Bruno Madrigal Snippets

The Way I See You

Reader/Triplets are 18
(Story Start)

I have noticed a change in the way Bruno has been behaving as of late.

He hasn't been leaving Casita, unless forced to by his mother; and when he does, he avoids public places like the market or fountain in the town square.

The few times I've seen him out, he had kept his hood up to hide his face. He still allows me join him wherever he chooses to go, but we travel by side roads and mostly unused paths.

Only once we are far away from other people, will he put his hood down.

I don't ask, not wanting to cause him to isolate himself from me, as he has with everyone else. I hope he will tell me what is bothering him.

However, I do have a good idea what the problem is. His reputation as a bad fortune teller is spreading. It's something I hear whispered whenever I go into town.

"Stay away from Bruno! He'll ruin your life too!" Or "Bruno is evil! His vision killed my goldfish!"

I want to support this incredible guy, because I can't stand seeing the pain in his gorgeous green eyes.

He's busy today, working with his mother, whom is not completely aware of her son's situation. She knows his reputation is poor, but she doesn't hear any of the rumors.

I'm sitting in my room, pencil and sketchbook in front of me, as I think of what I can do to improve his self-esteem.

If only he could see himself the way I do. Maybe then, he'd be capable to free himself from the words spoken by people who don't appreciate him.

...That's an idea.

With that I got to work.

(Bruno's pov)

It was yet another unpleasant day of chores. I haven't had any down time in three days now. From helping Julieta with her job as a healer, to making home calls for simple readings, to a few visions in my vision cave. I am usually so exhausted, I end up passing about before even reaching my bed.

I haven't been able to spend any time with Y/N either. I've seen her, but I have been unable to do more than watch her from afar. I see her as she walks through the village, her sketchbook in hand.

Things have been getting worse in the village. I hate being around all those people. Having to listen to all the horrible things they say about me.

I'm tired of the whispers about me being evil or unlovable. Even if it's accurate.

I mean who can love me? With my unmanagable hair, eye bags, and prominent nose? With my room full of sand, love of rats, and horrid visions that ruin people's lives? Introverted, awkward, socially inept me?

Nobody deserves to be stuck with someone like me, and I can't blame people for shunning me like the plague.

Everyone but Y/N anyway. She is such a sweet and kind-hearted girl.

She really brightens my day. Even when I'm troubled, she is able to make me smile and laugh, even if it's only for a little while.

Those days I spend with her, are the happiest of my life.

Where I can forget I'm Bruno Madrigal, the seer with bad luck that is likely to curse everyone that comes in my sight. At least, that's what the townsfolk thinks of me.

With her, I'm just a lovesick young man, without a care in the world. Just spending time with the girl I love more than anything.

I'm laying in bed now, tired, but my mind was racing. I finally have a day off tomorrow, so I'm probably going to sleep in, before spending the afternoon with Y/N.

'Alright, that sounds like a plan.' I think as I close my eyes.

It was about 10am when I woke up. After a quick shower, I made my way downstairs. I opened my door to find a package in front of my door.

My name was on the package, and I recognized Y/N's handwriting. I tilted my head slightly in confusion as I brought the package inside, sliding down to the sand filled floor of my main room.

I opened the package to find the sketchbook I've seen Y/N walking around with the past few days.

I opened the cover to discover a letter authored on the first page.

"Mi Hermoso Bruno," I blushed as I read this.

"I know things have been hard for you, mi amor. I wanted to give you something to show you just how I feel about you. I love you. You are my everything, the light that shines bright in the dark. The reason I smile and laugh, my joy. Having you as my best friend has been an extraordinary gift. Now, I have a gift for you, mi vida. My heart. If you want me, you'll have me forever. Allow me to be the light in the dark for you. The shoulder to prop that wonderful weary head of yours. The one to hold your hand and whisper sweet words of love and comfort. The one to hold you at night so you can sleep peacefully. Let me be you novia, and hopefully, eventually your esposa. I promise to always be there for you, no matter your choice. Te amo, Bruno. Por siempre. Y/N." I read, tears streaming down my face. Love, joy, and hope coursing through my body. Those tender words, composed from the heart. Gifted to me, Bruno Madrigal, by the most extraordinary creature in the Encanto.

I wiped the tears away, so I can focus on the rest of the book.

The first picture was a portrait style of me. She focused on my features, highlighting my green eyes. She gave me a contented smile and took care in shading my thick curls.

I was shocked by how handsome she could make me look, just by portraying me.

The second picture was evidently sketched by memory. It was of me, sleeping peacefully. The lighting in the drawing showed we were beneath our tree.

The tree is a tell one that hides the path to our grotto. A hidden cave we discovered together as children.

I remember the day well. It was last year, and I wanted to spend the afternoon with her, despite being exhausted. The morning had been terrible for me. Another series of unpleasant visions.

I had a headache, and she had me lay down with my head in her lap. I had fallen asleep to the sensation of her gentle hands rubbing my forehead and scalp gently.

I smiled as I continued through the art book. There were drawings of me handling my rats, writing at my desk, acting out scenes. Moments of laughter, joy, and happiness so lovingly and carefully drawn.

Then there were other drawings. A picture of me holding her close as we dance, gazing at each other lovingly. A picture of us sharing a tender kiss, which made me blush. A picture of us in the church. Looks like she imagined us getting married. A picture of me holding a child, with Y/N smiling tiredly in the bed beside me.

The final picture is one where we are sitting beneath our favorite tree, with me embracing her. Our eyes are closed with peaceful smiles on our faces.

I knew what I needed to do. I placed the book in my ruana and left my room. My cheeks still wet from the tears, but a broad smile on my face.

I found my eldest sister in the kitchen preparing some more food. If Julieta was surprised to see me as I prepared to head out for the day, she didn't say a word. It would be a shock to my whole family. Me, leaving the Casita on my day off, and without being forced to!

I smiled as I found Y/N sitting beneath our tree, a gentle smile on her face.

She looked up when she realized she wasn't alone, and her smile grew as I approached. She did look slightly concerned at my wet cheeks.

I shook my head, smiling broadly to let her know I was fine. She nodded and patted the ground beside her.

"Do you mean it? The letter I mean." I asked as I sat down.

"Absolutely Bruno. Te quiero más que a nada."

"I love you to, Y/N. I have for a long time."

I pulled her close and cradled her to my chest, just like the drawing.

"You are utterly amazing mi novia."

She smiled up at me, returning the sentiment. Then she cuddled into my chest, and I truly felt myself relax.

Things don't seem so bad as long as I have Y/N by my side.

She is genuinely the light in the dark.