Faustine's story became famous in town. Some overheard the rumors about her scandalous outfit, shaming her for making such a choice, not allowing some of the children near her.

The kids, on the other hand, loved to listen to her stories. So much so that it became a weekly event at the town's main square. Since it was for a larger public, she didn't choose anything bold to wear to not upset the people, keeping it to Encanto's traditional fashion. She told stories about the snow queen in her ice castle, of a girl that returned a heart to the mountain, of a man that was raised by the monkeys, of a thief falling in love with a princess.

Some of the adults, noticing that the rumor might have been a one-time event, also asked for some for some stories and she told of the medic that turned into a monster, of a man that couldn't die because of his special portrait, or the super strong hero that was ready to give his life for the woman he loved. Slowly, but surely, Faustine was making her place in that curious and strange society.

Days became chaotic, but never dull. Encanto, at this point, felt more like home than any other place like any other place has ever felt to Faustine. In one rare occasion of a day off, she used to finish her research about the mask and to walk around sight-seeing. Bruno tried to avoid contact with her, as his mother had requested. Inevitably his feet would bring himself to the same place where she was. He hid from her and his family, watching Faustine from a distance.

- Hey… Mirabel… - Bruno called for his niece in hushed tones.

- Tio… Why are you hiding? - Mirabel walked towards him.

- I need your help. We need to stop Mamá from controlling everyone again.

- Are you doing it for the family or yourself?

- Me! The family! I mean… both… - Bruno pulled the young woman to his room. - You should be free to make your own choices.

- You really don't want to talk to Maria that badly?

- ¡Ay, por favor! Have you seen the face she makes when I walk by. You really think a marriage like that would do any good?

- You really don't like her.

- That is beyond the point. - Bruno chuckled. - The point is that if I need to hide and be hated all over again so you all can be free, I'll do it all over again, kid.

-All right. I'll help you. What's the plan?

- I don't know… You are the one who is good with that sort of thing.

- I know! Have a vision!

Mirabel ran to the vision cave with her uncle in hopes to start plotting their new endeavor. He took a deep breath and after his preparations, the vision began. It showed Bruno, hiding, once more, trying to escape a forced marriage. As it was being shown, Bruno and Maria were holding hands, facing each other, neither of them happy with the situation. His mother and the rest of the town seemed happy with this outcome.

- Is Maria wearing a wedding dress?

- ¡No! - Bruno interjected, trying to not believe what he was seeing. - It's not possible! There's gotta be a way out!

- There! - Mirabel pointed to a small person, forming behind Bruno.

He turned around to see himself, walking to Maria but turning around to hold someone else. This time, he was the one smiling alongside this new person. Alma, at first, raged and argued with him, to later hug Bruno. It scared him a little bit, but this was a way better outcome than the first. He held the plaque that showed both outcomes, Mirabel silently reflecting beside him.

- Tío…. I have to ask…. Is there… someone in your mind already?

- I…. - he sighed. - yes… - he confessed.

- then go tell her!

- I can't-

- why not? You just said that you would do it.

- you are right, Mirabel… I have to do something.

Alma spent the next week talking to Maria's mother, to arrange Bruno's Marriage with Maria. The two elderly ladies talked about the details and set a date for the proposal during dinner. His time was running to an end and he only hid within the shadows, giving motion to the bad side of his vision.

Faustine heard about the proposal. It hurt her a little bit. She liked Bruno and hoped that they had more time together. However it seemed that. Her little risk was too much. She had noticed that the Madrigals were avoiding her. One sad miss calculation on her part led away some of the best people she knew. Trying to hide her feelings, she seemed excited as any other person in town.

At night, in the darkness of her house, doors and windows tightly closed. Her only trusty companions, her ropes, knew what was truly on her mind. She tied herself. Legs, torso, chest, arms and hands, the rope burning her skin. The stingy sensation reminded her that she couldn't be soft, she was the one who was supposed to be in control, not tangled up like she was right now.

The knots and the rope going around her ribs and down her stomach, teasingly pressed against her body, in a reminder of who and why she felt in control. That amazing sensation of being held, the sweet pleasure of their submission, something only her could give to the person of her choice.

When Faustine got distracted, the rope reminded her to be vigilant. Her wrists and feet were starting to get raw under the thread. Her weakness would only hurt her, like it was doing now. But what was the true answer to her problem? Secure, binded in her self-threaded cocoon, sleep came quickly and strong. Behind half-closed lids, she untangled herself before giving in to sleep.

The next day, Bruno was out on the town. He was anxious as his alleged engagement dinner was tonight. Today would be the day. Bruno didn't want to lose this opportunity. Neither could he. That same morning he had a vision of him and Faustine getting close together. As far as he could tell the vision was corresponding with the day, so he should take action soon. Being able to see the future didn't make him less nervous. In the back of his head was a little voice questioning "what would she think if you are only doing that because you had a vision?!".

To be certain that it was the right decision, at the right time and the right person, he decided to take some time and prepare a few items, and himself, in case it went bad. At sunset, as usual, she was returning home and he was waiting for her beside the front door. He had almost forgotten how easy it was to be with her, and that was one of the main reasons why he decided to take the next step. Being so, the clairvoyant invited the archeologist out for a stroll.

Bruno e Fasutine walked together back to the riverbank. The woman took out the skirt without a second thought, making him blush. She got distracted inspecting the surroundings, when a bird started singing its song, reminding her of a lullaby. Slowly, the realization of the meaning of the lyrics started to grow. Not noticing, she was hip deep into the water, looking at the crystalline liquid reflecting on her thoughts.

- in her waters, deep and true, lies the answer and a path for you… - she said to herself.

A soft warm breeze blew around her, making her turn around to see Bruno, just as deep as her, looking into the river.

- what? - Bruno asked clueless.

- no! Nothing! - she blushed.

Faustine walked out the river, sitting by its shore to watch the night slowly taking over the sky. Bruno sat beside her, placing his huana over her shoulders and watching the sky as well. The vision he had earlier today was completely forgotten.

- I get why it is called Encanto. - She said, watching the last of the sun fading.

- why is that?

- this place is amazing… like it is really enchanted…

- but it is….

Bruno told the origin of their powers and how the city came to be. Faustine listened in silence, in respect to the story.

- It is really… something. I am sorry…

- No problem. Papá gave us this beautiful place, so we would live happily.

Faustine laid on the grass, relaxing, now, under the starry sky. Smiling, she watched the dome above them shimmer with the silver speckles. Bruno took a hot second to follow her, now both looking up.

- what wouldn't I give to look at stars like that forever. - she said.

- what do you mean?

- where I am from, we can't see a quarter of the stars here. It is just too beautiful to not watch… and besides… if you close your eyes… the silence… tranquility… envelops you, like a delicate blanket… that one thing, that one presence you never want to leave behind.

- then don't. - Bruno turned his head to see Faustine

- what? - she also turned her head to focus on him.

- don't go. You can stay here… with… me…

Bruno gathered his courage and kissed Faustine. A chaste kiss, just a touch, slow and soft. His large hand gently cupped her cheek, his thumb stroking her soft skin. Her eyes shined like stars when she opened them when he backed away slightly to see her reactions.

- Bruno… - she threw his name to the wind.

- I hope you don't hate me…

Her fingers slid to his unkept hair, pulling him back close, soft once again, but growing in passion. Her soft bites on his lips made him shiver, which made her release him and sit up. Faustine took out the huana from her, back on its original owner.

- Here it is… thank you for lending it to me, I think you need it more now…

- no… I don't…

Bruno pulled her close once more, one hand on her cheek, one on her lower back. He had her tight against him. Her arms over his shoulders and fingers tangled on his hair hypnotized him to a level he never experienced before.

With a gentle tug, Faustine made Bruno groan on her mouth and her reaction was immediate. She wanted more, she loved it. Her body sparked up and both of them noticed the shift in the moment… what would he do when she tied him up…?

She interrupted their kiss. Slowly she released his hair, trying to escape her train of thought. Foreheads pressed together, Bruno tried to bring her back to his mouth.

- we should go back… - she whispered.

- why? - He asked, being shushed by a kiss.

- I… I can't… there is something… - she kissed him to shut herself. - Dolores must be listening.

- ¿qué pasa, mi corazón?

- Bruno…

- mi vida… - He said, making her melt.

- basta, Bruno… - She kissed him. - we should go… - she got up and dressed in her skirt and shoes again. - Andiamo… - She said, walking towards the trail back to the city.

- ¡Esperame! - Bruno quickly got up, putting on his sandals. - corazón… querida… - Bruno held Faustine's back against his chest. - when can we do this again?

- what? - she turned to face him again.

- When can I kiss you… again?

- anytime you want, Bruno… - her hand trailed up his chest, stopping around his throat and giving it a gentle squeeze, making him groan again. - Silenzio, Bruno….. - her hand went up to his cheek. - and when can I kiss you again?

- anytime, corazón. Anytime…

- And about your engagement dinner? - asked Faustine.

- I have no intention of getting married to Maria, corazón. - Bruno said, eyes halfway closed, his lips almost brushing hers.

They kissed again. Before Faustine could run away, he held her hand, intertwining fingers. They walked side by side, stealthily going all the way back home. Strangely the town was silent, neither of them believed that they were all actually sleeping. Tiptoeing, he secretly entered her house, to kiss her, spending more time with her, lettin the night truly shroud the sky, so he could hold her one last time before waving silent goodbyes.