BRUNO

Bruno wasn't blind. Sure, he could see the future, but he could also see what was going on in the present.

Growing up, he wasn't a social butterfly like his hermanas, but he did grow up to be observant. Observant enough to notice small details of the people around him, and the changes in his surroundings enough to know if a piece of furniture was moved even a few inches to the left. You know, the tiny things most people tend to miss.

After the fall and restoration of their Casita, Bruno could see the change in their family dynamics. He saw that they were happy he came back home with them. His Mamá was less rigid and more relaxed; his sister, Pepa was able to control her emotions better to not affect the current weather that much; his other sister, Julieta would let her daughters help her in the kitchen so she'd have more time to rest instead of cooking all day long; and his brothers-in-law, Félix and Agustín made sure to include him in everything, may it be drinking or helping his sobrinos.

Ah, his sobrinitos. The last time Bruno interacted with them, they were still so young. Granted, they were so much more relaxed and happier now that there wasn't much pressure on them.

Dolores is happier now that she's actually with Mariano. Isabela is much more focused on creating fruit-bearing plants rather than just flowers. Luisa had a load taken off of her shoulders literally as she now takes naps when she's not doing chores. Mirabel has earned her place in their family by restoring the magic of their Casita and the entire Encanto, now her opinion was always sought-out. Antonio now has more friends his actual age rather than just wild animals, and he also helps Luisa when it comes to the donkeys.

As for Camilo, well, it was different. Bruno wasn't sure about his eldest nephew. Sure, he was bubbly, friendly, and enjoyed practical jokes, but his eyes hold a different story.

At that age, it was what Bruno wanted as well. To be accepted for who he is, not because of his gift. But it was more complex with Camilo. It was that, and another thing.

Bruno noticed the subtle side-glances Camilo's been giving Mirabel. Like when something interesting happens, may it be someone trips or someone fell for one of his pranks, Camilo would turn to look at Mirabel's reaction first before giving a reaction himself. He'd often tease her more than his other primas, maybe it's because they're the same age, but still. And that he'd always volunteer to help her out, even if it meant leaving behind his own task.

On the night of Dolores and Mariano's engagement, Bruno found him on the upstairs balcony. Which was very strange, because whenever there are parties held at the Casita, Pepa's side of the family was usually on the dancefloor. Especially Camilo.

His nephew was staring down at the dancefloor. Particularly on two people dancing: Mirabel and Santiago.

But the strange thing was, Bruno could see both Pepa's jealousy and Félix's lovestruck expressions on Camilo's face.

After he went back to actually living in the Casita with his familia, Bruno had been volunteering to help his hermana Julieta at her healing booth in town. Injured people would fall in line hoping to get cured with whatever Julieta prepared.

While helping, Bruno would always see his sobrinos carrying out their chores. And most of the time, he would always see Camilo and Mirabel playing with several children by the town square.

But that particular day, Bruno only saw Camilo playing with the children. He was holding a sleeping toddler on one arm while spinning a trompo with the other. Sometime later the toddler's mother came to pick up her child and at the same time, Mirabel walked by with Santiago dela Cuesta.

Sure enough, Camilo's eyes followed Mirabel. Bruno could see the longingness in his nephew's expression. Then he saw Camilo's fists clenched and he was giving Santiago the same look Pepa used to when some girl would approach Félix back in the day. Except there wasn't a cloud over his head.

Bruno decided to weigh in, in case things get heated and he might overreact. He made up some excuse to Julieta and approached his nephew.

"Camilo," Bruno called.

He didn't hear him the first time. And Bruno had to pat Camilo's shoulder to get his attention. "Camilo." He said again.

It startled his nephew. "What?" Camilo shrieked, then tugged the edge of his ruana. "Nothing!"

"Are you okay?" He asked.

Camilo snorted. "Of course, Tío," He assured. "I am definitely okay."

Bruno frowned. "You sure?"

"Uh…"

Bruno placed an arm around his nephew's shoulder and turned him away from the crowd. "Come on, walk with me." He insisted.

They walked side by side and a moment passed before Camilo broke the silence.

"So, am I in trouble?" His nephew asked. "If I am, I'm sorry. Also, what did I do?"

Bruno chuckled. "No, you're not in trouble," He replied. "For now. That depends on how you handle your situation."

Camilo frowned. "What situation?"

"Oh, you know," Bruno shrugged.

His nephew stared at him blankly. "What?"

"Okay, so we're talking about this for real." Bruno then took a deep breath before speaking again. "I know."

"Know what?"

Bruno simply motioned his head towards Mirabel's direction, where she stood on one corner of the street talking to Santiago. Camilo turned his head where Bruno pointed.

"I know." He repeated.

His nephew still looked confused.

"Don't make me say it, Camilo," Bruno said. Hopefully, Camilo didn't forget the fact that Dolores was probably eavesdropping on their conversation right now.

Camilo looked down, but Bruno couldn't read his expression. It was either sadness or embarrassment or both.

But before he could respond, a voice called out from behind them.

"Tío!" It was Mirabel.

Bruno turned and saw his youngest niece running towards them. He then happened to glance at Camilo beside him and noticed how he had quickly straightened his ruana and ran his hand through his hair before turning to face his prima.

"Ah, look who it is!" Camilo beamed, then looked behind Mirabel, probably expecting to find Santiago close behind. "Where's your boyfriend?" He asked.

Mirabel frowned at Camilo. "He's not my boyfriend." She corrected.

"Not…yet?" Camilo grinned.

Mirabel hit him on his shoulder and Camilo ended up laughing.

They seemed to forget he was there so Bruno had to clear his throat to get their attention.

"So, Mira," Bruno spoke up. "You called me. What is it?"

Both his sobrinos straightened.

"Oh," Mirabel replied. "I was just going to ask if you're helping Mamá at her booth today."

"I am," Bruno confirmed. "I'm just taking a break."

Mirabel frowned. "Then why are you here?" She jabbed a finger at Camilo. "And with him?"

"Oh, wow, Mirabel," Camilo said with a sarcastic tone in his voice. "So you're allowed to walk around town with your boyfriend and I'm not allowed to do it with Tío Bruno? Just wow." He then raised his hands and mocked a bow. "All hail, the savior of Encanto!"

Bruno didn't know if he was supposed to be in awe or repulsed by the way Camilo hid his admiration through his goofy and bubbly personality, but either way, he was impressed. Well, almost, because Camilo doesn't exactly hide it well. At least, not from him.

Mirabel huffed. "You know that's not what I meant." She argued. "And he's not my boyfriend!"

"Oh, sure, he isn't." Camilo continued to tease.

Mirabel rolled her eyes at her primo before turning to Bruno. "Anyway, Tío," She said. "Are there still some food left at Mamá's booth?"

"Of course," Bruno assured. "Julieta always makes sure to make an extra batch in case of emergencies. Or for Agustín, in case he ran into a swarm of bees again."

Camilo frowned. "Wait, why are you asking this?"

"Well…" Mirabel's voice trailed off as she raised her right forearm, revealing a long gash on it.

Both Camilo and Bruno gasped.

"Wha-?" Bruno started to say.

"Ay, Dios mio," Camilo grumbled. "Why didn't you mention this before now?" He then yanked Mirabel's other hand and dragged her towards the town square.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Mirabel scoffed. "But you were busy making fun of me."

"That's enough," Bruno interjected. "This way." He led, while both Camilo and Mirabel followed after him.

On the way, Bruno overheard his niece and nephew's conversation.

"You need to be more careful, Mimi." Camilo scolded. "What would you even do without your Mamá's healing food?"

Mimi, Bruno thought. The nickname they had for each other when they were still staying in the nursery together. As far as Bruno remembered, it was Camilo who used it first. Then Mirabel started calling him in return after pointing out that the same two letters were also in his name. Ca-MI-lo and MI-rabel. And they both demand that no one else should call them that. Not even little Antonio. Up until now, Bruno still found it adorable.

There was a long line at Julieta's booth. People with broken limbs and/or had diseases fell in line for the guaranteed cure of his hermana's healing food.

Halfway through, Mirabel backed up. "Wait," She said, stopping in her tracks. "Can you just ask Mamá for an arepa and not tell her I'm wounded?"

Camilo knitted his eyebrows at his cousin. "How will we able to heal your wound if we don't tell Tía Julieta, dummy."

"Please," Mirabel pleaded.

"No," Camilo disagreed. "And if I had to carry you to your Mamá's booth, I would do it."

"Let me guess," Bruno spoke up. "Julieta warned you not to do something and you did it anyway. Now, you got yourself hurt and are refusing to face her because she was right."

"Well, when you say it like that, Tío," Mirabel said. "It just," She sighed. "Yeah, you're right and I'm trying to avoid being scolded so…" She shrugged.

"Alright, fine," Bruno agreed. "I'll get you arepas. But!" He said. "You will listen to what Camilo and I would say."

"Ooh," Camilo rubbed his hands together. "I like where this is going."

"Camilo, no," Bruno glared at him. "You are not turning your prima into your personal assistant."

"But you said-"

"I meant to take care of her while she's wounded," Bruno elaborated. "And while I talk Julieta into giving me arepas for her." He sighed. "You know what, just find a bench and sit her down."

Camilo straightened and grinned. "On that note, you can count on me, Tío." He then placed an arm around Mirabel's shoulder. "I most definitely will take care of mi prima favorita." He turned to Mirabel. "Also, do not tell Isabela and Luisa I said that."

Mirabel rolled her eyes at him. "I'm not sure if I should be flattered or weirded out."

Camilo guided Mirabel towards one of the benches in the town square. "Right this way, Mimi."

As they went, Bruno couldn't help but smile. Camilo and Mirabel's cousin dynamic was exactly like that before either of them had their gift ceremony. Inseparable and forces to be reckoned with. Except now, Camilo was harboring feelings for Mirabel and he hasn't quite acknowledged it yet.

Bruno made his way back to Julieta's booth as his hermana was busy handing out food to the townspeople.

"Hey, Juli," Bruno greeted. "Can you spare an arepa?"

"Of course," Julieta responded while not looking at him. "Who needs it?"

"Uh, not important," Bruno laughed nervously. "Just another person who's injured and needs help." He said, forcing out a smile.

His hermana turned to him frowning. "Bruno, who needs it?" She asked again.

Bruno was about to make up some excuse, but then sighed and only motioned his head towards his niece Mirabel, who was now sitting on one of the benches with Camilo.

"What happened?" Julieta demanded.

"Oh, it's not serious," He assured. "Just scraped her arm, but she still needs your food to heal."

Julieta wiped her hands on her apron. "I need to see her-"

"No, Juli," Bruno insisted. "I assure you, she's alright. I had Camilo watch over her."

"That doesn't make me feel better," Julieta said. "Also, she's alright and Camilo watching over her are two sentences that do not go together."

"Well, he did have ideas," Bruno admitted. "But I told him off, so." He shrugged.

Julieta still wasn't convinced. "You do know there's another reason they are called the Madrigal Twins, right?"

Bruno sighed. "Of course, I do." He said. "But you shouldn't worry about them that much. They're eighteen now, they can handle themselves."

That seemed to relax Julieta a bit. "You're right," She said then grabbed a brown paper bag and placed about five arepas in it. "I'll give you a few extras, just in case." She said before handing it to Bruno. "And Bruno, please make sure she eats an arepa and make sure they're not up to something."

Bruno took the bag from Julieta. "Don't worry, I got them."

Mirabel and Camilo were sitting on one of the benches by the town square. Bruno also noticed that his sobrinos were in a secluded spot as he walked toward them.

Mirabel saw him first. "Tío!" She called as she tried to stand. "Did you get arepas?"

Camilo stopped her and sat her back down. "What are you doing? You're already turning pale. Sit down."

Bruno held out the paper bag and handed it to Mirabel. "I got it."

"Thank you, Tío," Mirabel said. "How did you convince Mamá to give you some?"

"Well," Bruno scratched his head. "I sort of, told her some of the truth? But I only said that it was nothing serious. Just a scratch on your arm."

"A scratch?" Camilo repeated, then pulled Mirabel's wounded arm up for their Tío to see. "This isn't a scratch, Tío! It's a gash and it's bleeding."

"I only said that so Julieta wouldn't worry," Bruno reasoned, then turned to his niece. "Now, please eat an arepa."

Camilo opened the bag and took out one arepa. "Here you go, Mimi," He said. "Open wide. Ahhh…" He opened his mouth wide, the same way how he would feed his younger brother Antonio.

Mirabel raised an eyebrow at Camilo, then snatched the arepa from his hand. "I can eat it myself." She said. "I'm not Antonio."

Mirabel munched on the arepa, then held out her wounded arm. The gash on her arm instantly closed up.

"Great," Camilo said, then pulled out another arepa and took a bite from it. "Treat yourself."

"For what?" Mirabel knitted her eyebrows.

"For taking care of you while Tío Bruno gets us arepas," Camilo replied before taking another bite.

"You didn't do anything!" She argued. "And you're not even hurt."

"I made you sit down on this bench while we waited." Camilo countered. "That's still something. So, reward arepa for me!" He said, taking another bite.

Mirabel punched Camilo on his arm, making him yelp.

"OW!" Camilo cried, nearly dropping the arepa in his hand. "What was that for?"

"Now you deserve an arepa," Mirabel said, guiding Camilo's hand with the arepa to his mouth, to which he took another bite. "Because you're hurt."

"Hmm," Camilo said in between chewing. "Good point. And-"

"Ah, no!" Bruno stepped in. "You are not hitting her back, Camilo!"

Camilo gave Bruno a confused look. "I wasn't gonna," He said. "I'm not a monster, Tío. I'm not gonna hit a girl."

"Oh, sure," Mirabel said with a sarcastic tone. "Because you're just gonna annoy girls, that's what." She stood from the bench. "Anyway, thank you for the arepas and for taking good care of me. But now, I have to go. I promised Luisa I'd help her with something."

Camilo smirked. "Are you actually gonna help Luisa or is that just an excuse so you can go see your boyfriend?"

Mirabel huffed. "Yes, I will be helping Luisa because she asked me to, last night." She explained. "And no, Santiago is not my boyfriend."

Camilo made a face at her. "I didn't say a name, Mimi."

"Mierda," Mirabel muttered, gripping the paper bag of arepas. "I have to go. Oh, and thank you for the arepas, Tío."

"No problem," Bruno smiled back at her as she went on her way.

Bruno noticed Camilo's eyes followed Mirabel's direction, and a half-hearted smile he had on his face. And right then, Bruno knew. It was more than just a simple crush, Camilo was in love.

"So," Bruno spoke up as he sat beside Camilo. "Are you still going to deny it?" He asked, raising his eyebrows at him.

Camilo never answered him. He simply looked down and didn't meet his eyes.

"I noticed at the party," Bruno pointed out. "Not in the mood for dancing or eating? That's not you at all. Also, recently, there's a lot of teasing going on."

Camilo looked up at him. "Tío, I tease a lot of people," He shrugged. "That's just me being me."

"You don't make fun of your other primas," Bruno pointed out. "Or your sister."

"Isabela can wrap vines around me," Camilo reminded him. "Plus, she can make vines with thorns now. Luisa can and will punch me to a wall if I ever try anything, and Dolores has a lot of dirt against me. So, yeah, I'm not risking it."

"So you make fun of her because…?"

"I don't know," Camilo shrugged. "Probably because I know she won't stay mad at me or hold grudges or plot revenge."

"Mm-hmm," Bruno had to smile. "You don't realize what you're doing, do you?"

Camilo blinked. "I don't understand."

"Okay, let's put it in a familiar scenario," Bruno said. "Why do you think little boys pull little girls' pigtails on the playgrounds, hmm?" He asked.

Camilo shook his head. "Yeah, I'm not following at all."

"Actually," Bruno continued. "It's because they like the girl and it's the only way they know how to get their attention. And that is exactly what you're doing."

His nephew had a defeated expression on his face and sighed. "Just…please don't tell anyone." He blurted out.

"I won't," Bruno promised. "But I'm not the one you should be worried about, Cami."

There was a moment of silence before Bruno broke it.

"So, have you considered…maybe telling her how you feel?" He asked.

"What?" Camilo shrieked, shaking his head. "No, no, no, no, I can't. I can't do that, no."

"And why not?"

"Because…" His nephew puffed. "She doesn't see me that way." He said. "I don't think she ever will. To her, I'm just her goofy…" His voice trailed off, then mouthed the word, "Primo." He shrugged. "Plus, she doesn't exactly see me as a choice."

"If you want to give her a real choice," Bruno suggested. "Then maybe you should let her know that you are an option as well."

Camilo knitted his eyebrows at him. "Tío, it's already so weird that getting advice from you."

"Well, I actually am good at giving advice," Bruno pointed out. "Just not good at applying it myself." He laughed nervously. "But that's not the point. This isn't about me. This is about you and the choices you should make."

"If you're gonna tell me about the whole follow your heart bullshit, then-"

"No!" Bruno interjected. "No, that's-that's not…" He started nervously pacing back and forth and snapping his fingers. "Okay, okay, what would Mamá say?" He muttered to himself.

"Uh, Tío?"

"Ha, I got it!" Bruno beamed, then turned to face Camilo. "Abre los ojos." He declared. "You need to open your eyes and see. And if you do that, you would know what to do."

His nephew looked confused. "That doesn't make any sense."

"It doesn't now, but in time, it will." Bruno forced out a smile for Camilo's sake.

Camilo didn't look impressed. If ever, he looked more confused than ever, then took a deep breath before speaking. "Look, Tío," He said. "I appreciate your help and it actually feels good to talk to someone about it. But, this is my problem. I'll deal with it myself. And hopefully, get over it soon."

"Alright, I'm stepping back." Bruno raised his hands in surrender. "It's your decision and I respect that." He said. "But if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm always here."

Camilo gave him a sad smile. "Thank you, Tío."

He patted his nephew's shoulder. "Good luck, sobrino."

As he walked back to Julieta's booth, Bruno could've sworn he saw Camilo quickly wiping a tear on his cheek.

. . .

CAMILO

It was been a long day. And a lot has happened, and some of those, he regretted doing.

It had been a few weeks since Dolores and Mariano's engagement announcement, everything seemed to go back to normal. Well, almost. Because his parents, particularly his Mamí, Pepa had been fussing over all the wedding planning. But more or less, it's basically the same everyday: Everyone at home leaves after breakfast for their chores in town.

It had several changes though because his Tío Bruno either helped his Tía Julieta at her "healing booth" or accompanied their Abuela in case the townspeople need help with anything. Dolores was now mostly with Mariano and her fiancé helps her get her chores done.

As for Camilo, it's watching over the town children-a task he shared with his prima, Mirabel. That is, until the engagement party. Now, he would sometimes see Mirabel hanging out with Santiago dela Cuesta when he's not playing with his brothers. The children would often tease them, of course, and Camilo would just roll his eyes, sulking in the jealousy and rage he always felt whenever he saw them together.

Camilo would often try to distract himself though. He would either put on a one-man show by shapeshifting into different people or play whatever street game the kids liked-usually fútbol, canicas, balero, or trompos.

But that particular day, Camilo was multi-tasking. Señora Gomez left him her toddler son, Miguel, so she could go to the market. Camilo gladly put the baby to sleep when Juancho pleaded with him to play trompo with the other children in the town square.

So he basically had baby Miguel curled up on one arm, while spinning a trompo with the other.

About half an hour later, Señora Gomez came back for her son. "Gracias for taking care of Miguel for me, Camilo." She thanked him.

"It's all in a day's work, Señora." He replied.

"Dios te bendiga." She said as she waved goodbye at him.

It was also the time his prima, Mirabel walked by with Santiago, and well, safe to say Camilo got distracted.

Ever since the grape-stomping incident, Mirabel has never left his thoughts. He thought about her all the time and made sure not a day passed that he didn't talk to her. Seeing her smile was enough to make his day. And considering that Mirabel had inherited his Tío Agustín's accident-prone streak, Camilo made sure he was always there to help her whenever she needed it.

Watching her smiling and laughing with Santiago, Camilo felt like his heart was one of the grapes he stomped to make wine. Oh, how he wished it was him in Santiago's place.

But you aren't, Camilo thought. He then clenched his fists to give himself a reality check.

That was, until his Tío Bruno, the person he had least expected, dropped a bomb on him.

"I know." His Tío Bruno said.

Camilo was so confused at first that his Tío almost had to point a finger at Mirabel for him to get it.

"I know." He repeated.

He then got distracted again because Mirabel came to them begging their Tío for arepas without notifying Tía Julieta. But after she left, Camilo found himself opening up to his Tío Bruno about it. He actually found it helpful talking to someone about it, and his Tío was smart enough not to mention Mirabel's name just in case his sister Dolores was listening in on their conversation. His Tío Bruno had tried to press him into telling Mirabel how he felt about her, but it was something Camilo couldn't and had no courage to do at the moment. So instead, his Tío promised not to tell anyone and that he shouldn't hesitate to talk to him if he needed help.

After his talk with Tío Bruno, a slight weight was lifted off of his chest. It felt good to finally have someone to talk to about his predicament, but little did he know, that with that little weight off only made room for more.

It started when Camilo was walking home back to the Casita, done with his chores for the day.

The sun was setting in the mountains of Encanto and most people were heading home. Camilo was walking home alongside his younger brother, Antonio, who was riding his jaguar, Parce.

His brother was telling him about how Señor Osvaldo Ortiz's donkeys absolutely adored Luisa when Camilo saw something that caught his eye.

Mirabel was walking toward one of the narrow streets. But something was wrong. His prima was constantly looking over her shoulders and clutching her mochila, which only meant one thing: she was up to something, but he's not sure what.

Camilo wanted to trail Mirabel and investigate because he had an odd feeling that it involve Santiago. He hated it, sure. But if his prima was planning to do something secretly with the youngest dela Cuesta, he doubt it was gonna be good.

He turned to his brother. "Toñito," He said. "Why don't just you go ahead to the Casita? I forgot something in town. I'll just go get it quickly and be home after."

Antonio shrugged. "Okay," He said meekly before leaning forward, placing a hand on the jaguar's head. "Parce, run like the wind!"

Before he knew it, the jaguar sprinted towards the Casita carrying his brother on its back.

Camilo discreetly followed Mirabel through the narrow street by conveniently using his gift of shapeshifting from a young boy, to an old woman with a cane, to a middle-aged man.

What is she up to? He mentally asked himself.

Up ahead, in front of one of the units of the townhouses in the street, stood Santiago dela Cuesta, holding his accordion. He seemed to be walking towards the house when Mirabel tried to catch up to him.

"Santi!" His prima called as she came running towards him.

Santiago turned and his face lit up when he saw her. "Mirabel?" He said, dumbfounded. "What are you doing here?"

Mirabel simply put her index finger before her mouth, gesturing for him to be quiet then pulled out a folded piece of paper from her mochila and handed it to him.

At first, Santiago looked confused, then read the contents of the paper before looking up at her.

"Well?" Mirabel asked.

Santiago simply smiled and nodded. "I'll see you."

Mirabel smiled back at him, then started walking back to where she came. "Have a nice day, Santi."

Camilo had to shapeshift into a child so he could hide behind one of the stone planters on the front porches of one of the houses in the street as she passed by, probably heading home. He then turned his attention back to Santiago, who still had a smile on his face as he watched Mirabel go.

What is on that piece of paper? Camilo wondered. And he has to know why Santiago was all smiles when he read it. But how?

Suddenly, Camilo's help arrived through Santiago's older brother, Javier. The eldest dela Cuesta came, walking briskly from who-knows-where, clutching his guitar in one hand and a piece of paper in his other hand. And he only stopped when he saw Santiago in the front of their house, who had hurriedly placed the paper Mirabel had given him in his pants' back pocket.

"Santi," Javier called. "Where's Pablo?" He asked.

"I don't-" Santiago started to say.

"I'm here," Pablo called from the window beside the front door. "What is it?"

"Yeah," Santiago chimed in. "You looked like you were chased by a herd of donkeys. Are you okay?"

With the look on Javier's face, Camilo could tell that he was bringing bad news.

"I'm fine," Javier replied, then held up the piece of paper he was holding. "This is a letter from Mamá." He sighed before talking again. "Hermanitos, we need to go home. Now."

Pablo ran out to them. "What?" He demanded. "Why?"

"Did something happen?" Santiago asked.

"It's Papá," Javier said. "Mamá said that Papá's not getting any better and that his days are numbered. She also said that we should be home before…" His voice trailed off.

All three brothers showed worried expressions on their faces.

"Wait," Santiago spoke up. "Can't we just ask food from Señora Julieta and feed them to Papá?" He suggested.

"I already tried that, Santi," Javier admitted. "Two weeks ago. Didn't work. Maybe Señora Julieta's healing food has limits."

"Hey, we need to leave now if we're gonna make it in time." Pablo pointed out. "This is Papá we're talking about."

Santiago raised his hand in protest. "Wait, right now now? Or like, just later but today now?"

"Yes, right now," Pablo insisted. "We'll have to pack up and leave."

"But I-" Santiago started to say.

"But?" Javier repeated, frowning at his brother. "But what? Is there somewhere else you need to be, hermanito?"

Santiago shook his head. "No."

"Well, come on then," Javier said, gesturing for him to follow him and Pablo into their house.

Santiago remained standing in the street for a moment. He pulled out the piece of paper Mirabel had given him and sighed. "I'm so sorry, Mirabel." He muttered.

Camilo swore he was going to see what was on that piece of paper, one way or another. He had to move quickly though.

And he did. Camilo shapeshifted and turned himself into another middle-aged man and purposely bumped into Santiago on the street.

Camilo fell to the ground and Santiago scrambled as he helped him up.

"Perdóname, Señor." Santiago apologized. "I didn't see you."

"No te preocupes, hombrecito." Camilo said, discreetly and quickly pulled the paper from Santiago's back pocket. "Dios te bendiga."

Once Camilo was able to grab the paper, he turned back into himself and walked home. While he did, he took the opportunity to read whatever was in it.

The paper's content showed Mirabel's handwriting:

Meet me after dinner for a picnic beyond the Pass? Nod if you're coming, shake your head if you're not. (Dolores can hear us).

Mirabel had even drawn a map below the message. The map showed the mountains and the Pass-the Pass is the narrow path between the mountains and the only way in and out of Encanto-and even the wooden bridge across the pink river. It also showed an arrow which was probably where Mirabel intended to meet Santiago.

Wow, Camilo thought. Mirabel had really thought this through. And meeting outside Encanto was actually a smart choice considering his sister, Dolores cannot hear passed the mountains.

But since Santiago left Encanto with his brothers and Mirabel doesn't know about it, Camilo will have to deliver the bad news to her. Or at least, he was supposed to.

Right before dinner, Camilo visited the kitchen as he always does to get extra food. His Tía Julieta was in the kitchen with his three primas, Isabela, Luisa, and Mirabel helping in preparing the food.

Camilo could see Mirabel, sneakily putting food into her mochila. Which was probably the food she'll be bringing to the secret picnic with Santiago beyond the Pass.

Then as Mirabel was leaving the kitchen, Camilo blocked her path and grinned.

"Hey, Mimi," Camilo greeted, then glanced at her mochila and whispered, "What'cha got in there, hmm?" He asked.

"Nothing," Mirabel answered as she walked past him.

Camilo grabbed her wrist, making her frown at him. "Nothing?" He repeated, then whispered. "I literally just saw you put food in your mochila. What are you going to do with-?" He was interrupted by Mirabel's hand covering his mouth.

"Shh," Mirabel said, then glanced back at her mother and sisters, probably making sure they were out of earshot. She then took a deep breath before whispering back. "Alright, fine, it's for a late-night snack."

Camilo nodded. "Okay," Then he smirked. "But since it's a late-night snack maybe…you can get me some as well?"

"No," Mirabel said sternly, shaking her wrist from his grip. "If you want some, go get your own."

"Oh, sure," Camilo shrugged. "So, I'll just ask Tía the same amount that you took or-wait, does she even know that you-?"

"Alright," Mirabel interjected, then sighed in frustration. "Alright, fine." She reached into her mochila and handed him a paper bag. "You can have mine. Happy?"

Camilo took the paper bag from her. "But I thought this was yours."

"I can come back to the kitchen later," Mirabel insisted. "Grab some for myself after dinner."

"Won't they be suspicious?" He asked.

"At you? Oh, yes, definitely," Mirabel chuckled. "At me? No."

"And that's why you're my favorite prima," Camilo said. And he meant it. "Seriously, thank you. I don't have to sneak into the kitchen at midnight anymore. I have you to do it for me now."

Mirabel narrowed her eyes at her. "I hate you so much right now."

Camilo grinned. "No, you don't."

"Mierda," She cursed. "No, I don't."

. . .

At dinner, they had Bandeja Paisa, which Luisa was thrilled about since it's her favorite meal. Camilo sat between Mirabel and Antonio and across his sister, Dolores. They were quietly eating their meal when his Mamí, Pepa asked the question that either made him or broke him. And quite frankly, he realized it was both later on.

"So anything interesting happened today?" Pepa asked.

It was a mix of funny and ridiculous stories overall. His Tío Agustín almost got trampled by a herd of donkeys but ran into a tree instead. Antonio told Luisa the names of each of Señor Ortiz's donkeys who adored her. And that Mirabel made Tío Bruno grab healing arepas for her when she got wounded earlier.

But Dolores dropped an unexpected bomb. "Mariano made me try the tortas he baked." She said.

Isabela, who was sitting next to her, frowned. "I didn't know he baked."

"Oh, he doesn't," Dolores confirmed. "And they taste horrible, by the way. But it's a really sweet gesture that he's trying."

Wait for it.

"Ooh, also," Dolores beamed. "Camilo told Tío Bruno about the girl that he likes!" She blurted out.

Camilo choked on the frijoles rojos from the Bandeja Paisa.

And there it is.

"What?" Everyone gasped.

Mirabel was grinning when she passed him the water pitcher. Camilo quickly drank water at the same time turning red from embarrassment, then glared at his sister.

"Why do you hate me?" He asked.

His two other primas were now also grinning from across the table.

"Finally!" Isabela said. "So, who is she?" She asked.

"Do we know her?" Luisa added.

"Camilo Madrigal!" His Mamí Pepa now had a cloud over her head. "You will answer those questions and you will answer them now!"

"Uh…" Camilo turned to his Tío Bruno but he only shrugged in response. "I'm not really comfortable sharing it right now. Can we please not talk about it yet?"

"Hey," Mirabel tugged his ruana. "You told Tío Bruno and not me?" She asked. "What happened to us, Mimi?"

"For the record, I did not tell Tío Bruno," Camilo reasoned.

"Yes," Bruno agreed. "I caught him staring at her and confronted him about it until he confessed."

"So, who is it?" Mirabel insisted.

Tío Bruno only shrugged. "Hey, I promised Camilo I would not say anything." He said. "If you want to know, only he can answer you."

"That's enough!" Abuela Alma spoke up with a stern tone. "We are at the dinner table, and we will eat dinner. You can talk about your chisme after."

Everyone became quiet and ate dinner in silence.

After dinner, his sister and his three primas cornered him after he placed all the plates in the kitchen sink.

"We are still not done talking, primo," Isabela grinned evilly.

"Yeah," Mirabel added. "We're not leaving until we get a name."

Luisa crossed her arms. "I'm really not a part of this." She admitted. "They just dragged me here."

"I'm still not saying anything," Camilo concluded. "And can you please let Luisa off the hook?"

Isabela rolled her eyes. "Fine."

Luisa sighed in relief. "Thank you, Cami." She said before leaving.

Mirabel cleared her throat. "Alright, if you won't say a name, maybe your sister might." She turned to Dolores and smirked. "Dolores, what's the girl's name?"

For a moment, Camilo panicked. Great, they're gonna know, he thought.

"I…I don't know," Dolores blurted out.

"What do you mean you don't know?" Isabela asked. "I thought you heard him talking to Tío Bruno."

"They never mentioned the girl's name," Dolores revealed. "Probably because they know I can hear them. Smart."

Mirabel groaned. "I can't believe this," She said. "You basically told the entire family about Santi."

"No, I didn't," Camilo argued. "Dolores did that."

"Actually," Dolores interrupted. "I only said you ruined Mirabel's moment with Santiago. You practically announced it, hermanito."

"Mierda," Camilo then smiled. "But hey, look on the bright side, at least Santiago likes you back."

"Wait," Dolores gasped. "Are you saying the girl you like, doesn't like you back? Is that why you never mentioned her name?" She asked.

Camilo looked down, not meeting their eyes. "I'm still not talking about this." He insisted.

"Aww," Dolores rushed to him and gave him a hug. "I know that feeling." Looking back, she used to feel the same with Mariano until she had to make him notice her. So in a way, his hermana seemed to sympathize with him in that area.

Mirabel, however, frowned in confusion. "So she doesn't notice you?" She wondered. "How can she not notice you? Is this girl blind?"

It was weird seeing that Mirabel primarily insulted herself. But it felt nice to know that she cared.

"Aww, you're basically saying I'm handsome," Camilo smirked. "I mean, I already know that, but it means a lot coming from you."

"Why do you have to make everything weird?" Mirabel complained. "I'm just saying you're a Madrigal," She pointed out. "You're a shapeshifter and way too dramatic to not be noticed in all of Encanto."

"Hmm, fair point," Camilo said. "But you know, it doesn't matter. It's just a simple crush." He lied. "Nothing serious."

Of course, it wasn't just a simple crush. It was way more than that. But again, he had to remind himself that Mirabel doesn't see him that way.

"Well, if you wanna talk about it," Mirabel said. "Or maybe help her notice you more, I would gladly do it."

"Yeah, I agree," Isabela nodded. "Just say the word, primo. And I will knock some sense into that bitch."

"Okay, Isa," Mirabel chuckled nervously. "You're not wrapping anyone in vines."

Isabela raised an eyebrow. "Ay, Dios mio! Is that what you think I'd do?" She said in disbelief. "I was just gonna give her flowers and tell her they're from Camilo. Although, you are giving an idea."

Suddenly, Antonio ran to him and grabbed his hand. "Cami!" He called excitedly. "Cami, come with me! I wanna show you something."

"Toñito, I would love to," Camilo reasoned. "But I have to help-"

"Just go with him," Dolores suggested. "You will never hear the end of it if you refuse."

Camilo gladly allowed his younger brother to drag him to his room, which was a tropical jungle with a giant tree in the middle. He led him to the bottom of the tree by the tree's roots where he saw Antonio's capybara companion with five tiny capybaras.

"Chispi gave birth to five pups!" Antonio announced.

Camilo knelt and examined the pups. "That's wonderful!" Then he frowned. "Wait, Chispi is a girl?"

Camilo spent the next hour playing with his brother and his animal friends. He loves spending time with Antonio. Seeing him smile and hearing him laugh just makes him so happy. His brother looked up to him, probably because they were the only two Madrigal grandsons. And one day, Antonio will hopefully run to him for advice and be the shoulder he cries on.

He had also ended up feeding the animals the food Mirabel had stolen from the kitchen which she ended up giving to him as a bribe. And with that, Chispi had allowed him to carry two of her pups in his arms.

"I'm surprised you haven't dragged Mirabel here." Camilo pointed out as he petted the pups.

"Oh, I was going to," Antonio said. "But she told me earlier that she has something else to do. She needs more time sewing, I guess."

He frowned. "Something else to do?" He repeated, then his eyes widened.

Oh, no! Camilo mentally screamed. He had totally forgotten about telling Mirabel that Santiago left Encanto. He had to find her before she sneaks out of the Casita to meet him.

"Uh, Toñito?" Camilo placed down the pups. "I need to go." He said, faking a yawn. "I'm tired and sleepy." He lied.

"Oh, okay," Antonio said. "Can we play with them again tomorrow?" He pleaded. "With Mirabel?"

"Sure," He promised, then took his brother's hand. "Now, come on, Papito. You should go to bed too, you know."

Antonio gladly walked with him up to his hammock bed.

Camilo tucked his brother and kissed his forehead. "Good night, hermanito."

His younger brother yawned before finally closing his eyes. "Good night, Cami."

After quietly exiting Antonio's room, he literally sprinted to Mirabel's door, which was right across the courtyard.

Ever since they rebuild the Casita and before Mirabel restored the magic, they purposely included another door specifically for Mirabel. And rightfully so, she didn't deserve to be stuck in the nursery forever just because she didn't have a gift.

Mirabel's door was right beside Luisa's. And unlike before, her door was now glowing just like the rest of theirs. It didn't have their names written on it anymore, but it glowed with different colors that were brighter than before.

He gently knocked on her door. "Mirabel?" He called.

No answer.

Camilo knocked again. "Mimi, are you awake?" He got impatient and opened the door only to find it empty, but the window was open.

Mierda, he mentally cursed. He was too late. She's gone off the see Santiago, which was obviously never going to show.

Oh, no, no, no! Then Camilo took a deep breath and did the only logical thing he needed to do: run after her and tell her that Santiago left.

He had to close Mirabel's door and climbed down from her window and started walking towards the Pass.

It was a good thing he still had the piece of paper Mirabel had given Santiago, which had a drawing of a map in it, or he would've been lost.

There were fewer people in the streets now, but still, he would've been recognized as a Madrigal so he had to shapeshift into several people until he was at the Pass.

He followed the arrow to the left before the bridge and the pink river, in which the path will have you walk past tall trees and their protruding branches.

There was a small clearing past several trees and that's where he saw Mirabel.

His prima was in the middle of the clearing with a picnic blanket spread on the ground and a picnic basket probably filled with food she had stolen from the kitchen earlier. And she was sitting on the blanket. Waiting. Waiting for someone who would never come.

Camilo sighed in both confusion and frustration. She's not gonna take this well, he thought. Even if he tells her about Santiago leaving Encanto, Mirabel's still gonna be mad at him. Because how would he know they would be meeting there in the first place.

Still contemplating, Camilo accidentally stepped on one of the twigs on the ground, making a distinct snap noise.

Mierda.

Of course, it put Mirabel on alert mode. She stood, then snapped a small branch from a nearby tree and used it as her weapon of defense.

"Who's there?" She demanded. "I'm not afraid of you! Show yourself!"

At the moment, Camilo had two options he could think of: run off and leave Mirabel waiting or show up and tell her about Santiago not coming.

Before he could make a decision, Mirabel found him and was about to strike him with a tree branch.

Camilo ended up doing a third option right then and there. And it was something that he would later regret: he shapeshifted into Santiago dela Cuesta.

Camilo as Santiago yelped, raising his hands in surrender. "Hey, it's me."