[Sorry, Alberto, he's not great at beating around the bush. It's not even a proper apology really. He's not sorry for bringing it up. Just. Feeling guilty about how he handled it? But he's feeling on more solid ground now.]
I'm not mad either. Honestly... probably stopped being mad about it a couple of hours after.
[He sits down, cross-legged on the floor. Getting more comfortable.]
We'll probably fight again. Maybe not that bad. But it'll almost definitely happen. And that's fine? People fight. And sometimes it's for stupid reasons. Doesn't have to be the end of the world.
[ That, too, catches Alberto off guard. He's fought plenty in his life — mooostly with his dad — and it's an amazing feeling being given permission to... mess up. Even if it's from just a friend — if that's what they are now... He's not sure; it seems like that's the direction it's headed, if they're planning on fighting again already. But it makes him think of Massimo telling him how he once made his own father so angry as a young man, that his dad punched a hole in a brick wall... Then they fixed it. And then they fixed the boat Alberto had caught on fire... ...That was probably worse than things with Katsuki, in fact. And he in Massimo resolved things in far fewer words than this. The reminder puts things into better perspective.
He stares at Katsuki with another odd, ruminative look, skipping a beat, but then gives a single little nod in understanding. He rubs his knees with both palms awkwardly, strums his fingers a couple times, then stands up abruptly. ]
...Right. Okay.
[ He gestures toward the kitchen door with a backwards nod. ]
Espresso's probably ready. Aspetta.
[ He holds a hand up indicating for Katsuki to wait here, then climbs up and over the tall nest of cushions, standing on them to get past instead of just... walking around them... like a normal person... ...Kids.
After he disappears into the kitchen, though, he walks backwards suddenly to pop back in, leaning back over-animatedly with one leg still raised comically in the air, half-unseen in the kitchen, and points at Katsuki with a knowing look. ]
Next time we fight, though? I won't try to make you think you're crazy.
[ A-And then immediately disappears into the kitchen again to go fetch the coffee as a very clumsy segue. They're both creating their own comfort making up here... ]
[This is going miles ahead better than his attempts to make up with Izuku. He fumbled that twice before getting it right. So. Clumsy and awkward and kind of baffling as it is, if they get it resolved in the first go, that's a win.
As Alberto heads for the kitchen, Katsuki leans back, arms bracing behind himself as he starts to take in the chaotic mess of the room around him in more detail. He pauses when Alberto backtracks, surprised. He calls out at Alberto's retreating back, without missing a beat.]
Can't make me think I'm crazy if I already know I am.
[Dry. Maybe too dry to even register as the attempt at a joke it is? Oh well. How much that's a joke probably depends on who you ask anyway... Alberto is not the first to accuse him of being crazy and he won't be the last in any case...]
[ Alberto barks a loud laugh at that. Katsuki's joke hit his mark. Alberto is on Team Crazy (might even be the captain...?), but so is pretty much... everyone he associates with...? Luca: definitely crazy. Giulia: also crazy. Massimo: his own brand of crazy. Bruno? We don't even need to talk about it. Katsuki seems a sensible addition to the list...
And really, now that he's alone in the kitchen for a moment of reprieve by himself to process — because being alone is still a comfort zone for him — it's actually a huge relief, having gotten this apology out of the way. That they're even joking already. Alberto really did like Katsuki, so it bothered him that he'd pushed away (literally) someone he liked... who clearly can understand, and be trusted. He still feels like a dumb jerk. Luca knocked sense into him. But he's glad for now to be able to clear the air.
He walks out with two cups of espresso with cream already stirred in, carrying them in each hand by the saucers with a bag of typical almond biscotti cookies tucked beneath his arm carefully. He lets it drop inelegantly onto the coffee table, then sets each cup down, and joins Katsuki on the floor. Time for another ice-breaker: which feels now much, much easier... ]
Sooo. You got the gist of it, right? Luca told you about how we make the Change? Or— did you just figure it out...?
[ Since apparently Katsuki's so good at just figuring stuff out... Oof. ]
Katsuki sits forward a little to reach for his espresso, eying the cookies. Attention soon pulled by the questioning.]
He got wet. Saw the scales on his cheek. Kind of put two and two together from there and figured he might be the friend you mentioned.
[He's clever when it comes to things like this at least. Things he can logically put together. Luca's age, the scales, Alberto's weird behavior at the mention of cleaning his wound... he could connect that to the getting wet showing scales. How many seamonster kids could there be in Kaisou, right?]
So you can't control it. Just a matter of wet vs dry? Kind of like in some of those old mermaid movies. But you get the scales all over, right? You guys sprout tails too?
[ Alberto nods sagely at everything Katsuki says, point after point after point, sipping his espresso gingerly. He smirks slightly at the question about their tails, setting the cup down to reach for the cookies. He dumps a few on the tabletop next to his coffee cup casually as he speaks... doesn't bother to use the saucer, no, just— right on the table. As one does. ]
Yup. I alter all our pants — y'know, in case we go swimming or something. My dad taught me how to sew the tail-hole.
[ He dips his biscuit into the espresso, leaning backwards comfortably into the cushions with one leg propped up and one folded under himself; his body language is now much more relaxed and comfortable, munching and talking with his mouth full. With the air cleared, it's like now he's an open book... Almost infuriating how stark the contrast is, all things considered. There's definitely a boastful air about him brewing, too... ]
My tail is super long — and spiky, heh. Veeery spiny caudal fins...~
[ When talking about his caudal fins, too, like dumping the cookies on the table and talking with his mouth full, he seems as natural and in his element as can be now... For real, almost infuriatingly so. All this drama, and now he's ready to brag about his damn tail? ]
[Definitely a big change. Relaxed. At ease. Alberto's personality is big and he's an open book about it no matter which part of his personality is showing. It's... useful, actually? Because Katsuki isn't always great at reading how people are feeling. Emotions are kind of... more complicated for him than things he can logically piece together.]
What's the point of the spikes? Something to fight with?
[Katsuki doesn't have a problem with Alberto getting boastful. This just means he can ask his questions. He hides it better than Izuku, who would probably be taking notes right about now and rapid firing questions. But Katsuki is a nerd too. He can't just know seamonsters exist and not try to learn more about them.
He props an elbow on the table, reaching for a cookie. His own body language not nearly as open, but the way he leans forward on the table a bit conveys his interest. Curiosity. This is why he knows so much. That hunger to learn.]
Hah! No. To swim faster. I'm basically the fastest swimmer ever...? At least in our ocean. I mean— ...N-Not that I really knew anyone in our ocean. But! I beat Luca every time we race. Heh.
[ Because of course they race. Even here. Really, it feels nice to talk so openly and honestly about it now. To present his normal as normal. It is an odd note, however, that he says he doesn't know any other sea monsters in their ocean back home...? But he smooths over it right away, dipping his cookie into his coffee again and noshing idly. ]
[Normally a boast like that would push on Katsuki's competitive nature. He'd want to test that claim himself. But swimming is a no-go for him. He doesn't even like being too close to large bodies of water if he can help it. But that doesn't stop him from wanting to see this fast swimming in action. From a safe distance anyway.]
Oh yeah? Maybe you can show me sometime. If we can find a place where it'd be safe to do without risking being seen.
[He'll just file away that line about not knowing other seamonsters for later. Although he at least gathered from their argument that Alberto is probably used to being pretty independent. Raised to take care of himself...
And he seemed to be managing here on his own to some degree? Didn't seem concerned about not having parents around in any case. But he's learned from last time that maybe those kinds of things need to be handled a little less ham-fisted.]
If you wanna, anyway.
[Pops a cookie into his mouth whole and finally picks up his espresso.]
[ He eats a biscuit whole in one bite, talking as he chews and waving his hand limply at Katsuki. ]
Dai, more questions...~
[ ...He's eating this up now. He couldn't have just— started this whole debacle ready to brag like this, back when Katsuki first figured it out?! Now he's an open book and loving the attention?! Mildly infuriating, he really is... ]
You're being awfully bossy. Don't go ordering me around.
[What a ham. It's so clear Alberto is showing off a little bit at this point. But despite the mild irritation in his tone and the way Katsuki's expression clearly broadcasts that he doesn't like being told to ask more questions...
He does indeed ask another question.]
Do you guys hatch out of eggs?
[It's the bellybutton thing that got him wondering. No bellybutton meant no umbilical cord, right?
Is that a weird question to ask? Probably. Is it going to stop him asking? Nope.]
[ And Alberto knew he'd ask another question. Which is why he felt perfectly fine being so bossy — and he shoots Katsuki a sly smile at this accusation that says exactly that. ]
Yeah, we do. S'not like fish, though — sea folk don't have a billion babies at once. [ He says scoffingly with a dismissive wave of his hand. ]
Nah, like... just one or two eggs at a time, I think. Sometimes more, maybe. Probably? I don't know. All I know is I don't have any brothers or sisters, my dad doesn't have any brothers or sisters, Luca doesn't have any brothers or sisters, his mom doesn't have any brothers or sisters...
[ He waves his hand along in circles each time he lists off a name. He's barely had much espresso yet, but something's already mildly foreboding about the increasingly energetic the way he's talking... ]
Luca's dad has a brother, though. He's the weird see-through one who lives in the Deep.
[ He gives a little nod of acknowledgment, raising his coffee cup at Katsuki, referencing their previous conversation that's become so very relevant in all this... However, Alberto feels good connecting dots for Katsuki now. It's like a weight lifted not having to think fast on his feet anymore. ]
[Katsuki is starting to question if Alberto drinking espresso is the best idea. Notably, he hasn't had even a sip of his own yet. He's picked up the cup and kind of moved it around. But he hasn't actually made any attempt to take a drink. Just eating the cookies whenever Alberto is talking.
But he's taking note of Alberto's increasing energy levels.]
Right. The one who lives in what sounds like underwater hell.
[He's not particularly interested in the Deep, honestly. Talking about what might be in the depths of the ocean was more him misunderstanding and trying to talk about things he thought Alberto was interested in.]
It's interesting how easily you can live on land. Even semi-aquatic creatures like crabs have to keep their gills moist on land. You guys have to do that or can you just breathe both underwater and on land with no problem?
[ Alberto nods at the latter guess, sipping his espresso slowly, before setting it down for a while (for the best) and readjusting his pose by adding some extra stray pillow beneath him. Cuz there's... so many. ]
The last one. We have gills underwater, but they close up on land. Breathing's pretty easy, really — just kinda happens... Walking, though? Pffft. That takes practice.
[ He pauses, considering how this sounds, shooting Katsuki a cautious stare before correcting himself to clarify. ]
In general, I mean. For most people— probably? Not me. I don't need practice. I've been walking since forever — I'm an expert on walking. I even taught Luca how to walk!
[ How many people can say that about their best friends...? ]
[More weird bragging. An expert on walking. Sincerely, the things Alberto feels the need to boast about are baffling...]
So you've been on dry land a lot longer than him, huh?
[That Alberto taught Luca to walk on land and not a parent? He's questioning that piece of information right now. Little pieces are falling into place bit by bit.]
[ He responds so quick and smoothly, like somewhere secretly inside Alberto, this answer has already been bubbling up, just waiting for the right question. ]
Yup! I grew up on land. I've lived on land baaasically my whole life~
[ He pauses, then waves a hand dismissively, throwing Katsuki a sarcastic look suddenly. ]
...Ehh, I guess that probably doesn't sound all that special to you— but believe me, it's impressive...!
The way you talk, everything is an accomplishment...
[He's getting a bit tired of all the weird bragging at this point? Walking. Growing up on land. Having a tail. He can sit and listen to it for a while. But he has limits. Alberto sure does know how to push them exceptionally fast...]
[ And, just like that, the cocky facade cracks at that next question. Alberto falters, face falling slightly; he repositions himself to sit upright more, his frame made a little smaller as he idly clasps his folded leg with both hands. His body language tells so much more than he does, always. His fidgety nature works against his prideful nature... ]
O-Oh. Um— Wellllll... We, uh— We think for ourselves, heh— y'know? And most people just— don't understand people who think for themselves... Usually sea folk don't go anywhere near the surface, totally off limits, like it's weird to even talk about it, let alone go there. But they don't realize that the surface is fantastic. My dad didn't wanna live like that — so he left. He could stay stuck there, orrrr he could go see the world... So that's what he did— I mean— that's what we did.
[ That is... a really weird answer. Like so many of his answers are. But there's a tint of something uneasy about it, compared to anything else Alberto's talked about. What kind of reason is that for an adult to break taboo and to not just go on land, even live permanently on land, but to actually raise a child on land...? Spitefulness? Counter-culture? If under the assumption that Alberto grew up with humans in a human town, that's one thing. But the reality is far more baffling. There's something tentative and distant in his tone that subtly points to that, along with how Alberto himself doesn't seem to have a straight answer. But he doesn't seem to be intentionally dancing around a lie, somehow; no, he simply has no clearer answer, really. He's just parroting his father's rhetoric on the matter. There's an odd hiccup of a detail at the end, though, and he corrects himself — not just including himself in his father's move above, but really just a nod to the fact that, like his father, Alberto, too, left to see the world, rather than stay stuck. ...Of course, the gravity of any of that subtext is completely unspoken — but indeed, still silently written all over his body language, always more transparent than he knows. ]
[Katsuki is sincerely glad Alberto is an open book emotionally. Even as bad as Katsuki can be at reading what someone is feeling, he knows he's poked at something sensitive here.
He remembers distinctly that questioning Alberto's upbringing was what got him shoved last time. No mention of a mom here at all. Just a dad who... for some reason decided to raise a kid away from other seamonsters?
This sounds potentially complicated and way over his head for the moment.
He's going to need some time to chew on this one. He watches Alberto silently for a few beats.]
So basically you and your friend are a couple of rebels. Livin' up here with humans.
[Maybe... drop the parent stuff for now? Maybe move on from questions all together for now.
He relaxes his own body language in contrast to the way Alberto's just tightened up. He leans back on his hands, head tilted back, looking up at the ceiling for a moment.]
Gonna show me that tail you were bragging about then?
[ Alberto looks smitten — not smug, like before, just smitten — when Katsuki brings up Luca and describes them as "rebels," crossing his arms over his chest and leaning back with a little smile. ]
Yup~!
[ When asked about his tail, though, his eyes light up and he grins even more genuinely, sitting upright and alert at the suggestion. It's this kind of reaction that, for all his annoying boasting over trivial things, shows that at the end of the day, Alberto's just a kid desperately fishing for compliments. He leans forward excitedly, grasping his feet again, something a little conspiratorial about him. ]
Yeah? Heh, it's not just a tail, y'know— I've got scales and fangs and claws and all that, ha... You won't be scared, will ya?
[ He's clearly trying to joke but... is he really joking? Given the context of this whole debacle, there's probably still a part of Alberto that's scared Katsuki will be scared — despite all his bragging about his cool tail... ]
[Okay. The excitement is kind of cute? Even Katsuki can admit that. Not out loud. But the way his whole demeanor shifts again, so clearly delighted at getting attention for something?]
Hah! As if I'd be scared! I tracked down a dragon not long ago and I'm makin' it my friend!
[It was too tiny to fight. So. He's... trying to tame it. Trying to teach it tricks.
He shoots Alberto a grin. Looks like it's Katsuki's turn to brag?]
[ Alberto stands right away when given the go-ahead, eagerly stepping over the mound of cushions again to make his way to the bathroom. But he stops midway to turn back to Katsuki with a short, silent stare, making the most incredulous and baffled face; but he obviously still has good humor about him when he responds after a beat. ]
Wait— ...You're friends with a dragon...? We'll come back to that.
[ He points his finger accusatorially at Katsuki, but it's all for the sake of sarcasm. He zips into the bathroom, but then has a second thought, and pops his head back out the door. ]
Uh— Did you wanna see me make the Change or did you wanna be surprised?
[ Alberto's never revealed himself for the sake of it before. He's either been unintentionally exposed, revealed himself to go fishing with two people who already knew he was a monster, ooor revealed himself spitefully to horribly betray his best friend. Never just, y'know, casual, conversational transformation. He's not sure how this is supposed to go down. This is the first willing reveal in good faith he'll have ever made — the first of many more he'll undoubtedly make for the rest of his life... any time he gets close to someone, he'll have to have this conversation. There's no model for how this should go. It is what is is. È così. ]
[Katsuki will revisit the dragon thing in a bit. It's a work in progress. Taming a wild animal isn't easy.
But right now his attention is focused on this. It is becoming increasingly obvious this is a Big Deal.
He has no more idea than Alberto how this is supposed to go. Completely and totally winging it. He sits up a little more at the offer. He saw what it looked like for scales to spread a little across Luca's face. But that was just a few scales. This was a whole transformation.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ninetydegrees
(no subject)
I'm not mad either. Honestly... probably stopped being mad about it a couple of hours after.
[He sits down, cross-legged on the floor. Getting more comfortable.]
We'll probably fight again. Maybe not that bad. But it'll almost definitely happen. And that's fine? People fight. And sometimes it's for stupid reasons. Doesn't have to be the end of the world.
(no subject)
He stares at Katsuki with another odd, ruminative look, skipping a beat, but then gives a single little nod in understanding. He rubs his knees with both palms awkwardly, strums his fingers a couple times, then stands up abruptly. ]
...Right. Okay.
[ He gestures toward the kitchen door with a backwards nod. ]
Espresso's probably ready. Aspetta.
[ He holds a hand up indicating for Katsuki to wait here, then climbs up and over the tall nest of cushions, standing on them to get past instead of just... walking around them... like a normal person... ...Kids.
After he disappears into the kitchen, though, he walks backwards suddenly to pop back in, leaning back over-animatedly with one leg still raised comically in the air, half-unseen in the kitchen, and points at Katsuki with a knowing look. ]
Next time we fight, though? I won't try to make you think you're crazy.
[ A-And then immediately disappears into the kitchen again to go fetch the coffee as a very clumsy segue. They're both creating their own comfort making up here... ]
(no subject)
As Alberto heads for the kitchen, Katsuki leans back, arms bracing behind himself as he starts to take in the chaotic mess of the room around him in more detail. He pauses when Alberto backtracks, surprised. He calls out at Alberto's retreating back, without missing a beat.]
Can't make me think I'm crazy if I already know I am.
[Dry. Maybe too dry to even register as the attempt at a joke it is? Oh well. How much that's a joke probably depends on who you ask anyway... Alberto is not the first to accuse him of being crazy and he won't be the last in any case...]
(no subject)
[ Alberto barks a loud laugh at that. Katsuki's joke hit his mark. Alberto is on Team Crazy (might even be the captain...?), but so is pretty much... everyone he associates with...? Luca: definitely crazy. Giulia: also crazy. Massimo: his own brand of crazy. Bruno? We don't even need to talk about it. Katsuki seems a sensible addition to the list...
And really, now that he's alone in the kitchen for a moment of reprieve by himself to process — because being alone is still a comfort zone for him — it's actually a huge relief, having gotten this apology out of the way. That they're even joking already. Alberto really did like Katsuki, so it bothered him that he'd pushed away (literally) someone he liked... who clearly can understand, and be trusted. He still feels like a dumb jerk. Luca knocked sense into him. But he's glad for now to be able to clear the air.
He walks out with two cups of espresso with cream already stirred in, carrying them in each hand by the saucers with a bag of typical almond biscotti cookies tucked beneath his arm carefully. He lets it drop inelegantly onto the coffee table, then sets each cup down, and joins Katsuki on the floor. Time for another ice-breaker: which feels now much, much easier... ]
Sooo. You got the gist of it, right? Luca told you about how we make the Change? Or— did you just figure it out...?
[ Since apparently Katsuki's so good at just figuring stuff out... Oof. ]
(no subject)
Katsuki sits forward a little to reach for his espresso, eying the cookies. Attention soon pulled by the questioning.]
He got wet. Saw the scales on his cheek. Kind of put two and two together from there and figured he might be the friend you mentioned.
[He's clever when it comes to things like this at least. Things he can logically put together. Luca's age, the scales, Alberto's weird behavior at the mention of cleaning his wound... he could connect that to the getting wet showing scales. How many seamonster kids could there be in Kaisou, right?]
So you can't control it. Just a matter of wet vs dry? Kind of like in some of those old mermaid movies. But you get the scales all over, right? You guys sprout tails too?
[He's curious. And now it feels okay to ask?]
(no subject)
Yup. I alter all our pants — y'know, in case we go swimming or something. My dad taught me how to sew the tail-hole.
[ He dips his biscuit into the espresso, leaning backwards comfortably into the cushions with one leg propped up and one folded under himself; his body language is now much more relaxed and comfortable, munching and talking with his mouth full. With the air cleared, it's like now he's an open book... Almost infuriating how stark the contrast is, all things considered. There's definitely a boastful air about him brewing, too... ]
My tail is super long — and spiky, heh. Veeery spiny caudal fins...~
[ When talking about his caudal fins, too, like dumping the cookies on the table and talking with his mouth full, he seems as natural and in his element as can be now... For real, almost infuriatingly so. All this drama, and now he's ready to brag about his damn tail? ]
(no subject)
What's the point of the spikes? Something to fight with?
[Katsuki doesn't have a problem with Alberto getting boastful. This just means he can ask his questions. He hides it better than Izuku, who would probably be taking notes right about now and rapid firing questions. But Katsuki is a nerd too. He can't just know seamonsters exist and not try to learn more about them.
He props an elbow on the table, reaching for a cookie. His own body language not nearly as open, but the way he leans forward on the table a bit conveys his interest. Curiosity. This is why he knows so much. That hunger to learn.]
(no subject)
[ Because of course they race. Even here. Really, it feels nice to talk so openly and honestly about it now. To present his normal as normal. It is an odd note, however, that he says he doesn't know any other sea monsters in their ocean back home...? But he smooths over it right away, dipping his cookie into his coffee again and noshing idly. ]
(no subject)
Oh yeah? Maybe you can show me sometime. If we can find a place where it'd be safe to do without risking being seen.
[He'll just file away that line about not knowing other seamonsters for later. Although he at least gathered from their argument that Alberto is probably used to being pretty independent. Raised to take care of himself...
And he seemed to be managing here on his own to some degree? Didn't seem concerned about not having parents around in any case. But he's learned from last time that maybe those kinds of things need to be handled a little less ham-fisted.]
If you wanna, anyway.
[Pops a cookie into his mouth whole and finally picks up his espresso.]
(no subject)
Uhh— sure. ...Heeeere? I mean— I can't show you how fast I swim, but I can show you my super cool, super long tail...?
[ So. ready. to brag. about his stinkin' tail... ]
(no subject)
Sure.
(no subject)
[ He eats a biscuit whole in one bite, talking as he chews and waving his hand limply at Katsuki. ]
Dai, more questions...~
[ ...He's eating this up now. He couldn't have just— started this whole debacle ready to brag like this, back when Katsuki first figured it out?! Now he's an open book and loving the attention?! Mildly infuriating, he really is... ]
(no subject)
[What a ham. It's so clear Alberto is showing off a little bit at this point. But despite the mild irritation in his tone and the way Katsuki's expression clearly broadcasts that he doesn't like being told to ask more questions...
He does indeed ask another question.]
Do you guys hatch out of eggs?
[It's the bellybutton thing that got him wondering. No bellybutton meant no umbilical cord, right?
Is that a weird question to ask? Probably. Is it going to stop him asking? Nope.]
(no subject)
Yeah, we do. S'not like fish, though — sea folk don't have a billion babies at once. [ He says scoffingly with a dismissive wave of his hand. ]
Nah, like... just one or two eggs at a time, I think. Sometimes more, maybe. Probably? I don't know. All I know is I don't have any brothers or sisters, my dad doesn't have any brothers or sisters, Luca doesn't have any brothers or sisters, his mom doesn't have any brothers or sisters...
[ He waves his hand along in circles each time he lists off a name. He's barely had much espresso yet, but something's already mildly foreboding about the increasingly energetic the way he's talking... ]
Luca's dad has a brother, though. He's the weird see-through one who lives in the Deep.
[ He gives a little nod of acknowledgment, raising his coffee cup at Katsuki, referencing their previous conversation that's become so very relevant in all this... However, Alberto feels good connecting dots for Katsuki now. It's like a weight lifted not having to think fast on his feet anymore. ]
(no subject)
But he's taking note of Alberto's increasing energy levels.]
Right. The one who lives in what sounds like underwater hell.
[He's not particularly interested in the Deep, honestly. Talking about what might be in the depths of the ocean was more him misunderstanding and trying to talk about things he thought Alberto was interested in.]
It's interesting how easily you can live on land. Even semi-aquatic creatures like crabs have to keep their gills moist on land. You guys have to do that or can you just breathe both underwater and on land with no problem?
(no subject)
The last one. We have gills underwater, but they close up on land. Breathing's pretty easy, really — just kinda happens... Walking, though? Pffft. That takes practice.
[ He pauses, considering how this sounds, shooting Katsuki a cautious stare before correcting himself to clarify. ]
In general, I mean. For most people— probably? Not me. I don't need practice. I've been walking since forever — I'm an expert on walking. I even taught Luca how to walk!
[ How many people can say that about their best friends...? ]
(no subject)
So you've been on dry land a lot longer than him, huh?
[That Alberto taught Luca to walk on land and not a parent? He's questioning that piece of information right now. Little pieces are falling into place bit by bit.]
(no subject)
Yup! I grew up on land. I've lived on land baaasically my whole life~
[ He pauses, then waves a hand dismissively, throwing Katsuki a sarcastic look suddenly. ]
...Ehh, I guess that probably doesn't sound all that special to you— but believe me, it's impressive...!
(no subject)
[He's getting a bit tired of all the weird bragging at this point? Walking. Growing up on land. Having a tail. He can sit and listen to it for a while. But he has limits. Alberto sure does know how to push them exceptionally fast...]
What made your folks decide to raise you on land?
(no subject)
O-Oh. Um— Wellllll... We, uh— We think for ourselves, heh— y'know? And most people just— don't understand people who think for themselves... Usually sea folk don't go anywhere near the surface, totally off limits, like it's weird to even talk about it, let alone go there. But they don't realize that the surface is fantastic. My dad didn't wanna live like that — so he left. He could stay stuck there, orrrr he could go see the world... So that's what he did— I mean— that's what we did.
[ That is... a really weird answer. Like so many of his answers are. But there's a tint of something uneasy about it, compared to anything else Alberto's talked about. What kind of reason is that for an adult to break taboo and to not just go on land, even live permanently on land, but to actually raise a child on land...? Spitefulness? Counter-culture? If under the assumption that Alberto grew up with humans in a human town, that's one thing. But the reality is far more baffling. There's something tentative and distant in his tone that subtly points to that, along with how Alberto himself doesn't seem to have a straight answer. But he doesn't seem to be intentionally dancing around a lie, somehow; no, he simply has no clearer answer, really. He's just parroting his father's rhetoric on the matter. There's an odd hiccup of a detail at the end, though, and he corrects himself — not just including himself in his father's move above, but really just a nod to the fact that, like his father, Alberto, too, left to see the world, rather than stay stuck. ...Of course, the gravity of any of that subtext is completely unspoken — but indeed, still silently written all over his body language, always more transparent than he knows. ]
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He remembers distinctly that questioning Alberto's upbringing was what got him shoved last time. No mention of a mom here at all. Just a dad who... for some reason decided to raise a kid away from other seamonsters?
This sounds potentially complicated and way over his head for the moment.
He's going to need some time to chew on this one. He watches Alberto silently for a few beats.]
So basically you and your friend are a couple of rebels. Livin' up here with humans.
[Maybe... drop the parent stuff for now? Maybe move on from questions all together for now.
He relaxes his own body language in contrast to the way Alberto's just tightened up. He leans back on his hands, head tilted back, looking up at the ceiling for a moment.]
Gonna show me that tail you were bragging about then?
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Yup~!
[ When asked about his tail, though, his eyes light up and he grins even more genuinely, sitting upright and alert at the suggestion. It's this kind of reaction that, for all his annoying boasting over trivial things, shows that at the end of the day, Alberto's just a kid desperately fishing for compliments. He leans forward excitedly, grasping his feet again, something a little conspiratorial about him. ]
Yeah? Heh, it's not just a tail, y'know— I've got scales and fangs and claws and all that, ha... You won't be scared, will ya?
[ He's clearly trying to joke but... is he really joking? Given the context of this whole debacle, there's probably still a part of Alberto that's scared Katsuki will be scared — despite all his bragging about his cool tail... ]
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Hah! As if I'd be scared! I tracked down a dragon not long ago and I'm makin' it my friend!
[It was too tiny to fight. So. He's... trying to tame it. Trying to teach it tricks.
He shoots Alberto a grin. Looks like it's Katsuki's turn to brag?]
Bring it on, Nickels. Can't scare me that easy.
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[ Alberto stands right away when given the go-ahead, eagerly stepping over the mound of cushions again to make his way to the bathroom. But he stops midway to turn back to Katsuki with a short, silent stare, making the most incredulous and baffled face; but he obviously still has good humor about him when he responds after a beat. ]
Wait— ...You're friends with a dragon...? We'll come back to that.
[ He points his finger accusatorially at Katsuki, but it's all for the sake of sarcasm. He zips into the bathroom, but then has a second thought, and pops his head back out the door. ]
Uh— Did you wanna see me make the Change or did you wanna be surprised?
[ Alberto's never revealed himself for the sake of it before. He's either been unintentionally exposed, revealed himself to go fishing with two people who already knew he was a monster, ooor revealed himself spitefully to horribly betray his best friend. Never just, y'know, casual, conversational transformation. He's not sure how this is supposed to go down. This is the first willing reveal in good faith he'll have ever made — the first of many more he'll undoubtedly make for the rest of his life... any time he gets close to someone, he'll have to have this conversation. There's no model for how this should go. It is what is is. È così. ]
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But right now his attention is focused on this. It is becoming increasingly obvious this is a Big Deal.
He has no more idea than Alberto how this is supposed to go. Completely and totally winging it. He sits up a little more at the offer. He saw what it looked like for scales to spread a little across Luca's face. But that was just a few scales. This was a whole transformation.
He's curious.]
If you're offering, I'll come watch.
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Posted by:1/2 just cuz i seldom get to use his sea monster icons and NEVER get to use this one lol
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Posted by:Pffff Alberto is such a precious mess. Boy pls.
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Posted by:oof this got lost, sorry!! down to either continue or drop as you please
Posted by:We're all good. It can probably wrap pretty soon?
Posted by:yeah, sounds good! whenever you please!
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