"Hey, you got it! See?" Bruno's thrilled voice spoke to him. Alberto had a large fish clenched in his hands, his violet scales fading as the hot sun dried his skin. He puffed out his chest and presented it to the tanned and green eyed man crouched next to him.
"Here, Papa!" He smiled largely, a few teeth missing. "È tuo. Resterai stanotte allora, giusto?" He asked, his own green eyes big and begging.
The man huffed a laugh. "So needy. You've gotta learn to be capable and to fend for yourself and your mate, right? Can't do that if you're clinging to your Papa and offering your catch to others." Bruno thought, still taking the fish from Alberto. "Come on, I'll show you how to hunt smarter." He smiled mischievously, diving into the sea to reveal plum shaded scales with red hair frills, fins spiked and deadly looking, mouth full of long shark-like teeth, and eyes glowing. "I'll race you, Ragazzo. Last one down becomes barracuda feed."
Alberto's eyes widened in alarm and he dived back in, still exhausted but determined to keep up. "Wait, Papa! I just got done catching that, I'm tired!" He whined only a bit, trying to catch up with the long form of his father.
His father only looked back over his shoulder, lifting his strong tail and using it as a propeller to boost him faster, also effectively pushing Alberto back a bit.
After gathering his bearings, the guppy huffed, shaking away his fatigue and noticing his Papa wasn't to be seen, even in the vast nothingness in the sunlight. He gulped, looking around frantic as his heart began to beat out of panic. With a deep breath, he knew the destination, so even then, he began to hesitantly swim towards the village beyond the large rocks and thick foliage of reefs he barely saw ahead. "I got this. Papa didn't leave yet. He wouldn't…right?" The child talked to himself as he swam faster until he came closer to the reefs.
"Can't be slow and weak out in the sea, Alberto Scorfano. Know why?" His Papa's deep voice was suddenly right next to his ear, his tone more than disappointed.
Alberto jumped, a cold chill going down his spine before he tried calming himself at his fathers voice, having not even felt the water flow around him as his father swam silent and still. "S-sorry, Papa. I won't be slow again." He turned, jumping at his father tearing an eel in half in front of his face before eating both parts, the cartilage and muscle crunching. "Wait! I-I wasn't that slow. And you cheated! You pushed me back." He pouted, but immediately melted at the gentle touch of his father's clawed hand on his head and Bruno's voice softened.
"You were, but let this be a lesson, Il mio piccolo. How are you going to survive if you keep making those excuses for yourself? Your prey won't give you a chance. Your rivals and even predators who are desperate for a meal won't even give your life a second thought." His father warned, a glint in his green eyes that told Alberto his lesson wasn't done.
"I get it, Papa. So…how do I get stronger then? Then you can take me with you, right?" He balled his fists, his own periwinkle scales glinting under the fading sunlight that peeked through the sea. His smile grew with the thought of his Papa taking him with.
Bruno hummed, eyes scanning until they looked passed the reefs that kept him and his son hidden. Then an idea came. Bruno sighed, caressing Alberto's small face. "Well, until you eat enough and grow enough, your Papa here will teach you a new method to hunting. Ready?" He asked.
Alberto didn't know what his father was getting at, but he smiled large, seaweed eyes sparkling with excitement and he jumped up and down while his tail wagged. "YESYESYES!"
Alberto woke with a start, nausea climbing up his body like a wave of heat, his body rolling over to let him heave, body covered in sweat, cold and scales sprinkled along his body as his body shook.
Machiavelli was immediately next to him, meowing and letting out loud purrs.
Alberto took a while to come back to himself, trying to shake the nightmare away. "I'm okay, Machiavelli. Don't tell Massimo, yeah?" He laughed, shakily petting the cat, before he tried drying himself off. "Must've fell off the bed. It's getting too small anyway." He observed, him off the bed and blanket tangled in his legs. He turned his head, seeing the box of Luca's letters he kept safely on his dresser. He smiled fondly.
4 years.
That's how long it had been since that first summer and when Luca left for school. The year he got off the island and tried not going back. The year he got his first crush turned guppy love and it grew since until he was completely and wholeheartedly devoted to Luca.
Looking outside, he saw it was barely before dawn, early even for when it was time to start fishing. Alberto sighed, rubbing his face and humming a new tune to soothe himself. The need to vocalize was getting stronger as well, he'd noticed. Not just vocalizing, but wanting to sing. That had him making friends one late night with a band who occasionally would stop by Portorosso during the year, making some friends, but again, who would leave. He wasn't ashamed, but singing was embarrassing to him. His Papa would do it and told him it was natural for their subspecies and when the time came it was supposed to be for luring both mates and to soothe guppies. Well…there was one other reason but he'd refuse to ever do it.
Then there was the moodiness. Some things he could write or talk to Luca about, being one of the only other Sea-folk his age he knew, but most of it came from his instincts.
He was scared of his instincts, he could admit to himself.
The more he'd act on them, he recognized, the more he felt like his Papa…and that scared him.
'You're not like Luca Paguro and his kin. They'll see who you are soon. It's only natural for you to fuck up.' Bruno mocked him in his mind.
"Silenzio, Bruno." He ground out, his nose scrunched and teeth bared. "I don't know what to do, Machiavelli. These instincts keep getting stronger. I keep eating fish, to help soothe the need, but it's like it doesn't help." He sighed louder, more exasperated, scratching Machiavelli under his chin. "Maybe I do need to return to that damned island again…it's safer there, no matter how lonely. What do you think?" He asked, only for the fat cat to move onto his lap, turning his head to send Alberto a glare with a low yowl. "Pfft. Okay, okay, you win."
Only when he got downstairs to start some breakfast for Massimo and himself (feeding Machiavelli too, of course), did he see the big smiley face on the calendar that signaled Giulia and Luca would be returning that afternoon. He immediately forgot about his nightmare as he ran back upstairs, forgetting to be quiet while he hurried to clean up his space and make sure Giulia's room was still untouched for her return before he froze, forgetting he left the oven on once he smelled burning, prompting him to run downstairs again. "Fanculo!"
Massimo came thumping downstairs slowly just as Alberto was about done cursing as he threw away what was burned and began pulling new ingredients out. "What are you doing making so much noise, Alberto? It is still early, no?" He gently walked over, patting Alberto's back. "Calm down, it's alright."
After successfully putting out the fire and letting Massimo take over, Alberto sat in his favorite seat and let out a sigh. He was not having a good start to his morning. "I'm sorry, Massimo. My head got away from me this morning."
Massimo grunted, busy with baking and plating, having stopped Alberto when he tried to help. Machiavelli stayed sitting closer to Alberto, though the teen didn't realize it, but Massimo had. He set down their plates of pastry and espresso.
With a small sigh, Alberto sipped the drink, hesitant about eating. It's not that he wasn't hungry, he just wasn't hungry for human food. "I'm not that hungry this morning, Massimo." He spoke up when he saw the bushy eyebrow raise.
"I would wish you'd at least take a few bites, Ragazzo. You need energy to fuel your strength for the day." Massimo was concerned. He kept a close eye on the teen the last year and he was sure the unusual behavior wasn't puberty, as Alberto and him learned together when it did happen a couple years ago. Massimo had been at a loss and Alberto was moody and would buck up to others more than usual, even almost resorting to violence. But thank the Paguro's, he'd thought, as they helped Massimo explain what was happening and Lorenzo talked with Alberto, the child not understanding much either about Sea-folk puberty, despite being one.
Massimo had tried on more than one occasion to assure Alberto it was okay to open up and talk to him about his troubles or thoughts and Massimo would love him no matter, but Alberto stayed closed off on certain things.
Massimo wasn't dumb, nor unobservant. He knew when Alberto had nightmares, some having been worse than others and he knew when Alberto was needing more affection. Either due to nightmares, his remembrance of his past or missing his friends was never an issue as Massimo would do what he could.
The nightmare must've been bad for his figlio to forget about Luca and Giulia's return and be low in mood. Machiavelli's behavior towards the boy was a clear indication something was amiss. This time of year was usually the happiest, for them both.
Alberto took a quick look at him. He knew he needed to, but even after heaving that morning, his teeth felt off. 'Silenzio Bruno. I'm gonna see Giulia and Luca this afternoon, so I can't be tired later. We're all gonna go swimming (maybe) and have a welcome home dinner and Luca might spend the night -or he might spend it with his family, but either way!- we have a lot of catching up to do and that could go on for awhile.' He thought before grabbing one and taking a big bite. The pastry tasted off to him, but he ignored it and kept eating, even proving he was alright with a burst of energy and talking Massimo's ear off about the plans he had and offering to help see if there was anything else he could catch as a surprise for that night.
——-
Luca had been lucky he realized his budding feelings for a certain Sea Monster as the school year ended…though, it only took 3 years to fully realize it. Even with that, he'd had time to settle it with his heart, so the only thing he felt on the ride back was an infectious joy not even rivaled by Giulia. "I knew I should've grabbed one of my other books too." He looked to the one he just finished. He hoped it would've tied him over until the stop so he could have the information fresh to share with Alberto right off the bat, but he'd gotten so entranced with it, he forgot to pace himself.
He checked his reflection in the window, messing with his hair and clothes, unsure how he wanted it to look. His hair was a bit longer than before, the curls doing as they pleased, so recently he'd been using Bobby pins from Signora Rosa and with biking in lieu of swimming some of the time (he didn't live near a lake or the sea), his muscles were leaner. "It's just Alberto." Saying that didn't make it easier, fretting a bit more. Last he spoke on the phone with Alberto, he vetoed the mustache he was trying (for reasons Luca still didn't know) and he was debating on what tattoo to get next, having gotten an anchor like Massimo's a year prior. He wondered if Alberto had grown taller? He definitely would've gotten stronger, with his job fishing and the lifeguard job.
"Let me guess, fretting again, Luca?" Giulia's voice broke him from his thoughts, his hand still messing with his curls. She forced him to trade her spots so she wouldn't have to keep seeing him fret with his reflection. "So…now that you're aware of your feelings, do you plan to confess? Ah!" She put her hand up, "and don't say you won't cause he won't feel the same." She looked at him head on, caramel color eyes locking with deep brown, Giulia challenging him to try it.
"Excuse me, bambini, could I bother one of you to help me grab my bag? I pinched a nerve and reaching up hurts." A older man stopped next to them.
Luca looked to him and stopped for a fraction of a second. The man had tan skin, green eyes and blonde, wavy hair with a mustache and beard. It was the eyes and strong jaw that caught Luca off guard. He shook his head and smiled. "Of course, Signor. Just point and I'll get it." He stood, when prompted grabbing an old and worn suitcase littered with stickers from all over the world. "Wow…have you really been to all these places?" Luca blushed after the question was asked and handed the man the case after he took his seat.
The man chuckled, another thing nagging at Luca with how familiar it sounded. "Of course. But sometimes when you travel so much, it's nice to visit some spots you think of like home."
Luca nodded, understanding. He was about to ask another question, his curiosity piqued, when the train's horn went off, signaling they were near the station. "Gotta go. I hope you enjoy your stay in Portorosso, Signor." Luca waved before walking back to his and Giulia's seat, his eyes searching for their families and Alberto once they went into the tunnel.
"Ooohhhh, my lovely handsome Luca! You're growing so much!" His mom squeezed him and planted kisses all over his face, the usual reaction each summer. His dad gave him hugs too and his grandma pinched his cheeks to tease him. There was still one person he didn't see though.
"Where's Alberto?" Luca asked, scanning everywhere and not seeing him. He wouldn't miss being there knowing he and Giulia were arriving. Last year he was there before the parents.
"Don't worry about him, Luca. The older Signoras probably caught him to help settle a game." Massimo smiled, grabbing Giulia's luggage, his daughter pouting about it but smiling too, knowing her Papa only did it because he knew Giulia was growing up and wouldn't need help with it any longer.
"Ha! What game? And how?" Giulia laughed.
"Mahjong, I think. Not sure, I just think they like bossing a young man around." Massimo explained with a chuckle.
Luca's grandma laughed at that, knowing exactly what the large man meant. "He does know he can say he's in a hurry, yeah?" They all began to move, chatting as they walked.
"Luca! Giulia!"
They looked over, seeing Alberto taking 2-3 steps at a time, a large grin on his face as he didn't stop, eyes not leaving his friends.
"Beto!" Luca yelled back, eyes sparkling and his heart swelling as he dropped his things and ran to meet Alberto halfway, crashing into a strong chest and warm arms embracing him immediately. "I missed you!" He didn't think as he rubbed his face into Alberto's chest, his arms clinging around his broad back for dear life. Seeing Alberto after figuring out his feelings for the last few years, was so different, but it felt so natural too, just holding on tightly and basking in the affection and wanting nothing else than what Alberto delivered.
Alberto was always great at hugs. He tried to make it not that obvious he was breathing Alberto's scent in. It was more potent than the years previously, but Luca chalked it up to being away for 80% of the year, the sun, and how he saw Alberto in a different light. With a soft sigh, he took in the scent one more time. Something heavy like dust or spice, like a hot day. Luca swore he smelt lavender, even something just underneath it, but Alberto's chuckle brought him back, feeling Alberto's long fingers comb and grip into his curls, his knees going weak and body relax while the other arm held him close.
"Scusa sono in ritardo…" he whispered, a small noise escaping his lips, one he didn't seem to realize he'd done, "got caught up with the old Signoras playing cards. They wanted me to be the middle man since they thought the other was cheating." He laughed, rolling his eyes as he pulled away, fighting the impulse to trill and nose under Luca's jaw, inhaling his scent. Old books, coffee, and that fishy scent he'd always loved. The corner of his jaw pinched, making saliva build at the sensations he felt while holding his best friend. 'I wanna lick there. Nibble and mar-'…
Alberto jerked, his face and neck heating up from the blush on his face at his thoughts. "Uhm-anyway-here-I'll get that." He tried diverting, grabbing Luca's luggage with ease and smiling awkwardly to him.
A chill ran down his spine when someone walked passed him, in the corner of his eye catching eyes that looked like his own, humming a tune he'd heard as a guppy. He quickly turned his head, heart beating wildly, but didn't see who he thought it could've been. "Let's get back." He said after a moment, realizing he was keeping everyone, looking over to the group, while Giulia went up and punched his arm.
"Where's my hug, Fratello? Huh? Or was that something special?" Her lips curled into a rotten grin as she jumped, using Luca's heavy bags to help her pull him down so she could noogie him and jerk him around, her laugh maniacal.
"Oof! Yes, let me go and I'll hug you, despite wanting to sock you, Sorella, cara. Come on~, we're burning sunlight." Alberto snickered, dodging Giulia's next attack, playing along with her words despite how much they hurt.
Besides, he was a Scorfano, NOT a Marcovaldo.
The families chatted and enjoyed their feast, even some octopus Alberto caught earlier in the day. Everyone was happily laughing. Luca and Giulia both changed, Giulia in jean shorts and a striped tank and Luca in cargo shorts and a white button up.
A song began to play that had Luca, Giulia, even Luca's parents up and dancing.
The song was one where you'd almost have no choice but to tap your leg to the beat, your head jumping up and down with the drums. Alberto tried avoiding singing to it. He really did. He even bit his thumb and tried occupying his mouth with food and drink at first. He'd never sang in front of anyone, aside from his Papa. Never really had the urge until he met Luca, even being glad he could fight it all this time.
But…with the joy all around, warm food and that bubbly feeling of contentment in his belly and Luca pulling him up to dance, his instincts screamed and for once, he couldn't disobey.
So, as the beat picked up and he found the flushed faces of everyone amusing, he laughed, beginning to sing out a tune he'd heard the fishermen sing:
"What will we do with a drunken sailor?
What will we do with a drunken sailor?
What will we do with a drunken sailor?
Early in the morning!
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Way hay and up she rises
Early in the morning!"
He bellowed, surprising everyone, even as he continued to pull Luca along and dance with glee, laughter bubbling out his throat as he sang nonsensically. He continued to sing and dance, even silly, completely lost in the song and the joy in Luca's eyes as he twirled him around, not hesitating in pulling Luca by his hips and entwining their fingers when he could, almost reluctantly letting go when the dancing called for it.
As the night went on, so did the merriment, until the Paguro's decided it was time to call it a night.
"I'm going to go home tonight. My parents need help in the morning, so it'll be easier." Luca approached Alberto as he was helping put things away and clean up, the fatigue beginning to reach him.
Alberto looked at him with sleepy lidded eyes and a smile. "Alright. We can catch up tomorrow after I work with Massimo and you with your parents? I kinda wanted us all to go on a swim. If Giulia wants to join?"
He turned his head towards her, Giulia finishing up dishes and she shrugged. "Depends how I feel tomorrow, but most likely. It's been forever since we all went on a swim." She smiled, petting Machiavelli and yawning.
Luca smiled, just as tired. "I'll meet you at the pier then. You helping them, Giulia?" He asked, his attention on his friend who just got done kissing her Papa on the cheek goodnight.
"Maybe. That or I'll look for some summer work since Alberto here took my place." She snickered, snorting at Alberto.
Luca laughed, seeing his parents getting impatient, he turned to Alberto. "Good-Alberto?" He paused, a slight blush rising to his cheeks at Alberto, who had grabbed Luca's hand and began rubbing his thumb on the top of his hand, a hum barely there and eyes almost far away. "Beto?"
Alberto startled, having been lost in thought. "Oh, sorry, Luca. What did you say?" He blushed, embarrassed he got sidetracked so quickly.
Luca chuckled. "Nothing yet. I was trying to say goodnight. You okay?" He lifted the hand Alberto dropped and brought it up to feel against his head.
Alberto blushed a bit darker and grabbed Luca's hand again, placing his rougher lips to his knuckles on impulse and looking at Luca's deep brown eyes. "Buonanotte e sogni d'oro, Luca." His voice was low, eyes glowing from the light of the kitchen behind him.
"Get a room!" Giulia yelled, beginning to laugh when Alberto turned to her with a glare, face still red and threw a dish towel at her, the spell broken.
With a blush of his own, Luca ducked his head and left, running ahead of his parents and grandmother.
————
A month and a couple weeks passed peacefully for The Underdogs. Catching up, doing their jobs, and enjoying each other's company.
Giulia took half of Alberto's work. He'd help Massimo with fishing and she'd deliver. Luca helped with the season work at home and when it didn't involve the mornings fishing, Alberto did his lifeguard work.
He'd just gotten done patching up a kid's knee when he saw Luca near. "There, kiddo. Be careful with the shallow ends, yeah?" He ruffled the kid's hair before the kid ran off.
"Busy?" Luca asked, sitting next to him, sand and water messily painting Luca's cyan scales on his feet and shins.
"Nah. Still gotta keep an eye on them though, you know how little ones are with their friends." Alberto rolled his eyes fondly with a smile, scooting a bit closer to Luca. "Say, after my shift do you wanna stop by the gelateria? I'll pay." He gulped, mouth dry with nerves. He couldn't pin what he and Luca were. Maybe since Alberto was touchy with him from the beginning, he expected such? But…Luca was receptive to his affection and even was affectionate back. He was too scared to pass that line and ask, though.
Luca smiled softly, eyes crinkling. "I would've said yes even without you paying, Beto." He chuckled, messing with his hair, the wind blowing his dark curls around.
Alberto blushed at the nickname and coughed into his hand. "I know. Would you…perhaps want to swim more Eastward later tonight? Just us?"
Luca returned the blush and his soft smile grew. "What's Eastward?" Luca took a deep breath, 'Silenzio Bruno', and he scooted closer, leg knocking against Alberto's own more muscular leg and lined his hand along Alberto's.
Alberto's breath caught, his brain halting all thought as he felt the touch like electricity. "E-e-eastward is-Uhm-j-just new. I-," he paused, taking a deep breath as his face lit up with heat. He knew he was embarrassing himself. "I discovered it last-", he was cut off by a mother's yell, his attention going to the noise and scanning the water, body taunt. "Torno subito." He got up, waving his hand at Luca to stay all while his eyes scanned for what was wrong, or if the mother was just yelling because her kid was farther out than they needed to be.
A few kids ran from the water to the mother as Alberto approached them and he heard them yell, "Louis got caught in the undertow!"
Before the mother could even look his way, he turned his head toward Luca hurriedly. "Watch them!" Then he dived in, aiming for where the children pointed, his heart racing in panic. His hard, violet scales rippled along his body, his long tail helping to propel him quickly forward in long strides. 'There!' He perked, seeing the kid struggling as the undertow took him. Unlike Sea-folk, humans couldn't breathe both air and water, so Alberto tried swimming faster, needing to reach the child before he drowned.
Just as he reached his arm out, the kid not really seeing him as he struggled, his eyes caught something swimming up fast, headed right for them. "Shit!" He yelled, more concerned with pulling the kid against him and out of the way of what was coming, until his own body halted, his eyes doing a double take.
He knew the red frills and piercing green eyes. The long body and mischievous grin, though aged. "Pa…pa?…" he whispered, only broken from his shock when he felt the child's body getting heavier and a burst of bubbles release from his mouth. 'Nonononono!' He immediately bolted upward, at least trying to get the child above water, but his father gripped his tail and yanked, some of his scales ripping off from the force. "Ow! Papa, let go!"
Bruno let out an annoyed noise. "That would've been easy picking. I'm not letting you take it." He went to reach for the child in Alberto's grasp, but Alberto pulled away, trying to make his father release his tail.
"What are you saying?! He can be saved, so let me go!" Alberto struggled himself, knowing the longer they were down there, the worse it would be for the kid, not only risking death, but brain damage due to lack of oxygen.
Bruno pinched the bridge of his nose. "Even after leaving you alone, you're still a guppy." He took a deep breath before his frown turned to a grin. "Fine. But this-", he released Alberto's tail, only to snatch the leg closest that was extended out, ready to kick, and digging his claws in then down, only releasing when Alberto let out a pained yelp and tried swimming away quickly, "-is for stealing my catch, mio figlio dal cuore debole!"
Alberto looked back in pain and a slight gratefulness to his Papa having at him before swimming off to find different prey. "I got you. You didn't fall too far down. You'll be okay." He tried consoling the child, who wouldn't even hear him due to his unconscious state, ignoring the blood and burning pain going down his leg.
Once he reached the surface, he tried expelling the water first, not waiting to be on land, as the sooner oxygen got in his system, the better it would be.
"Kack!" Louis began to cough and puke up water, his little body weak as he kept coughing and tried clinging to Alberto.
"There you go, kid. Deep breaths, I got you." Alberto tried soothing the child through his own panic, hoping the blood he knew was still there wouldn't attract a shark. It seemed to be working as Louis wrapped his arms around Alberto's neck, coughing up more water every few breaths. "Ottimo lavoro! Proprio così."
As Louis got his bearings, Alberto began to swim back, his eyes continuously scanning for a predator. 'Why is he back? Why now?' Alberto didn't like knowing his Papa was back and he feared to tell anyone. What would they think of Alberto then?
———-
"Thank you so much, Alberto!" The mother was in tears but happy, holding her child's hand as the ambulance was there to take him away, mostly to make sure there wasn't any internal problems.
Alberto nodded. "No need to thank me, it's only the right thing. Hopefully now he won't swim out too far. Where's the others?" He patted her shoulder, trying to comfort her as well.
She pointed to farther off where Luca was talking with Louis' friends. He was crouched to their level and by his face, Alberto could tell he was lecturing them. He slowly walked over, luckily one of the paramedics bandaged his leg, trying his damnedest to put his Papa in the back of his mind. Besides, he didn't matter right now.
"-it could've been. Understand?" He asked, the kids drying their tears and nodding. Luca smiled softly again and patted each child's head before they went off to go home or follow the other's parent to make sure their friend was okay.
Alberto couldn't help the trill that came up his throat and the need to pull Luca into a hug, which he did when Luca stood. "You're so sweet, Luca." He knew those kids were probably frightened themselves. He nosed the top of his head, now that the kids were safe and many of the people on the beach decided that was enough as the sun began to dwindle.
Luca returned the hug, letting out his own happy noise. "They were so scared they might've seriously hurt their friend, so I was just trying to assure them. I'm so glad you were quick to act. I would've felt terrible if anything bad happened-ALBERTO, YOUR LEG!" He pulled away, only to see the bandage.
Alberto hummed in acknowledgment, knowing if he wasn't fast, it would've been. "Oh, I just caught it on some sharp rocks when I was trying to swim up. No need to worry, I'll be perfect in no time." He smiled toothily.
Luca rose a brow but smiled with relief and went back to being close. "That's good."
Alberto thought and absentmindedly rubbed Luca's back. "You going home tonight or staying on land with us?" He hoped the question wasn't strange being asked out of nowhere.
"Hm? Home, most likely. I missed being in my true form and sleeping under water. Why? Did you want me to stay?" He looked up, chin resting on Alberto's chest, big chestnut eyes curious with a small grin.
Alberto smiled down, meeting Luca's gaze. "I always want you to stay." His voice was barely above a whisper.
Luca swallowed the lump in his throat at the little confession. "Well, uh…the night's just begun. We better hurry before the gelateria closes. I helped when you asked, so you owe me, Scorfano." He smirked, trying to be playful as he pulled away, flicking Alberto's nose.
Alberto's hands clenched at his sides, moving them to behind his back at the use of his last name, before he forced himself to release and he smiled toothily. "Of course, Paguro. Shall we go then? I'll race you!" He yelled, still embarrassed and still confused about the emotions bubbling up in him, and on a purely impulse basis, turned back and winked at Luca. "Come on and catch up, Luca." Then he sprinted, trying to forget the day, his Papa, and his stupid feelings.
—————-
"That was amazing, Beto!" Luca said excitedly as they walked along the pier.
They'd just returned from swimming along the East Coast and both enjoyed the new scenery, at least after wrapping Alberto's bandaged leg.
The reefs were more colorful, seaweed thick and rocks abundant as they chased each other, dodging and leaping out of the water. They talked, about nothing and their dreams as kids. Alberto was still Hell bent on getting them a Vespa, it was just taking some time to find one he could afford, even a fixer upper, with him splitting his earnings. "So…we still on for traveling the world on our own Vespa one day? Now that you're a scholar. Oh, hey, I heard some people say things like there's school even when you're an adult? Will you do that?" He asked, despite it being school, he was excited to see Luca's eyes sparkle, only to have the notion hit him in the head. He hated bringing up school with Luca. Not the classes and topics, but leaving. He'd graduate eventually, then what?
He didn't usually bring this up until it got closer to autumn, but seeing his Papa was making everything different. It suddenly brought out all his insecurities and fears.
Luca surprised him by grabbing his hand, getting his attention. "I love learning and school, but going to college will cost money. More than now, but maybe I can get a job to help Giulia's mom? She said my parents were sending it, but when I asked, they were so confused, haha! What would I even do? I've been so focused on school now that I hardly have had a moment to contemplate it. I also still have a year to graduate but…" He smiled, looking over at Alberto to gauge his reaction. Then he crowded Alberto's space with such a fond look, Alberto knew it had to be criminal, while he brought Alberto's hands to his face, his eyes big and doey. "I was wondering. You've been absolutely wonderful, being so patient for me. Would you mind waiting a bit more? I promise I'll make it up to you. I know it's selfish but yes, I wanted to look into college. Not necessarily go, but I am curious."
He took a deep breath, trying to show nonchalance despite his abdomen clenching and the need to affirm he'd do whatever Luca wished while on his knees. He coughed out the buzzed feeling in his head at Luca's words, knowing they'd be there for certain nights. "So how long does this adult school take? Don't want you missing out, but I REALLY wanna see you more than just 2 months out of the year." He forced out of his closing throat and smiled big, hoping it reached his eyes, cringing at his neediness.
'What am I doing? I just wanted to ask so I knew how long I had to get a Vespa and fix it up if I have to! Unless he doesn't want to anymore…'
He wanted to reach and touch Luca, so he wrapped his arms around Luca's waist. Probably not the smartest thing for him to currently do.
Yes, he could've probably found a way to learn then go to school with Luca and Giulia, but school never interested him.
He liked listening to Luca prattle on about what he'd learned instead.
He'd do whatever he could to have Luca smile and chatter about everything he loved, including learning. He prided himself on that. He prided himself on using what money he earned, or a good portion of it, on funding Luca's dream, which he'd continue to do as long as it was Luca's passion. Then his next passion. He would do anything for Luca. Even continue seeing him so little, no matter how it hurt sometimes. Even being patient. He could do it. He'd just have to work harder to get stronger and prove he can provide without school.
But…when would it be his turn?
A strange, angry feeling burned in Alberto's gut at that. An impulse; something more possessive, yet hurt. Luca was HIS.
Then again…just because he thought that, didn't mean it was mutual. Just because Luca was his first priority, didn't mean Alberto was his. He released a breath, trying to rein in his emotions and the instinct to hide Luca away and slather him in his scent. He was acting like a child, thinking that, and immediately felt disgusted with himself for thinking it to begin with.
'Exactly. No matter how your whole being wants him, you can't cage him. He'll get tired of you and you can't even admit you're scared. He'll find a mate that's not you and he's already made human friends. He can visit his family since Giulia comes here. You can't even tell him how you feel, so what makes you think he'd stay? He's going to look at you like a needy creep. He deserves a better suitor than a guppy pretending to be a man.
Just go back to our island…' his Papa's-Bruno's- voice mocked loudly in his ears.
"SILENZIO BRUNO, Alberto! Non ascoltarlo!" Suddenly Alberto felt Luca's hands slap his cheeks, gripping tightly, painfully, and his chestnut eyes glaring into his own, trying to shake Alberto, but not getting far. "Listen to me, Alberto Scorfano!" He removed one hand and pointed his finger at his troubled crush. "I don't know what Bruno is saying in there, but you better tell him to shut up. Now, what's he saying, Beto? I'll make sure to be so loud only my voice is there." Luca held his gaze, determined and worried.
Alberto's eyes looked at him in shock. How'd he know? "N-n-not much. Just the usual when it comes to you leaving. But I'm okay, Luca. I was just asking so I knew how much time I had." He chuckled nervously, eyes darting around as he began to blush.
Luca's gaze was intense as it judged Alberto's own. "Then why did you bring it up and also, time for what?" Something told Luca, maybe it was the gaze, or how Alberto wasn't touching him, but something told him it wasn't just about Luca's seasonal leave and not just because of how early it was for Alberto to be worrying.
Alberto gulped, his hands shaky. This wasn't like him, but what if Luca didn't want a Vespa anymore? "Well…I've been saving for a Vespa. It was…it was supposed to be a surprise, but then Stupido Bruno kept saying how you wouldn't want that anymore and-" by then he couldn't shut up himself,"-and how you have your family here and Giulia and you have friends back at school so then he keeps pushing me down-" he knew he was rambling and so he covered his mouth to stop before he got too deep into what he was saying.
There was a silence, one Alberto used to calm down. With a startle, he felt Luca's thumbs rub comfortingly against his cheekbones. "Luca?"
He was surprised to see that fond look Luca had been giving him a lot lately on the other's face.
"Sciocco uomo. Just like these last few years…hey, you listening, Alberto?" He spoke softly, as if not wanting to scare him.
Alberto nodded, looking at Luca, showing he was listening. "Yes."
With a nod, Luca smiled. "There. I may leave you physically, but you know I'll return. Every summer, I've come back and you're the first I go to. Doesn't that mean anything to you?"
He couldn't speak, so Alberto just nodded his head quickly, scared Luca wouldn't see how sincere he was, ashamed at the lump in his throat and the tears blurring his eyes. He was still such a child. "What about…what about adult school?"
Luca laughed. "You mean college? Depending on the courses and what I take, it'll take awhile. But…you can actually visit, depending on where it is. There'll be breaks, not just summer, so we can see each other more. If you get that Vespa going, you can give me surprise visits. Maybe steal me away from my friends?" He laughed more. "See, Beto? We'll figure it out, we always have. You have to remember you're not alone anymore." With a sigh, he wrapped his arms around Alberto's neck and pulled the taller man down more so their foreheads touched. "You have the people of Portorosso. You have Massimo and Giulia. I know my parents would be there if you needed them and…" Luca smiled so big his eyes crinkled, "and you have me. Even if it's out of nowhere, I'll find the next train ticket to you. It's "us", remember? There's some steps we have to take before we get to our dream, but doesn't that make the end result even better?"
Luca lifted his head, not realizing he'd closed his eyes and his breath caught. His lips were less than an inch from Alberto's, the scent of lavender and spice strong as he breathed it in. Without moving his head, he lifted his eyes to Alberto's as his cheeks heated, his heart picking up. Luca was met with green eyes glowing in the moonlight, intense in gaze but soft in emotion.
He knew Luca was right, for the most part. Alberto didn't dare to breathe with his body out of sorts. His body felt hot, noises tried to escape his throat and more than any of the rest, he wanted to pull Luca in and claim those lips that were so close to his. "Can…" he tried speaking, but gave up due to the click that left his throat, embarrassing him.
Luca's eyes narrowed, thinking the noises were cute.
"Alberto Scorfano! Do you have any idea-oh, sorry, Luca. Didn't know you were there too. Continue." Giulia had come down some rocks to yell and get her adoptive brother, at first not seeing Luca, totally hitting herself mentally for possibly ruining them getting their shit together. 'Dammit. If only I was a bit later.' She cleared her throat and went to walk back, but noticing them jump from the other in embarrassment saved her the trouble. She'd ruined it. "Well then. It's late. Alberto, you have work with Papa in the morning and Luca, I know your mom's probably still up worrying. Come on." She clapped her hands and put them on her hips.
Luca cleared his throat. "Y-yeah, you're right. I'll see you guys tomorrow then. Thanks for the ice cream and swim, Beto." He went to wave at Alberto, only to see his eyes slit and his gaze out towards the water. "Beto?"
"I'll swim you home. Your parents would probably appreciate it." Alberto said, absolutely serious.
Luca puffed out his cheeks. "I'm not 13 anymore, Alberto. I can swim by myself even this late." He crossed his arms.
"It wasn't an option, Luca." He took a deep breath, trying to ease his protective instincts. "Besides, I wanna spend a little more time with you. We can have one more race, since the moon is so bright." He teased, trying to shake the tension from his body and get that look off Luca's face.
Luca sighed as well before he smiled mischievously. "Yeah right. Bet you can't." He then immediately ran out and dived into the water.
"I'll be back later. Don't worry, I'll make it in time." He spoke to Giulia without turning her way, waving a hand at her before he ignored the pain in his leg and went after Luca, determined to make sure no one was in the deep that could harm his precious Luca.
On land, Giulia sighed. "Questi idioti saranno la mia morte..."