[ Open!RP ]

[silenziobruno]

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Closed to @kindafishy

[silenziobruno]

[ The last days have been some of the craziest ones in Alberto's short life. Training for the Portorosso cup, his fall-out with Luca and Giulia, the town discovering about them, actually winning the cup and escaping Ercole thanks to Giulia...it was even crazier to remember all that happened only two days ago. They were able to buy their much precious Vespa, but Alberto parted ways with it the very next day, because Luca deserved to see the world properly.

That the other boy didn't know about yet, just like Luca was unaware of Alberto talking to his parents and Giulia's mother to arrange things so Luca could go to school. It was happening tomorrow, so every hour and every minute left felt too short. Alberto wanted to make them count, to stretch them as much as he could. It's the reason why he's dragging Luca up one of the mountains that surrounded Portorosso. ].

We only need to get a little higher, to the very top of the mountain, far away from the town's lights. We need to stay the night, it's when the fishes in the sky jump back down into the water! You'd like it.

[ There probably is a more helpful way to explain Le lacrime di san Lorenzo to Luca, and Giulia no doubt would call them by their right name, Perseids. But Alberto doesn't know any better and frankly, he doesn't bother learning about it either because he likes his own version better.

They need to be away from the town's lights to see the falling stars properly, moving to the highest point of the mountain, as rocky and unexplored as it is, has seemed like the best option. He had already mentioned to Massimo they might be gone until late, so the man didn't go looking for them. Which, coming from Alberto, could mean that they would be back at midnight or as late as the early morning of the next day. ]

[kindafishy]

[To say this summer has been life-changing is a grand understatement. If someone had told Luca he would be where he is now even just a few weeks ago, he'd have denied it to the end, because dreaming of leaving the routine of his home beneath the surface hadn't really been a reality before meeting Alberto. Curiosity was always there, but the courage to do it was another issue altogether. Since that first day though, things have changed so much.

Now, after all that has happened, Luca is getting comfortable with the idea of fixing up the Vespa for real and going on as many grand adventures as possible. Sure, he feels a little sad that Giulia will be leaving for school soon, and maybe a little envious too but... isn't this what he and Alberto have been wanting to do all this time? This was their dream! Now that they can actually do something about it, he should be as excited as possible. He has no idea what's really in store for him.

Just like he doesn't know what's in store for him tonight, though he follows Alberto with trust and curiosity, not knowing what to expect. In his mind, they've got the rest of forever together, not just hours.]

Wait, really? They jump down? [He asks with wonder, not bothering to correct him about the "fish". Luca hurries close behind, dragging with him a balled up blanket his mom made him bring when hearing they'll be staying longer out here. The mountain is tall and kind of hard to climb but he knows whatever's going to show in the sky will be well worth it.] Is it because of gravity?

[silenziobruno]

[ Things changed and things keep changing, thankfully mostly for the better. Not everyone in town had an easy time accepting the fact that sea monsters were a real thing and that they walked among them, but at least no one was trying to harpoon them on sight. All in all, a much better outcome than Alberto would have anticipated. He tries not to bring up the Vespa into their conversations, lest Luca asks where it is. The younger boy had been too busy enjoying their last days together with Giulia to notice that she had some private conversation with Alberto, so thankfully he won't notice anything until they can surprise him in the station. ]

Some do, not all fall down, and you never really see them touch solid ground. Could be the gravity, or maybe they miss the water. I'd miss it too if I were stuck in the sky all night.

[ If gravity was to blame, they would all fall down, right? Alberto doesn't really have an answer, and he doesn't worry about it long enough to learn the truth. He just knows it's a pretty sight and that you are supposed to ask wishes when you see them move. He climbs up a large rock and then offers Luca a hand to help him up. ]

This is a good place. [ The taller boy announced, hands on his ships, looking around them at the soft looking grass. There aren't a lot of trees around to block the view and the sun is already setting, It won't take long until it is fully dark. Alberto didn't even think of bringing a blanket, or food or anything because...well because he ever thought that far ahead, to be honest. He pointed to Luca's blanket. ] Need help with that?

[kindafishy]

[Luca is totally oblivious at the moment though part of it is also because he's just so happy to get to spend time with Alberto one on one, without having to worry about the race or hiding who they are anymore. He didn't even realize just how stressful that was until they met with the aftermath, with his parents being surprisingly accepting of the whole matter too, and letting him stay (for now).]

I wonder... [He says softly, voice trailing off as he imagines what in the world this will look like, excitement already creeping up before the "show" has even begun.] How did you know about this tonight? Did Giulia tell you?

[When they make it near the very top Luca looks around and nods in approval before handing Alberto one end of the blanket to spread out beneath them. It billows over the grass and Luca flops down onto it with a grin, arms leaning back as he looks up at the sky, and then to his friend.]

We should've brought snacks, huh?

[silenziobruno]

[ Luca being oblivious works wonderful for the plan, and that's the only good thing about all this. The idea of losing the other boy so soon makes something in Alberto's chest ache, a feeling he doesn't know how to describe or put into words. But it's for the best, something that will make Luca happy and, that, in turn, it should make him happy too. He will worry about their goodbye tomorrow. Tonight it's a night to have fun. ]

No, I knew about it already! [ Alberto announces proudly, a grin on his face. It softens a moment later, when he admits the rest. ] I saw it last year, I was already living on the island back then. [ He looks down at the blanket, flattening the edge with a hand so he doesn't have to look at Luca while he confirms just for how long he had been on his own. He doesn't much like to talk about it. ] But it would look better from these mountains. You'll see.

[ He leans down next to his friend, first stretching his arm and then folding them behind his head. ]

Uhhh, I didn't think about that. [ His mind really was all over the place if he forgot something as important as food. ] Oh,ohh but, I have candy!

[ His hand reaches into one of the pockets of his shorts, tongue sticking out in concentration for a few seconds, before Alberto pulls out two round little objects, wrapped in red and green, then offers one to Luca. ] There. It makes a funny noise when you chew on it. [ Because that's how you eat hard candy, right? ]

[kindafishy]

[Luca gives the other boy a playfully skeptical look, wondering how true or not Alberto's statement is. Then again, Alberto seems to know a heck of a lot more about the world than any books could teach, in a way that school may not be able to either! There's a lot he's learned from his friend that he never would have had he stayed beneath the surface of the sea.

The fact that Alberto was on his own a whole year ago doesn't go unnoticed and it makes Luca feel sad for him, knowing he'd been waiting and waiting. At least now he isn't alone anymore and it makes Luca feel even better making the decision to continue with Alberto's dream.]

It's nicer without the town's lights. [He agrees and leans his head up to look at the stars again. It's a great night with lots of visibility too, luckily for them.

The offer of candy perks him up and Luca sits up to accept it happily, pleased even by the colors of the wrapper. He can smell the sweetness and gladly pops it into his mouth, crumpling up the wrapper between his fingers.]

Isn't it too hard to chew? [He asks with the candy hitting his teeth, though he takes his friend's advice and bites into it, crunching into it immediately. He screws up his face but then laughs, pleased by the flavor, and letting it linger on his tongue.] It tastes like sweet gelato but crunchy.

[silenziobruno]

[ Does it really matter if it's not fully the truth, though? The reality is often less magical than the reasoning they can come up with. Besides, Alberto is well aware that once Luca leaves, he will see the world for what it is and not what it can be. It's kind of sad.

But not yet, not tonight. Alberto smiles at Luca's expression, used to ignore that skeptical look and by now fairly amused by it. He also tries his best to avoid catching the sympathy in Luca's eyes, and he's relieved when the other boy doesn't press the issue. ]

There's less noise, too. But I almost miss Giulia going on a rant about Ercole, she could be very intense. Hah the look on his face when he ended in the fountain...We should have taken a picture.

[ It made up for all the terrifying things that had happened before. And next summer they could just focus on having fun the three of them together, without having to constantly train. ]

Nah, not that hard. [ He's studying Luca's face as the other boy bites into the candy and lets out a loud laugh at the reaction, grinning from ear to ear. Sitting up, he crosses his legs and leans forward, offering Luca the other candy. ]Told ya! It's not as cold, but just as good. There, you can have mine too.

[kindafishy]

[Don't get him wrong, he wants to press and ask questions about that time, but Luca has gotten the big hints that Alberto would rather not talk about it... so he doesn't ask (for now). Maybe one day they can talk about it or maybe not. As long as Alberto is happy, Luca is happy to not push.]

I know, it was so great. [He agrees with another laugh, drawing up his knees now and wrapping his arms around them.] But it's okay, I know she'd understand. She's probably seen this a hundred million times already.

[Alberto is smiling and laughing, and it makes Luca feel better too. He'd rather see his friend just like this than remember the face he'd made when Luca hurt him as badly as he did, and even though they're long past that awful day, he still feels terrible for it. At least now there's peace in them hanging out together under the stars, sharing candy and laughter. He only ever wants to make Alberto smile.]

Oh- Are you sure? [Luca accepts the candy tentatively, eyes wide like he can't quite believe Alberto would offer him his own, like he's afraid to take it and have his friend miss out.] You should enjoy it too! I'm sure we can find more. We should buy a whole bag tomorrow when we're in town to share.

[silenziobruno]

[ Alberto is not big on sharing his feelings or past memories because they are e not very happy. But If anyone is able to get him to talk about it eventually, that's Luca. The key being 'eventually', alas. He's happy with his friend, the first real one he had in his whole life, and he can't ask for more. Well, he could ask for Luca to not leave, but that wouldn't be right. Luca was born to see the world. ]

And when he was thrown into the fountain...Hah![ Alberto grins further, his sharp teeth gone while he's in human form, but his face somehow giving the impression of a toothy shark still. He scolds his expression into something less mischievous and gives a nod. Giulia and he had been talking about a lot of things lately, they had to, and Alberto even apologized for scaring her. She ruffled his hair again, which was embarrassing, but he no longer growled at the girl when she did that. Mistakes had been made and mistakes had been fixed, they're all fine now. ]

I'm sure, you can have it. He reaches out to hold Luca's hand and place the candy on his palm. We can still buy the bag tomorrow.

[ He doesn't immediately let go of Luca, and why should he? They touch each other constantly and Alberto likes it because it was another reminder that he isn't alone anymore. Besides, holding and shaking hands is kind of their thing. It's getting dark, though, and he looks up at the sky to confirm that the first fish--stars are already showing. Good. Polling his hand slowly, he points to the biggest dot in the sky, a little left to the moon. ]

If they're not fishes, do they have names? What does that book of yours say?

[kindafishy]

[If Luca had any say, he would grab Alberto by the hand and take his friend with him everywhere. Well, that's kind of the dream as it is already, but who knows what adventures actually lay ahead? Luca wants to believe they can live out their dream of exploring the world together, but he feels guilty at the thought of also wanting to lay some roots and... go to school... Alberto and Giulia have been getting along a lot better lately too, and her family has welcomed them with open arms. Exploring the world would be amazing but it also feels nice knowing they have a place on the surface they can kind of call home too.

He smiles shyly at being given the second piece of candy and holds it in his palm like it's something precious, hand curling around Alberto's too as a result. Alberto has always been way more giving in moments like this, though it's just another part of his friend Luca likes.] Thanks, Alberto. Do you think they have lots of other sweet flavors too? This is way better than the seaweed rolls my mom loves. Bu- Don't tell her I said that!

[They sit there hand in hand for longer than they probably should but it's totally normal for them both. Luca has never had a close friend like this who he can be close to physically too, so it's been nice not having to feel weird about it with Alberto.]

Actually, they do! [He perks up at the question and then gazes up to where Alberto is pointing, getting excited he can share something new he learned.] That one's called... ummm... [He squints and screws up his face as he tries to remember, and when it comes to him he perks up again, beaming wide.] Regulus! It's actually part of something called a costellazione. They're like pictures in the sky, but made out of stars.

[silenziobruno]

[ Maybe in the future, when they get older and Alberto manages to save enough money to get a decent vespa, they can go on a road trip around Italy. He can't think of anyone better to be with than Luca. Giulia was a close second, of course, but it's different with his first friend. Maybe it's because Luca gets this look on his face whenever Alberto does something nice for him that he doesn't expect. It only makes him want to do more, really. If anyone deserves it, it's him. ]

I think they have other fruit flavors. Lemon, orange, tomato...[ That is totally a fruit, right? So it also must be able to turn into candy, somehow. ] And I won't. Your mom's scary! [ Alberto says with a smile that makes clear he doesn't really want to offend Daniella.

Talking to Luca's parents was a bit terrifying, his mom had a kind of intensity that Alberto wasn't used to. He had a hard time believing Luca when he claimed that he had seen Daniela in Portorosso because his father never came back for him, so why would others? Well, it turns out some parents actually care about the children. Who would have thought? And since they cared about Luca and wanted to see him happy, Alberto managed to convince them to let him go to school. It's funny, really. Alberto can tell that Luca has the same stubborn streak as his mother, that same determination in his eyes when he's offended or wants to right a wrong. He wonders if they even realize it.

Talking to Giulia's mom had been less scary yet more awkward,having to use a phone to do so rather than an in-person conversation. Massimo helped, talking to her as well as assuring Giulia's mom that Luca was a good kid. It seems like Massimo was always helping him these days. It was a type of kindness Alberto is unused to and very grateful for. He has a place to stay now, a home of sorts, and while that won't ease the worry of letting Luca go to live his dream, it will make things less lonely.

Alberto smiles as Luca scrunches up his nose in concentration but quickly looks up again before the other notices the staring. It's hard to believe that the things up there are balls of gas or whatever, he likes the fish idea better, but if Luca says it's true then he can finally accept it. ]

Costellazione, uh. I like pictures, do you know who drew these up in the sky? They must be really tall. [ They only look like dots to Alberto, but he's now making an effort to see some sort of stick figures up there.

And would you look at that, the "dots" are moving. It's faint at first, so much that Luca might think the little bright lines crossing the sky are just a trick of the light or perhaps part of his imagination. But no, some are definitely moving, falling, by the second. It's something Alberto has seen before, and he's more interested in Luca's reaction, so he's gone back to staring at the other boy. ]

[kindafishy]

[Luca has to laugh at Alberto calling his mom scary because he knows exactly what he means. He has a great and loving mom but she can be fiercely protective when need be, and of course she was suspicious of his friendship with Alberto at first, considering he encouraged her son's curiosity about the world beyond the sea. At the end of the day though Luca is just glad they seem to be accepting of it now.]

Yeah, she still scares me too sometimes but in that mom-way, you know? [The moment he asks (rhetorically or otherwise) he wonders if he shouldn't have, because what if Alberto doesn't know? He's never talked about his mom and if she was around Luca is sure she wouldn't have left him in that tower alone... right?]

Apparently no one knows! [He says with an excitement that's genuine.] The world up there is bigger than the ocean, and we haven't even explored a speck of it yet! That's so cool, right? And kind of scary...

[His voice trails off in though there, though before Luca can linger on that idea the movement in the sky catches his attention and distracts him. He has to blink quickly a few times and rubs at his eyes to make sure he's seeing straight when he gazes upward again, mouth falling open with wonder as a few more stars begin to move and fly in short bursts across the sky.]

Alberto, look! [He exclaims and points upward as if his friend isn't already aware.] Are they- They're falling!

[silenziobruno]

[ The little smile Alberto gives Luca after that question doesn't reach his eyes, and he doesn't answer the 'you know', but he gives a small nod. Talking about his mom would be like opening a different can of worms when it comes to issues, and not one he wants to think about tonight when they're having fun. So he goes for something he knows is the truth; ]

She cares about you a lot. Both do. [ Luca's parents came looking for him, they went to a place that scared them and that they disliked just because their son might have been in danger. And then they understood that Luca's happiness and dreams mattered more than their doubts and worries. That told Alberto all he needed to know about Daniela and Lorenzo. Back to focus on the stars and planets, that's a better subject of conversation than Alberto's many unacknowledged past traumas. Luca's excitement s infectious and he's soon smiling again for real. ]

Woah! That big? Imagine how many adventures we could have up there. It won't be scary if we're together.

[ Alberto's eyes widen for a second at Luca's reaction to the shooting stars, and then they squints a little, trying his best not to grin too broadly and failing. ]

Sometimes the fishes want to go back to the sea. Happens every year. [ Yes, he knows they're stars but shhh, he likes his version better. He leans against Luca's side, brushing their shoulders together. ] Pretty, right?

[kindafishy]

[Luca never doubted his parents' love but when they wanted to take him away to live with his uncle, when they wouldn't even hear him out and let him pursue his dreams, of course the only option he felt he had was to run away. In retrospect, he gets it, but he's also glad that things worked out the way they did. If he never ran away he wouldn't have met Alberto or Giulia and embraced who he really is.

It's okay now though. Alberto has them as family.]

I know, right?! Can you imagine? I wonder if we'd float or fly. That would be so cool. [But Alberto is right that it would be a heck of a lot less scary if they're together. Luca wouldn't want to go on any adventures without him, whether in space or under the ocean or anywhere in between.

Even though Luca knows Alberto's version of this natural phenomenon isn't exactly the truth, it's a way more fun story, and he embraces it in the moment. He's so amazed by the sight and squeezes his friend's hand in his excitement unconsciously, gazing up at the sky with absolute awe. This is so awesome, and if it wasn't for Alberto taking him up here, he definitely would have missed out!]

So pretty... [He agrees, his voice trailing off with his excitement. Luca instinctively leans into Alberto's side even more, happy as can be, and for one night he can at least not think about the fact that Giulia is leaving the next morning and the sadness (and some envy) that comes with it.] I hope they um... make it back safely, you know?

[silenziobruno]

[ Parents make mistakes too, but the good ones realize it before it's too late. Everything ended well, and Luca is still in for a surprise tomorrow at the train station. And yes, Alberto does have them, not only Luca and Giulia but Massimo and Machiavelli too. It's new and overwhelming, but also what he needed for a long time. ]

What if we could swim in the air? Best of both worlds. [ If there's no water in space, there must be air, right? So far, in Alberto's experience, it always has been one or the other. There's a pressure in his chest when Luca leans against him, as if his heart is too big for his rib cage, but in a good way. ]

Yeah. Ah, I'm sure they do, they must get up there again during the day, when there's too much light to see it. It's a temporary thing. Because, because...the big fish would miss if they were gone for long! It's not fun being all alone and the little fishes shine so bright that they make really good company.

[ Oh, he's projecting, and even he knows that falling stars don't work that way. But the rambling comes out by accident once he realizes this is will be his last time looking at the stars with Luca for a long time. Alberto takes a deep breath and gives Luca's arm a tug. ]

Let's sit down, they're not going to stop falling anytime now, we have all night to watch them comfortably. And I heard you can ask for wishes every time you see one falling! But you need to think about the wish before they touch the ground.

[kindafishy]

Swim in the air? You mean fly? [He teases Alberto with a nudge of his arm, holding back a loud laugh for a giggle instead.] Maybe we'll get to try one day. Even if it's with an... an air boat! Something like that.

[Or, you know, a rocket...

Alberto's explanations about the world may not always be accurate but at least he tries, right? His imagination is as rich as Luca's and maybe that's why he's keen to entertain his friend, even as Luca learns more about the realities of their world. Sometimes Alberto's stories are better than the truth, though sometimes Luca wants to teach Alberto more too. At the same time, he doesn't want to upset his friend, so it's a delicate balance right now.

There's clearly something more to this current story and Luca doesn't know why his chest hurts a little from it, a feeling he isn't sure how to identify, but there's something in Alberto's voice that makes him want to comfort him somehow. Instead, they end up sitting down properly and Luca makes sure to stay close, not straying too far on their blanket. He doesn't always have the right words but he knows he can lean against his friend, loop his arm with his, and hold on tight.]

Wishes... [He repeats softly, looking up at the sky again to see another star fall across the sky. What would he wish for? There are so many possibilities.] Would it be bad luck to say them out loud?

[silenziobruno]

Oh, right. [ He laughs at that because flying is the word he was looking for, yeah, and the nudge gets him to look sheepish for his brief moment of obliviousness. Luca's giggle only makes him feel happier. God, he's going to miss that. ] Great idea! We should make an airboat, yes. And it should be fish-shaped! With enough room for all of us. Maybe one of Giulia's books explains how.

[ Once they bring the idea to her, maybe Giulia would be able to tell them that hot-air-balloons are an actual thing that exists. By now, she should already be used to being asked weird questions. Alberto is sure that once Luca joins her at a school, he will discover all these things on his own. He's the smart one of the two, made to learn all the world has to offer, and Alberto...Alberto pretty much is still trying to get his life together. It's an ongoing process, but Massimo's presence helps a lot.

When Luca leans into him and becomes a comforting weight wrapped around his arm, Alberto finds himself that something in his stomach eases, like a pressure he didn't know he was holding there is slowly unraveling. Knowing this will be the last chance they have to stay like this stops him from relaxing fully, but it's a start. He tilts his head slightly towards Luca, smiling. ]

Not bad luck, but I've heard that If you tell someone your wish it's less likely to come true.

massively sorry for disappearing!

[kindafishy]

[Hey, they're just learning together! What good is exploring the world and figuring out what's what if they can't share their experiences, right? That's the mindset Luca has, anyway. He wants to teach Alberto every fact and lesson he learns too, and wants to hear everything his friend knows. It makes him happy even if they may be wrong or off about "facts."]

That would be cool! I miss building stuff with you... [He says it like they haven't done so in months, as if they don't have all the time in the world to do whatever they want.] It was really fun, you know?

[Another star shoots by and Luca is as impressed as the very first one he saw, his expression full of wonder. The world is so much bigger than either of them know, and it's exciting to think one day he'll understand more of it. Heck, he's already understood more in the last week than he has in his short lifetime. Sitting here with Alberto though it feels like the beginning of something greater and gives Luca a sense of hope, unable to stop smiling as he looks up at the great big sky.]

Then let's make a wish together, and if they come true, we should tell each other someday. [Luca looks over to Alberto then, smiling just as wide.] Deal?