[ Alberto catches that slight instinct to hug, that subtlety in body language before deciding to simply place a hand on his shoulder instead. It gives him pause, standing straighter, smile faltering a little, but it returns softly as his eyes drift to Bruno's hand there. That's still meaningful, too. He looks back to him and nods. ]
...Yeah. I'm okay.
[ He lets that linger half a beat, before very deliberately pepping up again. Somewhat abruptly, he reaches up and takes Bruno's hand off his shoulder, but doesn't let it go — just tugs him inside by it, leading him through the small, crowded flat. ]
Actually, I'm better than okay, hah~ C'mon! I'll show you. Alla cucina~!
[ Tagging on yet another almost perfect cognate in a singsongy voice as he gently drags him along toward the kitchen, ever-tickled by their "secret language" as always. But even more eager to show off than usual. He pauses, though, before reaching the doorway, letting Bruno's hand go, and turns to him with a weirdly more serious look all of a sudden, lowering his voice. ]
...Um— By the way, Bruno? You know: I'd never think disappearing on you is a funny joke. Just— Just so you know. ...But—! It was for a good reason...! Be~cause~!
[ Just the same, smoothing over that tender moment as fast as he can, sorry, Bruno. He turns the charm back on as he now tugs at Bruno's ruana excitedly instead and steps forward into the kitchen with exaggerated pep in his step. And with the perfect segue, as if talking to either Luca or Bruno, he announces loudly to them both: ]
My friend is here~!
[ He gestures to each of them with outstretched arms, as if presenting them, balancing goofily on one foot with his leg stuck out energetically. He's beaming as he glances between them both, trying to watch their reactions. Bruno may recognize Luca from the photo Alberto has of Luca with Giulia and her mom, so that big reveal might be plain to see if he remembers; but the big reveal for Luca is less visible — though about to happen momentarily simply with an exchange of names. Alberto's biting at the bit about it. He's acting... weirder than usual. Way too smitten and sly and silly to just be introducing a normal friend to a normal friend...? Something's up. ]
no subject
...Yeah. I'm okay.
[ He lets that linger half a beat, before very deliberately pepping up again. Somewhat abruptly, he reaches up and takes Bruno's hand off his shoulder, but doesn't let it go — just tugs him inside by it, leading him through the small, crowded flat. ]
Actually, I'm better than okay, hah~ C'mon! I'll show you. Alla cucina~!
[ Tagging on yet another almost perfect cognate in a singsongy voice as he gently drags him along toward the kitchen, ever-tickled by their "secret language" as always. But even more eager to show off than usual. He pauses, though, before reaching the doorway, letting Bruno's hand go, and turns to him with a weirdly more serious look all of a sudden, lowering his voice. ]
...Um— By the way, Bruno? You know: I'd never think disappearing on you is a funny joke. Just— Just so you know. ...But—! It was for a good reason...! Be~cause~!
[ Just the same, smoothing over that tender moment as fast as he can, sorry, Bruno. He turns the charm back on as he now tugs at Bruno's ruana excitedly instead and steps forward into the kitchen with exaggerated pep in his step. And with the perfect segue, as if talking to either Luca or Bruno, he announces loudly to them both: ]
My friend is here~!
[ He gestures to each of them with outstretched arms, as if presenting them, balancing goofily on one foot with his leg stuck out energetically. He's beaming as he glances between them both, trying to watch their reactions. Bruno may recognize Luca from the photo Alberto has of Luca with Giulia and her mom, so that big reveal might be plain to see if he remembers; but the big reveal for Luca is less visible — though about to happen momentarily simply with an exchange of names. Alberto's biting at the bit about it. He's acting... weirder than usual. Way too smitten and sly and silly to just be introducing a normal friend to a normal friend...? Something's up. ]