︵‿୨ - March 28 1951 - ୧‿︵

Bruno felt empty and sick. Curled up in Wilfredo's arms. Wilfredo was warm and soft. He enveloped Bruno in his gentle snores. Bruno had been laying like this with his lover for hours. He felt like he should feel elated. Blissful. Under any other circumstance, he probably would have. Laying in bed with a man he loved. Wrapped in Wilfredo's strong arms. Bruno should feel happy and full of love, but he didn't. His eyes were burning from now-dry tears. His chest ached. He didn't understand what happened. Wilfredo told Bruno what he liked. Wilfredo spoke about it all so casually. Describing morbid, violent, encounters with such a wistful grin. It all sounded exciting, scary, but exciting. Bruno wasn't prepared for the way Wilfredo would react. Bruno wasn't prepared for the tears, the glassy-eyed stare. The strange distant tone in Wilfredo's voice or the odd way he addressed Bruno.

Everything about it felt wrong. Bruno couldn't understand why Wilfredo would want to be subjected to that. He didn't like this game.

Once Bruno knew Wilfredo was firmly asleep Bruno knew he had to leave. He didn't want to. He wanted to stay and hold onto his lover all night. He wanted to take care of Wilfredo. To make him breakfast and spend tomorrow curled up in his bed. Reading together and listening to his heartbeat. Bruno wanted nurse Wilfrdo back to health... but Wilfredo wasn't sick. Something was very wrong with him but Bruno couldn't really say what. He didn't understand. He just knew something was wrong.

Bruno carefully slipped out of Wilfredo's arms. Gingerly pulling his vest and button-down off. Leaving him in only his undershirt and tucking him in comfortably under the covers. Wilfredo gumbled faintly in his sleep but didn't wake. He rolled over towards the window and curled up around one of his pillows. Wilfredo looked so beautiful in his sleep. There was a faint lingering flush around his eyes and nose, whispers of past tears. Long lashes draped over soft cheeks which pressed up against the pillow. His feathery hair kissing his temple. Plump lips faintly parted as he snored. Bruno adored this man. He wasn't sure how to process what he'd done tonight.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

The walk home felt cold and draining. It was a perfectly lovely night, but it felt dark. No stars could light Bruno's night. The bright gibus moon couldn't stave off the darkness. He knew the demons were coming for him tonight. He was going to hell. He was going to hell and he was ready to accept it.

Casita rattled their tiles at Bruno when he approached. Bruno barely registered the sound. Perhaps he should have looked up or responded. Casita shook the door about when Bruno tried to grab the handle. They were trying to tell him something.

"Sí, sí, I know. I know I'm late. I know I stayed out again." Bruno hissed. "If Mamá is mad she can complain in the morning." He grabbed hold of the gold doorknob and yanked open the front door despite Casita's protests. The house shuttered and Bruno stopped in the doorway for a moment. Looking up at the shimmering gold door in his hand. His familia's smiling faces stared back at him.

Bruno could hear laughter inside. He closed the door gently behind him and stepped into the foyer. He could see a light pouring into the courtyard from the direction of the dining room. He sighed softly to himself. Grateful Casa had warned him in advance despite his irritable response. "Lo siento Castia. Gracias." He breathed. Gently patting the door he had just abused in his frustration.

Bruno snuck over to the staircase by the foyer and went straight up to the upstairs catwalk. Walking around the courtyard to his tower on the opposite corner of the floor. He could see his family at the dining table as he crept along. Bruno was quite good at moving quietly. At going unnoticed. He'd become an expert in it over the last decade. He managed to hide from his whole family right under their noses for years. All except for one person.

Dolores was still awake. She was sitting at the table chatting and laughing with her parents, her tios, abuela. Mariano was sat beside her maligning her attentiveness.

"You knew this whole time?" Mariano whined. "But I tried so hard to make it a surprise."

"You'll have to try harder next time if you're going to outsmart me." Dolores teased wryly.

A sick feeling pooled in Bruno's stomach. Urgent and repulsive. It crept up his throat and made him wretch. Bruno covered his mouth. Sucking in a pained breath as the thought occurred to him. Dolores was awake. She'd been awake all night. She could have heard them. Heard him.

A couple of Mariano's brothers were sat by him at the table. Instruments slung over their chairs as they shoved their baby brother about. They must have come to play for Mariano's proposal serenade.

"I told you she'd hear us." The eldest brother laughed.

"But our schedule-" Mariano protested.

"Did you really think I wouldn't notice you were up to something?" Dolores challenged.

Mamá slapped Dolores on her arm. "If you knew he was proposing tonight you should have told Bruno to be home for dinner." She scolded.

Dolores's gaze flashed up to the catwalk across the courtyard. It was only for a second. A flicker too short for the rest of the family to notice. She knew Bruno was home. Of course she knew.

"Lo siento Abuela, I didn't want to spoil the surprise for everyone else." Dolores replied sweetly. "Besides, I'm sure Tío Bruno had a good reason for staying out late."

Mamá groaned and rolled her eyes. "Again." She maligned.

Since Bruno and Wilfredo had started their affair Bruno had been staying out late more often. He knew Mamá didn't like it. She didn't like him skipping dinners. She probably thought he was off with Jacqueline late at night. Plenty of other people did. Bruno couldn't even indulge that thought right now. Dolores was awake. She might have heard them. That thought made Bruno ill. He could feel his stomach trying to escape. He felt disgusting, filthy. He needed to pray.

"Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock on wood." Bruno whispered.

He knocked faintly along the banisters and chucked salt over his shoulder. Hurrying off to his tower. Quietly knocking and leaving a faint trail of salt behind him as he went. He needed to ward off the demons tonight. He needed to repent.

︵‿୨ - March 29 1951 - ୧‿︵

Bruno could barely pay attention at breakfast the next morning. It was a Thursday. Mamá went over people's tasks for the day. Any morning announcements. Mostly she talked about last night's proposal. People laughed and gushed. Bruno felt numb. He'd missed it. He missed it because...

Bruno hadn't slept last night. He couldn't. Thoughts of what happened had replayed in his mind all night. Trying to understand what he did. Juanita was worried about him. She and Carlos had nested themselves in his clothes today. Beatrice nestled in her favorite pocket. Bruno kept stroking Juanita in his lap while Mamá discussed the engagement party being thrown on Saturday. Bruno just kept waiting for breakfast to be over. He needed to talk to Dolores. He needed to apologize for last night. He hid in a shaded corner by the kitchen door as soon as the family broke from the table. Tugging anxiously on his ruana while he waited for Dolored to head inside.

"Dolores, Dolores!" Bruno hissed quietly.

Dolores came over and leaned in to talk to them. "Te pasa algo?" She asked him softly.

Bruno snatched his sobrina and hurriedly pulled her upstairs. Whisking her off towards his room. Bruno freed her wrist in the shadowy corridor that led to his door. His hands shaking as he paced back and forth. He knew he needed to say something. After what happened, he couldn't just ignore it. He had to say something. After what she heard...

"Tío Bruno-" Dolores tried to ask something Bruno cut Dolores off before she could get the words out. Whatever it was he had more important things to say. If only he could figure out what they were.

"A-about last night." Bruno whispered. He leaned in closer to Dolores. Speaking as quietly as possible and praying no one would walk by. "I, uhm, a-about, y-you were up last night, uhm, I, I th-thought, I thought you'd be in bed." It was an immense struggle to get the words out. His throat kept trying to close up on him. "I-if you h-heard a-a-anything-"

"Tío Bruno!" Dolores scolded softly. Barely above a squeak but with a tone that snapped Bruno out of his rambling.

Bruno stared back at Dolores. Taking in the look of concern on your face. "Estás bien?" She asked. "I heard you crying last night.

Bruno could feel the color drain from his face. All the heat poured from his body and pooled onto the floor. "I-uh," Carlos started lapping at Bruno's cheek. Combing Bruno's beard with his little rat teeth. Juanita crawled down Bruno's arm to his hands. She was getting old and slipped slightly. Her grip was weaker than it used to be. Bruno whipped upright and quickly caught Juanita before she could fall. He cradled her in his arms and gently stroked her soft underbelly.

"H-how much did you hear?" Bruno asked softly.

"Not much." Dolores replied calmly. Clasping her delicate hands together in front of her chest. "I was focused on Mariano's proposal last night..." She let out a dreamy sigh thinking about him. "You should have heard him. His song was so beautiful."

"Perdoname mija." Bruno apologized. Still stroking Juanita in his arms. Beatrice joined Carlos on Bruno's other shoulder. Nippling on their human companion and offering their affection. "I would have been home for it if I'd known. I was just worried after last night that you might have overheard, something, uhm..." He trailed off as the words died on his lips.

What was he even saying? Why bring it up? She already said she hadn't heard anything. Why put that thought in her head? Why-

"Sex?" Dolores asked bluntly.

Bruno nearly dropped Juanita in his panic. "Chitón!" He hushed louder than he should have. He slapped a hand over Dolores's mouth. Bruno looked around the corner for anyone who might be in earshot. His heart pounding in his chest. How could his sobrina say something like that so openly!?

Dolores sighed and removed Bruno's hand from her mouth. "Do you really think you're the only person I've overheard?" She asked.

Bruno stepped back at stared at Dolores. He could feel his eyes threatening to pop out of their sockets. She looked so innocent. So delicate and demure. She looked like a little glass doll. Like a child. She wasn't a child though... Not anymore. She was a woman now. For how long? When did it happen? Bruno wanted to go back.

Bruno had rambled absently to Mirabel about one of his more risqué stories when she barged into his hideaway. He wasn't ready to talk her. Bruno hadn't been prepared to talk to anyone. He'd spent so long alone he couldn't remember what was normal. If he ever really had a good grasp on normal, to begin with. He had replayed that conversation in his mind over and over again every night for days after coming home. He worried about what Mirabel thought of him. He regretted not giving her what she needed. Not being a better tío. He should have greeted her warmly, hugged her, told her everything was going to be ok... He should have been there. He never should have left...

Among everything, Bruno certainly shouldn't have shared his morbid fascinations with his sobrina. Bruno had always been drawn to forbidden romances. Camilo had noticed by now, after writing plays together for a while. Living alone in the walls, writing stories only for himself, Bruno had taken to pushing the boundaries in his stories. Pulling inspiration from the stories he saw in his dreams. He still never wrote stories about men loving men. He couldn't bring himself to imagine a love like that... It hurt too much to think about.

"Tío Bruno?" Dolores asked. Her voice snapping Bruno out of his rambling thoughts.

Bruno reflexively knocked along his doorframe. "Knock, knock, knock, knock, knock, knock on wood." He chirped. Throwing salt over his shoulder. Cradling Juanita in one hand as he did so and jostling Carlos and Beatrice about on his shoulders. "You uhm." Bruno cleared his throat. Looking back at Dolores. "You h-heard us?" Bruno squeaked.

"I've heard mis padres too." Dolores rolled her eyes. "And most of our neighbors at some point or another." She told him.

The thought of it made Bruno want to crawl out of his skin. His precious sobrina. Her poor innocence assaulted by every man and woman in town.

Dolores didn't look traumatized, however. She looked calm. So nonchalant. She looked back at Bruno and offered him a small smile. "It's a normal thing tío. People do it all the time. I learned how to tune it out a long time ago." Dolores reached out and took Bruno's empty hand. Holding it in her two delicate hands and pulling it close to her chest. "You don't have to apologize for being in love." Dolores told him. "Don't worry about me, I promise I wouldn't invade your privacy like that."

Bruno stared dumbfounded at his hand in Dolores's. Bruno took a deep breath before popping his lips a couple of times as he thought. His mind was reeling. It was then he remembered Dolores had asked him a question. A question Bruno had nearly forgotten amidst his panicking thoughts. "You uhm, you heard crying?" He asked Dolores.

Dolores's face fell. Her eyes hit the floor before her gaze met Bruno's face again. Dolores's brow knit with worry. "I promise I wasn't spying, I just, I heard crying I didn't recognize, then I heard you. I've never heard Wilfredo cry before so the sound caught my attention, and you... Are you two ok? Did something happen last night?"

Bruno shook his head. "No, no, don't worry about us." He insisted. He pulled his hand from Dolores's grasp to rest on her cheek. Bruno looked deep into her eyes. Leaning in close till their foreheads were inches apart. Deadly serious that she understand what he was about to say. "Whatever happens between the two of us is our responsibility, not yours. You need to be focusing on your wedding and being happy and living your own life."

Dolores looked back at Bruno almost confused. Dolores's lips twitched like she wasn't sure how to make sense of what Bruno was asking of her. "B-but my gift. I'm supposed to look out for people."

"You're supposed to look out for you." Bruno insisted. "It's your gift, no one else's." He told her. "You don't have to take on more responsibility than you can handle. No one ever should have expected that from you."

Dolores put a hand over Bruno's. Pressing her cheek into her palm and looking aside. "I... but... what if... what if something happens... si no estás bien..."

Bruno pulled Dolores's gaze back to his face. "I'm not going anywhere Lolo." Bruno offered her a soft smile. Dolores's eyes were so big and warm and full of love. Full of fear and worry. Worry Bruno put there. Fear he would never forgive himself for inflicting on her childhood. He almost choked on his words for a second but he needed to say them. It was important. In this moment it felt like the most important thing. "It means the world to me that you want to help, but I want you to be happy. Worry about your own life, let me deal with mine. Estaré bien, lo prometo." He told her. A bittersweet smile on his face. His eyes heavy.

Dolores pulled Bruno into a hug that startled him. Bruno was still getting used to regular affection from his family. The way Dolores held Bruno reminded him of his mother's hugs. The way Mamá held Bruno like she thought he would float away. Juanita scurried up Bruno's arm, freeing his other hand. Bruno wrapped his arms tight around his sobrina. Swallowing the pain that tried to bubble up. Bruno had scared that little girl so much. Dolores was so young, she was scared for her tío, she couldn't understand what was wrong. Bruno wished he could explain. He still struggled to find the words for what was wrong with him. For what had been broken in him for so long. Bruno never meant to hurt Dolores. He never meant for her to carry the weight of his struggles. He refused to let her carry his burdens anymore.

"Ey Tío Bruno!" Camilo's voice called out. Cutting off their brief moment of intimacy.

Bruno pulled away from Dolores to step out and look over the catwalk. Camilo was down in the courtyard with his bookbag slung over his shoulder. "Qué onda?" Bruno called back.

"Since the tablas are canceled this week for the engagement party, I was wondering if we could do one of my scripts next week. I've got some ideas I wanna practice with you after class if you're actually gonna be home for once."

Bruno winced. Camilo's passive aggression was somewhat warranted. It was honestly to Bruno's benefit that the tablas were canceled this week. He had barely worked on the script for this week and at least now Camilo wouldn't know Bruno had been slacking off on one of the few obligations he had.

"Lo siento." Dolores apologized. "You can go one week without being the center of attention." She teased. Knowing just how much Camilo loved to perform.

"You can go one week without being the center of attention." Camilo mimicked back. Shifting into his sister and speaking in a whiney falsetto.

Bruno rolled his eyes. "Qué va, you can come up with a better comeback than that." He sassed back. Leaning against the railing. "Pero sí." Bruno replied. "I'll be home today, we can go over your scripts if you want. Tonito can be our test audience." He offered. Not actually deciding to stay home today until the words left his mouth. He knew he needed to talk to Wilfredo. Bruno needed time. He needed to put his thoughts together. He needed to breathe.

The wide smile that spread across Camilo's face warmed Bruno's chest. This, surprisingly innocent and sweet joy. "Great! I'll bring Marco over."

Bruno felt a bit of the weight of the night before lift as he watched Camilo run off after Mirabel. Dolores patted Bruno on the shoulder and excused herself to go do her own job. They left Bruno alone on the catwalk. Looking down at the courtyard. He leaned over the railing and pet his rats. Talking to Dolores, while Bruno still felt guilty about the stress he put Dolores through, it did remind Bruno of something. As upsetting and confusing as last night was, no matter what happened with him and Wilfredo, Bruno would be ok. He still had a life, he had a family he loved who wanted him in their lives. He could still perform in the Saturday tablas and read to kids at the library long after Wilfredo left. Last night was rough, but it wasn't the end of the world. Things were going to be ok. He could handle this. He could keep going.

He still loved Wilfredo. Still wanted him in his life. Despite it all, even if this feeling of calm would last, for just a brief moment, Bruno knew he would be ok.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

Bruno spent the first half of his day in his room trying to work on writing scripts. It was still a struggle. Intrusive thoughts about the night before still kept nagging at him. He spiraled once or twice. Occasionally losing control of his lungs. Needing to perform prayers and rituals to cleanse the space around him just to begin to untangle the knot of questions he still had in his mind. Practicing sets with Camilo helped though. When Camilo got home he and Bruno set up the stage in the courtyard for Antonio and Camilo's friend Marco to watch. It was strange interacting with Marco. Bruno would see him often through the cracks in the wall but hadn't said a word to the boy in person since he was small. Probably too small to remember Bruno with any clarity. Marco kept making cheeky jokes about Camilo's many Tío Bruno rumors. Bruno didn't mind, however. He laughed them off. Occasionally flashing his eyes, wringing his hands, or laughing maniacly. Antonio thought it was a riot. Bruno's littlest sobrino was so unafraid of him that even the suggestion he might be scary seemed absurd. Granted Antonio's best friend was a jaguar and that would be difficult competition to beat. Parce made sure to remind Bruno of that with a well-timed roar that nearly made him shit himself.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

"What kind of a joke is that?" Marco challenged Camilo.

"It's a smart joke." Camilo defended.

"Mano if I don't get the joke there's no way los niños are gonna get it." Marcos reasoned.

Bruno had noticed the same thing Marco was picking up on. Some of Camilo's new jokes were oddly intellectual for him. It made Bruno think back on the comment Wilfredo made the day before. The observation that Camilo was trying to win over Ayla and struggling. Bruno knew Ayla was a brainy girl, she was a lot like Wilfredo in many ways. Clever and inquisitive. Bruno suspected these new jokes were for her. He was about to make some comment on the matter when a familiar laugh suddenly froze him in place.

There was Wilfredo. Chatting with Julieta as she came in to make lunch. Wilfredo was the last person Bruno expected to see walking through the front door, yet there he was. Laughing, smiling, eating? oddly enough. He was nibbling on one of Julieta's arepas while they talked.

Antonio had joined the argumentative bantering but Bruno couldn't hear the boys anymore. All the sound in the room was drowned out when Wilfredo turned to spot Bruno. Smiling warmly at him from across the courtyard.

Bruno knew he needed to talk to Wilfredo about last night, but he wasn't sure if he was ready yet. Bruno was honestly still exhausted. His brain was fried. He'd stayed up late last night, just holding Wilfredo, watching him sleep. He only went home because he knew he had to. He didn't want to, but he couldn't stay. He spiraled for hours alone in his room. Struggled to pull himself out of bed in the morning. He was trying to focus on something else for a bit. On his other loved ones. Trying to reorient himself. Bruno still didn't know what to make of last night. When he saw Wilfredo, all he could think about was that glassy-eyed stare, the tears, the strange distant way he spoke. None of it felt right. It wasn't right. Bruno was trying so hard to just focus on his sobrinos.

Bruno wished Wilfredo hadn't come.

Bruno wished Wilfredo had stayed home and rested.

It hurt to look at him.

Why was he smiling? Relaxed, laughing. Like nothing was wrong. He was eating which Bruno supposed was a good thing. Wilfredo was chattering pleasantries Bruno couldn't hear with Julieta. Bruno knew how stubborn Wilfredo was, knew he was frustrated by Julieta's fretting over him, much as he tried to pretend she didn't get on his nerves. Something just felt off. Wilfredo followed after Julieta. He carried on their conversation and did a convincing enough job of looking like he was paying attention, but he kept looking back at Bruno. Wilfredo's focus was never completely on the person he was talking to.

Bruno did all he could to take his eyes off the man and refocus on the boys. Marco had made some sort of joke at the expense of younger kids and Bruno tuned back in to catch Antonio puffing himself up to look more mature than he was.

"I'm grown up. More grown-up than you." Antonio protested.

Bruno lunged forward at snatched Antonio up. "Sí, sí, muy adulto." Bruno teased as he smothered Antonio in hugs and kisses. Making extra sure to embarrass him in front of Camilo and his friend. Antonio was still so small. He didn't need to be showing off or trying to grow up. He could just be a kid for a little longer. Bruno hoped he would get to be a kid longer than any of his hermanos or primos got to be.

"Alto! Alto! No más!" Antonio squealed.

Bruno ruffled Antonio's hair before releasing his squirming sobrino.

"Camilo can we play guess who later?" Antonio chirped once he tumbled free from Bruno's grip. "I wanted to invite my friends over to play with us after class."

"Cómo no. Sounds fun." Camilo shrugged. He leaned against the stage and smiled coyly. "Just be sure they're ready to lose. No one's beating the undefeated guess-who champion." He teased. Shifting into Mariano and laughing confidently. His borrowed voice deep and rich.

Antonio grinned and bounced back and forth on each foot. "Not anymore." He trilled. "I've got a plan." He insisted seriously.

Camilo pretended to be intimidated before Julieta interrupted them. "Lunch time!" She called out from the kitchen.

"Claro que sí!" Marco enthused as he jumped up to rush to the kitchen. "I love your tía's cooking."

"You and everyone else." Camilo mocked as he got up and shoved his friend. Fighting dirty as the two raced to get their plates.

Bruno started packing up the theater when a shadow cast over him. He looked up. Wilfredo was standing there, still smiling. Hands crossed in front of him. He rocked back on his heels a bit. "Perdóneme, I hate to interrupt your mealtime, but Julieta said I could borrow you for a bit." Wilfredo asked gently. "Would you mind if we went for a walk?"

Bruno's throat closed up as he stared up at Wilfredo. He didn't want to talk to him right now. Bruno wasn't sure if he was ready for that conversation, but it needed to happen. Better sooner than later he supposed.

"Oh, uhm, s-sí. We can talk." Bruno choked out with some effort.

"Ay Tío Bruno, you coming?" Camilo called back from the kitchen.

Bruno waved to the boys from his spot on the floor. "I'm actually going to head out for a little bit. I'll be back later, there's something I need to do. Don't worry about the stage I'll put everything up."

"Okey." Camilo called back.

Wilfredo rocked awkwardly on his heels while Bruno packed up the set. He stood off to the side at the edge of the courtyard and waited patiently for Bruno to put everything away in his room. Bruno paused when he came back down and saw Wilfredo waiting there. He pulled his ruana closed. He felt cold all of a sudden. Watching Wilfredo smile sweetly back at him. Wilfredo's eyes looked like smooth stone in the bright sun that flooded the courtyard. Washed out by the light. Something felt wrong. Bruno couldn't pinpoint it exactly. But something felt wrong.

Wilfredo nodded towards the door. "Shall we?"

Bruno nodded and followed obediently.

Last night. Wilfred wanted to talk about last night, surely? Bruno didn't mean to hurt his lover. Why was he so good at hurting people? That must be what it was. Bruno had tried and failed and he'd hurt someone he loved in the process. Was that why Wilfredo's smile felt wrong? Was it fake? Was he angry? He didn't seem angry. Bruno had seen Wilfredo angry.

Wilfredo startted whistling as they walked. Out the door, down the path, through the town. They weren't headed towards the library though... They were headed out of town. Towards the mountains. Towards the cabin?

"What did you need me for?" Bruno asked when finally they reached an empty street.

"Need?" Wilfredo parroted back in confusion. "Nothing, I just thought we could go for a walk." He told him.

"A walk?"

"Sí." He replied. "I like spending time with you." He had been walking ahead, a bit faster than his normal pace. He looked back at Bruno, a smile on his face but worry in his eyes. "Do you not want to spend time with me?"

Bruno stopped for a moment. Wilfredo's expression had Bruno baffled. "N-no, it's not that..."

Wilfredo smiled and kept walking. Turning away again, still walking too fast. Bruno had to nearly gallop to keep pace with Wilfredo. "Estás bien?"

"Mejor que nunca!" Wilfredo chimed before turning around. Walking backwards as he smiled sheepishly. "I mean, figuratively of course. I just, I'm just having a really nice day that's all."

"Wilfredo about last night-"

Wilfredo turned back around again. Twirling merrily. All the while his pace never slowed. "I don't think that's something we should be discussing right now." Wilfredo chastised. His voice was gentle but stern.

Bruno looked back as the houses thinned out behind them. Wilfredo was probably right. He could at least wait until they were out of town.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

Wilfredo kept rambling about nothing. His latest research, a new hobby, some psychology book he was waiting to arrive, some anecdote about Jacqueline and Robledo... Just absentminded thoughts. Bruno barely spoke and yet Wilfredo hardly seemed to notice. Or maybe he was trying to fill the silence. Bruno couldn't muster up the energy to chat. He was too worried, too confused.

Wilfredo wasn't usually so... fidgety.

When they finally made it a safe distance from town he brought out his cigars. Bruno finally caught up to Wilfredo as he was cutting the cap off with his pocket knife. They were coming up on an old river bank. A shallow ravine with steep walls and an old wooden bridge. No railing, just some planks thrown together. This was a route rarely anyone took. The only thing in this direction was the cabin. They'd be alone here.

"We need to talk." Bruno reminded him.

Wilfredo mumbled past his cigar as he brought the matches out to light it. "About what?" Still refusing to stop.

"Last night!" Bruno scolded.

What was wrong with him? Was this not painfully obvious?

Wilfredo kept walking. He took a puff once he got a good light. Held it a moment, tapping his fingers against his thigh. Finally, he released the smoke into the air and replied calmly.

"What about last night?"

What about last night? What about last night?!

"What do you mean, What about last night?!"

Wilfredo sighed and chuckled softly. He turned to face Bruno. Walking backwards onto the bridge. "You didn't hurt me. If that's what you're worried about. I do this sort of thing all the time." He smiled back at Bruno. "Can we just continue our walk? I had something I wanted to show you." He turned back around and just kept walking like everything was fine.

Bruno's blood crystalized in his veins. He almost couldn't breathe. The nonchalant way Wilfredo spoke...

When Bruno didn't reply Wilfredo turned to look back at him. The cigar returned to Wilfredo's lips as he watched Bruno curiously.

Bruno tried to will his body to move. To say something. Anything. He had nothing

Wilfredo sighed smoke at the ground when Bruno failed to respond. He finally stopped and came to stand in front of Bruno. Bruno looked down at his feet. The man towered over him like this. Shrunk in on himself, small. Wretched.

Wilfredo's hand found Bruno's chin. Tilting Bruno's head up to face him.

Wilfredo didn't look angry. He looked sad. Empty. "What do you think happened last night?" he asked. His eyes scanning Bruno's face.

Bruno couldn't help the tears that spilled over. The ice in his veins cracking. He started to feel again. "I-I don't know." He confessed.

Wilfredo brought his cigar to his lips again. Bruno stood there, limp in Wilfredo's hands, waiting for some reply.

After a moment that chocolate smoke carassed Bruno's face. Wilfredo leaned down close. Their lips inches apart as he looked Bruno in the eye. "I had a wonderful time last night. Muchas gracias Bruno." Before Bruno could process the gesture Wilfredo pressed their lips together. No, no, no, this was all wrong. No.

Bruno shoved Wilfredo away. "How dare you! Me asustaste hasta la muerte! You don't get to pretend like nothing happened!" He was sobbing now. Shaking. His blood was on fire.

Wilfredo stumbled back towards the bridge. He looked hurt and confused. He looked how Bruno felt.

Bruno stood his ground. He didn't let the wounded look on his lover's face deter him.

"I- Bruno, I told you, I liked it, I'm fine, I don't know what more you want from me." Wilfredo sounded like he was trying to laugh, trying to tease and play. He couldn't, his voice was too broken. Some frustrated plea trying to force its way past his usual banter.

Bruno took a breathe and relaxed his screaming muscles. More tears forcing their way past as he did so. "Por favor no me mientas."

"I'm not lying." Wilfredo let out a strangled broken chuckle. He pointed back over the bridge. Back to the cabin. "I really am alright. Come with me to the cabin. I'll prove it to you. It'll be just like before."

"I don't understand." Bruno's voice cracked. He looked back up at Wilfredo.

Wilfredo stood frozen. Horrified. He took another puff from his cigar, crossed his arms, and paced back and forth along the bridge. Some cocktail of fear and grief and anger all fighting for dominance on his face as he tried to think.

Bruno held himself for comfort as he watched Wilfredo. Waiting yet again for him to say something.

Finally, Wilfredo stopped to breathe smoke out his nose. "There are so many things about you I don't understand." He tried to justify. "I never ask you to explain yourself to me." His eyes were so desperate and pleading when he looked back at Bruno. "Why can't you just take me at my word?"

"Quiero creerte." Bruno choked. His face fell. He felt so small. Maybe Wilfredo was right. Maybe he was pushing too hard. He should trust him. Maybe...

"Dios mio..."

Bruno looked up. Wilfredo had brought a hand to his face. Some horrified look in his eyes as he took a shakey step back. "L-lo siento, por favor, lo siento-"

"Wil-" Bruno barely had time to react before Wilfredo slipped over the edge of the bridge and into the river bed.

There was a sickening crunch of splinters as Wilfredo grazed the side of the old boards with his foot. He barely made a sound, too startled to shout. Only a wobbly sort of gunt. The crash when he hit the bottom well made up for the lack of fanfare.

"Wilfredo!"

Bruno rushed to the edge. Without hesitation he lept down into the ravine, sliding along the wall to control his fall. Bruno was at home in these woods. He knew this place by heart. Wilfredo was clumsy on a good day. Too spoiled by paved streets and comfortable classrooms.

"Estoy bien." Wilfredo wheezed through grit teeth. He'd landed flat on his back, the wind clearly knocked out of him.

"Ven aquí mijo. Let me see." Bruno reached out to inspect him as Wilfredo pulled himself up off the dirt.

Wilfredo waved Bruno's hands away. "Estoy bien!" He insisted. Shuffling about for a moment to find his cigar. Still lit, though he was stuck irritably picking away at the dirt and dead leaves.

Ignoring his earlier protest Bruno began brushing the dirt from Wilfredo's hair, inspecting the back of his head. There was a lump beginning to form already. He began gently probing along his body with his thumbs. He wondered if there were any other bruises. "Juro eres tan temerario como tu hermana." Bruno grumbled under his breath.

"You take that back!" Wilfredo protested as he whipped around to face Bruno.

"Estoy equivocado?" Bruno replied flatly. Bruno wasn't phased at this point by Wilfredo's more childish outbursts.

Wilfredo paused a moment before fixing his hair. "Soy un caballero responsable, respetable." He protested playfully. He was starting to sound like himself again. At least there was that.

"You let people hurt you and you call it a game." Bruno accused. His words were blunt. Honest. He wouldn't try to skirt around the facts.

"It's really not as strange as you think. There's plenty of other people like me." Wilfredo explained. He took a puff from his cigar only to spit out the dirt. He brought his free hand to wipe dirt from his lips, except his hands were dirty too... Finally, he settled for the inside of his cardigan.

"I don't care what other people do." Bruno protested. "I care about you. This can't be safe."

Wilfredo coughed awkwardly for a second, belching out clouds of smoke. Bruno reached out a hand to pat his back. Wilfredo tried to wave him away again, only for Bruno to grab his hand and glare back at him. Wilfredo blushed when he met the stubborn determination on Bruno's face.

Wilfredo looked back down at the cigar in his hand. "N-no one I've ever been with has ever reacted like this before. Nobody ever cared this much."

"Te amo estúpido!" Bruno snapped. He clung to Wilfredo's hand like a lifeline. "You didn't see yourself. It was scary. Miedo por ti."

Wilfredo tried to take another puff from his cigar. Staring down shame faced at the ground.

Bruno looked down at Wilfredo's and in his, caressed Wilfredo's knuckles with his thumb. Wilfredo's hands were bigger, heavier, but they were soft, with plump pink fingertips. "I'm worried about you. I'm worried about what happens to you when you leave El Encanto. The life you're going back to..."

"It's really not as bad as you think." Wilfredo insisted. "I know what I'm doing, what I can take."

"Oh, de verdad?" Bruno snarked. Though the memory of the marks on Wilfredo's skin killed what playful spirit Bruno had mustered. "How far would I have had to go before you stopped me?" He asked sincerely. His voice heavy.

"Does it matter? We're never doing it again. Sacatelo de tu mente amor." Wilfredo replied. Dodging the question.

"Is that how you got those scars?" Bruno challenged.

"Scars?" Wilfredo furrowed his brow as though he were trying to remember what they were talking about.

Bruno raised an eyebrow at him. At Wilfredo's dumbfounded expression. Perhaps that head injury was costing him brain cells?

"Oh, oh, claro, those scars." Wilfredo replied awkwardly. He pulled one knee up to his chest to rest his arm on and took another puff. Humming thoughtfully as he swirled the smoke around in his mouth. "Those uh, those were from mi padre." He confessed.

"Tu qué?!"

"Vaya, most of them anyway. I think." He rubbed his chin for a moment like he was trying to recall something. "I'm pretty sure most of those are just him. I don't really keep track."

That was... There was so much to unpack in that statement. Bruno's been spanked as a kid for sure. He'd been hit with a switch before. What kid hadn't? But scars? Actual permentant scars?!

"What kind of-"

Wilfredo cut him off. Bruno wasn't asking the question in earnest so much as thinking aloud but Wilfredo cut him off anyway. "Por favor, don't make me talk about him right now." He pleaded. He looked so tired and defeated. Covered in dirt, wounded body, wounded pride. "Can we just, one thing at a time, por favor?"

Bruno let out an exhausted sigh. At this point, he felt as tired as Wilfredo looked. The request was a fair one. Wilfredo had a hard enough time talking about himself as is. Bruno could let this revelation wait for now.

"I just-" Bruno tried to focus back on the topic at hand. "I don't understand why you would do this to yourself."

That really was it wasn't it? That was the part that really bothered him. A part of him could understand the excitement. That desire to be consumed by another person. He understood that, but this? Whatever fantasies his mind may have conjured, alone and sad and hating himself, none of them compared to the image of someone he loved being abused by strange men. Men who cared so little Wilfredo could lose his mind entirely and no one would notice. That aimless stare. Asking to be hurt. The way he spoke like he was somewhere far away. Like he was someone else entirely.

"Because it feels good." Wilfredo snatched his hand away, waving it about in exasperation. "Because, I don't know how else to describe it." He slumped back against the wall of the empty riverbed. His brows furrowed as he tried to find the words. "Because, for a moment, I forget myself." He closed his eyes, some bittersweet longing on his face. "Because it feels so good, to just forget myself. To feel and not think. Sólo para existir."

Bruno brought his knees to his chest. Curled in on himself to think. Maybe he could understand. Maybe. Bruno could never escape his own mind. There were so many days he desperately wished he could. Maybe. Strange as it sounded to him. He could understand.

Wilfredo turned his head to look at Bruno. A look of sheer adoration in those silver eyes. "You made me feel amazing." He breathed.

Bruno stared at Wilfredo. Uncertain how to feel.

"Por favor, te lo ruego, don't regret that, por favor." Wilfredo begged softly

Bruno slumped sideways. Resting his head on Wilfredo's shoulder. Wilfredo kissed the top of Bruno's head and wrapped his arm around him.

"I never want to do that again." Bruno told him.

"I wasn't asking you to." Wilfredo reassured.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

For hours they just stayed like that. Curled up in the dirt. Soothed by the sounds of the forest and the sun dapple that danced across the riverbed. Bruno realized Wilfredo was starting to doze off. That wasn't safe. He needed his wounds tended to. Bruno shook Wilfredo gently. Wilfredo looked up at Bruno bleary-eyed.

It was easy enough for Bruno to climb out of the river. He used to play in it with Pepa when they were young. He was no stranger to the rough terrain of the forest. Getting Wilfredo out was another story. He struggled to get a firm footing on the crumbling soil and needed Bruno's help to find solid footholds. Even then Bruno still found himself taking his much larger companion by his shoulder and struggling to help Wilfredo pull himself up over the ledge.

It was in moments like these Bruno wished he was stronger. Wished he was bigger and stronger. More of a man than he was. His father was big and strong. Bruno wasn't much like his father. He always managed to fall short of the man whose presence loomed large over the town long after his death. It was disappointing, but in moments like these, loving someone. Bruno wished he was a hero. Wished he had what it took to be a protector.

Wilfredo was so much more vulnerable than he liked to let on. Then he liked to believe. Bruno wanted to keep him safe, but he could only do so much.

Once Wilfredo made it out of the riverbed it took him a moment to catch his breath. Bruno debated bringing him home. Seeing the dizzy way Wilfredo swayed once he was on his feet Bruno realized he needed to sit down.

"Cuidado!" Bruno warned when it looked like Wilfredo might stumble back into the river again. Pulling him away from the ledge by his sweater vest.

Wilfredo gave a half-drunk-sounding little laugh before mumbling some attempted dismissal. Bruno was barely listening. The cabin would probably be best. It was the closest thing around. Wilfredo could wait there until Bruno got back with some of Juileta's food. Wilfredo thankfully didn't protest the idea though he whined that he didn't need help when Bruno insisted on supporting him for the rest of their walk. Bruno chastised Wilfredo playfully and made him laugh. The walk was pleasant enough. Wilfredo distractedly rambling about some conversation he had with Agustin a week ago over politics. Idle chatter. Reassuring enough.

︵‿୨ -❇- ୧‿︵

Once they made it to the cabin Bruno sat Wilfredo down at the table and stressed the importance that he stay awake. He could very well have a concussion and sleeping now would be dangerous. Wilfredo nodded obediently and Bruno darted off towards the house. It was a long walk but he was in a rush and he was at the very least, quick on his feet. Casita rattled curiously at him when he bolted into the kitchen to swipe and arepa before immediately bolting off again.

"Lo siento, no time, explain later!" Bruno reassured his voiceless family member.

Bruno probably would tell them later. He had enough of a habit of talking to Casita. Living in their walls for years they were one of the few family members he could still talk to. He realized they hadn't spoken much as of late, despite all the things that were changing in Bruno's life.

His life was changing, wasn't it? In ways that would usually feel so, monumentous. When his sisters were in love the whole house was a glow. There was a warmth in their home as they all shared in their joy. Mariano may not have been the brightest boy, bless his soul, but he was sweet and kind and he and Dolores filled every room they entered with that warmth. Bruno had always loved celebrating the joy of his kin. A strange sadness tugged at Bruno as he approached the cabin again. His joy wasn't something he could share. He would never light up a room the way they did. Wilfredo was liked. He was charming and friendly. Most people liked him. He would never be loved by them. He would never be a Madrigal.

Bruno hadn't given it much thought before, but it made him sad. He should talk to Casita later. Maybe Isabela and Dolores too. Not about the pain and the struggles. They didn't need to worry about that. Dolores had encouraged him before. Bruno wanted someone to share his joy with.

"Wilfredo?" Bruno called out when he creaked ope the cabin door. Wilfredo was no longer at the table where Bruno had left him.

Bruno crept over to the only other room in the cabin. Sure enough, there Wilfredo was, asleep on the bed. Lying on his back, hands crossed over his chest. His glasses were still on, suggesting he hadn't meant to fall asleep. Bruno tried not to panic. He knocked along the doorframe and threw salt before stealing his nerves and approaching slowly.

"Mi amor?" Bruno spoke softly. Shaking Wilfredo's shoulder.

Wilfredo startled awake with an ungraceful snort that defused the tension in Bruno's chest.

"L-lo siento." Wilfredo grunted out groggily.

"I told you to stay awake." Bruno sighed.

Wilfredo pulled his head and shoulder up off the bed. Turning slightly to prop himself up on his elbow. "My back hurt, I just wanted to stretch it out." He explained nonchalantly.

"Es plausible." Bruno rolled his eyes.

"Es verdad!" Wilfredo protested.

"You and your naps." Bruno teased as he pulled a piece off the arepa he'd collected. "What am I going to do with you?"

"I don't know about me, but I know what I want to do with you." Wilfredo purred playfully.

Before Bruno could reply a hand had already pulled their faces together. Wilfredo's kiss was gentle. His grip on Bruno's chin felt much weaker than usual. Bruno pushed Wilfredo back.

"Basta ya!" Bruno held out the piece of arepa in front of Wilfredo. "Come." He demanded.

Wilfredo sighed and opened his mouth. Bruno sat the cornbread on Wilfredo's tongue and watched him close his mouth and chew.

"Sé bueno." Bruno praised. Petting his lover's hair and feeling the lump on the back of Wilfredo's head subside.

Wilfredo melted under his touch. A pleased grin on his sleepy face. Bruno reached down to kiss his forehead. A gentle chaste little kiss. A token of affection for his stubborn, hard-headed, companion.

"AY!"

Bruno squealed as strong arms wrapped around him and yanked him down into the bed. Wilfredo rolled over on top of Bruno. Pinning him down and smothering him in a full-body hug. Planting playful smooches all over his cheeks.

"Suéltame bruto!" Bruno laughed as Wilfredo tickled his neck with his breath.

"Hacereme!" Wilfredo challenged.

Unable to overpower him Bruno did what one does when you're small. He cheated. Digging his fingers into Wilfredo's ribs just under his arms and worming his way along his sides.

Wilfredo let loose a shrill, high-pitched, squeal of a laugh like nothing Bruno had heard from him. The fit of giggles forced Wilfredo to flop over onto his back. Hugging his vulnerable ribs for protection. "Injusto!" he wailed between fits of laughter.

"I didn't know you were ticklish." Bruno teased. "Conjetura afortunada." he mused as he rolled onto his side to watch his lover's face.

"Well don't tell anyone!" Wilfredo pleaded through his dying laughter. "I have a reputation to maintain!"

"Oh, I'm telling everyone!" Bruno threatened.

"Sinvergüenza!" Wilfredo accused.

"I'm going to tell the whole world how cute you are." Bruno promised lovingly. He placed a hand on Wilfredo's cheek and kissed his forehead again.

Wilfredo took this chance to steal Bruno's lips again. This time Wilfredo held Bruno's face in his hands and refused to let go. Bruno wrapped an arm around Wilfredo's waist and pulled himself into his lover's chest. Pressing deeper into that kiss. Holding him close. Bruno loved this man so much it hurt. His life was not a loveless one. He had his family. He loved each and every one of them more than life itself. For all his mistakes, for all the suffering he'd endured in his life, nothing ever compared to the pain of being separated from them for so long. Bruno never knew he could love an outsider the way he loved Wilfredo. He would miss Wilfredo when he left. Unlike his family, he wouldn't be able to watch over him, to protect him.

He knew that loss would ache like a severed limb.

That didn't matter. Bruno knew that love was something you gave. Love. Real love, was unselfish. It was self-sacrificing and kind. More than anything, he knew that love was something Wilfredo needed. Bruno could live the rest of his life with that aching hole in his soul if it meant this man knew, that at least once, he was loved. Truly, unconditionally, and wholeheartedly. Bruno would carry that pain like a badge of honor all the way to his grave.

"I should probably go home." Bruno confessed sadly when finally they parted for air. "I've been out of the house a lot lately, I wanna make more time for mi familia."

Wilfredo whined bitterly. "I still haven't thanked you properly." He bemoaned. Kissing Bruno's cheek, his jaw, his neck. Working his way down Bruno's collarbone, burying his supple lips in Bruno's chest. As far down as the buttons of Bruno's shirt would allow him.

Bruno loved Wilfredo's soft lips. The soft little pop of Wilfredo's kisses along his breasts. He gripped tight to Wilfredo's shirt as he savored the touch. He should leave soon. Otherwise, he'd be hiding his indecency all night. That was one awkward dinner he wouldn't look forward to. He wanted to be sure he made it home for dinner tonight. Still...

"You have nothing to thank me for." Bruno protested.

"I disagree amor." Wilfredo protested as he began unbuttoning Bruno's shirt.

Bruno brought a hand down to Wilfredo's. He considered protesting for a moment. He couldn't bring himself to. Too soft, too weak as he gazed adoringly into those lovely grey slates. Like the smooth stones in a creek bed. Wilfredo kissed Bruno again as he continued working his way through the buttons. His fingers grazing along Bruno's skin and making him shiver.

ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ

Wilfredo pulled back to stare into Bruno's eyes before gently rolling him over. Bruno went limp under Wilfredo's touch. Let his arms hang about his head as Wilfredo loomed over him. He smoothed his hands along Bruno's exposed body before leaving another trail of kisses. Making Bruno moan softly as Wilfredo suckled his nipples before working his way down the flat of his stomach. Bruno's muscles tensed under every touch. Even the faintest graze of his skin made him shudder.

Bruno didn't often feel beautiful. He didn't feel desirable or lovable. The way Wilfredo touched him... The way he worshiped his body so sweetly. Bruno never felt beautiful before.

When Wilfredo finally reached his belt Bruno peered down to watch him. Watch Wilfredo lay between his legs and free him. Kiss lovingly along the length of Bruno's now aching sex. Bruno could watch his own cock twitch in Wilfredo's gentle hands.

Bruno was already so tender. Normally that raw need would leave him rabid. Instead, all he wanted to do was just watch in complete adoration. No compulsion to rush. He wanted to savor their time together.

Wilfredo's mouth around his cock always felt so good. All these little sensations competing for his attention. Absent Bruno's usual frenzie he could take his time. Let Wilfredo express his craft. He was a bit surprised when it stopped. Wilfredo sat up to take his glasses off and set them on the side table. He pulled Bruno's pants off before burying his face at the base of his shaft. Sucking his balls before moving further down. The feel of Wilfredo's tongue lapping at his entrance was new. It made Bruno gasp as he adjusted. So much softer than hands. Bruno moaned and let his head roll back into the pillows as Wilfredo's tongue entered him. Caressing his insides. So gentle and tender. He could feel his body flexing around the new appendage.

Wilfredo held Bruno by his waist. Bruno wrapped his legs around Wilfredo's head. Stroking his back with the balls of his feet as he pressed into the touch. It made his cock ache and throb. Bruno didn't care. Even as that lustful fog set in he didn't care. Shallow breaths drove him lightheaded and dizzy and yet he could savor this feeling for hours.

"Te amo tano." Bruno breathed.

Wilfredo hummed sweetly into Bruno and sent a shiver through his body.

Moments passed like this. This quiet little bliss. Eventually, Wilfredo pulled away to look back up at him. Bruno reached a hand down to stroke Wilfredo's folded feather down.

"Eres demasiado bueno para mí." Wilfredo purred.

"Alguien tenía que ser." Bruno teased softly

Wilfredo pulled himself up. Dragging Bruno's legs with him. He sat upright with Bruno's ankles around his neck. Bruno's body resting in his lap. Bruno could feel Wilfredo pressed up against his sensitive rear. Bruno bit down on his lip and Wilfredo grinned mischievously. He kissed along Bruno's inner thigh before looking back at him. Eyes glinting in the evening sun.

"Me deseas?" Wilfredo asked.

Bruno blushed and grinned back at him. "Eres inteligente, me dices." He teased.

Wilfredo just about folded Bruno in half as he leaned down to kiss him again. Bruno was flexible for a man his age, despite his tense shoulders. He wondered how many ways they could take advantage of that. Not now. Now he didn't care what they did, just that they were together like this. Some curious part of him still wondered though.

Wilfredo unbuckled his belt, licked his palm, and stroked his cock. Leaning back a moment, eyes closed with that peaceful expression Bruno once saw in a vision. Letting out a relieved breath like some tension had been released. His lips faintly parted. He had such a beautiful face.

Bruno wrapped his legs around Wilfredo's hips and he smirked at Bruno before lining himself up.

"Impaciente?" Wilfredo mused.

"No, simplemente disfrutando de la vista." Bruno replied.

Wilfredo paused for a moment, a little stunned by Bruno's reply.

Bruno smiled sweetly at him. "Eres tan hermoso."

Wilfredo gripped Bruno's hips and shook his head with a shy grin. A faint blush crept all the way to his ears. "Gusto horrible que tienes." He mocked.

Bruno opened his mouth to protest only to gasp at the stretch. Wilfredo entered him slowly. Easing in bit by bit. He was much bigger than any substitute Bruno had used. Years of wondering and fantasizing about another man's body never really prepared him for the real thing.

So full and warm. The pressure against the best parts of him. Making him salivate. His cock dripping onto his stomach.

"Te sientes tan bien." Bruno breathed.

"Tú también." Wilfredo groaned as he startted to slowly rock his hips.

Little gentle humps that lulled Bruno is a pleasant trance. Each stroke of his insides building the pressure in his loins. He gripped at the pillows and closed his eyes. Just letting himself feel. No rush. No goal. Just bliss. Just the two of them. The faint sounds Wilfredo made were so soothing. He was so quiet. Bruno didn't mind that anymore. He could learn to appreciate the subtleties. He tried to focus on that sound, to pick out every small distinction and he started to grow foggy and lightheaded.

Wilfredo startted to pick up some speed. Nowhere near the mad frenzy of their first time, but enough to make Bruno moan with pleasure. He reached his arms up blindingly till his lover leaned forward enough to give him something to hold. Bruno's drunken limbs finding soft feather down and the scratch of Wilfredo's sweater vest. Wilfredo kissed Bruno's neck. Wrapping his arms around him, hugging him close and drinking the heat from his veins. Fucking him tender and sweet. Coiled together like real proper lovers.

Bruno would give this man the world if he could. He'd give him the sun and the moon and the stars. He'd give him a beautiful wedding and perfect little niños. He'd give him a home and a family. A place to belong.

Wilfredo pulled back ever so slightly to wrap a hand around Bruno's dick. All it took were a few gentle strokes to make Bruno's whole body quiver and release. Bruno bit down on his lip, gripping tight to the man who meant the world to him while he writhed in his hazy pleasure. Wilfredo waited patiently while Bruno came, stroking him gently til he finished.

"Tu acabaste primer." Wilfredo mused. A teasing hint of surprise in his voice.

Bruno opened his eyes to take in that prideful little smile of Wilfredo's. "It's not a contest." He chided.

"You're just mad you lost." Wilfredo teased before leaning in to kiss Bruno's lips.

Bruno pushed into Wilfredo's mouth. He didn't care where it had been. Knowing all the memories it held only made him want to taste him more. Memories of his body. He tasted of love and tobacco.

"Do you mind if I..." Wilfredo pulled away to ask.

"Lléname." Bruno breathed against his ear. "Quiero sentirte."

Wilfredo kissed him again only for Bruno to gasp as Wilfredo thrust into him again. His senses all heightened from his climax, forcing desperate, breathy, moans with every movement.

Wilfredo propped himself up on his hands to get a better purchase. Head down, eyes closed as he focused on the task at hand. Bruno loved watching him. Watching the way his brows knit together. Staring at beautiful long blond lashes and teeth gripping his plump lips.

All Bruno could do was lay limp and gasp as Wilfredo filled him. To pleasure drunk to do anything but revel in the feeling. That delicious fullness.

Wilfredo gasped and shuddered before his body relaxed. He stayed like that long enough to catch his breath before pulling out. Bruno whimpered slightly as he did so, still tender. He could feel his lover's affection leaking down his heated flesh and shivered at the thought.

Wilfredo flopped over onto his side next to Bruno. Bruno turned his head to drink in Wilfredo's peaceful expression. Wilfredo reached over to take Bruno's hand. Bringing it up to his lips to kiss his knuckles. For a while, they just laid together like that. Bruno held Wilfredo's hand and watched him doze off. For a moment everything else went away. All he knew was this moment.

ᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷᘛ⁐̤ᕐᐷ

At some point, the fading sunlight hit Bruno's eyes through the window and he remembered that time existed. The sun had almost set. If he didn't hurry he'd be missing dinner again.

"Mierda!" Bruno shot up in bed and startted clambering for his pants. He was of course still covered in cum but he didn't have time to get clean. He'd change when he got to the house.

Wilfredo propped himself up and reached around for his glasses as his groggy eyes tried to focus in the soft twilight. "Is something wrong?" He asked.

"I need to get home." Bruno winced as he pulled up his pants. "I'll miss dinner if I don't leave now." He apologized.

Wilfredo sat up in bed and rubbed the sleep out of his eyes. "I'm sorry for taking up so much of your time." His tone was completely natural. Not guilty or sad just staking a fact.

Bruno couldn't accept it.

Bruno rushed to grab Wilfredo's face and give him one last kiss. Deep and passionate. Overwhelming his drowsy partner with the love that spilled out between their lips. He looked deep into Wilfredo's wide bewildered eyes when he spoke. "No deberías. You're a part of my life now. Nunca se disculpe por eso."