Work Text:
1.
Alberto was 15 and Luca found it hard to believe sometimes that Alberto was older than both Giulia and him. Alberto was 15 and acted like a teenage boy in all the ways that mattered, while Luca tried but always ended up as an awkward, poorer imitation of it. And yet, Alberto was 15 and unlike other teenage boys, Alberto was kind and soft where others were rough. He found no need to prove his strength, nor knowledge anymore. Alberto had an air of confidence but not arrogance. Alberto always amazed Luca, even if the other boy was constantly talking about how proud he was of Luca’s accomplishments. Luca hoped that maybe there was some sort of secret that you get at 15 that he just simply needs to wait for.
Luca was currently reading in the courtyard, while Alberto sat across from him tinkering with some bike parts. His hands were stained with oil, sweat on his forehead and he had streaks of paint on his cheeks. Alberto couldn’t look happier. Luca smiled, though he had offered Alberto shade under the tree the boy said he preferred the sun. His thought was interrupted by the grumble of his stomach. Alberto looked up at him.
“You hungry?” Luca nodded, setting his book down and making his way to the kitchen. Giulia and Massimo were out for the day, so they left them in charge of dinner. Luca would be alright with that, if only he knew how to cook. But how hard could it be, he’s seen Massimo use two, maybe 3 pots at most. Can’t be harder than those math problems back at school.
To his dismay, it was, indeed, harder than a math problem. Water boiled faster than he expected, and the pasta overflowed and was still not soft enough. The sauce that Massimo had left prepared was now a bubbly mess on the stove and Luca prayed that he wouldn't start a fire. His prayers failed.
“Luca?” Alberto walked in, saw the fire and burst out laughing.
“Don’t laugh! Help me put it out!” Luca was waving frantically, which made Alberto laugh harder. Seconds later, Alberto grabbed a wet rag, and threw it over the stove, making the fire from the pot disappear. He turned the stove off.
“Luca Paguro,” he turned around, a huge grin on his face, “you are the worst cook ever.”
Luca would argue but the kitchen was a mess and considering he had almost burned down Alberto’s house, he only covered his face in shame. Alberto shook his head and began cleaning up.
“I assume you are still hungry?”
“Yeah, but I ruined the sauce so-” Alberto shrugged.
“That’s alright. We got butter, and cheese.” Luca looked at him, waiting for an explanation of how exactly that was going to help them but it never came. Instead, he ended up dragging a chair near the kitchen yet out of Alberto’s way and just watching Alberto cook.
It was impressive. He didn’t know Alberto could cook. But the way he easily boiled, then drained the pasta, melted the butter and then made the sauce like it was second nature. He looked in control of the kitchen. Luca watched, fascinated.
Alberto served them two plates and they both ended up on the floor of the kitchen, holding their warm pasta plates and eating. The first bite made Luca let out a satisfied hum.
“Alberto, this is amazing.”
“Glad you like it. Massimo taught it to me. It’s pretty simple.”
They continued to eat in silence before Alberto laughed again and teased Luca about setting the kitchen on fire. Luca made him promise not to tell Giulia, and Alberto reluctantly agreed. Luca had to admit that as simple as this dish was, it was probably better than anything he ate back in Genova. He didn’t linger in the fact that Alberto cooked for him, when Luca knew he would much rather still be out in the yard tinkering away. He appreciated the gesture more than Alberto would ever give himself credit for.
2.
Alberto was 17 and Luca was sick. Literally sick, and he knew he was being dramatic and probably wouldn’t die, but right now he felt like he might as well pick out his tombstone.
His mother didn’t seem too worried so Luca knew that was a sign that whatever he had, was not deadly. But his mother also didn’t seem too happy that his fever was still there on the second day. This was supposed to be an amazing summer, and yet Luca was underwater feeling under the weather and he hadn't seen his friends for a couple days.
“Mom…”
“Yes Luca?”
“When is this going to end?” His mother let out a chuckle and gave him a kiss on the cheek. It made Luca feel like a little kid, but it brought him comfort.
“Soon Luca. Soon.”
“Mom?”
“Yes Luca?”
“I’m hungry.” She shook her head, looking like she was also caught reminiscing to when he was a little boy. Luca only flashed her the best smile he could with the little strength he had. She left for a bit and came back with a bowl of food almost immediately. Luca sat up, feeling fragile. His own body had betrayed him.
His mother placed the bowl in his lap and he began to eat. Immediately, he smiled.
“Is this a new recipe?”
“Oh, Alberto made it.”
Luca almost choked. He managed to swallow and then put the fork down.
“Alberto?” His mother was standing at the door, a knowing smile on her face that Luca couldn’t decipher.
“Yes. He came by a bit ago before he had to work. He dropped off food and then said he’ll come visit after his shift. That boy really cares about you.”
Luca was glad that his mom couldn’t see him blush, instead he sent her a nod and stuffed his mouth with more food.
“And he is a really good cook. I’m going to ask him to share the recipe.”
3.
Alberto was 18 and visited Genova for the first time. Luca rushed to the train station, backpack half slipping out of his shoulder and hair flying all around. When he arrived, Alberto was standing there, looking like he brought Portorosso’s sun with him. Luca broke into a sprint and crashed into him, making Alberto take a step back, catching him.
“I missed you too.”
They walked back to the house, shoulders bumping into each other with every step. It would be the first time Alberto would meet Giulia’s mother and from the corner of his eye, Luca could tell Alberto was nervous.
When they entered the house, the first thing they noticed was the burning smell. Alberto looked around.
“Is that bread?” Alberto asked. Luca widened his eyes.
“Oh no-”
He dropped his backpack and ran towards the kitchen, Alberto following close behind him. Alberto watched as Luca put on a pink oven mitt and then took out what was supposed to be a lasagna but now looked like a piece of charcoal.
“Um-”
“It looks like you haven’t improved on your cooking skills Paguro,” Alberto teased. Luca only groaned, setting it down on the counter and taking off the mitt.
“Signora Marcovaldo is going to hate me. If Giulia doesn’t kill me first.” Alberto laughed.
“I was supposed to take it out before going to meet you at the train station but I ran late and-”
“Alright, let’s make a new one.” Alberto opened the fridge and looked around, eyes scanning the ingredients.
“Yeah, just show me where they keep pans and vegetables and I can do it.”
“What?”
“Let’s cook.”
Alberto ended up doing most of the cooking while Luca just watched. There was a weird flutter in his stomach as he stared at the boy. Suddenly, Luca could see how much Alberto had changed. He was taller, his arms had muscles. His hair was a mess of wild curls that were growing longer and longer that Luca knew in a couple months Alberto would need a hair tie to hold them back. Luca stared until his eyes landed on his lips and he thought about what it would be like to kiss him. Then he stopped staring because this was Alberto, and kissing is not between friends. He threw away the thought.
Once in a while he would pass him the salt or pepper. But Luca’s main task was setting the table. The lasagna was done just as they heard keys opening the door.
“Dio mio, that smells amazing.” Alberto and Luca stepped out of the kitchen. Giulia was there with her mother, sniffing the air. Like mother, like daughter.
“Alberto!” Giulia ran and hugged him briefly, then turned towards Luca.
“Did you take out the lasagna?”
Luca and Alberto exchanged a look. Luca nodded. Signora Marcovaldo stepped forward, greeting Luca with a hug.
“Thank you Luca. And welcome Alberto, it's so nice to finally meet you.” Alberto took a step forward, extending out his hand.
“Piacere di-”
Signora Marcovaldo cut him off with a hug which Alberto returned. They sat for dinner and it only took a bite for Giulia to discover that this was not her mother’s lasagna.
“So you burnt it again huh?” Signora Marcovaldo let out a chuckle while Giulia only sent Luca a disappointed look. Luca opened and closed his mouth, trying to come up with an excuse.
“I-”
“Did you make the lasagna Alberto?” She asked before Luca could finish.
“I did yeah, but Luca-”
“It's amazing. Way better than mine. You cook just like your father.” Alberto beamed with pride at her compliment, a smile going from one cheek to another. He exchanged a look with Luca, who shared a smile with him. The thought came back.
“Thank you.”
4.
Alberto was 20 and Luca and Giulia had an apartment in Genova that they rented while they graduated college. Despite the two hour train ride to Portorosso, Alberto spent half his time fishing in Portorosso and half his time laying on their couch at the apartment, magazine or book in his hand.
Alberto worked two jobs. One in Portorosso and one in Genova. He also did random chores that people back in Portorosso asked him to do and though Luca had no idea how he managed to fit it all in his schedule, Alberto never looked tired or bored. And he always had more money than both Luca and Giulia so clearly he was doing something right.
Unlike Luca, who was on the floor in the middle of their living room, the floor filled with barely-legible notes, empty cups of coffee and multiple books opened to highlighted pages. Giulia passed him by, purse on one hand and keys on the other.
“Alberto is crashing tonight,” she said as she searched for a hair tie. Luca mumbled a response.
“We should ask him to pay rent, he keeps eating our food.” Luca looked up then, throwing one of the couch’s pillow at her.
“He buys the food and cooks for us. I think that’s fair.” She threw the pillow back and then found a hair tie that looked like Alberto’s. She put her hair in a ponytail.
“Fair enough. Well I’m heading out, don’t melt off your brain!”
The door closed and Luca let out a frustrated sigh. His midterm paper was going nowhere. There was so much to write about and yet nothing at all. Luca considered for a moment if he could drop out, maybe go back with Alberto to Portorosso and just never look at a book again.
The door clicked and Alberto walked in.
“Woah, looks like a mad scientist’s lab here.” From his spot on the floor, Luca grumbled a response. Alberto sighed and went to his side.
“How long have you been working?” Luca looked at him and took off his glasses, eyes red.
“Hours?” Alberto shot him a soft smile.
“Have you eaten?”
“I drank 8 cups of coffee.”
Alberto ran a hand through his hair, an exasperated smile on his face. The empty cups of coffee all around them showed him that Luca wasn’t exaggerating.
“Luca, you are killing me. Come on, let's get you some food.” He grabbed his hand and helped him stand up.
“I can’t Beto. I have to finish-”
“Luca, just trust me. You can go right back to it after you eat.” Luca looked at Alberto’s eyes and found concern and patience and well, he was sort of hungry and Alberto’s eyes were hard to say no to.
“Alright.”
Spaghetti. It was Luca’s comfort meal. How Alberto knew that Luca wasn’t sure, but he leaned against the counter, watching as Alberto took out the pasta and let it boil.
“Could you help me chop some onions?” Luca nodded and it was then that Alberto taught him how to properly chop a vegetable. Then he made him chop parsley and mince garlic. The tasks were distracting, and it wasn’t until they mixed them in that Luca realized he was no longer stressed and he had forgotten about his midterm paper.
“Alright, almost done, could you just stir the sauce?” Alberto passed him the wooden ladle and Luca took it reluctantly.
“Alberto I know it's simple but I might ruin the sauce somehow.” Alberto chuckled, coming behind him and enveloping Luca’s right hand with his own. Luca tensed, feeling Alberto’s breath on his neck and his body so close to his, pressing against him. Good thing they were turned around because Luca was sure his cheeks were burning up. It didn’t help his brain was tired and now all it wanted to do was rest against Alberto, maybe be bold and turn around and plant a kiss.
“You just go in circles and make sure that the heat is on medium. Pretty simple.” His hand made the circular motion and Luca only nodded, feeling like he might explode any second.
“Yup, got it.”
“Good job. Now I'm going to wash up, don’t burn anything.” He took a step back and Luca let out a breath of relief. He missed Alberto’s warm hand on his own, and the way his tall body fit right against his. Luca wasn’t dumb, he knew that Alberto was attractive and that at 20, Alberto probably had his fair share of admirers. And yet, Luca always knew in the back of his mind that he was one too. He just had to keep that to himself.
Alberto came back a few minutes later, congratulating Luca when nothing was on fire. They served the spaghetti and sat down.
“This is pretty good,” Alberto said. Luca nodded, he had not spoken since the first bite he took. Only now he realized just how hungry he was.
“Can’t believe I actually helped in the kitchen.”
Alberto laughed, picking up more spaghetti and twirling it with his fork. He pointed it at Luca, a glint in his eyes. It made Luca’s heart skip a beat.
“There may be hope for you yet Paguro.”
They finished their meal and went back to the floor. Alberto was sitting down beside him, keeping him company as Luca wrote his paper, suddenly feeling more motivated. Alberto was right, food did help. At one point Alberto fell asleep, the book he was reading forgotten beside him, head resting on Luca’s lap. Luca looked down and smiled. Without a second thought, he ran his fingers through Alberto’s curls. Luca knew then that no matter how much he pushed the thoughts away, it’d be useless. Alberto Scorfano had stolen his heart.
5.
Alberto was 21 and Luca was 20 and hopelessly in love with him. The past months had been hard, because now every time Alberto would crash at their apartment, Luca would be hyper aware of everything the other boy did. While before Alberto was able to chill around the house shirtless, now Luca had to actively stop staring at his friend’s well toned arms and back and well- everything. More than once he was asked if he had fever only for Luca to blame it on school and being stressed out.
Alberto was going to kill him.
That summer he was sitting next to Giulia, in front of a bonfire that Alberto invited them to. Alberto was popular now, not that either Giulia or Luca were surprised. What did surprise them was how Alberto apparently had cooked for the party and asked them if they could help him take the freshly baked pizzas down to the beach.
Giulia had asked him why he didn’t make sandwiches or something easier, but Alberto only shrugged. Not that anyone complained, all of Alberto’s friends loved it and Luca thought it was the best pizza he ever tasted.
Giulia took a sip of the wine she had and turned to Luca.
“So who do you think it is?” Luca turned to look at her, confused. Giulia had her eyes on Alberto, who was currently sitting on the other side surrounded by his other friends. All of them were chatting and laughing as Alberto told a story.
“What?”
“Who do you think Alberto is trying to impress?” Luca almost spat on his wine, eyes darting towards Alberto.
“Impress?” Giulia rolled her eyes.
“Obviously. He made pizza, got wine. Clearly he is trying to impress someone. My bets are on that girl, she keeps grabbing Alberto’s arm.” Luca had noticed her and tried his best not to be jealous that she had the courage to touch him.
“Or maybe that guy, he keeps laughing at everything Alberto says and we both know he is not that funny.” Luca shot her a glare but she only shrugged as if saying she was right. Luca stared at the group and Giulia was right. Alberto was trying to impress someone. And it wasn’t him.
He felt something twist in his stomach, he took a drink out of his cup of wine and then stood up.
“You okay?” Luca nodded then grabbed the bottle of wine that was sitting there untouched.
“Just great. I need to get some air.” He walked away, anger and jealousy and sadness bubbling up. Giulia didn’t even manage to point out how they were already outside.
He ended up sitting further along the shore. The waves touched his feet, it was cold and relaxing, opposed to the hot tears that were threatening to escape Luca’s eyes. He took another swig from the bottle.
"Luca? What are you doing here?” Luca turned around, the moon shining on Alberto. Of course Alberto would find him while Luca was almost crying and Alberto looked like he walked out of a magazine. The world hated him.
“Alberto?” He took a seat next to him, eyeing the bottle of wine suspiciously and then at Luca.
“Here I got you something.”
“Shouldn't you be over there?” Luca asked, his voice sounding annoyed. He was about to take another sip when Alberto took the bottle from him and placed it away.
“I would but a certain someone decided to ditch me so I had to come find him.” It was unfair how Alberto’s sweet words made Luca swoon.
“Who are you trying to impress?” Luca asked, the ache in his heart still there threatening to break him.
“What?”
“Giulia says-”
“Giulia doesn't know anything.”
“Giulia is always right. Who is it?” Alberto shook his head, ignoring his question and pulling out the small bag he had been holding.
“I made you amaretti.” He opened the bag and Luca widened his eyes at the smell. His favorite. The cookies smelled amazing, and knowing Alberto, they would also taste amazing. He looked back up at Alberto, who was giving him the most beautiful smile and soft eyes.
Luca groaned, trying to cover up his red cheeks.
“Sorry, do you not like them anymore? I thought-”
“I love them!”
“Then why do you sound upset?”
“Because you! You just keep doing shit like this- and I don't know what to do-” Luca knew at this point he was just ranting, the wine making his crush obvious and pathetic and so unbearable.
“I don't really-”
“It makes it complicated.” He covered his face and rested it on his knees. Alberto sighed.
"Between you and me and us."
"Luca, I-"
He took the bag from Alberto’s hands and took out a cookie. Just like he thought, it was delicious. Alberto made everything amazing and Luca couldn’t help but wish he could keep him all to himself. But Alberto could cook, and was kind and had the body of a god and it was only a matter of time before someone would realize it and Alberto fell in love with them. But for now, Luca decided that if he was going to get his heart broken it could wait until morning. He ate the cookies in silence, resting his head on Alberto's shoulder. He might have felt Alberto’s arm wrapped around him but he couldn’t be sure if it was the wine making it up. Soon after, Luca fell asleep.
Next morning Luca woke up in Alberto’s bed. There was a perfectly toasted sandwich and a cup of coffee next to his bed. On the side, a messy handwritten note that said ‘eat up Paguro.’ Alberto must have carried him home. Then made him something this morning knowing he would wake up with a headache. Luca took a sip of the coffee. It was sweet, with a bit of cinnamon. Just how he liked it. He finished his sandwich and began to tiptoe downstairs, he wasn’t sure where everyone was or if anyone was awake.
“What are you talking about Beto?” He heard Giulia’s hushed voice and he stopped on the stairs.
“He said you told him-” Alberto’s voice responded. Also whispering.
“I didn't know you liked him! Or well I did but wasn't sure.”
“Did you tell him?”
“Of course not. Have you?”
“Of course not!”
“Idiot. He likes you, what are you waiting for?”
“That's not what it sounded like last night.”
“He is also an idiot who is waiting for you to make a move.”
“I made him cookies!”
There was a beat of silence and then both Giulia and Alberto burst out laughing. Luca couldn't see them from where he was standing, but he imagined they probably shared a hug.
“I really am hopeless,” Alberto said with a chuckle.
“What do you and Luca always say? Silenzio something?”
“Bruno.”
“Right. Well silenzio Bruno and go for it.”
+1
Alberto was still 21 but Luca had turned 21 too and he was ready to woo Alberto Scorfano.
He kicked Giulia out of the apartment for the day. And though she pretended to be offended, she stuck out her tongue and told him she was glad he finally got the courage to do something. Luca also knew she already had plans for tonight so it wasn’t like he was being rude. Now onto the difficult part. Cooking. He picked up the phone and called Massimo.
“Luca? Everything al-”
“I need your help.” From the other side he heard the chattering stop. Luca gripped the phone tightly.
“What do you need?” Luca smiled and explained his plan. From the other side of the phone, Massimo was smiling.
“Grab a pen.”
For the next hour or so, Luca kept balancing the phone between his cheek and his shoulder and gathering ingredients. He wrote down the recipe and began cooking what he could. How Alberto and Massimo made cooking seem effortless Luca would never understand.
“I think I’m set. Grazie.”
“Take care. Both of you.”
Luca hung up and looked at everything set out in the kitchen. With a determined nod, he got to work. Alberto was going to love this, as long as Luca followed the recipe and got luck on his side.
Alberto got home later that night after work.
“Ciao Luca! I’m-” He hung his coat and then his keys, looking curiously at the dining table. It had two table mats, plates placed and napkins neatly folded. Two glasses and wine in the middle. A candle and a rose. Sue him, Luca was a romantic.
“Luca?”
Luca came out of the kitchen, taking off his apron.
“You got here earlier than- I look like a mess.” Alberto chuckled.
“You don’t. What’s all this? You got a date? Am I interrupting, Giulia didn’t tell-” Luca shook his head.
“No, I uh- cooked. For you.”
Alberto widened his eyes. Luca looked away, cheeks flushing and heart racing. He straightened his shirt and fought the urge to run right out the door.
“For me?”
“Yeah, figured we could have dinner?” Alberto stared at him, making Luca shift his weight between one foot and another, nervously. “This was a mistake wasn’t it? Yeah this is stupid-”.
Alberto walked towards him and grabbed his hands.
“What did you make?”
“Trenette al pesto.”
Alberto grinned then.
“My favorite.”
“Might not be as good as Massimo’s but at least I didn’t burn-” Alberto wrapped an arm around Luca’s waist and pulled him in, lips crashing onto his. So this was what it felt like to be kissed by Alberto. Sweet and hungry and exciting. If it weren’t for Alberto having an arm holding him, Luca was sure he would fall, his knees had gone weak. They pulled away, their lungs begging for air. They rested their foreheads against each other, smiles on their faces.
Eventually they made it to the dinner table and ate the meal Luca had prepared. It was good, but Alberto had a stupid, lovesick smile on his face the whole time so Luca wasn’t sure if it was the pasta that was good or their kiss. Either way, Luca considered it a win.
Alberto was 21 and Luca was too and they were in love. Luca wanted to kiss him again and again and again. If he asked, Luca knew that Alberto would let him.