alberto returned the hug, his entire frame engulfing the other man in a tight embrace. he needed this, he really did. and he hadn’t realized how badly he did until luca was in his arms and they were sharing their familiar closeness. things felt different though, and alberto couldn’t help but to wonder if they would ever be able to go back to feeling how things were prior to their kiss. and there was also the whole separate issue of if he even wanted that.
luca’s praise brought a soft smile to his lips. proud of him. it was something that meant more to him than he could really ever put into words. he shook his head ever so slightly as if to push away luca’s concerns. ❝ s’okay … really. it’s all good … i just … i don’t want to not have you in my life anymore … it’s not right. it feels wrong. ❞ he murmured in reply.
it was a cathartic experience, to say the least. one filled with nostalgia, an all time that was their separation reminding him of countless of reunions in their past. hug feeling very much like coming home despite never leaving his physical one. no, this was different. it wasn’t so much that alberto felt different . . just the circumstances. and maybe luca wouldn’t say it aloud just yet but it didn’t feel like a bad change. not as his cheeks heat up softly, hands grabbing a fistful of the other’s shirt on his back. maybe absence really did make the heart grow fonder.
as if he wasn’t already fond enough. smitten maybe . . which is what got him in this mess to begin with. he manages to finally let go of his grip. realizing that even if he let go the tiniest bit, his friend wouldn’t just vanish in front of his eyes. they’d be fine. he leans back slightly and offers his friend his signature bashful smile. ‘ it wasn’t okay, ’ he softly offers. ‘ but . . for now — sit, sit ! your coffee must be getting cold. ’ eyes widen at his realization, quickly patting at his friend’s back to usher him back to his seat. quickly he mirrors and sits at his original seat once more. ‘ tell me, is there anything else i missed ? i hope not but i do want to be informed. ’
alberto flinched at the shift in luca’s tone, at how loud and rapid he was speaking, which was very different from his usual demeanor. his mouth opens to say something, to interject and try to stop the spiraling that was happening in front of him but no words came out. it wasn’t until he could catch the slightest glimpse of shine in luca’s eyes paired with his deep frown that alberto slowly reached out to take the other man’s shaking hand in his own. ❝ luca - ❞ he answers, fulfilling his request. ❝ i’m here. ❞ he tries to recount all of his previous questions to answer just to fill the silence. ❝ coffee is perfect … no work today … pancakes sound great, we can order some. ❞ but that wasn’t enough, was it ? no. they were best friends. this was the longest that they had gone without speaking. even when they were apart they would call each other, they would write. this was unnaturalfor them. alberto hated how impossible it felt to just talk about things without the weight of everything else feeling as though it was crushing him. ❝ i - uh … it’s cold. i don’t like the cold. it makes me miss home. i found a new book i’ve been into reading, i thought you’d be proud of me. i got a haircut … ❞ his voice trailed off as he peered up at luca, unsure if he should keep going.
it isn’t enough. the static that he feels from his fingertips as their hands meet, usually a sensation that brings him warmth and peace, isn’t enough to stop his spiel. he takes matters into his own hands. once again acts before thinking of the other’s feelings or possible consequences. luca let’s go of alberto’s touch to quickly envelop him in a hug instead. his face contorts into a wounded expression, eyebrows furrowed and mouth letting out low puffs of air. trying to regulate his breathing. deep breath in, deep breath out. thundering chest pressed against his friend’s. he hugs tightly . . as if that would fix everything. as if that would be enough to make the other forgive him for what happened, make him forget, ease both of their worries. and for a second he believes it will.
words reach his ears and it only continues to calm him. hazy vision still muddled by unshed tears as he looks to the ground, hand reaching to wipe them clear. words so tender. as if alberto were doing his own pleading for him to hear him out. corner of his lips curls upwards slightly. ‘ you look good, ’ luca starts with. voice shaky and low, almost like a whisper. his hand rubs against alberto’s back understanding by his reaction that maybe he needed the same comfort that he offered luca without a second thought. they both suffered from the silence. he wanted to make sure it never happened again. ‘ così bello, ’ he repeats. ‘ and i . . miss home too. ’ free hand nears the other’s messy curls, fingers running through them. he gulps as he comes to terms with the fact that they’ll have to talk about that night soon enough but for now — he’ll let himself focus on now.
‘ i’m always proud of you, berto. even when we don’t talk. more than that, your achievements make me happy. happy for you. happy to even be able to witness . . and i’m sorry for being distant. i’m sorry for what i did that night. i never . . i shouldn’t have left you. shouldn’t have left you alone for this long. ’
❝ oh ! well … thank you ! ❞ he slipped into the chair opposite luca and takes his time lifting the cup to his lips and taking a long sip. he’s buying time, trying to think of what to say next. it was alberto !! he was supposed to be the one able to make any situation light, the one able to find a joke to cut through any tension but this time he had nothing. he stole a quick glance up at luca as the other’s eyes were fixed on his own mug. alberto couldn’t help but to frown seeing how tired he looked. it was clear how much it was weighing on each of their minds.
❝ it’s perfect. ❞ he murmured as he placed his mug back down. he bit down on his lip for a moment, ultimately coming to the conclusion that he needed to say something. he didn’t want to put any more stress on his friend. ❝ luca – listen … i’m sorry… ❞ he began. his fingers absently drummed on the table as he tried to expel some of his nerves. ❝ i didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable or hurt our friendship. you mean so much to me. i never wanted to do anything to push you away … ❞
it’s seems like often luca is caught like a deer in headlights. caught in between his bad habit of acting when cornered, springing to action to do anything to make him look good without any real thought of others around him. evident by the way his back immediately straightens as he hears alberto’s apology. he practically leaps from his seat, body turned to him as he reaches for the sugar to place it on the table between them. plastered smile still on his face. ‘ — mine was missing a bit of sugar actually, ’ luca quickly interrupts the other. voice shaky but loud, as if he were speaking to a large crowd. he continues going. it was his way of pushing the conversation back just a little more. ‘ are you sure yours isn’t ? i could add another spoonful just to make sure ? oh right, you don’t have work today right ? should i see if i could get us some pancakes from somewhere nearby ? ’
it all comes out like word vomit. says it all without really thinking through any of it. just blurts it out and by the time he’s finished, his chest is rising and falling at an unnatural rate. shaking hand causing some of the sugar to spill from said spoon, eyes finally turning to meet the other’s. only then does he recognize his actions. how erratic they are. how unlike him. blame it on the lack of sleep. blame it on the entire situation. by now his eyes are pleading for the other to answer, to say a word. begging. eyes stinging. eyes watering. smile finally dropping, turned into a deep frown. eyebrows downturned. thumping ringing in his ears louder. ‘ alberto ? ’ he asks, voice cracking, tone low and weak. still pleading. say anything. tell him anything. ‘ i can’t deal with the silence anymore. please say something. ’
alberto hated all of it. he was normally a pretty chill kind of guy but the last nearly two months he was uncharagtieristally anxious. he just felt so unsettled by the way that they had left things. the fear of luca just up and leaving was always looming over him. he’d deserve it too, or at least that’s what alberto kept telling himself. because he was dumb. correction – what he did was dumb. sure, he knew that both of them took part in the kiss justifying as equal as the other but he couldn’t help but to feel that it was his fault. it was just the way his brain was wired. maybe he should have stepped in and stopped it if he knew what was going to happen to their friendship, but there was another part of him ( a part that he tried his best to ignore and push away without success ) that reminded him that he wanted to kiss luca. that he didn’t regret doing it, he just regretted the possible strain it would have on their friendship. and it only got worse the longer they spent apart. it felt like luca was away at school all over again except he was only just in the next room. awkward passes in the hallways leading to no conversation, nights that alberto would just lay in bed awake replaying the night over and over despite feeling that he definitely shouldn’t, the times where he would stand outside luca’s door wanting to knock but leaving without the courage to do so – it was what the last weeks looked like.
christmas was different though. it was bound to be the day they resolved the issue, they had to. hearing luca’s voice took him by surprise for a moment. ❝ luca .. hi … ❞ he replied softly, as if speaking too loud would somehow ruin things. he rubbed his eyes as he was still just waking up. ❝ merry christmas … ❞ he sat down in the seat across from luca, feeling a sort of familiar magnetic pull towards his best friend that he had not been so separate from in a very long time. ❝ is this … for me ? ❞ he asked, nodding his head in the direction of the coffee.
like a child nervously waiting outside the dentist’s office, his feet tapping against the shabby fake wood tiles of their apartment, eyes look up at his friend for the first time a long time. ever so softly gleaming with admiration, as they usually did. but this time he’s quick to tear them away as guilt seeps into his system. he grips tightly at the handle of the mug. so tightly his knuckles turn white. ‘ of course it’s for you, silly, ’ he informs him. as if it were so obvious, as if there wasn’t tension between them that would make alberto second guess. his words come out lightly, airy. tight smile on his face. luca’s eyes flicker to said cup adjacent from him before turning back to his own.
he had run through this conversation a million times in his head. late nights staring at blank ceilings, teary and tired eyes, nails digging into his palms nervously. now faced with the actual chance of conversation, luca chokes. spends his time sucking on his bottom lip as he internally tries to gather the right words to say. how have you been these past few months ? how are you enjoying the weather ? gone for a swim ? do you forgive me ? instead, in a very luca fashion, he simply sticks to blurting out: ‘ tell me — if you want more sugar, that is .. or caramel. if it’s bad i can also make you another cup ? ’
things had been . . different. that’s the best word luca could use to describe it without completely breaking down. having gone through various other synonyms ( difficult, suffocating, nerve-racking, lonely, confusing, frustrating ) this was the one that eased his mind if only slightly. the reality was: no one had been aware of what had transpired in the depths of the casino the night of the bash. what two very intoxicated, very flushed faces got themselves into. amongst ambient chatter, swaying bodies just as buzzed as they were, behind the sea of vibrant costumes and uncomfortable props. a chaste kiss deepened in a matter of seconds. a kiss that seemed to last hours. a kiss so vivid, as if he were able to smell colors and see music.
now luca wants to say nothing came from it. wants to say he didn’t splutter and shake, almost comically jumping about two steps back away from his friend as soon as he realized what he did. eyes looking like they were about to pop out, mustache that came with his costume skewed and out of place. he doesn’t stop to think about how the other may take his actions, doesn’t even bother to check in, instead he eyes the various bodies around them as if to make sure no one had seen. only after does he decide to make a run for it, leaving his friend stranded and alone. that had been . . close to two months ago now. after various sleepless night spent going over every single action, every single word and finally every single feeling — luca feels like he’s stuck chained up in the dark depths of the ocean. except this time, he put himself there. and this time he actually deserved it.
and so christmas morning strolls along and . . well, he decides, better now than ever ? morning comes and he springs out of bed at a reasonable time, fingertips buzzing with nerves to get it all over with. he desperately wanted alberto back, his alberto back. his dearest friend. the same one he had been avoiding endlessly, hiding in his room, drowned in a sense of shame and guilt. he couldn’t go another day without talking to him. quickly he sets the table, two mugs filled with coffee placed across from each to start their day. luca takes his seat idly, fingertips tapping against the mug incessantly, head downturned to stare off into the reflection of the liquid. there’s heavy and dark bags under his eyes. messy curls pointing in all kinds of directions. so tired due to his routine overthinking, he doesn’t immediately hear a door squeaking open. it takes him a few seconds before he forces a smile to his face slowly, hands placed neatly against his lap and back straightened out of habit. ‘ merry christmas, alberto, ’ he breathes out softly.
alberto peered over the top of his cup at luca, fighting back a hiccup. his eyelids were heavy as he was clearly a few drinks in at this point but his smile never dropped. he felt warmsitting beside his friend, their knees practically touching as they took a break from the louder parts of the party to just chill out for a bit. ❝ i think we have the best costumes by far ! ❞
the moment causes a fit of laughter to escape him, green hat falling off as he leans his head back. he pays no mind. as long as he was aware, he was having the time of his life. it isn’t until he leaned back towards his friend, hand reaching over to squeeze at his knee to balance himself, that he smiles widely. ‘ oh, we’re definitely in the top three ! ’ he exclaims, voice much louder than ever before. the drink in his cup spills lightly but he’s too caught up in the moment. he leans in closer and closer. ‘ you’re having fun, right ? we’re not leaving anytime soon ? .. do you think we should drink some more ? ’
❝ i’m always right, ❞ alberto teases, his nose slightly scrunched as he was well aware that definitely wasn’t the case. ❝ well … at least about things like this. ❞ because when it came down to advice on ignoring that voice in your head and just doing it, he was your guy. other things … not so much. his eyes remained focused ahead but he could feel luca’s gaze on him. it was a comfortable feeling, just like the brief moments of silence that they shared.
❝ good idea ! ❞ alberto couldn’t help the smile that pulled at his lips upon seeing the slight flush wash over luca’s cheeks. he was happy for him. he was. and yeah … maybe he felt slightly uneasy about the whole thing but it was understandable, right ? it had been just them for quite some time now. the thought of someone else entering the picture of course would make alberto the slightest bit anxious. but there no use worrying about it now. ❝ and then if things go somewhere i want to meet ‘em. ❞
he held the door open for his friend when they arrived at the arcade. alberto was immediately exhilarated by all of the flashing lights and sound effects coming from the walls lined with games. ❝ i know ! seriously, luca. no need to worry about me. let’s have fun. just forget about everything else and have fun for a few hours with me, ‘kay? ❞
he pushes his shoulder against the other playfully, own smile blossoming at the sudden declaration. always right — well, it wasn’t the complete truth but luca would follow him like it was. follow him into the dark with nothing but complete adoration in his eyes, trusting that alberto knew what he was doing. along with a needed backup plan just in case. however, he can’t help but look away from his friend the second he mentioned their potential meetup. if things go well. if he even had the guts to offer such an invitation. bashful smile takes over his expression.
it wasn’t at all that he was embarrassed of his lifelong friend. in fact, he was more than proud of such a friendship. alberto, who exuded warmth and incomparable social skills. alberto, who could make the gloomiest crowd laugh. alberto, who helped him in so many ways, who he could never rightfully repay. it was just . . weird. to think about him meeting either of the men who seemed to wander in his head day and night. who seemed to take up space that had previously been meant for his friend alone. he can practically see them waving at each other in his mind as they both take another lap across his mind. biting his lip, he nods carelessly before walking through the entrance.
‘ of course, alberto, ’ he whispers out. ‘ i would love for you to meet him — even if nothing happens. ’ despite previously conflicting emotions, luca ends with a feeling of utmost warmth swarming in his stomach, blush coming back stronger than before. such a feeling causing him to forget about the ambiguous pronouns he had been using before. to know that his friend cared so much to want to meet someone potentially important to him . . it made him feel something he hadn’t before. turning to him again, twinkling eyes stare into his. ‘ okay, i promise. shutting off my brain now. what game should we try first, hm ? can i make one suggestion: the motorcycle racing ones first, please. those are always the best. plus we can play together ! ’
inspired by : mabel pines ( gravity falls ), greg ( over the garden wall ), knives chau ( scott pilgrim vs the world ), power ( chainsaw man ), yashiro nene ( jibaku shounen hanako kun ), miwako sakurada ( paradise kiss ), more to be added.
GENERAL
given name. sofia paguro-scorfano.
nicknames. sofi, soapie, dj bubble ( name suitable to change every couple of weeks )
date of birth. november 23rd.
age. twenty.
gender. cisfemale.
pronouns. she / her.
powers. none.
species. human.
sexuality. bisexual.
place of birth. france.
current residence. elias, california.
occupation. lead singer of a band, occasional dj / radio host, has a part time job just not sure where yet<3
APPEARANCE
height. 5′2.
hair colour/style. dark blonde, various lengths over the years but after shaving it two years ago she’s decided to chill.
eye colour. light brown.
piercings. dermal piercings on her lower back, had her nose pierced for two months, various ear piercings.
tattoos. various very small tattoos across her arms and thighs. there’s bunnies and frogs, stuffed animals, anything cute.
notable markings. faint freckles she usually covers.
glasses/contacts? neither.
faceclaim. lily rose depp.
voiceclaim. lily rose depp.
singing voiceclaim. claire cottrill.
HEALTH
physical ailments. none.
allergies. none.
sleeping habits. sleeps in constantly. good luck to whoever tries to wake her up. swears she needs 10 hours.
dominant hand. ambidextrous.
drugs / smoke / alcohol? yes.
PERSONALITY
positive traits. vivacious, affable, sanguine, energetic, adoring.
negative traits. fickle, vexatious, brash, overbearing, stubborn.
usual mood. lovesick.
likes. collecting vinyl records, sleeping in until the afternoon, the feel of worn and dirty shoes, bright and colorful socks that don’t match, sticking your head out the car window, long train rides, bedroom walls covered in posters, keeping souvenirs, taking pictures in front of a mirror, knitting when bored, organized playlists for every mood, hosting themed parties.
dislikes. being told what to do, standing still, being neat and proper, serious people, being told her music taste is bad by someone who listens to post malone, crying in front of others, meaningless flirting, being booed, not receiving laughter when telling a joke, being talked about.
bad habits. not listening.
RELATIONSHIPS
adoptive father. luca paguro-scorfano.
adoptive father. alberto paguro-scorfano.
siblings. __ & alessi paguro-scorfano.
children. none.
birth order. youngest.
significant others. n/a.
closest friends. dixie reyes, katrina skellington, more to be added.
SKILLS & STATS
languages spoken. english, ( not fluently ) italian, french and spanish.
drive? yes.
jump start a car? no.
change a flat tire? yes.
ride a bicycle? yes.
swim? yes.
play an instrument? somewhat.
play chess? no.
braid hair? no.
tie a tie? no.
pick a lock? yes.
sew? somewhat.
alberto watched as luca’s expression went blank and he bit down on his lip. it was moments like this where he wondered what was going on inside of luca’s mind, what his friend was thinking but not yet opting to say outloud.
he nodded. ❝ it’s definitely not easy, ❞ alberto agreed. ❝ but most things that are worth it often aren’t. ❞ he had heard that somewhere, perhaps from massimo, or from some shitty rom com movie that he played in the background when he tried to sleep. regardless, the message still stands. and he was pretty damn proud of himself for having some useful advice. he returned the small hand squeeze, trying to ignore the way his stomach had dropped with luca’s confession. why ?
❝ that’s one way to do it, ❞ he eventually answered, his mind feeling as though it was somewhere else but not the present. he pulled himself back to the moment, and shot a toothy grin over at his friend. ❝ anyone that doesn’t like valentine’s day is a major red flagso you’ll get two answers in one then. ❞
he finds himself turning to him, eyebrow raised ever so slightly. finally a comfortable and genuine grin on his lips. ‘ yeah, ’ luca continues, ‘ i think you’re absolutely right. ’ once again overcome with feelings of utmost adoration for alberto. the only person actually capable of of comforting his high-strung nature without any overbearing antics. one step at a time but he always knew how to get him on track. eyes scan over his friend’s various features. from his eyes, to the various markings across his face, to his lips. luca unconsciously does it, doesn’t even think twice before he turns forward and notices they’re very close to their destination.
‘ well, maybe i won’t actually use valentine cards but i’ll definitely write them a letter. nothing too formal, just something to get my feelings across. ’ he flashes his own smile, cheeks ever so rosy at the idea. he’s come to the conclusion that maybe he could make said letter vague. he won’t outright say that he likes the lanky man but definitely imply it. and if he’s rejected . . luca didn’t want to think that far ahead. ‘ listen, i was only kidding about the whole running thing. you can have fun, play whatever you’d like. i’ll try my best to keep up. just remember the limit and — don’t break anything. ’
the return of luca’s smile earned the same from alberto, the corners of his lips twisting up into a grin. he knew it wasn’t much, but he was glad that he could help even just a little bit.
❝ yeah ? ❞ he answers upon hearing his name, glancing over at luca once more. ❝ oh - ❞ the word slipped past his lips, his tone almost surprised. he raised his brows, interested by such a question. ❝ well … ❞ alberto reached to tuck a few loose curls behind his ear, a habit when he is lost in thought. ❝ i don’t think there’s one single answer for every scenario. ‘cause each is different, you know ? there’s different things you have to take into account that might make it not worth the risk. but … overall i always say to make the move. living with regret sucks. and at least for me, i’d rather not wonder ‘ what if ? ‘ all the time. ❞ he raised his shoulders in a slight shrug. ❝ and the best way to tell someone ? speak from the heart. ❞
he’s unconvinced. evident by the way he stares at the ground as they continue to walk, walking ever so slower, expression once again turning into a blank one. he wasn’t so much disdained as he was simply thinking. luca understood what alberto was telling him but in a weird way . . it was as if he were expecting something else from him. trying to figure out what exactly that was was, that’s what had him basically shut down. it isn’t until he realizes he hadn’t replied that he shakes himself out of it, quickly stuttering out a response, ‘ r — right ! ’
not the best but definitely still something. another fickle smile, soft shrug. ‘ right. i get what you’re saying it’s just . . ’ another squeeze to his hand. ‘ hard ? i guess. ’ not the full truth but he was getting there. frustrated sigh escapes him. only then does luca feel the need to lighten the mood after dampening it. this is the constant limbo he found himself in. overthinking, digesting it, hating it and trying again. yet he decides not to for both of their sakes. he could leave that cycle for when he returns back to the apartment, in the solitude of his room. looking to alberto, he snorts. ‘ it’s someone who works at the academy, ’ he confesses. ‘ do you think i should send them one of those valentine’s cards ? it doesn’t matter if it’s too early, it will definitely get the point across, hm ? ’
when luca tilted his head towards him, alberto met his gaze with a warm and encouraging smile. he was mildly concerned that he was upsetting luca, that he was bothering him by prying for information like he was. he didn’t want to upset him ! he just wanted to help ! but of course the more insecure part of him pushed a thought into the back of his mind just to nag at him for the next few hours - a worry that this would be the thing that finally made luca annoyed enough to leave him behind. he did his best to push those thoughts down though, knowing that they were absolutely not based in reality but rather his own fears.
alberto pulled his brows together as he tried to understand luca’s newfound aversion to the letter ‘ j ’. ❝ o … kay … ❞ he said slowly, nodding along to show that he was somewhat following. even if he wasn’t entirely understanding, alberto was as supportive and enthusiastic as ever. ❝ consider it done ! fuck it ! the alphabet now has 25 letters. ❞
alberto’s reaction signals the almost immediate return of his smile. interesting how fickle his confidence can be, how easily his worries can be subdued by the other. not always but definitely most of the time. ‘ exactly ! only 25 letters, i think that definitely sounds right. ’ it calms him for an instant before the tips of his fingers are met with a buzzing sensation, the need to grab and tug at something growing stronger. he stills once more.
‘ alberto, ’ he begins, head turning to him once more. mirroring his earlier call for him. needing to understand how serious he is. how desperate for advice he is. ‘ what’s the best way to tell someone you like them ? ’ there it is. whispered out in the open, facial expression almost scared, as if he would be reprimanded for such a question. luca gulps lightly. ‘ i mean, in your experience, should i make a move or . . maybe wait ? ’
beatrix takes in the absolutely petrified expression on the guy’s face and she slowly starts shaking her head. “ whoa … dude, it’s fine, i’m not gonna arrest you or anything — it’s not like you had anything to do with this, ” she tilts her head as she considers him and his lanky body. then again, lankiness was no real indication of someone’s strength.
“ if someone was hurt there’d be blood, ” she hums, starting to walk around the area. “ or like … some sign of a fight. or maybe the lamp just fell. do we have to … report it or something ? ” she asks. he had books in his arms. he was probably smart, was her thinking. surely he would know more about the city’s customs.
‘ oh yeah, ’ he nods her way. as if her mere statement was enough to officially say he had nothing to do with it. which, of course, he didn’t but was his innocence that easily proven ? did he not look capable of such a thing ? was that a good thing ?
his stomach drops at the mention of possible blood. quickly his eyes scan the crime scene once more, as if to make sure he hadn’t missed anything the first time. ‘ we — we should report it, ’ luca begins despite internally contemplating. he didn’t exactly want to get involved but somebody needed to do something about the clean up and it certainly wasn’t going to be him. he’d call, talk to an operator and go on his merry way. that was it. unless . . ‘ um, well, what if it just fell by itself ? did it rain yesterday ? maybe that was it. somebody probably already called by now, right ? ’ he turns to her immediately, as if awaiting her approval.
alberto frowned. it bothered him when luca was upset and even more so when he couldn’t pinpoint the exact reasoning behind it. he liked to believe that after so many years of being best friends that they were pretty in tune with what upset the other but sometimes situations emerged that were new all together. although alberto was pretty goofy and lighthearted most of the time, a moment of seriousness and genuine concern came through when luca spoke. ❝ hey – nothing you say is ever a waste of my time. don’t be silly. ❞ he would always have time for his friend no matter the situation. ❝ you don’t have to tell me, ❞ he added with a shrug of his shoulders. ❝ i just want to help. if i can. i don’t like seeing you with something on your mind. but … i’ll drop it if that’s what you want. ❞
the hey his ears are met him with almost beckons him, head tilting to his direction meekly. a bold statement. words that never really gets through his thick skull no matter how many countless times he’s told them. luca can only release another sigh, head nodding continuously. remnants of his bright smile now fully dissipated. ‘ i want to tell you but — ’ he trails off. because he really does . . but at the cost of boring his friend, possibly even annoying him, he constantly finds himself biting his tongue. now or never, he decides. luca held onto the hope that maybe he’d feel better afterwards. lighter. tucking his spare hand behind him, he looks forward as he starts, ‘ i think the letter j is ruined for me. that’s it, no more saying the letter j around me until . . well, forever. ’
❝ i promise ! ❞ alberto happily let luca pull him out of the room and outside onto the pavement as they headed towards the arcade. it was a beautiful day out and alberto couldn’t help but to close his eyes for a moment and take in the way the sun felt on his face as they walked. he eventually turned to his friend, absolutely going to take advantage of the fact that luca didn’t really have any distractions or excuses at the moment to keep him from answering his questions. ❝ so … ❞ he began as he glanced over at luca. ❝ are you gonna tell me what’s goin’ on or no? ❞
and there it was again. the deep plunging feeling that had been haunting him for a while now. he knew their hangout was partly a ploy to get him out of the hole he buried himself in but to be asked so flat out about it . . his smile settled, threatening ever so softly curl downwards instead. ‘ it’s nothing, ’ luca said after a deep sigh. however, lying to his friend wasn’t something he was particularly fond of. it wasn’t so much the fear of his friend’s reaction than it was overall embarrassment. he knew deep down he would be supportive but it was more than that. a feeling he couldn’t exactly name. ‘ well, no, it definitely is something i just . . ’ turning to alberto, he shrugs and offers him a crooked smile instead. ‘ i don’t think it’s going to go anywhere, is all. i don’t wanna waste your time. ’
inspired by : luca paguro from luca. / added inspo : rory gilmore ( gilmore girls ), spencer reid ( criminal minds ), eddie kaspbrak ( it ), will byers ( stranger things ), yuuri katsuki ( yuri !! on ice ), mio chibana ( umibe no etranger ).
statistics
full name. luca paguro. faceclaim. lorenzo zurzolo. dob. november 20th. zodiac. scorpio. occupation. pit stop waiter, tutor. birthplace. italy. orientation. homosexual. song. sea creatures by soak. film. doukyuusei. education. college graduate. emoji. ( 🐚 )
present !!
elias to luca was at first a minor setback. they needed to get their funds in order ( he supposed this is what he gets for not being more responsible with their money ) and the town just so happened to be next on their list. it was nostalgic, in a sense. reminded him of his own hometown, the one he knew all his loved ones were waiting for him in. what he didn’t expect was how long he’d be here for. days turned into weeks, soon months and now . . well.
he’s currently working at the pit stop. made friends with various of his coworkers, even has a soft spot for his very generous boss. if he’s not at the pit stop, find him at the local academy. he often gets hired to tutor students who need it. he does his job with great enthusiasm, grateful for any chance he gets to open a book and be able to do what he does best, learn and teach. his overall goal is to one day become a teacher. he’s not exactly sure what subject or when would even be the best time to go back to university, if he’d even be allowed the funds. it’s up there though.
if not in either of those places, find him in his very rundown but still very cozy apartment. the one he shares with his dearest friend. full of old records and cds, dvds that are most likely scratched up but he got for a very good price. it’s quaint, it’s domestic, it’s colorful. he takes it upon himself to buy new ( more like new to them ) furniture and fix it up only to add it wherever he feels like they needed a little something. books everywhere, along with his notes, his work uniform and odd pairs of socks. he doesn’t exactly have company over often but when he does, he’s filled with a sense of what anyone would describe as pride. because its his. because its theirs. home.
past !!
bio found here !
he looks back on sea filled days, the urge he would have to look up and think about what people up there were up to. what the boats that would cross were carrying, from his very safe and ample hiding spot of course. what he was missing out on. what would wait for him if he weren’t stuck underground with nothing but fear and longing.
he looks back on heat haze days, the sight of colorful buildings and various new experiences. from the feel of the ground beneath his feet to the mere taste of coffee. how different it was yet so comforting. as if it were the first time he felt peace despite his occasional nervous breakdowns. he grew from having no one to talk to but the fish he would help herd to having a best friend and soon enough two. as if he could remember the exact moment his curiosity reached an all time high. how he wanted to know everything there was to know about everything. the urge he had to reach for the stars and never come back down, stuck in a daydream forevermore.
he looks back on winning days and tearful goodbyes. it seemed even the sky had been crying for him that day. and so began all new experiences. he remembers how hard it was for him to adjust at first. how he could only think about those he left behind. wondering what they were doing, how they were without him. classes began and he remembers the stuffy feeling of the academy uniform. how weird it was to sit behind a desk and hear someone lecture. how he learned to manage his time well, have enough time to do whatever he pleased but also be able to get schoolwork done in a timely manner. to excel, to do the best that he could.
warm summer days came and went. he was stuck between two worlds it seemed, one with his parents, the town people, his best friends. days they would at first spend catching up to middle days feeling like they’d been doing this their entire lives, as if no time had passes. to eventual goodbyes once more, tight hugs and cheek kisses. promises to be well and do well. off to the neighboring world full of vast halls and ambient chatter. days filled cramming for tests and whining at his arm hurting from all the essay writing. learning so much and still craving more. days filled with his friend, sharing beds and casual school gossip.
graduation day couldn’t have come sooner. it was bittersweet, it was tear-filled . . but luca found himself feeling relieved amongst all things. relieved that he made it, relieved that he did his best, relieved that he’d learn so much and was now able to do what he wanted to. to achieve the childhood dream he had that never fully went away. now he’d be able to see the world with his friend and experience new things together. never to part.
future !!
picture this: a very knowledgable man, financially stable ( comfortable but not too abundant ) and very welcoming. i want him to work through his social anxieties. grow to be the person that lights up a room with small chatter and various facts. he’ll tell you about his travels if you ask. how he spent so many years traveling, the names of towns and interesting people he met along the way. i feel like luca has so much love and light to give. one day he’ll grow out of this nervous and fickle self and become more confident, not scared to make mistakes and experience new things.
a teacher like he always dreamed. teaching various classes with students who often still come to visit him when he’s in town. just like before, he’ll spend his summers in italy ( passing through neighboring cities of course ) and come back once the school year commences. he’ll know what he wants to do and how to do it. he’ll take steps to do what he does without caring too much about what other’s may have to say about it.
it’s like he’s hitting that awkward teen stage so late in his life dgsdjkd you know, the one where you start realizing that . . hey maybe i do like someone of the same sex and it’s not so bad. i want him to just be okay with who he is, with whoever he may love. because they mean so much to him. because he loves them deeply. that’s in the far, far future though. for now let him pine over dumb boys and not tell anyone bc !! shh, it’s a secret.
taken connections
alberto scorfano: best friend / roommate.
philip charmont: *eleven vc* papa / mentor.
sora reyes: close friend / coworker.
jack frost: close friend / unrequited crush.
jasper skellington: coworker / unrequited crush.
i know i’m fr missing some please !!!!! lmk if i did
wanted connections
HELP ME PLEASE THE LACK OF WOMEN IN HIS TAKEN CONNECTION MADE ME GASP ??????>?DF>D> *jo march vc* women !! please. he needs friends, coworkers / maybe ex coworkers, confidants. just someone he can talk to bc whew does he have so much to say ??
in all honesty, a confidant is very much needed. he knows he has friends who care for him but sometimes he just needs an objective point of view. someone to snap him out of it. someone to give him advice he probably won’t take but needs anyway. he’s coming to terms with his sexuality, coming to terms with that once again making him different and he’s not entirely sure if he’s ?? okay with that. for once he just wants to fit in. be like everyone else.
a rival ? frienemy maybe mwahaha. whether it be academically or maybe it’s just someone who gets him going. he’s not a very aggressive person but he can be witty when he needs to be. this is mostly gonna be lighthearted. just some reoccurring back and forth banter and we call it a day<33
more tba !! if you have anything you need / want and feel like luca can fit it, please let me know !! i’ll most likely say yes
sometimes it was endearing watching people realise they couldn’t win against a quick string of words and a well-practised dry voice. after watching a painful scene of forcing self-confidence, nick shoots the weirdo in the bush a handsome smirk.
“ … wow, that sounded like it took a lot of effort. i can appreciate that. ” he shrugs. “ i still don’t really believe you’re looking for a book but all right then, keep your secrets, ” he said, adding a british affectation to mimic the iconic meme. “ do you need some help ? ” he asks with another self-satisfied smile. “ you help me look for my watch, i help you look for your not-book. or whatever it is you’re really doing in the dark. ”
so lying wasn’t his forte. did it have to be ?? since when was it a crime to be a bad liar. he wasn’t sure but it sure felt like he was being hounded for being a good boy. a good boy . . that just so happened to hide in the bushes.
heat rose from his neck to his cheeks, lips pursed at the sight before him. a very handsome smirk but he had to stay strong. there was no room to fall for such antics. his hands balled into fists, he hated how the person before him reminded him of a certain someone. ‘ fine. i’ll help you look for your watch but after you have to promise to you’ll let me look for my book alone, ’ luca countered. as if it would sell his lame lie. as if the other would fall for it but it was worth a shot. with a sluggish shrug, his only reasoning: ‘ believe it or not, i happen to work best by myself. in the dark. alone. ’
❝ twenty dollars ! ❞ he confirmed with a nod, sending curls falling into his face. he definitely wasn’t going to argue there, especially as he was still looking for a job. sure, they were trying to save up to continue adventuring but that didn’t mean they couldn’t spend a little here and there to have a good time. it would be fine ! ❝ look – don’t worry about a thing, luca. we’re going to have fun! the only thing you need to worry about is me kickin’ your butt at air hockey. ❞ he tried to muster up his own stern voice accompanied but fell into a fit of laughter instead. alberto was already always a pretty cheerful guy but even more so knowing that he was successful in getting luca to hang out with him and take his mind off whatever was going on.
he laughed once more with the tug on his hand and responded by interlocking their fingers together. ❝ i feel like you’re usin’ me for my impressive claw machine skills, ❞ he noted with feigned offense. ❝ it’s fine. i’ll allow it … ❞
don’t worry. words that often caused him to worry even more. he knew his income from his tutoring job would only help so much. he knew soon he’d have to resort to taking more shifts at the pit stop but, as he looked up once more to meet his friend’s eyes, he couldn’t help but dwell in the feeling that everything would be okay. they always found a way. plus occasional splurging never hurt anyone. anyway was it even a splurge ? what if they ended up winning a blender or something they needed in the claw machine ? then it’d be more of a necessity, he supposed.
‘ fun, right, ’ he repeated with a curt nod. that’s what this was all about anyway. no need to think about money or dumb boys with dumb j names. the thought makes his stomach drop but the feeling of alberto’s fingers locked with his is enough to anchor him back. ‘ you better stop that right now, mister. ’ his own feigned distaste settling over his expression despite the smile he was hiding threatening to break through any second. soon enough he was standing up, pulling at the other’s arm on his way out of the room. ‘ just promise you’ll win me a stuffed animal. doesn’t matter what it is, it could be the ugliest looking thing in there. just one. ’
