I do not own Encanto.

Pepa has been chipper than usual, per se of the rainbow above her head.

"The midwives' tales say that when you're often happy it means you'll be having a boy," her mother said to Pepa. They were both in the kitchen. Why, Julieta couldn't understand.

She was washing dishes when they started talking about Pepa's moods and how much she was glowing. Julieta promptly ignored them, opting to tune them out as she finished drying them.

There were still a few things she needed to finish for dinner and then she was going to escape this nightmare.

When she had her meltdown, talk of kids, babies, or pregnancies got her...tense. No one knew of this, of course, because she didn't want to hurt her sister's feelings-it was just too much to handle.

She could bear to sit there and watch them talk animatedly about the newest addition, but the constant reminder of what she couldn't have burned within her very aching soul.

"There are already some townspeople that sewn some baby clothes," Pepa enthused, handing some of the baby clothing to their mother. She hid a grimace and went to stir the soup for dinner.

"¡Ay!, they're so small!" Alma exclaimed.

"Hopefully they'll fit them because I'm positive this little one has an appetite."

"Just like their padre, hmm?"

Small laughs erupted and Julieta gripped the wooden spoon in her hand, knuckles going white. She wasn't dumb, she could sense Pepa's emerald green eyes on her.

"Er, mamá?" Pepa asked lightly. "I believe Félix asked for your help about the building being built in town."

"Ay, of course," she said, tone cheery. "I will be back soon."

There were a few footsteps before they faded and Julieta sagged her shoulders. "Thank you...Pepa," she said gratefully, turning her gaze towards her sister, who was leaning against the counter. She looked concerned, brows drawn knitted together and lips thinned.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring anything up about-"

Julieta held up a hand. "Really, hermana, it's fine."

"No, it's not." Pepa frowned and crossed her arms to her chest, and Julieta glanced at the small bump of hers, the longing searing deep down in her empty womb. She shook it off and looked straight at her.

"Pepa, you should be celebrating about your child," Julieta told her, hiding a wince when her mind jabbed a, Not around me, please.

"I know, but I can't because you're in pain, Julieta," she replied, voice soft, and if anything, it was full of pity for her. She didn't want that- the pity or the disappointment.

Julieta clenched her jaw and narrowed her eyes. "I'm fine, Pepa," she said through gritted teeth, losing a thread of patience every single day.

Thunderous clouds collected over Pepa's head, her frown deepening with every second. "No. You're. Not."

"Then what do you want me to do!" Julieta exclaimed sharply.

Rain started dripping down Pepa's clouds and for a moment, her eyes flashed with fear. Pepa's emotions were sensitive, especially when pregnant. If her emotions went more haywire, a hurricane could practically be coming their way.

"I want you to be honest with me, Julieta!" her sister articulated. "I want you to express your feelings and do it without bottling them all up until you can't handle it!

"Pepa-"

"I heard all of it! And seeing you hurt makes me hurt because I know that you've been through mierda and you don't deserve it-"

"Pepa the clouds!"

Her sister stopped short and looked above her head, the clouds dark and spreading across the area. They were both soaked with water, Julieta realized as Pepa murmured, "Clear skies, clear skies, clear skies..."

The clouds vanished, leaving them dripping with water.

"Sorry..." Pepa apologized, wringing her braid.

"No, I'm sorry for making you mad," she said, shaking her head. Her sister correct-she was hurt. It felt like daggers cutting across her skin as people rejoiced at the Madrigal addition...another gift that could be of use for their community.

"But you have every right, Julieta," her sister retorted. "I know this pregnancy is hard...and I'm sorry for not being careful."

Julieta sighed but nodded. "Thank you..."

"And I'll be sure to keep me and mamá's conversations away if you'd like to."

"No...no, I can't have you repress your excitement about the baby," Julieta murmured, running her fingers through her wet hair. She's greatly appreciated Pepa's concern, but she wasn't about to let her younger sister do this all because she can't handle such a small problem...

"I'm not doing that, Julieta," Pepa stated. "I'm thinking about your feelings too, just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean I get to disregard your's too." She scowled and tilted her head to the tiles. "Unlike mamá..."

"She's just excited," she murmured.

Pepa rolled her eyes. "Sí, but it doesn't excuse the way she's been acting towards you." she softened her look. "I see it, Julieta, I'm not estúpido."

Julieta lowered her gaze, guilt swarming her frame. Her sister didn't need to worry about her-about this. She has too much on her plate now that her second child was on their way.

Despite being wet, Pepa approached her and hugged her. She returned the gesture, feeling oddly comforted yet saddened...mostly because she had struggled and both Bruno and Pepa noticed. She didn't want anyone to worry about her because there was so much else that needed more attention.

And admittedly, Julieta knew that she needed this more than ever.

"I love you," Pepa said quietly. Julieta didn't answer, eyes burning before she buried her face into her sister's shoulder and allowed herself to grieve with her sister.

When Agustín entered his and his wife's bedroom, he was expecting the room to be unoccupied, but when he entered he saw that Julieta across the room and taking sopping wet clothes off her body.

She whirled her head towards him, cheeks reddening as she covered herself. "Agustín! I thought you were in town," she exclaimed. He shook his head and turned around, allowing for her to change...and hide the creeping blush that was blooming on his face. Despite being married for ten years, it still made him blush whenever he saw his wife naked.

"We finished early," he explained. "I thought I would come in here to rest for a bit before dinner."

"Ah... well, dinner might be late," Julieta noted.

"I'm only assuming it's also because of your wet clothes?"

She hummed softly in response, tying the last knot on her robe. "You can turn around now."

He turned, clearing his throat. "Mood swings?"

"More or less," Julieta said quietly, letting him wrap his hands around her waist. They shared a tender kiss and he led her to bed. When they sat down, they leaned against each other, silent comfort soothing the day's end.

"I and Pepa talked," she murmured eventually. Agustín clicked his tongue against the roof of his mouth. "That's good?"

Julieta nodded. "She apologized for not regarding my feelings about the pregnancy and that she knows how hard it is for me." She sighed out loud though. "I appreciate the gesture, honestly, but I feel horrible..."

"Why is that?"

"She shouldn't have to be careful around me when she's one pregnant... I should be happy for her and support her, but I feel like I'm not because of the past." Julieta grunted and straightened, staring at his face with a faltering and heartbreaking look. "But I still can't let go of the past either."

She looked down at her lap, hands entangled together. "Am I being selfish?"

"Mi corazón, no, no, not at all," Agustín assured, rushing to hold her hands. "You're the most selfless person I've known, you've held all your pain and mental wounds so our family can be happy. That's not being selfish, that's called sacrifice."

Sadness clouded her features. "I wish..."

"You wish what, amor?" Agustín inquired with a tender tone.

"I wish we could just have the one... just one to be satisfied with."

He closed his eyes and felt his wife snuggle between his shoulder and head. "You know, a baby isn't the answer to all our problems, Juli, we still must confront them so that our child won't be in the exact situation as we are." He paused abruptly and thumbed her knuckles. "You must heal first, relax and enjoy the present."

Julieta chuckled softly, however it left a sour taste in her mouth. It was bitter truth, but she knew that Agustín was right. She did need to heal the old wounds first before even thinking about approaching another matter.

Agustín shifted so he could look at her, an emotion shining in his eyes. He leaned forward and kissed her lips; gentle and sweet. She closed her eyes, relishing this intimate moment; one that was often rare due to being busy.

He broke off the kiss from her lips before trailing down to her collarbone. Julieta gasped faintly, head tilting back in pleasure. It was sudden, but Agustín knew how to turn her on, with the light kisses and caress on her thighs that made her stomach flutter.

"Perhaps I can assist you," he said huskily between small kisses. Julieta merely closed her eyes, heat growing within her body-wanting, needing.

"What about dinner," she whispered, inhaling sharply when a thrill of lust ran down her spine and Agustín's fingers started to untie her robe.

"Dinner can wait."

Their door locked with an audible click.

And dinner...well, dinner was more than late.

Julieta clasped Luisa's tiny hand with her's, preparing to leave the casa so she could heal some townspeople. Normally, Luisa would spend her day with Bruno, but Alma had asked him to retrieve some tiles from someone in town. And Pepa was busy with Dolores and Isabela, so it left her.

She didn't mind of course, and neither did Luisa, who was excited to spend her day with tía Julieta.

"You ready, Pequeña?" Julieta asked, earning a nod from Luisa. She smiled and squeezed her hand. "Alright, vamos." As they left, their casita's shudders flapped as if they were saying goodbye and Luisa waved back happily.

"Adiós, casita!"

The walk from their home to town wasn't that much of a trek, but Luisa's small legs sometimes had to catch up to Julieta's momentum. When Julieta noticed that Luisa was lacking behind and huffing out of breath, she stopped.

"Ay, sorry, mi sobrina," she said apologetically, stopping so the four-year-old could catch her breath.

"You're fast," Luisa mumbled. Julieta glanced and saw that they were near town. She situated her basket to slide onto her wrist and knelt in front of her with a grin. "Would you like me to carry you?"

Luisa hesitated but complied as she lifted her arms in the air. With one swift movement, she hoisted the little girl up in her arms, her legs wrapping around her waist and arms around her neck.

She wasn't going to lie, Luisa was a bit bigger than what four-year olds usually are, but she was at a comfortable weight where Julieta could carry her to town. It was weird...how easy and smooth she managed to pick up Luisa as if she's been doing for years. True, she's picked up many of her nieces, but it never ceases to amaze her how much she enjoyed it.

Luisa looked over her shoulder, admiring the bright sky and bushes that grew brightly colored buds.

"You good, miel?"

Luisa hummed, chin resting on her shoulder. A wave of fondness coursed through her body. Luisa has always loved cuddling and snuggling with any of her family members, mostly from her papá. But when he wasn't available, she would go to Isa, that's if the older girl wanted to be hugged.

Sometimes she would go to Agustín or her to give them a huge hug before running away with a giggle, leaving them confused but warm by Luisa's bear hugs. Agustín had always joked that she had the best hugs; but really, her hugs were amazing.

When they arrived at her station, she put Luisa down and patted her head. "I'm going to heal some of the townspeople, if you'd like, you may play with the children in the plaza, does that sound good?" she asked.

Luisa nodded enthusiastically.

"Good, play nicely, querida." She straightened but was caught out of balance for a moment when she felt Luisa hug her around her legs tightly, affection on her adorable face. Her heart stuttered in reply as her niece skipped away with no words exchanged.

Julieta watched her leave, a sad frown on her lips, reminded that she'll never experience this with her own child, or the fact that Luisa nor Isabela has a mother to do the same with them.

She jerked when someone tapped her shoulder. Craning her head, she saw a long line of injured people, starting a young man with a large gash on his cheek and an obvious-looking broken nose.

Julieta prepared herself for the prolonging day to commence as she plastered a smile on her face and grabbed a Pandebono for her first patient.

"Any particular reason why you're in such a good mood?" Félix inquired as he heaved a brick on top of the cement. Agustín hummed noncommittally, smushing the brick against the paste. "Who's asking?"

"Me?"

"Well, 'me', afraid I can't say anything about it, I was only a part of it," he answered back with a sly grin.

He heard a scoff from his brother-in-law and a few other bricks stacked next to the one he was correcting. "Okay, fine, other than that, didn't Julieta bring Luisa to town?"

Agustín nodded, clapping his hands to get rid of the dust that accumulated on his skin. "Sí, I asked Bruno to get some tiles for the house. He should be coming right about now actually."

Félix nodded. He regarded the half-built house with a whistle. "Well, once we get the tiles, this house should be done in no time."

"Indeed."

A comfortable silence fell between them. Agustín took off his glasses and started cleaning them while Félix started picking small debris particles from underneath his nail, unaware that rain clouds began to collect around town until small blobs of rain stained Agustín's newly cleaned glasses.

He looked up to see more drizzle of rainfall while Félix grimaced slightly.

"Ay, mi amor," he murmured. "What now?"

"Mood swings?"

He shrugged in reply. "It wasn't as bad when she had Dolores, but she does get those days where everything is...emotional."

"Ah, well, at least she'll be watering the crops," Agustín murmured, earning an agreeing hum from Félix.

"Speaking of which, is that why the kitchen was practically flooding a few days ago?"

He nodded. "Sí." Although Pepa did flood the kitchen, it was a needed conversation between the two sisters. From what he heard, Pepa noticed how Julieta was holding in emotions for the sake of hers.

It alleviated some of the tension and both seemed in better spirits than before, Julieta especially. He was glad for that, just watching his wife keep a smile while he knew she was hurting made his own heartthrob painfully.

There were moments where he came home to Pepa's and Julieta's voices in the kitchen, talking about everything and anything. Every so often, he would hear laughs and giggles that would last for quite some time.

It eased his worries for her, even for a moment.

"Is...Julieta doing okay?" the hesitation in Félix's voice made him wince inwardly. He continued. "Pepa was saying about to be careful around her when we talk of the baby."

Agustín ran a hand over his tired face, not caring he was smearing dirt and rain all over his face. "Ay...sí, she's been...having trouble with it all." And in all honesty, he was too.

Just because he can be just as excited and joyful to expect another niece or nephew doesn't make it any easier to watch his relatives expect another baby while he and Julieta suffered being childless.

In no way did he blame his wife; he married her for her big heart and loving soul, not for childbearing.

But sometimes he did ponder on what it would be like to be called papá instead of tío, or experiencing the late nights with the baby and snotty noses to tantrums.

He knew that Julieta had the same thoughts, wondering what their lives would be like with children in their bed, slumbering between their bodies, warm and safe.

"I don't blame her, or you," he said quickly, bashfully rubbing the back of his nape. "I just feel bad..."

Agustín gave him an assuring smile. "You don't have to feel bad, hermano, this is just the way of some people's lives. We'll make it through, hmm?"

"I suppose," Félix said quietly. He watched the shorter man approach him and placed a securing hand on his slender shoulder. "But, just know that you're appreciated and our kids love you as their tío."

The corners of his lips curved up, a gentle smile gracing his lips. It was hard sometimes, to be a part of a magical family and having no gift to help around the community. Of course, he and Félix help around as much as they can, but often can be all for naught.

And that was probably the first reason he and Félix became close. It was a brotherly bond they shared, along with Bruno too. Félix and Bruno both shared their support for him and Julieta over the years, never acting differently towards them because of their inability to have children.

Bruno in particular had been ever-so-grateful for Julieta filling in a motherly role for Luisa and Isabela.

"Gracias, Félix," he said with as much sincerity as his voice could hold. Félix regarded him with a smirk. "Not a problem, cuñado."

In a few short minutes, Bruno arrived with other men hauling tiles, and while Agustín backed away to allow the men to enter through, he stepped on a slightly elevated plank and it shot some debris in the air, hitting the tree above them.

He sighed exasperatedly when he heard the distant buzzing from above.

Never a dull day for the accident-prone.

the pace of the story is a tad fast-paced because this fic is only going to be about 15chapters or less (depending on how far i want to go) anyways, I got into a car accident...yay me...

usually i try my best to upload once a week but i'm a bit shaken and out of mind so...i'll see what i can do. i immensely appreciate all your reviews and i treasure them greatly, love you guys!