Summary:

Gabriela and Bruno spend an intimate night together. They both arrive at Casa Madrigal the following morning where Bruno reconciles with Pepa.

-o-o-

Written in Gabriela's and Bruno's POV.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

I sit there, unmoving, trying to stop the tears from falling. All the repressed feelings I had been bottling up for years come bubbling up to the surface. After a moment, Bruno breaks the silence. "Gabriela...querida…I'm…I'm sorry."

"What do you have to be sorry for?" I whisper.

"You've been carrying so much weight all these years, all these scars that I never knew. I'm…I'm sorry, mi vida, I should've known better," Bruno sighs. "For all those times since we've been together when things got a little…intense between us both. I know you've always told me that you want me, but…I now understand why a part of you kept me at arm's length. I never pushed you with words, but maybe my actions did. And earlier, I came close to…"

I recall what happened by the river. "No. Bruno, no. That was different. You never meant to hurt me."

"No, mi vida. I may not have ill intentions, but it's still the same thing. I could've…I could've hurt you far worse." He runs a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his voice. "I'm not happy with how things turned out for you or your family. While it brought you here…while it allowed us to meet, I wish it wasn't under such circumstances. You never deserved any of this. I wish I could…and I would…if you asked me to."

I place my hand over his and squeeze it. I know what he meant. If he could, he would end Marco's life once and for all if it would make me happy. "You know it wouldn't make a difference either way, cariño, and I'd rather you don't have any blood on your hands."

"It matters to me. I don't want you going around thinking you're any less. You've never been that way to me." Bruno looks at me with tears in his eyes. "I am so furious that he hurt you this way and there is nothing I can do to change it for you."

"But you already have, Bruno," I murmur. "You loved me, wholeheartedly."

"I love you," He corrects. He reaches over to brush away a tear falling down my cheek. "Whatever happened in the past will never change how I see you. You've been broken once, but you put yourself back together. Gabriela, mi vida, you survived and fought your way through."

He looks at me, his green eyes glowing in the soft candlelight. Our eyes meet and there is so much love in his eyes that I want to drown in them.

"I wish I could be enough for you," I avoid his gaze. "Someone perfect."

Bruno leans his forehead against mine. "I don't need perfect, Gabriela. I just need…you. You are enough. More, even. You matter so much to me. I want to see you happy, mi amor. You deserve all the happiness in the world. I love you. All of you, past, present, and future. No tienes idea de cuánto te amo, querida."

My heart swells when he says the words. I feel an electric spark in me. "You do make me happy, Bruno." I lean forward to kiss him and push him to the floor.

He squeaks in surprise. "Gabriela, what are you doing?"

"Shhh," I whisper into his ear. I want to be close to him, to entwine with his soul for all eternity. I love him so much that it hurts to be far apart like this. I need to feel him, to have a memory I'll lock in my heart forever. "Bruno Madrigal. I want you, right now. All of you."

He gulps when he realizes what I'm asking. "Now? After…after telling me all that?"

I kiss him again, more urgently this time. "Please."

"Are…are you sure?" Bruno gasps. "I…I don't want to hurt you."

"We can take it slow, and stop where I'm not comfortable with?" I nibble on his ear and trail kisses down his jawline. I watch the goosebumps rise on his arms. "Either way, Bruno. I want you. I NEED you. Please."

I love you, Bruno Madrigal. I trust you with my life.

Make me yours.

I get off him and sit up, waiting. Bruno's face is red. He fidgets with his ruana for a second before he nods. "I'm a little nervous," He chuckles.

"Me too."

"Are you really sure?" Bruno asks me again. "...there's no going back if we do…this."

"Yes."

It's all the answer he needs.

"May I?"

He cups my face and kisses me, slow and sweet. It doesn't take long for our lips to find the perfect rhythm. He runs his tongue over my lower lip and I open my mouth in response. My hands find their way to his hair and I lightly scratch his scalp. I feel like I'm burning up but in a good way.

It's not enough. I want him closer. He hums and moans into my mouth when I tug him to me. Bruno breaks off the kiss to chide. "Gabriela, querida, slow down. You're…making it difficult for me here."

"How difficult?"

I watch as Bruno's eyes turn darker and he takes off his ruana to discard it in the corner. I bite my lip in anticipation, my breath hitching when he kisses my neck, down to my collarbone. I gasp in surprise when he lifts me to move me to the bed. I stare up at him as he gently lays me down.

"You're looking at me so intensely, mi amor. I'll melt." He breathes, teasing me.

"Lo siento, cariño. I can't help it. Has anyone ever told you you're beautiful?"

Bruno snorts. "No. You're the first." His eyes glance over to the candle at the table. "Do you want me to turn off the lights?"

I never thought of that. I blush. "Yes…please."

He blows out the candle and the room goes dark. The bed shifts. I wave my hand in front of me and poke something soft.

"Ouch," Bruno says. "You poked my nose." I fight the urge to laugh, but it escapes me. "What's so funny?"

"Sometimes I feel your nose has its own gravitational pull."

"Ha. Ha. But you like my nose, don't you?"

My eyes finally adjust to the darkness and I find Bruno grinning at me. It lightens the mood and my nerves dissipate. "Yes, I love your nose, amor."

"That's what I like to hear." He says before his lips find mine again.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

I wake up the next morning in Bruno's arms, a little sore, but happy. I stare at the ceiling with a smile on my face, my heart filled with so much joy and love for the man beside me.

Bruno stirs. I turn and brush his wild hair away from his eyes as he opens them. He smiles. "Buenos dias, mi amor. Did you sleep well?" He says as he kisses my shoulder.

"Mmmhmm," I hum as Bruno traces his fingers across my bare skin. I sigh contentedly as he pulls me closer. "Never better."

"I didn't hurt you last night, did I?" He whispers.

I feel a blush creep up my cheeks.

It was a little awkward in the beginning, trying to figure it out. It did hurt for a bit, but not as bad as I thought it would be. Bruno was gentle. He took care of my needs first above his own. I was able to let go of my fear as the electrifying rhythm built between us. I fell apart each time in his arms and he put me back together.

He made me see stars. It was heavenly.

The fluttering feeling returns to my stomach. I bite my lip, trying hard to shoo the thoughts away. "No, you didn't. I mean, I do feel a little sore though…"

He frowns but I shake my head. "No, don't worry, cariño, it's in a good way."

I lean forward to kiss him. He smiles against my lips. Our kisses get a little heavy and I feel something poke me. Bruno immediately scoots away, almost falling off the bed. I gasp in surprise. "Bruno! Are you okay, mi amor?"

"Ay, sorry. I'm fine, Gabriela." His cheeks are flushed as he sits up. My eyes wander down and I blush at the sight. "Lo siento, amor," He gives an embarrassed laugh as he tries to cover himself. "We were…erm…getting a bit…heated."

"No, no, I understand! I mean…same here." I admit nervously.

Bruno's eyes widen at my confession and he contemplates for a moment. "So…do you want to go for another round?" I throw my pillow at his face and he sputters. "What?"

"My family is in the other room, Bruno!"

"What difference does it make? We weren't exactly very quiet last night…"

I leer at him and he bursts into laughter. "Okay, okay, don't get mad. I'll get dressed now."

Bruno gets off the bed and turns his back to me to pick up his shirt haphazardly strewn on the floor. I frown. "Wait, Bruno." He looks at me with an eyebrow raised and I point to his back. "You're all scratched up."

He shrugs. "I'm okay, mi vida, nothing Julieta's food can't fix."

"But isn't that painful? It looks…painful."

Bruno finishes putting his clothes on and smirks. "It's a good kind of pain, Gabriela. You gave me those scratches last night."

I squeak, mortified. Well to be fair, he was doing it right.

Bruno laughs at my reaction and opens up his hand to me to help me off the bed. "Don't be embarrassed, mi vida. They're proof of our time together." He hums, a huge grin spreading across his face. "I feel like not having Julieta fix this so I'll have the memory of our night on my back forever, hm?"

I smack his arm and he yelps. "¡Ay! A little violent towards your novio this morning, are we?"

"That's because you're teasing me even before you get me coffee." I glance over to my bed. Looks like I need to replace the sheets and do laundry. "Come on. Let's go get breakfast. I'm starving."

Bruno hands me my dress and helps me put it on. It takes all of my energy not to tackle him to the floor. Breakfast be damned. He's so sweet. It makes me want him more.

"What do you suppose they'd say when they see us coming out of your room?" He asks as I try to tame my wild hair.

"Dios mío, I hope they don't say anything. And if they ask questions, not a word from you about what happened last night. ¿Estamos claros?"

Bruno chuckles, low and deep. "Todo claro, mi amor."

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Thankfully, no one in the Álvarez household asked any questions about the noise last night when we came down for breakfast.

I stay silent as Gabriela explained to her family that she let me stay over because of a fight I had with Pepa. Lucía could barely keep a straight face the entire time while Julián smirked at his sister's blatant omission of the events that followed right after. I'm lucky Señor Mauricio didn't kick me out immediately. He gave me a knowing look as Gabriela bade her family goodbye as we left for Casa Madrigal.

I glance over at the love of my life. She's humming happily to herself as we make the walk back to my place. "You're in a good mood."

Gabriela turns to smile at me. "Why wouldn't I be? I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I'm just glad Papá didn't say anything about…you know."

I rub my arm. "I don't know, he gave me a look before we left…but it wasn't angry."

Her face softens when she takes in my reaction. "I think we got lucky he was in a better mood. Anyway, are you worried about seeing your family today after last night?"

"A little bit, yeah."

She reaches out for my hand and squeezes it as we walk up the hill. "Everything will be fine. You don't have to worry, mi amor. I'm here with you."

As Casita comes into view, we notice Pepa waiting by the door. Her lip trembles when she sees us and she tackles me before we could even reach the house. "I'm so sorry, I'm so very sorry, Bruno!"

I eye the cloud above my sister's head as I pat her back. "Hey, Pepita…"

The dam bursts and Gabriela and I are immediately drenched. "Hey. Hey, Pepa. It's okay. You're getting us wet…" I squeeze Pepa's shoulders and try to soothe her.

She wails. "I didn't mean a word I said. I was so angry that I blurted out something I heard from someone in town. I don't think of you that way, Bruno. I don't even know why I said it! Please forgive me!"

"Alright, alright! It's okay. I forgive you, Pepita. Are you okay with not getting me and my novia wet? I don't want all of us to get sick…" I give her a small smile. "Come on. Tears don't suit you, sis."

She sniffs and tries to laugh while wiping her tears away. "I was so worried when you didn't come home. Poor Félix was awake all night because of me. I thought you disappeared, that I'd never see you again and it's all my fault…"

Gabriela blinks in surprise. "Oh. Um…you didn't ask Dolores to listen in? Bruno stayed over at my place. Is Mamá Alma upset?"

"No, Mamá figured you would take Bruno in for the night when Félix explained you went to go look for him," Pepa sighs. "I didn't ask Dolores to check. I didn't want to bother my daughter with the problem I caused, especially since she and Isabela kept apologizing. The girls deliberately broke the rule because they were just genuinely curious about their futures..."

I'm immediately relieved, thankful that Dolores didn't try using her gift to find me. I would be in bigger trouble if she heard what I was doing with Gabriela last night. I don't think my niece needs that kind of trauma. I'd rather reserve THAT kind of discussion for her parents.

"But…" Pepa continues, finally calming down. "Gabriela, did something happen between you and Bruno? You're…glowing."

"I'm what?" Gabriela stares at Pepa as if she's grown three heads.

A slow grin spreads across my sister's face. Pepa's eyes dart between Gabriela and me. "Did…did you…two…?" She motions with her hands and lowers her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "...you know?"

I avoid my sister's eyes. Mierda. My sister and her mood swings when there is good chisme.

Pepa is giddy with excitement when I don't answer. "Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh. Oh my gosh." She grabs Gabriela and drags her into the house with me fumbling at their heels.

She's going to tell everyone.

"Pepa!" I yell. "It's not a big deal! Hey! Are you listening to me?" I almost trip and Gabriela gasps, but I pull myself up. "It's none of your business!"

"Julieta! Quick, quick! I got something juicy to tell you," Pepa sing-songs as she goes into the kitchen. I quickly follow behind. "Gabriela and Brunito have some explaining to do!"

"I don't!" Gabriela cries, blushing furiously. "There is nothing to tell, we just spent the night together like last time!"

"This is a whole lot different from last time!" Pepa smirks. "I know an afterglow when I see one."

Dios mío, this is embarrassing. "That's…that's our business!" I sputter as I try to stop my sister. Gabriela covers her face with her hands, possibly wishing the ground to swallow us both. Julieta is nowhere to be found.

My relief is short-lived when she suddenly appears behind me. "Are we expecting the pitter-patter of little feet soon, then?"

"What? NO!" I yelp as my sisters begin to interrogate me. "I'm not that irresponsible, plus, why are we talking about this? Why would you be interested in knowing about my private matters?"

"Because you're our younger brother, and it's our duty as your older sisters to make sure you're doing the right thing." I frown at Pepa and she just laughs at me. "Okay, and also because it's fun to tease you about it. Come on, it's not something shameful. It's perfectly normal…where do you think babies come from? We're all adults here."

"Says you, you're not acting like one." I make a face. "And we're all the same age. You're just older by a few minutes. This is also a taboo discussion. Don't you think Dolores would hear this?"

"She and Isabela are not allowed out of their rooms unless called, Mamá's orders." Julieta offers and shrugs when Gabriela raises an eyebrow. "It's just for the day. They're fine."

Pepa huffs. "We're still older than you. And to hell with the taboo topics. If you're so concerned about it you would've gone straight to the confessional, not back home."

I sigh and turn to Gabriela. "Little help here, amor?"

"What help would I be doing? Pepa has a point," She gestures to me and my sisters. "We're lucky Papá didn't make us go straight to church…or doused us in Holy water."

I fight the urge to laugh at the last line. "I don't know. Something? Anything?"

Her eyes dart between my sisters and she sighs. "Alright, alright, ease up on my novio, please. I'll confess."

Pepa smirks and lets me go. "Okay, so what happened between you and Brunito last night? PLEASE tell me it finally happened."

"PEPA!" Julieta squeaks in embarrassment. " ¿Un poco de decencia, por favor?"

"You guys really want to know? Fine." Gabriela takes a deep breath to steady herself. "Bruno and I had a moment. We…made love for the first time. It was the best night of my life. Are you guys happy?"

Pepa squeals. "FINALLY!" She starts to badger Gabriela who runs away from her.

"Well, I don't exactly approve of how you both did things out of order, but does that mean you'll ask Gabriela to marry you?" Julieta whispers to me.

"You know Julieta," I say as we watch Gabriela try to shoo Pepa off. "I've already promised marriage to Gabriela years ago. I'm just waiting for her to be ready."

My oldest sister blinks at me, surprised. "O Dios mío. When?"

I shrug like it should've been obvious. "It was a long time ago."

The corners of Julieta's mouth twitch up in amusement. "You're both so strange. I guess that's why you're made for each other. But, Bruno…are you ready?"

"Hermana, I've been ready since the day we first met."

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Glossary of terms (in order of appearance in-text):

No tienes idea de cuánto te amo - You have no idea how much I love you
Estamos claros - Are we clear
Todo claro - All clear
Chisme - Gossip
Un poco de decencia, por favor - A little decency please