Everyone around him were busying themselves with one thing or another. He himself had only just finished a job, but no one seemed to find the sight interesting or out of place. It was just him, then. That was fine, he would just go over and see what they were up to, make sure they weren’t causing any trouble.

The children didn’t notice him walking over, far too occupied with, apparently, the story they were being told. Because in the center of the throng was a woman, adamantly telling a fascinating story about some sort of creature that slithered through the trees of the jungle, longing to be like the humans it saw in the village. This, of course, included plenty of hand motions and voice changes. It was a captivating performance.

Captivating enough to keep his attention, at least. And the attention of two dozen or so children.

He ended up hovering nearby, too focused on the story she was weaving to notice as time passed them by until the sun was getting low in the sky, painting everything in a golden light. It was only then that the woman pushed the hood off her head, to the dismay of the children around her. They groaned and whined but she just smiled a dazzling smile.

“Sorry, everybody, that’s all from Sophianna the Storyteller today. I really do need to get back to work.”

“Will Sophianna come back tomorrow?” One little girl asked, big brown eyes pleading.

“We’ll see, niña. Maybe if you lot leave me be so I can work through the morning she can come back after lunch.”

There was a cheer from some of the kids as they all ran off, back to wherever they had come from. Once they were out of sight the woman sighed, leaning back against the tree behind her. She looked tired, Bruno realized.

“Hey…” The woman looked up at his voice, slowly blinking at him before managing to put a smile on her face.

“Ah, hola! You’re … Bruno Madrigal, right?”

He nodded, managing not to wince. He had hoped she wouldn’t have heard about him.

“Um, I really enjoyed your story. You’re an excellent storyteller.”

Her smile brightened a bit at the praise, less forced and more genuine.

“Gracias! I appreciate that! How long have you been listening?” She motioned for him to sit next to her. He hesitated, but it would be rude to refuse, so he did eventually sit down in the grass next to her, looking out over the building sight. They were starting to finish up for the day, people leaving as the last jobs were completed.

“Long enough. “ He finally said with a shrug, fidgeting with the frayed edge of his ruana. “I’m just - I was wondering. How does that story end?”

He heard a snicker from the woman and looked over to see the corner of her eyes crinkle slightly as she smiled.

“I couldn’t tell you. I was making it up as I went.”

He stared at her slack jawed, eyes wide with surprise and amazement. That just made her snicker more.

“You’re kidding?!” She shook her head. “¡Eso es increíble! I would never have been able to tell!”

Her smile was one of the most beautiful he had ever seen.

“Oh, stop! It’s not that impressive.” She tried to wave him off.

“You’re just being humble.” He said with a chuckle, unable to keep his eyes off her. The golden light of the setting sun shining off her hair made it look like she had a halo around her head. The image was like one of those old oil paintings of goddesses or legendary beauties.

“Tío Bruno!” The moment was interrupted by the shout, both of them looking up to see Mirabel running over. “Oh, buenos noches, Señora Y/N! I didn’t know you were here!”

Bruno frowned, confused a bit by how the two knew each other, but his head turned back to the woman, Y/N, when she spoke.

“I thought I’d try and help today, but I’m afraid I got a bit distracted.” She admitted with a sheepish grin that made her eyes twinkle. “The children insisted Sophianna make an appearance, and who am I to say no?”

Mirabel laughed, clearly amused by the woman’s situation.

“Oh!” She said, noticing her poor uncle’s confused expression as he watched them. “Y/N was my teacher when I was younger! She’s always been the best story teller! She could give you a run for your money.” She said the last part with a mischievous smirk.

“Oh, you like telling stories, too?”

Those eyes were suddenly on him and he felt his face heat up a little with the smile that tugged on his lips. He shrugged.

“Yeah, sometimes. Can’t say I’m as good as you, though.”

“You sure?” She was smirking, too, now. The look in her eyes did something to him, his heart flipping in his chest. “You’re not just being humble, now, are you?”

“Ah, well - you see-”

“He is.” Mirabel interrupted him, causing the man to splutter and trip over his words. That just made Y/N laugh, loud and proper. He was sure his heart would stop beating at that sound, so warm and hearty and perfect. He couldn’t stop the chuckle from slipping out.

“Well, maybe we can share stories sometime!”

“I - yeah! That would be great!” He managed to get out without embarrassing himself further.

She smiled at him again before forcing herself to her feet, brushing the dirt off his skirts. He got up with her, just a bit too fast.

“Well, I feel like I’m about to fall asleep on my feet! I’d better get home, but I’ll see you two tomorrow!”

Bruno nodded, watching her go while Mirabel shouted a goodbye after her. For a moment, neither said anything.

“Soooo …” Mirabel broke the silence, looking at her uncle with a glint in her eyes. “You two looked like you were getting along.”

“Don’t.” Bruno huffed, a fond smile tugging at his lips. He aggressively messed up the girl’s hair until she was giggling and her glasses were askew. “What did you need me for?”

“Right! Mamí wants your help with dinner!”