Work Text:
It was quiet, it was oddly soothing to Bruno today it would help steady his nerves. He decided that today would be the day he told his Mamá. It wasn’t just for his sake anymore it was for the rest of his family, they should be able to be comfortable to be who they are. Still it didn’t make it easier, years of his elders telling him it’s wrong does that. But he refused to back down which is why he found himself outside his Mamá’s door. He held his breath for a second before tapping the door frame. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. He released his breath as he met the gaze of the carving on the door. He could do this. He gave the door a soft knock as he waited for his mother to open the door.
“Yes?” He watched his mom open the door and he felt his nerves tense but he pushed on, he could do this.
“Mamá we need to talk…” He started, there was a light in her eyes that flickered awake as she bit back a smile as she tried to remain calm.
“Of course Bruno, let’s discuss this over some coffee.” She stated which let him breathe a little she seemed in a good mood which meant she would hopefully be more accepting, at least he hoped she would be.
The mother and son duo descended the stairs as Bruno watched his Mamá’s step seem lighter as she descended the stairs until she entered the dining room. She sat while he prepared their coffee.
“So Mamá I’ve been needing to tell you-“ He started before being interrupted by his Mamá’s excited but steady reply.
“You have found a girlfriend, I was worried for the longest time you’d never at least settle.” Bruno felt his skin flush.
“Mamá…” He whispered hoping she’d get the clue.
“You must bring her over to meet everyone-“
“Mamá.” He addressed trying to make his voice firmer, his nerves starting to get the better.
“We should be-“
“Mamá listen!” He slammed the coffee pot down as he apologised to Casita, giving his home an affectionate pat alongside his apology. He took a deep breath as he poured out their coffee before setting their cups down. One. Two. Three He let his breath go as he sat down instinctively tapping the table three times.
“I’m queer, Mamá.”
The air froze for a moment as he waited for her to process what he said. He decided that when he came out he wouldn’t give too much details as to gauge her reaction, he also knew unlike his niblings she wasn’t all that knowledgeable on the LGBTQ community, so baby steps.
“Bruno, you best not be pulling my leg.” She stated as he met her gaze.
“No, I am not… Mamá I-“ He started until he heard her praying. He stiffened as he looked down at her.
“Leave me Bruno … Just leave me…” She whispered as he looked in disbelief. He wordlessly got up leaving his coffee untouched at the table .
Bruno had avoided his Mamá for a while after that. It was easy once the rest of the family returned. He helped Mirabel change her room again, helped Antonio with his homework and finally helped Luisa relax a bit. It didn’t take long for dinner to arrive which he knew would be an awkward affair.
He watched the others flood in chatting away, dissipating some of the tension. Bruno gave each a smile as he gratefully ate his food avoiding his mother’s gaze. It didn’t take long for Isabela to notice glancing between the two. He shook his head as he heard a soft curse from Camilo who was now glancing between the pair as they ate. He held back a chuckle as he softly tapped the wood of the table. He gave the pair a smile so as to not worry them which was nervously accepted as they continued to eat. The meal didn’t seem to last long as he hoped as everyone soon left, leaving him and his Mamá alone.
“I’ll leave…” He stated as he was about to stand as his Mamá finally looked at his face.
“No stay.” She insisted as the Casita pulled his chair back under the table. He looked at her as he felt his breath hitch. He felt his mind begin to count as he tapped the wood of his chair. “Bruno… I want to apologise for earlier.” She started which brought him out of his internal mantra. “I know that telling me must’ve been hard, especially after everything that happened…” Bruno felt her hold his hand as she gave him a faint smile. “I already lost your father and I don’t want to lose you again… So even if I don’t understand, I'll try to for you and the rest of the familia.” She promised , her grip on his hands tightening. Bruno felt his tears well up, as he looked at his Mamá who cupped his cheek. She kissed his temple as she pulled him into a hug.
“I know I am bad at showing it Bruno, but I love you forever and always…”