Enchanting Things

Now that I’ve posted, oh, more than two different stories on AO3, it’s time for a post that lists them all.

First and longest, there’s

Artificial Shortages

Mirabel finds her Tío Bruno living in the walls. He's in terrible health, is failing at self-care, and says he just wants to be forgotten.

The miracle still needs saving. But Mirabel’s new top priority is saving Tío Bruno.

People have called this a “more realistic” version of Mirabel finding Bruno in the walls. I’m not sure if that’s what it really is, but it’s definitely less Disney and more angst (and spiders).

It’s an AU that’s just like canon until one not-even-all-that-bad accidental injury tips Bruno's physical and mental health into a horrible downward spiral. If only he’d asked for help, he’d be fine. But he’s Bruno and he can’t bring himself to do that. Mirabel’s horrified and makes saving him her top priority, but it’s easier said than done. Expect lots and lots of Bruno sadness, but also a happy ending.

This story now has an interquel/sequel:

Into The Light

Bruno didn’t expect to make it out of the walls alive. But thanks to Mirabel — and no thanks to his wasted legs — he’s back with his family, staying with his old teacher Úrsula Grijalva. As they do their best to care for him, everyone grapples with their feelings about the wreck he’s made of his life and health.

Picking up after chapter 10 of Artificial Shortages, and moving into Bruno’s point of view, this is intended to be his recovery arc, or at least the beginning of it.

And a rather different multichapter work:

The Seasons Change In Turn

Casita has fallen, but some of its mysteries remain. For one thing, where is Bruno?

A story for Encantober 2023.

This is my attempt at a fast-moving mystery story with a twisty plot, based on the Encantober 2023 prompt list. Is this a stupidly overambitious undertaking for a slow writer like me? We’ll see.

Next:

No Use Crying

The Madrigals have a new cat. Unfortunately they didn’t okay this with the local small rodent enthusiast, who’s hiding in the walls. Can Bruno protect his friends without upsetting the children, revealing his presence, or getting ensnared by the cuteness?

I wrote this short story for Encanto Milk Day in 2022. It’s actually the first completed work of fiction I’ve ever published, and I’m quite proud of it. It’s Bruno in the walls again, because that’s a topic that fascinates me. What can he do when the family’s new pet starts hunting his rat friends? No cats were harmed in the making of this fic; Bruno’s too much of a softie for that.

The next three stories were written for Encantober in 2022; I’m in awe of the people who managed all 31 days when I only managed a few!

The Green-Eyed Rat’s Caterpillar

Luzette bought an old hand-made picture book in a yard sale. Her friend Nita says it’s impossible.

A little one-shot about some modern characters who discover something that Bruno made. The item first came up in Artificial Shortages, but no knowledge of AS is required to enjoy this one.

Endurance

If he said her name, called for help, she would answer. Probably. Possibly. He’s never tested it, because he’s always tried to protect her from needing to worry about him.

A little bit of backstory from Artificial Shortages. In the walls, Bruno is protecting more than one niece, but at great cost to himself. Can he stay strong as his body grows weaker? I’m not entirely happy with this one. I think it lacks some things I would have liked to put in, but on the other hand it was written very quickly, and for me that’s an achievement.

See Something Terrible

When Camilo loses his gift, he is stuck in the most embarrassing shape possible.

This is my third Encantober story, and it’s completely different. A silly scenario involving Camilo and Bruno, or rather, Bruno and the little man who came back with Mirabel and Alma on the horse, and who is unaccountably getting hugs from Camilo’s mother and aunt ...

Señora Grijalva Requests a Book Report

The triplets are 15 and their teacher wants them to write yet another book report. But Julieta is too busy to read, Pepa just rereads books she’s already reported on, and Bruno hates writing about “meh” books yet is too self-conscious to write about his favourites.

Then Bruno has an idea. An idea that makes all three triplets’ homework much more fun.

But he’s reckoned without Señora Grijalva’s ulterior motive.

Something different: teenage triplets, a teacher OC as a main character, and my take on how a much younger Bruno does visions. Also a magical shop.

Two Cats In The Yard

Four days after Casita falls, Bruno tells Mirabel about an intriguing and confusing side to his gift.

A fluffy short story I wrote as a tribute to the Discord server Casa Brainrot and my fellow writers there. To say any more would be to spoil the fun.

Trifles

It’s Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) in the new Casita, and there’s a Christmassy surprise on the dinner table, courtesy of Bruno and Mirabel. But Bruno hasn’t turned up to eat. Alma goes to talk to him.

Written for a Secret Santa in 2023. A bit of fluff, a bit of angst, a bit of (British) Christmas (via one of Bruno’s visions) and a postcanon Alma POV.

Finally, for completeness, shoved right down to the bottom so you won’t notice it, is the very first fic I posted:

Between Frames

With their house in ruins, the Madrigals fall back on their neighbours' hospitality. Osvaldo "Not-Special Special" has room for Mirabel and one of her relatives, but he's not prepared for who Mirabel brings with her.

Wherever Bruno's been for the past ten years, he obviously brought home enough bad luck to topple the Casa Madrigal. Still, the other Madrigals insist someone's got to take him in, and Osvaldo's drawn the short straw.

Sounds promising, right? Unfortunately I didn’t make a proper plan before I posted the first chapter, and I’ve never managed to work out how the rest of it should go. I might continue it one day, but don’t hold your breath. Still, there’s one chapter, and I don’t think it’s terrible.

Those are not when Grace needs a hug.