Chapter Text
The sky had taken of light crimson, and the air had gone crisp. The smell of warm espresso could be sensed from the balcony as the young man’s eyes of emerald green looked off into the rising sun. It was warm, comforting. It was finally time for his favorite season of the year to begin, and with it, a new beginning for him as well. Today was far from an ordinary day. Perhaps suggested by the boldly circled date in his calendar, perhaps it was the heaviness of his chest, the accelerated rhythmic beat of his heart. Whatever the case, one thing was certain, today, he would finally return. It was always like this whenever he came back from abroad. His ears would engulf in flames as he thought about the return of that boy he had befriended many years ago. His excitement was unmeasurable, as his soul would dance at the mere thought of the boy. He didn’t know what that was, but what he did know was that he could not wait to have his best friend, Luca, back in his arms. A year seemed like a short span of time for some, but for Alberto, a year felt far from finite. Every year he would rejoice as his friend returned to him, and every year, he would deeply weep as the train far too quickly stripped Luca away from him. Every time, he felt as if a piece of his heart would be taken from him alongside Luca. Although he had made some friends with some of the people at town, nobody could compare to his dear Luca. Oh sweet Luca Paguro, what had the boy done to him that it was near impossible to remove him from his mind? Whatever it was, he felt as that emotion, with every passing year, would only become far more powerful. His father would constantly ask him if anyone had catched the eyes of the sea monster son, however, Alberto strongly refused. How could he think of anyone else when his relationship with his best friend constantly claimed his mind? He felt his friendship with Luca surpassed the need of any other type of romantic bond, for to him, their dynamic was much more special, much more unique. Sometimes Massimo lightly chuckled as Alberto constantly talked about the boy, other times he raises his eyebrow as the young man explains his admiration for his best friend, whilst Massimo’s usually stoney face softened. The sea monster had always seen that as odd. Why did Massimo give him that sweet look constantly? For what reason did he act so happy and not annoyed in the slightest when his adoptive son mentions his dear friend? His trance was interrupted whence he heard a slight thud come from the other side of his door. He switched his gaze from the view of the sea to the wooden door the thud came from. Alberto approached the door and sure enough, it was his father, Massimo, with their cat Machiavelli on top of his right shoulder, and a cup of espresso in his hand. The middle aged man placed the mug atop of his son’s desk, his ever stern look present.
“It’s almost time to go. Are you ready to meet up with the Paguros?” The man asked his sea monster son. His usual stern look being sported as he did.
“Yeah I think so, yeah…” Alberto pondered, still having his thoughts centered on those locks of chestnut hair sitting in his mind, as if impossible to let go.
The man stared at his son, his brows furrowed as he did. This wasn’t the first time his son had looked so longing, so saddened. It was in fact, one of the many instances in which he had seen the boy’s face take this form. It was usually whenever this time of year rolled around, when Alberto’s face would drastically shift from its usual cheery expression, to something more bleak. He paused for a second, placing his strong arm around the boy’s shoulder.
“Dad…” Alberto began, his voice tensing, his vocal chords tightening as he spoke.
“Hm?” Massimo grunted, as if knowing exactly the direction of his son’s words.
“Have you ever felt a… special way for someone? As in uh, Ah how do I-?” Alberto began, frustrated at a loss for words.
The fisherman sat down, and prompted his son to do the same. The young man did as told, laying next to his father in the bed, awkwardly settling down as his father took most of the space. The younger man struggled to speak, whilst his mentor padded him on the shoulder with his one hand. Giving the young man the comfort necessary to let his voice create words.
“It’s just, uh… Every single time summer comes around, my heart feels like it's going to pound off my chest, Like it's about to burst out, and it's all when I look at-'' he paused, his heartbeat accelerating.
“Whenever I look at Luca, whenever I’m around him, I feel this strange feeling. It's something that I’ve never really felt before. It’s this… weird sensation. But I kinda like it? And I have no idea what to do with these weird feelings? What exactly is this?” Alberto questioned, his father’s usually furrowed eyes softened.
Massimo fidgeted his one hand as he thought of what words to use. He knew that feeling. The sensation his son described. It was a feeling far too beautiful, like a flame alit against the dark of the night. But as for his own experience, he knew it was a feeling one must tend to, like that flame. For if unsupervised, that flame could either grow and extend itself from beyond the realms of control; or it could simply die out. So did happened between himself and his now ex-wife. Massimo let out a gentle sigh from between his lips.
“Well, Alberto-“ the older fisherman pondered as he stared at the wooden floor below them.
“It’s hard to say.” Massimo finally spoke, his answer perhaps being frustrating for his son, but it was all the father could muster to truly say.
“Our Emotions, they’re complex, sometimes messy, and oftentimes what may be clear to me, might not seem clear to you.” The older man admitted.
“Yeah so what’s this feeling?” Alberto once again questioned. “I’ve been having this pounding in my heart for so long and I don’t know what exactly to do with it. It’s been ages since I’ve been friends with Luca and I still have these sensations that won’t leave me alone! Like it’s a feeling that I desperately want to get off my chest and I just don’t know how!” He admitted, frustration further seeping in his voice.
The older fisherman looked at his son with kind and gentle eyes as he patted his arm. Even Machiavelli, who usually expressed himself grouchily, seemed calm in comparison.
“That is something only you can figure out, son. Only time will tell. However, you’re a smart young man. You’ll figure it out.” The adoptive father comforted his son, patting his shoulder.
Massimo stood from where he sat, Machiavelli on his shoulder as he did. His expression turned to its usual stern one, as approached the door frame.
“We’ll meet the Paguros at the train station in 30 minutes. Get ready. And finish your coffee ” The father said, placing his hand on the doorframe as he made his exit.
As his father left the room, Alberto took the mug of coffee that the older man left behind. He stared at the contents of the cup. The drink was steaming, its warmth similar to the crisp air surrounding him. Alberto’s mind raced as he thought of a logical explanation to his emotions. The only issue? None could possibly pop up. What was this strange attraction? The young man wondered. It wasn’t like how he felt for most people; that much was certain. However, he was still confused as to what exactly could those emotions entail? He knew he was typically attracted to masculine figures, and yes, his best friend was admittedly, quite the handsome fellow. But that still didn’t explain the depth of his emotions. Mere physical attraction was something he could feel for any other man, but for Luca? It had to be much deeper than mere attraction. But, if it isn’t a platonic feeling, but neither a physical one? Where did that place what he felt for Luca? These thoughts kept plaguing his mind and soon, before he knew it, he had taken his final sip of coffee. He sighed as his thoughts kept plaguing him, until eventually, he had to force himself to get up from his bed, and change into clothes that were more presentable for the day. Once he did, he looked in the mirror to make sure he was ready. With a quick glance to make sure he was ready, he combed the curls of his hair to make sure they were in top shape.
“Alberto! Come down here will you?” the gruff voice of his father echoed across the house.
The young man rushed at the voice of his father, he quickly finished preparing himself as he went downstairs to greet his father. To his surprise, Libera Paguro was also there with Massimo.
“Hey young man, how’s it going?” The old woman asked as she rested at the dining table.
“Signora Libera!” the young sea monster exclaimed as his eyes met the elderly lady’s.
“Bah, I’ve told you, you can call me nona!” She exclaimed, from her seat as she took a ladyfinger from her plate. Her expression being ever so peculiar and with an air of smugness.
“Oh of course!” Alberto responded, feeling awkward to the idea of being called grandson by her. It was a strange feeling, but, oddly, not one he didn't enjoy.
“So why did you come here instead of heading to the station with your family? I mean you’re more than welcome here anytime signora but it’s a little unexpected.” Massimo asked, trying his best not to seem rude to his guest.
“Well what can I say? Sometimes an old lady just wants a sip of some of the best coffee in Portorosso.” she calmly explained as she drank from her own coffee.
Something about that explanation didn’t seem right to Alberto. He had known Signora Libera enough to know when she was scheming something. However, despite his skepticism, Alberto simply chose not to say anything. Whilst Massimo was flattered by the praise of the elderly woman, he also knew her better. The older fisherman and her spoke to each other, as the younger man took to sitting at the dinner table next to Libera. Occasionally, she would shift her eyes to look at the young man with an ‘all knowing’ gaze. Strange that even though the young sea monster had known her for so long, he had always had difficulty grasping her true thoughts. He knew she was planning something, but just what exactly was it? He was not so sure. Soon enough, Libera put down her mug, as she drank the final sip of her coffee. With this, the young fisherman took to the kitchen sink, and began scrubbing on the mugs he and his guest had drunk from. Now, they were finally ready to leave for the train station, where Lorenzo and Daniela were probably already waiting.
Alberto escorted the older sea monster out of the house, whilst his dad took to locking the front door. Once all was finished, the three of them began their walk towards their destination. The older fisherman seemed to pick up his pace, whilst Alberto stayed behind with Nona Paguro.
“Say, any special guy who's piqued your interest so far, young man?” She asked, with her all knowing expression once again present.
The young sea monster had no idea how to respond to said question. Sure he had met handsome fellows his age here and there, but he was merely too uninterested. His friendship with Luca was far more important for him at this point.
“No, not really. I haven’t really been interested in anyone in particular.” he thought aloud, placing his arms behind his back as he did.
“Oh really?” the signora asked. “Well that’s a shame, there’s a ton of guys here and down below who would probably love to take you out on a date.” She affirmed, something about how she said it, almost sounded mysterious to him.
“Well yeah I mean I guess I am a catch if I’m being honest.” Alberto jokingly admitted, making a chuckle emit from the voice of the old woman.
“I’m sure you are. Welp, I suppose Bubble might be in the same boat as you are.” she remarked.
“Who’s to say Luca didn’t get a girlfriend or boyfriend during his time in Genova though? He’s a handsome guy, he seems capable of pulling that off.” Alberto was quick to protest in defense of his friend. The old woman simply chuckled once again.
“Just a hunch.” she admitted, simply facing her way through the road now.
The young fisherman sighed at the end of the conversation. Just what was Nona Paguro on about? He told himself. In his eyes Luca had more than enough qualities to swoon another person his age. He was smart, kind, and caring. Surely someone must have been attracted to those qualities and fallen for him, right? In any case, it wasn’t long enough until he had finally arrived at the station, where the rest of the Paguros were waiting. Daniela was the first to notice their arrival, as she was quick to scold her mother.
“Mom, what took you so long? Hopefully you weren’t bothering the Marcovaldos now were you?” She reprimanded, her mother laughing as she did.
“Oh no no. Mi dispiace Daniela. I simply offered her a cup of coffee and that’s why we took so long! She was no bother at all.” The older fisherman insisted, although not a completely true statement.
“Scusa, Massimo and Alberto.” She quickly shifted her focus to the fishermen. ‘Where are my manners, good morning! How are you two doing today?” she asked the father-son pair.
“I’m fine honestly. Excited to see my Giulietta again, Alberto here, he’s a bit more anxious” the man replied as he patted Alberto on his back.
“Dad!” was all his son could say. Trying to pretend that his face wasn’t flushing in embarrassment.
“Now, now dear there’s no shame in admitting you missed your friends. It’s been a whole year!” Luca’s mother exclaimed.
“Yeah son, y’know there’s no shame in admitting you miss your friends you know?” Daniela’s husband interjected, perhaps finally being aware of the conversation at hand.
“Guys I’m fine I promise!’ Alberto insisted. Although if he was being honest, he wasn’t so sure what exactly he was feeling.
He was excited for sure, but also nervous beyond words. He was happy to see his sister again, sure, but with Luca? Only a swarm of emotions would come at the mere thought of the boy. In any case, the time would soon come to face his fears, as he could hear the whistle of the train blow with candor. The time had finally arrived. Daniela embraced her husband to contain her excitement, whilst her mother stared attentively at the tracks of the train. Massimo took Alberto into his arm, as the young man glanced at his father’s usually stoic face turn anxious. He squeezed his papa’s arms as the train emerged from the shadows, and into clear sight. In what felt like hours, the train drove through its tracks and arrived at the station, where the Marcovaldos and the Paguros anxiously waited for their loved ones to return. The youngest of the group sharply inhaled, as the train came to a complete stop. The conductor soon spoke from the radio, announcing the arrival to the passengers. This was it, the moment of truth. The doors outside finally slid open, and a figure soon excited from the shadows of the cab. A loud gulp could be heard coming from one of the members of the group when it excited.