Inbox (Kaisou)

[schoolingfish]

Am I doing it right? Is it rec-oh! It is! Hi! You missed me, leave a message!

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[whatsamada]

[....]

Anything else outside of that?

[schoolingfish]

Uh...we do a lot of fishing?

[whatsamada]

[Does he dare keep pushing this? Hm...]

I see. Then I can tell it isn't too different from where I am from. While I do live in a small city, it seems there are some similarities. Especially regarding it being a port.

[Maybe he can go from there....??]

[schoolingfish]

Oh, you live by a port, too? What kinds of sea life do you have near you? Anything interesting?

[If this guy has sea monsters too, then maybe he can feel out what Ken thinks of them.]

[whatsamada]

Not really, more like the typical things you see? Fish, shrimp, and the occasional spotting of a shark we have to be careful of.

[Then there was a pause. Should he dare bring up what he deals with back home?]

...Although, where I'm from, the sea life isn't all that interesting. It's more about how you have to be careful about staying out late at night. You don't want to deal shadows.

[schoolingfish]

Shadows? Why? What's in the shadows?

[whatsamada]

[There was a pause.]

...Are you sure you want to know? My world can be a little difficult to explain? If I have to be honest, I really don't want to scare you.

[schoolingfish]

I won't be scared.

[He might not be correct about that, but now he's curious and wants to know. Besides, his world has scary things, too, but he doesn't want to admit that considering the fact that he doesn't want to admit to being a sea monster yet.]

Christmas Eve--shhhh we're backdating things

[callmekacchan]

[Late at night on Christmas eve, Alberto and Luca may have heard a small explosion
outside their apartment. After which they would find several neatly wrapped, tagged and topped with a bow gifts on their balcony.

A tin of homemade cookies. Something he and Yoosung baked together for all their friends. There's enough for Alberto and Luca to share. He also picked them each up a plush nessie. Because he thought it would be funny to gift the seamonster boys the og seamonster cryptid.

Each boy got their own separate gifts too. Luca's being a solar system mobile and a space ship model kit.]

action; Christmas morning, very backdated lol sorry...

[prontissimo]

[ To think Alberto wouldn't go all out for Luca's Christmas gift would be ridiculous. They didn't exchange birthday gifts necessarily, true, but they'd focused on the gifts of experiences, and while traditions were different on land and undersea, at least both boys knew about birthdays. Christmas, though? That's new and exciting — and confusing. He's still not totally clear on the whole "sneaking into people's houses to leave presents" thing (or the bearded man who does that, for that matter?) but that's what he did for all his friends — m-maybe missed the mark slightly, um, trespassing, but the thought was there. And the effort. He put so much effort into hand-making gifts for everyone the past few weeks. A lot of Shrinky Dink action in their kitchen this month... But the real challenge was managing to make Luca's gifts without him seeing them. He's stuck on the idea that the gifts are supposed to be surprises on Christmas morning, so his hands felt tied, both being home more often lately on Christmas break from school and hiding from the snow. What's more, Alberto of course wanted to spoil Luca more than anyone, so ended up with a nice mix of handmade and store-bought items for a fully themed gift — and still one that was experiential, an important theme for them in itself.

Christmas Eve he'd produced several parcels of various sizes from who knows where he's been hiding them, one of them in fact rather large to boot... but he did his very best job wrapping them (which still wasn't very good) in the brown paper from their sketch roll, doodling all over it to make his own wrapping paper with prints of little Vespas, sea creatures, foods, space, all their favorite stuff, tied with— well, he tried to tie a fancy bow like he's seen around town. And he's more eager than ever to hand them off, spunky and peppy even before their morning coffee, seeming very much more "himself" than he's been acting since Bruno disappeared. Coffee's ready with cupcakes for breakfast (the rejects from baking a huge batch for Luisa's gift) as they settle into their pillow nest, Alberto having put on some appropriate Christmas music for added human-y festivity. ]

Heh, here. Merry Christmas, Luca~

[ The first gift Alberto hands off to Luca is the smallest one, beaming at him as he does. It's a tiny handmade envelope, messy and crumpled for trying to make it perfect, with a Christmas card attached inside — more proof of the extra effort he put into Luca's gifts. The gift itself, though, goes with the same theme Luca's seen him playing with for weeks: more Shrinky Dinks... But after so many ideas for literally everyone on his list, Alberto's shrink film art became pretty elaborate and creative. It's been a very shrinky, dinky Christmas for all... ]

[schoolingfish]

[Luca, of course, rushed outside when he heard the explosion, but any concern gave way to excitement when he saw the presents. He loves all of them.]

[schoolingfish]

[Luca opens the card first...and is instantly impressed.]

Wow, this is amazing! You even got all our scales!

[From Luca's perspective, it's perfect. A masterpiece, and he's honestly amazed that Alberto was able to capture their sea monster forms so perfectly, and he hasn't even gotten to the shrinky dinks yet. The second he sees, them, though...]

Oh, thank you! They're amazing!

[He sits there for a few seconds, marveling over the beautiful shrinky dink betta fish, before he realizes he hasn't given Alberto anything to open yet.]

Here, open this!

[It's a package with an envelope taped to it. When Alberto opens the envelope, he'll find a card, and in the package, wrapped with store bought wrapping paper, there's a vespa lego set. He's able to sit quietly until the present's opened, but the second it is, Luca pipes up.]

So you can build a tiny vespa!

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto's smile just grows even wider watching Luca open his presents. He's certain his gifts are gonna be a hit, but it's still nice to see it, smitten with Luca's reaction. Aaand smitten with his own work here, because he can't resist an opportunity to brag, either. ]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's the best thing I've ever drawn? Took me a while but— y'know. Ha.

[ Luca's gift in turn, is just as much a hit. His smile spreads into a smirk reading the card, and he lets out a chuckle. Fish puns never get old with these two... But unwrapping the Vespa Lego set, Alberto's face lights up. ]

Oh my— Luca, it's even a blue 125, ha! Like the one we had in Portorosso! ...We got it back, haha!

[ But this one with less rust. It'll take him a while to put together, but this is the perfect fiddly project for Alberto. He marvels at the box a moment longer, before moving on and beaming at Luca, grabbing his second present... Because Alberto had to go all out — it's Luca. Obviously. The second box is larger, wrapped with the same homemade paper, and inside contains a box of bath bombs. The pamphlet in the box includes some images of what each bomb will look like. Alberto explains as Luca opens this one, though, half-spoiling the surprise this time. ]

Okay, so— these balls paint the water cool colors. For your baths. I saw it in a video. So I asked around and found a store that sells only cool bath stuff.

[ Already using TikTok/etc to navigate the world... Alberto's acclimating well to life as a modern American child. ]

[schoolingfish]

Yeah, it's perfect!

[Even if it is quite a bit less rusty. Still, just like the one they bought with the prize money, it'll give Alberto a lot to do before it's a proper vespa. Taking the present he opens it up, not sure what it is for a second until Alberto explains.]

Oh, that'll be so much fun!

[Especially since Luca loves baths and loves adding stuff like those scented salts to the bath. He didn't know dying the water was an option, but he'll definitely have to check that store out because if dying the water is possible, then what else might he be able to do to the water?]

And the green will match my scales! And the galaxy one is so pretty, it reminds me of space! I can't wait to use these, thanks Alberto! And here's another one for you! I got this one from Santa after helping out with the workshop.

[It's a smaller package with a very pretty necklace inside that will improve the wearer's singing voice and possibly attract cattle. Of course, Luca doesn't know about any of that yet. At least they live in the city where they're not near any cattle.]

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto keeps beaming at Luca's reactions, so unaccustomed to gift-giving and tickled that he's getting it right. Not to mention he just enjoys seeing Luca so happy. "The green will match my scales" gives him a particular kick, and he's not sure why he's so endeared that that's the first comment Luca makes. Before school starts back up, he'll definitely make a point to show Luca the cool store he found, something akin to a Lush — even though they can't exactly enjoy all the demos in-store...

Alberto opens his next gift carefully, this one being so much smaller. When he sees the necklace, his grin melts into a self-effacing pout, moved with emotion at how pretty it is, stars in his eyes to match. He turns to Luca with a verklempt smile. ]

Luca... It's so pretty. Thank you.

[ He puts it on right away, then crawls over to give Luca a quick hug. Alberto doesn't have any jewelry, surprisingly having not traipsed into that element of human fashion yet, so this may be opening a new door for a spell — just another phase to go through, another fun fixation exploring new human stuff, and yet another way to decorate himself... But one thing's for sure, he's putting this necklace on only once, because he's never taking it off now. Which will make it very hard to figure out that the necklace has any correlation to his singing improving, or any correlation to his eventual bovine fanclub... In all likelihood, they'll never connect the dots. Oh well — it's magic all on its own to Alberto, just because Luca gave it to him.

He flashes Luca another smile for a second, before grabbing a third gift and handing it over. He's gone with a bathtime theme, here, apparently, because inside Luca will find a floating star projector, with features both to light up the water and to cast lights onto the ceiling above, even to change the colors. Luca's baths are being elevated to a whole other level from now on. The new year just got a lot bougier for them. ]

[schoolingfish]

[Luca hugs Alberto back.]

I'm glad you like it!

[Accepting the gift, Luca quickly opens it and looking...he's in awe.]

Wow, this is so cool! It'll be like taking a bath in space!

[Even more so than it already is, considering the space theme they painted the bathroom with.]

I wonder how it'll look when I use the galaxy bath dye thingy? Oh, and I also got you this!

[He reaches around, grabbing a third and final present. When Alberto unwraps it, he'll see it's a case of the green monster energy drink. Because, of course, that's just what Alberto needs. He'd said that was the flavor he preferred between the two flavors they'd gotten, though, so it seemed perfect to Luca.]

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto shakes his head No, still avoiding eye contact, still hugging himself even as he blankly scowls down into his lap. After a beat, though, he changes his mind — and shakes his head Yes. Surprising himself somewhat, though keeping his eyes downcast, he turns to Luca again and opens his arms for another hug. This one is different than the first hug when Alberto'd broke the news, which had been so frenetic and jarred; no, now that the shock has settled, this hug is more sincere, more tender, and most importantly, deliberately asking for comfort.

He hadn't had someone to hug him the last two (two!) times "this" has happened to him, but now he does, the best possible person, feeling so lucky to be beside Luca of all people right now; but as miraculous as it was the way they were reunited here, and as scary as it is to think Luca could disappear at random just like Bruno did, the fact stands that Luca is here, and he can hug him right now. So while Alberto's first instinct was still to go be alone, it's a good sign that he's got his wits about him enough to change his mind and open up, in his own way. He keeps both arms wrapped around Luca's chest, not so loose and limp nor so tight and desperate as before — just comfortably, firmly, with his face pressed into his shoulder again. Nevermind that Alberto's soaking wet and getting Luca wet in the process; not like that'd really bother either of them anyway, though. ]

feel free to write the fish manager's role too if you'd like! and again sorry for lateness, oy...

[prontissimo]

[ The "fish manager" seems pretty keen to be on his way, before Alberto trots up to him, holding up a finger to indicate he wants to talk. When the worker catches sight of him, he's fully assuming Alberto to be asking if he's seen their parents, or where to find soccer balls, or frankly anything but: ]

Signore, excuse me! Are you the fish manager?

[ The young man balks, glancing to Luca behind Alberto, as if he can read on his face whether he's being messed with or not. But he can't. So he just responds in earnest, his tone tentative and bewildered. ]

I, uhh— I'm the assistant manager? But, um— I know a bit about "fishing stuff." What's up? How can I help you boys?

[ Alberto seems satisfied with this level of authority, so presses on with a second question the man never expected to be asked. ]

We were wondering why you trapped all the fish in there. Is it to show people how to use the fishing stuff?

[ The man pauses before answering, his eyes following Alberto pointing to the aquarium display, before looking to Luca again as if to say "Is your friend for real?" He seriously can't tell if he's being goofed on... It's literally his first day here and it's his first time in management ever, he's on his way to his lunch break, and this is what he gets asked...? ]

[schoolingfish]

[The second the 'no' changes to a 'yes', Luca's focus is completely on Alberto, waiting on some indication on what he should do. That indication comes immediately, and when Alberto hugs him, Luca immediately hugs him back, giving him a firm hug like he's trying to confirm to Alberto that yes, he's still here. He doesn't care that Alberto's getting him wet right now, of course. That's just not something that matters to him.]

[schoolingfish]

[If the fish manager is hoping for any back up from Luca, he's in for some disappointment.]

It's the explanation that makes the most sense. We were figuring they'd just stand up there and fish?

[He points up at the walkway above the giant fish tank/pillar thing.]

Okay, now I know you guys are just messing with me.

[Until the assistant manager looks at their faces again and realizes, with a sigh...]

Um...no. It's just there to look cool.

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto's face falls, incredulous. ]

What. That's dumb.

[ He glances to Luca for back-up, reading the man's exasperated face. ]

Uh— Ha... Y-Yeah, they're just for decoration...?

[ Alberto narrows his eyes at that explanation. ]

Sooo... They're in prison to look pretty? Just because?

[ The ASM stalls, unable to find a quick, logical retort. Kid's not wrong, if you think about it, but... Why him. How do the weirdest customers always find him...? ]

[prontissimo]

[ Alberto cracks a wry, amused smile, opening the box of Monsters. He was not expecting that and it gives him a big kick. A cute, silly gift, for sure — and thoughtful, simple as it is. ]

Pssh~ It's perfect, hehe.

[ He goes ahead and opens the case to grab two cans out, handing one off to Luca. He has a final gift for Luca, though, of course going over-the-top as usual. But this one is... big... It took effort to hide it, both in construction and after completion. He fetches a long thin box, and after passing it off to Luca to open, Alberto sits back down lazily, popping open his can of Monster to take a sip right away. Who needs it cold... ]

Here. One more. Last one, ha.

[ Inside the wrapping, unwieldy as it is, Luca will find a homemade bathtub caddy. He'd seen the idea in the bath store, but decided he'd rather make it himself. It's clearly just a shelf panel he's painted black and screwed some cabinet handles into, but at the center he used wood glue to attach a little book stand he'd whittled by hand. He used the leftovers from their bathroom remodeling project to paint matching galaxy swirls and such all over the tray, so it'll blend in well with the tub. Whole theme, here. Certainly not store-bought quality, and he ultimately spent more money at the Home Depot to make it himself than he would've if he'd just bought the caddy he saw at the bath store... But he wanted to make it himself because— well, why not. It's his shtick. It's funner that way. And far more meaningful to Luca to have something handmade, he figures.

He leans back lazily as he speaks, sipping his room-temperature energy drink and idly examining his new necklace around his neck with a soft smile. ]

It's for the tub. Now you can do your homework and read and eat and stuff while you're in the bath, and nothing'll get wet. Smart, right?

[ Like it was his original idea... Who compliments themselves on the gift they're giving? Alberto does... ]

[schoolingfish]

Well, I guess that's a whole lot bigger than the bowl prisons we heard about. Even if I'm kind of surprised they're not for demonstration or even snacks.

[The ASM just stares for another moment before speaking.]

Snacks?

[schoolingfish]

[Luca takes the offered can, only to set it aside when he sees the offered present. He'll need both hands for this, after all. Taking it, curious about what it could be, he begins to unwrap it. When he sees it, he takes a moment to figure out what it is as well as to appreciate all the pretty stars and swirls that Alberto had painted onto it. With Alberto's explanation, he grins.]

It is! Thank you, Alberto, this'll make bath time even more fun! I won't even have to stop reading when I want to be in the bath now, thank you!

[prontissimo]

[ He's tickled pink just watching Luca's reactions, grinning back at every grin. He's proud of himself that he's hit the mark with these gifts — he thought he would, but it was nice to see it happen finally, after so long waiting to give Luca his gifts; though of course, he's just happy that Luca's happy. He takes another lazy sip of his warm Monster, sprawled out on the cushions still, crossing his leg over his knee and bouncing his foot in the air. ]

Hah, are you gonna just live in the bathroom now? I'll have to visit you~

[ There's a light chuckle in his voice, clearly teasing even if he isn't looking at Luca now, as he goes back to fidgeting with his new necklace, turning it this way and that in his fingertips to watch it catch the colors reflected from the Christmas lights. It's clear Luca hit the mark with his gifts, as well, Alberto looking very much in his element this way. Their first Christmas was an outstanding success, in his book. Not that he has much to go off, of course, but he's pretty sure they nailed this. Turns out they're great at Christmas-ing, too — who knew! ]