It's Time to Talk to Bruno (Encanto One-shots)

It's a Lot More Joyful Outside the Walls

After two and a half weeks of clearing, cleaning, and rebuilding, the new Casita was almost finished. The lot of them surmised that they would be finished within the next two or three days. The main thing now was only final touches, and a lot of decorating. The Madrigals had told the townsfolk over and over again that they would make do, find or make things for themselves. Yet again, however, the town had insisted on helping more. They would offer some of their furniture, used or unused. The family was still surprised by how much the people of the Encanto wanted to help, and were so very grateful. Even Bruno was heavily touched by it, even though he was used to being comfortable enough with just a rickety old chair. He had no idea what kind of things would be offered to him, if much at all. He was a little nervous about it, but he had to admit to himself, he was a little excited, too.

The day was getting to an end. Bruno was in the kitchen, practically finished but still missing a bit of pieces to make it feel like home. (Still, it was much better than nothing, and it was a relief to have. Even if they could not use it to cook quite yet.) He was leaning on a counter absentmindedly, chewing on an arepa that he held limply in one hand. His dark eyes were half open as he stood quietly with himself, a few rats in his poncho for company. Even in the mostly empty room, he could hear the sounds of people. Dinner was being held outside the house, and the Madrigals were enjoying themselves with all those who had helped that day. (Well, almost everyone.) Music was being played, and he could tell that there were probably several people dancing. Laughter and chatter echoed even into the house, into the kitchen where Bruno was.

The sound was comforting to hear from where he was. It was good to see the joy of his family and the town once again, instead of just praying from behind the walls that that is what they were getting. Still, standing where he was, away from it all, a familiar feeling was pitted in his stomach. He was back, he was among those who were seen, and he was even recognized. He was still in an adjusting period, though, and that meant the feeling of being an outcast was not completely gone. Especially in moments like this. He would look so pathetic if he were seen like this, standing in an unlit room, eating alone. He had almost tried, and there had been several times where he had eaten with some of his family. Out there, now, in the celebration, was so different. It was loud, bright, and exciting. Things he had thought for years he would not get to have, or maybe even deserved. When the crowd had come, the music had started, and Bruno had instantly retreated.

Well, at least you're used to something like this, right?

Loneliness threatened to seep into his thoughts again, but he shook his head. This was fine. Maybe he was out of the way right now, but tomorrow he would be right back with everyone, helping out. Working made it easier to interact. There was something to do, something that gave him motivation to keep going even as people talked to him. A pressing urge to complete a task that would keep him from running away, from avoiding it all out of anxiety.

Celebrations were different. Even way back then, when he regularly attended his familia's parties, he felt left out or out of place. Avoided.

It was fine.

Bruno finished the last bit of his arepa, lifting his eyes away from the floor and looking around. Was he expecting something or someone to be there? He scoffed a little at himself, shrugging a little to confirm that a few of his rat friends were there. Probably Victoria and Rosa. He smiled a little as he felt them shuffle, Rosa popping out from under his collar and wiggling her nose at him. Just him and his little rodent companions. Just like the old days.

He did not know how long he stood there, eventually chatting with his rats a bit, when he heard someone approaching. He jumped quickly, his shoulders tensing and his eyes widening. His heart skipped a beat, his chest feeling tight like it had been when Mirabel had first found him in the walls. A reaction from the fear of being caught, even though he did not really have to fear that anymore. Even so, his frightened stance remained as someone peeked their head into the kitchen.