They Both Leave AU Snippet 9
Bruno dreaded having this conversation. He preferred to not bring up serious issues and would rather quietly change and sweep the issue under the rug without ever bringing it to light. This time... this time is different.
Bruno tried to quietly pull away from Mirabel, tried to not be in physical contact with her, tried to not be as affectionate. Mirabel always looked confused and sad when he did so, however, and some of her mannerisms from the beginning of her stay in Santa Laura returned. Retreating into her room, looking around as if making sure there is no one to criticize her, taking on all the responsibilities of the household. She had noticed his changed behavior and not knowing why he changed had really hurt her. It probably reminded her of her family changing their behavior towards her after her failed ceremony. Mirabel doesn't talk much about the Encanto, neither does he, but she did mention it in passing.
So Bruno took a deep breath and entered the apartment they shared.
"Hey, Bruno! Welcome home from work!" Mirabel greeted him as she put dinner plates on the table.
"Mirabel. Dinner looks good, as it always does."
They sat down and ate in silence. It was awkward and strange, and it distracted Bruno from his thoughts, especially since Mirabel looked so sad.
"Mirabel, I would like to explain why I've been so distant lately."
Mirabel's full attention and stare rested on Bruno's face as he continued, his own eyes dropping to the table, unable to meet Mirabel's.
"Some members of the community have talked with me and made mention of a rumor that you and I are... in a romantic relationship. At first, I did not put stock in these rumors. It... it was only with watching couples in the town and examining our relationship that I noticed that there might be reason for these rumors."
Bruno paused, not knowing how to go forward and not willing to look up.
"While part of our closeness can be explained by the fact that we are family and shared very similar experiences with our family, as well as the fact that we live together, some of it... some of it can't."
"You're worried that the nature of our relationship is outside what is normal for an uncle and niece," Mirabel's soft voice finished the thought he had been struggling to convey.
Mirabel sighed. "Anna mentioned the rumors to me a few days ago. I see the concern, but I truly do not see anything wrong with it. What exactly is leading you to pull away from me?"
Bruno had hoped Mirabel would not ask this. But he cannot tell her the full truth.
"Because I fear that by being as close as we are, we are inviting trouble and the potential desire to go further than long hugs and long glances."
Because he can see it going further and, on some levels, wants it to go further.
"Bruno, please look at me."
He does. Mirabel's eyes are soft, not hard as he feared, and there is both a sadness and a peace on her face, a type of caring look, that makes his breath stutter.
"If it eases your fear, we can cut back on the physical affection. Spend more time apart and with other people. I do not think there is anything to worry about, but I understand wanting to cover all our bases. Thank you for talking with me about this. I know these types of conversations are difficult for you."
A weight is eased from Bruno's shoulders and he smiles for the first time that week.
They finish dinner and clean up. Bruno sits on one end of the couch to read and Mirabel sits on the other to work on a personal project. At the end of the evening, they say goodnight and head to their separate rooms.
Bruno laid down to sleep, satisfied that he has prevented a horrible tragedy of incest and sin and yet...
