Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It’s been a few days since Alberto and Luca came up to the surface. Luca’s mother had warned Luca about going up there, because of the “land monsters” (what they called humans) being known to hunt and kill any kind of sea creature, including sea monsters; sea monsters like Luca himself, Luca’s family, and Alberto. It was too risky, she tried to tell him. Unfortunately, Luca refused to listen. His parents were being overprotective of him, as usual. He needed to get away from them, because they were smothering him. He was 13, and he didn’t feel like he should be babied nonstop about it. Sure, he knew it was dangerous, but that was only when the fishermen were out on their little boats, with their knives, harpoons, and fishing nets, and were traveling across the ocean to find them As long as he didn’t get too close to the water, he was fine. He confided in Alberto about his problems, and the two of them came up with a plan; after discovering a poster in Alberto’s tower one day, Luca took a close look at it, and saw that there was a picture of a guy on a moped scooter called a “Vespa”. The guy looked happy and had a big grin on his face. Then he saw some words in Italian. Vespa is Freedom is what he translated it to, when he read off of the poster. That was it!! Of course!! All he and his new friend had to do was find one of their very own, and they could be just as free to do whatever they wanted; just like that guy on the poster. All they had to do was make sure, again, not to get too close to the water. And by doing that, the two of them could transform themselves to look just like the “land monsters”. They got the transformation down very quickly, and it was such a perfect disguise, that maybe nobody would even suspect a thing.

“This would be easy,” Luca practically said to himself -Or so he thought. It was not nearly as simple as it seemed, after all. First of all, a local thug named Ercole noticed almost right away that the two boys smelled like a fish shop. He first met the boys after Luca accidentally knocked over his precious, beautiful, shiny red Vespa scooter, with a heavy soccer ball (some slightly younger looking kids were playing soccer that day, and when the ball was kicked in his direction, one little boy asked him to help them out, by kicking it back to the soccer players. Luca unfortunately kicked a bit too hard, causing the ball to miss the children, and aim straight at the scooter, instead). Ercole was angry that his Vespa almost got ruined, and as payback, after sarcastically introducing himself to the disguised boys, he mocked them about their strong, fishy odor, and as a cruel joke, he and two other boys named Ciccio and Guido, who were his henchmen, decided to attempt dunking the boys in the fountain, as revenge. He laughed cruelly as he saw Luca’s face turn into little patches of blue and green fish scales. Luca frantically tried to break free, and wipe his face until it was dry, and he looked like a human teenager again. Before Alberto could get exposed, too, a young fish delivery girl came to their rescue, riding on her bike, and defended them both from the bullies.

When she asked what the two boys were doing in the town of Portorosso, Luca and Alberto told them their backstory of how they first met, their mutual understanding of each other, their wish for freedom, and dreams of getting a Vespa of their very own. Of course, they let out the part that they were sea monsters. Giulia, the girl, albeit reluctant about befriending them, because they told her that they were runaways, had slight sympathy for the boys. They looked so desperate, and they clearly had no idea where, or even how, to get a Vespa of their own.
“So, there’s this race called the Portorosso Cup, which is a race for kids in the village, and it happens every year. Are you guys in town for it?” She asked, trying to make small talk with them. When the boys gave her no response other than some blank stares, Giulia shrugged in slight confusion, and said, after a long moment of awkward pausing, “...Okay, then...Well, good talk. I gotta deliver these fish. Always be training, you know?”
Luca suddenly came up with another idea. He told Alberto about his plan:
“We should ask her about this Portorosso Cup race. That’s how the loud scary human said he got his Vespa.”
Alberto argued at first, but he eventually agreed to Luca’s plan. After all, they had no idea how else to get a Vespa scooter of their very own.
“Okay. Hey, Giulia? When you race in a cup, what do you get?” He asked the girl
Giulia said in response:
“Soldi. Prize money.”
Alberto continued, he still had more questions.
“Can we turn the money into something else? Something like…” His voice trailed off when he and Luca saw a beautiful looking Vespa for sale, “Something like *that* maybe?”
Giulia shook her head and scoffed:
“Pfft. No. But it could get you *that*,” pointing to another Vespa right next to it. Sure, it looked old and rusty, and a bit broken, but it was still a real scooter, and if they were lucky enough to win it, Luca and Alberto would still be happy. To them, the rusty Vespa looked just as beautiful as the shiny, newer looking scooter.
“We *need* it!!” They claimed together. They had the wildest imagination about zooming through a cascade of gold prize money coins, and riding their future Vespa together.
After attempting to prove the two boys have what it takes to win the race, Giulia told them they could join their team, but they had to work together and beat Ercole. The three friends decided to dub themselves the “Underdogs” (Giulia was considered an outcast, just like the boys, only differences were that she was a real human being, and she was being made fun of because she lost the race last year, by embarrassing herself, when she got sick during the competition). Now, all they had to do was get entry fee money from her father.
Too bad her father was a fisherman. He seemed gentle, and friendly to the boys, but what would happen if they got wet, and accidentally blew their cover? Would he *still* be just as friendly and welcoming, or would he try to hunt them and kill them, and eat them as seafood? Luca sure as heck didn’t want to know.
Machiavelli, his pet cat, who looked similar to the man himself, *certainly* wasn’t as friendly, and *he* suspected right away that the two boys were in disguise. He could smell their fishy odor, and he was angry, suspicious, and hungry. After all, what cat wouldn’t eat seafood?
Speaking of fish, Giulia and her father had a private discussion about the race. Not only was the one-armed fisherman concerned about his daughter entering the Portorosso Cup race again due to her throwing up last year, and getting upset when she lost, but he also explained to her:
“...And I know you need some cash for the entry fee, the problem is, money’s tight…”
Giulia pleaded with her father by saying in response:
“Papa, per favore. I have a team now. Plus, I can work double shifts at the pescheria. Whatever you need,”
Her father sighed in response.
“I can’t sell what I don’t have. What I need is more fish in my net,”
Giulia looked slightly disappointed. However, she was also old enough to understand that money doesn’t just grow on trees.
“Mi dispiace, Giulietta,” Her father said, apologetically.
Wait, Luca thought, Did they say something about fish?! Apparently selling them makes money. And if selling them gets money, then, maybe we’ll have enough for the entry fee. And, if we are lucky enough to win the race, then maybe we’ll get more prize money, and we’ll have enough to buy the Vespa for Alberto and I!! I think I have an idea.
Luca cleared his throat:
“Hey. Uhh, excuse me, sir? Maybe my friend and I can help,” He said, looking over at Alberto.
The one-armed fisherman glanced at the two boys and asked in slight surprise, “You know fish?”
Alberto chimed in and added, “Oh, trust me. We know lots of fish.”
Giulia asked her reluctant and confused father, looking right at him with the most determined and hopeful expression on her face, “Can this face lose?”
The fisherman looked over at the boys one more time:
...Hmmm, he thought to himself, They *do* seem to be friends with Giulia, and they *did* say that they knew about a lot of different species of fish….
“You want to work?” He asked the boys, as they nodded in reply.
“Alright, ragazzi, I’ll put you to work. We start tomorrow morning, so be sure to go to bed early tonight. We’ll be up bright and early the next day. Do we have a deal?” He asked again. The boys nodded once more.
Then, the cat emerged again. This time, he was perched on the fisherman’s shoulder, almost like a parrot. The cat narrowed his eyes at the two youngsters. He growled threatenly, and got ready to tackle and pounce on the boys. His prey was cornered. Giulia had to stop the cat from attacking the boys so badly that they might need stitches.
Thankfully, Luca and Alberto only had a few minor scratches on their faces. The cat was annoyed however, because he was stopped from his scheming hunting plans. He was a *crazy* cat, both the boys concluded.
“I’m so sorry about the cat,” Giulia said sheepishly to the two scratched up boys, “I don’t know what got into him tonight.”
He discovered our sea monster identities, that’s what, Alberto thought, even though he didn’t say it out loud. They couldn’t risk blowing their cover in front of humans (also known to the disguised boys as the “land monsters”).
Luca laughed nervously, still a bit shook up from the crazy cat:
“...It’s fine. We’re just gonna head back to...uhh…”
He paused for a moment. Oh, carp, he thought. He and Alberto forgot about finding a place to settle in for the night. Giulia read his mind however, and asked:
“Oh. Do you guys need a place to stay? How about my treehouse? It’s usually *my* hideout, but *you* can sleep there, if you want to. I got pillows for both of you.” Not to mention, the treehouse also had twinkling lights.
This will be *just* like sleeping under the fish, Luca thought.
Naturally, because Luca and Alberto were sea creatures, which, usually others of their kind would live underwater, they had a slightly different style of stargazing.
Or, was it called “fish gazing” for them, because they could only see stars if they were on land?
And, because the anchovies they would see underwater looked *so* similar to the twinkling stars, on land, which would light up in the night sky, the boys found it hard to tell the difference. The string of lights on the treehouse also had a similar appearance to the glowing “fish”.
Luca and Alberto smiled and quietly thanked their new friend.
“Buonanotte, boys. See you in the morning,” Giulia called out to them, as she climbed on one of the tree’s branches, and accidentally slipped on the cat. The cat let out a startled yowl in response. Giulia briefly apologized to the feline, before blushing in embarrassment, as she peeked out of her bedroom window.
“Oops!! Slipped,” She chuckled sheepishly, as she glanced at the boys for one last time, before getting ready for bed herself.

Chapter Text

Meanwhile, training for the race went well. Well, it went well for Luca and Giulia, not so much Alberto. The poor kid couldn’t even figure out how to properly use a fork, and whenever he tried to ask the other teens for help, it seemed like they were always too busy bonding over books about the planets, stars, zoology, and other science topics that Giulia would be learning in school. On the other hand, he supposed he shouldn’t be complaining too much, because Massimo developed a bond with the lonely boy, and acted fatherly towards Alberto. He was the one who instructed Alberto and taught him to swirl the pasta onto his fork. Alberto was about to show Luca his new accomplishment, but Luca was still far too busy to notice. Alberto ate his pasta, but he couldn’t help feeling jealous and upset. Then, came the day of the betrayal. After the two argued about Luca’s parents seeing them both, Alberto wondered why Luca was being neurotic, and Luca pointed out, annoyed, that they both crashed into the sea (this was when Alberto took over Luca’s bike earlier), and that his parents saw him. Alberto tried to tell him that he was certain that his parents weren’t there. However, Luca harshly told Alberto that he didn’t know how to do things right. Also, Alberto had *no* idea what he was talking about. Who was *he* to make assumptions like that, anyways?
And then Luca started to talk about something else, that had been on his mind for a while. Alberto knew *exactly* where this was going: “I wanna go to school,” Luca said to Alberto. Alberto scoffed at the mention of the word “school”. Luca would *not* stop talking about it for almost *all* week.
“That again? We *can’t* go to school”, he said to Luca.
“You’re just afraid you can’t do it,” Luca shot back at Alberto.
“I’m not afraid. *You’re* the one who gets afraid!” Alberto shouted.
“SHUT UP!!” Luca screamed at Alberto.
Suddenly, the big fight began. The boys were wrestling, holding each other down, biting at each other, and rolling on the ground. The only thing that stopped their fight was Giulia’s relieved call, when she found out the boys were okay.
However, Giulia also noticed some tension between the boys, and she was getting a bit nervous and suspicious:
“Uhhh, what’s going on?”
Alberto coldly shot back at Giulia, in a rushed voice:
“Nothing. Let’s just get back to training.”
Luca was not having it, however:
“Actually, we have something to ask you. We were wondering if we could come with you to your school.”
Giulia was excited and agreed by saying “yes”. Alberto’s anger and jealousy rose, however:
“Uh, Giulia, your school, does it take all kinds of people? I mean, what if some of them were not human?”
“...Alberto…” Luca warned him, baring his teeth in annoyance.
“What if some were, oh, I don’t know, sea monsters?” Alberto asked Giulia.
“Sea monsters?” Giulia repeated, getting increasingly confused and suspicious.
Luca was nervous and annoyed with Alberto. He let out a forced laugh and said:
“...Ah! That’s a *weird* joke, Alberto…”
Alberto scoffed lightly in response and said:
“Yeah, I know, it’s kinda hard to imagine. So, let me just show you!”
“NO!!” Luca yelped, trying, and failing, to stop Alberto from going into the water, therefore revealing his sea monster form.
Even worse, Giulia thought it was a childish joke at first, until she saw a periwinkle scaled arm, which replaced the once tan and lightly scarred arm that Alberto had previously. She screamed even more when she saw that Alberto’s body and hair were covered in bluish purple scales. His eyes even looked like green snake eyes, a little bit. And because Alberto was angry, his pearly white human teeth were replaced with sharp, ivory teeth, which looked almost like shark teeth.
“HELP!! D-don’t hurt us!!” Giulia screamed.
“See?! I knew this would happ-” Alberto shouted at Luca, before the most heartbreaking thing that ever happened to him gave him a wakeup call:
“SEA MONSTER!!” Luca shouted, pretending to be afraid. He regretted almost instantly, however, when he saw the absolutely crushed look on his best friend’s face.
“L-Luca?” Alberto said, eyes widened with shock, and a sob building up in his chest. One lone little teardrop trickled down his cheek, and his vision blurred all of a sudden.
Ercole and the other boys noticed Luca calling out to Alberto, and three harpoons aimed towards the periwinkle sea monster. Luckily, they missed him, however, Luca’s face widened even more. He was not only filled with regret, but he was also horrified by the entire event that just unraveled before his very eyes. His big, wide, brown puppy-dog eyes. He couldn’t help but cry a little bit, himself.

Chapter Text

As Alberto swam into the ocean, he grabbed a piece of seaweed, and wiped away his tears, but it was all in vain; the tears wouldn’t stop running down his face, and he couldn’t stop whimpering and sobbing. He made it to the tower, and he forlornly blew his nose into the seaweed handkerchief before tossing it into the ocean, and emerging onto the land. He was better off alone in his tower, anyways. His father said so to him long ago, so that had to be true, right? The darkness felt like it was consuming him, anyways, so, as far as Alberto himself could see, there truly was no other way. Or at least, that’s what he considered for himself. Even if nobody else believed that was the truth, nor a healthy decision for him. His heartbreak also slowly emerged into a boiling anger. If Luca was to desert him? FINE!! He didn’t need him as a friend anyways. After all, his own dad abandoned him long ago. Who was he to think that his best friend Luca wouldn’t do the same. Now, he was sure he saw Luca for the true monster he really was. Two could play that game. Bring it on.

Alberto climbed up to the tower, and all sorts of bad memories replayed in his mind. His dad abandoning him ever since he was 12 years old, having no friends for years until Luca came around, the betrayal. All he had now were the items that he snatched from the sailors, or that he had found underwater, but even *those* items didn’t bring him much happiness anymore; those items were shared with his best friend, some even were used to build their makeshift Vespa; which brought his eyes to the poster pinned to the wall. “Vespa is Freedom”? Yeah, *right*. He should’ve known better than to believe that could ever come true. He was literally back to Square One. He was friendless and alone again, and he started to feel like his little hideout was, once again, the prison that it always was.
Not wanting to relive those unhappy memories, Alberto’s face turned red with anger and frustration. If he were to be stuck as a prisoner in the tower for the rest of his life, then so be it!! Maybe if he got rid of the items that he collected, he could forget about those painful memories, and forget the fact that he could never find a proper home, or get the freedom he desired.
*Or*, he could make Luca feel so sorry about betraying him in the first place, that he can see for *himself* how much he hurt his feelings. The evidence could be laid out right in front of the other boy, if he even *dares* to climb up there to see him ever again. Yeah!! Maybe, *that* could teach Luca a lesson he would *never* forget.
He threw the objects that the two used to build their “Vespa” all across the floor, some of them breaking, some of them still intact. He threw the objects that didn’t break outside of the tower, dropping them from a high level, from where he stood. When those didn’t break either, he noticed something that *could* be torn apart easily; the drawing of him and Luca on the Vespa that he drew. He ripped it in half, and laid the two pieces about a foot away from each other, right in front of the entrance of the building. Tears built up in his eyes again. Finally, he took the vespa poster off the wall, and he stared at the 383 tally marks that were etched on the stone. He could feel the tears streaming down his face again. He climbed the tower’s stairs, up to the roof, rubbed two pieces of broken wood together, until they started a small campfire, and then, he climbed back down, and sat on the top of the stairs, curling himself up, knees to his chest, his heart completely shattered to smithereens, and his body shaking violently as he sobbed heavily, and loudly, not bothering to take a breath.

Luca swam over to the tower, after being confronted by Giulia, and being exposed as a sea monster, too. He was reluctant to leave Giulia and Massimo behind, but Giulia told him that it was for his own safety. She didn’t want Luca to leave either, because she was the happiest she’s been in years, making two new friends, but she also knew that the town of Portorosso was no place for sea creatures, because of the people who hunt them. Massimo, however, was determined to find Alberto. Sea monster or not, he loved the boy like he was his own son. Luca knew he had to do the same, and find a way to muster up an apology to his closest friend.

When he made it to the shore, he heard distant sobbing and sniffles. He saw objects lying around the tower, however, where was Alberto himself? He eventually realized that had to climb the tower and look for him up there. That’s probably where he was hiding.
“Alberto?” Luca called out. No answer. However, there was the drawing, torn in half, and right in front of Luca’s feet. He stopped for a second, frowned sadly, and put the two pieces closer together. He also spotted something he couldn’t understand, but they had to mean *something*; tally marks, 383 of them, he counted, on the wall. He was surprised just how many there were. Then, Luca took his focus away from the wall, and called to Alberto once more. Alberto sniffled, quickly wiped away his tears, and his face finally turned when he heard his name:
“What are *you* doing here?” He asked coldly, glaring daggers at Luca, and scowling at him with an icy stare.
When Luca tried to apologize and told Alberto that he never should’ve betrayed his friend the way he did, Alberto turned away from him, and retorted sarcastically:
“...Yeah, whatever...You’re sorry. Now, *go away*!!”
Then, he stormed off, and went to the roof of the tower, where the bonfire was lit up.
...Aw, Alberto… Luca thought to himself, ...You know I heard you crying...Just tell me what’s wrong, please?
“...Alberto?” Luca called out, following his friend up the stairs, “What are those marks on the wall?”
Alberto looked away, and his eyes focused on his legs curled up his chest. Tears built up in his eyes for the third or fourth time tonight. He hated that feeling of heartbreak and grief. Why couldn’t it just go away? Why?
“...I started when my dad left…” He sighed in response, quietly. He didn’t want Luca to hear the pain in his voice. He couldn’t start to cry, not right *now*, please...Oh carp...Oh carp...Oh carp.

Luca’s eyes widened in shock:
“...You were living here alone...for...that many *days*?...”
Alberto sniffled and nodded:
“...I-I just stopped counting after a while...H-he said I was old enough to be on my own…”
His voice shook as he said that, and he felt it about to tremble even more, when he let out a couple more sad sighs, and a heartbroken sob at the end of his first sentence:
“...I-I-I j-just t-thought that maybe...maybe he would ch-change his m-m-m-mind…Y’know?...”
Luca frowned in response, giving Alberto a little sympathetic pout. Alberto totally looked and acted like a sad little puppy right now, and he knew it would take a lot for Alberto’s poor, shattered heart to heal. It would probably always be a little broken, though. Especially if his own father disowned him for *that long*.
“...H-Honestly though, I get it...H-He’s b-b-better off without me. You are t-too…” Alberto said, burying his face into his legs, sobbing his heart out.
“...Alberto, c’mon, you know that’s not true…” Luca said, pulling out a seaweed handkerchief. His friend most likely needed one to wipe away all those brokenhearted tears. “Here, blow.”
Alberto didn’t agree though, especially not with the statement that Luca just said to him.
“...Y-Yes it is. Y-y-you’re not l-like me. You’re the good kid…” He said, wiping away his tears with the seaweed that Luca handed him. “...A-And I’m j-j-just the kid w-who ruins everything.” He blew his nose, and a wavering honk came out.
...Please...Luca thought, staring at Alberto with deep sympathy. He couldn’t help but feel terrible and sorry for his friend. ‘Berto...You’re breaking my heart.
He repeated Alberto’s “Silencio Bruno” catchphrase, and explained it was just a dumb voice in his head, and that he was the one who taught Luca that.
“And getting a vespa? Seeing the world-” Luca listed, enthusiastically, before being interrupted by Alberto again.
“...I know, I know. It’s a totally dumb idea, and you like school *SO* much better…”
“Not at all,” Luca replied. “I actually liked that idea in the first place. Sure, I want to go to school, too, but that doesn’t mean-”
Alberto had enough:
“Argh!!! Just let it GO, okay?! Look, you and I should’ve never been friends in the first place!!”
Luca shook his head, and touched Alberto’s shoulder:
“...Don’t say that...Alberto?”
Alberto flew off the handle:
“Get out here!!! I’m *NOT* going to tell you again!!”
Luca then had a determined look on his face:
“*NO*. Not until I make a promise to you,” he replied.
“Pfft.” Alberto responded.
“I’ll go win the race. A-And the Vespa will be ours!! Then we’ll ride away together!!” Luca said, excitedly.
“...Luca, c’mon. That’s crazy…” Alberto rolled his eyes.
“Well, maybe *I’m* crazy. TAKE ME GRAVITY!!” Luca yelled, falling from the tower on purpose.
Alberto ran to the tower to check on Luca, with a mix of concern and confusion on his face:
“What are you *DOING*?!” He asked.
Luca shouted back:
“I’ll be back tomorrow. I’m gonna fix this!! You’ll see.”
“Promise?” Alberto said, with a desperate pleading tone in his voice.
“I promise!!” Luca called back, a determined smile on his face.
Alberto smiled, too, when Luca left. It was still a sad smile, but since things were about to possibly get better, finally, he also had a genuine smile of relief on his face. The dark rain cloud over, and above, his head felt like it was slowly being lifted, and drifting away from him. One more tear was shed, and he knew for certain that it was the last tear he would shed tonight. This one was a tear of hopefulness. And he needed a lot of hope to get through the rest of the night.
He finally let the fire burn out, went downstairs to grab an old, raggedy blanket real quick, and went back up to the roof of the tower, and curled up underneath it. He closed his eyes, gave a small smile, sighed, let out a big yawn, and he finally drifted off into sleep. The crickets played a soothing lullaby for him, to help him get some rest for tomorrow’s big race. It felt like he was 4 or 5 years old all over again.

Chapter Text

Early the next morning, Massimo came across an old abandoned tower. That must’ve been where Alberto had run off to last night. He heard the kid moaning softly, and tossing and turning in his sleep, however, otherwise, he seemed okay. His eyes glanced over at the old torn up blanket, however, and he also noticed how raggedy and dirty it was. It didn’t look like it was the most comfortable, but it kept the kid happy, nonetheless. It still broke the one-armed man’s heart, though, to see this lonely child sleeping all by himself, and on top of an old tower, instead of in a nice, soft, comfy bed. He didn’t want to wake up the adolescent boy, however, he knew he had to; especially since he made it his mission to go look for the young apprentice in the first place. He put his big, muscular arm on the boy’s shoulder, and whispered:
“...Hey, kiddo. Wake up…”
“Eh?” The boy moaned, sleepily, as he slowly awakened and opened his eyes. He then noticed the big, strong man looking at him sympathetically, with saddened eyes, and a gentle tone of his voice. It startled Alberto at first, because he wasn’t expecting anybody else to come up to the tower and visit him. Especially not this early in the morning. Usually, the boy had to wake himself up, and get his own breakfast, and wash and rinse his face in the ocean, with the saltwater, which he would try not to get into his big green eyes:
“AHH!! What are you doing here?! H-How did you even find me?! You really scared the daylights out of me!! Give me a warning next time, will ya?!”
Massimo kept a straight face, however, and responded with:
“...Listen, Kid...you *really* shouldn’t be going out alone at night. You’re still a growing boy. What would I tell your parents if they found out their own son disappeared?! They would be worried sick about y-”
He stopped mid-sentence when he saw the boy had tears filling up in his eyes. He frowned when he saw this, and asked:
“Now, c’mon, son...Don’t look at me like that...What’s the matter? Did something bad happen while I was gone, or…”
The boy shook his head.
“...Then, what’s bothering you? You can tell me anything, kid...I’ve actually grown quite fond of you, believe it or not…”
“...I-I don’t h-have any parents, sir…” The boy sniffled, wiping away tears with his hand, and blushing in embarrassment. He was looking down at the floor in shame, and sat down for a moment. He hated this. Why did the man come all this way just to give him some pity? Was that *all* he was to the adults?! Some poor little kid who deserved nothing but sympathy and pity? Just because he had no family; even though he always wanted one?
“What?” The man asked, his voice growing even softer. He frowned even more, and his eyes grew even sadder, as he stared at the young teen.
“...M-My dad? H-he abandoned me, w-when I-I-I was just 12 years old. I-It’s been o-over a y-year now...And I n-never felt so alone in m-my life…”
He pointed to the marks on the stone wall, and yelled out:
“...THERE!! YOU SEE?! GO AHEAD!! TAKE PITY ON ME!! I DESERVE IT!! I’M A BAD KID!! H-h-he told me so h-himself!! It must be true if he told me I WAS NOTHING BUT TROUBLE!! G-go ahead and s-s-see for yourself…Y-you’ll p-p-probably think the same exact thing as h-he d-d-did, anyways...”
“...And...What about your mother? What happened to her, if I might ask?” Massimo inquired, gently putting his hand on the boy’s shoulder again.
“...S-she died. A l-long t-time ago, actually...I-I-I was too young to even remember. I was j-just a baby b-back then…” He said, more tears falling down his face. He hated that dreaded feeling *SO* much...Ugh. It made his stomach hurt just *thinking* about it all. He always felt a little sick to the stomach when he was unhappy.
“Ohh...Mi dispiace, ragazzo (I’m sorry, boy)...I had no idea…” Massimo replied.
Alberto sniffed and replied in a whisper:
“I-It’s okay...A lot of people wouldn’t know right away. It’s not your fault she’s gone. It just h-happened. Although I really wish it d-didn’t...”
Massimo then asked, with a suspicious look on his face:
“...So...Why did your dad abandon you?”
Alberto shrugged and shook his head:
“I-I dunno...Maybe I was too much trouble for him? He did always say I was a bad kid, and that I annoyed him all the time. I didn’t w-want him to leave, though. I wish I still had parents. I really, really want a family to love me and help raise me as their son…”
Massimo’s face grew angry, when he heard that:
“...No kid should be left alone at that age. And no child should have to fend for himself at the age of 14, either. Your dad sounds like he couldn’t handle the responsibility of you. However, maybe *I* can...If you want me to, that is...”
“What do you mean?” Asked Alberto.
“Would you like to be welcomed into my home? I could raise you as my adoptive son, and teach you the skills you need to survive, and we could work on catching fish together. Maybe even do a little bonding with each other,” Massimo asked.
“I-I like the sound of that, sir…But…I don’t t-think y-you want me,” Alberto said, curled up under his blanket, wiping away tears with it. He didn’t care if it was completely torn up, dirty, or soaked.
“...Aww…Sure I do, Bambino (young boy)…You can even bring your little blanket if you want to….” Massimo said sympathetically.
“My m-mother g-gave it to me…M-my father? H-he t-tried to t-t-take it away from me, b-b-but I didn’t want him to. So, I saw it in a garbage bin one night, and I noticed how torn up it was, and how dirty it had become. I grabbed it q-quickly, and h-hid it from h-him ever since then…It-It was the only t-thing that kept m-me safe from him. He would g-get angry a lot of the time. Mostly, he would t-take it out on me…I never understood why that is. I still don’t know, honestly. And I don’t care. Maybe I’m *glad* he’s gone. Yeah. That’s it. He deserved it.” Frightened green eyes were uncovered from the blanket that Alberto was hiding behind.
“...Well, you don’t have to if you’re not sure about it, but you’re always welcome in my family…What do you say, ragazzo?”
Alberto paused for a moment, and then said with a small sad smile:
“...Thank you very much, but I still need time to think about it…”
Massimo put a gentle hand on the boy’s shoulder and said:
“Take all the time you need, il mio ragazzo (my boy). I’ll be here waiting in Portorosso when you make up your mind, va bene (okay)?”
“...Va bene, sir. And grazie (thank you)...For everything…” Alberto replied, quietly.

Chapter Text

The day of the Portorosso Cup came. Alberto overslept a bit, however, and didn’t realize the race was already halfway done, until he felt raindrops.
“Oh carp. Luca, I’m coming. I promise. Now where can I find an umbrella?”
As he ran through the streets of Portorosso he saw a big blue cafe umbrella.
Perfect.
Meanwhile, Luca was having terrible luck. The rain droplets were starting to turn his skin into scales:
“Come on, come on!! Aw, not now…I’m SO CLOSE!!”
He then heard Alberto call his name.
“Alberto?” Luca replied, a smile forming on his face.
…Boy, am I glad to see you…He thought in his head.
Alberto put his hands up to halt Luca from going any further.
“Just stay right there,” He said to his friend, his voice cracking a little bit as he said the next part: “You’re still okay.”
Then Alberto ran off to the crowds of people with their harpoons speared at him, and they threw a huge fishing net over his body.
…Please, don’t hurt me…I’m just a kid…I’m different, but I’m still just a child…Alberto thought in his head, his facial expression growing sad and terrified. What was he going to do now?
Just then, Luca called out “NO!!” to the crowd, and with a look of determination, saved his best friend. Together, the two continued the race, and whizzed past other kids and teens on their bikes.
“Sorry. Excuse us. Coming through.” The boys called out to the other participants, and the neighbors, as they had to take a few shortcuts to avoid Ercole and the rest of the crowd. Giulia was right behind them. She had enough of the mistreatment the boys were receiving, when she saw a harpoon speared right at their faces:
“So long, Evil Empire of Injustice!!” She called out, and she kicked Ercole’s bike. However, she crashed right beside him in the process. The boys rushed to her rescue, and asked her:
“Are you okay? Giulia, are you hurt?”
“I’m fine. Thanks, guys. Let’s continue the race.”
Little did the team know, after Massimo confronted a greedy Ercole, and a crowd of people with their harpoons, that not only did they already win the race, whether they were aware of it or not, but that he learned to accept them both as the boys that they truly were. It didn’t matter if they had scales or skin. They were two young teenagers that he grew fond of, and one of them, Alberto, he learned to love, almost like he was his own son.
“...I-I can’t believe it…” Alberto said, tearfully. Giulia looked concerned and noticed something.
“...Hey…Why are your eyes so puffy?” She asked.
Alberto replied quietly, “It’s an allergic reaction.”
Giulia didn’t buy it, though:
“Then how come your eyes are watery?”
Alberto blushed, and said in response:
“It’s really BAD allergies…Seasonal allergies, in fact.”
She rolled her eyes:
“And I suppose that those dark circles under your eyes are supposed to be from exhaustion?”
“...Uhh…” Was all he could say to that.
“And those red eyes; you can’t tell me that you got something stuck in your eyes.” She said, hands on her hips.
“And am I supposed to believe that your nose is stuffed up because you have a sinus infection?! You didn’t even sneeze ONCE!!”
Alberto’s tears fell like waterfalls at that moment, hiccupping while sobbing:
“STOP YELLING AT ME, OKAY?! I LOVE YOU ALMOST LIKE A SISTER, BUT I JUST CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE!! Something TERRIBLE happened to me when I was just a child!! Y-y-you wouldn’t even understand PLEASE. Just let me explain, okay?!”
Giulia responded with a softer tone of voice, and put a hand on his shoulder:
“...What’s the matter, Ragazzo? Hm? What’s got you so upset? Did something bad happen to you in the past? Please tell me what’s wrong. Please…”
“M-my dad wasn’t the nicest person in my family. He would say lots of c-c-cruel things to me. Especially after m-my m-m-mother died…I was just a little baby back then…He t-told me I was n-nothing b-but trouble…Maybe he’s right. I’m just an annoying bad kid. I deserved his “tough love”. I d-deserved to be alone…I deserved all of this…All I had to remember my mother by was this r-raggedy old b-b-b-blanket. It has rips, holes, seams, tears, split threads and dirt everywhere. But I was attached to that t-thing…I still am…My d-dad t-t-tried to throw it away. Well, actually he *did* throw it away…I retrieved it from the t-trash bin b-before it was too late, and I h-hid it from h-h-him ever since. It was the only thing that comforted me, and kept me safe from his angry remarks at me, or him throwing stuff at me….I-I would cry m-myself to s-sleep some nights, and hide under it. I never let him see it though, b-because I knew if I did, I would be in HUGE trouble with him….I-I-I was so, *so* scared…What else was I *supposed* to do? Huh? I’m just a w-wimp…” He sobbed into his knees, as he brought them to his chest.
Giulia’s heart shattered when she saw him in this vulnerable state.
…Poor Alberto…She thought to herself.
"I-I'm sorry, Giulia. I know this came on all of a sudden, but your father came up to visit me last night, when he was looking for me, a-a-and s-s-seeing him being protective and fatherly with you, a-and all of us reminded me of h-h-how my own f-father was always c-c-c-cruel to me!! He never cared!! Not even *ONCE*!!" He explained, in the middle of bawling his eyes out, and feeling embarrassed for sobbing hysterically in front of her.
"...Ohhh..." Giulia responded sympathetically.
She looked right at him, and said to him in a sad tone of voice:
"...You don't need to be sorry for that, mio amico (my friend). It'll be okay. Seriously, stop apologizing. That'll only make it worse..."
Alberto sniffled:
"...Well, I already feel pretty crappy, so, I'm not sure how this feeling could be any worse. But thanks for caring, anyways..."
She just wanted to fight the urge to give him personal space, and give him a big bear hug. Instead, she just rubbed circles on his back, with her palm, until his sobs finally quieted down a little bit.
“...I’m sorry, Al…I’m so, *so* sorry…I wish there was something we could do to help…”
Daniella, Luca’s mother overheard the conversation and said softly to Alberto:
“...Aww, vieni qui, tesoro...(...Aww, come here, sweetie…)”.
Alberto whimpered into her arms, enveloping him, and rustling through his curly light brown hair.
“...Mi dispiace tanto, tesoro…Povero Bambino…(...I’m so sorry, honey…Poor baby…)”.
…“I-I need to step away from the crowd, Mrs. Paguro…” Alberto sniffled.
“No problem, kelpcake, you, Massimo, Mr. Paguro, Nonna Paguro, and I can all take a little walk with you, if you want.” Daniela smiled softly.
“...I-I would like that…” He replied.
Nonna Paguro, Luca’s grandmother asked him:
“Do you want to hear a song that I used to sing to all the sea monster children, when they were little?”
Alberto’s eyebrow cocked up curiously:
“...Uhh, sure…What is it?”
“Think of it as like a lullaby, or an inspirational song to keep a smile on your face, and cheer you up. The children used to love it when I sang it to them. I taught the other seafolk to sing it, too.” She replied with a small chuckle. “I’ll start…Are you ready, my dear child?”
Alberto nodded slowly, and then, he heard the most soothing lyrics ever sung by adults. He couldn’t believe they were doing this to calm *him* down. It meant the world to him, if he was completely honest.
“...Be brave, little one. Make a wish for each sad little tear. Hold your head up, though no one is near; Someone's waiting for you…” Luca’s Grandmother sang, in a soft voice, full of tenderness and wisdom.
“...Don't cry, little one. There'll be a smile where a frown used to be. You'll be part of the love that you see; Someone's waiting for you…” Daniella sang, while wiping away Alberto’s teardrops, and handing him a soft handkerchief to dry his eyes.
“...Always keep a little prayer in your pocket; And you're sure to see the light. Soon there'll be joy and happiness, and your little world will be bright…” Massimo sang to the boy next, gave him a noogie on the top of his curly head, and he smiled when he saw Alberto’s sad face turn into a slightly more confident smile. He was starting to calm down. Thank God it was working. He was relieved to see the boy wasn’t as upset as he was before.
“...Have faith, little one; 'Til your hopes and your wishes come true…” All the adults sang this to him, this time, but Daniella started it, with the “have faith” bit of the comforting little song.
“You must try to be brave, little one.” Massimo reminded Alberto, as he sang this part to him.
“...Someone's waiting to love you…” Daniella and Luca’s grandmother harmonized, and finished the song together.
“Feeling better, sweetheart?” Daniella asked him, rubbing circles on his back, and pulling his raggedy blanket over his shivering shoulders, as he was cold and freezing from the rain.
“...A l-little bit…Thank you. Thank you s-s-so much…You have n-no idea h-how much that meant to me…” He replied to her, with a small smile.
Suddenly, Luca came over, and Alberto stared at him for a bit. Luca had a sympathetic look on his face, and he put a hand on Alberto’s shoulder, and asked him:
“...Are you okay, ‘Berto?...”
Alberto sniffled, but smiled warmly at Luca:
“...Not really, but I’m feeling a bit better than I was earlier…”
Luca gave him a hug in response:
“You’re a real trooper, ‘Berto.” He said.
Alberto said in response:
“...Well, yeah…But it’s hard to be one sometimes. And it doesn’t last long enough, it seems like…” His head hung in response.
“...I know, I know. You had a rough night yesterday evening…You’ll be okay, though…” Luca reassured him, rubbing his friend’s back with circles.
“I will?” Alberto asked, looking hopeful.
“I know you will. You’re a tough kid, Alberto.” Luca said, giving his friend a slight noogie, and another bear hug.
“How did you know I needed some comfort?” Alberto asked.
Luca shrugged:
“I just had a feeling. You looked sad for a moment, and I knew you were thinking about your parents. So, I decided to talk my mom and grandma into taking a walk, and singing to you, since you don’t have any mother figures, or probably not even a grandmother in your life. I also talked to Massimo and my father about keeping you company. Massimo especially, since he went out looking for you. He cares a lot about you, y’know.”
Alberto was touched:
“...Y-You did all that? For ME?! Aww, Luca…I can’t thank you enough!! I think *you* deserve a great big bear hug now…Grazie mille (thank you so much)!! You’re the best…” He squeezed Luca as tight as he could, the smile on his face growing bigger and bigger. He hugged him in the same way that a child hugs their favorite teddy bear. Luca, however, was a bit surprised by this gesture.
“Woah; easy there!! Okay, okay…A-Alberto...You’re c-choking me!! Let go, now, please. Oof!!” Luca coughed a little bit, in response.
Alberto’s face turned red in embarrassment:
“Oops,” he said with a nervous chuckle. “Sorry about that. I guess I got a bit carried away there. I just never *ever* felt that happy before. You made me so *so* happy. Aw, shucks; you *always* make me happy, actually. Who am I kidding?!”
Luca laughed in response:
“...Heh. I get it. Y’know, you make *me* happy. You have the brave personality I wish I had, sometimes…”
Alberto nudged him in faux annoyance:
“C’mon, now…You’re braver than *you* give yourself credit for…Besides, who was the one who *literally* wooshed in like Superman to save the day?”
Luca responded:
“Pfft. Superman. Yeah right.”
Alberto said:
“...Okay, okay…So you can’t fly, and you’re *not* made of steel, but there’s something even better about having a friend like you. You’re smarter than anyone else I’ve ever known. The next time we “fish”…er…stargaze, I mean…You *seriously* need to teach me all those cool constellations…Promise? I’m counting on it.”
Suddenly, Giulia came over and said in mild annoyance, pouting a bit, like a small child, and she said to Alberto and Luca with a slight huff::
“...Ahem!! And *who* was the one who defended you *both* from Ercole. I’m pretty sure I deserve some credit here, too, ragazzi (boys). Sono io che ho tagliato il fegato (am I chopped liver)? What’s a girl gotta do around here to get noticed…*Sheesh*…”
She rolled her eyes in response.
“Seriously, though. ARE you okay?” She asked.
Alberto looked at her with a small smile, and said:
“...Yeah; I-I think I will be…I just gotta stay strong…”
Giulia hugged him and said in reply:
“Well, you seem pretty strong to me. I didn’t even know you’ve been through so much.”
Alberto sniffled again, and said:
“...Wh-When you’re left behind with nobody to care for you, at the young age of 12 years old, you kinda h-have to be…It’s never easy though. Life has been no bed of roses for me, that’s for sure…”
Luca said:
“I was never abandoned, and I have parents who care for me-”
Alberto rolled his eyes, and said sarcastically:
“...Ohh…Well, lucky *you*…Like, I *really* needed that rubbed in my face…”
Luca looked annoyed for a second, too:
“I wasn’t finished!!”
Giulia answered casually with:
“...’K…So, what *were* you going to say to us?...”
Luca said:
“...Despite having loving and caring parents, and a grandmother who would do anything to make me happy, life hasn’t always been milk and honey for me, either. I was a shy kid before I met you guys…And I learned so much from you both…”
He pointed to Giuilia:
“You were the one who saved us both from Ercole, and you also invited us over for dinner, on day one, when we met you. Plus, how could I ever repay you for teaching me about all the stars, and the constellations. And those history books? Man, I could read that for hours. And the zoology book? ‘Berto, I know you don’t like reading, but I think even *you* would enjoy it. They have all sorts of underwater species in there. You could get another scuba diving set, and we could go down there and see them all. Giulia, you’re welcome to come along. I bet you would enjoy it, being a fish delivery girl, right?”
Giulia replied:
“If I can get a camera that can go underwater with me, then I’ll come along. But only on that one condition.”
Luca then pointed to Alberto:
“Alberto? You are the best friend a boy could have. You’re a brave spirit, and you taught me to face my fears. Building our homemade Vespas always challenged my creativity, and the “Silencio Bruno” thing? Genius!! Everytime I hear Bruno, I’m going to tell him to keep quiet from now on. With or without my trusty sidekick to defend me from the dark alleys or whatever. And being *your* friend, I would do the same for you.”
Giulia said:
“So don’t you worry about the past, now. All that matters is that we friends stick together, and we always will.”
Luca said:
“Yeah. And besides, the underdogs need a third member on their team, to defend Ercole and his goons. Three vs three. So, don’t you think you’re not strong enough for us, or that you’re the kid who ruins everything. Because guess what? You’re not. We care for you a lot, ‘Berto. Seeing you being so hard on yourself breaks our hearts, sometimes. So, we’re gonna help you pick up the rest of the pieces, okay?”
Alberto looked up:
“You will?”
Luca smiled and nodded:
“Yep. After all, what are friends for, right? Everything will be alright, ‘Berto. I just know it will. We just gotta face life’s battles together, okay?”

Chapter Text

A couple days later, Luca, Giulia, and the adults were talking about something that Alberto overheard. Luca said:
“It really breaks my heart to see Alberto put himself down like that. He has these mood swings, too. It’s concerning, to be honest.”
Luca’s grandmother said:
“I think every teenager has mood swings once in a while, Bubble. It’s a part of life, and growing up.”
Luca responded with:
“...But still…He goes from happy to sad, and he doesn’t stay happy for long. What’s worse is he gets that look on his face, like he’s a kicked puppy.”
Giulia responded with:
“...Well, remember when Alberto told us about how he had stuff thrown at him by his father? That’s kinda similar in a way. So, I can’t blame him for looking so depressed and defenseless, when he gets those tears in his eyes…”
Luca’s grandmother replied with:
“...Povero piccolo coso (Poor little thing)...”
Massimo said:
“...We need to take him to see a therapist. It’s really bad, and I’m getting worried…”
Luca said:
“I’ll go tell him.”
Giulia said:
“But, he might not want to go.”
Luca replied:
“That’s okay, we’ll find a way to reassure him everything will be fine. He needs to know, though.”
“Good luck,” said Giulia, worry clearly shown on her face.
Alberto sat in the corner of a brick wall, and sniffled, burying his face into his knees.
Luca said quietly:
“...Alberto? We need to talk…”
Alberto looked up, with a tearstained face, and replied with:
“Huh?”
Luca then told him the news:
“...We’re gonna take you to therapy, okay? Everyone agreed that you might need it…”
Alberto’s face then turned scared, and tears started flowing down his face like a waterfall:
“...B-b-but I don’t want to go…”
Luca asked sympathetically:
“Why not? Don’t you think it might be a good opportunity for you?”
Alberto shook his head, and frantically said:
“No. Nononono!!!! I *don’t* want to go!! What if something *bad* happens there, and things turn out worse?! My life already sucks. What if they just want to *hurt* me?!”
Giulia came over, and put a hand on his shoulder, saying in a gentle, yet firm voice:
“Look, Al…I understand you might be scared, and we’re just considering trying it out for you, so, you *do* have a choice, but we don't always know how to help you with these problems; so, we’re just wondering if it could be helpful for you to talk to someone who works with teens who have experienced the stuff you lived through…That’s all, okay?”
Luca replied:
“...Not only that, but sometimes, kids need therapy when they have problems they can't cope with alone. It might help you if you have a professional to talk about your feelings with. It’ll help you to work out your problems, and make you feel better. Plus, we can tell you’ve been going through some tough times lately…”
Alberto sniffled again, and sobs made his body shake, but he listened, as he was interested in what they had to say.
Luca continued:
“...You might learn skills to cope, feel better, and get the help that you need…Plus, we heard that you’ve been abused by your father, ever since your *mother* passed away, and then he *abandoned* you when you were only 12 years old…And you just seem so depressed, scared, anxious, and forlorn all the time, and we think that the sessions might help you a lot…Trust me when I say that the therapists there will give you lots of praise and support…They just want to get to know you better so that they can assist you, and try to make your life easier….”
Luca’s mother came in, and walked over to Alberto, giving him a bear hug:
“...Aww…va bene, tesoro (It’s okay, sweetie)...We know it’s a bit scary for you…You can bring stuff with you if you want to…Anything that provides you comfort will work just fine, okay?...”
Luca asked:
“Do you have a picture of your mother, ‘Berto?”
Alberto nodded, and pulled it out from his pocket, in his shorts.
‘Do you want to bring that with you, *and* your blanket? I know that thing keeps you safe, usually…Might be a good comfort object for you…” He asked his friend, gently.
Alberto said:
“...Okay. I’ll go. As long as nobody hurts me. Thank you so much for letting me bring my beloved objects with me, you guys…You’re the best. Every single one of you…I hope you all realize what a big part you play in my life. Because I barely had any friends and family, growing up…It’s just super nice to know I’ve got company, now…”
Luca’s grandmother said:
“Pack your things, sweetheart. We’ll be taking the train to get there. And this therapist? I know her, and trust me when I say that she’s the most amazing person I’ve ever met. I think you’ll really get along well with her…”
Alberto smiled nervously and said with a sad little sigh:
“...I sure hope so…Thanks again, ma’am…You’re like a grandmother to me…:I hope I can visit you often.”
Luca’s grandmother chuckled:
“...Honey, you’re welcome to visit me *anytime* you want…Now, let’s get on that train, we only have about 5 minutes left before it reaches the station…Okay?”
Alberto thought in his head:
…Here we go…Wish me luck today, Bruno. I think I’m *really* gonna need it….

Later, in the waiting room, Alberto was waiting patiently to be called in by the therapist. He saw other kids of various ages in the room, too. The little ones had worried looks on their faces, and the older ones sat in different corners of the room sulking and looking away from the rest of their peers. One older teen glanced over at Alberto, however, and asked him:
“...So, what are you doing here, pal? Do *you* have problems of your own, huh?...”
Alberto sighed sadly, and replied:
“...I have a lot of emotional baggage, and I have been abused by my father; later, he abandoned me…My mother? I don’t even really *know* her, because she died when I was just a baby…So, yeah…Life is pretty rough for me…I don’t really want to talk much about it, okay? *Please*…j-j-just leave me alone…”
“...No problem, ragazzo (boy). Mi Dispiace, figlio (I’m sorry, kid). Spero che ti senta meglio (I hope you feel better soon)...” The older kid responded, sympathetically.
Alberto hung his head, and he said with a sniffle, wiping at his eyes:
“...If things *do* get better, you mean…And I highly doubt that they will…Life has not been kind to me, and I’m afraid that it might never be…”
Luca gave Alberto a hug, and rubbed circles on his back, as Alberto silently cried and whimpered.
“Shhh…Hey, hey…It’ll be okay, ‘Berto. Spero che ti senta meglio (things will get better), I know they will. Devi fidarti di me, ok (just trust me, okay)? That’s why we’re here…The therapist will help you get through these obstacles, I am sure of it…”
“But, Luca,” Alberto whined, “...Sono spaventato (I’m scared)...”
Luca’s mom put a hand on his shoulder, and whispered tenderly to him:
“...Don’t worry, bimbo (baby)...It’s really almost like waiting for a checkup at the doctor’s office…It’s a bit intimidating, but it'll be fairly quick, and we’ll all be there with you, and we’ll never leave your side. Plus, the therapist is really nice. Giulia and Massimo heard that she’s really great with talking to kids of all ages. Plus, you have your blanket and the photo of your mother with you, so you’re welcome to pull out your comfort objects anytime you want to, va bene (okay), sweetheart?”
Alberto nodded, and asked Luca:
“Can you drape the blanket over my shoulders for me, please?”
Luca gave a slight smile, and said with a light chuckle:
“...Heh. Sure…”
So, he did just that. The other kids snickered a bit in response, but Daniella, Luca’s mother, quickly came to Alberto’s defense. No words were needed, but Mrs. Paguro gave a warning glare to the kids who made fun of Alberto that basically said:
…If you *dare* to make even just *ONE* crack at the poor kid, I *will* tell an adult, and you’re going to face some consequences for bullying another child…So you better watch it…
The other kids in the room quickly died down on the laughter, except for a couple nervous chuckles. Other kids nodded in response, and immediately went quiet, and got back to their own business.
Suddenly, a woman’s voice called out from the waiting room:
“Alberto?”
Alberto went up to the hallway, hesitant.
“Y-Yes?” He asked, meekly.
The woman asked:
“...Aw…Are you afraid of me, sweetheart? It’s alright, child, I won’t hurt you…Come with me, giovane (young one)...”
“C-can I bring some friends in with me, during the session?” Alberto asked, nervously.
The therapist smiled, and said in reply:
“...I don’t mind at all…Come right in…”
When he entered the room, with Massimo, Luca’s parents, Luca’s grandmother, Luca himself, and Giulia by his side, the therapist told Alberto to take a seat.
The woman took a candy dish off her desk, and held it in her hands, gesturing towards Alberto:
“...Would you or your friends care for a piece of candy? There’s plenty of choices. Choose whichever flavor you like…”
Alberto nodded, took a lollipop, and put it in his mouth.
“So, how old are you, sweetheart?” The woman asked him.
Alberto shyly replied:
“...I’m 14 years old, ma’am…”
“I’m going to show you a chart with different faces on it. I want you to try to point to which emotion you’re feeling right now, alright? Do you understand?”
Alberto nodded, and pointed to a couple facial expressions. One was a nervous face, one had a sad face, one had a scared face, and one had a worried face. The therapist nodded and asked him:
“So, how long have you been feeling these emotions?”
Alberto responded with:
“...It’s been over a year…Maybe almost 2 years?”
“And why have you been feeling this way? What happened that caused you this much distress? Do you care to share with me a little bit about your past experiences?” She asked him.
Alberto’s eyes began to fill up with tears:
“...I-I guess it all started when I was very little…My mother passed away when I was j-just a baby. And so, w-w-when my mother died, it was just me and my dad. And my father? W-well, let’s just say he w-wasn’t exactly the nicest person to me…He acted very angry and mean a lot of the time. I wasn’t sure why he acted t-this way, but he d-did…”
Luca put a reassuring hand on Alberto’s shoulder, Giulia frowned sympathetically, Massimo had a solemn look on his face, and Luca’s mother pulled out a handkerchief for Alberto, and he wiped away his tears with it.
“So, was he abusive towards you? And in what ways? Did he actually hurt you enough to cause any injuries? How did you feel when he got mad at you? Was it scary?”
Alberto sniffled:
“...I-It was pretty bad. He would call me a bad, annoying kid, and say I was nothing b-b-but trouble. H-h-he tried to take away s-s-some of my favorite belongings, including this old, worn-out blanket that I have, which, by the way, my mother gave to me. He tried to throw it in the trash bin once, but I retrieved it. I h-hid it from him ever since, though. I knew I would be in huge trouble if he ever s-saw it. I would sometimes hide under it in fear. He scared me a lot. He would also throw stuff at me, sometimes, when he got angry. He screamed at me often. I even have a scar on my shoulder from w-where he h-hit me with a glass bottle. It was a sharp, broken one, and the shard hit me hard enough that I started to bleed. It’s mostly healed up, but you can tell it left a permanent mark. It still h-hurts a little bit, though, when s-s-something b-brushes against it…”
“I’m sorry to hear that. I also heard that he abandoned you? Is that true? How old were you when that happened? Did you have any friends who were there for you?”
Alberto wiped away his tears again with the handkerchief and blew his nose forlornly:
“...Y-yeah…I was 12 years old when he left me behind. H-he said that I-I was old enough to be on my own. But I still waited for him. I don’t know why…I guess I-I wanted him to change his mind? But it never happened, obviously. I didn’t know very many kids. I actually met Luca one day, while I was searching for items at the bottom of the ocean…It’s a long story, actually. Then, we went to this town called Portorosso to get a Vespa, so we could be free to do whatever we wanted to do. We met a girl named Giulia. She was nice, I suppose. She cares for me a lot, almost like we’re siblings. I appreciate the way that she tries to look out for me. Life was no bed of roses, though…I lived an unhappy life for far too long…Sometimes, I wonder if the whole ordeal was my fault…Did I do something *wrong* to make him leave me behind, all alone in that tower? *Is* it all my fault?”
He sighed sadly, and hung his head.
Luca’s mom rubbed circles on his back, and draped his security blanket over his shoulders.
“...Aww, sweetie…No; .It’s *not* your fault…None of this was…Here, this might make you feel a little bit better.”
Alberto smiled slightly at that, and said quietly:
“...Thank you, Mrs. Paguro. I appreciate how much you care for me…It really means a lot to me…”
“No problem, honey. Let’s just finish up this session, okay?” She responded.
Giulia nodded and added:
“And I’ll treat the three of us, meaning you, me, and Luca, to some delicious gelato ice cream. A little something to cheer you up.”
Luca asked Alberto:
“Does that sound good to you, ‘Berto?”
Alberto licked his lips, and said:
“...Mmm…Yeah. I can hardly wait. I think I already know what flavor I want…”
The therapist looked at Alberto sympathetically and said:
“...Aww…Look, kiddo, I get that life has been hard on you for a long time, but as a professional, I will do my *best* to assure you that you are *not* at fault for what your father did to you. Lots of children who are victims of child abuse and neglect feel this way; you aren’t alone in this world, sweetheart. Understand?”
Alberto looked down into his lap, pulled the picture of his deceased mother out of his pocket, and with sad puppy-dog eyes, he pulled the blanket closer to him:
“...You’re just saying that to make me feel better…” He sniffled and wept a bit, tears running down his sad face. “How could anyone who went through that much misery *possibly* believe that they’re not alone in this world. My f-father h-h-hates me. I have only a couple good f-friends. I-I-I h-h-have no family. I l-live on a l-l-lonely little island where there’s a tower that’s in terrible shape. My m-mother is dead. And you’re telling me I’m not alone?! Yeah, right. I wish I could believe such a thing, but it’s sadly not true. It’s not gonna happen, and it never w-w-will, okay?!”
The therapist replied:
“...I understand why you feel the way you do, and I’m sorry you feel this way, after undergoing that much conflict, but, if there is *anything* else I can do for you, then I would be happy to take up this conversation with you at another time, when, and *if* you are willing to look at taking a step forward...”
Alberto replied timidly:
“...I-I guess I could give it a try…”
The therapist smiled in response, and nodded:
“Okay, good!! Let’s do it some other time, then…It is important for me to shift our conversation to a more positive note…Either we do that *now* or later, but we can’t keep looking at the dark side of this situation with you forever, so we need to find some good coping skills and strategies to get your mood boosted up again, soon...Alright, honey?”
“...Sure…Thanks, ma’am…At least you’re trying to understand me. It can be a bit difficult sometimes. I hope I wasn’t too annoying…” Alberto sighed. He was also still a bit nervous and timid.
“...Contrary to what your father said about you, I think you’re a *great* kid, Alberto. And I think that your friends believe that, too. They seem to *love* you very much for who you truly are. Always keep friends like that around. It’s good for growing children and adolescents to develop bonds like that…”
Alberto nodded, and said with a small smile:
“...Thanks…They really are the best.” He hugged his friends while responding to the therapist. His friends smiled back at him, and gave him reassuring hugs and back rubs.
“...I’ll also see if I can prescribe an antidepressant pill for you. I know you’re only 14, but I think it would be a good opportunity to try it, and see if you feel any better. Now, if the symptoms get worse, please *don’t* be afraid to tell me, and the adults that came with you today, alright, piccolo (little one)? We’ll take you off of it if you feel any weird reactions, mood swings, ailments, or allergies. It’s a *guarantee* from us. I wish you the best of luck, and I hope to meet again with you soon…Enjoy your gelato!!”
Alberto’s stomach churned at the thought of taking pills, but he also couldn’t *wait* to try that delicious gelato. After all, what child *isn’t* a sucker for a sweet treat on a sugar cone, anyways? He could hardly wait, just thinking about it. Wanting to leave as soon as possible, he said in response:
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you. I will. Oooh, I’m getting hungry just *thinking* about it. Chocolate, mint, strawberry? What should I get?” He said, talking to himself, as he trailed off at the end of his sentence.
Massimo chuckled at this and called out to Alberto:
“...Andiamo, ragazzo mio (come on, my boy)...Your friends are waiting for you…Don’t want to be the last one there, right? ‘Last one there is a rotten egg’; is that how the saying goes?”
“...Si, sir. Don’t worry, guys!! I’m coming!! Just give me a minute to catch up…Luca, Giulia?! Hey, guys!! Wait for ME!!” He chuckled in response, giggling like a schoolboy, running after his friends.
Massimo sighed happily, watching the trio go:
“...Heh. Kids…” He shook his head, and smiled warmly at the young boy, with the daring spirit, and the bright green eyes. Sure, it will take a while for him to overcome the trauma, and regain his confidence, but without a doubt, Massimo knew that Alberto was an amazing, bright young boy.
That’s when he thought about possibly taking in the 14 year old. Maybe all the teen needs is a father figure and a loving foster family to make him happy again.
“I’ll talk about it with the Paguros,” he said. “They have a son of their own, so maybe they can give me advice on how I can raise a boy around his age.”

Chapter Text

Later, at the gelato shop, Alberto and the others went up to order.
Daniella said:
“...The poor kid’s had a rough day today, ma’am…I think he needs a little pick-me-up. Something different than what he would originally pick out…”
The server looked at Alberto’s tearstained face, and said in reply:
“Aww…What happened, piccolo (little one)? Bad day? Did you run into a bully? Did you get hurt?”
Alberto held his scarred arm close to his chest, hugging it, and replied quietly:
“...P-p-please…I-I don’t want to t-talk about it….”
As he walked over to a table, Daniella whispered to the server:
“...How about a happy-face sundae for him? He’s too old for the clown face ones, though, so just a regular smiley face on the scoops, and some sprinkles on the banana. I think that might lift his spirits a little bit…”
The server whispered back with a smile:
“Gotcha. I’ll do my best to make the kid happy.”
Daniella smiled and said:
“...You’re such a kindhearted employee. I bet the children enjoy seeing you, at the parlor….”
The server nodded and said:
“I love kids. They love *me* in return. I have a husband with two beautiful children, and I had many siblings growing up, in my own childhood days.”
Daniella waved politely, and then sat at the table with Alberto and his friends. She pulled Alberto aside, and whispered to him:
“...Sweetie, let me see that scar on your shoulder, please…”
Alberto stretched out his arm, and Daniella lightly prodded at it. Alberto cringed in pain when she touched a really tender spot. She frowned sympathetically, and tears built up in her eyes as she looked at him. She lifted his chin up with her hand and told Alberto to look her in the eyes.
Daniella said, in a choked up voice:
“...Awww, honey…I don’t blame you for your pain. I think you might have scar tissue pain, or maybe even an infection…”
Alberto looked confused. He raised an eyebrow, and replied with:
“Huh?”
Massimo stepped in and said:
“...Alberto, we might need to have a doctor take a look at that. And I don’t mean one at a doctor’s office. You might have to go to a hospital. For a skin graft…”
The server brought over a sundae to Alberto and said politely:
“ecco qua, bambino (here you go, child). Enjoy. I hope it brings a smile to your face.”
Giulia ran off to grab the antidepressants for Alberto, and when she came back (fairly quickly, because the pharmacy was nearby the gelato parlor), she handed Alberto some of the pills, and put them in front of his dish:
“...You might want to take these right now, they’ll help you feel better…” She said tenderly, giving him a hug to cheer him up.
Alberto’s stomach churned again, and he sadly walked away, pushing the dish aside:
“...Actually, I’m not really that hungry anymore, Giulia…I don’t feel too well…*You* can have it, if you want…”
Luca frowned at that, and his brown eyes filled up with tears:
“...Awww, ‘Berto…” He said quietly, looking at his friend, as he saw him going into the restroom. Probably, Luca thought to himself, to sit down and cry. Once again, his heart shattered for his friend.

Hearing his friend sob in the bathroom, Luca hesitantly took a couple steps in, and touched Alberto’s shoulder:
“...’Berto? Is everything alright? What’s wrong? Please tell us…Are you okay?...”
Alberto looked up with a tearstained face:
“...A-All these memories are c-coming back…I-I don’t like them…They’re c-c-coming back…And the worst part of all is that I will never f-forget it…W-w-why did he have to *h-hurt* me like that? Why did h-he just abuse me all the time. Why did h-he l-l-leave me behind? Why did he th-think I could handle being out th-there all alone?...Why does he hate me?...Why; just *why*? It hurts…I-It h-hurts s-s-so much…”
He sobbed even more after replying to his friend’s concerned questions. Little did he know that everyone else was there, too. Luca’s mother stared sympathetically at the poor kid, and replied, draping his security blanket over him once again, for what seemed like the thousandth time today (which he needed very much so at the moment, and the moments before that day):
“Awww…Tesoro, non è colpa tua (baby, it’s not your fault)...You know that, right? I’m going to tell you something I tell my son, whenever I get the chance to shower him with my motherly affection…”
Alberto looked curious and confused, but he timidly awaited the reply, hoping it was nice and comforting, but not embarrassingly mushy and *definitely* not too over-the-top (because then he worried that the others would treat him like a baby, or a fragile item that breaks too easily):
“...Hey, look me in the eyes…You know we love you, right?” She told him, lifting his chin up, and gently wiping away the tears from his eyes, with her thumb.
Alberto sniffled, and replied sadly:
“...I know…Thanks, you guys…I just wish I could learn to love myself the way you all love and care for me, and my safety, and emotional well-being, and everything you do for me to make me feel like I belong…”
Massimo then had something to announce:
“...You *do* belong…And I’ll tell you *where* you belong. Now; you listen to me, piccoletto (young man). You will stay with *me* in Portorosso. You will be welcomed into my house. You will be given hearty meals, and expect to be given chores to do. You will help me with my fishing, and you will get my daughter’s bedroom to sleep in, while she’s away at school. Come summertime, you and I will set up a hammock for you to sleep in, on nice nights outside. On rainy summer days, you’ll sleep in the bed in the kitchen, and the mattress will be nice and comfortable. It’ll be just your size…”
Alberto replied:
“...What are you trying to say, sir?...I don’t quite understand…”
Massimo smiled warmly, and put a fatherly arm on the young man’s shoulder. He said to the innocent, yet daring boy that he had grown fond of; during his visit to Portorosso, with his friend Luca, and befriending his lonely, yet feisty and spirited daughter:
“...Would you like to settle here in Portorosso, and stick around for a bit? I need an apprentice to keep the pescheria (fish shop) going, and I also trust you with the boat, and catching fish. Especially after that impressive catch you boys had brought in, the last time we went out into the water…You’re a responsible boy, am I right?...” He smiled at him, waiting for Alberto’s response.
Alberto smiled tearfully, and quickly embraced Massimo in a hug:
“...Thank you sir. Th-Thank you so s-so *much*; I would happily be of your assistance. If you need an apprentice and a skilled fisherman, you can bet that I’ll be one of the best ones around!! I promise to make you so proud…”
Massimo hugged the young boy back, and replied in a soft whisper:
“...Prego (you’re welcome), lad…You’re so very welcome…Life here in Portorosso will be so much happier than up in that lonely abandoned tower. Just wait and see, Ragazzo (boy); I promise...”
The others smiled in response, and Alberto, while still recovering from a lot of hurt and pain left over from being abused and abandoned, and lonely for so many years, felt like, for the first time in a long, *long* time, that life was not going to be as bad as it was before.
Not anymore. Time heals all wounds, and his wounds, both mentally *and* physically, were about to heal in a slow, yet very steady progress.

Luca’s mother then held out the pills for him, and said to him in a sympathetic voice:
“...Now, here. Take these, sweetie…They’ll make you feel better…”
Alberto looked at them skeptically, and replied:
“...But…I don’t understand why these are so important for me to take. I’m not sick or anything…At least, I don’t think I am. Don’t people usually take medicine like this when they’re feeling sick?”
“I know, honey…I know…Here's the thing though, It’s not an illness like a cold, or a stomach bug, or anything like that, but it’s still affecting you in some way that is not healthy, and we need to make sure that this will gradually help with that, and make things better for you…It’s hard to explain, but it’s important for you, and we'll try to help you in the best way we possibly can, okay?” She said, rubbing his back in an up-and-down motion.
Luca then asked Alberto:
“...When was the last time you felt sad, worried, irritable, and started to cry? It wasn’t that long ago, was it? Only a couple of days, I think…”
Alberto nodded and said with a snivel:
“...I-I guess there’s no denying how t-t-terrible I felt a couple days ago, huh?”
“How much sleep have you been getting up in that tower? Any bad thoughts that kept you awake for hours?”
Alberto sniffled again, and with a tearstained face, he replied:
“...Where to begin? My m-mother died when I-I-I was just a b-baby…My father abused me for years, ever since I was a t-t-toddler, he left me when I was at the age of 12 years old…I didn’t make very many friends…The betrayal on the beach when you and I were fighting still burns my heart, even though I’m not angry with you, and I forgive you…Everything kept me awake. The only things that made me fall asleep as soundly possible were the fireplace I set up every night, up on the roof, and the blanket, even though it’s old and worn, because it keeps me safe, and wipes away my tears of sorrow and shame, and then, that picture of my mother? Well, I always kept it in my pocket…Is it possible to even love somebody in your family that you never even met?”
Luca put a hand on his shoulder, and said in a sympathetic and tender tone:
“...’Berto…It’s okay. It’s going to be okay…”
Alberto then shouted in frustration and despair:
“If it’s going to be ‘okay’, then why did my life crumble apart on me when I needed strength, and love, and someone who cares?! And nobody but you guys even bothered to help me or to comfort me when I spent those miserable nights alone!! I just want to see my mama again!! Why did she have to leave when I was way too young to even know who she was?!”
Alberto felt big teardrops plop onto the photo of his mother, and Luca’s grandmother said, kissing his head in a tender, loving way:
“...Awww…I understand it’s not easy to deal with the death of a loved one…Is it, baby?”
Alberto shook his head and wept some more.
“...I know just how you feel…” She continued.
Alberto looked up with sad puppy dog eyes, and asked:
“...Y-you do? Wh-when did it happen to you? Who died? Do you miss her or him, whoever they are? I miss my mother so much…Oh, mama, how I wish you were here to hold me tight, right now…”
Luca’s grandma nodded and replied:
“...My husband passed away when Luca was just 8 years old. He was the love of my life, my best friend, and my confidante. We did so many things together. He would take me out on picnics on the beach, we would look for shells, we told stories to our grandson, and we always made a gelato date on the weekends. I met him a long time ago, sweetie. When I was just a little bit older than you. When he passed away, I was heartbroken, of course, but I always remember what he said to me…”
Alberto looked up curiously:
“What was that?”
Luca’s grandmother pointed to his chest, and said:
“...He told me that he may be gone, but he would always leave a piece of himself inside of my heart. He promised that to me. And my point to you is, even though you may have never met your mother, she’ll always have a special place, inside of *your* heart. Remember that, little one. Life may be stormy and gray sometimes, but if you know that someone special is in your heart forever, a rainbow will come shining through on the other side…”
Alberto wiped away his tears with a handkerchief, blew his nose, and asked:
“Y-You really think so?”
Luca’s grandma nodded and said with a wink:
“...Trust me, I don’t think so…” She paused dramatically, and poor Alberto almost looked like he was about to break down and sob his heart out again.
“...I *know* so…You just have to believe, kiddo. That’s all there is to it. Now, show me a smile, sweet child…”
Alberto smiled weakly.
“C’mon!!” Luca’s grandmother said, in a playfully teasing voice that sounded like an imp. “...You can do better than that!! Let’s see a real happy face…”
Luca splashed some water at Alberto, and Alberto laughed in response:
“...L-Luca…C’mon!! Stop that!! Stop!! You and your sea monster antics…You rascal…”
Giulia smirked:
“...Ha!! I guess It worked, after all…”
Luca’s grandmother smirked back:
“...That’s why I did it…I encouraged him to do it, because I may be old, but I know a couple of tricks…”
Giulia then regained composure and said:
“...Okay, but let’s be clear on one thing…The silliness was fun, but we’re in a literal bathroom…Isn’t this a bit overkill?"
With that, everyone rushed out, because the crowd was staring at the group. One woman rudely said out loud:
“...Gee, you would think that these guys were monkeys who escaped the zoo…”
“Who,” One man asked in response. “The two boys?”
The woman facepalmed and said in slight annoyance:
“...Yes, but, I mean *all* of them, fool…”
The man’s face turned slightly red, and he said:
“Oops!! Well, shucks…They’re just having fun. I didn’t mind it…After all, this town needs to lighten up…don’t you think?”
The woman went into the stall in a huff and replied:
“...You know what? Forget I even said anything, okay?...”
Alberto called out, slightly jokingly:
“...Ahem!! You forgot that for some of us, we’re *literal* animals. Natural instincts include horseplay with friends…Just part of the circle of life, folks…Try having fun sometime, why don’t ya?!”
Giulia high-fived him and said:
“...Nice…”
Luca silently snickered himself. After all, it was a little bit of a funny remark. And his grandma told him laughter is the best medicine. Who was *he* not to believe it?

Speaking of medicine, Giulia handed Alberto the antidepressants again, and said:
“...C’mon, now. Let’s take these pills. I know it’s no fun, but I promise that they’ll calm you down a little bit, by reducing the anxiety and the PTSD issues, *and* they’ll also help boost your mood, so that you’re feeling less miserable, depressed, and down in the dumps…Or, at least they should…”
Alberto looked at them hesitantly, and heaved a heavy sigh:
“...Okay…”
Luca’s mother looked at the box, and while reading the information on the back of it, said to Alberto:
“...Now, you probably won’t feel better right away…It’s going to take some time, it says. About a week to 10 days at least…”
Alberto gave a slightly disappointed and defeated look to his peers, and said in a sad little tone of voice:
“...Aw, figures…Maybe it won’t work for me then…Right?” He hung his head and looked at the dining table, with the gelato sundae waiting there for him to eat, whenever he started to feel hungry again. He wasn’t quite just yet, however. And the adults, Giulia, and Luca were very understanding and sympathetic about the whole situation.
Luca’s mother gave Alberto a little hug, and she rubbed circles on his back, to comfort him, and to try and help him release his stress.
Alberto, in return, allowed her to do just that. He needed all the nurturing love he could get, since he lost his real mother when he was only a tiny little infant. He was trembling a little bit, too. So, she could tell that he was a little bit worried.
She replied to Alberto in a soft, motherly tone of voice, while trying to explain to him what was going on, at the moment:
“…I’m not 100 percent sure, sweetie, but let’s *hope* it works out for you, because we hate seeing you looking, feeling, and acting so miserable, anxious, and traumatized by your past experiences. It really breaks our hearts to see you so upset all the time…Just be patient, okay, Bambino (Baby)? It might take some time to work itself out; especially since this is a new thing for you. This *is* the first time you have probably been prescribed something like this, after all…”
Alberto nodded his head slowly, and gave her a slightly forced smile:
“...Okay. I will. I think I’m ready to take these pills. Or at least, I *have* to be ready, don’t I? I’m still feeling a bit nervous, anxious, and slightly depressed. Is that *normal*? I feel a bit weird, for asking that question, to be honest…”
Luca responded with:
“...Why? Because you’re 14 years old, and you think you’re too old to be curious and concerned? You know I have had severe anxiety before I met you, right? And even when you and I first saw each other. You wanna know the reason behind my fears in the past?”
Alberto quietly responded with:
“...Umm…Sure? If you *want* to tell me why, that is…You don’t *have* to, you know…”
Luca reassured Alberto that everything was fine, and that he did not feel uncomfortable sharing his past experiences, and his feelings, with his best friend.
Alberto nodded quietly, and said:
“...Okay, then…Tell me the reason why you felt so anxious…”
“It was because I heard scary stories about humans hunting sea monsters. But then, I learned that while the stories may be somewhat true, and that there are also people that prove that this is not 100 percent accurate, because *some* are friendly and kind, like Massimo and Giulia, I still believed those stories about bad and scary stuff happening; even at my current age. It sounds crazy, right? Well, not to *me*; I just turned 13 years old in *early August*. And it’s *still* summertime…My point is, you’re not too old to be worried and unsure about something. It’s okay to feel uneasy and afraid, okay? But, even if you're afraid, we’re right here to help you get through everything we possibly can…I promise you that. And even if it takes a while, we'll be right by your side, and we'll support you forever and ever,” Luca replied to Alberto, in a firm, yet kindhearted and patient manner.
Alberto looked at everyone with a slightly more confident, yet, still confused expression on his face:
“...So, it *is* normal, then?...” He asked his peers.
Luca’s mother nodded, and replied with:
“...Sweetie, of *course* it is…Everyone gets a bit unsure and worked up, sometimes…That’s a part in life…Even if it’s not everyone *else’s* life…”
Massimo said:
“...Things like this don’t magically get better overnight. I faced some tough times, too, and I had to find my *own* methods to cope with stressful or unhappy, or aggravating situations…”
Luca’s grandmother lightheartedly joked:
“...Because if it *did* happen overnight, then magical fairies and wizards would be sprinkling dust, and sparkles, and *stars* made out of *potion*, all over your face, and your hair, and *even* all over your body…And you would have a happy ending like those characters from the old-fashioned fairy tale stories that you find in books, on TV, or, when listening to the radio…And that’s just plain silly and *quirky*, isn’t it, my dear boy?...”
Alberto chuckled lightheartedly at that, as he swallowed his medication, and drank from a paper cup of tap water.
“Heh. I guess you’re right about that…That actually *kinda* sounds like one of Luca’s fantasies, when he won’t stop blabbering about outer space, and books, and different species of animals that he thinks are *SO* cool…Good point there, ma’am.” The mischievous spark in his green eyes started to come back slowly, as he smirked a bit at his playful little jab he just made about his best friend.
“...HEY!! No fair!! *You* were the one who thought the stars were ‘fish’, remember? Silly goose…” Luca responded, pretending to be slightly insulted.
Alberto then looked at the dish with his sundae, and he said out loud to the group:
“...Okay. *Now* I think I’m getting a bit hungry for that gelato. That will be *my* fantasy, ‘k? And you guys are more than welcome to help me *finish* it, or purchase your own. Is it still on you, for all of us, Massimo and Giulia?”
Giulia nodded, and replied:
“UGH!! *Finally*!! We’re having it now, when the parlor is about to close up for the evening?! ‘K. Let’s dig in already, because I swear, I think I’m getting a bit impatient and excited, and I just *can’t* wait any longer!!”
And so, they did just that.

Chapter Text

Later, in the evening, Luca was talking to Giulia about going to school with her. Alberto was still upset that Luca was going to leave him behind, but he now knew that his friend wouldn’t abandon him. After all, next year, the two would meet again, and spend the summer together. So, he decided to sell the Vespa, and he talked to Luca’s parents and grandmother.

“I always was afraid to let him go,” Daniella said, “But I see now that my baby is safe, and he’ll learn so much. If going to school is what he wants, then I will help you pay for the tickets. Just tell me what I need to do.”

The next day came, and Giulia was getting ready to board the train to her school:
“And you have your lunch, for the train? Sweater if it gets cold?” Massimo asked his daughter.
“For the millionth time, si. I love you, too, Papa.” She replied while hugging her father.
Luca stared wistfully as she left for the train. When he mentioned fixing up the Vespa to Alberto, the other boy replied:
“...You see, the crazy thing is…I might have sold it…” He held out a ticket for Luca.
“What? Really?”
When his family arrived, Luca asked his parents and grandparents what they were doing here. When they told him he was allowed to go to school, Luca was so excited. He promised to write constantly to his parents, and to stay as safe as he possibly could.
Then he called out to Alberto:
“Come on, Alberto!! The train’s gonna leave!!” But then, he saw Alberto pausing, and standing still. “You *are* coming, right?”
But Alberto explained he was going to stay with Massimo and help out.
Luca was worried for Alberto and asked if he was going to be okay.
“You got me off the island, Luca. I’m okay. At least, I will be. Go on and learn some stuff. Make us proud.” He hugged his friend tightly, held onto his hand until the train moved too far away, and waved goodbye, throwing his hat in the air. He had yet to finish his story of his life, though. Alberto knew he would have much more to tell Luca in the following months.

And he did. He wrote letters to both Luca and Giulia, and he told many stories to them about the events that went on in his life. Luca and Giulia always responded when they could. Especially Luca, who would always add "miss you" to the end of each of his letters.
The Underdogs even made a promise to get together on his “birthday” (even though he forgot when his real one was), and for the skin graft, that was coming up soon. Alberto was a bit nervous about the surgery, but, other than that, as of right now, he had little to no concerns in his life.

Chapter Text

The day of the skin graft operation had arrived, and Alberto and Giulia, Luca, his parents, and grandmother all walked into the local hospital. However, Alberto was starting to have doubts, and was feeling very nervous and overwhelmed. As he was being led into the room, and given privacy to put on his hospital robe and a funny looking cap for his head, he asked if he could see his friends and family one more time before the surgery was about to be performed. The doctors and nurses agreed to this, and they let him have some alone time with them. That is, after they got the surgical tools ready. As soon as the cart wheeled into the room, he was disturbed by the objects he saw. There was a scalpel, which looked like a sharp knife, even sharper than the ones Massimo used in the kitchen. He also saw a machine that apparently was supposed to be used for meshing, even though he didn’t know what that was for. He also saw a needle and thread, a drainage tube, some thick towels, a suction pump, scissors, a sling, and many other objects that looked too sharp to touch. They immediately brought back bad memories for Alberto, and his irises shrunk in fear, his body trembled, his eyes filled up with tears, he was hyperventilating, and he shook his head frantically:
“...No. No no no no no NO!!! NO, I CAN’T DO THIS!! I’M SORRY, BUT I CAN’T!! I REALLY NEED TO FIND A PLACE TO RUN AND HIDE!! THIS IS JUST LIKE WHEN MY FATHER HIT ME WITH THAT BROKEN BOTTLE!!! WHY DID YOU GUYS EVEN BRING ME HERE?! WHY?! PLEASE…HELP ME GET OUT OF HERE!! I GOTTA RUN!! I CAN’T DO THIS…I just can’t…”
Luca stared at him worriedly, but firmly said:
“...Alberto…You *really* need to calm down, please…This is important, and it needs to be done…”
But Alberto ran for the door, while it was still open. Unfortunately, Giulia was standing right outside the hallway, blocking the rest of the area.
“...Giulia, *please* let me get out of here. It’s too much…Please?” He begged, looking up at her with sad puppy dog eyes. Giulia shook her head, and answered:
“Mi spiace, Amico (I’m sorry, buddy), but I can’t do that. I know you’re upset and this is all very scary for you, but you can’t keep running away from your problems. Plus, you have a bad injury, and it *needs* to be treated as soon as possible. Don’t you want to feel better?”
Alberto responded, with tears trickling down his face:
“...But…I *don’t* feel better. All of these weird tools are bringing back painful memories. The sharpness of them reminds me of when my father hit me with that broken bottle…It’s just too much, Giulia…”
Luca put a hand on Alberto’s shoulder:
“...I know it may seem like that right now, but you will feel much better after the operation is over. Besides, you’ll be asleep when all of this is happening, anyways. *AND* my grandmother has a little *surprise* for you, ‘Berto…Come back in and take a look…We’ll go in with you, va bene?”
Alberto nodded in response, sniffled, and said:
“...Va bene…”
When he came back into the operation room, he couldn’t believe his eyes. Luca’s grandmother had his old baby blanket with him. The one he kept around during the therapy sessions to provide him some comfort and security. The one that his mother made for him before she passed away. However, it looked cleaner, tidier, and it was less ratty and torn up than it was before, and it had some patches with whimsical fabric, to patch up all the rips and holes. Not only did it *look* better than it was, but it also smelled *amazing*. It had a lavender scent to it, and it was also soft and warm, too. The fabric had a downy texture to it, and he noticed it now more than he *ever* did before.
He was speechless, to say the least. And very, very touched by the gesture.
“...I-Is that my blanket?! I don’t know what to say…This is the best gift ever!! Thank you *s0* much!! I will definitely need this to provide me some comfort…” He finally spoke aloud to Luca’s grandmother, tears in his eyes, and hugging her as a way to say “thank you” for what she did.
“...That’s not all, honey…I also brought along this…It’ll make you feel like you’re getting a big, comforting hug, when the skin graft operation is being performed…” She said, pulling out a large weighted blanket for him. It was a dark navy blue color, and just the right size for the hospital bed. Luca’s mother led him to the cot, and told him to get comfortable inside of it. As soon as he climbed inside, she smiled warmly at him, rubbed his shoulders in a comforting way, and she tucked him into the bed, pulling the blankets and the warm sheets over him. She then said to him:
“...There you go, sweetie…It’ll all be okay, I promise. I heard you crying out there, when you ran out of the room, but I can reassure you that everything will be alright in the end. You’ll see…”
Giulia then came over to give Alberto one last gift, a plush toy that looked a bit like Donald Duck, before the operation was about to begin:
“Here,” she said. “...Keep this stuffed animal with you. It’ll provide you some comfort whenever you start feeling stressed out or scared again…” She also whispered to her newly adopted brother that she loved him, and that he was the best brother that she could ever ask for. She wanted to make sure he was aware of that, and she also was curious if he understood how much he meant to her.
Alberto gave the best smile he could manage, yawned sleepily, and replied:
“...Yeah…I know, Giulia. Thanks. For everything.” And he cuddled with the stuffed duck, and pulled the blankets closer to him.
As soon as Alberto closed his eyes, the doctors and nurses came in. Luca said to Massimo:
“...I guess that’s our cue to leave the room now, isn’t it?...”
Massimo whispered back, leading Giulia and Luca out the door, and into the waiting room, and smiled in a fatherly way:
“...Yeah…But I know my boy will be alright. He’s already growing to be a strong young man. And if he can survive this, he’ll be ready to survive almost anything when he grows older. And so will the rest of you…”
Luca smiled at that, and he and Giulia patiently waited, while Alberto was being performed in the other room.
One day, this will all get better, Luca thought. I just know it.
Good luck, Alberto, Giulia thought, praying silently for her brother. I’ll try my very best to be patient. Just for you.

Chapter Text

When Alberto woke up, he noticed a drain attached to him, a sling, and his shoulder bandaged up, resting in the sling. He tried to move his shoulder a bit, so he could stretch his arms, but the nurses and doctors immediately tried to calm him down, and one of them put a hand on his wounded arm, and said, in a soothing tone of voice:
“...Take it easy, bambino (baby)...Don’t strain your shoulder, or it’ll hurt really bad…There, there. You want an ice pack, kiddo?”
Alberto nodded, with sad puppy dog eyes and tears building up in his eyes.
As soon as the medical staff left the room to fetch an ice pack, they whispered to Massimo, Giulia, Luca’s parents, and Luca’s grandmother that they could come in and comfort him.
Luca’s mother gave him a tender hug, and asked softly and sympathetically:
“...Aww, sweetie…How are you feeling? Poor little thing. Does it hurt at all?”
Alberto whimpered and nodded:
“Y-y-yeah…It hurts so, so bad, Mrs. Paguro…I don’t know how I can survive this without screaming in pain every time I move it just a tiny bit…”
Giulia hugged him:
“...You’ll be okay…That’s just an aftereffect of the operation…” She rubbed his back while he continued to whimper.
Massimo cleared his throat and said:
“Alberto, can I tell you something?”
Alberto nodded in response.
Massimo stated:
“I know things seem tough right now, but you are such a confident kid most of the time. I know it’s to hide the sadness and insecurities you had in your life, but you are a true survivor, and you are so much stronger than you look, physically and emotionally.”
Alberto smiled a bit at that, and replied:
“...Thanks, dad…”
Everyone went “aww” in response when he called Massimo by that nickname. Luca hugged him, and added:
“...He’s so right. Alberto, you are a true survivor. You know that? Who taught me to say ‘Silencio Bruno’? Who taught me to overcome my fears? Who told me to keep going, even when I scraped myself by accident a couple times on the bike, before finally mastering it? It was YOU!! If I can get through these things, so can you. Don’t worry, buddy. It’s just going to take a while to heal, but I promise you either way, you’ll feel so much better than when you were first hit by that glass bottle shard…”
Alberto smiled again:
“Thanks, Luca.”
The medical staff came back into the room, and gave Alberto an ice pack. They then talked about what would come next with the medical procedure and the recovery process now that the surgery was finally over.
“...Now, listen up. If you’re planning to take this boy under your wing, here are a couple steps you’ll need to take in order to help him through the healing process, okay? Are you ready? Take notes…”
Massimo nodded in affirmative and replied:
“Yes. We are. Tell us exactly what we need to do. And don’t leave out any details.”

Chapter Text

As Massimo, Luca’s mother, Guilia, Luca’s grandmother, and Luca himself took care of Alberto, and helped him change the bandages and take care of the drain every 4 hours, which made Luca extremely exhausted, and Giulia collapse on a guest bed and doze off, Alberto shook Luca awake:
“...Buddy?...” He said quietly, in a whisper, to his best friend.
Luca turned to face Alberto with an alert but calm look on his face, and responded with:
“Yeah? What’s the matter, ‘Berto? Is something bothering you?”
Alberto said, confused:
“...I’m not too sure? All I know is that I just had the *strangest* dream. It was about my mother…”
Luca was about to get out bed and replied:
“I’ll go wake Giulia. Stay here.”
Alberto put his finger to his lips and said to Luca:
“Shhhh!! *WHAT?!!* NO, don’t *do* that. She gets a little bit grumpy when she’s woken up from a nap, or a deep sleep. Trust me, I’ve seen her like that, when Massimo tried to wake her up a couple of times. It’s better that I just tell *you* for now, and I’ll tell *her* in the morning. Besides, it’s not really a bad dream, but it wasn’t *necessarily* good, either. That’s the strange part about it.”
Luca responded by saying:
“...That *is* a bit weird, actually…No offense. I mean, didn’t she pass away shortly after you were born?”
Alberto shrugged:
“None taken. And to be honest, that’s just a guess. But I know she died when I was a baby. Anyways, let me tell you about how I met her in my dreams. Luca, she was a wonderful, *amazing*, strong, wise sea monster. She had my scale color, while I have my father’s eyes, and my grandfather’s fins. Or, so she told me. She was *elated* to meet me in person. Naturally, I had to ask her what her name was, and if she met me. She told me her name was “Ametista”. That’s Italian for “Amethyst”, by the way. Did you know that? I didn’t. I like the sound of that name. I could say it 1,000 times and then a 1,000 times *more*, and not get tired of it. She told me so many stories about her adventures with me and my father, before he turned nasty. We had so much fun. We-”
Luca held up a hand, like a cop, and with a small chuckle said:
“...'Berto, slow down and take a breath. I know it’s exciting for you, and it’s exciting for me to hear about it, too. However, if you go too fast with your descriptions, then I’ll miss out on what else you have to say about your dream…”
Alberto quieted down, as he also got a bit too loud. Feeling somewhat embarrassed he replied:
“...Sorry…”
Luca smiled and said:
“...No problem. But I think you might have already woken up ‘Sleeping Beauty’ from her slumber. Because, I see a fiery redhead coming right towards us…”
Giulia marched over, folded her arms impatiently, and whined:
“...Dude, keep it down…I know you’re my brother, and everything is so exciting, but unlike you two, *SOMEONE* is trying to sleep peacefully here. It’s almost 1:30, you guys. Give it a rest, already, and go the heck back to sleep. Sheesh…”

Chapter Text

The next morning, as Luca apologized to Giulia for waking her up early last night, Alberto went up to Luca’s mother, and asked:
“...Mrs. Paguro? I want to ask you something, if that’s okay with you…”
Seeing a very jumbled mix of hesitation, anxiety, embarrassment, and sadness on the boy’s face, she glanced at him tenderly and said in a motherly tone:
“...What’s on your mind, honey? You seem a little bit stressed this morning…”
Alberto sighed hesitantly:
“...I want to tell everyone, but first *you*, about what happened when I was around 11 or 12 years old. It’s a lot to deal with, but I believe I’m ready to share it now…”
Luca’s mother knew where this was going. She whipped up a tea for herself, and a hot chocolate for the three kids. She told Giulia and Luca to give Alberto alone time while he talked about what was on his mind.
Giulia quietly gestured to Luca to follow her, and she led him into a room where there were some educational books with fun facts and trivia (something that excited Luca a little bit, and made him somewhat less concerned for his friend). She knew he would like to learn more, before he had to go back to school with her again (which would have to be very soon, because the autumn break was almost over, already), and she also thought it might cheer him up a bit, to do something that he enjoyed the most.
Alberto’s hot chocolate was filled with a large amount of whipped cream, and chocolate sauce (which was just the way he liked it), so he felt a bit special because of this reason.
Sitting down at the kitchen island, she asked him what was wrong, and if he was alright. Alberto responded with:
“...I don’t think I’m alright yet. Not 100 percent, at least. Remember when I said my dad abused me and got mad at me a lot when I was a bit smaller? I wasn’t too little when he hit my arm with the glass bottle, but I was around, I want to say, maybe 11 years old…”
Luca’s mother nodded and replied solemnly:
“...I *do* remember that…”
When she asked why he had done that to his son, Alberto’s eyes filled up with tears, and he gritted his teeth, his face turning red as he lowered his head in shame and humiliation:
“...One day, I was out fishing with my father, but we didn’t have much luck catching the good ones. It was supposed to be for dinner. I didn’t do a very good job, yet, though. I only started fishing at the age of 9 or 10, so it was still new to me, somewhat. Anyways, I caught the wrong kind of fish for supper, and it was apparently too weak and small to fill up our bellies. Or at least, my father thought so. After all, as mean-spirited and nasty as he was, I will admit that he was the *real* expert, when it comes to stuff like that…”
Luca’s mother nodded in response and told him he could continue on for as long as he wanted to.
“...To most people, fishing doesn’t seem like a big deal. And I honestly was weirded out by it at that younger age, because I asked: ‘...But, sir…Aren’t *WE* aquatic creatures, too?...’ and I was confused by the gesture. His response, however, was to smack my face with his hand, and growl at me: ‘...You are *SO* stupid, kid. You know that? We leave nearby a freakin’ *OCEAN*, and all you care about is how weird it is for us to eat fish? Get used to it, brat, because the sea doesn’t have an all-you-can-eat buffet. You ungrateful twerp!! You are so dumb that you don’t even know which fish to catch for supper…’ My response to that was to say: ‘Sorry’, because I felt bad for screwing up that night. However, he just told me to ‘shut up’ and eat it anyway…”
Luca’s mother stared at him with sympathy:
“...That’s not your fault, honey…”
Alberto responded:
“...Yeah, but nobody told me that…So my mission? I was going to privately take his rowboat out for a swim, and surprise him by catching a bigger fish. One of the right species, instead of the wrong kind that I brought to us earlier that night. He was drinking a beer, so I figured he wouldn’t notice. But he must’ve heard my footsteps, because he stared at me with an intimidating glare, and shattered the beer bottle in half, in a fit of anger. He hit me hard with the sharper half of the bottle, and it hurt my shoulder *really* bad. I had a bleeding gash on my arm, and it continued to bleed all throughout the night. His response to that was: ‘You are a bad, annoying kid. You know that? How dare you use my row boat without my permission. You are nothing but trouble. A *HUGE* load of it. I ought to ground you forever, but you are lucky enough not to get a punishment like that. Now, I want you to clean up *EVERY SINGLE ONE* of those glass shards, and think about what you did, before I decide whether or not to dump you yet. You don’t deserve a father. You deserve to be alone. You understand?!’, and he told me not to make a fuss with crying, either, or he would leave me no breakfast in the morning…”.
Tears rolled down Alberto’s face, and he quickly wiped some away. His body was shaking with anxiety, as well, as he told the rest of the story to Luca’s mother.
“...Awww, sweetie…I am *SO* sorry that happened to you. What a horrible man he is to get angry and to hurt you like that…”
Alberto responded by quietly saying:
“...I hid under my blanket that night, and tried not to tremble with fear. I hid in the darkest corner of the tower, because I was not supposed to be seen with the blanket, or I would be in even deeper trouble…”
Luca’s mother told Alberto that she understood, and that she would make sure that didn’t happen with any of the adults here. She reminded him that he was surrounded by love now, and that everyone wanted to protect him from harm and heartbreaking experiences.
“...Everything will be okay, sweetie. Thank you for telling me this. I’m so proud of you, and you are *so* brave to share your experiences with me. Now, go on and see if you can find Giulia and Luca. They’re waiting for you right *now*. Go have some fun. I think Luca wants to play a board game with you, too…”
Alberto hugged Luca’s mother, and responded, this time with more confidence, and tears no longer visible:
“...No, thank *you*...Thanks for everything. For helping me get through obstacles, for being my friend, for playing a motherly role to me, for supporting me, Luca, and Giulia, and most importantly, for having faith in me. You are one of the best people that’s ever been in my life. And this companionship means a lot to me…”
And the two smiled at each other, as Luca’s mother rinsed their mugs in the sink, and softly ruffled Alberto’s hair, while hugging him in return.

Chapter Text

Later on, during the evening, Giulia told Luca that she had a surprise for him. Luca was curious to see what the surprise was, but Giulia told him:
“I can’t tell you. That’s why it’s a surprise, silly. Now put on this blindfold for a minute or two.”
“...Uhhh…Okay?...” Luca said in response. As he put the blindfold on, he felt Giulia putting some new clothes over top of his clothes he already had on.
“...Guilia? I *really* don’t think I need a makeover…”
Giulia smirked, and responded with:
“...Ohhh, yes you do. Trust me…”
Luca panicked a bit and asked nervously, his face heating up a little bit:
“…T-then what’s the blindfold for?! You aren’t going to take away my laundry, and make me wear *your* school *uniform* are you?! I wouldn’t exactly look good in it. It’s for girls!! Unlike mine!! Besides, I didn’t pack much for when we would come back to Portorosso…”
Giulia rolled her eyes and said with a sigh:
“…For heaven’s sake. Will you *relax* already?! I’m just putting a *costume* over the clothes you’re already wearing!! Sheesh…”
She then took the blindfold off, after getting Luca changed into the new clothes. She grabbed a standing mirror from the corner of one of the bedrooms, and put it in front of him.
“...Say hello to ‘Nurse Luca’...” She said, while trying her best to stifle her giggles.
Luca had a white lab coat, a white nurse’s hat with a red cross, a first aid kit, a pair of white pants, white and brown shoes, a clipboard, and a stethoscope around his neck. He groaned when he saw his reflection staring back at him.
“...If you think I’m wearing this while I take care of ‘Berto tonight, then you’re crazy…” He rolled his eyes as he continued to stare at the reflection in the mirror.
Giulia said with a smirk:
“I’ll bring him over to you right now, nurse.”
As she led Alberto into the room with Luca, she said:
“...There you go, have fun cleaning out that drain…”
As Alberto took a seat, he also smirked and he playfully said to Luca:
“...Aww, how cute…Looks like we have a trick-or-treater. Where’s your bag of candy?...”
Luca’s face turned as red as a tomato, and he said with embarrassment:
“...Don’t. Just don’t, okay? It’s embarrassing. And this wasn’t *my* idea anyways. At least, not wearing the silly hat and coat…”
“...I don’t know, kid…You seem pretty young compared to the nurses I’ve seen at the *hospital*…Are you sure I can trust you to take good care of me?...” Alberto said, continuing to joke around with him.
Luca rolled his eyes at Alberto and replied:
“...Trust me, I think I have plenty of experience with looking out for you, in general, Alberto. Therefore, I am sure you can trust me to take care of you while you are recovering…”
Alberto then smiled at Luca and said:
“...Yeah, I know, Luke. Hey, thanks for looking out for me, by the way. I mean it. It’s really nice of you, to help take care of me. You really don’t *have* to stay up late to constantly empty my drain, y’know. I get a little bit *worried* sometimes, because you look so tired, and I think I’m starting to see dark circles under your eyes…”
Luca replied with:
“...I’m fine, ‘Berto, but I appreciate your concern. Besides, that’s what friends do. We take care of one another whenever we need a helping hand…”
Then he paused for a second before saying:
“...*Wait* a sec…Did you just call me ‘Luke’? I don’t think I ever heard you use that *nickname* before…”
Alberto then responded nervously:
“...Umm, yeah…That’s okay with you if I call you ‘Luke’ sometimes, right? I honestly think it suits you and your personality really well. It means ‘light-bringing, and you definitely brought light into *my* world…”
“...Yeah? Since when?...” Luca asked, curiously, while raising an eyebrow.
Alberto fiddled with his fingers and replied:
“...Well, umm…Ever since I met you, if I’m completely honest…”
Luca smiled at that:
“...I don’t mind at all, ‘Berto. I actually really like the sound of that…”
“Cool.” Alberto said to Luca.
“Cool.” Luca replied back.
Suddenly, there was a knocking on the door, and Giulia peeked in, saying to Luca, in a slightly impatient tone of voice (as she was trying to get his attention, and bring him back to reality):
“...And how is our patient, nurse? I’m assuming you are *just* about done…”
Luca responded by saying:
“Once I put the cap back on the drain again, I’ll be out, Giulia. I promise.”
Giulia responded:
"Well, hurry up. It's been about 15-20 minutes!! We don't have all day!!"
Luca responded:
"I'm on it, Giulia. Just hold your pants on, and I'll be done in a minute, okay?!"
Once he did that, before he left the door, Alberto put a hand on Luca’s shoulder and said with a smile:
“Hey. Thanks again.”
Luca smiled back at him:
"...Yeah. No problem. Well, I think I better go now, and see what your sister wants from me..."
Alberto chuckled in response:
"...Yep. She's a firecracker alright. Especially when she gets impatient. You don't want to keep her waiting for too long..."
Then, the two boys waved goodbye to each other.
As soon as Luca left the room, he said to Guilia:
“...Giulia…Why did you have to embarrass me like that in front of ‘Berto? I didn’t think it was that funny…”
Giulia said with a giggle and a smirk:
“...Ohhh, I *dunno*. Alberto didn’t seem to mind the silly nurse costume. In fact, when I *peeked in* earlier, I heard him say that he thought you looked like a little kid going trick-or-treating on Halloween night…”
Luca responded indignantly:
“...Well, I’m *not* a little kid. I’m 13 years old. Just *please* don’t do that to me again, okay? I don’t mind taking care of my friends and family, but *this* was a bit ridiculous…”
Giulia smirked:
“...Okay, but no promises…”
When Luca left the room, Giulia went back to where Alberto was and whispered:
“...So I heard you liked the costume. What should I dress him up as next?...”
“*GIULIA!!!*” A distant shout echoed throughout the hallway.

Chapter Text

Later, after a game of checkers with Luca, Alberto clutched his shoulder in pain. Luca jolted up immediately and responded with:
“What’s wrong?! What did you do?! You okay, ‘Berto?!”
Alberto winced at the sharp pain in his shoulder, where the skin graft and the plates were inserted (he had a humerus fracture, which would take at least 3 months to heal up), and whimpered:
“...M-My s-s-shoulder h-hurts again, L-Luke…”
Luca asked him:
“Did you strain it too much when you made a move on the board? You ought to be more careful with yourself, while you’re healing.”
Alberto responded with:
“...I-I think m-maybe…It really, really *hurts*...”
Luca got up from his chair and went into the kitchen. He told Alberto:
“...You stay right here, okay? Giulia can keep you company for a minute, while I go find an ice pack for you, and some pain relieving pills…”
Alberto nodded, and called out:
“...While you’re in there, can you make me a hot chocolate, please? I would like it with tons of whipped cream, and chocolate sauce drizzled on the top…”
Luca yelled out:
“...And what’s wrong with cinnamon?! Okay, okay. I’m kidding with you. Yes, I’ll get your fancy hot chocolate, in a super big mug, if that’s *really* what you want…”
Alberto made a face, and pretending to gag, responded with:
“...GROSS!! Who the *HECK* likes *cinnamon* sprinkled in their hot chocolate. Those flavors don’t even *go* that well together, Luke! I mean, no offense…”
Luca shot back:
“...Well, ‘Berto…Tell me this: have you ever *tried* it together? Because that’s *my* favorite concoction when it comes to a nice, warm, *heavenly* mug of fresh hot cocoa…”
Alberto said:
“...No, I have not. Why? *Please* don’t tell me you’re going to mix it into *my* mug…”
Luca did add some cinnamon into his friend’s mug, though, and said with a smirk:
“...Now before you reject it, you need to try a ‘no-thank-you’ sip of it, first. Then, you can decide whether or not you don’t like it, or if you think it’s actually quite *delicious*...”
Alberto rolled his eyes and responded with a sigh:
“...Luca, please…I’m *not* 4 years old. I think I can handle just one sample of that stuff you put in there. And, I’m *only* doing this for you, just so you know…:”
When he took the first sip, he made a funny face. But a couple sips later, he was tempted to drink the whole thing, and his mouth felt like the flavor was melting inside. He almost had to stop himself from drooling, due to how scrumptious it was to him.
“...It’s not bad…” He said to Luca.
“...What’s that? I can’t hear you…” Luca responded, smirking proudly.
Alberto then yelled a bit too loud, and then laughed lightheartedly at the end of his sentence:
“...I LIKE IT, ALRIGHT?! Jeez, Luke. Cut it out with the antics, already. No, no. I’m just kidding. Keep going. Joke as much as you want. That’s my favorite part of the day. Our ‘Joking Time’ session, where we act like a bunch of silly dorks…”
Luca responded:
“...Good, because there’s plenty of jokes where that one came from…”
Giulia rolled her eyes and responded with slight annoyance:
“...Ohhh, yes…I’m *sure* there are…”
Luca responded by shushing Giulia playfully, and Giulia responded with a slight smirk:
“...Gotta love these two overgrown kids…It’s like kindergarten *all* over again…”
And with that, Alberto couldn’t help but laugh his heart out at his adopted sister’s playfully snarky antics.

Chapter Text

Later in the night, before Luca went to sleep, Alberto whispered to him:
“...Luca? Can I tell you something? It’s kind of important to me…”
Luca saw that Alberto’s face looked embarrassed and sad.
“...What’s wrong, ‘Berto? You alright? You look so gloomy and upset…” He asked him, softly.
“...I-I need to tell you more about w-what happened with me and m-m-my father…I wish this wasn’t so hard to explain to you earlier. I was just so embarrassed and afraid w-what y-y-you would think, if I told you what h-happened when I was younger…”
Luca told him:
“...Here; we’ll go out into the living room, and talk out there, if you want. That way you can tell me without waking up, Giulia, va bene (okay)? Does that make you feel a little bit better?...”
Alberto nodded quietly in response. When Luca made two warm mugs of hot chocolate, he said to his friend:
“...Alright, fire away, ‘Berto. I’m all ears…”
Alberto fiddled with his fingers nervously, his face turning red, and his head down, so Luca couldn’t see the tears budding in his big, emerald green eyes. He whispered:
“...W-well, see? The thing is, it’s a lot to explain. But I know I have to tell you eventually. No matter how much it hurts. I was brave enough to tell your mother earlier, and now I need to muster up the courage to share the details with you. It’s not a pretty past, Luke. In fact, my childhood was actually quite dark and gloomy with my father around in my life. And I kinda wish I didn’t have to deal with it…”
He continued by saying to Luca:
“...Well, okay…So *remember* how I told you guys, meaning, *all* of you, about how my father abused me a lot when I was younger? Well, the worst of it probably happened when I was around 11 years old. I was almost 12, but not *quite* yet. Sorta halfway between the two ages…”
Luca nodded and said:
“...*Ummm*…Yes? I *think* I remember. Why? Did something else happen during that time period?...”
Alberto’s eyes then filled up with even more tears, and a couple indigo marks trailed down his cheeks.
Luca told him:
“...This can wait, if you want. You don’t have to tell any of us if you’re not ready yet…”
Alberto shook his head firmly and said in a surprisingly strong voice, despite his pain:
“...*NO*...It’s been bottled up and stored away for *too* long. And now that I’m 14 years old, I need to become a big boy and learn to *face* my struggles head-on…”
He continued by saying:
“...One day, I was out fishing with my father, but we didn’t have much luck catching the good ones. It was supposed to be for dinner. Because I was inexperienced, though, I didn’t do a very good job, yet. Not that it was anything surprising, because really, I only started fishing at the age of 9 or 10, so it was still somewhat new to me…”
Luca asked him curiously:
“Nonsense. You’re the best fisherman in the world, Alberto. Why wouldn’t it have been a very good catch for dinner?”
“...Because, Luke, I caught the *wrong* kind of fish for supper, and it was really much too weak and small to help us fill up our bellies. Or at least, my father thought so. After all, as mean-spirited and nasty as he was, I will admit that he was the *real* expert, when it comes to stuff like that…”
Luca responded:
“...I didn’t know that…I bet he forgave you, though, and taught you how to catch the proper fish for dinner, right?...”
Alberto shook his head solemnly, and replied:
“Nope. Wrong. In fact, get ready, because this is where the tough part of my story comes in…It’s something I *really* don’t like talking about, because, to be honest with you, it *still* brings me physical and emotional pain most nights…”
Luca nodded but responded wordlessly, otherwise.
“...Now, to most people, fishing doesn’t seem like a big deal, right? Well to me it was, because I honestly used to be weirded out by it at that younger age. Confused, I asked my father: ‘...But, sir…Aren’t *WE* aquatic creatures, too?...’ I was also scared of what he might say or do, because I knew that he took the responsibility *very* seriously, and didn’t live life like the average sea creature does. His response, however, was to smack my face with his hand, and growl at me: ‘...You are *SO* stupid, kid. You know that? We leave nearby a freakin’ *OCEAN*, and all you care about is how weird it is for us to eat fish? Get used to it, brat, because the sea doesn’t have an all-you-can-eat buffet. You ungrateful twerp!! You are so dumb that you don’t even know which fish to catch for supper…’ My response to that was to say: ‘Sorry’, because I felt bad for screwing up that night. However, he just told me to ‘shut up’ and eat it anyway…”
Luca stared at him with a sympathetic and understanding glance:
“...’Berto, I’m so sorry that happened to you…that’s not fair that he put the blame on *you*, though…”
Alberto responded:
“...Yeah, but nobody told me that…So my mission? I was going to privately take his rowboat out for a swim, and surprise him by catching a bigger fish. One of the right species, instead of the wrong kind that I brought to us earlier that night. He was drinking a beer, so I figured he wouldn’t notice. *Big* mistake...”
“...He must’ve heard my footsteps, because I saw his shadow towering over me, and he stared at me with an intimidating glare, and shattered the beer bottle in half, in a fit of anger. He hit me hard with the sharper half of the bottle, and it hurt my shoulder *really* bad. I had a bleeding gash on my arm, and it continued to bleed all throughout the night. His response to that was: ‘You are a bad, annoying kid. You know that? How dare you use my row boat without my permission. You are nothing but trouble. A *HUGE* load of it. I ought to ground you forever, but you are lucky enough not to get a punishment like that. Now, I want you to clean up *EVERY SINGLE ONE* of those glass shards, and think about what you did, before I decide whether or not to dump you yet. You don’t deserve a father. You deserve to be alone. You understand?!’, and he told me not to make a fuss with crying, either, or he would leave me no breakfast in the morning…”, he finished as he wiped away tears and looked at Luca with a slightly self-conscious and worried face.
Luca smiled slightly as he gave Alberto a hug:
“...Well, as sad as that might’ve been for you to go through, I’m actually *really* proud of you that you told the truth. That’s a *big* step, ‘Berto, and I think those therapy sessions are really starting to pay off…Keep telling me more stuff like this when you feel uncomfortable, but you want to spill the beans, okay? Here, I’ll take care of your mug. You get back in bed, okay? Giulia and I will be right there with you…”
Alberto hugged Luca back, and yawned sleepily:
“...Thanks, Luke…I will do *just* that. Goodnight…”
Luca nodded in response and called out:
“...Don’t worry, either. I’ll tell Giulia we’ve just been talking and having conversations with each other. She doesn’t need to know the details, but I don’t want her to lose her head, worrying we disappeared out of nowhere, and left her behind in the bedroom…”
Alberto laughed a bit at Luca’s silly remark, and when he entered the bedroom, he pulled up the warm throw blanket on his bed, and started getting ready to slowly drift off to sleep. Dreamland wasn’t *so* far away for him tonight, so it seemed.

Chapter Text

Unfortunately for Alberto, his dreams were not as happy as he expected them to be. In fact, the dream he told Luca about the other night seemed happier than this. In this newer dream, Alberto was face-to-face with his father again. He couldn’t have been more terrified if he tried, even if he knew this was just a flashback:
“ALBERTO!! COME HERE RIGHT NOW!!!” He heard a booming voice calling to him from a distance.
Alberto’s shoulders hunched up like a cat, and he cringed when he slowly walked over to his dad.
“...Yes, sir? You called me here, sir…”
Alberto’s dad glared at him:
“Yes, young man. Do you know *why* I called you over?”
Alberto shrugged in response, backed away a couple steps, and shook his head “no”.
Alberto’s dad pointed to the human collection that the 12 year old boy had been working on for weeks:
“...What is *this* stuff?! I have raised a hoarder as my son, apparently!! He thinks that he can just collect *whatever* he finds that nobody’s used anymore, and turn it into the stupidest inventions, collections, works of art, decorations, and whatnot that *ANYBODY* could have ever seen…” He scolded the young boy.
Alberto nervously replied:
“...But, sir. This stuff means a *lot* to me. There’s so much that humans overlook. This is all so amazing….Imagine what we could use all this stuff for. You just don’t understand how much this means to me…”
Alberto’s father slapped his son and scoffed at him:
“This junk pile means more to you than anything I ever offered you for most of your life, huh?”
Alberto responded with slight anger and fear:
“Well, you’re *NEVER* around to take care of me anymore, so why would that make any difference to *YOU*?!”
Alberto’s father said:
“...You’re right. It *doesn’t*. You know what, kid? I made a decision…Do you have any idea what that decision might be, perhaps?”
Alberto rolled his eyes and responded (despite being nervous deep down, which he learned not to show as much over the years, around his father):
“What, sir?”
Alberto’s dad slapped him again, but this time Alberto dodged the attack:
“...I’m leaving you on your own from now on. You clearly want a life of your own, and you are old enough now to start looking out for yourself. So, if you even dare to come back to me again, consider me no longer part of your life, kid…”
Alberto sputtered out in response:
“WHAT?! No, you can’t!! Sir, *PLEASE* reconsider this!!”
Alberto’s father’s last words before leaving were:
“...Too late…”
When the nightmare ended, Alberto woke up screaming, and Luca jolted awake:
“...’Berto?! What the heck happened?! Are you alright?! Tell us, please…” He pleaded with his friend, as he also shook Giulia awake.
“...What’s going on here, guys? I heard Alberto screaming…” Giulia asked Luca, as they both stared at the white-faced boy with a sling and a skin graft.
“...He just woke up, and he started screaming…” Luca said.
Giulia marched out into the hall. When Luca asked where she was going, Giulia responded:
“...Alberto needs some adults to help him overcome this nightmare. I think you and I know what it is, but it would be even more helpful if everyone was there to comfort him…”
Luca gave a slight smile, and a thumbs up to Giulia.
A few moments later, Giulia came back with the adults and three mugs of hot chocolate. Two with cinnamon for Alberto and Luca.
Luca’s mom looked at Alberto with sympathy, gave him a warm hug and said in a soft, motherly voice:
“...Alberto, honey, can you tell us about the nightmare you had? You’ll be okay, I promise…”
Alberto sniffled and said with tears running down his face:
“...I-I-It was the day my father left me to fend for m-myself…It’s not fair, Mrs. Paguro!! Why did he have to abandon me when I was only 12 years old?! Why did he have to slap me?! Why did he have to tell me my collection of human stuff was just a heap of useless junk, and that I was a hoarder?! I-It’s not f-fair!! I didn’t know he would leave me alone…” He balled up his fists, and Luca’s mother handed him a soft fabric handkerchief.
“...Blow, honey…” She said to him in response.
“...It’s not your fault, sweetie…” Luca’s grandmother said.
Masssimo replied:
“...Ragazzo (boy), if I had known you were having nightmares like this, I would’ve carried you into the guest room, so that you could sleep with me and the other adults…” He looked at the boy with a compassionate expression, and put a hand on his good shoulder.
Luca’s teeth turned into sea monster fangs for a moment:
“...Grrr…If I had known that Alberto’s *father* was like that to him, I would’ve given him a piece of my *mind*, even if I am much younger than he is, and he’s an adult, compared to us *kids*…”
Giulia put a hand on Luca’s shoulder and said:
“...Okay, easy there, Tiger-shark…It’s over now, and Alberto’s older now. He has friends and family now…I think as long as we’re here to comfort and support him, everything with Alberto will be just fine…”
Luca settled down, and sighed, lying back in bed:
“...Okay, Giulia. Thanks for being a good friend. And ‘Berto? If you need a friend or two to help you through tough times, even at night, we’ll be there for you, even then…Okay?”
Alberto smiled in relief and said:
“...Thanks, guys…You know what? I think I’m ready to start having good dreams now…”
Massimo ruffled Alberto’s hair and said before leaving and closing the door:
“...Glad to hear it, kid. Good night…”
And then, everyone drifted calmly back to sleep.

Chapter Text

As the weeks went by, and Luca kept visiting Alberto, Luca gave Alberto a warm hug and asked:
“...Hey there, ‘Berto. How’s your shoulder? Healing up at all?...”
Alberto gave Luca sad puppy-dog eyes in response:
“...It stinks. I miss swimming in the water, Luke…Worst of all, Ercole keeps smirking at me, because he thinks I’m a weakling, and everyone keeps giving me sympathetic glances, because they know about my injuries. I am too ashamed to even tell them how it all happened…I really do feel like someone just keeps raining on my parade…”
Luca responded with:
“...Awww…Mi dispiace (...Awww…I’m sorry…)...”
Giulia piped up and responded with a confused shrug:
“...Why do you guys *always* speak in Italian, when something is upsetting? I find it a *bit* bizarre. Unless it’s a calming method. Which, in that case, is cool, I suppose…”
Luca shrugged:
“...Hmmm…I guess it’s just something that we’re comfortable with. Makes us feel better. If you know what I mean…”
Alberto piped up and said, while hugging Luca a bit:
“...Yeah!! It’s just like a *BIG* warm bear hug. But, to us, it’s even better than that…”
Giulia rolled her eyes, and sarcastically said:
“...Ahh, I *SEE*...”
Luca chuckled a bit at Giuila’s reaction. Then, Giulia said:
“...Now. Christmas is coming up, you two. I have your gifts ready, but I figured I would take on the duties of making sure you guys get *your* gifts ready, before you forget…”
Luca panicked for a minute and said, pointing to Alberto:
“ACK!! How is he supposed to *NOT* see the gift for *HIM?!*”
Giulia smirked and put a hand on his shoulder:
“...That’s where *I* come in…You dorks are going to come with me on *separate* days, that way, it’s more of a *surprise*. And I have some good advice on gift ideas, by the way, so if you ever freak out in the stores, you can always rely on good ‘ol Giulia to solve all your problems…”
Luca asked:
“But who’s going first?”
Giulia shrugged:
“Whoever wants to go first. It doesn’t matter to me.”
Alberto said:
“He should go first, he’s got a better eye for details.”
Luca said:
“But, ‘Berto’s the treasure hunter. He should go first.”
Alberto said:
“But he’s more thoughtful about his choices for others.”
Luca said:
“But he’s less shy than I am.”
Giulia rolled her eyes and said:
“Okay, here’s how it’ll go. Alberto will go first, to pick out his gift for Luca. The next day, I’ll take Luca shopping for Alberto’s gift. Are we all set now?
Alberto beamed and said:
“Perfect!!”
Luca said:
“In the meantime, I’ll decorate.”
Giulia tugged on Alberto’s hand excitedly, and said:
“Then, let’s go, go, *GO*!!”
Alberto said:
“Don’t I get to say a quick goodbye to Luke, first?!”

Later, when Giulia took her adopted brother to the shopping plaza, the first thing he did was complain:
“...Brrr…It is *COLD* outside!! Jeez!1”
Giulia smirked, and imitating Luca, sang:
“...But, ‘Berto, it’s cold outside…”
Alberto glared and said, rolling his eyes:
“Not funny.”
Giulia smirked again, and said:
“...Well, it is to *me*…Come on, GrumpyPants, let’s go shopping!!

As they entered a couple shops, Giulia asked Alberto:
“So, what are you thinking of getting Luca, for a Christmas gift?”
Alberto thought about it for a second, and then replied with:
“...Well, I’m not *entirely* sure…I’ve honestly never been into gift shops before, but, if I had to choose the *first* thing that would come into my mind, that I know he would enjoy, it would probably be whatever those fancy rocks are, that come in bright colors…”
Giulia’s face lit up, and she said with an excited grin on her face:
“OOO!! You mean those healing stones?! Those are actually *crystals*!! Yes!! You should *totally* get him one of those. You’re thinking of one, as a pendant necklace for him, right?”
Alberto nodded, and said:
“...Yes. But I want it to be extra special, too…”
Giulia raised a curious eyebrow, and got more excited:
“...Ohh? And, why is *that*, dear brother?...”
Alberto said with a proud smile:
“...Because it’ll be the color of my scales. I want it to be something he’ll remember me by, if he ever misses me, while he’s at school with *you*...”
Giulia smiled:
“...Well, I think that’s a *really* thoughtful gift, right there, dear brother. And as such, I will *gladly* help you with the task of looking for *just* the right one, for him…”
As the two entered a gift shop, a kind woman greeted them and when Alberto asked where the healing crystals were, she showed them exactly where they were located, in the store. She then responded with:
“...Whoever is getting *this* gift, will be lucky for sure, when she receives it. Especially if it’s a pendant necklace. You sure are a very thoughtful young man…”
Alberto corrected her and said:
“...It’s actually for a *he*, but yes, I sure hope he’ll like it. I just thought it seemed like a nice idea, for the holidays…”
The woman said with a slightly sheepish chuckle:
“...Oops!! Excuse me. I didn’t know it was meant for a boy. I’m *so* sorry…”
Alberto said:
“...No, no. You’re okay. Probably *lots* of people would assume it was meant for a girl, instead of a boy. I’m just one of those guys who’s a bit different…”
The woman then put the necklace in a small gift bag, as Alberto paid for it. She smiled at him, and called out, as he left the gift shop:
“...Good luck!! I hope he likes it…And, to you, *and* your family, Buon Natale (Merry Christmas)!!”
Alberto responded with, smiling back, and waving goodbye to her:
“...Grazie (thank you), and Buon Natale to you as well…”
Guilia asked to see the necklace (which is a blue chalcedony stone, that is bluish purple in color), a few minutes later, and as Alberto pulled it out, she responded with:
“...It’s *really* nice looking; almost mesmerizing, actually…He’ll *love* it!!”
Alberto chuckled at his adoptive sister’s excitement and replied:
“...Well, we’ll just have to wait and *see*, now, won’t we?...”

Chapter Text

After Luca got his Christmas shopping done (he got a Chrysocolla crystal stone for Alberto, which was the exact color of Luca’s scales, in real life), Giulia planned her *own* gifts for each of the boys. She also planned on getting gifts for everyone else who were friends and family to her.

But, little did everyone know that the best that Alberto could ask for, from *anyone*, really, was the gift of no longer being alone. He said to Luca on Christmas morning:
“…I’m just glad that this Christmas is going to be a happy one for me, this time around. I always wanted to enjoy Christmas, but I never really got to feel like this before…”
Luca curiously raised an eyebrow, and asked in a gentle, yet concerned manner:
“…What do you mean by that, ‘Berto? Don’t tell me that your father made, even the *holidays*, miserable for you. I never understood why he was so negligent towards you. You’re a kid. You don’t deserve that. No-one does…”
Alberto sighed and said:
“I think there was something wrong with me, in the past, Luke. Christmas would come, but I wasn’t happy. Thanks to my father’s treatment of me, I didn’t feel the way I was supposed to feel. I just didn’t understand Christmas, I guess. I liked getting presents, and sending Christmas cards, and decorating trees, and all that, but I still wasn’t happy. I always ended up feeling depressed.”
Luca responded:
“…I’m so sorry, ‘Berto…What *was* it that he did to you, to make the holidays so miserable? Do you mind me asking that, at all, or will it upset you in any way?”
Alberto’s eyes suddenly filled up with tears, and he said in a trembling voice:
“…He…He just *never* got to be there for me, so that we could have some fun together. He didn’t…Well…He didn’t necessarily act in a way that most fathers would be, when spending time with their kids. And, honestly, I think he was still mad at me for using his boat to go catch that bigger fish for dinner. If you remember me telling you about how I failed at that particular task…”
Luca asked:
“…Why do you think he was still angry at you for that? That’s not fair that he was still putting the blame on you. That was a long time ago, like, several months ago. Doesn’t he know that you were just a kid, and that you didn’t know any better? I mean, honestly, who *treats* their children like that?! It upsets me, too. Especially since *YOU* were upset about it, at the time…”
Alberto smiled softly at this, and responded to Luca with a chuckle:
“You really are a very kind and insightful person, about the way the world should be viewed, you know that?”
Luca replied:
“Well, of course I am. I only want what’s fair for others, after all. *Nobody* should have to feel hurt or ashamed or angry, over such petty things. And I *don’t* mean that *you* are petty, at all. But your father had no rhyme or reason to treat you like that. I don’t want to see any of my friends or loved ones suffer or get hurt like that. It’s just not fair, in my book.”
Alberto smiled sadly, but then he felt the tears come back to his eyes, and he sniffled in response:
“…I-I’m glad y-you think so, b-b-because he *NEVER* did…Not even once. Do you even know h-h-how long I felt like a kicked puppy?! *No* gifts, no cuddles, *NO NOTHING*!!!”
He went full-on sobbing at that point, tears streaming down his face. The hurt, the heartache, the anger? Of course, *none* of this was directed at Luca, or, even the rest of his friends and family. However, he did feel angry at his father, for treating him like a bad child, when, deep down, he *knew* that he wasn’t. He also felt angry at himself, because the memories of last Christmas were some of the worst memories he ever had. It was not too long before his father would soon abandon him. Alberto’s father clearly had no more patience for the young boy, at this point. He was tired of constantly scolding the kid, and he just couldn’t take it anymore.
Luca tried to comfort his friend by saying:
“…Shhh…Hey, hey, hey. It’s okay. You’re okay now, ‘Berto…He’s not here anymore, to hurt or yell at you. I promise. Everything will be okay. This is your first happy Christmas, okay? Do you want me to go get Giulia, Massimo, my grandmother, and my parents? I can do that for you…”
Alberto nodded, and he said to him, with the saddest puppy-dog eyes that he had ever seen:
“…Yes, please. And *please* hurry back, I don’t care if it’s just you, *or* if everyone else comes. Either way I need some comfort. So, please; *don’t* leave me all alone, okay? Please…”
Luca responded to him, with a hug, and said in a comforting and calm, but also firm way:
“…We will *never* leave you alone. Ever. It *doesn’t* matter if it’s the holidays or not. We won’t *let* you feel hurt or sad or afraid, like that, *ever* again, okay? Trust me, ‘Berto. *Everyone* here in this house will be here to listen and support you. I’ll only be gone for a minute. And even then, I will bring everyone else along with me, to see you…”
Alberto smiled slightly at this, with relief, and silently said:
“…Thank you…”
Luca said in reply:
“…You’re welcome. Now, just stay here for a minute. I’ll be right back, okay? You’re safe here, remember that…”.

When Giulia, Luca’s parents, Massimo, and Luca’s grandmother entered the room, Giulia went straight up to her adopted brother, gave him a hug, and said:
“…Hey…What’s wrong, dear brother? What’s with all the tears? Tell us what’s going on…You’re okay, I’m right here. We *all* are…Come on, now, and tell us what’s troubling you…Why are you crying on Christmas Day, huh?”
Alberto looked up at Giulia with teary eyes and replied:
“…This is my first, *genuinely* happy Christmas, and I’m so glad to be spending it with *all* of you. But, at the same time, it also brings back some bad memories, of the previous holidays, with my father…”
Giulia’s face turned red in anger. She *knew* how much pain Alberto’s father had caused him, and she couldn’t imagine how he could treat him *any* worse. The fact that he made even something normally so *happy*, like the holidays, so traumatic for the boy, was enough to get her blood boiling:
“…What did that monstro crudele (“cruel monster”) do to you during the *holidays?!* I can’t *believe* he would treat you like crap, even on a day like *that!!* Santa mozzarella, what a jerk…”
Alberto responded, sadly shaking his head:
“…H-he just wasn’t there for me *at all*...He didn’t even care if the holidays were here. It didn’t matter to him. I was still that bratty little kid who ruined everything, according to him. And b-because I constantly messed things up, and m-m-made him angry most of the time, he didn’t think I even *deserved* to get any Christmas gifts, have any big holiday dinners with him, or even receive any hugs or cuddles…I *literally* one year, had to *beg* for him to get me something to eat, that wasn’t just *another* measly morsel, like I usually got, from him…”
Now, it was Luca’s turn to get angry, and he said to Alberto:
“…Wait a minute…So, your father was basically trying to *STARVE* you, if you didn’t act in the way that he *wanted* you to behave?!”
Alberto meekly nodded in response and continued:
“…And when he *finally* gave in to my pleas, and came back with a bigger fish for the two of us to eat, I didn’t see any harm in asking, and I said to him: ‘So, where’s my Christmas gift, sir?’. He just scoffed and replied: ‘Your Christmas *gift*? Boy, what are you talking about? Did you *honestly* expect me to bring you *any* presents, after what happened, when you took *my* boat out into the water, without my permission?’ And I lowered my head down in shame, after he brought that up, again…”
Luca said:
“…So, he *still* refused to forgive you over that little incident?! I can’t *BELIEVE* it…That was probably *MONTHS* ago!!”
Alberto replied:
“…There was nothing I could do. I was *helpless*, and I *couldn’t* win the battle…All I could say was ‘sorry’, and I sadly went to bed, with tears in my eyes, while sobbing my heart out. The only other thing I got from him, that year, was a couple lumps of black coal, which I immediately threw into my little fire pit, right before I went to sleep…Not to mention, after that, which was the *last* Christmas, before I met you guys, when my dad left me, I was all alone, and I had *nobody* to celebrate it with. Nobody was around to talk to me, or give me presents, or even have a feast with me, for dinner…I was so, *so* lonely…I *hated* it, you guys…Nobody should have to celebrate Christmas, all alone. But *I* did, and it just hurt *so* much…”
Luca’s mother responded by giving Alberto a warm hug, and explained in a gentle, soothing voice:
“…Honey, you have been through a lot in your life…There’s no doubt about that…Believe me, I know that it’s hard to enjoy the things in life, that are happy for everyone else…Especially, when you felt the opposite about the holidays, because of how your father treated you poorly, and never truly cared about you. But, please, trust me when I say that you are *not* alone, in this great big world. You may *not* have felt safe around your biological father, and you *may* have been afraid of him, and constantly worried that he might yell at you again, but in this house, and in this community, things are different…Do you understand where I’m going with this conversation, sweetheart?”
Alberto looked up at her timidly, and stared at her with confused eyes, but at the same time, he seemed to have, partially, understood what she had been trying to tell him.
“…I-I think so…” He responded, quietly. He softly, and gently, let his head drop into her lap, while she tenderly stroked the brown curls in his hair.
“…Here, in Portorosso, or even at *our* house, where *Luca* lives, are the places where you will find comfort, and love, and affection, and support. You will be surrounded by people who care for you, each and every day. You will always find peace and happiness and safety, no matter what happens…”
Luca added:
“…In these places, you don’t have to worry about stress, or fear, worry, or danger. There will always be a place where you can feel welcomed, and most importantly, you will never have to deal with anyone making you feel unhappy or sad or alone. At least, not when you’ve got us, right here, by your side. And if someone *does* make you feel sad, or hurt, we’ll *always* be there for you, no matter what. *Never* again will we let *anyone* hurt you, the way that *HE* did. You will be safe from *any* harm, and we will *always* be patient and caring towards you…”
Giulia suddenly smirked mischievously, and said, to lighten the mood a bit:
“…Besides. I think *someone* has a special gift for you. Go ahead and open it up, now, because I honestly think that it will cheer you up in no time…” She quietly gestured to *Luca*, as she said this to *Alberto*.
Luca looked at her, at first, with a bit of surprise, but then, as he looked around the room, his face brightened up a bit, and he began to smile, as well.
“…Oh yeah!! That’s right…’Berto, you are going to *love* this…Look at what I got for you. Open it!! Open it!! The suspension is slowly *killing* me, so don’t you even *think* about leaving me hanging by a thread…”
He clapped his hands like a 5 year old at that moment, and he looked *exactly* like a kid in a candy store, who had to have *every* flavor there was to exist. The enthusiasm made Alberto smile and laugh at his silly antics.
“…Alright then, here we go. First gift? Hmmm…Let’s see…Well, it’s *clearly* from no one other than Luke, of course…” He said with a chuckle, as he slowly opened the container with his gift inside.
He couldn’t believe his eyes. His heart was racing, just like a cheetah in the savanna. This was his first *ever* Christmas gift that he had received from anyone, over the course of his young life. The kid was, clearly, in a blissful and very excited state of mind.
“…WOW. Look at this stone!! Just look at it, guys!! It’s *so* colorful…” Alberto stated, a bit too loud, and staring at it, wide-eyed, like a young kitten on catnip. Guilia snickered softly at his excitement.
It was cute to see her older adoptive brother act this way. So happy, so pure, *clearly* deserving all of this treatment that he never got, as a young child. He was as excited as, well? A kid on Christmas morning, quite fittingly, for the situation. And it made her heart melt, despite her constant snarking of the two boys.
They were both a bit foolish and silly, sure, but they were also her teammates, her companions, and even *after* they won the race, the trio would remain forever friends. To her, it couldn’t get any better than that.
Pretending not to know what kind of stone it was, Giulia asked Luca to recall what kind of stone he got for Alberto, and why he chose it. She knew he was the smartest, despite being the youngest of the trio. So, she enjoyed hearing him spout out the occasional fun fact. Or two, or three.
“It’s called a Chrysocolla crystal. And it is very special. Not just because it is the same color as my scales, but also because it is said to express inner wisdom with confidence and creativity. It also gives off a gentle, centered energy. It eases the heart, helps others to communicate effectively, and makes the person feel present. It is also said to release unnecessary anger and agitation.” He stated proudly, and he had rehearsed several times, to everyone else, before Christmas morning, so he had plenty of time to practice his intellectual speech. It calmed him down, since he was usually the shy one, even if Alberto needed comfort and bravery, for the last several months. Everyone around him made him feel braver, hence, he felt like in return, he could help his peers to become brave, and also, to overcome obstacles, too.
“And why did you choose it for *Alberto*, Luca? What is supposed to do for him, when he puts it around his neck?” Giulia asked him.
“Well, when someone wears this stone around their neck, it is said to improve communication, it is great for public speaking, presenting, and teaching. It allows wisdom to flow through the person’s words, and to inspire and inform others. So, in a way, I wanted to show Alberto how much he taught me about the items he collected, the things we built and invented together, and the way he taught me to survive in the human world. I feel like he puts himself down a lot, and he tends to think of himself as stupid, because reading is hard for him, and he doesn’t *like* to read, anyways. I also know he tends to get frustrated because he tends to take a figure of speech literally. However, despite his hiccups, I think he’s still just as smart and intelligent as I am. He’s even as smart as *you* are, Giulia. And, another reason why I bought this for him, is because, when I go to school with you, I don’t want *him* to miss me. So I gave him this to remind him of the color of my scales. In a way, looking at it will make him feel like I’m almost right there beside him, all the time. Even when I’m far away.”
Alberto got nervous again, and said:
“W-wait…So that means I’ll have to be *ALONE* again? So, what does that mean, exactly? I mean, I know you and Giulia have school, and have to take the train back, to get there. And that’s perfectly fine with me, because I understand why you guys have to leave, eventually…But *who’s* going to take care of *ME* when I’m stuck here in Portorosso?! I *can’t* survive all by myself again. I would be an orphan!! My father’s not *here* anymore, remember? H-h-He left me…”
Luca’s mom placed a hand on his (still injured) shoulder, and gently reminded him:
“…Honey, do you remember when you woke up at the hospital, from the operation, and Massimo was one of the first people to talk to you, when we were all in the room, with you? It was a couple weeks ago, I know…”
Alberto looked at her slightly confused, and replied:
“…Y-yeah? I remember…But, what does that have to do with anything? My memory was kind of fuzzy, when I first woke up. I mean, I do remember having conversations with all of you, and enjoying your company, but it was very vague memories, because I was *still* feeling a *bit* sleepy from the anesthesia…”
Luca’s mother smiled softly at him, and replied:
“…Well, he said he wanted to adopt you, and to have you be a part of his family. Yes, his daughter, and your adoptive sister *will* be away with Luca, while they’re at school, but Massimo promised to take legal guardianship of you, while you were in Portorosso, because he knew you didn’t have any parents to look after *you*…You know what that means, sweetheart? I’m going to tell you that right now; it means that *you’re* his new adoptive son…And, not only that, but it also means you will no longer have to worry about being left alone to fend for yourself…Do you understand, now, sweetie? I hope that was reassuring enough to calm you down. We love you, kiddo. We really do. You’re such a special, strong, *and* clever boy. And we wouldn’t want that any other way…”
Alberto smiled, feeling more reassured and confident. He then replied to Luca, embracing him in a bear hug:
“…Well, in *that* case, I *believe* there is *something* that I should give *YOU*, as a token of my appreciation and gratitude…It’s kinda funny, actually, because I think it’s the same idea that *you* had for *me*…Aren’t *we* the clever ones, huh, Luke? Great minds clearly think alike. Go ahead and open your gift up right now. I’m sure you will absolutely *LOVE* it…”
Everyone else laughed, and Luca’s mother said to Alberto, with another gentle smile:
“…Whatever it is, sweetheart, I’m sure it comes from the bottom of your strong, yet *caring* heart, because you *both* are such good kids, and share a sweet bond together, as wonderful friends…”
When Luca opened the gift, he too, saw a stone pendant on a necklace, but this one matched Alberto’s skin color instead. Luca’s face broke into a smile, and then he suddenly laughed at loud, happily, and in a slight surprised, and amused manner:
“…Wait…This looks *JUST* like what I just gave *YOU*, but in *YOUR* scale color!! Did we seriously secretly plan to get each other the same gift, so we could feel close, even when we’re far apart?! That is so *COOL*, Alberto!! Grazie Mille (Thank you so much)!! I *LOVE* it, and I can’t wait to geek out about this to all of our classmates, back at school…”
Giulia pulled him aside in a whisper, and said in a slightly teasing, but warm-hearted manner:
“…Well, you may *not* want to show it to *EVERYONE*, because I really care about you, and I don’t want anyone to tease you about this gift. But it’s clear you *do* love it. And I’m glad, because I practically almost *dragged* Alberto through the wintery, freezing weather, to get this to you. He loved buying it, but he hated the cold wintry weather. Anyways, back to the stone pendant, if it means that much to you, and you want to wear it all the time, I have no problem with that at all, because it makes me happy, to see that *YOU* are happy. Just remember it’s not only special, but it’s probably *also* worth quite a *bit* of money, so be sure to hide it underneath your school uniform, so nobody steals it. And, if you need help putting it on you, then I will gladly assist you with that, in the morning, when we wake up for classes, okay, Luca? I mean, it, by the way. I would do just about *anything* as a friend to make one of my *best* buddies happy…” She smiled at the end, and playfully nudged his arm, in an almost “sisterly”-like way.
Luca smiled at her, appreciatively, in return. He was really glad to have supportive friends like Giulia and Alberto, to rely on. They made his anxious and shy life a whole lot easier, ever since he met them *both*. He, most definitely, wouldn’t trade them for the *world*. Even if he eventually made new fiends, along the way. Nothing would *ever* change the bond of the three “Underdogs Forever”. They were a found family, and they were the best trio in town. Always working together as a team, and practically inseparable, right from the start.
Luca’s grandmother said to Alberto:
“We have another gift for you, sweetheart.”
Alberto cocked his head curiously and raised an eyebrow.
“…What *is* it?…” he asked, his voice filled with shy wonder.
Luca’s mother smiled gently, placed a hand on his (still injured) shoulder, and said:
“…Go ahead and open it up, bimbo (baby). You’ll see for yourself, and I think you’ll enjoy it…”
When he opened up a box with a periwinkle ribbon, he knew that was a clue it was a very special gift for him. Inside the box was a crochet shoulder sling, which was handmade in soft yarn, and it was the color of his periwinkle, purple, and blue colored scales; the same ones that would show up in his sea monster form. When he held it up closer, to observe it, he smiled slightly, and looked amazed by how accurate the yarn colors were.
“…I-Is this for me? And, umm, how am I supposed to put this thing on, with a hurt shoulder? I *still* can’t move it very well, yet, so I think I might need a *little* bit of help with this thing…Please and thank you…” He said, still somewhat shyly, and giving a slightly embarrassed smile, while pointing to his injured shoulder (which was still recovering, from the surgery that he had done, on it).
Luca’s mother smiled and said in a gentle, motherly voice:
“…Aww, don’t worry, bimbo (baby)…We’ll put it on for you, va bene (okay)?…Here, let me see your shoulder. And remember to be gentle, since your wounds still have some healing to do…”
She and Luca’s grandmother guided his shoulder into the brightly colored sling, and put it into the arm area, which fit his arm perfectly. Then, they adjusted the strap on the sling, for him, and tied it with a small, secure knot, in the back, to make sure the strap rested comfortably on his injured shoulder, and that it was the right size and fit, for him. It also had a small buckle on the strap for adjusting, as well. Which was definitely a bonus. Especially for a *still* growing boy.
When it was finally on him, Alberto proudly sported a lovely sling, that almost perfectly matched the color of his own scales, whenever he would, sometimes, get wet. Such as, when he was running outside in the rain, for example. Alberto beamed, and his smile went ear-to-ear. He absolutely *loved* it. He loved it even more, that it was handmade by his peers and loved ones. He knew that *this* was what Christmas was all about; surrounding yourself with those you are comfortable being with. Especially those who’ll stick around for quite possibly, a lifetime.

Chapter Text

Alberto had a dream that night, and it was a pleasant one. Or, at least, it started out that way. He was an infant, and he was being held in his mother’s arms. The way that she looked at him was so tender and loving, and she looked up at her adorable son. His bright green eyes were filled with innocence, curiosity, and wonder.
“...Hello, il mio bambino (my baby boy)...” She said in a soft voice, carrying her little son, and rocking him back and forth, in her arms.
Alberto cooed and giggled softly, in response to his mother’s voice.
“Aww. You know, you are such a precious little gift in our family, my little sweetheart. Although, I must tell you something. Even if you’re too young to understand just yet: You see, your father can be a little bit harsh, sometimes. But, maybe having a small child in the family like you will make things easier for us.”
He looked up at his mother with a confused facial expression.
As if to explain things more clearly, his mother said to him:
“You see, there are humans out there in the world, and while they might not always look like it, and not all are this way, there are several who are cruel and vicious, and they don’t understand the ways of life for sea monsters like us. They come with harpoons, and nets, and some even will try to capture us, or eat us, or treat us like abused animals. That means that they might hardly give us food, they could put us in cages, mount us to the walls in their house, and keep us in tanks that are too small for us to swim around in.”
Alberto shrank in fear, and tucked himself further into his mother’s arms.
“...Oh, but, don’t worry, sweetheart. It’s not all bad. Because, let me tell you something: there’s also some *advantages* to meeting humans, as well. Especially if they’re friendly, and kind to us. You see, sometimes you’ll find that they make wonderful friends, and you can teach them stuff that they might have never known about before. And, I’ll tell you a secret, little one: If you’re ever looking for adventure, one day, and if you have the desire to go to a place to explore, when you’re older, then you should go up to the surface one day, and meet humans. You could learn a lot from them…”
Alberto looked at her, intrigued, and his mother realized that she almost forgot to mention something else that was important for him to know. All of a sudden it came to her, and she continued having the conversation with him. All the while, still rocking him, in her tender and loving arms:
“...Ohh, and of course, *other* sea monsters might be interested in this other world, as well. You can walk, you can disguise yourself to look like a human, you can eat gelato, and pasta, and tomatoes galore, you can ride bikes and Vespa scooters, you can even go to school, if you want to, one day. Don’t ever let that curiosity vanish from you, my little one. Because learning about life and how the world works is one the best things that can be taught. And one day, you’ll be able to share it with others, and become one of the best teachers out there, for all your friends and family…”
Alberto then smiled, cooed again, and sucked on his fingers. All the while, never taking his gaze off of his mother.
“Unfortunately, for me, humans have already found out where I’m from, and who I am, and now they want to harm me, and take me away from this family. But, I won’t go down without a fight. I’m not going to leave my husband and my son alone, without remembering how much I love them, first. And you must always remember how much I love you. Even if I’m not always there, I have a song to sing to you, that will remind you that I will be watching you grow up, and become who you are meant to be. So, listen closely, piccolino (little one), because one day, you’re going to need to keep this in mind. Are you ready, tesoro (sweetie)?”
Alberto looked up at her with wide eyes, and the tears started to bud, as he fussed, and started to cry a little bit.
“...Come stop your crying, it’ll be alright. Just take my hand, and hold it tight. I will protect you from all around you. I will be here, don’t you cry…” She sang, as she whispered softly to the crying infant, while gently shushing him, and feeding him a bottle of sirens’ milk (a baby formula for sea monsters).
As if on cue, baby Alberto timidly took his little hand, and wrapped it around his mother’s finger, holding it as tight as he possibly could. It was enough to make his mother’s heart melt, because of the adorable sight.
“...For one so small, you seem so strong. My arms are here to keep you safe and warm. This bond between us can’t be broken. I will be here, don’t you cry…” She continued to sing to him, as he glanced at his muscles and body rolls, for a second, and then looked right back up at her, smiling in response to his mother’s voice.
“...You’ll be in my heart, yes, you’ll be in my heart, from this day on, now and forevermore. You’ll be in my heart, no matter what they say. You’ll be in my heart, always…”
Little Alberto wanted to hear more of his mother’s singing, so he continued to look up at her, as if waiting for her to sing on cue, again.
“...Why can’t they understand the way we feel? They just don’t trust what they can’t explain. I know we’re different, but deep inside us, we’re not that different at all. And, you’ll be in my heart, yes, you’ll be in my heart, from this day on, now and forevermore…” She pointed to the place where the humans lived, and whispered to him in a gentle explanation, that it was called “The Surface”.
“...Don’t listen to them, because what do they know? We need each other, to have, to hold. They’ll see in time, I know. When destiny calls you, you must be strong. I may not be with you, but you’ve got to hold on. They’ll see in time, I know. We’ll show them together, because you’ll be in my heart…” She paused her singing for a moment, to swaddle her son up in a handmade baby blanket that she had sewn for him, and she held her baby boy closer to her chest.
“...No matter what they say, you’ll be here in my heart, always. Always. I’ll be with you. I’ll be there for you always. Always and always. Just look over your shoulder, just look over your shoulder, just look over your shoulder. I’ll be there: Always…” As she finished the song, Alberto gave one last smile, and fell asleep, curled up in his new baby blanket, made with love from his mother. She finally put him in a fruit crate, with some moss inside of it, for padding, and she tucked him in, pulling the blanket closer to him. She finally gave him a kiss on the top of his head, and whispered, just moments before she was finally captured:
“...I love you so much, my sweet boy. *Never* forget that, okay? And, when you’re older, make sure you do your best to take good care of yourself, *and* your father, and try to stay out of trouble with your papa. You know your father can have a short temper, sometimes. Never forget me, my love. And have a grand adventure out there. Tell me all about it, alright? Farewell, my darling child. Until we meet again…”
And just like that, she disappeared. Back to present day, the only thing on Alberto’s mind, now that he was a teenager, was:
…If only I had more time to be with you, mama. I love you, too. Even if I don’t remember much anymore. And, of course, I will never forget you? How can I, when you clearly made an impact on my life, ever since I was born…
The dream ended, just as soon as he woke up again. Never had he had a dream quite like that.

Chapter Text

The next morning, Luca and Alberto went walking together in the neighborhood, Alberto wearing the new sling, and he told Luca about the dream he had:
“…It sounds crazy, Luke, but I’m starting to think that these dreams are real. I don’t even think they actually can be classified as *just* dreams. They seem like they could be flashbacks, as well. And I know my mother died soon after that, because my father told me so. He may have been abusive, but he always told the truth about certain situations…”
Luca nodded: “Yeah. I believe it. And I think it could be possible. I also think maybe you should tell the therapist about these dreams as well. And maybe she can further explain why you keep having random memories about the past, and also possibly explain why they keep happening late at night, when you’re asleep.”
Alberto silently nodded.
Luca added: “…Your mom sounds like she was a very nice person, err, sea monster, rather…And I would’ve loved to have known her, if I ever had the chance to meet her. Unfortunately, she’s not around now, is she? But, you know what? We’ll still be there for you. Always and forever. And I hope you realize you’re always loved by us, in this found family…”
Alberto gave a warm smile and replied: “…Aww…Thanks, Luke. And you’re always welcome here as well. So, in a way, I guess you could say that I’m returning the bond that we share with each other…”
Alberto pulled out his pendant, with the healing crystal, and placed his stone next to Luca’s. Luca smiled and decided: This is alright with me. We don’t get to have peaceful and happy moments like this very often. Let’s enjoy this while we still can.
Unfortunately, Ercole was behind them, and he was laughing hysterically at the duo.
Alberto whipped his head around, and Luca stared wide eyed, feeling a bit timid again, just like how he used to be, when he first came up to the surface where the humans were.
“…W-what is so funny, Ercole? F-f-funny seeing *you* here….D-do you want something from us? H-how can we help you?”
Ercole scoffed in response:
“Help? Yeah, right. As if I’m the one who needs the help. Look at poor wittle baby Alberto over here, just throwing a wittle tantrum. Ohhh, boo-hoo-hoo. My mommy’s gone, my dad was mean to me, my wittle shoulder has an owie, and now I need my best fwiend Luca, or, excuse me, ‘Luke’, ugh, gross, to rescue me. My life is horrible, and I'm just feeling so, so sad. Won’t anyone *please* comfort me, so I don’t have to cry alone?”
Alberto blushed deep red, hung his head for a minute, fought back tears, and when he finally pulled himself together, he seethed in that moment:
“And that’s *absolutely* *NONE* of your business what’s going on in my life, Ercole. Because, no thanks to you, for making it worse, by the way, my life was already in shambles before I met him!! And the nerve of you to even mention my parents and make fun of me, for both of them not being there anymore, is even *worse*, and you should be ashamed of yourself for behaving like an overgrown brat!!”
Luca nervously said to Alberto:
“D-Don’t you think we should just leave, ‘Berto? I mean w-we don’t want to add fuel to the fire, r-right?”
Alberto responded: "Why should we? So that he’ll continue to laugh at us, and make us feel like losers?! No way!! He’s been doing this for too long, and I’ve just about had enough!!”
Ercole appeared shocked for a minute, but then laughed even harder:
“…So, the mouse *can* be brave and strong when he needs to be. You see, you’ve become so soft and meek ever since, I forgot how you’re almost as tall as I am, and how tough you can really be. Shame that the same mouse is still caught in the trap, though, huh? Because that won’t help him get out of it, and be set free. He needs to go through a lot worse than just that. And I’m just the guy to deal with this situation, once and for all…”
Luca let out a guttural growl, and clenched his fists. Alberto put a noninjured hand on his friend’s shoulder, and said: “…Luca, let me handle this…”
Luca calmed down slightly and responded with:
“…Okay. I trust you…”
Ercole said to Luca:
“…As for you, I *know* what has been going on, and this close knit bond is making me sick….I feel like I’m about to throw up, because this is so gross!! Ugh…”
Luca’s face turned beet red in embarrassment, but he responded to Ercole by saying:
“…Well, why don’t you go, and take a walk somewhere else, then, if you don’t like seeing us around? I don’t think it’s *that* hard to avoid…”
Ercole scoffed:
“…Because, I see you both *everywhere* I go, *duh*…And besides, I’m not the *only* one who’s grossed out by it. My friends happen to agree with me. In fact, we *still* don’t think you should be welcomed in our town. You’re too different from the rest of us, and you really don’t belong here…”
Luca stared confused:
“What friends? Didn’t Ciccio and Guido part ways with you, during the Portorosso cup?”
Alberto stepped forward and said:
“…You might want to watch your back, before other people see you, Ercole. Because, the way you’re acting right now is cruel, manipulative, and just plain wrong!! And I *KNOW* that you are capable of doing so much worse to me than just throwing playground insults at Luca and me. So, I’ll say this once and only once. Back off, or else…”
Ercole raised an eyebrow and pulled the sling off of Alberto’s arm:
“…Or else what, cripple?! You *really* think you can intimidate me with an injured arm, with a couple stitches and some metal shoulder plates?! Come on, now. Let’s see how badly injured you really are…”
Alberto winced in pain, and felt a couple stitches rip when Ercole pulled his arm.
“Hey!! That *HURTS*, Ercole!! You have any idea how much medical attention I had to have for that?!! Now I’m bleeding again!!” Tears built up in his eyes, as he started to sob.
“…Poor thing. Boo-hoo…” Ercole fake sobbed in response.
Alberto held his arm close to his chest, still crying, and Luca said, trying his best to comfort him: “…Don’t worry. Let’s go home, and then we can take you to the hospital again, ‘Berto…”
Alberto whimpered in response: “…Okay…” and sobbed hysterically, holding the sling (which thankfully wasn’t damaged).
Luca soothed him and said: “…Hey, hey…Shhh…It’s okay, ‘Berto. It’ll be okay…”

Later on, when the boys got home, they went straight to Giulia and Massimo.
“H-HELP!!! He’s bleeding!! Alberto’s hurt!! Please!! Take him to a hospital or something!!” Luca said, in a panic, breathing frantically, and his heart racing.
Giulia snapped up from her chair, and she ran over to her adoptive brother: “Santa Mozzarella!! What happened?!” She asked Luca.
“..He got into a fight with Ercole, because he was being a jerk, and Ercole managed to rip out a few stitches. I told him he shouldn’t have been trying to add fuel to the fire, especially since he’s still injured, and needs to take it easy, but he said he could handle it. Clearly, he didn’t handle it as well as he thought. Because he was sobbing all the way home….” He responded to her.
Alberto sat in a corner of the room, sniffling and sobbing, while Luca’s mother was trying to comfort him, and offer him ice packs, and pain medicine.
“…Shhh…Honey, it’s going to be alright. Here’s an ice pack…”
Alberto responded:
“…Stupid jerk…”
Luca’s mother responded:
“…Who? That Ercole guy? Yeah, I know, honey. I know that he is not friendly to you or Luca, or even Giulia. He just doesn’t like being called out by people who have good hearts, and who know that they have a lot on their plate. He’s probably living a rough life himself at his home, or something like that. But it *definitely* doesn’t excuse his behavior, by any means…”
Alberto responded with a sad sigh:
“…Yeah, that’s the problem, though. He knows that I also have had a rough life, growing up, and that I’m still trying to get through everything that has ever hurt me. He thinks I’m a weak link, and I think that I might as well be…”
Luca’s mother said: “…No, honey…No, you’re *not* a weak link. He was just saying that so he could ruin your self esteem. Don’t listen to him. He doesn’t know what he’s talking about. You’re a sweet kid, and you’re a survivor…”
Alberto chuckled sadly:
“…My self esteem isn’t the only thing that got ruined. Apparently, I’ll have to go to the hospital again, so they can re-stitch my wound. Which sucks, because I was just starting to recover, and it was looking a little bit better than it was, when I first had the operation done. And now? Well, now I’m hurt in *more* ways than one…”

Chapter Text

As the Paguros, Giulia, and Massimo rushed back to the hospital, and explained Alberto’s situation about how he got into a scrap, and tried to defend himself, the doctors and nurses immediately agreed with everyone else that an emergency surgery was needed, in order to help the boy’s re-injured shoulder recover once more. Alberto was afraid, just like the first time, as he knew that his fear of sharp objects would probably never go away, but this time, he didn’t run away. Instead, he just swallowed a huge lump in his throat, and he begged for them to fix him up, and make him feel better again.
“...Let’s just get this over with, please? I-I-I d-d-don’t think I-I can handle b-being in this much pain for any longer…” He said, in between frantic, heart-wrenching sobs, and clutching his shoulder, as if he was trying frantically to close the wound himself, and attempt to stop the bleeding.
Luca and Giulia were proud of him for staying where he was, and for acknowledging that he needed their help. They also tried their best to offer comforting words of good luck.
Luca went over to give Alberto a hug, and replied: “...Hey…It’s going to be okay. I know it doesn’t seem like it, right now, but, like I always say, you are a trooper, a survivor, and you are one of the strongest kids I have *ever* known…”
Giulia said to Alberto: “...Don’t worry. It’ll be over soon. You’ll be asleep when they fix you up, anyways. And, it’s okay to cry. You’ve been going through so, so much, caro fratello (“dear brother”)...”
Alberto smiled sadly in response, and hugged them both in response. As soon as the cot wheeled over, and Alberto saw the bizarre-looking net cap, and hospital robe, he knew what was coming next. This time, he knew he had to be ready. Ready for *them*, his “found family”, at least. It was only fair, after all, since they spent most of their time helping him to recover, the first time around. All he had to do was stay strong. Easy, right? He’s *got* this. He knows that he can do it. And do it he shall. He was a member of the Underdogs, after all. Small, but mighty. They’ve only come this far, so, why stop there?
As soon as the surgery was over, the doctors and nurses called everyone into the recovery room. The head nurse said, with a sigh: “...I hate to say it, but unfortunately, I have some pretty sad news about Alberto’s recovery…”
Luca responded, nervously: “...Oh no!! Please, don’t tell me he didn’t make it…H-h-he can’t be injured like this forever…”
The nurse replied, shaking her head: “...No, it’s not that. But, the reason why it might be sad news for Alberto to hear, is because it’s a long, long road to recovery…”
Alberto timidly asked: “H-h-how long is that, nurse?”
The nurse replied: “...Well, based on how your stitches, which were holding the skin graft, and the surgical site for the plates, got ripped out, and also because it shows on the X-rays that you’ve re-fractured your bones, and we had to put in a new set of metal plates, it’s safe to say that you probably won’t be recovering until around next fall, or closer to wintertime, when Christmas rolls around again. That means that you won’t be able to swim at all, this summer, and you must do your best to avoid the surgical site getting wet, as it might rip out your stitches, and hinder your recovery again…”
Alberto sobbed again, but this time, it was in sadness and extreme disappointment: “...B-b-but that’s not *FAIR*!! I *love* swimming in the water!! It’s part of who I *am*, it’s my hobby, it’s almost, in a way, like how I live and *breathe*, it’s *literally* what I-I-I was b-b-born to d-d-do…”
The nurse replied sympathetically, putting a gentle but firm hand on his good shoulder: “...I understand that, sweetheart. Trust me, I really do… However, this is what’s best for you, and you *really* need some time to recover. Tell you what. I’ll make a deal with you. How about you dip your feet in a wading pool, when summer comes around, and that way you can at least get your feet wet. Does that seem like a good idea, my dear? We’re doing our very best to help you recover, you know. And, it’s as hard for us, as it is for you…”
Alberto responded by nodding his head, and he said with a sniffle: “...Yeah, that works out okay, I guess. I’ll try my best to understand. I really will. It’s just *so* hard for me, right now…”
The nurse gave him a sad smile and said to him, in response: “...It’s *perfectly* okay not to fully understand. You’re still young, and it seems like you went through a lot. All you can do right now is try to be patient, relax, and let the recovery run its course, honey…”