say "No, fuck, sis, you're doing shit without this stupid giant." And forces them to make up.
Very stupid quiz yey
Dolores, I apologize for not making music quiz for now but I need to learn shit about music to make a proper quiz rather than "Who sang Waiting on a Miracle"
Yeah I took "Get Luisa au quiz" as the cold sisters
So here we have
Isabela gets an au where she's free of dealing with Luisa being a giant for like 19 years I guess? Ironic, because it's probably very Isabela-focused au. Compared to others at least
Luisa wants to have fun and bond with Agustín without dealing with angsty shit
.... I mean, she takes Mirabel's role, right??