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Chapter Text

Chapter One: New Beginnings.

It's been three months since Casita collapsed and the Madrigals' gifts were restored. Those three months were difficult for the Madrigals, as it forced them to air out their grievances and express their unhappiness with their lives. As well as cope with the fact that their gifts were gone.

Julieta felt conflicted about losing her gift. At the age of five, she became the doctor of the Encanto. She was the one who healed everyone's injuries, no matter how small they were.

For forty-five years, she slaved all day, every day, in the kitchen. Cooking anything and everything so that there would always be food to heal anyone's injuries.

Trying to live up to her mamá's never-ending demands and expectations, running herself ragged, leaving her no time to spend with her esposo or her hijas. When the candle went out, she panicked at no longer being able to heal anyone, but her bebé showed her that she is more than just her gift. Her precious Mirabel, who never received a gift, proved to her and the rest of the family that their gifts don't define who they are and that they don't need gifts to help serve the Encanto.

Pepa felt relieved when she lost her gift. For the first time in forty-five years, she does not have to suppress her emotions. She is able to feel them without having to worry about causing a hurricane or a snowstorm.

Without having to worry about accidentally striking her niños with lightning. Dios, if she had a peso every time her mamá told her she had a cloud, she'd be a very rich woman. Now she doesn't have to feel bad about disappointing her mamá because she couldn't control her emotions. Thanks to Mirabel, her nube, she’s free. She is no longer the farmer's human irrigation system, and she can devote her time to her family.

Bruno felt at peace when he lost his gift. No longer did he have to deal with those awful migraines. He wasn't bad luck Bruno anymore, the one who makes goldfish die, priests lose their hair, and townspeople fat. The townspeople couldn't yell, insult, or beat him up anymore for being creepy or a bad omen. They couldn't use him as an escape goat anymore. Now he doesn't have to hide from them or be away from his family. Thanks to his sobrina Mirabel, the real gift of their family, he's home and reunited with his hermanas.

Luisa was a mess when she lost her gift. The candle gifted her with super strength, and since the age of five, she has been using her gift to serve the community. Rerouting the river, moving the church, gathering up the donkeys, fixing houses that were tilted over —you name it, she did it. Alma always stressed that they had to earn the miracle given to them by Pedro’s sacrifice, and that meant serving the town. Fulfilling each and every one of their requests and never being able to say no.

She was never able to relax, take a break, or do anything for herself. Who was she if she couldn't be of service to them? Gracias a Dios for her hermanita, Mirabel comforted her and opened her eyes. She helped her realize that she wasn’t a slave or a machine but a human being. One with feelings, who is entitled to say no and to take time for herself doing things that she enjoys. Things like going for walks, reading romance novels, and spending time with her hermanas.

Camilo felt utterly lost when the candle went out. His gift allowed him to shapeshift into anyone, and he used it to make the townspeople laugh. Making them laugh was the least he could do since he did not have a useful gift like his Mamí, Tía Julieta, or his prima Luisa.

Forget the fact that constantly shifting into other people left him starving; he had to earn their miracle, like Abuela always said. If he wasn't the jokester, the prankster, then who was he? He doesn’t feel like a boy or a girl. What is he?

Would people still like him if he can't shift into anyone anymore? Is he still funny even though his gift is gone? Would his family accept and understand that he isn't a he or a she, but a they and a them? Mirabel, their melliza, hugged them and spent every day convincing them that they were not their gift. Their gift doesn't define who they are, and it's ok if they don't feel like a boy or a girl. She said they are funny, mischievous, blunt, loving, and caring, and that being themselves is more than enough.

Dolores didn't know how to feel when the candle went out. She had always had a love-hate relationship with her gift. Being able to hear her family's heartbeats and knowing where they were at all times was comforting. However, hearing people having sex, hearing people's private conversations, and hearing anything and everything was beyond overwhelming. From the moment she received her gift, her ears were blasted all day, every day, with never-ending sounds. Her bedroom helped to muffle the sounds to some extent, but she still heard everything.

All her life, she's been called a chismosa, as if she asked to be able hear everything. The townspeople would whisper rude remarks about her, not caring that she could hear every word they were saying. They had no reason to care, as Abuela always put the miracle and their community over their family. Mirabel, her dulce prima, stood up to their Abuela and made her open her eyes and see how she was hurting their family. Her campanita not only gave her ears a much-needed break, but she also gave Dolores a sense of peace that she has never known.

Mirabel felt like a failure when the candle went out. Casita was more than her home; she was her best friend. Saving the miracle was her one and only chance to prove to Abuela and to the rest of her family that she wasn't useless. It was her opportunity to demonstrate to the townspeople that she was worthy of the Madrigal name despite not having a gift. She tried so hard to save the candle, and yet it still went out.

Her efforts weren't enough, and her family lost their gifts because she thought she could be a hero. Mirabel ran from the ruins of her home, unable to face her Abuela's disappointment and scorn. While she wallowed in guilt, frustration, despair, and self-hatred, her Abuela found her. For the first time ever, Alma explained how seeing Pedro murdered in front of her affected her. She acknowledged her mistakes and apologized for everything. Specifically, for putting so much pressure on everyone and for mistreating Mirabel all these years.

After that day, things slowly began to change in their family, but the biggest change was in the way the Madrigals treated Mirabel. No longer was she the black sheep, as no one in her family had gifts anymore. Her family included her in everything and no longer told her to step aside. They actively sought her out to help rebuild Casita and asked what her opinions were on it. In addition to that, they frequently asked her for her advice, as she was the most empathetic person in their family. For the first time in ten years, Mirabel felt special and she burned just as brightly as the rest of her family.

Alma was devastated when her home collapsed. It brought back those horrible memories of cradling her bebés as she fled from her home with Pedro. Desperately trying to escape the armed horsemen who were determined to kill every man, woman, and child they came across. Her amable, valiente, and amoroso esposo, who did not hesitate to sacrifice himself to save her and their niños. He would be so ashamed, disappointed, and angry with her for how she's treated their family. She prioritized the miracle and the gifts it gave them over her hijos and nietos. Working them all to the bone to satisfy the selfish needs of the townspeople.

It took Mirabel standing up to her and losing their home for her to finally open her eyes and see all the pain she has caused her family. Bruno, her own son, was so afraid of her and of her reaction to his vision that he hid in the walls of their home for ten years. Dios mio, what kind of madre is she? She apologizes to her family, knowing that she doesn't deserve their forgiveness. Her beloved hijos and nietos forgive her, and she vows to repair her relationships with all of them. Alma's eyes are opened, and she plans on never turning a blind eye to her family again.

Isabela felt both happy and sad when she lost her gift. Part of her felt sad because her gift had been a part of her for so long and she loved having that connection to nature. The majority of her was happy that she no longer had to make beautiful, perfect flowers. As the eldest grandchild, she was the first to receive her gift, and she was so excited to get it. She had so much fun growing different kinds of flowers, but then Mirabel had her gift ceremony, and she didn't receive a gift. Abuela quickly sunk her claws into her and put all of the pressure and responsibility of maintaining their family's image on her. From that moment on, everything Isabela did, said, and wore had to be perfect. She was not allowed to slouch, laugh too loudly, raise her voice, or wear anything except pink and purple.

Her Abuela's word was law, and she had no choice but to obey her every command. It didn't matter that Isabela was miserable or that she was expected to marry a man she didn't like. Let alone love. All that mattered was that Alma was happy, because if Alma was happy, then the rest of the family would be happy as well. Every day Isabela dreaded waking up and living a lie, a life she hated. She had to smile and act like she was happy all of the time, when all she wanted to do was scream. Isabela had to pretend like she hated Mirabel because she was giftless and Alma didn't want her around to distract her from making the town beautiful. She was crumbling under the pressure, but she was terrified of losing her Abuela's love by disappointing her.

Isabela had resigned herself to being miserable for the rest of her life until Mirabel, her brave hermanita, confronted their Abuela and reproached her for all of the pain she had caused them. She had never admired her baby sister more than she did in that moment, and yet she still couldn't open her mouth and tell Alma that she did not want to marry Mariano. Casita's collapse and the loss of their gifts are what made Alma open her eyes and change her ways. As everyone worked together over the next couple of months to repair their home, Isabela found the courage to tell her Abuela that she did not want to marry Mariano and that she did not want to be her perfect flower anymore. Mirabel liberated her, and Isabela is blossoming now that she is discovering who she truly is.

Since her gift was restored, Isabela has been exploring her powers, and to say that she is thrilled by what she is able to create would be an understatement. Isabela is not only able to grow a hurricane of jacarandas, palma de cera, or rivers of sundew, but she is also able to grow all different kinds of fruits and vegetables. Her family is also ecstatic to see that her gift is flourishing and that she is so happy.

Isabela is genuinely happy for the first time in what feels like forever, but something odd has been happening since her gift returned. Every night she has the same weird dream with the same unknown voice. The voice is always muffled, but it is melodious and so very soothing. The longer the dream persists, the more Isabela finds herself longing to discover who the voice belongs to. She needs to figure out what it means and what it is that they want from her.

On a cloudy Friday afternoon, Isabela is in town making some flower deliveries when suddenly the townspeople start whispering and pointing behind her. She turns around, and her eyes lock onto this strange woman. A woman with long, straight platinum blonde hair, gray eyes, and full lips. Isabela has no idea why this woman is wearing pants or how she ended up in the Encanto. She knows that she is an outsider and that she needs to leave, but then their eyes meet, and Isabela's heart starts racing. Who is this woman? And why does Isabela feel like she knows her?

Chapter Text

Chapter Two: A stranger in the Encanto.

Misty gray eyes lock onto dark hazel ones, and time stands still. Isabela takes in her light cream-colored skin, her straight platinum blonde hair that perfectly frames her heart-shaped face, her cute button nose, and her full cherry-red lips. Her cheeks flush when the woman catches her staring, and she mentally berates herself for doing so.

The woman, who is at least three inches taller than Isabela, holds out her hand and warmly states, "Hola soy Soleia Vélez, pero puedes llamarme Leia."

Isabela quietly gasps at the sparks that shoot up her arm when their hands touch and shyly declares, "Hola soy Isabela Madrigal, es un placer concerte."

A smile turns up the corners of Soleia’s lips as she replies, "El placer es todo mío."

Isabela feels her heart beat faster at Leia’s words and at her breathtaking smile. It isn't until Leia softly squeezes her hand that she realizes that they are still holding hands. Blushing furiously, she reluctantly releases her hand, immediately missing the other woman's warmth.

A nasal voice pipes in and abruptly asks, "¿Qué haces en el Encanto?"

Inwardly, Isabela cringes at Señor Rendon's voice but gazes at Leia curiously, wondering the same thing.

Leia’s eyebrows furrow, and she bemusedly repeats, "Encanto?"

Isabela hums and politely answers, "This village is called the Encanto."

Leia nods and explains, "I arrived in Pereira a few weeks ago, and today I went to la Famosta Café for some tinto and a slice of torta abisina. Afterwards, I left to visit El Valle de Cocora to do some sketching, but on my way there, I saw these golden butterflies."

"Golden butterflies?"

"Yes, and they were so beautiful. Some of them came over and perched themselves on my arms before fluttering away. I know it sounds crazy, but I felt like I had to follow them. And they led me here."

If anyone else said this to Isabela, not only would she call them crazy, but she would wrap her vines around them so tight they wouldn't be able to breathe. And yet the sincerity in Leia’s voice and the hopefulness shining through her eyes crumble all of Isabela's doubts and reservations.

"I believe you," she says, and the blinding smile she receives in return absolutely does not make her feel weak in the knees.

Señora Pezmuerto scoffs and notes, "That doesn't explain why she's wearing pants or what her intentions are with our village."

Isabela glares at her and coldly states, "Her name is Soleia, and she can wear whatever she wants. She doesn't have to explain herself to you or to anyone else in this village. I'm going to take Soleia to Casita right now to meet my abuela and the rest of my family."

Leia smirks at the indignation radiating off of Señora Pezmuerto before following Isabela to her home.

Isabela silently fumes at the way that fish killer spoke to Leia and is half tempted to go back into town and pelt her with cactuses.

Leia sees the scowl marring Isabela's beautiful face and resolves to cheer her up. She carefully grabs her hand, marveling at how perfectly their fingers fit together, and lightly squeezes it.

Isabela feels her cheeks flush again at the feeling of Leia’s soft hand in hers.

When they reach Casita, the entire family is waiting in front of the house for them. Some with uncertainty, others with curiosity, and in Alma's case, harsh scrutiny.

Mirabel breaks the awkward and slightly tense silence and says, "Isa, who's this?"

Isabela opens her mouth to respond but gets cut off by Alma, demanding, "And what is she doing in our Encanto?"

Leia frowns at the older woman's harsh tone and calmly utters, "My name is Soleia Vélez, and I arrived here by accident. I was on my way to the Cocora Valley to do some sketching when I came across a swarm of golden butterflies. The butterflies fluttered away after perching themselves on me, and I don't know why, but I felt like I had to follow them. So I did, and they led me here."

Camilo sees Soleia and Isabela's joined hands and smirks mischievously. They clear their throat and comment, "That doesn't explain why the two of you are holding hands."

The Madrigals eyes lock onto Isabela and Soleia’s joined hands, and they raise an eyebrow in unison.

Soleia and Isabela look down and realize that they are in fact still holding hands, and they blush a deep red.

Alma's eyes narrow at this desconocida, and she growls out, "¿Por qué sostienes la mano de mi nieta?"

Leia laughs nervously as she tries to muster up a response. Pink peonies sprout on top of Isabela's head as she gulps at the fire burning in her abuela's eyes.

Leia’s eyes widen in amazement at the pretty flowers adorning Isabela's head. She carefully reaches out and plucks one.

Isabela giggles and says, "This is my gift; I can make all different kinds of plants."

Leia smiles and exclaims, "That's amazing!" "There's nothing that you can't do."

"Ahem," Mirabel coughs, interrupting Soleia and Isabela's mutual admiration society.

Isabela sprouts more peonies, and Leia unsuccessfully tries to hide her flushed cheeks.

Bruno tosses some salt over his shoulder and timidly states, "You don't seem surprised that Isabela has a magical gift."

Leia shrugs and nonchalantly replies, "That's because I have one too."

The Madrigals eyes widen and their mouths drop as Soleia leaps into the air and transforms into an enormous white tiger. She gracefully lands back onto the ground and bares her teeth, displaying her razor-sharp canines.

Isabela is entranced by Leia in her tiger form and gazes at her with hearts in her eyes and a dopey grin on her face.

Chapter Text

Chapter Three: Witches & casters & werecats oh my!

Soleia effortlessly transforms back into her human self and bites her lip to stop herself from laughing at the looks on the Madrigals faces.

Mirabel pipes in and says, "Our family received magical gifts from the miracle that protects us and the Encanto."

Bruno stutters, "H-How did you receive yours?"

Soleia debates whether or not to reveal herself, but one glance at Isabela’s hopeful face crushes any doubts that she has. She gently clears her throat and replies, "I come from a long line of werecats and casters, or witches, as we are more commonly known. Over the years, my magic grew stronger, and I was able to teleport and cast spells with ease. And on my sixteenth birthday, under the full moon, I transformed into a white tiger."

Alma pales, crosses herself, and fearfully states, "You’re a monster.”

Soleia frowns and explains, "I’m not a monster; I’m a supernatural being. A hybrid, if you will. A werecat with magical powers and abilities.”

Bruno tosses more salt over his shoulder while Alma crosses herself again and Pepa tugs hard on her braid.

Antonio runs up to Leia, carefully pulls on her pants so that she’s looking down at him, and exclaims, "That’s so cool!"

Leia giggles at his enthusiasm, and butterflies flutter inside Isabela’s stomach at the sound of Leia’s melodious laugh.

"Witches, er, casters, and werecats are real," Luisa mutters in disbelief.

Leia hums in agreement and discloses, "Werecats and casters have been around for centuries; we just tend to keep to ourselves. It’s important that we are as discreet and inconspicuous as we can possibly be. If we draw attention to ourselves or if mortals discover our supernatural abilities, we will be persecuted and sentenced to a painful demise."

Antonio frowns and says, "That’s not fair." "You shouldn’t have to hide who you are."

Leia’s heart melts at how adorable and sweet he is, and she gently replies, "No, it isn’t, but the world isn’t fair. It fears the unknown, and it condemns what it doesn’t understand."

Antonio feels a tug on his heart at the underlying sadness in her voice and decides to give her a hug because hugs make everything better. He doesn't hesitate to hold his arms out to her, and when she carefully lifts him up, he wraps his arms tightly around her neck.

The Madrigals gasp at the youngest grandchild hugging a complete stranger, and just as Alma opens her mouth to order this monster to release her nieto, Leia embraces Antonio back.

Soleia closes her eyes in a futile attempt to conceal the tears welling in her eyes from receiving her first hug in twelve years. She knows she's failed when Antonio clings to her and quietly states, "It's okay to cry; the sky does it too."

Isabela doesn't understand why Leia is crying, but seeing this beautiful being in pain makes her heart ache in a way she never knew it could. And so she tenderly cups Soleia’s cheek, delicately thumbing away her tears. She smiles softly when Leia leans into her touch and whispers sweet nothings to her.

The Madrigals all have mixed reactions to witnessing Isabela be so gentle and, dare they say, loving. Julieta has a hand over her mouth, shocked at her hija's out-of-character behavior. Pepa places a hand over her heart, and the sun slowly starts to peek out from behind her cloud. Bruno takes out another piece of wood and knocks on it repeatedly. Dolores squeaks while Alma grinds her teeth and balls her fists. Mirabel and Camilo share a sly glance, and mentally scheme ways to get the two of them alone as much as possible.

Parce, Antonio's jaguar, silently walks over to them and gently starts headbutting Soleia’s leg.

Leia reaches down and carefully scratches him behind the ear, and she giggles when he purrs loudly in response.

Antonio slightly pulls away from the hug and happily says, "Parce likes you; he's normally not that friendly with everyone."

Soleia smiles at the jaguar and replies, "I like him too; he has noble eyes."

Parce proudly puffs out his chest at her words, knowing that this werecat is a good one. And that he can trust her with his cub.

Isabela turns to Leia, still cradling her cheek, and wonders, "¿Estás bien?"

If Soleia wasn't already crying right now she would be from the concern radiating off of Isabela. She sniffles and answers, "Si, estoy bien. It's just that I'm not used to being comforted or treated with such kindness. I've been on my own for the last twelve years."

The Madrigals, except Alma, gaze at Leia sadly. Julieta, Pepa, Mirabel, and Isabela's eyes well with tears at Soleia’s sad confession.

Camilo blurts out "What about your parents? Where are they?"

Dolores elbows Camilo at their insensitive and extremely personal question. They yelp and hold their hands up in surrender. She gazes at Leia apologetically and softly states, "Forgive them; they have no tact, but they didn't mean any harm. And don't feel obligated to tell us about your padres because it's none of our business."

Soleia gives her a grateful nod and gently sets Antonio down. She takes a deep breath and reveals, "Mis padres están muertos. My papa passed away in a boat wreck before I was born. And my mamá was shot and killed two days before my eleventh birthday."

Everyone gasps in horror, even Alma, though hers isn't as loud as everyone else's. Tears cascade down Pepa's cheeks, and her cloud starts pouring, soaking all of them, but none of them care. Isabela enfolds Leia in her arms and whispers over and over again how sorry she is.

Soleia closes her eyes and clings to Isabela, basking in the feeling of her warm arms wrapped around her. For the first time in a long time, she feels safe and cared for. And as though everything will be alright.

Chapter Text

Chapter Four: La Isla Del Encanto.

Isabela holds Soleia close, breathing in her heavenly strawberry and honeysuckle aroma. Reveling in the feeling of her silky smooth skin and her strong arms wrapped around her dainty waist. She doesn’t understand why holding Leia and having her arms around her feels so right, but it does. All she knows is that Soleia has been through a lot, and her ending up in the Encanto wasn’t a mistake. Isabela knows in her heart that Leia was brought here for a reason, and she vows to do whatever she can to figure out why.

Luisa, feeling uncomfortable and as though she’s intruding on a private moment, coughs, "Ahem."

Soleia and Isabela abruptly separate, and Camilo cackles at their flushed faces.

Mirabel looks Leia up and down, marveling at her beautifully tailored clothes. Soleia is wearing a turquoise blue off-the-shoulder ruffle trim lantern sleeve top, white high-rise crepe knit pants, turquoise blue ankle strap wedges, and a white leather messenger bag.

“Where did you buy your outfit?” She muses out loud.

Leia tucks a lock of hair behind her ear and answers, “I sewed it myself.”

Mirabel’s doe eyes widen, and she exclaims, “You made that!” “I sew too!”

Soleia smiles at her enthusiasm and replies, “I’m glad you do.” “It’s a lot of fun to sew and design your own clothes."

Mirabel nods and starts rambling on and on about her sewing and embroidery projects.

Isabela pinches the bridge of her nose, annoyed with her hermanita’s incessant babbling.

Julieta coos at how adorable her bebé is, especially when she’s excited about something.

Agustín gently grabs Mirabel’s hand and notes, "Miraboo, you need to breathe; you’re talking too fast."

Mirabel stops, takes a deep breath in, and sheepishly replies, "Sorry, Pa, you're right.”

Antonio gazes up at Leia and inquires, "Do you like animals?"

Soleia nods and says, "Yes, I do. "I think animals are all beautiful and unique in their own ways."

Antonio smiles and hugs her leg happily.

Leia coos at him, crouches down, reaches into her bag, and pulls out one of her sketches.

She hands it to Antonio who gazes at the detailed drawing of a frog in delight and asks, “What kind of frog is this?”

Leia smiles and explains, “It’s the coquí, a nocturnal tree frog that is native to the island where I’m from.”

Antonio nods in understanding and then smiles from ear to ear when Soleia tells him that he can keep the drawing. He doesn’t waste any time in showing the drawing to his parents who gush over how talented Leia is.

Mirabel loops her arm through Soleia’s, ignoring the fiery glare Isabela sends her way for daring to touch Leia, and says, "Soleia, you've met everyone in my family except for Casita."

At hearing her name mentioned, Casita opens her shutters and waves them enthusiastically.

Leia smiles, waves back, and replies, "Hola Casita."

Alma frowns at Casita for being so friendly and welcoming to this desconocida.

As soon as Soleia steps into the courtyard, Casita ripples her floor tiles and "accidentally" trips Isabela. Isabela almost falls, but Leia rushes over and catches her. Isabela is left breathless at feeling those strong arms wrap around her waist and those beautiful, misty gray eyes searching her face for any sign of injury or discomfort. She instinctively wraps her arms around Soleia’s neck and blushes when Leia tightens her grip, unconsciously pressing their bodies up against each other.

Soleia feels her heart beat faster at having Isabela close enough for their noses to touch, their lips only a few centimeters apart. She can't help but stare at Isabela's dark mauve lips, wondering if they taste as sweet as they appear.

Dolores squeaks, drawing her family's attention away from the way Leia and Isabela are looking at each other. A look that she is very familiar with because she sees it every time her parents gaze at one another.

Soleia reluctantly releases Isabela, fighting back the urge to frown at how empty her arms feel without the other woman in them.

Félix decides to break the awkward silence, so he turns to Leia and inquires, "¿De dónde eres?"

Soleia smiles and answers, "Soy de La Isla Del Encanto."

The Madrigals' eyebrows furrow in confusion, and Mirabel asks, "Where's that?"

Leia giggles and responds, "Puerto Rico; it's known as the Island of Enchantment."

Camilo snaps their fingers and exclaims, "That explains why your accent sounds so weird."

Soleia growls at them, her eyes turning a menacing electric blue and her long, sharp claws coming out.

Dolores sighs in exasperation and smacks Camilo upside the head.

Camilo yelps, raises their hands up in surrender, and says, "Lo siento, no quise ofenderte."

Soleia takes a deep breath in, retracts her claws, and replies, "I accept your apology, but my accent isn't the one that sounds weird; yours is."

Isabela rolls her eyes at Camilo and pelts their face with flower petals. She snickers as they try to spit them all out.

Mirabel bites her lip to keep from laughing at her mellizo and wonders, "Will you tell us about Puerto Rico?"

Soleia nods and remarks, "Sure, what would you guys like to know?"

The Madrigals don't hesitate and bombard Leia with question after question.

"What does Puerto Rico look like?"

"What part of Puerto Rico were you born in?"

"What is a traditional Puerto Rican breakfast and dinner?"

"What's your favorite Puerto Rican dessert?"

"What's the weather like year-round in Puerto Rico?"

"What flowers are native to Puerto Rico?"

"How do Puerto Ricans celebrate Christmas?"

Leia giggles at their enthusiasm for her
island and reveals, "Puerto Rico is gorgeous; it has beautiful white sand beaches." "It's made up of a main island and four small islands with hundreds of cays and islets." "Native Puerto Ricans call themselves Boricuas, and for the most part, the people there are very friendly and hospitable." "I was born in San Juan, which is the capital of Puerto Rico." "One traditional breakfast food is pan de mallorca, which is a lightly sweetened bread pastry that's topped with a little bit of sugar." "Others include café con leche, pan de agua, and huevos revuelto con salchicha." "For dinner, most people have empanadas, tostones, arroz con gandules, pollo guisado, pasteles, rellenos de papa, mofongo, and pernil." "Pernil is slow-roasted pork shoulder, and rellenos de papa are mashed potato croquettes with picadillo that's seasoned with sofrito."

Camilo's mouth waters as they imagine being able to taste the delicious-sounding food Leia is describing.

Soleia continues and notes, "My favorite desserts would have to be besitos de coco, flan de queso, and coquito." "Besitos de coco are delicious coconut macaroons." "Puerto Rico is hot year-round; the average temperature is 85°F." "Some native flowers are the flor de maga, desert cassia, spurred butterfly pea, and mountain love in the mist." "Besides getting a Christmas tree, Christmas lights, and poinsettia plants, most Puerto Ricans attend midnight mass on Nochebuena." "It's known as Misa de Gallo, and Christmas is welcomed as a commemoration of the birth of Jesus." "Some people go caroling in a parranda and perform aguinaldos, which are Puerto Rican Christmas carols." "For most Puerto Ricans, Nochebuena is more important than Navidad, and on that day, a traditional dinner is served." "It consists of pernil, arroz con gandules, and pasteles." "For dessert, they have arroz con dulce, coquito, and tembleque." "Tembleque is coconut pudding."

Camilo groans and says,"Man, the food sounds amazing; I wish I could try it."

Leia nods and responds, "It is, and after I figure out where I’m going to be living, if you guys want I could make you some of those dishes."

"Really!?" "You mean it?" Camilo and Antonio yell.

Dolores winces at their loud voices and covers her ears.

Soleia nods and answers, "Yeah, it would be nice to make the food I grew up eating for people who have never tried it."

Camilo and Antonio pump their fists, run over to Leia, and throw their arms around her.

Soleia hugs them back and smiles brighter than the sun when she gazes over at Isabela and sees the tender, affectionate way she's looking at her.

Chapter Text

Chapter Five: Honorary Madrigal.

Pepa and Julieta quickly decide that Soleia should stay with them until she finds somewhere else to live. Everyone except for Alma happily agrees. Isabela most of all, and she smiles so much her cheeks hurt. Leia is so touched by the Madrigals generosity that she can't help but pull both women into an embrace.

Both of the Madrigal sisters don't hesitate to wrap their arms around Soleia and squeeze her, wanting to give her a quarter of the motherly affection she hadn't received in over ten years.

Alma grinds her teeth, silently fuming at this monster worming her way into her family.

She doesn't understand why everyone else is so okay with having this desconocida living with them.

Antonio joins the hug, clinging to Soleia’s legs. Leia smiles down at him and carefully scoops him up. Antonio snuggles against her and giggles when she kisses his cheek.

Pepa coos at the adorable sight and places a hand over her heart just as a shimmering rainbow appears above her head.

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Later on, the Madrigals arrive home for dinner, and their mouths water at the delicious aroma wafting through their house.

They enter the dining room just as Soleia sets the last plate of food on the table.

For the first time since they've met her, Leia is wearing a dress. A cyan blue ruffle-trimmed mermaid hem dress with matching open-toed cyan blue heels. Her shiny platinum blonde hair is braided half up and half down.

Isabela's cheeks flush, and she bites her lip at the way Soleia’s dress hugs her curves, accentuating her hourglass figure.

Camilo wolf whistles and exclaims, "Damn Soleia, you have a rocking body!"

"Language!" Julieta yells.

"Camilo!" Pepa shrieks before smacking them upside the head for their inappropriate comment.

Isabela's eyes narrow at Camilo, and she stomps her foot, causing a thick root to appear in front of them. A vindictive smile spreads across her face as Camilo yelps and falls. It serves them right for daring to ogle her woman.

Wait, her woman? When did she start seeing Leia as hers? Why would she want Leia or any woman to be hers? And why did her heart skip a beat at the thought of that becoming a reality?

Dolores squeaks and gazes at her in concern, hearing her heartbeat speed up.

Isabela nods at her and smiles nervously, trying to convince her prima that she's alright.

Mirabel clasps her hands and blurts out, "Soleia, the food smells amazing!"

Julieta hums in agreement and asks, "What have you prepared?"

Leia smiles and explains, "For dinner, I made tostones, un jugo de parcha, arroz blanco con habichuela, pollo guisado, and some rellenos de papa."

Antonio bounces up and down on the balls of his feet and wonders, "Can we eat now?" Everyone chuckles, nods in agreement, and sits down to eat.

Camilo immediately starts scarfing down their food, praising Soleia in between bites about how good the food tastes.

Leia giggles and thanks them for the compliment.

Alma grumbles to herself, upset with her family for loving this monster's food while also completely disregarding the fact that she's contently eating it.

After dinner, Soleia heads into the kitchen to bring out dessert.

She delicately places each plate on the table and says, "For dessert, I made un flan de queso, besitos de coco, and some white chocolate chip brownies."

Isabela's eyes light up at the sight of those decadent brownies, and she immediately reaches over for one, glaring at Camilo to make sure that they don't eat them all. She carefully takes a bite and moans as the rich milk and white chocolate fuse together and melt onto her tongue.

"I was worried for a second that you wouldn't like the brownies, Bela, but I see now that I had nothing to worry about," Leia notes with a teasing smile, her misty gray eyes twinkling playfully.

Isabela's cheeks flush, and she opens her mouth to speak, but she's interrupted by her tío Félix clinking his fork against his glass.

Félix smiles and utters, "Gracias, Soleia, for the delicious meals that you made for us."

Everyone except Alma nods and expresses their gratitude.

Julieta gazes at Leia tenderly and warmly states, "Soleia, from this moment forward, you are an honorary member of la familia Madrigal."

Alma clenches her fists and scowls at her hija's words while everyone else cheers and welcomes Leia into the family.

Soleia blinks back happy tears and allows herself to be pulled into Pepa and Julieta's warm, motherly embrace.

Chapter Text

Chapter Six: Fifty-One Candles.

In five days, it will be October 17th, the triplets birthday. Pepa and Julieta are looking forward to celebrating their first birthday in ten years with their hermanito. Every birthday without him felt empty and meaningless, but now Bruno is back. And the triplets can celebrate their birthday the way they were always meant to be celebrated: together.

At first, Alma wanted to organize a large party and invite everyone in the Encanto to celebrate the triplets fifty-first birthday, but her hijas refused. Pepa's cloud rumbled with thunder as she glared at her mamá. After ten years living in the walls of their home with barely any human interaction, Bruno's anxiety and his skittish demeanor are much worse.

He struggles being around people for longer than a few minutes and still flinches when anyone touches him. His hermanas do their best to be patient with him and to not allow his flinching away from their touch to hurt them. So instead of a large party, the triplets will be having a small intimate party with only the family in attendance.

Leia, as well as the Madrigal grandchildren, are each given a task to help prepare for the party. Camilo and Dolores are in charge of the music. Mirabel, Isabela, and Antonio plan to combine their skills to decorate an epic blue, yellow, and green themed party for the triplets. Soleia and Luisa are responsible for setting everything up and cooking all of the food. Leia is beyond grateful for Luisa's help because not only does she have another set of hands to help make the food, but she also has someone to inform her of the triplets favorite meals.

On the day of the party, Soleia and all of the grandchildren wake up early to make the triplets a special birthday breakfast. After a few minutes of arguing over what dishes they should make, they unanimously decide to prepare a small buffet. They make changua, arepas con queso, huevos pericos, cayeye, arepas de huevo, and un jugo de piña y mango. Isabela decorates the dining room and table with the triplets favorite plants and flowers. And when Julieta, Pepa, and Bruno arrive, they gasp and tear up at everything. All of them are in awe of the food and decorations and they shower the grandchildren with affection. Leia is lifted off the ground from the force of Pepa's embrace, and she can't help but grin when Bruno tentatively pats her on the shoulder.

Once breakfast is over, Soleia and the grandchildren hand the triplets their gifts. Julieta receives a new apron from Mirabel, jewelry from Luisa and Agustín, a new dress from Leia, and the matching shoes from Isabela. Pepa receives new earrings from Félix, a new book from Camilo, an adorable drawing from Antonio, new shoes from Dolores, and the matching dress from Leia. Bruno gets a new ruana, sandals, and a blanket from his sobrinos. And he beams like a little kid on Christmas Day when Soleia presents him with the rat playpen she designed for his rats.

After the gifts are exchanged, Félix and Agustín lead the triplets out of the house so that everyone else can prepare for the party. Luisa and Soleia get to work cooking the food. Mirabel, Isabela, and Antonio start decorating the courtyard. They tie up blue, yellow, and green balloons around the pillars and hang up streamers everywhere. They finish by covering the tables and chairs with the custom blue, yellow, and green tablecloths and seat covers that Mirabel and Leia created.

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Just as the sun is starting to set and the sky is turning pink, orange, blue, and purple, Luisa and Soleia finish cooking. They set the last plate of food on the table and admired everything that they had made. The tamales, sudado de pollo, arroz atollado, pescado frito, lechona tolimense, and arroz con pollo all smell heavenly. They are especially proud of the large three-tier chocolate, vanilla, and pistachio cake they baked and frosted in various shades of blue, yellow, and green.

Leia and the grandchildren exchange high fives, thrilled with the way everything turned out, and then rush to their rooms to get dressed. Isabela pulls out the off the shoulder blue ombré mermaid dress that Mirabel had recently made for her and carefully puts it on.

Soleia changes into an arctic blue corset-style top embroidered with royal blue stars and fitted high-waisted arctic blue pants. She carefully curls her hair, steps into her heels, and then delicately spritzes herself with her honeysuckle perfume.

Camilo wolf whistles when they see Leia and then yelps when Dolores and Isabela smack them upside the head. Mirabel rolls her eyes at her mellizo, and Luisa shakes her head at them.

Dolores squeaks and quietly states, "They're almost here."

Mirabel claps her hands while Antonio bounces up and down, excited for his Mamá, Tía, and Tío to see their surprise party.

Casita flings open her doors, and everyone yells, "Surprise!"

Bruno yelps but smiles shyly while Julieta's eyes water, and she shakily places her hand over her mouth. Pepa shrieks, and not one but two bright, shimmery rainbows appear over her head.

Julieta pulls her hijas into a tight embrace, while Pepa does the same with Bruno and her niños.

The triplets thank Soleia and the grandchildren again and again until Camilo complains that they're hungry. Which causes everyone to laugh and walk over to the tables to serve themselves some food.

Camilo scarfs down their food before pulling Mirabel up to dance. And that makes Félix smirk and hold out a hand to a delighted Pepa.

Soleia quietly rises and makes her way over to Isabela.

Isabela blushes and flowers bloom all around her when Leia walks up to her and asks, "¿Quieres bailar conmigo?"

She smiles, bats her eyelashes, and says, "Me encantaría bailar contigo."

Soleia grins, gracefully leads Isabela over to the dance floor, and confidently wraps an arm around her dainty waist. Isabela bites her lip as she places her hand on Leia’s shoulder, and they start to salsa. She can't help but marvel at how good of a dancer Soleia is, and she giggles every time Leia spins her.

Time stands still, and everyone else ceases to exist as they lose themselves in each other.

Both of them wished that this dance could last forever.

When the song ends, Soleia and Isabela's cheeks are bright red, and their hearts are beating a mile a minute, but they keep their fingers intertwined, neither of them wanting to let go for even a second.

Chapter Text

Chapter Seven: Actions have consequences.

Five months have passed since the triplets birthday, and to Alma's chagrin, Soleia was still in the Encanto. She was no longer living in Casita with her and her family, and one would think that Alma would be happy about that. Except that her familia adores that creature so much that they decided to build her a house right behind theirs. Soleia designed the home, and Luisa, along with Isabela, Félix, Pepa, Camilo, and Mariano, built it. Mirabel and Antonio kept Soleia distracted and away from Casita so that they could surprise her.

Leia’s new home is beautiful. It's smaller than Casita, but it's still a decent-sized house. It has three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a medium-sized kitchen, a large garden, and a studio for Leia to sew and paint in. The outside of her home was painted a lovely powder blue, and the roof is pearl white with sky blue accents.

Isabela is thrilled that Leia is staying in the Encanto and that she can visit her whenever she wants to. Today she is going over to Leia’s house to have a picnic with her in her garden. Isabela double-checks the picnic basket her mamá packed for her, and then blissfully makes her way over there, completely unaware of the pink and red flower petals trailing behind her.

When she arrives at Soleia’s garden, the sight that greets her makes Isabela's heart swell with warmth, joy, and another emotion that she isn't brave enough to admit, let alone acknowledge. Sitting on a large, soft pink-orange blanket is Leia, who is humming a beautiful melody while she strums along on her guitar.

Isabela feels her heartbeat race and her cheeks flush when Leia sees her and holds out a hand to her, her misty gray eyes sparkling like diamonds in the afternoon sun. It takes everything in her not to tremble when Soleia’s warm, soft fingers wrap around hers. It happens every time they touch, and she doesn't understand why. All that Isabela knows is that being around Leia makes her feel light and carefree, as if she's flying.

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Later on, Soleia and Isabela are strolling through town together, sharing secret smiles every time their shoulders "accidentally" touch. Both of them wished that they could grab the other's hand and interlace their fingers.

Fuck it, Leia thinks, and just as she reaches over for Isabela's hand, she's interrupted by several loud, angry shouts. She growls, her claws coming out, as she sees a red-faced Señor Rendon yelling and berating an exhausted Luisa.

"The donkeys got out again, and it's your job to go and bring them back!"

"Señor, your donkeys keep getting out because your fence is broken."

"Then go fix the fence after you fetch them!"

"No, Señor, it's my day off, and I'm tired." "I need to go home and rest."

"¿¡Qué!?" "What do you mean, no!?" "And you're super strong; you don't need to rest." "You need to go and be useful and get my donkeys!" "That's what a marimacho like you is good for!"

Soleia sees Luisa's bottom lip quiver and loses it. She marches over to Señor Rendon and yanks him off of his feet. He yelps and opens his mouth to yell at her, but she wraps her hand around his throat and squeezes hard. Causing him to gasp for breath and his eyes to widen in panic.

Isabela smiles vindictively as Señor Rendon whimpers pitifully when Leia digs her razor-sharp claws into his neck, causing rivers of blood to stain his white button-down shirt. It's a fitting punishment for the hijo de puta who dared to scream at her hermana and tried to demand that she do his job for him.

Soleia’s eyes glow an ominous glacier blue as she growls out, "¡Escúchame!" "¡Y escucha bien pedazo de mierda!" "Luisa is a human being, not a slave or a machine for a lazy asshole like you or anyone else to use." "Her gift is hers and no one else's." "It was given to her by the Madrigal's miracle." "And they received that miracle thanks to Pedro Madrigal's sacrifice." "¡Usted y todos los demás en este pueblo deberían estar avergonzados de sí mismos por aprovecharse de su familia durante todos estos años!"

Señora Pezmuerto glares at Leia and yells, "¿¡Quién te crees que eres para decirnos eso!? " "¡Tú eres nada más que una pobre huérfana que ni siquiera lleva un año viviendo en el Encanto y te sientes con el derecho de insultarnos y acusarnos falsamente de aprovecharnos de la familia Madrigal!"

SMACK!

Señora Pezmuerto is sent crashing to the ground from the force of the slap she receives.

She groans, clutches her cheek, and looks up to see who had the audacity to hit her. The breath is knocked out of her when she sees an enraged Isabela Madrigal standing in front of her with poisonous mushrooms popping out of her head and thick, thorny vines curled around her arms.

Isabela stares at the fish killer in contempt and hisses, "If you ever open your stupid, pathetic fish-killing mouth again and say something so rude and disrespectful about Soleia or any member of my family again, I'll rip out that lying tongue of yours and shove a cactus so far up your ass that you choke on it."

Señora Pezmuerto pales and frantically nods her head in agreement, too scared to say anything else that might piss off Isabela. Isabela sneers at her, struts over to her gobsmacked hermana, and loops their arms together.

Leia turns and tenderly gazes at Isabela, her Bela, the woman she would do anything for.

She can't help but admire Isabela's ferocity and feels nothing but gratitude for her fierce loyalty. Unfortunately, a series of gasps and wheezes pull Soleia away from admiring her flor. She turns back and sees Señor Rendon's scrunched-up face turning a sickly violet color, and she rolls her eyes before removing her hand from his throat.

Señor Rendon coughs as he tries to fill his lungs up with the air that they desperately need. After several minutes, he's breathing normally and glares at Leia, angry at her for manhandling him and for embarrassing him in front of everyone.

"¿¡Qué carajo te pasa!?" "Me pones las manos encima y llevas pantalones como los hombres." "¡Eres una mujer!" "Las mujeres se ponen faldas y vestidos." "Even though a marimacho like Luisa wears skirts, she still looks like a man."

A loud, threatening growl rumbles out of Soleia’s throat before she pulls her arm back and hits Señor Rendon with a vicious right hook.

CRACK!

Señor Rendon whimpers as he's sent flying through the air and lands on the ground with a sickening crunch.

Leia smirks as she stalks over to him, thrilled that she broke his jaw. She leans over him and snarls, "Luisa is a beautiful woman, inside and out." "Anyone in this village would be lucky to be with someone as kind, loving, and caring as her." "Y si vuelves a abrir tu estúpida boca para insultarla, ruega a Dios que lo único que haga sea darte un puñetazo."

Luisa looks at Leia tearfully, her eyes shining with gratitude, and Soleia rises onto the tip of her toes to press a delicate kiss to her cheek. Isabela smiles softly at her younger sister before holding out her hand to Leia. She blushes when Soleia laces their fingers together and then leads them home.

Chapter Text

Chapter Eight: The heart wants what it wants.

Two weeks have passed since Soleia and Isabela confronted Señor Rendon and Señora Pezmuerto. Alma had been furious when Dolores informed the family of what her eldest grandchild and that creature had done. She had wanted to reprimand both of them but her daughters and their husbands prevented her from doing so. Her fiery Pepa had argued that those two pedazos de mierda deserved everything that Soleia and her sobrina had given them and more. And kind, sweet Julieta firmly agreed with her hermana, saying that if she had been there, she would have beat them both with her rolling pin for daring to insult Soleia and her gentle giant. Suffice to say that Julieta did not heal Señor Rendon or Señora Pezmuerto, and both of them had no choice but to allow their painful injuries to slowly heal on their own.

Ever since that incident occurred, Luisa has become Leia’s shadow. Almost everywhere that Soleia went, Luisa was there, standing right next to her. Their arms were always looped together, and they would spend hours chatting and laughing about the books they were reading.

Leia had designed and created several new tops, skirts, and dresses for Luisa. Each time Luisa was presented with a beautiful new outfit, she would squeal, lift Soleia off of her feet, and spin her around in circles while she thanked her over and over again for making her such pretty and elaborate clothing.

Isabela is really glad that Luisa and Leia get along so well and that they have become such good friends, but she also feels frustrated and upset over having her younger sister monopolize almost all of Leia’s free time. Not to mention that she does not like having to share Leia with anyone in her family. Leia is hers, not Luisa's or anyone else's.

Right now, Isabela is on her way to Soleia’s house with a pot of chocolate santafereño and fresh, piping hot pastries from the best bakery in town. It is a little past eleven in the morning, and she really hopes that Leia is free to enjoy these baked goods with her and to finally have some alone time together.

Isabela smiles from ear to ear as she imagines Leia’s soft fingers intertwined with hers and those beautiful, misty gray eyes gazing at her as if she were the center of her universe. Pink and red roses bloom all around her as she practically skips out of town, so excited that she feels as though her heart is about to fly out of her chest.

Just as Isabela is about to knock on Leia’s front door it is yanked open by a smiling Soleia who has her arms looped with a giggling Mirabel and Luisa. Isabela feels her heart sink as the roses around her instantly shrivel and die. Leia looks over and her smile vanishes as soon as she sees the pain in Isabela's eyes.

She opens her mouth to ask Isabela what’s wrong, but she is cut off by Mirabel blurting out, "Isa, Soleia is treating Luisa and me to brunch at that new cafe that recently opened in town." "I've been dying to try out their food, and now I finally get to!" "You can tag along if you want to; I'm sure that Soleia won’t mind if you come with us."

With each word that comes out of her hermanita's mouth, Isabela tightens her grip on the glass coffee pot. Subconsciously squeezing it harder and harder until it shatters. Isabela shrieks and drops the bag of pastries when the boiling hot chocolate spills all over her hands and fingers, severely burning them.

"Oh my God, Isa!"

"Bela, are you okay!?"

"I'll run and get Mamá!"

Isabela shakes her head and shouts, "No!"

"Isa, your hands are so burned; the skin is black and leathery!"

"Not to mention that they're swollen and covered in blisters!"

Isabela winces at her sister's words and at the state that her hands are in. It isn’t until Leia gently wraps her arm around her waist and starts leading her into Casita that she agrees that she needs her mamá to heal her.

When Julieta sees her hija's hands, she yells, "¡Dios, qué pasó!"

Isabela isn't in any condition to say anything, so Soleia explains what happened while Julieta carefully rinses Isabela's hands with cold water before tenderly patting them dry and feeding her two arepas. They all sigh in relief when Isabela's hands return to normal, the blisters and burns completely healing and fading away. Julieta softly kisses her hija's hands, thrilled that they are back to their soft, flawless dark caramel state. Isabela kisses her mamá's cheek and thanks her for healing her before hurrying off to her room.

Once she's inside, she screams, causing cacti and carnivorous plants to explode all around her. When she's done, she throws herself onto her bed and cradles her pillow as she cries. Big, heaving sobs wrack her chest and soak her pillowcase. The pain in her hands was nothing compared to what she's feeling now. Her heart feels like it's been smashed into a million tiny pieces.

She sniffles and whispers, "Lola, will you please come to my room?"

Not even a minute after she says that, Casita opens her bedroom door, and her prima quietly steps in. When Dolores reaches Isabela, her eyes water at seeing her slightly older prima hermana look so sad. No, not sad. Isabela looks lost, confused, and afraid. She doesn't hesitate to wrap her arms around her prima and hum softly, trying her best to soothe and comfort her.

Isabela clings to Dolores, needing her comfort and support but also needing her to act as her anchor. Never before has she ever needed someone to keep her tethered to the world and to their family, but she has also never felt so adrift and unsure about anything.

Dolores tenderly cups her prima's chin and quietly wonders, "Isa, ¿qué te está pasando?"

At first, Isabela doesn't respond, too afraid to admit the truth, but Dolores is patient and waits for her prima to gather the courage to share her feelings with her. Isabela lifts her head, and whispers, "I'm glad that Leia and my sisters get along so well, but I hate that my sisters have been monopolizing Leia’s free time." "I was upset because I was looking forward to having some alone time with Leia, but when I got to her house, she was on her way out to brunch with Luisa and Mirabel."

Dolores hums and asks, "Isa, why did that upset you so much?"

Isabela sighs, then locks eyes with her prima hermana and reveals, "Because I like Leia." "I have romantic feelings for her."

Dolores gently squeezes her prima's hand, silently encouraging her to continue speaking.

Isabela takes a deep breath and explains, "I don't know when it happened or why, but I smile from ear to ear every time I'm with her." "Every time she intertwines our fingers, my heart beats so fast that I'm scared that she can hear it." "Leia has been through so much, and yet she's so kind and caring." "She's so strong, and I love that she doesn't put up with anyone's bullshit." "When we're together, I feel so light and carefree, and I laugh so much that my stomach hurts, but I wouldn't change a thing."

When Isabela finishes, her dark hazel eyes are sparkling, and there's a dreamy smile on her face, something that Dolores has seen many times from her mamá and papa. She gently squeezes her hand again and notes, "Isa, estás enamorada."

Isabela pales and tearfully states, "No, no, I'm not." "I can't be in love with Leia." "She's a woman and an outsider." "And Abuela and the family would never approve of us being together."

Dolores shakes her head and says, "Yes, you are." "You love her, and there's nothing wrong with that." "Abuela and other close-minded, homophobic people may say otherwise, but they're wrong." "Isa, Soleia was brought to the Encanto for a reason, and that reason is you." "You deserve to be happy, and I've never seen you as happy as you are now." "Listen to your heart, not your fears or your insecurities." "Isa, the heart wants what it wants, and it will never steer you in the wrong direction."

Isabela gazes at her prima in amazement, stunned that she is so wise and beyond thankful that she is so supportive and understanding. She muses over Lola's words for several minutes and comes to the conclusion that she's right. Being in love with Leia isn't wrong, and it isn't a mistake. And as scared as Isabela feels about confessing her feelings to Leia, she knows that she has to. Because this love isn't going anywhere if anything, the more time passes, the stronger it gets. Isabela hugs Dolores tightly and whispers her gratitude for her advice and her support. She mentally vows that the next time she and Leia are alone, she's going to tell her that she loves her.

Chapter Text

Chapter Nine: Enamorada de tí.

Isabela wakes up the next morning with butterflies fluttering around inside her stomach. She rises and makes her bed, before heading into her bathroom. Isabela then brushes her teeth and empties her bladder.

She exits the bathroom and opens her wardrobe to select her outfit for the day. Today is the day that Isabela is going to confess her feelings to Leia, so she needs to look more beautiful than she has ever looked before.

She reverently changes into an off-the-shoulder ruffled peach top, the matching asymmetrical peach hemline skirt with ruffles along the hem, and these cream-colored lace-up espadrille flats that Mirabel had sewn and designed for her. Her hermanita’s eyebrows had risen when she asked her to make her a skirt with a slit along the left side. Then she asked her when she planned on wearing it, and Isabela thought about lying but knew that her sister wouldn’t believe her.

So she told Mira the truth and that she wanted to wear the skirt the next time she hangs out with Leia. The shit-eating grin that had appeared on Mirabel’s face made Isabela scowl, but she resisted the urge to use her vines to hang her smug little sister upside down.

Isabela grows some cream dahlias and carefully weaves them through her hair. Instead of her usual dark mauve, blackberry-scented lipstick, she selects this peach lip oil she purchased the other day. Isabela dabs it onto her lips, and delicately smooths it out with her fingertips before exiting her bedroom.

When she arrives downstairs, her family gasps. Julieta places a hand over her mouth, stunned at her hija’s new outfit and at how beautiful it looks on her. Alma glares at her eldest grandchild, upset with her for wearing such a revealing skirt. And Pepa squeals, thrilled beyond words to see Isabela wearing warm-colored clothing. She rushes over to her sobrina and pulls her into a bone-crushing hug.

“Isa, you look so beautiful!” “I’m so happy to see you wearing your rightful colors.”

“Pepa, stop trying to steal my daughter!”

“I helped raise her!” “She’s mine too!”

“Pepa, don’t start this again.”

“Shut up, Brunito.”

“Pepa, we’re literally the same age.”

“I’m five minutes older than you, Bruno; it still counts.”

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Later on, Isabela stands by the river where the Madrigals received their miracle, her hands fidgeting as she nervously waits for Leia to arrive.

Earlier she had slipped a note beneath Leia’s front door asking her to meet her out of town. Isabela didn’t want to risk anyone interrupting them, and she knew that her prima wouldn’t be able to overhear their conversation outside of the village.

When Soleia arrives, her jaw drops. Surrounding her are the most beautiful camellias, roses, hydrangeas, freesias, and peonies that she has ever seen. They’re all in various shades of pink and red. She bites her lip and allows her misty gray eyes to bask in Isabela’s otherworldly beauty. It takes everything in her not to reach out and caress the lovely dark caramel thigh that is on display for her.

Isabela shivers at the way Soleia is looking at her. As if she were starving and Isabela was the first meal she was about to come across. She clears her dry throat and says, “Antes de ti yo no creía en Romeos y Julieta’s muriendo de amor.” “Esos dramas no me robaban la calma, pero la historia cambió.” “Porque tú llegaste a mi vida y poco a poco te ganaste mi corazón.” “Y no puedo dejar pasar otro día sin decirte que te amo, Leia.” “Estoy profundamente enamorada de tí.”

Soleia’s misty gray eyes fill with happy tears at hearing that her Bela, her flor, loves her. She gently takes Isabela’s hands in hers and replies, “He estado perdidamente enamorada de tí desde el momento en que te vi.” “The more time that we spent together, the harder I fell for you.” “Bela, hiciste que mi corazón volviera a la vida y me diste una razón para sonreír.” “Te amo tanto, más de lo que las palabras pueden explicar.” “All that I want is to spend every moment of every day loving you and making you happy.”

Isabela’s bottom lip quivers and her dark hazel eyes water at the sincerity lacing each one of Leia’s words. She tries to find the words to express how she's feeling and how happy Leia makes her feel, but they elude her. So instead of using her lips to speak, she decides to use them for something better.

She tilts her head and softly kisses Leia, fighting the urge to moan at the feeling of those petal-soft lips pressed against hers.

Soleia’s heart starts pounding the moment Isabela’s lips touch hers. She doesn't hesitate to wrap an arm around Isabela’s dainty waist and kisses her back slowly yet passionately.

Breathy moans and sighs fill the air as hands roam and caress every available inch of skin.

They kiss and kiss until the need for air becomes too strong to ignore. Soleia laces their fingers together and smiles from ear to ear when Isabela nuzzles her nose against hers.

Both of them are aware that this moment has changed everything between them and that things will never be able to go back to the way they were, and yet neither woman could care less. Right now all that matters is this perfect moment that belongs to just the two of them and how happy they are now that they are finally together.

Chapter Text

Chapter Ten: Almas gemelas.

Isabela and Soleia spend an indefinite amount of time gazing into one another’s eyes, marveling at how much love and tenderness is being reflected back at them. Neither of them are touchy-feely people. On the contrary, they have always preferred to keep others at a distance. But now everything is different, and the urge to kiss and caress each other over and over again is too strong to resist. Only a few seconds pass before they crash their lips back together, drawn to one another like a moth to a flame.

When they separate, their chests are heaving. Both of them look like complete wrecks with their flushed cheeks, swollen lips, and disheveled hair.

Isabela locks eyes with Leia and reveals, “Before we met, I kept having this strange dream about this unknown voice.” “The voice was melodious and unbelievably comforting.” “It soothed me, but at the same time it bewitched me.” “And every day I would wake up with this unbearable need to discover who that lovely voice belonged to.” “It wasn’t until we met and you spoke that I knew." "I knew that it was your melodious voice that I had been dreaming of.”

Soleia beams and happily responds, “Yes, it was me.” “It was my voice." "Before I crossed this river and met you in the village, I dreamt of you.” “At first I only saw small glimpses of your wavy ebony hair and your eyes.” “Those gorgeous dark hazel eyes that leave me breathless every time I see them.” “When our hands touched and our eyes met, I knew that you were the one." "La única para mí porque somos almas gemelas.”

“Almas gemelas?”

“Sí, almas gemelas.” “That’s why we searched for one another in our dreams.” “It’s why we always want to be around each other.” “And why we feel so giddy and at ease whenever we’re together.” “Bela, mi amor, tenemos algo único.” “Algo que la mayoría de la gente nunca tiene porque nunca lo encuentra."

Isabela’s eyes well with tears of joy as she realizes that what Leia has just said is true. It explains why she felt this all-consuming need to find who that heavenly voice belonged to and why those dreams immediately stopped after they met face to face. Dolores was right. The miracle brought Leia to the Encanto for them to be together.

Soleia swallows the lump in her throat and blinks back the tears in her eyes. Seeing her love so content is making it difficult for her to keep herself together. Instead, she takes a deep breath and effortlessly lifts Bela up, spins her around in circles, and basks in her mate’s giggles and the sheer delight she feels at having finally found her.

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Later on, Isabela is in Leia’s living room, sitting on her plush cream-colored sofa. Butterflies flutter around inside Soleia’s stomach as she strums along on her guitar. She smiles at her Bela before she starts singing the song she wrote for her.

🎶A partir de hoy. Tu mirada es mi reflejo. El reflejo de mis sueños. Cuando sueño como un beso. Se transforma en un 'te quiero.' Un 'te quiero' de tu voz🎶

🎶A partir de hoy. Has cambiado lo que siento. Siento que a cada momento. Se desaparece el tiempo. Cuando estoy contigo, amor. Solo estamos tú y yo🎶

🎶No hace falta más. Que estar junto a ti. Porque tengo el amor que me das. Porque tú tienes todo de mí🎶

🎶A partir de hoy te entrego el corazón. Mis secretos, mi destino y mi ilusión. Cada lugar, cada rincón. Mi locura y mi razón🎶

🎶A partir de hoy te digo que te amo. Que no puedo estar sin ti porque te extraño. Es para ti todo mi amor. Todo de mí a partir de hoy🎶

🎶A partir de hoy. Te acompañan mis latidos. Vas conmigo en mis sentidos. Pienso que cuando estoy contigo. Ya no hay nadie alrededor. Solo estamos tú y yo🎶

Isabela’s eyes widen, and her mouth drops at hearing Leia’s crystal-clear voice for the first time. It’s strong, stunningly beautiful, and every word that comes out of her mouth is full of emotion. She can’t help but gaze at her love in awe of how talented she is. Her heart feels as though it will burst from how touched she is. It means more than words can describe that Leia took the time to write such an incredible song. It’s the most heartfelt and meaningful thing that anyone has ever done for her.

🎶No hace falta más. Que estar junto a ti. Porque tengo el amor que me das. Porque tú tienes todo de mí🎶

🎶A partir de hoy te entrego el corazón. Mis secretos, mi destino y mi ilusión. Cada lugar, cada rincón. Mi locura y mi razón🎶

🎶A partir de hoy te digo que te amo. Que no puedo estar sin ti porque te extraño. Es para ti todo mi amor. Todo de mí🎶

🎶El destino hizo un plan casi perfecto. Nos queremos con errores, con virtudes, con temores. Nos amamos apesar de los defectos🎶

🎶A partir de hoy te entrego el corazón. Mis secretos, mi destino y mi ilusión. Cada lugar, cada rincón. Mi locura y mi razón🎶

🎶A partir de hoy te digo que te amo. Que no puedo estar sin ti porque te extraño. Es para ti todo mi amor. Todo de mí a partir de hoy🎶

When the song finishes, Soleia carefully sets her guitar down and braces herself for her flor’s reaction. Isabela runs over to Leia, throws her arms around her neck, and kisses her passionately. Soleia moans softly as she threads her fingers through her mate’s soft ebony hair and parts her lips with her tongue.

They kiss again and again, savoring the taste and the feeling of each other’s lips. Reveling in one another’s warmth and knowing without a doubt that they will have many, many more perfect moments like this together.

Chapter Text

Chapter Eleven: Midnight confessions.

Isabela smiles while she listens to the stars twinkling above her. Her cheeks flush when she turns and sees how ethereal Leia looks in the moonlight. The way her luminescent platinum blonde hair glows in the dark is mesmerizing. And her flawless creamy skin somehow looks even more beautiful at night than it does during the day. Soleia feels her preciosa’s eyes on her and reaches out to wrap her arm around Bela’s waist, pulling her flush against her. She smirks as her mate squeals in surprise and then sighs contently when she presses a soft kiss against her lips.

It’s been two weeks since they confessed their feelings to each other, and since then their love has only grown. They treasure any and every moment that they find to spend together. Each moment is more precious than the last, and both of them are happier than they have ever been. Both of them feel incredibly blessed to have found each other. Soleia knows that she couldn’t have ever hoped or imagined a better person for her than Isabela. Her Bela makes her smile and laugh every day. For the first time in a long time, she is living and not just surviving.

Trusting someone and opening her heart is something that Soleia thought was impossible for her to do. But Isabela has changed all of that. Her flor has been nothing but kind, loving, caring, and understanding. Isabela has never pushed her to talk about her past but has made sure to tell her that she is ready to listen whenever she is ready to confide in her.

Soleia knows that now is the right time to share her past with her love. Bela has been very patient, and she deserves to know the truth. So she gathers every ounce of strength within her and says, “Growing up without a father was hard.” “Seeing other niños laughing and playing with their papas hurt me a lot.” “I don’t have any memories of my dad or even know what his voice sounds like.” “All I have are the stories that my mom told me about him and the few pictures that she kept of him.”

Isabela sees the tears gathering in Leia’s eyes and tenderly cups her cheek. It pains her to see her girlfriend hurting, but she knows that Leia needs to share her pain with someone. Otherwise she will never heal.

Soleia nuzzles her cheek against her diosa’s hand and explains, “It was difficult for my mamí to raise me on her own.” “She never complained about anything and never told me that she struggled to provide for me by herself.” “But I could see how exhausted she was every day, and sometimes I heard her crying at night.” “I know that she never stopped loving my papa and never stopped missing him.” “She was stunningly beautiful, and many men asked to court her.” “Mamí always turned them down and told them that she wasn’t interested in remarrying anyone.” “And that the only one that her heart could love was me.” “However, there was this arrogant, chauvinistic older man named Rafael who thought that he was God's gift to women.” “He was very wealthy and was accustomed to getting everything that he wanted.” “Nothing was off-limits to him.” “Rafael was infuriated when my mamí repeatedly rejected him and slapped him when he tried to force a kiss onto her.” “That pig of a man decided that if he couldn't have her, then he would hurt her by taking away the person that she loved most in the world.”

Tears cascade down her cheeks with no end in sight, and she wipes them away before sniffling, "Two days before my eleventh birthday, my mamí and I were in town to buy the remaining fabric she needed to finish the dress that she was making me.” “Rafael loaded up his rifle and aimed it at me.” “Werecats have excellent hearing, and my mamí heard the sound of the gun being loaded and cocked.” “And just as he pulled the trigger, she threw herself in front of me and shielded me.” “The bullet pierced my mamí’s liver, and I screamed when she collapsed onto the ground.” “There was so much blood that not even me covering the wound with my hands did anything to stem its flow.” “I cried and cried as my mamí bled to death in front of me, begging her not to leave me.” “She used the last of her strength to cast a protection spell over me and to tell me that she loved me with all of her heart.” “Her last words were so quiet and raspy that I had to bend over so that I could hear her, but I’ve never forgotten them.” “She said that there was nowhere in the world that I could go where she wouldn’t be with me.”

Isabela’s eyes well with tears until they spill out. And she silently cries while she cradles Leia. Rubbing soothing circles onto her back and whispering sweet nothings while her love sobs against her neck. The tears falling from her girlfriend’s beautiful eyes are heartbreaking. Isabela can’t help but wish that Leia’s mom was still alive. And she wishes that her beloved didn’t have to experience so much pain and trauma. Words don’t exist to describe how wrong it is for a child to feel such heartache.

Unfortunately, Isabela can’t change the past, but she can comfort Leia. She slowly, tenderly thumbs away her girlfriend’s tears and lavishes kisses all over her face. Which makes Leia giggle and smile softly at her flor’s sweet attempts to cheer her up. And as painful as it was to relive the worst moment of her life, her shoulders do feel lighter now that she’s no longer carrying that burden alone. Her luz made sharing it a lot less difficult than it would have been with anyone else, and Leia surrenders to the all-consuming urge she feels to kiss Bela’s lips. When they part for air, she snuggles against her mate, blissfully content to gaze at the moon with her preciosa's arms wrapped around her.

Chapter Text

Chapter Twelve: It’s not witchcraft, it’s love.

Isabela awakens to Soleia lavishing featherlight kisses along her neck and shoulder. She moans as Leia lightly bites her ear and presses her bare breasts against her back. Her own nipples harden under her lover’s ministrations, and a gasp slips past her lips when Soleia reaches down to drag her fingers through her slick folds.

Leia purrs at feeling how wet and ready her mate is for her. She doesn’t hesitate to cup Bela’s sex and squeezes it possessively before sliding two fingers deep inside of her tight pussy.

Isabela mewls and whimpers uncontrollably when Soleia adds another finger and curls them. She spreads her legs, allowing her girlfriend more room to thrust them in and out of her.

Leia kisses and bites her flor’s neck, marking her for everyone to see. She whispers into her ear, “Come for me, Bela,” smirking as her diosa’s back arches taut like a bow and her cunt clamps down onto her fingers like a vise. She praises her mate again and again when she gushes all over her hand. Drenching it in her love juices.

Isabela pants, her breasts heaving as she tries to catch her breath. Her dark hazel eyes turn jet black when Soleia locks eyes with her, and she slowly licks every drop of cum off of her fingers.

She growls and pounces onto Leia, flipping them, before straddling her. Isabela presses her breasts against Soleia’s while she kisses and bites her collarbones. Every moan that falls from those bewitching lips causes her heart to pound and the blood in her veins to sing. Isabela worships her love’s hips and waist before she parts her creamy thighs and slowly drags her tongue up and down her dripping center.

Leia arches her back as she grips Bela’s soft ebony locks and grinds her aching pussy against her beautiful face.

Isabela hums as she wraps her lips around Soleia’s clit and sucks hard.

Leia tightens her grip on her preciosa’s head, firmly keeping her in place as her orgasm rips through her and she screams, “Bela!” Her entire body trembles, her misty gray eyes closing as she falls back against the bed, exhausted yet completely satisfied.

Isabela moans at how tart yet sweet her girlfriend’s cum tastes. It’s a sinfully delicious combination that not only causes her to crave more but also makes her wonder how she’s been able to live for so long without tasting it.

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Later that day Isabela and Soleia stand hand in hand before the Madrigals. Isabela asked Dolores to tell their family to meet her and Leia in the courtyard because she has something important to share with them.

Alma’s eyes narrow as soon as she sees her nieta and that creature’s joined hands. She scowls and demands, “Isabela, ¿por qué te vas de la mano con esta cosa?” “¿Y qué es tan importante para que Dolores nos haya reunido en Casita?”

Isabela glares at her abuela and hisses, “Leia no es ninguna cosa.” A gentle squeeze to her hand slightly calms her down, and she takes a deep breath before revealing, “Le pedí a Dolores que reuniera a todos aquí para poder decirles que estoy enamorada de Soleia.” “La amo con todo mi corazón y ella también me ama.”

The Madrigals all have different reactions to Isabela’s confession. Agustín and Félix gasp while Julieta covers her mouth in shock. A cloud forms above Pepa’s head, and Bruno nervously tosses some salt over his shoulder. Dolores smiles and nods, happy for Soleia and her prima. Mirabel and Camilo smirk and high-five each other. And Alma balls her fists, her face turning as red as a tomato as she yells, “¿¡Qué!?”

Isabela gulps at the anger in her abuela’s eyes but stands tall and replies, “I said that Leia and I are in love.” “And we want all of you to know that we’re a couple.”

Alma digs her nails into her palms and shouts, “¡Eso es mentira!” “¡No puedes estar enamorada de ese monstruo, Isabela!” “Dios creó al hombre y a la mujer para estar juntos y tener hijos.” “Esta cosa ha estado usando su brujería maligna para hacerte sentir esas cosas perversas y antinaturales por ella.” “Te esta manipulando, mi flor, pero no te preocupes, yo te salvare de esta criatura malvada.”

Isabela shakes her head and shrieks, “¡No es brujería, es amor!” “¡Y no me llames así!” “No soy tu flor, soy de Leia y sólo de ella.” “Nos amamos y nos seguiremos amándonos digan lo que digan.”

Leia’s claws come out and her eyes flash a menacing electric blue as she growls, “¿¡Cómo te atreves a decir que nuestro amor no es real!?” “Nunca he utilizado ni utilizaré mi magia para manipular a Isabela ni para obligarla a hacer nada que no quiera.” “¡Preferiría mil veces morir antes que hacerle daño!” “Ella es todo para mí.” “Y de ninguna manera voy a permitir que ni tú ni nadie la aparte de mi lado.”

All of the Madrigals except for Alma and Isabela flinch at the seething woman before them, knowing that the beast within her is very close to coming to the surface. And that there will be a bloodbath if they ignore her warning.

Alma scowls and disregards any ounce of self-preservation that she has by reaching out to yank Isabela away from Soleia.

In the blink of an eye, Leia shifts into her massive tiger form and knocks the old woman down. She uses her large white paws to pin Alma onto the floor, opens her mouth, and roars right into her face. The roar is so loud and intimidating that Alma almost wets herself.

Soleia growls several times at the old woman, and a wide-eyed Antonio translates everything that she’s saying.

“Isabela is mine!” “She’s my mate, and you tried to take her away from me!” “I swear on my mother’s dead grave that if you ever try to do that again, then I will slowly and mercilessly tear you into a million tiny pieces!”

Alma’s eyes widen in terror at the bruja’s promise and at the razor-sharp teeth that are mere centimeters away from her neck. She knows that she has just narrowly avoided an excruciating death, and she thanks God when the monster finally releases her.

Leia effortlessly transforms back into her human self and wraps a possessive arm around her luz’s waist. She retracts her claws and addresses the rest of her flor’s family while Luisa helps Alma off of the ground.

“I apologize to all of you for what happened just now because I never intended to hurt or to upset anyone.” “However, I won’t apologize for defending my mate." "I warned Señora Alma that I wouldn’t allow anyone to take her away from me, and she deliberately ignored me.” “I’ve been in love with Isabela from the moment I laid eyes on her.” “And as soon as our hands touched, I felt everyone and everything else fade away.” “I knew then and there that she was my soulmate and the one that I would love forever.” “I will do everything in my power to protect her and will spend the rest of my life making her happy.” “I know that most of you weren’t expecting this to happen, but you’ve all gotten to know me and have become my chosen family.” “So I humbly ask that you give me and Isabela your blessing on our relationship.”

Isabela’s eyes well with happy tears at the love shining through Soleia’s breathtaking eyes and the sincerity lacing each one of her words. She acts without thinking and reaches up to cup her love’s cheek, smiling from ear to ear when Leia tilts her head and softly kisses her knuckles.

“You really do love her don’t you mija?”

Isabela turns and locks eyes with her mamá who had asked the question so quietly that she almost didn’t hear her. She nods and answers, “Sí mamí, amo a Soleia.” “I felt a connection to her as soon as we met.” “And the more time that we spent together, the deeper my feelings became.” “I struggled at first to understand why I was feeling this way, but Dolores helped me realize that what I was feeling was love.” “At first I tried to deny it because I was scared that you or the rest of our family wouldn't approve.” “I wasn't sure whether or not you guys would allow us to be together.” “I hope that all of you except for Abuela will give us your blessing because Leia is the kindest, most loving, and most amazing person that I have ever met.” “And I can't imagine my life without her in it.”

Leia blinks back tears and swallows the lump in her throat at the heartfelt words that have just come out of her love's beautiful lips. She gently lifts their joined hands and laces their fingers together.

Julieta and Agustín step forward, place their hands on top of Isabela’s and Soleia’s, and warmly state, “All that we’ve ever wanted is for our hijas to be safe and content.” “And mija, neither of us have ever seen you as over the moon as you are right now.” “Soleia has proven herself to be a wonderful person that genuinely loves and cares about you.” “And while others might not agree with your relationship or approve of it, we do.” “Both of you have our blessing, and we wish the two of you many, many blissful years together.”

Isabela and Soleia wrap their arms around Julieta and Agustín, hugging them tightly in between thanking them for their acceptance and their well wishes.

One by one the Madrigals offer their support and their blessings to Isabela and Soleia’s relationship, while Alma storms off to her bedroom, appalled and infuriated at her family for approving such a repugnant union.

Antonio bounces on the tips of his toes and exclaims, “Leia, does this mean that you’re my prima now!?”

Soleia giggles at his excitement, scoops him up into her arms, and answers, “Sí Toñito, I’m your prima now.”

Antonio cheers and snuggles against her, thrilled to have another cousin to love and to play with him.

Chapter Text

Chapter Thirteen: Amor, Amor, Amor.

Soleia wakes up the next morning to the sound of birds singing and Isabela’s arms and legs wrapped around her. She carefully shifts and marvels at the goddess lying beside her. Somehow Isabela looks even more breathtaking asleep. Leia can’t help but lean in and press a tender kiss to her flor’s lips. She smiles when Isabela moans softly and kisses her back.

Normally Isabela hates being woken up from a deep sleep, but she could definitely get used to waking up to Soleia’s kisses. She sighs blissfully as Leia lavishes featherlight kisses along her jawline. And giggles happily when Soleia effortlessly lifts her into her arms.

Leia cradles Isabela as she bridal carries her out of her bedroom and into the kitchen. She gently sets her down at the breakfast nook and gets to work making them breakfast.

She hums as she reaches into the refrigerator and takes out eggs, vanilla, sour cream, baking soda, and a pitcher of ice cold milk. Then she grabs cocoa powder, coconut oil, salt, baking powder, and a large bag of milk chocolate chips from her cupboard.

Isabela smiles from ear to ear as she watches Soleia make them homemade chocolate chip muffins. No one except for her mamá has ever done anything like this for her, and her heart flutters at the mesmerizing sight of Leia gliding around the kitchen while she prepares the muffin batter.

Soleia carefully pours the batter into the muffin baking tray and then places it in the oven. After that, she heads over to the breakfast nook and sits across from her love. She gently grabs her preciosa’s hands and asks, "Bela, how do you feel?”

Isabela blushes at the nickname, laces their fingers together, and says, “Part of me is hurt over what my abuela said to me yesterday, but mainly I feel beyond content that the rest of my family gave us their blessing.” “I’m so glad that I can kiss and hug you whenever I want without worrying about upsetting them.”

Leia raises Isabela’s hands up to her lips and kisses them before replying, “Alma’s hateful remarks are nothing but lies from a close-minded, homophobic old woman.” “None of it is true.”

Isabela nods and her cheeks flush at the intensity radiating from Soleia’s misty gray eyes.

Leia delicately squeezes her mate’s hands and tenderly states, “From the moment we met, you captivated me.” “The closer I got to you, the deeper my feelings became.” “I know that I’m a woman and an outsider, but none of that prevented me from falling in love with you.” “Not pursuing you was never an option because my heart longs to see you and be near you.” "Bela, you are the highlight of my day and the person that I always look forward to seeing." "I want nothing more than to be with you forever.”

Isabela beams, “I feel the same way.” “The moment our eyes first met, I was left in awe of how breathtakingly beautiful you are.” “All I could and can ever think about is you.” “About the way you bite your lip when you’re trying not to smile or how your eyes shine brighter than diamonds.” “I tried really hard not to feel this way about you because I never even dared to hope that my family would ever approve of us having a relationship.” “The more time that we spent together, the stronger my feelings for you became until they grew too strong for me to ignore.” “You are the love of my life and the person that I want to grow old with.”

Soleia’s eyes water as she pulls her flor into a passionate kiss. Isabela moans as she threads her fingers through her girlfriend's silky platinum blonde hair and kisses her back feverishly. They part when their lungs burn and breathlessly hold each other close, not wanting to separate for anything in the world.

Leia presses one more kiss against her love’s lips before rising to check on their muffins. Isabela smiles and makes her way to the stove to prepare them a pot of tinto.

A few minutes later, both the muffins and their coffees are ready, and they settle down at the kitchen table. Isabela’s eyes close in bliss when she bites into her muffin and the chocolate chips melt onto her tongue. It’s perfectly light and airy. And it tastes even better with her tinto. Without a doubt, it’s the most delicious muffin that she has ever had.

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Later that day, Isabela stands in Soleia’s living room while Leia gathers the necessary items to perform the ritual that will summon the spirit of her dead mother.

Isabela had been dumbfounded when Soleia told her that she planned to do this, but she wholeheartedly agreed once Leia told her the reasons why she wanted to. Soleia needed to receive her madre’s blessing on their relationship, and she wanted Isabela to have the chance to meet her.

Leia places five white candles in a loose circle on the floor, lights them, and then confidently chants.

“Hear these words,

Hear my cry,

Spirit from the other side,

Come to me,

I summon thee,

Cross now the great divide.”

Thousands of tiny iridescent lights slowly appear before they converge together and form a slightly older version of Soleia. The woman standing before them wearing a flowing ivory dress has the same pale skin, full lips, heart shaped face, and long platinum blonde hair. Except her hair falls down her back in effortless waves and her eyes are this otherworldly violet color.

The woman smiles brighter than the sun when she sees her daughter, and she wordlessly opens her arms.

Leia’s eyes fill with tears as she runs over and throws her arms around her mother. The tears fall with no end in sight as she breathes in her mamá’s comforting almond and coconut scent. She clings to her and whispers, “Mamí” over and over again.

Her mother kisses her face all over and declares, “Mi Sol, mi niña preciosa.” “No existen palabras para expresar lo mucho que te quiero.”

Soleia sniffles, kisses her mother’s cheek, and murmurs, “Mamí, te quiero con todo mi corazón.” “Me has hecho mucha falta.”

Isabela silently cries as she watches the heartfelt reunion between mother and daughter. She mentally thanks God for allowing Leia to be able to see and hug her mamá after so many years apart.

Soleia’s mother gently pulls back, cups her chin, and replies, “Lo sé, y siento mucho haber tenido que dejarte.” “Si hubiera podido, me habría quedado contigo para siempre.”

Her violet eyes glimmer as she continues speaking, “Aunque no hayas podido verme ni oírme, he estado contigo.” “No ha pasado un día en el que no haya velado por ti, y estoy tan orgullosa de ti, mi vida.” “Eres tan fuerte y amable.” “Tan valiente, creativa, y inteligente.” “Has superado todas las expectativas que tenía puestas en ti.”

Leia swallows the lump in her throat and tearfully thanks her mamí for her beautiful words before she turns and holds out a hand to Isabela.

Isabela takes Soleia’s hand with no hesitation and laces their fingers together as her love introduces her to her mother.

“Hola Isabela.” “Es un placer conocer a la mujer que se ha ganado el corazón de mi hija.”

Isabela blushes and says, “Hola Señora Vélez.” “Y gracias, el placer es todo mio.”

Leia’s mamá laughs and notes, “Isabela, no tienes que llamarme Señora Vélez.” “Por favor, llámame por mi nombre de pila, Luna.”

Isabela nods and then braces herself when all traces of humor disappear from Luna’s face.

Luna likes Isabela, but she needs to make sure that this young woman is the right person for her beloved daughter. She looks right into Isabela’s eyes and inquires, “¿De verdad amas a mi hija?” “¿Y permanecerás a su lado sin importar los obstáculos que podías encontrar?”

Isabela meets Luna’s intense stare and answers, “Sí, amo a Soleia con todo mi ser.” “Ella significa el mundo para mí.” “Antes de que ella llegara a mi vida, nunca supe lo que era el amor verdadero ni cómo se sentía.” “Ahora lo sé.” “Y haría cualquier cosa para protegerla y hacerla feliz porque ella se lo merece.” “Sonrío y me río cada día porque la tengo conmigo.” “Y me siento la mujer más afortunada del mundo por tener a alguien tan única como ella como compañera de vida.”

Leia’s heart races at each loving word that comes out of her mate’s mouth, and she can’t help but kiss her.

Luna resists the urge to coo at how perfect Isabela and her daughter are for each other and instead gently clears her throat to remind them that she’s here before they lose control over themselves.

Soleia and Isabela abruptly separate, and Luna can’t help but giggle at their flushed cheeks. She carefully places her hand over their joined ones and happily states, “Both of you have my blessing.” “It is crystal clear to me that your love is as vast as the sky and as endless as the sea.” “I can rest easy now that I know that mi Sol has found the other half of her soul.”

Luna smiles as she pulls both teary eyed women into a tight embrace and whispers, “Trust each other and surround yourselves with those who support you.” “People who genuinely love you and who want you to be happy.”

Isabela and Soleia nod and promise her that they will. They cling to each other as Luna blows them both a kiss and then slowly starts to disappear, smiling when the iridescent sparkles swirl around them causing their hair to flutter against each other’s cheeks.

Chapter Text

Chapter Fourteen: Your fate is sealed when your prophecy is read.

Bruno groans as he futilely tries to suppress the vision that is determined to come through. Suddenly his body tenses, and his eyes snap wide open, glowing a bright chartreuse green as the sand starts spinning all around his room. He sees the Encanto being invaded by a group of guerrilla soldiers, and leading them is Joaquín Alvaro. Joaquín is a few years older than Isabela and has been obsessed with marrying her for years.

Bruno’s stomach churns at the sight of those men riding into town armed with guns and machetes. When the vision finally ends, he doubles over and vomits as he remembers the screams of terror of the women and children who were mercilessly slaughtered. Bruno doesn’t know when these men are going to come to the Encanto or why they’re going to invade the village. All he knows is that he needs to warn his family of the looming threat that awaits them before it’s too late.

He stumbles out of his room and makes his way over to Soleia’s house. When Bruno arrives, everyone except for his mamá is seated at the table and about to have lunch.

Leia smiles warmly at him before asking him to join them, and Bruno halfheartedly agrees. Eating is the last thing that he wants to do, but he doesn’t want to spoil his family’s meal by informing them of the terrible vision that he’s just had.

Bruno forces himself to eat some of the food and shakes his head at how Camilo devours their ridiculously large plate. The towering plate is full of ajiaco, arepas, sancocho, pasteles, tostones, alcapurrias, and mofongo.

He sips on his limonada de coco and tries not to fidget too much as he waits for everyone to finish eating.

After lunch everyone gathers in Soleia’s living room to unwind, and Bruno forces himself to get their attention.

He gulps and throws some salt over his shoulder before nervously saying, “I had a vision.” “It was really bad.” “I saw our village being invaded by guerrilla soldiers carrying guns and machetes.” “These men ruthlessly killed every man, woman, and child they came across.” “And leading them was Javier Alvaro’s older brother Joaquín.” “I don’t know when exactly they’ll be here, but we need to be prepared to face them.” “The sooner the better because if we don’t, then we’ll all be slaughtered.”

“What!?”

“Miércoles.”

“Agustín!”

“Lo siento amor.”

“The Encanto is going to be invaded!?”

“Mamí are we going to die?”

“I can’t die; there are so many foods that I haven’t gotten the chance to eat yet!”

“Really, Camilo, that’s what you’re worried about?”

“Duh, of course it is.” “Can you imagine how sad it would be if I died before getting to eat everything that’s on my bucket list of foods to try?”

Bruno, Luisa, Mirabel, and Dolores all face palm as soon as Camilo finishes speaking.

Soleia shakes her head and notes, “Necesitamos pedir a los aldeanos que permanezcan en sus casas durante y después del almuerzo.”

“¿Durante cuánto tiempo vamos a tener que pedirles que lo hagan?”

“¿Qué les decimos cuando nos preguntan por qué tienen que quedarse en sus casas?”

Leia calmly answers, “Les diremos que deben permanecer dentro de sus casas después de comer durante los próximos días.” “Y la razón es que es por su seguridad.” “Sólo tienen que confiar en la familia Madrigal, y cuando pasen los próximos días, ustedes se lo explicarán todo.”

Everyone nods in agreement, and Isabela feels her heart swell with pride at how easily her girlfriend takes charge. Her mate is a leader through and through.

Leia turns to Luisa and says, “You aren’t going to face those guerilla soldiers alone.” “I’ll be right next to you, helping you take them all down.”

Luisa inhales shakily, afraid of Soleia getting hurt, but she also feels relieved that someone as capable as Leia is going to help her shoulder the weight of protecting everyone in the Encanto.

Isabela fiercely declares, “And I’m going to fight alongside both of you as well.”

Leia crosses her arms and remarks, “No, Bela, you’re not.” “You’re going to stay inside Casita along with everyone else.” “Luisa and I are the only ones that are going to be fighting those men.”

Isabela stomps her foot before demanding to know why she can’t fight alongside them.

Bruno tosses some more salt over his shoulder before timidly revealing, “This vision wasn’t the only one I had.”

Everyone except for Soleia gasps in shock and horror when Bruno pulls out the second vision tablet. Tears cascade down Isabela’s cheeks at the image of Luisa carrying Leia’s bloodied and eerily still body.

Bruno gazes at his heartbroken sobrina and solemnly states, “Isa, you get distracted during the fight and don’t notice a soldier about to swing their machete at you.” “Soleia sees him and teleports herself in front of you, causing the weapon to pierce her side.” “Her scream draws your attention, and you use your vines to crush the soldier’s bones.” “Luisa carefully lifts Soleia and takes her to your mamá.” “Unfortunately the wound is too deep, and Soleia loses too much blood.” “She dies before Julieta ever gets the chance to heal her.”

Isabela screams, and plants explode all around her, but she couldn’t care less. All she cares about is that Soleia, the love of her life, dies. And she dies protecting her. Leia dies because she wasn’t paying attention during the fight.

The plants shrivel and die when Isabela falls to the ground in complete despair.

Soleia runs over and wraps her arms around her distraught mate. Whispering soothing words into her ear while trying not to wince at the vise-like grip Isabela has on her.

Chapter Text

Chapter Fifteen: All’s fair in love and war.

As Joaquín and the group of guerrilla soldiers march towards the Encanto, Luisa and Soleia rally the villagers, preparing them for the impending battle. Luisa uses her strength to build barricades and reinforce the town's defenses, while Soleia casts protective spells, creating an invisible barrier around the Encanto.

At noon the air crackles with a palpable tension, the scent of gunpowder mingling with the sweet aroma of Isabela’s blooming flowers. The guerrilla soldiers, a brutal force armed with rusty rifles and gleaming machetes, surge through the village square, their shouts a horrifying counterpoint to the villagers terrified cries.

Luisa stands at the front line, her muscles bulging as she hurls boulders at the advancing men. Her strength is unmatched, and she sends them flying with a single blow. But the soldiers are relentless, their numbers seemingly endless.

Soleia’s eyes glow a menacing electric blue as her body begins to shift, her bones cracking and reforming. In a flash, she transforms into a large white tiger, her eyes glowing with predatory intensity.

With a ferocious roar, Soleia pounces on the soldiers, her claws tearing through their flesh and spraying ruby red blood everywhere. She moves with incredible speed, dodging bullets and evading attacks. The men, petrified at the sight of the monstrous creature, falter in their advance.

Luisa, inspired by Soleia's courage, redoubles her efforts. She charges into the enemy ranks, her fists smashing through their defenses. She lifts soldiers into the air and launches them into the trees, her strength fueled by her determination to protect her family.

Joaquín stares in stunned disbelief as the army is decimated by the two women. He had severely underestimated their power and resilience. Rage burns through him, and he vows to crush both of them.

He charges toward Luisa, his machete raised high. Luisa meets his attack with a powerful punch, sending him staggering backward. But Joaquín is not easily deterred. He lunges at her again, intending to stab her with his blade.

Soleia, hearing his approach, teleports in front of Luisa and pushes her out of the way. Luisa stumbles to the ground, and her eyes fill with tears when the blade pierces Soleia’s shoulder.

Leia groans in pain and shifts back into her human form. Joaquín, seeing the window of opportunity to kill her, presses forward with his attack.

Just as he is about to deliver the final blow, Luisa intervenes. She rushes forward and swings her fist at Joaquín’s face, a vindictive smirk curling her lips at the sickening crunch his nose makes when her fist connects with it. He screams in agony but is powerless to prevent Luisa from using a rock to bash his head open. She hits him over and over again until all that’s left of him is a puddle of pinkish-gray brain matter.

With Joaquín dead, the few remaining soldiers lose the will to fight. They turn and flee, disappearing into the jungle.

The Encanto is safe.

Luisa hurries over to Soleia and grimaces at the fairly large pool of crimson blood surrounding her. She carefully scoops her up and cradles her against her chest as she sprints to Casita, hoping with all of her heart that Soleia’s wound isn’t too severe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Casita flings open her doors as soon as she senses Luisa’s thundering footsteps approaching her.

When she steps inside, her family instantly berates her with questions, and she huffs as she tries to contain her rising annoyance at their atrocious timing.

Isabela silences everyone by stomping her foot and causing a variety of cacti and carnivorous plants to surround them.

Her dark hazel eyes instantly fill with tears at seeing her sister carry the bloodied form of her beautiful girlfriend.

Luisa gently lays Soleia down onto the couch, and Isabela wastes no time in joining her beloved. She kneels beside the couch and accepts the leftover caldo de pollo her mother had prepared earlier that day.

Isabela carefully opens Leia’s mouth and slowly pours in the chicken broth.

Soleia methodically swallows the caldo and quietly sighs in relief as Julieta’s magical food starts to take effect. The angry, bloody wound in her shoulder closes before gradually disappearing.

Isabela smiles when her mate’s shoulder returns to its perfect, unblemished state.

Leia thanks Julieta for healing her, and she gently squeezes Luisa’s hand in silent gratitude for bringing her to Casita in time.

Luisa sniffles and notes, “Sis, you have nothing to thank me for.” “You were injured because you took a blow that was meant for me, so making sure that I arrived home in time for Mamá to heal you was the least that I could do.”

Soleia locks eyes with Luisa and warmly states, “Of course I teleported myself in front of you.” “I couldn’t let that pedazo de mierda hurt you.” “I will always protect you and look out for you, Lu.”

Luisa sobs as she kneels beside Isabela and gently wraps her arms around Leia. She clutches her chosen sister close to her heart and mentally thanks God for saving her.

Chapter Text

Chapter Sixteen: Junto a tí.

Isabela smiles serenely as she inhales the sweet, fruity aroma of the cherry and vanilla candles that Soleia has carefully placed around them. It makes her beautiful garden look even more magical than it already does.

Leia steadies herself before she strums along on her guitar. She gazes at her flor with pure adoration shining through her misty gray eyes. And pours every ounce of love she feels for her mate into the song that she is about to sing.

🎶Definitivamente nada que cambiar. Te has convertido en toda mi felicidad. Definitivamente basta respirar. Para sentir completa tu totalidad🎶

🎶Hay un ángel en tus ojos vida mía. Hay un ángel que respira. Tan solo quiero estar junto a ti. Perderme, gritarle al universo. Que estoy hecho para ti, no hay más. Junto a ti fundirme. Y en un instante huir de todo lo demás. La vida quiero pasarla junto a ti🎶

🎶Definitivamente nada que cambiar. Te has convertido en toda mi felicidad. Definitivamente basta respirar. Para sentir completa tu totalidad🎶

🎶Hay un ángel en tus ojos vida mía. Hay un ángel que respira, me da la vida. Tan solo quiero estar junto a ti. Perderme, gritarle al universo. Que estoy hecho para ti, no hay más. Junto a ti fundirme. Y en un instante huir de todo lo demás. La vida quiero pasarla junto a ti🎶

Isabela’s dark hazel eyes fill with tears when Leia finishes singing the beautiful song she wrote for her. And the tears fall with no end in sight when Soleia gets down on one knee.

Leia gently reaches out, takes her preciosa’s hand in hers, and notes, “I spent my days waiting for you, searching the crowds for your face.” “I stopped breathing the moment you recognized me, as you captured my soul with your gaze.”

Isabela sniffles and presses her cheek against Soleia’s hand when she tenderly brushes her tears away.

Leia swallows the lump in her throat and continues speaking. “Bela, you are the love of my life and the best thing that has ever happened to me.” “You mean everything to me.” “I promise to love, protect, and uplift you until the end of time.” “I want to spend the rest of my life with you and want to make you as happy as you have made me.”

Isabela gasps when Soleia pulls out a velvet magenta box, opens it, and asks, “Will you make me the happiest woman in the world and marry me?” “Will you be my wife, my one and only?”

Isabela throws her arms around Leia and yells, “Yes, of course I will!” “Nothing would make me happier!”

Soleia beams as she slides the large white gold radiant cut diamond ring onto her diosa’s finger, spins her around, and then presses their lips together.

Isabela threads her fingers through her fiancée’s silky platinum blonde hair and kisses her back passionately, moaning when her love parts her lips with her tongue and explores her mouth.

Hands roam every available inch of skin as they kiss over and over and over again.

Isabela and Soleia reluctantly separate when their burning lungs demand air, but they keep their arms wrapped around one another as they try to catch their breath. Both of them can’t help but smile and giggle at each other. Neither of them have ever felt as blissful and joyful as they do right now. And they know without a doubt that from here on out their love will only grow stronger and stronger.

Hand in hand they make their way to Casita, who rattles her floor tiles and flings open her shutters as soon as they approach. Isabela and Soleia laugh at how happy the magical house is for them.

Both of them mentally prepare themselves for the Madrigals' reaction to their engagement. And sure enough, as soon as they step inside, they are showered with kisses, hugs, and congratulations.

“Ahhh!!!”

“I can’t believe that the two of you are getting married!”

“¡Ya era hora!”

“¡Felicidades!”

“Yay, now you’re really going to be my prima Leia!”

*Sniffles.*

“I'm so happy for both of you!”

*Knock, knock, knock.*

“¡Ay mija vas a ser la novia más linda del mundo entero!”

Mirabel pumps her fist and exclaims, “And don’t worry, Isa, because I’m going to make sure that you have the most amazing wedding dress ever!”

The adults, Julieta most of all, coo at Mirabel and how adorable she looks when she is excited about something.

And Isabela smiles from ear to ear before she turns and pulls both of her sisters into a tight hug.