Bruno ducked his head away from the bright rays of the sun for what felt like the hundredth time that day. The last few days, while rebuilding the house, the days had been a little cloudy. The sun would still shine brightly, but sometimes it would be hidden or masked by the clouds. Today, however, there was not a cloud in the sky. The rest of the Madrigals were happy about it, it seemed, as were the townsfolk. They worked with more fervency, laughter, and bright moods. It was quite the scene to behold and embrace.
He, however, was not used to being exposed by the sun. The walls of Casita had kept much of the light out; his eyes were used to darkness, as was his body. Bruno knew his cheeks were slightly pink from sunburn, as he had no immunity to it. It was a bit frustrating, but the sun was warm, and he was with his family. He could get over the pain. He really just needed to push past the tiredness.
It was well past noon, and ever since the lot of them had finished lunch, Bruno had been helping wherever he could. While he had remained a little farther away that morning, he was determined to work where he could for the rest of the day. His heart would beat loudly in his chest sometimes. His body would quake when he was around the towns people, especially if one of the Madrigals was not with him. Sometimes his muscles would ache with exertion that he had not done in over ten years. He said nothing about it, though, and kept the best smile he could up.
The rest of his family was smiling. He could manage this! He did not want the people, who seemed to be growing more used to him, to flip on him again and see him as creepy. Even if he was sometimes... He put forth as much effort as he could to work, to keep the most "cheerful" attitude he could muster up. And he had to admit, throughout the day, he was enjoying himself. Sure, there were moments where he would grow so anxious, he had to step back for a moment. He had thrown at least five handfuls of salt over his shoulder, and uttered several mantras that day. But despite his nerves, the day was going by in a happy feeling. His nieces had come to him several times a day and offered help, and conversation.
Dolores had spoken with him a lot that day while they had been making clay. She had grown very interested in his telenovelas over the years, hearing him in the walls. Now the two of them would talk about it for hours. It made him happy, and the more he would talk about it with her, the more the bursts and bubbles of joy and excitement would grow in his chest. Dolores would look at him with wonder and intrigue as he told the stories, and would often herself talk about some of her favorite episodes. Bruno had a few times completely stopped what he was doing, his hands flying about as he spoke. He would realize how animated he was later, and simply laugh a little awkwardly and fix himself. Dolores did not seem to mind. And he did not much either, not really. He liked feeling this way.
Mirabel had dropped by where he was working several times that day, too. Sometimes just to check on him, sometimes to help. She always had the sweetest of smiles on her face, like she was happy and relieved to see him interacting and trying his hardest. She would urge him to take it easy, but that smile would never leave. She had such joy about her, and it helped keep Bruno upbeat and working too. If they worked together, she would ask him how his rats were doing, how he was doing, what he was thinking about, if he needed anything. Sometimes she would ask what his favorite "something" was, and nod like she had just learned valuable information. Bruno would chuckle at her, maybe nudging her or patting her shoulder. Such a sweet kid.
Speaking of sweet kids, little Antonio was such a treat. He was so little, that he was not able to help much, but that did not stop him from trying. He would carry little things around, offer tools, and do whatever small things he was allowed. Pepa kept a close eye on her son, sometimes her nervousness about him working so hard among so many adults that the weather would alter. Félix would take over then, always being nearby to watch his little boy. At first, this had made Bruno nervous when Antonio was around him. What would his father think? Was he nervous about Bruno talking to him? Would he think Bruno encouraged Antonio to work? Luckily, Félix was an easygoing and fun-loving guy. He almost seemed happy that Antonio would walk to talk to his tío. And talk he did. He would talk about the rats all the time, and the rats liked him. Bruno was glad, and a little lucky. Now he wasn't the only one they would hang around.
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It's Time to Talk to Bruno (Encanto One-shots)
Fanfiction(Bruno-centric) Bruno Madrigal lived in the walls for ten years. He watched over his family, and while he missed them terribly, he told himself he was doing the right thing for them. Especially for Mirabel. They could figure it out, and he would wat...
