the cut that always bleeds

sets in

June 15
Luca blinked a couple of times, moving his hand just slightly, and to his surprise, felt his arm rise and fall. He looked upwards, careful not to move his head, and saw Alberto, sleeping.
Luca came to the quick realization that he was currently sleeping on Alberto's chest, and that what happened the previous night was in fact, not a dream. Luca carefully sat himself upwards, taking his time with every motion as he made his way off of Alberto.
Alberto shifted, slowly opening his eyes, and his gaze became locked on Luca. Luca was frozen still, staring down at Alberto. Alberto stretched his arms outwards, slowly sitting upwards.
He spoke in his normal groggy morning voice.
"Morning, Luca."
Luca shuffled backwards, creating space between them.
"Goodmorning, Alberto."
Alberto rubbed his eyes, allowing a moment for himself as he fully awoke.
"Ya know, you're a surprisingly good kisser."
Luca laughed nervously.
"Yeah, haha."
Alberto used his arms to pull himself closer to Luca, seeing his friend's obvious discomfort.
"Hey, it's nothing to be nervous about. It's just me."
Alberto got no response from Luca, who just sat staring at the ground. In an attempt to get Luca to return to his normal self, Alberto raised a hand, resting it on the side of Luca's face.
"Luca?"
Luca was quick to talk, leaning backwards.
"Yeah. I know it's you."
Luca wouldn't look at Alberto, and he was quick to realize.
"We can say it never happened, if that's what you want. It's always good to try stuff out, Luca."
Luca grabbed onto Alberto's hand, taking it off of his face.
"It might be best if this stays between us."
Alberto nodded.
"I would never tell a soul."
In response to Luca's hesitancy, Alberto leaned down, trying to meet Luca's eyes.
"Are you okay?"
Luca nodded, and Alberto could see the red tones in his cheek making a reappearance.
"I don't want to talk about this anymore, Alberto."
Alberto took a moment, watching as Luca kept trying to create space between them. He let out a sigh.
"Okay, we don't have to. But, if you have any more questions-"
Luca's head snapped up, a new found anger in his eyes.
"I said I don't want to talk about it anymore.
Alberto's eyes were wide with shock, and he felt an overwhelming sick feeling overtake his body. Luca kept pushing away.
Luca's eyes said it all, everything that Alberto needed to know. It sent chills throughout Alberto's body.
Luca regretted kissing Alberto.
Alberto was no fool.
Alberto held his hands up defensively, trying his best to smile.
"Okay, okay, sorry. I hear you."

Luca finally really looked at Alberto.
He felt his stomach drop when he saw just how bright he had become. He looked so vibrant, and the freckles on his skin WERE constellations. Every inch of Luca's being wanted to helplessly grab hold, and grasp on for dear life. His hands tensed as he saw Alberto's face.
His eyebrows were upturned, yet he was smiling.
Luca felt a turning sensation in his stomach as he reimagined the previous night, Alberto's eyes were the same as they were right after he had placed his lips on Alberto's.
'Run.'
He was pulled back to Earth as he watched Alberto get up and move the blankets and pillows back into his room. Once he was finished, he offered his hand to Luca.
Hesitantly, Luca placed his hand in Alberto's. With one tug, Luca was lifted up, and he stood far too close to Alberto for comfort. With his face inches away from Alberto's chest, he swallowed hard.
"Hey."
Luca lifted his head upwards, being caught off-guard by Alberto staring down at him. The green in his eyes appeared far more brilliant than ever before.
"Meet me tonight. On the island."
Luca didn't move.
"Why?"
Alberto laughed slightly.
"I can't ask my friend to hangout with me?"
Luca awkwardly smiled, and stepped backwards.
"Right. Hah, sorry. Yeah, I'll meet you there."
Alberto adjusted his shirt, walking across the branch that connected the hideout to his room, grabbing a bag from inside.
"I've gotta watch the beach for today, so I'll be busy. But, I think Giulia is inside, she'll keep you entertained while I'm away." Alberto winked.
Luca chuckled.
"You think I can't entertain myself while you're away?"
Alberto grinned, rolling his eyes.
"Oh Luca, I know you can't. You're the one who took the train back here to see me."
"Oh right, not like I have family here, I came back for ONLY you, Beto."
Alberto drew close to Luca once more, leaning down.
Luca felt his heart race pick up pace, shut his eyes, and prepared himself.
He spoke in a low tone, keeping his voice hushed.
"Oh I know you did, Luca."
Luca's eyes shot open, meeting Alberto's smug look.
"I'll see you tonight."
Luca took in a sharp inhale as Alberto stepped away from him.
"I'll see you."