Chapter Text
Bruno found himself at the bend of the river that flowed through his hometown. It had been years since he ventured here. It felt calming in a way and conclusive. He smiled as he picked up a stone and skimmed it across the water. The stone skipped across. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. He watched the rock sink to the bottom as he went back to grab another to skip.
“Watch where you’re throwing those!” He dropped the stone that was in his grasp as he turned back to face the source of the voice. He stiffened as he looked down at the water where he spotted the head of a man around his own age. There was an air of familiarity which he hadn’t felt in years, wracking his mind he tried to remember where. He backed away slowly as he tried to remember why the man looked familiar. It was likely the thick but short beard that was throwing him off.. He hadn’t noticed the shadow that began to loom over him. He felt himself being dragged from his thoughts as he felt a surprisingly dry hand on his head. “Are you ok?” He looked up at the man in front of him and it clicked.
He was thrust back 24 years ago, he remembered that day it was just after Pepa’s wedding, the sky had cleared but there were still traces from the downpour. He’d left home for a bit so as to not disturb his sister and new brother in law more than he had the day prior. He usually avoided rivers after such a storm but he needed some peace. The river was higher than usual as he skipped stones along it. It seemed normal until he noticed what seemed like a tail. He tried to brush it off as just his visions but when it returned he stepped back scanning the area.
“Hello there stranger!” He looked around only to find a stranger on the banks opposite him.
“How’d you get here?” He asked, getting a chuckle from them. He eyed the man he was his age, hair coiled tight, coloured the same as honey and his eyes were a bright green. He felt his cheeks flush to life as his eyes traced his features, his skin was kissed by the sun giving him the same complexion as rosewood wood, he was also flickered with freckles as well which he tried to not let his eyes trail after.
“Are you ok?” He shook his head as he stood tall meeting his gaze.
“Yes, but I want to know how you got here!” He asked, trying to at least give the air of being threatening if provoked despite only being hundred pounds soaked wet.
“I travelled here because I wanted to be free.” The stranger simply stated giving Bruno a shrug and gave him a smile. To Bruno it seemed likely considering the town’s history, but the lack of belongings on the stranger made him wary but still he wasn’t armed and he seemed to be alone.
“Sure, may I have a name?” He asked as the man put on his flat cap.
“Matteo.”
Bruno felt himself being dragged back into the present as he looked up at the man as he gave him a smile.
“Matteo?” The grizzled man smiled as he cupped his cheek.
“Bruno, Bruno!” Matteo grinned as he scooped the other man into his arms, spinning him around. The pair laughed as Bruno returned the hug. Bruno felt his feet hit the ground as he laughed softened to a chuckle.
“It’s been a long time hasn’t it?” Bruno asked as he led the other away from the river bank, he sat down on a fallen tree encouraging the other to do the same.
“I know, I’m sorry for losing touch again.” The other apologised, not quite meeting his gaze. He nodded as he looked up at the sky.
“It’s okay, we’re remote and you were busy…”
Bruno was twenty eight as he waited by the river bank again, little Dolores was just born and Isabela was toddling around. He was single but his Mamá was in his ear asking when he’d marry. He was waiting for Matteo to return, the man said he had to travel back home to sort out his brother’s marriage as their mother had arranged the date but none of the finalities. Bruno sat under the midday sun humming a tune tapping the wood occasionally throwing salt over his shoulder.
“Bruno. Sorry about the delay!” A familiar voice called, he turned around and found himself in the other man’s arms as he chuckled.
“How was their wedding?” He asked, more curious about the other’s adventures back home than the formalities of the wedding.
“Shambles as far as I was concerned, it was arranged and the pair hated each other from what I can tell. My brother seemed more displeased than her. It was sad, honestly it’s part of the reason I don’t go back.” Matteo stated as he looked up at the sun. Bruno noticed the eye bags he wore far lighter than his own but it worried him.
“You should take care of yourself Matteo…” He mumbled, soft enough for him not to hear as he described the wedding.
Matteo nodded as his hair covered his eyes.
“I know, but it’s not an excuse… I left nearly eleven years ago now…” He mumbled, his golden curls wisped with grey much like his own black hair was. He smiled and nodded as he tapped the wood.
“You had your reasons. I don’t blame you, I would have done the exact same thing.” He replied as he watched the other relax. Matteo carried a lot of guilt like himself and it hurt him to see the other so saddened by it, it must be how he felt when he saw him at his worst, Bruno thought as he held the other’s hand.
“Still I wish I could have stayed, or at least brought you with me…”
It was storming when he had to leave again for the fourth time since he knew him. He was thirty nine at this point, little Mirabel’s door ceremony was coming up in a year which had everyone happily chittering away. Still his nerves were fried from stress as he became drenched to the bone.
“Matteo!” He scanned the wave ridden water for the man as he tried to shelter his mouse companion from the worst of the downpour. He spotted an all too familiar tail amongst the waves, he let his gift activate slightly letting his eyes glow to show the other he’d arrived.
“Bruno, you should have stayed home!” The other beckoned as he swam to the banks.
“I had to see you off didn’t I?” He replied a bit more smugly than he was used to. The other smiled his cheeks like his own, flushed alive by emotions.
“True, I shouldn’t be too long, my brother should be back on his feet soon.” Matteo told him, moving closer to take the brunt of the rain .
“I know, just come back…”
Their relationship had flourished over the years but they never labelled what they had, it wasn’t your normal friendship but Bruno couldn’t describe it. Still each time he saw the other go it hurt.
“You know I always come back, Bruno.”
“I know, I know. Just stay safe.” He mumbled as he gave the other a small bag of sand. Matteo smiled at the other as the other placed their cap on his head. He felt a soft kiss to his lips before the other man raced off into the river.
“Ciao Bruno!”
“Matteo!” He called, his skin darkened by a red blush.
“Silenzio Bruno! We’ll talk when I come back!” The sea monster called as he swam downstream leaving a flustered Bruno.
“How was he, your nephew?” He asked as he felt the other’s head against his shoulder.
“He’s grown up… I’m sad I missed it. When I left I got stuck in Spain for a few years… I couldn’t contact anyone… When I finally reached him he barely recognised me.” He stated as Bruno let his head rest against his. He couldn’t imagine what it was like for Matteo those few years at least when he ‘ran away’ he could still ensure everyone was safe. “What’s funny is he never forgot his father’s exaggerated stories of you being a subconscious voice he believed you to be. When he’s in doubt he yells ‘Silenzio Bruno’.” He chuckled out but there was a hint of sadness in his voice. Bruno nodded as he let the other lead the conversation, his free hand softly tapping the wood.
It didn't take long for the conversation to drift back to Bruno’s life and he had to awkwardly explain the mishaps of the last eleven years, but also his many recent moments of joy as well. From little Antonio’s birth and door ceremony, who was born after the other left to Mirabel saving their family and even his mother accepting him.
“It sounds like we’ve both been busy.” Matteo hummed as he looked up at the other who gave a curt nod.
“Yes…” He mumbled as met the other’s gaze. “But Matteo, I have to know what are we?” He asked as the other looked up at him blushing. There was silence for a moment as the other man lifted his head.
“When we were young I’d say you were my most important friend in my life, but now coming back home to you, you’re the most important person in my life.” He felt his hand being lifted and kiss placed on his knuckles. A blush rose up his cheeks and he felt like he had all those years ago. He leaned down and kissed the other who smiled into the kiss. It was a sweet kiss, no rush like before, it was just them. They broke apart and laughed a bit at their awkwardness as Bruno poked the other’s forehead.
“You know Matteo, you should get rid of that beard.” He chuckled out, as the other nodded.
“Hmm, true it doesn’t suit me much. I was hoping my boyfriend would help me. I always end up niching myself.” Bruno let out a chuckle as he nodded.
“Sí… I’ll help.”