#felix rivera

[stuff-diary]

Ok, so here we are. I'm gonna get it out of the way right away: When the World Tips Over is absolutely worth the wait. I must admit it's kind of overwhelming at the beginning, or maybe the right word is 'daunting'; there's just so many characters, plot threads, styles and formats. But still, once everything is in place, the book grips your soul and basically never lets go. Seeing all the pieces fall into place is a truly powerful experience. And really, Jandy Nelson's prose is masterful. You can tell how much work has gone into making this novel the best version of itself. There's a word in English which I really love, and it's the most appropriate way to describe Nelson: she's a wordsmith, period. What she does with her writing in this book is just masterful. Even the little things I wasn't feeling at first, like the instalove beginnings for some of the romantic plots, ended up winning me over. So yeah, I can tell these characters and their family saga will stay with me for a long, long time. Look, I hope we don't have to wait another decade for her next work, but if it's gonna be as brilliant as this and I'll Give You the Sun, I'm more than willing to wait.

[thatpunkmaximoff]

Book One of...

Story: 3 out of 5 Smut: 5 out of 5

What.. the.. hell. I was expecting a bully romance set during the college years, but Spine Ridge University is not your average university.

At first, I wasn’t sure how I felt about this book because the violence felt like it was too extreme for some college kids. But after wrapping my mind around what Spine Ridge actually is, I was able to enjoy it all and root for the girl avenging her sister.

Not only is the smut intense, but the secrets and betrayal will keep you turning page after page.

Now here are my rambling thoughts..

* Goddamn. The prologue just jumped right into it, huh.

* Oh wow. She witnessed her sister commit suicide 😬 and in her last text, she warned her away from our three main boys. wtf is going on?

* She’s never even met these boys and they know her name? Suspicious…

* These guys are kind of intense, no? She ended up stabbing one with a pen and kicking him in the balls 😂

* Damn. They ransacked her room for a diary they think is hers. But really, it belongs to the dead sister. What fucking secrets are they so desperate to keep?

* Damn. Brutal face fucking… I’m not sure how I feel about that lol.

* Lmao. She sliced Felix and kicked Dylan in the nuts. Again. And then threw a chair at Alistair before pulling the fire alarm and escaping 😂

* Wow. They really chased her in the woods, wearing masks, and coated her in cum 👀

* Felix is a major dick. Please tell me he eases up some 😒

* Ohhh. We finally got the “touch her and die” vibe. But only after they pulled a dick move with the dead sister’s diary.

* Damn. Felix really tortured Nathan. And then let him walk.

* I need to know their connection to the dead sister! If they fucked her too, then this situation with Penelope is kinda fucked.

* Is Alistair my bb now? I think so. Even if he confuses the fuck out of me lol.

* She had a suicide pact with her sister and Felix thought she was responsible for her sister’s death? wtf.

* Oh fuck. Dylan and Alistair and Penelope in the hot spring 🥵

* Who the fuck do these Phantom asshole think they are? They really attacked Dylan, Alistair, and Penelope and thought they’d get away with it?

* Also, I love the violence but it’s a little far fetched for these young college kids to be this crazy.

* All three of them filled her. Wow.

* Why the fuck is Felix so jealous?! I thought this was a “why choose”?

* Oh fuck. They found a body. And Nathan’s little bitch ass is gloating that the police are involved now.

* Jesus Christ. Penelope really took a gamble telling half truths and half lies about the body. They’re so lucky.

* And now Felix’s jealousy kicked in. Again.

* Awkward family dinner from hell.

* “Ride my face like you own it.” — Alistair 🤭

* Felix is such a grumpy shit when around Penelope’s friends 😂 but why the invite to Club Rivera? What is he planning?

* Wooowww. They were in a relationship with her sister. Fuck that. I’d stop everything then and there.

* They fucked around in a cemetery 🤦🏻‍♀️

* Damn. She got kicked out of the sorority because someone set a fire and left her name taped to a firework. Who’s fucking with her?

* So the sister jumped because of a breakup?

* Ouch. Penelope is gonna end things with them, huh. At least for now she will.

* Oh fuck. Felix, what did you do 🤦🏻‍♀️

* The fucking dean?! Dylan’s father is who pushed the sister to jump?!

* Ricci family..? wtf. Is her family some crime family too?! I always wondered why her dad was cool with her going to the school where his eldest committed suicide. They sent her to find answers.

* SHE WAS PREGNANT!!! Now her suicide is really fucked up.

* She set the school on fire 😂

* Goddamn. She played them all.

* “Tell me what you need. Be specific.” // “Hurt him. Scar him where it hurts the most.” // His face darkens in a way that only happens when he’s on a murder spree, and he grabs her hand and slowly brings it to his lips, pressing a kiss on top as though he’s dealing a deal. “I’ll bring him fucking hell for you.”

* Goddamn. It’s a mafia war in a fraternity house.

* Ding dong, the dean is dead.

* Holy shit. She’s in charge now. She’s making the boys watch as she fucks herself and the boys can’t touch.

* “You. Crawl to me.” —- 🥵

* Goddamn. That was some major dicking down lol.

* Awww. They tattooed each other’s names on each other.

[mockingjaysnakes]

NEW STILLS!

[felixravinstills]

The Dead Mentors of the 10th Annual Hunger Games (Film Edition)

—The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes (2023)

Gifmaker's Notes:

Overlays Used: Arachne. Sejanus.

(Felix's is the shot of the ceiling caving in during the Arena Bombing)

[enigmatist17]

Bruno had awoken in the middle of the night with a vision so clear it had sent him crashing to the floor from his bed.

Two men in a village not far from Encanto, one longing for the family he loves while the other watches with a heart stained black with greed. A toast, poison-laced tequila that takes away a man who only wanted to return home, a red book filled with music that would make his career span the world.

Judging by the tablet that lay splayed beside Bruno, this would happen and happen soon. Despite never having braved the world for a vision of a non-Encanto native, Bruno's heart broke for the man who would be taken too soon, unable to spread the joy his music most likely did. After knock knock knock knock knocking on his wooden floor, Bruno decided to do something estúpido, not one to ignore a gut feeling as he packed a small travel bag and snuck out of Casita. Encanto must have known of his vision, as a horse was awaiting the nervous clairvoyant only a few feet from the back entrance, the two heading towards a path that the Miracle opened for him.

Well, if that wasn't a sign this man was already welcome in the town, Bruno couldn't tell you otherwise.

It took him a day and a half to reach the town he'd only heard of due to Agustín and his family when they had joined their town. Bruno was already exhausted from being so far from his home, but one look at the tablet he'd hurriedly stuffed in his bag steeled his resolve.

Sí, you can do this, Bruno.

Being an obvious outsider, Bruno gets a few looks, but everyone seems pleasant enough when he inquires about a few musicians. It's a bit of a change that he's not ashamed to bask in, the usual whispers and glares from those who had dubbed him el malvado brujo Bruno far away for now. It's nearing dusk when Bruno finally spies the two men from the vision; the broader man of the duo is laughing about something while the taller man just smiles at his supposed friend. He had heard the last of their show when he approached the square they'd performed in, hanging back to ensure he could spot them from the crowd.

Friend indeed.

Wringing his hands, Bruno watches the two head for a room they were sharing, where poisoned tequila most likely sat. Knocking on the wooden bench beside him for good luck, the clairvoyant made his move, waiting for the two to pass where he stood before clearing his throat and heading for the broader man.

"Eh, Señor?"

"Hola, how can I help you?" The potential killer raised an eyebrow but smiled, and for a moment, Bruno could see how he'd hid his greed.

"Lo siento, but my hermana watched your performance tonight, and was too shy to speak with you afterward..."

"Oh?" The man looked flattered, his taller friend rolling his eyes playfully. "Is your hermana still around, perchance?"

"Sí sí, by the fountain across town. Figured it would give her time to breathe and calm down, no?" Bruno chuckled, pointing the opposite way they were facing. "Would you do me the honor of speaking to her?"

"I could never turn down such a request, and I promise to bring her home before too long."

"Good, or I'll have words." Bruno forced a laugh, and the man handed off his guitar to his friend before hurrying off without a backward glance.

"Ah Ernesto, never one to turn from a pretty woman." Bruno gave an awkward smile that faded the moment this Ernesto was gone.

"We must hurry, before he realizes my lie." The man blinked at that, frowning at Bruno, who had begun heading for his room. "Come, come, we must get your things."

"What are you talking about? Why did you lie to my friend?" The musician didn't start walking, and the slightly hunched-over man in a green ruana looked back at him with a panicked look.

"Please, I will explain, but we must move."

"I'm not going anywhere until you speak to me, Ernesto is my friend, not someone to be afraid of."

"He plans to kill you." The musician's eyes went wide at that, before narrowing in anger.

"That is ridiculous, he is mi amigo!" The ruana clad man ran a hand through his curly hair with a shake of his head, and dread settles in the bottom of his stomach at the certainty in his gaze.

"I will explain, but he knows you want to return home to your familiar, and cannot let that happen. You write the music, the music he needs, and nothing will stand in his way." Desperation drips from nearly every word as they stand in the street, and Bruno hopes the other will finally listen to him. "We must go, please."

"I..." Bruno watches the musician turn to look where Ernesto had gone, and something must have clicked, as he turns back to the seer with an expression he can't place. "...come, our room isn't far."

Ernesto returns to a half-cleared room an hour later, a single piece of paper lying on what had been his friend's bed.

I hope you make it without me

His enraged yell echoed throughout the town, far behind where Bruno and the man he still didn't know the name of rode off on his horse.

---

"So...you see the future."

"Sí."

"And it told you Ernesto would kill me?"

"Sí."

"And you left your magical village to save me?"

"Sí."

"...and you didn't even know my name?"

"Sí."

"....why?"

"....I don't know."

"...huh." Not the most stimulating conversation Héctor had ever had, but it was definitely the strangest. If he hadn't been running on no sleep for the last day as he and his mysterious savior had ridden for the next town's train station, Héctor would have imagined a night of heavy drinking would be responsible for such a strange hallucination. Now, here they were, sharing a small room for the night while Héctor tried to think of what to do next, after making it home of course.

Save for the fact he held a glowing tablet in his hands, what would have been his corpse splayed in the street while Ernesto walked away with his guitar.

"Do...would you like me to get rid of that?" The ruana-wearing man, no Bruno, wrung his hands nervously, clearly regretting showing Héctor the vision of his death. Without a word Héctor held out the tablet, eyes going wide as it turned into sand the moment Bruno touched it, the strange man's eyes glowing the same green.

"What was that?" Héctor leaned forward in his seat in curiosity, frowning slightly when Bruno seemed surprised at the tone.

"My...Gift uses sand, I-I usually reuse it like that." Bruno had sat on top of the single table in the room, eyes still glowing as he made the sand float up off the floor and onto the hand he held out.

"That is amazing! Can everyone do this in your magic town?"

"Eh n-no, no it's only mi familia who have Gifts." Bruno knocked on the table after depositing the sand within his ruana, before shaking his head with a soft smile. "Um, y-you'll see when you come to Encanto..."

"What?" Héctor blinked, and watched as Bruno cursed under his breath. "My family is back in México, I must return..."

"There...lo siento, you're right." Bruno winced, trying not to fidget too hard at the soft smile sent his way. "I forget the world is so big sometimes, you know?"

"I would if I lived in a magic town!" Héctor laughed, sitting forward a little bit more. "So, tell me of this Encanto, we have time."

So Bruno does, keeping the worst bits of the town's reception of his particular powers to himself while regaling Héctor of the town and family he loved so dearly. They share a drink and laugh until the sun rises, and the distant noise of Héctor's train grows louder with each moment it comes closer. Bruno susses out the train and its occupants to ensure Ernesto isn't to be found, both he and Héctor relieved the undoubtedly angry man was nowhere to be seen. Despite his polite refusal, Bruno gifted Héctor a small compass that didn't appear to point anywhere specific alongside a small map.

"I-If you and your familia ever want to come visit, this will show you the way." The musician smiled and gave his new friend a small hug, parting when the train rang out for last call. "Travel safe and lowkey."

"You as well, and make sure you rest when you get home!" Bruno gave a smile that wasn't full of anxiety, and waved to Héctor as he ran for his car and hopped on, waving back before going to get settled in for his journey.

It had been nice to sit and talk with someone who enjoyed his presence, and Bruno hoped his new friend would make his way home safely as he rode back for Encanto. A fuming Mamá and his hermanas nearly tackled Bruno off his borrowed horse the moment he rode into view of Casita, distressed he had vanished for three days, but equally as relieved to see him unharmed. It takes a few tries to get them all to settle down long enough to tell them why he'd gone in such a hurry, but once they learn the tale of betrayal, they calm down slightly.

"He seems like he would have been a good fit for the Encanto." Mamá patted his shoulder as Julieta stress-baked a fresh meal for Bruno, Pepa sitting by the doorway in case he tried to run.

Oh no, one adventure beyond the mountains was enough.

"Sí, we don't have many musicians." After a lunch where Bruno felt more hostage than anything else, life in Encanto returned to its regular beat.

That is, until about seven months later, when Pepa came rushing into the town square, going for a special bell that was barely rung these days. It signified newcomers that the Miracle had accepted, ones in desperate need of aid. There were plans in place when the townsfolk heard the noise, Julieta leading the search party of nearly a dozen with a wagon and some of her emergency healing food up and into the hills. They find a group of five struggling over the crest of the magical mountains that hid Encanto from the world, all drenched to the bone from the storm that raged past its borders that usually appeared to hide those unknowingly seeking safety. The man leading the group held a familiar token in his hands, stopping short when they crossed into a sunny valley that wasn't there a second ago, standing protectively in front of the other three behind him when they saw the welcoming party.

"W-Who are you?"

"We're not here to harm you, you're safe now." Julieta stepped forward with her arms slightly raised, the ragged group staying together in uncertainty. "The compass, it led you here because you needed our help."

"I...Bruno gave it to me?" The man blinked, his wife moving to steady him as his shoulders slumped in relief. "Do you know him?"

"I should hope so, he's my hermano." Julieta smiled, motioning for two of the townsfolk behind her to step forward. "Come, your journey is at an end."

"Do you have a blanket? Mi hija's is soaked."

"We have some for all of you, allow us." The four-and-a-half-year-old girl who had been held by one of the twin males behind the couple was grateful for a soft blanket that wasn't wet, cooing to her tío as they were led to the wagon to finally rest. The wagons the family had traveled with were on their last legs, both riddled with marks that showed they'd been attacked more than once on their journey, and preparations were made to bring everything into town once they returned for more hands. For now, the mules they'd been hitched to were released and taken for treatment as the family was loaded up and carried to Casita, clearly relieved to be safe and sound. A red-headed woman was waiting for them beside a man who seemed to be her husband, rocking her infant as they awaited the newcomers, an older woman standing beside her with a reassuring smile as the ragtag group piled out of the wagon once it had stopped.

"Welcome to the Encanto. My name is Alma Madrigal, and let me be the second to welcome you to our home."

"I can't believe this is real.." The tallest member of the group mumbled, offering his hand when Alma approached him.

"I assure you, it is Señor?" Her hand was warm in his, and it took a moment for his exhausted brain to catch up.

"Héctor Rivera, along with my wife Imelda and her hermanos Óscar and Felipe, and mi mija Coco." Alma shook all of their hands, and gently rubbed the top of the exhausted toddler's head with a fond smile.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet the man my hijo spoke of, but there will be time for that later. Come, you look in need of a hot meal and plenty of sleep, and we will tend to all of that for you." Alma smiled, motioning for the younger woman behind her. "Pepa, would you show them the way?"

"Sí, follow me." She gave them a warm smile, and the Rivera family filed into the massive home in considerably higher spirits than they'd had in a long time.

---

The magic house, er Casita, had been kind enough to do most of the work for the newcomers, entertaining Coco with moving floor tiles while all the adults washed up and changed into clean clothes after caring for her first. Seeing furniture and clothing come from thin air was...a lot to get used to, but after eating a hot meal, they all passed out in the guest bedroom with the slightest nudge. Héctor woke up at some point, checking over his family before deciding a glass of water wouldn't hurt, carefully sneaking out of bed and past his brother-in-law's without making a sound.

"Er...house? Casita? Where is the kitchen?" For a moment, nothing happened, but soon some of the floor tiles began to flip over, forming a line down the hallway. "Oh...gracias." Héctor slowly traveled through the magic house as the aches and pains from long days traveling made themselves known, yawning as he turned a corner only to pause at the sound of some voices.

"- tea?"

"Sí, I don't think food would stay." Oh, that sounded like Bruno! Smiling at the thought of the strange friend he'd made, Héctor moved a little faster to the end of the hall, peering around the corner to see the massive kitchen a few feet away. Bruno was sitting on the floor propped up against some of the cabinets, his eyes glowing brighter than Héctor had seen a few months ago, rubbing his temples with a slight hiss. "They made it safely?"

"Sí, exhausted but only scrapes and bruises." Julieta paused her tea-making to run a hand through her brother's hair, earning a soft hum of contentment. "Héctor is very tall no?"

"Mhm, that was my first thought too." Bruno grinned, Julieta leaning down to hand him a fresh cup of tea. "Didn't see it in the vision."

"Mhm, I'm not surprised. Did your vision mention he's an eavesdropper, too?" Bruno looked up mid-sip as Héctor squeaked, revealing himself with an awkward wave.

"Lo siento, I had come for some water, and didn't want to interrupt." Julieta raised an eyebrow but motioned him to come in while fetching a pitcher. She was surprised to see he wasn't taken aback by Bruno's glowing eyes, the newcomers crouching down in front of him with a smile. "It's good to see you again!"

"Sí, although I saw you first." The clairvoyant whispered with a slightly amused look. "I-It's how the town knew you were coming."

"I did wonder, gracias for that. I don't think we could have gone much further, it's been a long few days." Bruno gave him a sympathetic look, reaching over to gently pat Héctor's arm. "You weren't kidding, your house really is magic."

"Did Casita start rocking the beds yet?" Bruno chuckled, the glow in his eyes fading as Julieta returned with some water. "Scared me when I was younger sometimes."

"No..." Héctor looked a bit nervous to hear that, accepting the cool glass and downing it in one go. "Gracias."

"Casita will behave...for now." The elder Madrigal chuckled, offering a hand to both men. "Now, everyone can use some sleep hm?"

"Yes mamá." Bruno scoffed as Héctor muffled a laugh, Julieta getting them up onto their feet with her own grin.

"Buenas noches, we'll catch up in the morning." Bruno patted Héctor's arm before heading for his room, Julieta tilting her head slightly.

"I've never seen his post-vision migraine clear so quickly, what did you do?"

"Eh, just talked with him." Héctor was a bit uncomfortable with the look that seemed to look to his very core, similar to the one his wife often did when he was estúpido about something, but just smiled as she finally slipped the pitcher into his hand. "Is he alright?"

"For now, but that's a conversation for another time. Buenas noches Héctor, don't be afraid to call if you need anything." Héctor nodded and followed Casita's trail back to his room, hoping his friend would get some rest.

Bruno watched him go from the second floor, relieved that once again, his vision had helped save someone, this time, especially someone he called a friend.

[torposopla]

Vi el fragmento de una entrevista en la que María Félix dice que a ella no le gustaba cómo pintaba Diego Rivera, pero que él insistió en pintarla. Cuando finalmente María Félix aceptó, pidió que la pintara con un traje de tehuana, pero él le dijo que eso era “muy vulgar para ella”, y la presionó para que posara desnuda, llegaron al acuerdo del vestido de encaje.

María Félix siempre estuvo inconforme con el retrato, le desagradaba verlo, no le gustaba la proporción del cuerpo, la pose, ni que sus pezones estuvieran expuestos.

Cuenta que un día mientras un albañil pintaba su techo, tuvo el impulso de solucionarlo, le pidió que usara de esa pintura blanca para cubrir la parte de arriba del vestido. El albañil estaba aterrado de tener que intervenir una pintura de “el gran” Diego Rivera, pero ella le dijo que peor no podía quedar.

El entrevistador le pregunta si no se arrepiente, y ella responde que no, que así se ve mejor.



Cuando busqué el cuadro y me dí la cuenta de su tamaño, que ya intuía porque Diego Rivera era muralista, sólo puede pensar en todos los años en los que María Félix tuvo que verse a sí misma retratada de la forma en la que Diego Rivera quería verla. En la forma en la que su acosador quería verla; y en cómo pese a ser una mujer fuerte, independiente y crítica de los hombres y el machismo, una mujer que invitaba a otras mujeres a romper el silencio, a defenderse y a no dejarse, no tenía las herramientas para ponerle un límite definitivo a Diego Rivera.

¿Qué hubieran pintado los hombres a través de los siglos si no hubieran inventado la cosificación de las mujeres?, nunca lo sabremos, es 2025 y siguen en las mismas.

[ninadove]

Honestly. Honestly. No one does as much for Felix as Jorge “Mister Jalapeño” Rivera-Herrans, who has never met a Felix in his life but keeps dropping banger lines such as:

I see you’re changing from how I’ve designed you

Remember them // The next time that you dare choose not to spare // Remember them // Remember us // Remember me

I am neither man nor mythical

Ruthlessness is mercy upon ourselves

There’s no length I wouldn’t go // If it was you I had to save // I can only hope you’d do the same

Does a soldier use a wooden horse to kill sleeping Trojans ‘cause he’s vile? // Or does he throw away his remorse and save more lives with guile?

WE ARE THE MAN-MADE MONSTERS // WE WON’T TAKE MORE SUFFERING FROM YOU

Like??? I already have too many WIPs and even more ideas as it is. This man has no mercy.

[sultanrrf]

This is a picture created from The river padma which is situated in Bangladesh.

[eyes-of-laura-mars]

[weberlifedesign]

Famed Benny Harrison Session Musician Talks ‘Pages’

Benny Harrison, the renowned session musician known in circles as “The Legend” or “The Boss” for his prolific musical talent, is revealing his first solo album “Pages.” The EP, co-produced with Mike Ciro, is filled with expressive musical content. Existing and new fans of one of the most in-demand players will be delighted to hear the first single to be released, titled “Soon.” Harrison is…

[hotvintagepoll]

Propaganda

María Félix (Doña Barbara, La Mujer sin Alma, Rio Escondido, La Cucaracha)—Maria Felix is still possibly the most well-known Mexican film actress. She turned down multiple-roles in Hollywood and a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer in order to take roles in Mexico, France, and Argentine throughout the 1940s, 50s, 60s. She was so famous and so respected as a dramatic actress that she inspired painters, novelists and poets in their own art--she was painted by Diego Rivera, Jose Orozco, Bridget Tichenor. The novelist Carlos Fuentes used her as inspiration for his protagonist in Zona Sagrada. She inspired an entire collection by Hermes. In the late 1960s Cartier made her a custom collection of reptile themed jewels. She considered herself to be powerful challenger of morality and femininity in Mexico & worldwide--she routinely played powerful women in roles with challenging moral choices and free sexuality. But even still, years after he death, she is celebrated with Google Doodles, and appearances in the movie Coco, and holidays for the anniversary of her death.

Julie Andrews (The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins)—Oh where to start .... I'm not sure I even know how. She's just perfection. And it's not fair I can't bring post 70s work into this, because she just gets better and better, and her drag performance in to die for. But in the era I CAN talk about, she shows she has THE RANGE. Beautiful, feisty, funny, holding her own against Christopher Plummer, Paul Newman, Rock Hudson. Oh she's luminous.

This is round 4 of the tournament. All other polls in this bracket can be found here. Please reblog with further support of your beloved hot sexy vintage woman.

[additional propaganda submitted under the cut.]

María Félix:

She's Thee Hot Vintage Movie Woman of México. She's absolutely gorgeous and always looks like she's about to step on you. you WILL be thankful if she does.

"María Félix is a woman -- such a woman -- with the audacity to defy the ideas machos have constructed of what a woman should be. She's free like the wind, she disperses the clouds, or illuminates them with the lightning flash of her gaze." - Octavio Paz

María Félix is one of the most iconic actresses of the Golden Era of Mexican Cinema. La Doña, as she was lovingly nicknamed, only had one son, and when her first marriage ended in divorce her ex-husband stole her only child, so she vowed that one day she’d be more influential than her ex and she’d get her son back. AND SHE DID! María Félix rejected a Hollywood acting role to start her acting career in Mexico on her own terms with El Peñón de las Ánimas (The Rock of Souls) starring alongside actor, and future third husband, Jorge Negrete. She quickly rose to incredible heights both in Mexico and abroad, later on rejecting a Hollywood starring role (Duel in the Sun) as she was already committed to the movie Enamorada at the planned filming time. Of this snubbing she said, quote: “I will never regret saying no to Hollywood, because my career in Europe was focused in [high] quality cinema. [My] india* roles are made in my country, and [my] queen roles are abroad.” (Translator notes: here the “india” role means interpreting a lower-class Mexican woman, usually thought of indigenous/native/mixed descent —which she had interpreted and reinvented throughout her acting career in Mexico— and what abroad was typically considered the Mexican woman stereotype, with the braids, long simple skirts, and sandals. This also references the expectation of her possibly helping Hollywood in perpetuating this stereotype for American audiences that lack the cultural and historical contexts of this type of role which would undermine her own efforts against this type of Mexican stereotypes while working in Europe) She was considered one of the most beautiful women in the world of her time by international magazines like Life, París Match, and Esquire, and was a muse to a vast number of songwriters (including her second husband Agustin Lara,), artists, designers, and writers. Muralist Diego Rivera described her as “a monstrously perfect being. She’s an exemplary being that drives all other human beings to put as much effort as possible to be like her”. Playwriter Jean Cocteau, who worked with her in the Spanish film La Corona Negra (The Black Crown) said the following about her, “María, that woman is so beautiful it hurts”. Haute Couture houses like Dior, Givenchy, Yves Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, Hérmes, among others, designed and dressed her throughout her life. She died on her birthday, April 8, 2002, at 88 years old, in Mexico City. She was celebrated by a parade from her home to the Fine Arts Palace in the the city’s Historic Downtown, where a multitude of people paid tribute to her. Her filmography includes 47 movies from 1942 until 1970, and only two television acting roles in 1970. She has 2 music albums, one recorded with her second husband, Agustín Lara, in 1964 titled La Voz de María y la inspiración de Agustín «The voice of María and the inspiration of Augustín», and her solo album Enamorada «In Love» in 1998. Her bespoke Cartier jewelry is exhibited alongside Elizabeth Taylor’s, Grace Kelly’s and Gloria Swanson’s. In 2018, Film Director Martin Scorsese presented a restored and remastered version of her film Enamorada in the Cannes Classics section of the Cannes Festival and Google dedicated a doodle for her 104th birthday. On august 2023 Barbie added her doll to the Tribute Collection.

Julie Andrews propaganda:

"She has such a simple but amazing beauty to her. Not to mention her amazing and melodic singing voice!"

"Roles like nannies and governesses can make us forget how attractive she was! A perfect combination of elegant and adorable, with the most incredible vocal range to boot!"

"Besides having one of the most amazing singing voices ever to grace the silver screen, Julie always had an understated beauty to her that wasn't always shown off on screen. But it's there nonetheless because her characters managed to pull some of the hottest men ever to grace the screen."

"The juxtaposition between carefree Maria and stern but fun Mary Poppins shows the power of the acting of this HOT VINTAGE MOVIE WOMAN"

"Charming, genteel, incredibly charismatic, beautiful, and has an angelic singing voice to boot. Her screen roles as Maria in The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins are absolutely iconic for a reason and she originated several well-known Broadway roles before those."

"the most beautiful woman 12 year old me had ever seen possibly"

"OMG OMG OMG she’s definitely been submitted before how could she NOT but!!!! I loveeee her so muchhhh rahhhh prebby!!!! cool!!!! mary poppins the beloved <33333 some people dislike it but I love jolly holiday so much because it IS a jolly holiday with Mary!!! no wonder that it’s Mary that we love!!!!!"

"I know many people who were taught in singing lessons "when in doubt, pronounce words how julie andrews would pronounce them." THATS CALLED INFLUENCE. THATS CALLED MOTHERING THOUSANDS."

[a-fellow-stay]

When the party ends

+☆+━･━･━ + ━･━♬ ┓

Pairing: Royalty!Bangchan x Royalty!Reader

Summary: It was your sister’s wedding with Prince Felix of the Wolf Kingdom, securing the friendship between the two kingdoms. However, on this joyous occasion, as much as you wanted to be cheery, you simply couldn’t, because this could’ve been your happy ending with the love of your life. Barring the responsibilities of being the crown princess, your father couldn’t risk letting you flowing around on love island and forgetting about your duties. Two years of being separated from your lover, you finally meet again when you were accidentally partnered during the dance at the after-party. But for the sake of his safety and to protect your heart from further damage, you made up a choice, hoping it’s the right move. But sometimes, things never go as planned.

Genre: Angst without a happy ending(?), slight fluff

Word count: 2.3k

Warning: Written in 1st person pov, slight cliffhanger, flashbacks, takes place (in my mind) at around medieval periods, NOT proofread (if you find any mistakes pls let me know) *If there’s anything I missed pls lmk as well*

A/n: Yippee my second work, kinda got into a writer’s block, but mentally? I had the ideas but not the words nor the motivation. But I was listening to “When the party ends” by Max Allais and it suddenly triggered a thought and then it became a plot and well I ended up with this. It’s kinda all over the place Cus I just wrote whatever felt right and whatever came to mind. In the middle of writing, I added bits and pieces inspired by “Unfair” by Felix and “Would you fall in love with me again” by Jorge Rivera-Herrans from Epic. Idk why but I thought about it being in a medieval period. Of course, I paired the strong-headed chan with another oldest sibling cus why not. I’m thinking on whether or not I should make a version for Chan’s pov, I also decided to leave this kinda like a cliffhanger. So you can decide whether the story ends here, or if it will continue on. I might plan to write a part 2 with a hea, but that depends on whether I have the motivation to write it. In the meantime, enjoy this weird concoction that’s made up of random ideas I had. Have fun!

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‘Dun da-da-dun, dun da-da-dun’ The Organ echos loudly in the church. Far ahead down the aisle, the grand doors open. “Princess f/n of the Miroh kingdom.” Looking elegant as ever, with her mesmerising eyes and perfect curls sitting on top of her head, my sister walks down the aisle with a wide smile on her face. She walks up towards the altar with her train following behind her as she stands next to her soon-to-be husband, prince Felix of the Wolf kingdom. An aching feeling starts to bloom deep inside of my chest. As they were exchanging their vows, a familiar voice reaches my ears. “My apologies but are you alright?” I turn to the source of the voice, an even more familiar face enters my view. I look at him dumbfounded, he chuckles slightly and hands me a handkerchief. “Here, you’re crying. Or did something get in your eyes again.” I look down at the handkerchief handed out towards me, the initials “S.CB” stitched onto it. “Changbin.” I laugh out quietly, feigning annoyance, as I wipe away the tear that fell. “Ah, the crown princess remembers me. It surely is an honour.” He jokes. “How could I forget when you were always in my way getting to the prince, stating that you were doing your job.” I shoot back. He smiles slightly, “Guess crying still doesn’t take away your sass, good to know. Well, um. How, how’ve you been?” I turn my head back towards the couple in front of me as they exchange their rings. “Could be worse.” I reply as the crowd erupts into cheers and applause. I look around, hoping to see the face I’ve been looking for. But before I could even process the people in front of me, I’m grabbed by my father to greet the guests.

At the after-party, I’ve been shoved around greeting guests, thanking blessings, having dances. I was having a dance with Hyunjin, the prince from the Clé kingdom when the music swapped and dance partners were being switched. As I was spun around, a presence I’ve longed for came behind me, the cologne I could never get enough of wrapped around me, the arm that always radiated warmth wrapped around my waist, the familiar head of curls entered my view from the corner of my eye. “Y/n?” The voice of the man whispered as he spun me around to face him. I place my hands on his chest out of habit as I slowly raised my head. “Chan.” I breathed out. He froze, I stilled. And just like that, time seemed to freeze around us as we stepped into a familiar routine of steps. The world seemed to have blurred around me as I was sucked into the past.

‘Clack, clack, clack’ the fire burned in the fireplace in the background, the small ballroom empty of people except for me and the love of my life. Chan, the crown prince of the Wolf kingdom. “May I have the honour of your first dance, m’lady?” He bows with an arm stretched out, his eyebrows slightly raised as he stared as me. I laughed, swatting his arm away. “You wish.” As I spun away from him. He let out a dramatic gasps and he paced towards me with big glides. His arms wrapped around my waist tightly as he caught up with me. “Gotcha little one. Thought you could run away from the wolf huh.” He tightened his grip on me and lay his head gently on my shoulder while I stared back down at him, chuckling slightly at his tactics. “You’re a weird one, mr. big bad wolf.” He laughed loudly, his head tipping back slightly before landing back on my shoulder. “Well, little red riding hood. Let me ask you again. May I have the honour of having the first dance of the crown princess of Miroh?” I pretended to be deep in thought, before I abruptly turned in his grasp and slid my arms around his neck. “You may. In fact, have every one of her dances for the rest of her life.” His breath hitched. “I-“ He pause, his brows raised in disbelief. “Not so mouthy now? Mr. Big Bad Wolf.” I laughed again at his flustered face. “You-you really mean that?” He stared deep into my eyes, as if looking for any signs that this is a joke. His eyes widened when he realised I wasn’t joking around. An audible gasp left his mouth again as one of his hands moved to cover his mouth. “I meant every word, your royal highness. Now, will you keep this princess waiting or should she run away and never to be seen again.” His arms tightened as he pulled me flushed up against his chest, his heart beating wildly under my ears. “Never.”

A sudden tug on my side pulled me back into the moment, I looked back up at Chan. He looked slightly different from the last time I saw him. His hair grew longer, his build bigger, his eyes tired, as if the world weighed heavily on his shoulders. “Y/n, is this really you? Or am I dreaming. Please tell me I’m not dreaming.” He voice wavered slightly, his hold tightened, as if I were to evaporate into thin air if he held me any looser. “How could I not be here, it’s my sister’s wedding with your brother after all. I believe I’m obliged to attend, as much as I wished not to.” It wasn’t that I wasn’t happy for my sister, I knew how much they liked each other. I just wish it was a bit different. I look away, my eyes landing on the happy couple dancing in the middle of the room, having the time of their lives. Chan follows my gaze as I watch them with a heavy heart, he lets out a sigh. “They, they look happy. They sure remind me of..” He trails off, his voice neutral. But I knew better, I could hear the sadness behind his mask. He didn’t have to finish the sentence for the both of us to understand. The scenery in front of us reminded him of us. Of how we used to be. “That would’ve, no. Could’ve been us.” I whispered to no one in particular as the harsh wordings of my father echo in my mind.

“NO. This is final young lady. Where are your manners. Your mother and l taught you better than this.” My father’s voice boomed. “But why father? Why can’t I simply marry Chris. Our kingdoms would still be able to form a friendship and I could be with the man I love! That’s killing two birds with one stone!” I shot back, desperate for my father to understand my point. “Y/F/N, you have responsibilities and duties as the crown princess. The kingdom will fall into your hands one day. I cannot let you go around and marrying you off when you are not mature enough. I cannot let you spend all of your time being lovesick when you do not have the maturity to balance your duties and feelings. I will not repeat myself again. I have already signed a treaty with the king of the Wolf kingdom that states that your sister will be the one marrying into their kingdom with prince Felix in two years time. As she doesn’t have as much duties on her back that needs to be focused on. You’ve had your fun, now it’s time to head back to your duties you’ve abandoned.” I walk towards him, needing to stand my ground. “Father, I’m 21 years old. I’ve spent my entire life learning and preparing to rule the kingdom. How am I still not mature enough? You told me before that l should have someone by my side to rule the kingdom. Someone who will have my back and pull me from the tide when things get rough. Chris can do that. He is more than capable of ruling the kingdom alongside me. Our kingdoms. How is that-“ “ENOUGH! Prince Chris is capable, I’m sure of that. But I also know that you’re his soft spot y/n. But as much as this could be his strength, you could also be his weakness. A fatal one at that. Think about it again y/n. This is for the best as of this moment. Seungmin, take the princess back to her chambers. I’ve said enough.”

“Hey, come back to me. Focus on your breathing love, don’t hold your breath.” Chan says while gently wiping away the tears that have fallen unbeknownst to me with the pad of his thumb. “Come on love, breathe in. Breathe out.” I huff out the breath I didn’t even know I was holding. I buried my face into his chest as to muffle my sobs. “Shh, it’s ok. It will be alright.” He gently patted my head as we continued to sway to the music. He lowered his head, he lips brushing against the crown of my head. But he hesitates for a moment, before gently kissing my forehead. “I-l don’t want this to end. I wish we could just give up this life that we have and run away. Why are our lives so unfair, why can’t we be happy like them.” I sob into his chest as he takes in a deep breath. “We will figure it out. With them bringing our kingdoms even closer, I’m sure we can work this out. We have to.” He whispers the last part to himself, but I still caught on to it. The slight waver of his voice, the slight crack at the end suddenly makes him seem more vulnerable. I can’t help the slight crack of my heart. The once strong-headed, brave man he is was capable of having such a vulnerable side. ‘A weakness’, a voice echoed in my mind. A weakness, I repeated to myself in my mind. A weakness that could cause a hesitation that could possibly lead to his death on the battlefield. My heart shattered. I guess my father was right. I am his weakness, something that could cost his life in a moment of hesitation. I can’t have that. But how could I walk away from him when I’m finally in his arms again, after 2 years of being forced to be separated. After fighting with my inner turmoil, l came to a conclusion.

I have to, as much as it hurts. Because I don’t think I’ll have the heart nor the bravery to be the receiver of the news of his death on the battlefield because I was used as a bait. I take a deep inhale of his cologne before I reluctantly pull myself back from his chest. Hoping to engrave his scent into my memory, hoping to keep this warmth, this closure of being in his arms inside my memories. Because this could very well be the last time I’ll ever be this close with him. If I walk away now, we will become allies only, friends at most. The story of our love will be thrown away, hidden and locked away in a time capsule that holds possibly the happiest years of my life. If I walk away, I’ll just be the crown princess of Miroh, the sister of the wife of prince Felix of the Wolf kingdom. The allied princess in line to the throne alongside with the crown prince of the Wolf kingdom. As opposed to being his and the queen of our kingdoms combined. But even with higher powers than normal, I cannot control everything. Sometimes giving up your love for someone is for the better good, even if it breaks him and shatters you completely. “I-l have to.” I whisper to myself. “Hm? What was that. I’m sorry, I couldn’t catch it. Could you repeat it love?” He says as the symphony slows, the melody turning sorrowful. The irony. “I’m sorry.” “Why are you-“ I look into his eyes and kiss him as hard as I can, to convey the love, the fear, the sadness, everything I felt towards him into the kiss as the music dims and comes to an end. The dance partners separate and take their bows as I pull away. “I’m so sorry.” I sob as I use every strength that’s left in me to pull myself away from him. “What are you-“ I pull out of his grasp and run as fast as I could towards the forming crowd, away from where he stood, hoping to disappear. I could hear him calling my name in the distance, every instinct tells me that I should turn back around and run into his arms instead of away from him. But I keep running harder, I run as fast as I’m able to, rushing towards the door to the garden. I can’t breathe, my throat too tight, my chest hurts, my lungs burn from the lack of oxygen mixed with my sobs. I push open the doors and my knees buckle. I fall to the ground, sobbing, crying, screaming. Hoping that the higher ups could hear my desperation. On a day where the occasion was supposed to be happy, in the silent night where the moon shines brightly over my head. Where there’s bustling energy and soothing orchestral music playing in the ballroom. It feels as if my world ended, but I chose this. I just hope it’s the right choice.

But sometimes, things never go the way we thought it would. It may change for the better or for the worse. And somehow, as I hear the doors behind me open and my name being called by a voice that is unfamiliar yet I feel like I’ve heard it before. Maybe, just maybe, my life will finally take its turn. And that my story continues. But the question is, is it for the best, or for the worst.

-Tbc?-

___________

Well I sure hope you liked reading this one. If you have feedback or any feelings on this, lmk 🫵🏻 Anyways, hope you have a wonderful day! And maybe stay tuned for more? I’m not so sure. Hehe<3

-Lyn

[justineportraits]

Diego Rivera La Dona Maria Felix 1949

[ask-case]

hi, Case.

So how could I tempt you to dress up as the easter bunny at Wood's easter party?

-Agent Skye Rivera

No temptation needed, I'll put Felix in one too. Maybe the Case too!

[enigmatist17]

Alma Madrigal was a woman who was rarely surprised these days, usually the first to know of what happened in Encanto and her family. As such, when she could smell what she assumed was Julieta starting the day early with her cooking, Alma got dressed and calmly headed for the kitchen as she always did.

"Buenos días Julie- oh." The woman standing in front of the flat top was not her daughter, and Imelda looked over with a slight wave of a spatula.

"I was up, and the least I can do for our saviors is cook breakfast." Alma couldn't help but chuckle at the slightly domineering tone in her voice, moving to start the coffee for those who would be waking soon.

"Did you sleep well?" Imelda gave a short nod before resuming her cooking, setting aside a set of fried eggs on the cooler part of the cooktop before starting another set. Some sort of salsa seemed to have been half-prepared, awaiting some peppers that were gaining a slight char on another part of the cooking spot, and some freshly made tortillas were awaiting their own turn once Imelda was ready.

"Your magic house is...incredible." Alma looked over after pouring the first batch of coffee into Julieta's mug, Imelda looking at her with a slightly intense expression. "The bed changed? Héctor is still healing from protecting us and can't lie on his side, and when I woke, the bed was holding him up."

"Casita can sense pain, but my eldest Julieta will help heal him when she awakes later." Alma smiled, pouring a second mug. "Would you like some?"

"Please." Despite the facade, Imelda was exhausted and accepted the caffeine gratefully, sipping it as she minded the eggs. "Heal? Mi esposo told me of his magic friend, but admittedly, I didn't believe him. Now I'm in a house that can change furniture and make Coco laugh for the first time in days, it's...a lot." She nearly jumped when a chair was brought over from the dining room table, Imelda feeling her legs go weak as reality seemed to just sink in that they were safe.

"Let me, por favor." Alma gently guided the newcomer onto the seat, taking the spatula and tending to the food. "Tell me of Coco, she's adorable." Imelda smiled at the thought of her daughter, speaking of happier times as the household slowly woke up to the smell of unfamiliar foods. Julieta was the first to peer into the kitchen, surprised to see her mother cooking, the newcomer Imelda looking relaxed as they spoke in whispers.

"Something smells good!" A man Imelda didn't see the day before crowed, gently pulling his wife into view with him as he raised his voice with a grin. "Buenos días Imelda! I know we didn't have a chance to meet, I am Agustín Madrigal!"

"Pleasure, lo siento, we eh all fell asleep quite quickly." Imelda got to her feet and shook his extended hand, his energy reminding her of her sleeping husband's.

"Mi familia did the same when we found Encanto, I understand." He grinned, eyeing the food plated behind her. "This smells incredible, what is it?"

"Just some huevos rancheros, as a thank you for yesterday."

"Gracias, that was very kind of you." Agustín moved to grab a plate, Julieta pulling Imelda out of the kitchen to continue resting as they set the table, brushing off her unimpressed stare with practiced ease. Pepa and her husband, Félix, were the next to appear, cradling her sleeping child as she greeted the newcomer and made general small talk that was interrupted by the pitter-patter of small feet running down a hallway.

"Mamá!" Imelda held her arms open as he daughter jumps up into them, tears staining her little face. "Mamá, Papá's back hurts so much, and he can't get up!"

"What's wrong?" Julieta stood as Coco rubbed her eyes, shyly eyeing the other woman as her mother gently rocked her back and forth. "I'll make sure your papá feels better."

"He fell pushing one of the carts out of a ditch, ever since his back has been bothering him." Imelda winced at the slight tremor in her voice and gave a weak smile when Agustín rested a hand on her shoulder.

"Ah, that should be an easy fix." Julieta went into the kitchen for a moment, returning with a glass of juice in one hand and what looked like an arepa in the other as she hurried to the guest room. The twins Julieta had seen the day before were by one of the guest beds when she arrived at their guest room. One held Héctor's hand as the man groaned in pain, the other murmuring to him as they dabbed sweat from Héctor's brow with his sleeve, looking up as one when Julieta knocked on the doorframe. "Hola, I'm here to help."

"You're a doctor?" The man holding Héctor's hand sagged a little in relief as she moved closer, eyeing her hands with a frown.

"In a way. Please, help me sit him up." Julieta watched as the other twin moved behind Héctor, propping the musician up enough so she could hold the glass to his lips, the juice drained as fast as he could drink. With each sip some color returned to his face and the slight tremble that ran through his body eased, and Julieta nodded at the sight. "Good, do you feel up to an arepa?"

"If it makes me feel better, like this magic juice, I'll eat anything." Héctor giggled with a relieved sigh, the savory treat pressed into his hand as the other woman looked amused. While the juice had eased his pain, the food completely removed it with his first bite, and his eyes went wide as he stared at the food. "That actually works?!"

"My Gift helps heal almost every ailment." Julieta motioned for him to keep eating, something Héctor was only too happy to do. The twins watched as their brother-in-law went from barely able to move to perfect health with a snack, eyes wide as they stared at the magic woman. "Whenever you're ready, breakfast is ready but please take your time."

"Is Coco alright? I heard her crying." Héctor sat up, back cracking as he stretched for the first time in weeks.

"She ran to Imelda." One of the twins smiled. The musician seemed a little relieved by the news as he got to his feet, clearly pleased at having his movement back.

"To ask for help." His twin finished, shedding his button-up shirt to be washed later.

"I'll show you where they are." The Encanto native smiled as she headed for the door, leading the trio out and into hall, Héctor amused to see his trail to the kitchen from last night was still on the floor. That's momentarily forgotten when they turn a corner, Coco squealing happily at the sight of her papá no longer in pain.

"Oh mi pequeña no more crying eh?" Imelda scooted her chair away from the table so her husband could embrace them both, the toddler throwing her arms around his neck as she bounced up and down as her parents shared a quick kiss.

"You're okay Papá!" She beamed, giggling when her father moved to shower her with kisses. "Papá, you're so silly!"

"Only for you." He crooned, his wife chuckling and gently pushing him into the chair Casita had moved close by, allowing Héctor to cuddle Coco while she made a plate for him. The dining room table had been lengthened by Casita for the new additions to the home, Coco clapping her hands in delight when a chair just for her was formed out of a single piece of wood.

"This is," "So strange." Óscar and Felipe said after a moment, Héctor only laughing as he set his daughter down to eat.

"I think this is fantástico! I've already got an idea for a song about the Living Home." Héctor hummed, tapping out a beat against the table with his index finger only he could hear. "Sí sí..."

"You may write after you eat." Imelda raised an eyebrow, earning a sheepish grin from her partner. "Awake five seconds and already wanting to put your cabeza errante en las nubes."

"Whaaat? I haven't written in months." Héctor whined, tapping on the table for a moment before relaxing at the smell of his wife's cooking. "But sí, later."

"Good."

Pepa and Julieta had to suppress some laughter at the sight, memories of their mother chiding them the same way as children passing through their minds. Speaking of, the last Madrigal finally stumbled down the stairs halfway through the meal, Bruno completely missing the table full of people as he went straight for the tea Julieta had left out for him. Alma set to preparing him a small plate as Coco carefully climbed off her seat and scurried off for the stranger; her parents were preoccupied with talking about their journey to notice her leave for the kitchen. The man was almost as tall as her papá, muttering under his breath as he moved a hand from under his ruana, clicking his tongue as he poured some more tea, and the toddler watched as a rat appeared from under the cloth to crawl along his arm to his hand.

"Buena chica, you deserve a treat." The man cooed, plucking a grape from a fruit bowl in front of him and offering it to the small creature, the rat jumping onto the counter and accepting it with a squeak.

"Is that a rat?" Coco tilted her head when the man jumped, head whirling around to find the curious child right behind him. For a moment, they both stared at each other before the rat squeaked, jumping onto Bruno's shoulder to stare down at Coco from under some of his curly hair.

Coco giggled, and a soft smile crossed the man's face as he knelt down.

"Her name is Fernanda." With another click of his tongue the rat moved to his hand, and Coco walked closer as Bruno held out his hand. "You can pet her, right on top of her head."

"I'll be careful." Coco whispered, reaching out to carefully rest her index finger on Fernanda's head, smiling when she received a pleased noise. "Like this?"

"Sí, you're doing great." Bruno gently showed her how to carefully pet his pet with his other hand, telling her a story about Fernanda's attempt to steal from the kitchen one night while he slept.

"Casita is too fast for her." Bruno looked up at Pepa's amused voice, pointing at Bruno with a hand on her hip. "You need to eat, come on."

"I suppose I'll come to the table." Bruno sighed dramatically, earning a giggle from Coco as Fernanda hopped onto the toddler's head, nestling into her hair. "And betrayed! Ah, what is loyalty these days?"

"Who can resist someone this adorable?" Pepa grinned, Bruno getting to his feet as Coco slowly walked back towards the table.

"Look Mamá!"

"Is that a rat on your head?!" Bruno and Pepa peered out to see Imelda staring at her daughter in surprise, Héctor and the twins grinning as the toddler proudly showed off her new friend.

"Uh huh! Her name is Fernanda!" Coco beamed, trying to click her tongue like Buno as she held out her hand, but only succeeded in making a kissing noise. "Aw..." Fernanda didn't move at the noise but squeaked and moved to sit on her hand when Bruno clicked for her, waving when most of the eyes in the room focused on him.

"Is this?" "The seer?" "You mentioned?" Óscar and Felipe looked at Héctor, who nodded, Felipe squinting at Bruno for a moment before his twin grinned. "Nice to meet." "The guy who helped save us."

"Eh, don't mention it?" The clairvoyant clasped his hands with a flustered expression, allowing his sister to tug him towards his seat beside Alma. Aside from Coco, none of the newcomers to the small town failed to notice how surprised he'd been at the gratitude.

It was something they could think about later, right now they were going to enjoy the first meal not cooked over hasty campfires.

Casita helps clear the table before their guests could blink, absolutely delighting both Coco and her father at something the Encanto natives had long become accustomed to. A fresh round of coffee for the adults, and a glass of orange juice for Coco, was handed out before Alma took command with a simple tap on the table.

"I know yesterday was a lot for you all to handle, and rest assured, you can take as long as you need to recover from your long journey." They hadn't asked where the new family came from, but they had seen the tells from other refugees that had settled in their Encanto over the years. "Casita will adjust your room, as we don't have any new buildings ready for your familia just yet,

"How much will that cost us?" Imelda sat forward, a slight frown on her face. "We did not come with much money, but I'm sure we can make some if given enough time."

"Money is of no concern here, set those worries aside." The matriarch smiled softly. "We are remote enough that we run on barter and trade here, and the community helps each other when needed."

"What?" Imelda winced at barking out the word, but the concept was too much. "I-I don't understand we cannot just -"

"Melda." Héctor reached over to squeeze her arm, rewarded with her leaning towards his seat. "We, er I mean mi querida esposa, had started a shoemaking business, this would be helpful here no?"

"Really?" Agustín smiled, clapping his hands together. "We don't have anyone in town who can repair shoes, and we only trade every few months outside Encanto."

"Sounds like a perfect fit then no?" Héctor smiled, Imelda rolling her eyes. "We even brought most of the equipment needed, eh assuming it survived the storm last night."

"We will have your wagons brought here by the afternoon, you can take stock then." Alma nodded, glancing out the window towards the hills for a moment. "As my son-in-law said, we've been in need of a proper shoemaker, and will provide you with whatever space you need for both your shop and home."

"Just like that?" "Nothing in return?"

"Your services are all the payment Encanto could need." It was still so surreal, but Imelda and her family shared a look before nodding, the leader of what was to be their new town clasping her hands together with a soft smile. "For now, please rest, and if you would like a town tour, feel free to ask any of us to guide you."

"Gracias, that's very kind of you." Imelda nodded, gently scooping her daughter into her arms when Coco started to yawn, trying not to tense at the rat curled up in her little arms.

"Go and rest mamá, you've earned it." Héctor murmured in her ear, the Madrigal's getting up to start their day and whatever tasks lay ahead, leaving the Rivera family in the dining room.

"What, and let you run off?" Imelda gave him an amused look, Héctor only grinning as he ran a gentle hand through their sleeping daughter's hair.

"I can do more than hobble around, a run sounds fun!"

"Héctor."

"I'll stay in the magic house?"

"...fine." Standing as one, Héctor and his wife headed for their bedroom, quietly talking until they reached the door and opened it, only to freeze in place.

What had been a one-bedroom space had magically transformed into a mini-replica of their home back in Santa Cecilia, minus the kitchen and garden they had spent too many hours in. Imelda was the first to walk inside, the stone walls feeling the exact way their original home had felt, the smell of lavender and sandalwood nearly bringing her to tears. Their bedroom, minus the pictures and small mementos stuffed in a box, was the same, down to the rug Héctor had made that was lopsided and a little threadbare.

"I don't understand..." The bed creaked like it always had when she sat down, and the small vanity mirror in the corner wiggled back and forth as if in greeting.

"Magic house." It was all Héctor could manage as he knelt before his wife, taking hold of her free hand. "I'm so-"

"If you say those words again so help me." Héctor sighed, looking away from her gaze. "It was not your fault."

"Meld-"

"No." She was having none of that right now, Coco's little cooing in her sleep making both sets of eyes look down. "We will talk later."

"Sí, que duerman bien mis amores." Getting to his feet Héctor kissed her sweetly before heading out, gently closing the door to their bedroom.

Imelda bites her tongue when she hears a hitched sob, carefully removing her boots and lying down, cradling their daughter close. She was too exhausted to focus on the conversation they had all been avoiding since his return a few months back, of why they had to flee their home in the dead of night.

Of the way someone they had considered a friend and brother had tried to murder her husband when he protected them.

[battyaboutbooksreviews]

🌈 Books for National Coming Out Day

💜 Good evening, my beloved bookish bats. I know this is a little late, but I did not want to miss this opportunity to reach out. While most of you know I'm proudly bi & in a beautiful relationship with my best friend and soulmate, I'm actually not fully out. Coming out isn't the same experience for everyone. Sometimes it's exciting, sometimes terrifying. It can bring you closer to a found family while putting distance between you and blood. Everyone has their own story, and though they're not always easy to tell, they ARE all extremely important--both to us as humans and as readers. Some people don't come out until well into adulthood, and some know exactly how they identify from a young age.

💜 All that to say...I see you. Whether you're not ready to come out, don't feel safe to do so, or have been out for years and want to scream it to the rooftops, you're valid and loved. And I'm always here if you want to talk.

🌈 Books for National Coming Out Day ❤️ I Wish You All the Best - Mason Deaver 🧡 Heartstopper - Alice Oseman 💛 D'Vaughn & Kris Plan a Wedding - Chencia C. Higgins 💚 Imogen, Obviously - Becky Albertalli 💙 The Henna Wars - Adiba Jaigirdar 💜 The Charm Offensive - Alison Cochrun ❤️ Astrid Parker Doesn't Fall - Ashley Herring Blake 🧡 A Lady for a Duke - Alexis Hall 💛 The Pairing - Casey McQuiston 💙 Felix Ever After - Kacen Callender 💜 Juliet Takes a Breath - Gabby Rivera 🌈 Hani & Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating - Adiba Jaigirdar