nonmagical | Inbox for Kaisou

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[ All right, so it's been a while since The Fae Debacle. It's been rough on the whole family — obviously Mirabel and Luisa the most, and Julieta as their mom, but all of them care about each other, and it was a terrifying experience from start to finish... Why them? Camilo can't help but feel their family is being targeted by all this spirit realm shit somehow, and he's never felt so frightened, helpless, and unhelpful in his life... Kaisou's overall been pretty terrible in his opinion, but at least he's, uh, alive...?

And he doesn't have a tail. ~~Anymore. Two days as a coatimundi in the Fae realm sucked too.~~ Counting his blessings here.

But Mirabel? He's never seen her hurting so much. He's never seen her hide like this. Mira's always put herself on the frontlines in their family, even sometimes overly eager, some might even say in the way (cough, Abuela, ahem); Mirabel's always been great at putting on a smile even when Camilo could tell she wasn't really feeling like it — whiiiich he can relate to on some level, and usually he's able to draw a real smile out of her eventually. But even that's been hard when he does see her, when she's not hiding in her room like she has been the past few days since her revival and return.

So as much as he wants to be gentle, empathetic, give her time, give her space, he's also tired of not seeing her — and when he does see her, seeing her like this. It hurts him that she's hurting. They're all hurting for her. He's great at chasing off his mom's tempestuous mood swings, but that's not even hard for him anymore, and can't hold a candle to what Mirabel's moods must be like now. This, though? How the hell do you comfort someone who died but came back to life?! He doesn't have a clue. "Sorry you died, glad you didn't?" This is out of his depth. He wishes his dad was here; it's been on his mind daily. Félix could help soothe them all, he knows it. He's gotta do something to cheer Mirabel up, though. She's had time, she's had space, and now... here comes Camilo, invading that. Sorry, Mirabel, you've had enough time to mope, you're ready to come out, your cousin has decided this for you, you're welcome.

So a couple hours after dinner one night, there's a playfully musical knock at her bedroom door. It's obviously Camilo, no one else knocks like that — like a warning it's time to pep up before he barges in. He'll at least wait for a response, since it's the first time he's spontaneously come to her room alone like this, ostensibly to hang out, not calling her for mealtime or anything, just out of the blue... Just that alone probably makes the reason for his visit clear: it's time to stop being sad, yo. ]

[Mirabel has been hiding - mostly because she’s hiding her own feelings, trying not to stress out or feel too bad in front of the family. And it’s fairly easy to just go break down in her own room instead.

But mostly? She’s ashamed of how she looks. The ears, the tail, the fur, the dog face… when she sees herself, she doesn’t even know who she’s looking at anymore. It hurts, and she doesn’t know how to fix it - if it can be fixed at all.

So she’s back in her room again after dinner, stationed at her sewing machine. A project she can get lost in for a little while…

… until she hears the knock. She knows who it is just from the knocking alone. She’s not sure if she’s in the mood for visitors, but she can hardly say no to him - she’s been kind of avoiding the family enough as it is.]

You can come in, Camilo.

[ The door opens, but he doesn't come in fully, just leans against the door frame. The nursery practically radiates sadness, so different from usual, something melancholy in the air just seeing her sitting alone at her sewing machine. So surreal being in their childhood room together under these bizarre circumstances... But he's determined to act cool as a cucumber, crossing his arms over his chest as he leans casually. ]

Yo.

[ There's a breath of a pause, but he launches mercilessly into his premeditated invitation, his delivery not so much inviting as it is demanding, though his tone is gentle and even. ]

...We're going out. Get dressed. Wear something cute. Make sure it's breathable. I'll meet you downstairs in fifteen.

[ He inclines his head at her, gesturing to her outfit giving her the once-over. She looks fine, normal — they're all pretty standard with their clothing choices, after all, they've each got a Thing, a general theme they pretty much stick to — but he knows she's got some cuter clothes tucked away. He himself is dressed a little differently than usual, not wearing his ruana, picked out whatever he could from his closet that might blend in a little better with how others in the city dress. He's got on a yellow button-up with the sleeves rolled up halfway, fitted navy trousers, a brown leather belt and brown leather boots, and a deep orange coat for the weather folded over one arm — things he seldom had to pull out in their tropical paradise back home, but has gotten a lot of use out of here. It's a fairly modern ensemble, chic enough even if a little simple and still all clothes from home, just reimagined. He even plucked a little red flower of Isabela's from somewhere and pinned it in his shirt pocket to zhuzh it up.

Not only has he seen how stylishly everyone dresses at this place he has in mind, but he also figures it's just really important for Mirabel to try and feel cute. It's weird seeing her like this, undeniably — but she can't keep this up. If this is how it's gonna be, this is how it's gonna be; she's gotta find her piece of peace somewhere. He knows she loves her clothes, fun colors, all her detailed embroidery, takes pride in her handiwork — she's gotta be reminded of the little things that bring her even a sliver of joy. So he's not really... asking her if she wants to go out and dress up. He's telling her that that's what's happening. ]

Edited Date: 2022-03-30 06:48 pm (UTC)

Wait what - Camilo!

[That's about all she gets out before she watches him disappear. Where would they go? It's starting to get a little late...?

But admittedly, she is curious where he plans on taking her. She hasn't been out of the house like, at all, since she got back. After a few seconds of debating, Mirabel goes to her closet, picking out something she picked out on her birthday but hadn't had a chance to wear yet. She glances at herself in a mirror, feeling... awkward, feeling like a stranger in her own body. Running a hand down the dress, trying to smooth it out, she tries to ignore her own feelings about her body and eventually heads downstairs to find Camilo.]

All right, where are we going?

Edited Date: 2022-03-30 10:52 pm (UTC)

[ He's resting in the hammock when she comes down, eating an arepa — how is he eating half the time, seriously — but as soon as he sees her at the top of the staircase, he swings his legs off and gets to his feet. He shoots her a bright, warm smile, shoves what's left of the arepa in his mouth, and waves her along over his shoulder as he heads off toward the door. ]

Listo~ Vamos.

[ Casita opens her own doors for them, and closes them once the pair has stepped out. Camilo slips his coat on once they're in the cold night air, and grins at Mirabel again before they set off, a certain glint in his eyes. ]

I found somewhere really cool... You'll see. It's not too far from here.

[ He places a gentle hand on her shoulder encouragingly for a brief second, then steps forward to lead the way. ]

[Mirabel grabs whatever coat she can get her hands on - probably Julieta’s, because her current coat she let a small boy keep. She slides it on as Camilo guides her out.

She gives him a slightly suspicious look, one eyebrow raised.]

O…kay. Lead the way.

[She’d be lying if she said she wasn’t curious.]

[ She should look at him suspiciously, and he thinks so, too, which just keeps his smirk in place as they walk. He explains a little, but not... a lot... ]

When we get there, just follow my lead. Act natural. We don't have these little— I dunno— cards? There's a guy at the door, he asks for some card to check how old you are, I guess. But he let me in last time. Aaand— I think you'll probably pass, too.

[ He's not gonna mention it's because of her fur and her face, she doesn't need to be explicitly reminded of it; she can read between the lines on that one. But why are they going to a place teenagers aren't allowed to go to...? What's he sneaking? Camilo's always been arguably the most likely one to break rules and push the boundaries, of all the kids, maybe almost neck-and-neck with Mirabel — but that's why he's sure he could rope her in on this. They're not exactly rebellious, but... sometimes you just gotta seize a chance when you find it.

Besides — Julieta's an intimidating but gentle presence, whom he certainly wouldn't want to be in trouble with, buuuuut... his own parents aren't here. And Pepa and Félix are much scarier than Julieta and Augustín when Camilo's been in trouble. He's not terribly daunted. And if he does get in trouble? He'll take the fall for Mirabel, and deal with Julieta's wrath. Worth it. Totally worth it. ]

[Mirabel can’t exactly say she’s never been the rebellious type. She broke into Bruno’s Tower when it was specifically off-limits, called out Abuela, even Booked it almost all the way out of the Encanto…

So it’s not like she’s afraid - maybe a little. Her mom was already stressed out due to… everything she did. She didn’t really want to make it worse.

But that curious side of her wins out. And despite how nervous she felt about her looks, there was something… nice? About going out?]

We need cards or don’t need cards? Where are we going?

Edited Date: 2022-03-31 06:08 pm (UTC)

We need the cards, but we don't have the cards, so we're gonna get in without the cards. You'll see. I did it before. And I don't think he'll clock you, if it's the same guy...

[ He speaks with a smoothness and full faith that this mysterious plan is gonna work, shoving his hands in his coat pockets comfortably as they walk. ]

I've been twice. The first time, they wouldn't let me in. So the second time I went back, I tricked 'im. I mean— not "tricked" him, that makes it sound bad... You know what I mean.

[ ...oh, god, he shapeshifted, that's what he means, that can be the only possible interpretation, knowing Camilo. He'd never do anything sordid or mean-spirited, buuut he's never been above using his Gift to innocently pull the wool over others' eyes to get what he wants. It's a tricky Gift, indeed. ]

... You shapeshifted, didn't you.

[She sounds more amused than accusatory, because of course he would. He could make himself look like any of the adults back home, slipping into the disguise of an "adult" to get in someplace adult-only would be fairly easy for him.]

I... don't know how that's gonna work for me. Can't exactly shapeshift.

[Well she sort of can now! Into a dog. Which she doesn't know how to do yet.]

[ He's careful not to be too insensitive remarking on her appearance, but really, he's never seen anyone who looks like she does right now, and he would have a hard time pegging her age like this if he didn't know her...? He has strong confidence the bouncer might not have an eye for this, either. But he doesn't want to be too blunt about it, so he pushes quickly past. ]

Yeah but he doesn't know you're a teenager. Just act relaxed. I'll chat him up. It'll be fine. And if it's not— I've got a back-up plan to get you in...

[ Because of course he does. ]

Oooof course you do.

[She's still not sure about this, but they're probably almost there anyway. Too late to have doubts, she supposes. Plus she's too interested in where they're going to head back now.]

Work your magic, I guess.

Oh, I will.

[ Both his magical magic and his natural magic... He shoots her a smirk. It's not too far before they reach the Brick Alley area of town, chit-chatting along the way, and Camilo gives Mirabel a playful nudge with his elbow as soon as he spots their destination. ]

Oye. We're here— hold up...

[ He inclines his head toward a little nook around a corner, just out of eyesight from the front door... And instantly transforms himself unseen into Mariano Guzman. Oh, boy... He grins at Mirabel, then leads her forward toward the entrance to a night club. There's a short line to get in, everyone looking rather trendy and stylish as Camilo had promised. Camilo guides Mirabel with a gentle hand on her shoulder, standing so much taller than her now. This is... both exciting and foreboding already. As they wait in line, he finally reveals his plan here: ]

Just wait. You're gonna love it, Mira. It was so fun. All the music is in Spanish, everyone dances like no one's watching... I promise you'll have fun.

[ He gives her an encouraging little pat on the back. ]

[As they approach the line, Mirabel looks around. She's... never seen anything like this before. They certainly didn't have anything like this back home, and she can already hear the sounds of music through the door.

She feels well - very self-conscious. Everyone is dressed up here so nicely, and while she's wearing her best cute outfit, she's also part-dog right now. And it just makes her feel awkward. But she tries to push that to the side - just in time to see Camilo turn into Mariano. She can't help herself - she lets out a muffled snort of laughter.]

Mariano? Really?

[Well if they're going to sneak in, Mariano is the way to go she supposes. As they wait in line, Camilo talks up the club and it sounds... really fun.]

It sounds like a lot of people are having fun in there. It'd be nice to do some dancing...

[She hasn't been in the mood to dance or sing since she came back from her ordeal.]

People are all having fun. Teeeechnically, I think it's just for grownups because a lot of people are drinking, but, whatever. We're just gonna dance. Nothing wrong with dancing.

[ Camilo and Mirabel are both fish out of water here. The Encanto was so lively and peaceful, Camilo never felt like they lacked anything, never wondered about the outside world really, just trusted their community had shut themselves off for good reason and that the rest of the world was a dangerous place. And now? They find themselves in a bustling metropolis by comparison, unfamiliar with the laws, the money, the culture, the technology, the everything. Nothing lacks novelty. Perpetual amazement and bemusement.

But sometimes, it's exciting. Like these moments. And more than anything, he's glad to drag Mirabel out of her room, in spite of everything. She's overdue for fun. It doesn't take long in line until they're next. Camilo whispers to Mirabel: ]

Let me do the talking...

[ When the bouncer asks for IDs, Camilo shrugs nonchalantly, and speaks in his smoothest, adultiest voice. ]

Don't got 'em, sorry. We just showed up here...

[ The bouncer eyes Camilo suspiciously, then nods, pointing at him thoughtfully. ]

You. You were here last week, weren't you? I remember your face.

[ Camilo gives a sheepish grin and another little shrug, more comedic now. ]

Hah, y-yeah, I was. Guess I just have one of those faces, huh~?

[ The bouncer smirks, then turns to give Mirabel the once-over, cocking his eyebrow a little at her odd appearance, but moves on casually without rudely staring. ]

...Aight. And what about you, mama? Age?

[ Camilo's quick to interrupt, wrapping his arm around Mirabel's shoulders and tugging her into a side-hug affectionately, grinning at the bouncer. ]

Ah, this is my cousin! We're the same age. Born in 1934 and 1935~

[ He gestures to himself and then to Mirabel with his free hand, acting cool as a cucumber. The guy rolls his eyes, snorting a little laugh. ]

Right, right, right... I remember... We went through this... All right, all right, ten each.

[ Camilo raises a brow, releasing Mirabel to slowly whip out his cash from his pocket. ]

Ten...? Last time it was five!

[ All the same, he hands the man a twenty dollar bill, still eyeing him cautiously as the man replies. ]

Well, yeah, that was on Latin night – today's Friday. Costs more for the show. Wrists, please!

[ Camilo shoots a baffled look to Mirabel, shrugs at her with an exaggerated frown that says "no clue, same as you" silently, and sticks out his arm to receive bracelet. The bouncer wraps the paper wristband around him, gestures to Mirabel to do hers, and then waves them along, shouting "next!" loudly before he's even done sealing Mirabel's wristband. Camilo places a guiding hand on her shoulder, then pushes on forward past the bouncer's desk, through the doorway beside him, which turns and leads them down an elegant stairwell... He beams at her conspiratorially as they step down. ]

I dunno what that was about, buuut— You ready, parcera~? Put your party pants on, Miraboo, heh.

[ Mocking her dad, ay... It deserves the build-up, though. At the bottom of the stairs is another doorway that opens onto an extravagant, colorful bar with an ornate wraparound balcony above the dancefloor, along with a large spinning disco ball. In the center, there's an empty stage with a runway and silvery shimmery curtains behind the stage, reflecting the colorful lights that shift to the tune of loud, pulsing pop music filling the air in the background. The music, however, is not the Spanish bops that Camilo had expected and promised... And instead of a dancefloor full of people boogying, there's a ton of seats lined up in rows, many of them already taken. But two on the inner aisle along the catwalk of the stag remain open, so Camilo shoots Mirabel another bemused look and a shrug, then heads over to snag those... As they sit, he leans in to speak, cupping his hand around his mouth to be heard over the music. ]

I dunno what's going on? It wasn't like this last time...?

[ He can't help but feel a little giddy about the mistake, though. A show? What kind of show? Everyone seems even more excited than the first time he'd come, a different kind of buzz about the audience as seats quickly fill in. It must be something good if they're charging double the cover fee to see it... ]

[Mirabel stays silent, letting Camilo do what he needs to do. The thought that runs through her mind is first, Wow, he's really good at this and then He probably shouldn't actually be good at this. But the deed is done, and they're in. Camilo guides her to her seat, and she looks around curiously. It was some kind of show? But what kind of show is beyond her.]

Looks like we're gonna watch some kind of show?

[... Helpful, Mirabel. The music gets louder, and Mirabel can feel the rumbling of loud beats through her body. It's a pretty unusual sensation - but that's nothing compared to the sounds of cheering and whooping as someone comes out to announce the start of the show.]

Hey Mirabel! It's Mr. Craig from school. I hope you're enjoying spring break!

I know you've been having trouble with your curse, so I thought I'd share a potion recipe I've been working on. It's not a cure by any means, but it should make it more manageable.

I also forward the recipe to your mom.

Berceuse Brew
Makes: 1 batch (can make multiple batches at once)
- 3 leaves wolfsbane (avoid direct skin contact- WEAR GLOVES WHEN HANDLING!!)
- 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoons chamomile
- 1 cup water
- 2 strips orange peel
- zest of orange
- honey or lemon (optional for flavoring - organic only!)

Add ingredients except for honey and bring to a boil, then lower temperature and simmer for 7 minutes.
Stir clockwise only and sing a soothing song - it must come from the heart!
Potion should be finished when it gives a soft glow. Remove from heat, strain and bottle the liquid. Add honey or lemon for flavor. Do not add any sugar.

Drink one batch a day for best results! Potions can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

I hope this helps! See you in school!

- Elliot Craig

[Oh my god.

Oh my god??

She can maybe turn back into a human??

Elliot sir you are the best person ever.]

You are the greatest teacher ever. THANK YOU.

I'm not sure I'd go that far, but thank you.

Just make sure to have a fun but safe spring break, ok?

[NO WILD BEACH PARTIES]

[Pepa was just walking into the kitchen to get a drink when the little sketchbook catches her eye. She's nosy. She can't help it.

So she picks it up and starts flipping through. Curious.

...it sure is a lot of shirtless boys with fish tails?]

[Mirabel feels like she forgot something...

Maybe her drink she left in the kitchen? She goes back to get it. Sees her aunt in the kitchen with a book.]

Hey tía Pepa, what are you doing-

[And the Mirabel recognizes that book she has.

Oh god that's what she forgot.

Her sketchbook.]

Nononono, you can't look at that-!! Please give it back!!

... You're looking at it...

[Oh god she's going to die of embarrassment right on the spot-!]

[Pepa looks up from the sketch book, perplexed.]

I don't know why you're so upset. They're very nice drawings? I'm a little confused about all the fish tails. But the drawings look very nice.

[She's gonna ask questions. About mermen. And all the shirtless man chests.]

Edited Date: 2022-07-12 01:12 am (UTC)

They're um... personal... drawings.

Sometimes when I get bored...

[God how does she explain this??]

I like to draw... cute... boys.

[And recently cute girls! But she's still figuring that one out.]

Oh. I see. You are getting to that age, aren't you? Ay... you're all growing up so fast...

[Well at least Pepa isn't making a big deal out of it?]

You're going to be lot like your Mami, I bet. Did we ever tell you about how silly she acted over your Papi?

[Thank god. She can't handle another repeat of March 6th.]

Tío Bruno said that you and him followed her to the river, and that she fell in when papí took off his shirt and you had to fish her out.

Edited Date: 2022-07-17 10:16 pm (UTC)

[Pepa laughs.]

Si, that's the one! Looking back it's cute how smitten she was with him. Are there any boys that are catching your eye, Mira?

[Well Mirabel did just lose the girl she was pining after, and that sucks. But that didn’t mean there weren’t like, any cute guys at school.]

Um well, the one you were looking at.. the one drawn with the fish tail… he’s actually based on a boy I saw at school.

[Oh right. Pepa passes the sketchbook back.]

I see. And does he also have a fish tail or was that just a creative addition?

[A tiny bit of teasing.]

[She turns a little red, looking away.]

A um, creative addition. That's all. I just um, wanted to... be creative...

His name is Noah - he was in one of my classes. Tía Pepa, he was so cute.

Edited Date: 2022-07-18 11:06 pm (UTC)