AN: Hey everyone, welcome back to now the second chapter of Woven Together! I am honestly so happy that this book is so far receiving well even if this is all just something for fun. You all are amazing, and I hope you like the second chapter! This was a little difficult, but it got me to dive more into Fabian's character.

I want to clarify some ages and timeline cause even I get confused, so this is to help me remember as well. Fabian in the storyline is 16 years old, his family left when he was 6. He is technically about 11 months older than Camilo and a full year older than Mirabel who are both 15. Fabian's sister Lucia is two years younger than Fabian and was 4 when her and their parents left Fabian. Their parents are both a few years older than Julieta, Pepa and Bruno.

Remember I don't own Encanto, it is owned by Disney, I only own Fabian and his family. Also once again please note, I am not fluent in Spanish. If I messed up on some phrases or words, don't hesitate to let me know kindly, I asked my best friend for some help as she is a fluent speaker, but I worry I still mess things up. I tried also researching some more on the culture and food, as that was pretty interesting.

Anyways, hope you all enjoy!

/

"Señor Agustín. Señora Julieta. I would be honored if you would please give me your blessing to date your beautiful charming daughter, Mirabel Madrigal?"

Fabian stared still at himself in the mirror after repeating his confession and plea to the parents of his childhood friend. It was so easy to ask when he was alone, but his hesitance of talking to adults in general was making him even more nervous than a boy asking for a blessing would. He groaned and was about to grab the plate of food he left on the counter, when a feminine gasp made him freeze in his tracks.

"Fabian! Why didn't you say so?!"

Looking back at the bathroom door that was now open, his entire body became a statue! Frozen in fear at who stood in the doorway! Julieta somehow was up here, and had just heard his confession!

"S- Señora Julieta?!" Fabian squeaked out, his body may have been frozen in place, but his mind was all over the place at the woman right there! "I- I'm so sorry! I wanted to t- tell you and Señor…"

'When did she get here?! I was going to ask her back in the kitchen, but now she overheard me!' He panicked internally! All of his plans and ideas to tell them tonight were completely shattered! He also couldn't get any words out which made his anxiety rise more in front of his best friend's mom.

His stuttering and silence made the woman chuckle, but then an uncharacteristic smile came on her face. It was mischievous and sly, before she bursted into, laughter? Her form changed from Julieta to reveal it was actually the shapeshifter of the family! Fabian's other best friend, Camilo Madrigal, playing an unfunny prank on the poor boy.

"You should've seen your face, Fabe! Oh my gosh, that was the best!"

Fabian, now relieved that his confession wasn't overheard by someone important, was more annoyed and looked at the curly haired boy unamused. "Really Camilo? You gave me a near heart attack!"

He tossed the towel by the sink at the still laughing boy, who got smacked in the face with the cloth. It got him to stop laughing for a moment. But Camilo still had a playful grin on when removing the towel.

Walking into the bathroom, he sat on the counter straightening his ruana, then taking an arepa from the plate. "You're still nervous about asking Mirabel out? You've been planning this since practically last year, just go up to her and tell her how you feel already."

Fabian rolled his eyes and leaned against the wall behind him, watching his friend take a bite from the food. "It's not that easy…" He muttered while Camilo listened.

Not liking how his friend frowned, he got a clever idea. Hopping onto the ground, wiping his hands on his pants, "sure it is! Do something like this!"

He spun around before shapeshifting into Fabian right before his eyes, and then knelt down on one knee, trying to mimic his voice to Fabian's, "oh Mirabel, mi amor! Mi vida! I have been in love with you since we were children! Please, oh please, be with me so I don't die alone with 50 toucans!"

The other boy gave a small chuckle at his imitation, knowing he was trying to make him feel better. "Very funny," Fabian remarked watching the clone of himself look up at him with a big grin, "but shouldn't you be more weirded out that I'm trying to ask your prima out?"

Camilo shifted back to himself, shrugging while leaning back on the counter and taking another arepa, "I got over it after the millionth time I caught you smiling at Mirabel. Trying to make yourself presentable in front of her, and looking as bright as the sun on a good day for my mom."

"¡Por Dios!" Fabian groaned desperately with a blushing hue forming in his face.

Avoiding eye contact with his childhood friend, he did look back when Camilo spoke again, "plus I know you'll make her happy."

It took only a moment for Fabian to understand where this was coming from. Ever since Camilo got his gift, even before Mirabel didn't get hers but was still a major factor, the trio of childhood friends had begun to drift apart. Fabian was still friends with both, yet he got closer to Mirabel as they both wanted to try and help as best they could.

Yet Camilo and Fabian got a little distant, however it was not as far as Mirabel and Camilo drifted apart. They were once as close as twins, but it all just seemed like they became nothing more than friendly roommates. It was no one's fault, and they didn't blame anyone.

Camilo just got busier, being now a gifted Madrigal. It was like he had to immediately help and use his gift for the community, rarely having time to hang out with the other two. So Fabian knew what was going through his childhood friend's mind. He wanted his family always happy, he liked when people smiled, and things have been getting harder for Mirabel, they could see it.

Fabian gave a small kind smile, now was his turn to try and cheer him up. "Hey, if all else fails, maybe you could help me with finding some toucans to take in?"

Camilo's spirits were immediately lifted as he laughed. "I'm sure Antonio would be more than happy to help you look for some! Considering he loves animals so much."

Both boys laughed as they began walking out of the bathroom together. Camilo took the plate of arepas with him and Fabian. The latter also took one to eat as they continued to chat. "So what's your plan? Since I overheard you re-practicing your confession to my tia and tio, I can only assume that failed~."

Fabian rolled his eyes, but his hesitation to answer gave away that he was correct. "Maybe I'll confess to… her… later tonight, after the ceremony and when we're alone. I'll have to ask them sooner or later, but if she rejects me, then it saves me from more embarrassment if I did ask them first…"

He kept his words quiet and low, making sure no one could overhear him. Although he was sure that Dolores could hear, and knew exactly what he was talking about. Months before today, he had the courage to tell Camilo he wanted to ask Mirabel to be his girlfriend during Antonio's gift ceremony, and that same night after telling his friend, Camilo's sister came up to him and wished him good luck. She wouldn't tell Mirabel or anyone else.

He was both relieved, yet wanted to die ashamed all at once that day.

"Or you could ask Abuela for her blessing?" The curly haired boy suggested with a shrug. "If she says it's all good, then you're officially a Madrigal, whether she accepts or rejects you."

Shaking his head though, that was the last thing that Fabian wanted to do. Not because he didn't think Abuela Madrigal would say no to letting him date her granddaughter, but he was honestly more scared of the matriarch of the family than anyone else.

Plus he wanted to ask Mirabel or her parents first for his confession. If he told Mirabel's abuela first, he just felt as though that would cause way too many more problems he couldn't handle.

Speaking of which, "Fabian, can you come here please?"

Both teens looked down from the balcony to see Alma Madrigal down at the first floor. She looked up at the two and looked specifically at Fabian.

The boy only nodded with a polite smile, "I'll be right down."

He looked back at Camilo with just as much of a confused look as him as to why she called him down. But the younger of the two shrugged his shoulders, unsure but not making it a big deal. "I'll see ya later tonight. I have to finish helping around and then greet the guests. Oh, and remember your spending the night here after the ceremony!"

Fabian chuckled at Camilo's 'invitation' but more of a no questions asked/ demand of a sleepover. Wasn't the first time he's stayed over, and won't be the last. "Alright. See you later Camilo."

The curly haired boy walked away, with still the plate of food he stole from Fabian. But he didn't mind as he didn't have that much of an appetite. Especially compared to his friend's.

Now walking down the stairs to the main floor that was still bustling with so many people getting ready for tonight. He was so much younger during the last gift ceremonies, so he couldn't remember if this was normal. But he was sure that people weren't as frantic as they are this time.

Fabian went to where the elder of the Madrigal family was as she oversaw every little detail. She was letting the band know where they could set up and play their music by the time he got to her. She noticed him coming from the corner of her eyes, and finished talking to the band before turning to the young teen.

"Fabian, thank you for being here." She greeted him as he stood straight.

"Of course Señora. I wanted to help as much as I can."

Abuela Alma smiled softly, placing a hand on his shoulder, "I know you do, and that's why I have a favor to ask of you."

He looked at her confused as she began to walk and lead him a little away from the majority of people. "¿Qué es eso?" He asked curiously as this was sort of the first time she's asked something specific for him to do. He's helped around with no questions asked of him, but a favor from her specifically must mean it was something important.

Alma Madrigal seemed a little hesitant or was thinking hard on what she was going to ask of him, "tonight needs to be perfect, and I know that you help this family no matter what. So I would like for you to stay by Mirabel's side tonight."

Fabian was at a loss of words. Julieta asked the same thing of him, but how Abuela Madrigal made it sound. It was as if she was asking this as if it was an obligation, instead of a request for her granddaughter's feelings like Julieta.

"I want our family's gifts to shine. That the miracle is stronger than ever." She continued, holding her hands in front of her and looked around at the house. The beautiful casita, as he did before looking back at her. "Things have just been so amiss these past ten years within our community, and I want to show that nothing is wrong. That this family is as strong as ever for the community."

Her words, even if she confided to him, they pained Fabian inside. A reminder of the past ten years. Ten years without his own family. That night shook not just his world, but the Encanto community as a whole.

Masking his hurt though, trying to push away the memories of the past years alone.

He had to keep telling himself that it was okay. That he shouldn't think of himself as alone when there were so many people around him… that there was no need to feel like this, when others had it worse…

"I understand Señora." Was all he could say.

Abuela Madrigal turned back towards him with a grateful look, "gracias Fabian. Just please keep an eye on Mirabel. Stay beside her."

Fabian knew what that meant. Make sure that Mirabel didn't get in the way of all the other gifts shining, as she was a reminder that there was one Madrigal that didn't have one. And him standing beside her, whether she intended to mean it or not, felt like he was a reminder of the disappearance of his own family. That they couldn't help him bring back those he missed.

He wanted to say something, but the words stayed in the back of his throat. A lump that was hard to swallow.

It wasn't until Casita shook its tiles on the floor and walls in front of them, the sounds of the church bell ringing the time that it was 7 o'clock.

Even Abuela Madrigal checked her pocket watch that hung at her side to confirm it, stating a lot more frantic but still composed, "the people will be arriving soon. I believe that Mirabel went into the nursery. Thank you once more Fabian."

Without saying another word, the older woman left him alone there to process that quick interaction. It only made him feel worse however… Feel worse for Mirabel as well.

With a sigh though, he just stuffed his hands in his pockets and walked up the stairs towards Mirabel's room. Or technically the nursery, as she didn't get her own room. When he made it to the top, the girl in question stepped out of the teal door, however she wasn't alone. Holding her hand was a small boy who Fabian immediately recognized was the special Madrigal of honor, Antonio Madrigal.

When the small boy, all in his gift ceremony attire, saw the teen, he recognized him immediately as well. Grinning as if he wasn't so nervous a second ago, he let go of Mirabel's hand to run to Fabian and jump into his arms as the much older boy picked him up with a bright grin.

"Hey 'Tonio! Are you ready for tonight?" He asked, hugging the small boy that wrapped his little arms around his neck.

Pulling away slightly to look at each, there was worry and fear all over his face, but he tried to remain brave with a smile. "Yeah… I guess."

His voice was barely audible, looking down to the ground that seemed so far being up in Fabian's arms. The older of the two gave an assuring smile, ruffling Antonio's curly hair playfully, "hey, you have nothing to worry about. No matter what happens, Mirabel and I will give you all the obleas you want."

At the mention of the sweet treat to make him feel better, Antonio laughed, and nodded now more assured.

Fabian's smile grew. Antonia to him was like a little brother. He was around the age his little sister was when she disappeared that night… sure, by now if she was around, she would be older and closer to 14 years old… but when all he could remember of her was as a small child, that's all he thought of her.

But he did wonder what she looks like now? Would she look exactly the same, but taller? Or would she have more defined feminine features? Would she be shorter or closer to Mirabel and Camilo's height as she grew? Is she still the same Lucia, or did her personality change?

All he remembered of Lucia was that she was a clingy but happy child… always wanting to play with him, Camilo, and Mirabel with the other big kids. But she was also clumsy, and such a crybaby when she fell.

Yet that night, her screaming and crying was none like he heard before.

It still haunted his dreams… haunted his memories.

Not wanting to think about it any longer, pushing the memories of his family away. He looked back at Mirabel that was watching the two, "come on. The party I'm sure has started."

The girl nodded, and quickly went to stand beside the two while Fabian still carried Antonio in his arms. She whispered quietly for only Fabian to hear, "thank you."

He didn't need to ask what she was thanking him for, as he already knew. She most likely also assured Antonio earlier to help him remain calm, and with Fabian's help as well, he felt even more brave to go through this ceremony.

"Anytime." He whispered back looking into her sparkling eyes. They walked down the stairs, where it was true that the party had begun.

The music blasted and played so loud of the festivities that they could hear it probably from all around town! The band played a fun lively song, singing about their amazing home that this community lives in within Columbia. Making everyone who was coming into Casita feel welcomed and enjoy the atmosphere before the ceremony began.

So many people were coming in, dancing, chatting, and being friendly with each other. It was hard not to hear the people. So many of the guests were so excited for tonight, they were sure it wouldn't take long for the entire village to arrive on time.

And that was true when by the time the trio made it down the stairs, Antonio's side of the Madrigal family was already waiting for them. Felix, Pepa, Dolores, and Camilo all waited there having finished their preparations for tonight. Now here to encourage and cheer for their son.

"There's my boy!" Felix laughed wholeheartedly, while Fabian put Antonio down so he could go to them.

He watched them talk to their youngest, while he stayed next to Mirabel's side.

Pepa, while looking happy and proud of her little boy, still had a rain cloud over her head that drizzled, "look at my little baby. You're all grown up."

This made the pair chuckle a little as she clearly was sad by her baby getting older now.

"Pepi, mi amor, you'll get him all wet."

Camilo of course couldn't go two minutes without shapeshifting and playing a joke, as he turned into his father, though a smaller one to go to Antonio's height. Doing a pretty good imitation of his father's voice, "you are making your papa proud."

"I don't sound like that."

"'I don't sound like that'." He mocked once more.

Fabian stuffed his hands in his pockets, enjoying the family moment so much. It made him feel good, yet it also pained him a little inside too. Yet he buried those feelings away. There was no good reason to feel them.

Dolores halted the moment though, leaning her ear a little as if listening, "Abuela says it's time."

They all nodded, Pepa gave one last hug to Antonio, quietly saying one more time, "we'll be waiting at your door mijo."

Then everyone began leaving the room, with Felix ushering them out. Camilo imitated him one last time, only to be dragged away by his annoyed father. Thus leaving the small boy there. As well as Fabian and Mirabel.

Looking back at her best friend confused, "aren't you going to go wait out there and watch the ceremony with them?"

Fabian looked back at her, hearing her quiet question. She sounded curious, but also a little pained, like she didn't want him to actually go. Even if it was what her grandmother and mother wanted him to do, he also wanted to as well.

Mirabel was most likely told to stay on the sides. And that's where he will stay as well, with her.

Pulling his hand out of his pockets, and taking her hand in his. Fighting the panic in his head at doing such a gesture, he assured her with, "I'd rather be here with you."

Her hazel eyes slightly widened, staring into his dark ones. She squeezed his hand back, as if it was her way of saying 'thank you'. Until the sounds of drums and such began to beat. It was indeed time, the ceremony was now beginning.

They both could hear from back where they stood in the shadows behind the wall, Alma Madrigal began her speech. About Encanto, the history, and of course, about the miracle that they were blessed with.

"Fifty years ago, during our darkest moment, this candle was made and blessed us with a miracle. So the greatest honor of our family has been to use our blessings to serve this community." From the small openings of the wall, through the vines of decorations, Mirabel and Fabian watched Abuela Madrigal speak to everyone. Holding the bright and magical candle in her hands to show it to everyone. "Now we come together again tonight, as another Madrigal steps into the light to make us all proud."

At that final statement, Fabian could feel Mirabel's hand tighten around his own. He glanced at her with somber eyes, as hers looked away from the opening dejectedly. He could feel how she was feeling through the way she held his hand. How much he just wanted to pull her away, get out of there, and enjoy the night away from everyone and everything together.

But he knew she wanted to stay, despite her feelings. So he'll stay too.

The drums and music began once more. Fabian looked to where Antonio stood behind the curtain for his reveal, as they opened apart and a spotlight was casted on him. There were cheers from the community and everyone, excited to see him receive a gift.

However, when the people died down, awaiting for him to move to the new shining door up the stairs, he remained frozen.

Mirabel and Fabian now watched together, waiting for him to move forward as well. Yet where he stood, he stayed just like a statue. Even Casita tried ushering him forward with a tile behind his feet, yet there he still remained. They both knew he was extremely nervous, especially with so many eyes on him and pressure of it all surrounding him.

Until he looked back at the both of them, then held out his hand. Looking straight into Mirabel's eyes.

The girl holding Fabian's hands stiffened, knowing what her little primo wanted. But with a quick glance out to where all the people were, she shrunk back in, worried and afraid. Shaking her head, whispering to him, "I can't"

"I need you." Antonio pleaded. Eyes scared and desperate.

Mirabel only gripped Fabian's hand hard. He knew she wanted to, but he also knew what her abuela wanted as well.

Yet looking between the two cousins, Fabian knew that what one wants and what one needs is different. Even if Abuela Madrigal wanted her to stay on the side, Antonio needed Mirabel now more than ever. Just like Mirabel needed to do this. Not just for Antonio, but for herself.

With a slow hand, he removed Mirabel's from his, and then guided her with a light nudge to go forward to her little cousin. She looked back at Fabian with slightly wide eyes, but he gave her an assured smile and whispered, "it'll be okay."

She gave a small smile back and a single nod, before awkwardly stepping over to Antonio and taking his small hand in the spotlight.

Fabian could hear the people exclaim in surprise, now eyes on his best friend. But he just watched back with a proud smile.

"Come on," he heard her say to Antonio, "let's get you to your door."

They then both walked down the path together, out of sight from Fabian who could only still watch from the shadows. Leaving him alone.

Alone with only his thoughts, something he got used to after a while. Whether he liked it or not.

He knew he had Mirabel. Had Camilo or Antonio. But they also had their family. When they had them, he had no one…

He understood that Mirabel felt like an outcast by her family, even if she never outwardly said it, and he shouldn't compare his loneliness to her's. Even now, watching her walk down the path she once did ten years ago, when the miracle didn't give her a door. It must feel like walking with lead filled legs with each step she took of the bad memories of what happened to her. And he could see it.

But it was times like these, in the shadows watching her still receive love from her little cousin, or parents, he couldn't help but feel the pain in his heart. The pain of feeling so alone. Almost jealousy.

Before they left, Fabian only had his parents and sister when he was home. He remembered his parents telling him that his grandparents all passed away before he was born, and both of his parents were only children, so he had no other family members like everyone else.

'I shouldn't feel like this.' He angrily thought to himself looking away when Mirabel and Antonio got to the stairs. Leaning his back against the wall, running his hand through his hair, he gripped it in frustration. 'Be grateful. Be grateful you still have people around you.'

He reminded himself. But when he was alone, his thoughts can't help but go back to that night from ten years ago. To every night spent after that.

Alone in his room. Waiting every night for his parents and sister to come home like his mother told him to do. Alone in the dark, crying himself to sleep every night wondering, where did they go? And why did they leave him alone? So alone.

Nobody, not even Mirabel knew, that was how he spent the majority of his nights. Even if he is spending the night in Casita there was no sleep, just questions and sometimes tears. Till he got so tired his body forced sleep upon him. And when daybreak came, he would wake up, relieved the darkness and thoughts were over, and begin a new day again with his friend. Until the night came once more of him waiting for either his family to come home, or another night of wondering and pain.

He knew it was unhealthy. He knew he should tell someone. But he couldn't. He wouldn't. Not when he knew Mirabel had her own challenges. Not when it's been ten years now.

Plus she made him not feel lonely all the time. If it wasn't for Mirabel staying beside him, he knew he would have more moments like this one and ones at night. She made him feel things, wanted and happiness. The feeling that he wasn't completely alone all the time.

Hearing behind him Señora Alma speak to Antonio, asking if he will use his gift to honor the miracle, and help the community, he ignored it. Only wiping his eyes from the silent tears that fell from them. Taking a deep breath to compose himself, he looked back out to where Mirabel, Abuela Madrigal, Antonio and his parents stood at the top of the stairs to the bright door. He could see the small boy walk up to the handle, he and everyone else watched in anticipation.

When his hand grabbed the door knob, Fabian could see from where he stood that the whole door glowed as did the candle from Alma's hands.

Then a toucan from out of nowhere came and landed on Antonio's arms. It looked like it was squawking and talking to the small boy, who nodded his head and smiled, "uh-huh. Yeah, I understand you."

The bird hopped onto his other arm while he giggled, "yes! Of course they can come."

Suddenly, the toucan called loudly and it echoed all around. Before more birds called back and then all sorts of lemurs and animals came rushing through Casita.

Fabian laughed in surprise watching them run up the stairs to the small boy, who's gift was revealed and surfaced on the door. The ability to talk to animals.

It was so fitting it made Fabian smile proudly. And as Abuela Madrigal announced happily that they had a new gift in the family, everyone cheered in crowds with fireworks booming in the sky. Fabian looked back at Mirabel who also looked happy from her cousin, but he couldn't help but think, 'will she now feel more alone?'

He didn't want her to. He didn't ever want her to feel the loneliness he feels. He cared about her too much, and all he wanted was to be there for her.

As everyone began to move to follow Antonio to inside his own giant room, Fabian made his way there as well. Wanting to be beside Mirabel after his thoughts from earlier and in case of her's as well.

He was going to confess his feelings soon. He just hoped that the moment would be right.