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[prontissimo]

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text: un: BRUNO - 1/????

[wedonttalkabout]

If everyone blinked in sync, no one would know.

a few hours later

[wedonttalkabout]

That one didn't do it for you, huh? Okay. How about this:

Nothing is ever on fire, fire is ON things.

half an hour later

[wedonttalkabout]

Seriously? No? I thought the fire one would be right up your alley. You doing okay?

[wedonttalkabout]

Kid? Alberto??? Hello?

[wedonttalkabout]

Okay, I'm gonna assume you went to sleep. Just check in with me in the morning, okay? Okay. Your silence is an agreement.

the morning after

[wedonttalkabout]

Okay, I know you probably think this is funny but I'm genuinely getting worried about you. I don't trust this place and I need to know if you've been kidnapped or eaten or turned into a slug or something.

[wedonttalkabout]

BRUNO is calling you

Text, un: Dynamight--sometime in April, after Stardew

[callmekacchan]

This
But with nickels.

[Should he be encouraging this? No. But also, considering the spirit realm and Kaisou putting kids in danger... maybe yes? Either way this is all he's been able to think about regarding Alberto's sock full of loose change so...]

o m f g

[prontissimo]

NICKLE SOCK!!! SCHIAFF!!! 🥴💥🧦🤑

[ Welp. Guess who just created a new iCarla fan. The writing on the walls… ]

Text | un: pequeña_montaña, after Stardew

[neverbreaks]

[ A couple of days after everyone has returned from the Spirit Realm, Luisa sends Alberto a text. ]

Hey, Alberto. It's Luisa. You busy right now?

Text; un: signorvespa

[prontissimo]

nope!! 🤠

[ He learned that recently. And he loves that emoji. For no reason. Just a nice hat. ]

come va? 🤗🤩📺📼🍪☕️🍫🪵🔪🐀➡️🧔🏻‍♀️🎁😌

[ That is to say… He’s whittling a rat figurine for her uncle as a gift while watching some random VHS tape on his shitty garage sale-treasure obsolete TV. And eating cookies. With hot chocolate. He’s thorough. Certainly paints a picture, capturing the moment with emoji... whether it’s clear as day, knowing Alberto, or entirely bewildering, maybe even mildly worrisome (as the 🔪 emoji is never comforting), is up for debate, though. ]

Text, un: Dynamight

[callmekacchan]

[Several hours after Katsuki has left Alberto's apartment, his temper has cooled enough that he sends him a single text. A link to symptoms of infection.

He doesn't really expect a response to it. He's well used to burning bridges. And this was... really bad. He knows it. He knows he handled it poorly and he was an asshole.

But despite what he claimed as he was leaving, he does in fact give a damn what happens to Alberto and wants him to be able to tell if he needs to seek medical attention for his wound.

But he really doesn't expect Alberto to respond. So he sends it and leaves it at that. No expectation.]

Toy Store Adventure!!

[weatherforecast]

Alberto this is Pepa!!!
🌞🌈🌧
Are you busy today??
I thought we could check out that toy store today!!
I could show you the dancing cat!!!! 🐱

[prontissimo]

Yes!!! 🙀😻
I don’t know where it is tho… I can come to the house and you lead the way?
I’m Excited!! 🐈🐈‍⬛🐈🤗‼️

text: un: BRUNO

[wedonttalkabout]

Hey kiddo! You at home? I have something I wanna give you.

[Is he already outside Alberto and Luca's home? Absolutely, but he's not gonna mention that yet!]

[prontissimo]

Yup! when you get here just comein. keys under the mat.

[ fnrjlskd...... N-Nevermind how unsafe that hiding spot is... It's his birthday...

He doesn't expect Bruno to be right outside, that's for sure. He's been slowly putzing about the house in his own time today, hasn't even put the coffee on or had breakfast yet, only having just plopped down from his morning shower. Luca's now taking his turn in there now, leaving Alberto alone for a while to decide what to do with the day. Most he's managed so far was putting on his new favorite outfit, Luz having given them a human fashion crash course recently (though he has taken to doodling on his jeans in school lately), even though he's just lounging around at home for now — just one of his own small attempts to make it a special day, relishing the pleasant details. That's about all he's used to, though; as far as he knows, the extent of birthday celebrations are little mood-boosters like that, eating his favorite food, not getting in trouble for stuff he might usually get in trouble for... which, at least, is a guaranteed this year. First birthday he's ever spent with anyone but his dad. He's already so indulgent on a daily basis as it is here, though, so he's not really sure at all how this is supposed to go now. Certainly not expecting presents from anyone, which makes him suspicious when Bruno says he's got something to give him — but that could mean anything! At least he won't need to wonder for long...! ]

Text | un: pequeña_montaña (backdated to 09/25)

[neverbreaks]

Hey Alberto! 🎈🎊Feliz Cumpleanos!🎊🎂🎈

[prontissimo]

¡gracias luisa! 🙀🤩😅
Best birthday ever already ha ha 😏👌🏼

[couldntsaveone]

That would be Luffy, a seemingly almost grown man, just casually... wandering around the middle school and sticking his head into the detention room through the window. Hopefully, that's on the first floor and this is potentially terrifying/traumatizing in a different way.

Hey. What are you doing here?

And what is this place? It looks weird.

[prontissimo]

[ Luckily, it is indeed on the first floor. Alberto's the only student in the room, and has been left alone while the teacher who's supposed to be monitoring him stepped out to take a phonecall from their cat's modeling agent for an upcoming catnip commercial audition; very important stuff, you know. Instead, the door to the detention room is left under the unenthused but watchful gaze of the principal's secretary directly across the hall; no one goes in, and no one goes out. Alberto's been sent to the principal's office enough to be on a first name basis with the secretary already, and he knows she prides herself on her hawk eyes... even while busily multi-tasking to look up pictures of various celebrities without makeup. Veeery important stuff happening after school hours here...

When Luffy pops up in the window, Alberto's startled and jumps in his desk, causing a loud noise. He glances wide-eyed from Luffy to the door, listening to hear if the secretary is coming. But nothing. He stands up and rushes over to the window beside Luffy, whispering in a hiss and shooing him dramatically, waving his hands back toward the window. ]

What the shell are you doing here?! Where'd you even come from? This is school...! You don't wanna be here, believe me. Go, go be free!

[ He's gotta hand it to Luffy, though, he really admires the way the guy can make an entrance... First time meeting him, he jumped into the street in front of them off the roof of a building. Now he's popping in through a window out of the blue. Luffy's got a shtick, and Alberto likes it. Impact matters, man! ]

action; first Saturday in December

[prontissimo]

[ As planned, Alberto's expecting Isabela over come the weekend. A calm mid-morning coffee date like this is probably just what Alberto needs to break up the moods he's been letting himself stew in ever since Bruno's departure. He's relieved to still have Bruno's family around, already close with Luisa and still getting to know Dolores and Isabela, but it's still his first time missing someone with someone else... When he missed his father, he was alone; when he missed Massimo and Luca, he was alone. But now, he's not the only one who misses Bruno. Having this loss in common with his nieces is unfortunate, but the unspoken comfort that comes with it is perfectly fine to remain unspoken. It's nice knowing that Isabela can already assume Alberto's not feeling tip-top, and he doesn't have to admit to it, nor does he have to pretend otherwise... He can just have as good a time as he can manage and that's enough. There's healing power in that silent understanding.

It's his first time having company over since Bruno disappeared, as he's self-isolated quite a bit since then; the self-isolation isn't helped by the fact that he still hasn't gotten around to buying a new phone after breaking his own the day he found out Bruno went missing. So making this coffee date with Isabela while borrowing Luca's phone was a big step in the right direction. He's excited to learn about Christmas, and always excited to show off his cool apartment, but he's mostly excited to... be distracted from his grief. At least somewhat. There's a reason he gets along so well with the Madrigals... Experts at bottling up and masking, the lot of them. But for now, it serves their purposes well: sharing about Christmas, Colombian culture, and coffee. Alberto texts Isabela from Luca's phone that morning, giving her their room number on the third floor of the Zodiac apartment complex. But after a second, he tags on another good tip: ]

oh and KNOCK LOUD in case Luca takes his phone with him if he goes to the library
I usually play music loud... 😬😅🎶💁🏽‍♂️
a presto! 🤗☕️🌤️

[ At least, he will be today. He's been off it the past couple weeks in his grieving, their house uncomfortably silent compared to usual, but now that he's having company, he's back on the ball. Which, for Alberto, means being loud. Good thing it's Isabela coming over for this return to glory and not Dolores...! ]

[senorita_perfecta]

(After she gets the information of where to find Alberto and Luca’s apartment in the Zodiac apartment complex and how to knock on the door, Isabela is off to go into the apartment to talk with him over coffee. Upon leaving the elevator when it reached the third floor, she goes off to look for the apartment number Alberto has given into her via text.

Then she could hear the loud music from one of the units that she immediately darts off to get there and follows the advice by knocking on the door hard and loud. She waits for him facing the door, gloves covering her hands in fear of getting too much sense overload from touching anybody, even by the hand.)

Text, un: Dynamight

[callmekacchan]

Bats

[That's all.]

[prontissimo]

[ If only Katsuki could be a fly on the wall watching Alberto watch this video... That was— so much. So much to react to. But he's absolutely charmed, by the humor, by the story, by the bats. One of his favorite videos Katsuki's ever sent him so far, easily, and Katsuki's sent him a lot of videos. And you better bet he's sharing this video with Luca. He wishes he could share it with Bruno, but... He can't. ]

SO COOL! 🤩🥺🥹
Bravo Signore Merlin Tutttle!!! And all the bats
That was fantastic
ALMOST as cute as rats HA 🐀🦇🐀🦇🐀🦇

Text, un: Dynamight, backdated to January

[callmekacchan]

[Katsuki has some new features and he's going to need to make some adjustments to his clothing to accommodate one of them. So he texts the person he knows has an answer.]

You busy right now?
Need you to show me how you sew tail holes.

[prontissimo]

[ Well, that was. Unexpected. Alberto texts back pretty quickly, after cocking a brow and smirking at the screen — cuz, uh, what the shell could this be about... ]

yyyyyyes?
I can do that. come over. bring some pants.
😏🪡🧵🧷👖🩳🧐

Belated Valentine's card plot!

[schoolingfish]

[With the mail, Alberto will be getting a letter that appears to be from Luca. When he opens it, he'll find a Valentine's card with a blue vespa on it and a note inside that reads:

Alberto,

You're my best friend in the whole wide world, and the way I feel when I'm with you is more amazing than I've ever felt ever. When we hold hands or hug or even just hang out I feel all tingly and happy and want to be around you always. I don't know how to describe how I feel, but with the theme of the holiday I figured this would be a good time to say it.

Will you be my valentine?

Luca

[prontissimo]

[ Come Valentine's Day, after school Alberto produces his own intentional Valentine's Day gift and card. He'd already pumped himself Luca up about it on the way home, always eager to celebrate human holidays and curious about all the different traditions. He doesn't always hit the mark, exactly — in fact, he's... always had some wires crossed, no matter the holiday — but apart from his very vague and hazy comprehension of romance as a concept, he basically gets the gist of this holiday, he thinks. Celebrate love. All the people you love. And eat chocolates and candy — he's about that part, for sure. Plus he's gotten a kick out of how... punny... this holiday seems to be, compared to others?

He found a pack of children's Valentine's cards to hand out amongst his friends, as he'd heard is tradition, and got a big kick out of the card he picked for Luca. To boot, he also got him some freeze-dried ice cream as a sweet treat to go with it. He's keen to hand it off to Luca once they're home, not even bothering to put his book bag down before grabbing the gift from where he'd stashed it within some pile of «??? misc items» in the kitchen. The card attached reads:

卄ᗩ! Too pɘrfect, Right?
But really, you do.
You’re my favorite person and my best friend ever FOR EVƎR
AND! The Smartest Nicest Bravɘst Funniest Coolest CRAZIEST* guy I know
*(within reason)
Ahah
ㄒi ꪜටᎶLiට ᗷƎꪀE ᗰiට ᑕᗩᖇට
Happy Valentine Day!

Letting Luca read and examine his gift, Alberto goes about making their afternoon espresso. As it starts to brew, he picks up the mail they'd brought in, and leans against the kitchen counter lazily as he starts sorting through it. Some notices from the school about Alberto's poor behavior, all addressed to Bruno Madrigal, ignoring those, ahem... In the stack of envelopes, he finds a small one addressed to Luca, and idly hands that off, too — not paying attention to the fact that it's written in his own handwriting... Inside, Luca will find a second Valentine's card from Alberto — but this one, Alberto has no recollection of ever writing. It still sounds very much like him, but... far more open and intimate than usual:

I’m happiest when I’m with you.
Sɘɘing you smile makes mɘ smile.
Doing anything with you makes Ǝverything ɘxciting.
just Being around you is exciting (AND WE LIVE TOGETHER! Ha!)
Holding hands, Hugging, any time we touch...
Ǝvɘn just sleeping together and waking up togɘther. I Feel so Lucky everyday.
Plus You smɘll Amazing.
I like Everything about our Lifɘ Together, even when it’s hard. Happy, Scary, sad, Mad, Busy, boring, Calm, Crazy… Being with you makes it all worth it.
i Never want Us to be AparT again, But I know we’ll Never REALLY be apart. Just Like Before.
ㄒ'ᗩᗰට ᒪᑌᑕᗩ

ᗩㄥᗷƎᖇｲට

Alberto doesn't pay it any mind that Luca got another Valentine's card, he assumes — it's about the same size as the ones he'd given himself, after all. He just assumes it's from a friend of theirs; Alberto sent out cards to his own friends, too, as per tradition (as he understands it)... So when he finds his own card in the stack of mail, he recognizes Luca's handwriting right away, but while he thinks it's kind of funny and clever that Luca apparently hid it in the mail, it doesn't strike him as odd at all. ...Until he reads it.

He stays leaning against the kitchen counter as he rereads it two, three times over. He doesn't say anything at first, though he glances up at Luca a few times. He feels that tingly feeling Luca writes about, almost overwhelmingly, his heart beating much faster all of a sudden. He can agree with everything Luca wrote, and while it's nothing he'd deny, would absolutely readily admit, he'd just... never really thought to. This is their normal. But something feels— different, somehow, now that Luca has apparently said it outright. After his deliberative pause, Alberto just as uncharacteristically asks for clarification, tone tentative... ]

...Luca. What do you mean, "Will you be my Valentine?" Are we supposed to ask each other's permission?

[ ...just... clarification about the wrong part... ]

Text, un: Dynamight | March, before the event

[callmekacchan]

Hey, look.
It's your friend.

text;

[prontissimo]

😒

[ It's funny. He's just forever salty about that goose. ]

backdated to January Event; closed to Luca and Katsuki

[prontissimo]

[ It feels like an incredibly wise choice to have asked Katsuki to be their chaperone for this mission. It sounded exciting, first of all — everyone knows Alberto and Luca love a good race — but it so happened that fortune smiled on them, because Katsuki was born in the Year of the Horse. So his animal for the race is, you know, useful... He has a sled and a massive beast of burden. Whereas Luca and Alberto have a, uh, a rooster... and a monkey... Once again, as it's been proven so many times already: without Katsuki, the boys would have been doomed.

They're only a couple days into the trek, but even their first day, Alberto was keenly aware of how lucky they were to be on Katsuki's team. Plus, you know, all his cool explode-y powers and fighting expertise and such. Alberto's been going to his fight club for a while now, and while he's learned a lot from Katsuki about hand-to-hand combat, he doesn't have magic powers. He and Luca can't shoot fireballs, or explode things with their minds, or turn invisible, or whip out crazy vines and carnivorous plants... or cast spells and fly around on a staff, or control magical goop, or make themselves rubbery, or gain super-strength super-cat-powers... or all the other crazy magical things all their friends can do. Even more subtle powers, like if their cooking could heal you, or super-hearing, or their moods affecting the weather, traveling between shadows, even talking to rats...! He wouldn't want to see people's futures, or people's pasts, both sound awful, but jeez, out of everything else all their friends can do? Alberto would at least settle for a nice chat with a rat! But he and Luca are just... normal. Well, maybe not normal, but not magical. They've got about one trick up their sleeve. Luca's the only other person he knows who's normal(-ish) like him, so, there's that at least — whatever that's worth... Being magic seems the far better option, though; if he could, he would. Alberto's felt so motivated to make himself useful in tough scenarios, ever since Isabela had to save his butt with her flowers back in October when rescuing Bruno together. But without any magic... it's hard. So this monkey's monkey business better help make up for their normalness! Luca's rooster— Alberto has doubts about... Luca might have to pick up the slack for it instead.

They've gotten their winter gear down pat by now, and came well-prepared with snow gear and food and camping supplies. It's impressive how much camping supplies they own, for two eighth-grade boys... How do they own so many things? Or, perhaps a better question— Why do they own so many things? Last year when he moved to Stardew, Alberto lived with three adults, and he was the only one who thought to bring any food or kitchenware...? He feels particular pride in that. Bruno just brought rats. So Alberto's extra determined to be on top of this mission; he's older, wiser, a man of action now! Yeah! Not over-compensating for any insecurity at all... And even if he is: eh, if they make it out of this unscathed, it's worth it.

They're leaving the first lodge they'd encountered, ready to get back on the trail. It's early morning, Luca's rooster having woke them up at the crack of dawn — one useful thing it can do, at least. Alberto's not... overly thrilled about that contribution to the group effort... But he's not one to talk. Because his monkey is presently causing him problems as he tries to load up their sled with food and other supplies they've restocked here. As soon as he puts one thing in, the monkey throws another out. Just to be spiteful, maybe? That's Alberto's interpretation. As he fights with his monkey, the two of them oddly mirrored, scrambling back and forth trying to predict each other's movements like a cartoon stand-off, he calls out to Katsuki and Luca. ]

Hey, uh, a little help here, guys?!

[ The monkey chitters shrilly (is it laughing at him, um...?!) and starts hopping up and down on the back of the sled, as if gleefully. Alberto waves his arms exasperatedly at it, raising his voice lamentingly. ]

This mission is for you, you know! We're here to protect you! Stop throwing your own food away, mamma mia...!

[ They're clearly off to a great start... Bless Katsuki and bless Katsuki's horse. ]

[schoolingfish]

[After the rooster does...the single useful thing the rooster can do, Luca mostly carries it around, trying to make sure it doesn't wander off and get itself into trouble. Unfortunately, Alberto's monkey seems to be be determined to be the source of said trouble. Setting his rooster down for a moment, Luca rushes over and...stops, staring at the monkey for a moment, unsure of how to stop it.

Then, in a rush of inspiration, while Alberto has the monkey distracted, Luca rushes forward and grabs it...

And the monkey turns into a blur of screeching and wiggling until Luca is forced to let it go. It hurries to the other end of the sled...and just to spite him, throws one more thing out of the sled.]

Well, that didn't work.

[a_cute_batata]

Hey, Alberto.

Could I ask a favor?

[prontissimo]

Obviously? What’s up?

[schoolingfish]

[As they get together ingredients for that night's supper, Luca decides to voice something he's been thinking for a while.]

You know...I really feel like I've learned a lot from you. With cooking and everything. I was just thinking...what if I try doing this on my own? Making something for the two of us?

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto had been putzing around in the pantry cabinet, seeing what ingredients "spoke to him," still as of yet undecided about what he wants to make... but then Luca solves his problem unexpectedly. He turns round, hand frozen mid-air with a spice jar in it as he looks to Luca with wide eyes; but after a second, a bright, smitten smile spreads across his face. He sets the jar down again, leaving Luca with a totally blank slate and free rein, and steps away with a showy wave of his arms at the open cabinet — like Luca's podium awaits. ]

...Hah. Sure~! Go for it.

action; backdated to mid-May; closed to Luca and Luz

[prontissimo]

[ It's been some time since Luz moved in, and despite the heaviness in the air in the wake of Eda's disappearance, the boys think they've managed to keep her spirits up all right. But some days are harder than others, and with the added stress of school finals, all three of them could use some extra fun this weekend. It's a Friday night, the boys' homework is all done, and in any case, Alberto vehemently refuses to study on Friday nights, period. And if Alberto refuses to study on Friday nights, effectively that means no one can, because when he's all pumped up and ready to party, it's hard for him to keep to himself... a very distracting, over-eager, and persuasive roommate to live with, that's for sure.

He had the bright idea once they all got home from school today to have an impromptu "holiday," loose a term as it is in his mind. So feeling a bit ✨festive✨ tonight, by nightfall he's already got two homemade pizzas in the oven, nearly all their snacks spread out on the coffee table, along with some Monster energy drinks on ice in glasses — fancy! — all in some over-the-top grand ~soothing~ gesture, mid-finals. He's set to steadily spreading out their endless pillows all over the floor, strategically filling the space between their sleeping area and living area, so that the couch nest and the bed just become extensions of each other... A super bed, which takes up most of the room, and fits all three of them comfortably so they can all sleep together tonight. Just one of Alberto's many whims. Luca's been living with Alberto for a year now, he's used to this kind of thing... Luz can still enjoy the novelty of Alberto's, uh, spontaneity. Ahem. But really, as intent as he is to have fun on his own, his attention all month has still been funneled onto Luz, feeling hyper-empathetic for her loss. It's not the ideal circumstances, sure, and their apartment is a little cramped for three people, but it's already been a blast having her... and it feels like the fun is just beginning!

So tonight he's determined to really amp it up and do something special — because why not. On the stereo, he's playing some upbeat oldies pop music — standard Alberto fare. Something to keep their energy up! And while it sets a sunny, energetic mood, it's still a mood that can pivot easily in other directions, should Luca or Luz want to play DJ instead — full party mode here. For no reason. Whimsical and impulsive as Alberto is, though, there's a method to his madness... Sometimes. He finishes arranging the pillows into the "super-bed," spreading sheets and blankets over them to make it a bed proper (lumpy as it is). He stands up tall to appraise his work, hands on his hips, chest puffed out proudly — ready to announce that the fun can now commence. ]

All right! Big Bed, check. Food, check. Vibes, check. [ He gestures around at the fairy lights and star projectors above, all on almost all the time these days. ] Luz, Luca, Giuseppe...— [ He gazes up and around at the ceiling, addressing their poltergeist out of courtesy. ] Also check.

[ Because we can't forget Giuseppe. Or Annabelle the Furby, through which Giuseppe sometimes speaks through, rudimentary and Furby-ish though it is. Still deeply unsettling to Alberto... But a "holiday" is a holiday, and Giuseppe lives here too, and Luca likes Annabelle, and sometimes Giuseppe does the dishes as a prank (the creepiest of all, somehow), so you know what. The more the merrier. ]

[schoolingfish]

[Luca, who generally likes Giuseppe and his mischievous and furby possessing ways, gives a smile of approval when he hears him included in the head count. Then, grabbing one of the glasses of monster, Luca takes a huge drink.]

All right, let's do this! How should we start? With a game? We should play a game.

[Then an idea pops into his head. He knows what kinds of games he and Alberto play, but he figures Luz probably has exciting and unique human games that are played at this kind of party.]

Luz, what kind of games do humans usually play when they're doing something like this?

Text, un: Dynamight

[callmekacchan]

[Sometime after the prophecy post goes live, Alberto will get a text.]

Are you still up for swimming lessons?

[prontissimo]

[ ... w e l p . ]

YUP. 🙃
see you tomorrow morning at stardew station?

In Person

[weatherforecast]

[It's not unusual these days for Pepa to invite Alberto over to cook with her and have meals with her and Isabella. Casita is so empty and it leaves her emotionally a mess. And Alberto's energy is just... it's well received in the absence of the energy of the Madrigals that's gone missing from Casita's halls.

It's one such day with them cooking together and chatting about the end of summer and the coming school year. Pepa will be signing any paperwork that needs signing for both Alberto and Luca. And soon the talk turns to an upcoming day. Alberto's birthday.]

If you will invite your friends here to Casita on your birthday I will set up a party. Food and decorations and music. And presents.

[It would be nice to have a party in Casita again. More energy and noise and just... yeah. While she truly wants to throw one for Alberto and thinks he deserves it. She also sort of needs it herself too. The silence and emptiness is so unbearable at times.]

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto stalls in his response, his fork hovering midair with a fair half of his arroz con pollo falling off it. He stares at her, glances aside awkwardly, where he sees Casita shrug a couple of her tiles at him, and stares back at Pepa again before taking a bite pointedly and closing his eyes as he chews. It's a very poor stall he makes. But when he swallows, he musters all the humility and deflection of attention he can, which is... not becoming of him. That's not his usual way. So it doesn't land, of course. ]

Pepa, thank you, amazing, but no, no, no, no. I don't need all that. I threw a party for Luca last year, but that's different, y'know — it's Luca, and I planned it.

[ He catches the gap in his logic, his stupid humble act faltering, and a guilty look softly tugs his eyes and lips as he meets her eye again, realizing how hypocritical and illogical he's being even as the words are coming out of his mouth... He's just— never had a birthday party... ]

I mean— Y-You don't have to do it all yourself. I can do it. Or— we can do it together, heh.

[ He gestures at her with a halfhearted smile, still feeling bashful, pointing his fork at her. Once again, his next bite of rice and chicken just falls right off his fork back onto his plate. Nothing sits still around Alberto, let alone Alberto himself... This much Pepa learned a long time ago, though. ]