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Alva glances through his window, Luca laid in bed next to him fast asleep. The white hair man walks up to the window seal. It was a full moon tonight. Stars scattered across the inky black sky and the moon, shining brightly into the room. The soft light from it reflected onto Luca, making him look purely angelic in his slumber. Alva’s eyes focused on the sleeping beauty, a soft smile crawling onto his lips. Luca was his everything ,truly, he adores the boy more than anything else. It was hard to resist teasing and gently touching him in public, even the want to hold his hands made his body shake. He watched Luca a little longer, watching as the boy’s face scrunched up and started shifting around on the bed. The younger male clealry uncomfortable in his sleep, tossing and turning.
Alva goes to the side of the bed, placing his hand onto Luca’s shoulder,”My love, wake up”,he whispers in a gentle voice. It was very rare Luca ever had a nightmare or bad sleep, he usually slept hard and limp, lifeless even.
Luca bolts right up, eyes wide and body sweaty. He groans and wipes his forehead,"Ugh",he mutters to himself, as he processes where he was at. He turns to Alva and lets out a sigh of relief, "I had such an odd dream",Luca says after a moment pause, as he lays back down,"I killed you",Luca shifts in the bed, letting what happened in his dream hang in the air. It brought an uneasy tension just for a few seconds. The fact he didnt say anything else right afterwards worsen the unease.
The two never really fought besides for petty arguments where they would go a few hours without talking or interacting, maybe a day or two at most. They never even got physical, besides a few shoves from Luca who really didn't even do much to Alva. The shoves couldn't even knock or push the man back, more like an aggressive pats with both of Luca's hands. Often Luca would just lean into Alva, annoyed and frustrated, grumbling under his breath as they calmed down together.
Alva's hand lingers on Luca's shoulder, squeezing it gently to comfort the younger male. "It was just a dream, and I am right here." he assures, a soft smile on his lips. "You would never, my love, such an odd dream indeed." Alva sits on the edge of the bed, leaning in closer to Luca. "Can you tell me more about your dream? Maybe we can find some meaning in it." he suggests, his hand now moving to brush away a few strands of hair from the boy's forehead. He listens intently, his gray eyes locked with Luca's, waiting for the boy to share what had been troubling him. He simply wanted to figure out if there was something wrong between them that could have caused the dream .
The boy looks startled for a second before thinking, remembering the dream. “It was very confusing , since everything was fine one second",Luca sighs, leaning into the man slightly. He closes his eyes,"The next we were fighting, it turned physical and then...",he trails off, not wanting to finish his own words. It was a odd, maybe even distressing one in his eyes and he would never hurt Alva, he was sure of that. He has somewhat, trying but not really, the efforts mostly were for space and he would just end up giving up. It never was with the intention of truly hurting Alva, he just got angry and it was hard to control himself. Luca always felt bad afterwards, even if Alva just laughs and makes fun of him for being so much weaker.
Alva's eyebrows furrow, a small frown on his face. "Fighting? We have never had a physical altercation. Why would your subconscious think that we would engage in one?" He softly strokes Luca's forehead, his eyes searching the boy's face for answers. "It could indicate some hidden tension, or perhaps fear of losing control. It could also be an indication of our age difference, society's view on our relationship." He lets these thoughts hang in the air, allowing Luca to process them.
"Perhaps we should speak more openly, about any fears or doubts that may arise. I don't want you to bottle them up, my love." He moves closer, gently brushing his lips against Luca's. "We have each other, and I am grateful for that."
Alva's ranting, that was something Luca loved about him,he couldn't come to the man with a single problem without getting multiple answers or ways to solve it,”mhm probably not"Luca scoffs, his tone playful as not to offend Alva,"You, you know too much and say too much", he nudges Alva's arm, kissing the man's lips,"I think it solely as a nightmare, an bad dream",Luca repeats against Alva's lips,"Let's just rest and forget for now, I'm still tired",he hugs Alva lightly, laying on the man. He didn't want to dwell on it for too long, he didn't even tell how bad the dream actually was.
Alva chuckles softly, a smile returning to his lips. He wraps his arms around Luca, pulling the boy closer. "Very well, let's not give it more thought for now." He agrees, returning the kiss. "How about we enjoy just lay here, no more talking ,my love ." He suggests, his hand sliding down to rest on Luca's waist. With the moon still shining brightly into the room, they lay there, wrapped in each other's embrace. The warmth of the body next to him, a soothing sensation for Alva, as he lets out a contented sigh, his eyes slowly drifting shut.
Luca nudges into his chest, his breathing turning gentle as he slowly breathes in and out. He was at peace now, his dream already lingering at the back of his mind. Alva was so nice to him, he adores him so much.
Alva's grip on Luca tightens, the boy's calm breathing warming his heart. He closes his eyes, his own breaths steady and deep, falling into a restful sleep.
The room filled only with the sound of their hearts beating, and calm breathing, Alva could stay like this forever.
-
It was weeks after the dream, both of the men had forgotten about Luca's nightmare. Returning as normal without a second thought of it, after all Luca would never. Something Alva has told himself plenty of times.
Luca waltzes into Alva's office, a grin on his face. Though to Alva's dismay, the boy brought up that machine. It's been a cause of plenty of their fights lately. The boy has become obsessive with the idea, Luca was becoming too similar to Herman in a way. "I get you don't want to work on it but just hear me out and actually listen ",Luca starts as usual, the boy didn't have all the manuscripts, no one seemed to know where they went.
No one besides Alva.
Alva had no intention of trying the experiment, trying to make that thing that has only been a cause of misery in his life. He had the rest of Luca's father's manuscripts but he never even told Luca he worked with Herman. "Don't even, not today Balsa",Alva replies, making Luca go silent for a moment.
Alva was tempted to bring up the boy's father and the truth but it was too late. Luca despised his father and almost everything that had to do with his father, sadly he didn't hate the man's work. Alva rather bring the fact he knew Herman to the grave.
“I don't understand , you always say no, you don't even want to try",Luca presses on,"Professor Lorenz, just actually hear me out. I just need help with understanding these manuscripts and trying to finish them and you know some funds as well , as it's quite an expensive machine".
Alva's shoulders tense up, his eyes landing on Luca, a hint of frustration and sadness in them. "Boy, we've been over this time and time again. I've told you my concerns, my doubts. I am not convinced that this idea is feasible, let alone practical." He rubs the back of his neck, trying to maintain his composure. "I fear that you will end up like Herman, sacrificing everything for an illusion. Well I'm aware you may want to follow your father's footsteps and do better ,I fear you will end up dying as he did" He doesn't mention his own involvement with Herman, not wanting to cause any more harm to their relationship.
"I came to the conclusion that we should focus on other, more promising projects. But if you must, you can study the manuscripts on your own. I will not give you any money or help with that project.Just sit down " He gestures to the chair across the desk, hoping Luca would sit down. "Perhaps we can discuss this calmerly and rationally, without the urgency of your desperation."
“You don't even want to try!"Luca repeats, slamming his hands on the desk. One thing about Luca was his short temper, he pauses though, staring at Alva. His eyes calculating, looking for any signs that he might caved.
He let's out a weak sigh,"I think I need a break",Luca admits, he rarley took breaks and never really asked directly for a day off. He did look exhausted but that was how he always looked unless he was laying in bed with Alva. Than he looked so peaceful and calm, always different from how he looked awake.
Alva's eyebrows furrow, his eyes widening as Luca slams his hands on the desk. He tries his best to remain calm, taking a deep breath before responding. "A break?" he echoes, a hint of concern in his voice. "Very well, you may take a break. Use this time to clear your head, perhaps, and reevaluate your priorities." He suggests, his gaze softening. Alva and Luca did keep to a more professional speech in their work place, it felt funny at times. Like right now, Alva agreeing to Luca having time off.
He watches as Luca leaves his office, frowning, his head hurtingslightly . The young man's desperation was worrying, and his short temper, a trait he shared with Herman. Alva couldn't help but wonder if Luca would end up like the man he despised. He sighs, leaning back in his chair, his fingers tapping on the armrest, deep in thought.
Luca took the week off, staying at Alva's home. While the two didn't technically live together, Luca stayed at it most days and nights. Luca even had a spare key to Alva's house, welcoming himself in when he wanted.
During this break of Luca's, his manuscripts want missing, the remaining pieces of Herman's work that he kept hidden. It wasn't Luca, he told himself the second he realizes.
There was no sign of a break in, though his office was a mess. The police looking around and eyeing every last bit of evidence, "The suspect, may be a student of yours...",One of them suggests.
Alva didnt even hear the rest of his words, he knew what was held within everything he took. Herman's crazed ideals and writings, his idotic raged filled rants. He knows near Herman's death plenty of the man's writings were about him and angry.
It wasn't Luca, he knew that, Luca has been staying at home. The boy has been acting normal and calm, even extra playful than normal.
It couldn't be Luca, Alva wouldn't accpect that mostly as he arrived home. Finding Luca making them dinner,"Food is almost done",Luca says, making pasta for the two of them.
It wasn't Luca. It couldn't be Luca, Alva would not accpect the idea of Luca as a theif. The boy would never go behind his back and steal from him yet….
Why were those the only missing manuscripts.
-
Once Luca returned to work , the first few days something felt off.
Luca didn't say much in the mornings and throughout the days, barely aknowledge Alva's presence , even at lunch . He seem very preoccupied and that was bothering Alva. Even in their fights Luca would be responsive enough to work with, but these past three days was some sort of silent treatment.
Alva tries his best to busy himself in his laboratory, knowing Luca is busy somewhere else. He decides to just work on different mini projects and grading papers.
The man's mind was however preoccupied with Luca's behavior, the boy's lack of interaction weighed heavily on him. He couldn't help but wonder what could be troubling the young inventor. He hoped that it wasn't related to their previous arguments about the perpetual motion machine. "Luca..." he mumbles to himself, his frustration and worry building up.
As the days progressed, Alva noticed that Luca didn't return to his office for dinner once, a routine that the boy never missed. He decided to pay Luca a visit, hoping to break the silence. Alva knocked on Luca's door, poking his head in, his grey eyes searching the room for the young man. "Luca, my dear, are you in here?" He called out, concern laced in his voice.
The office was empty, though messy. Just as Alva's was when it broken into in, but he could tell this was Luca's own work. Things thrown about, and the curtains slightly torn. Alva has seen this kind of tranturamn from Luca beforehand, only once but it was a mess, similar as the room in front of him. The boy was definitely upset and bottling up his own feelings again . That habit of Luca's, Alva would never understand. Maybe it was a young person thing to bottle things up, he was never sure.
He sighs, leaving a note to Luca before going back to his lab, wanting to finish some more work before heading home . It was late at night, barely anyone here now. That was usually peaceful for Alva but he just couldn't relax.
Alva felt tired and stressed, rubbing his temple and sighing heavily. This was painful, Luca acting like this hurt him alot. It was so put of nowhere and so unusual, he couldn't understand.
He opens the door, finding his light was still on and Luca.
"Lorenz",Luca voice came coldly, tbe boy was sitting on his desk. He hopes off of it,"You..",His fist tightens as he stands up , pacing the room and mumbling angrily under his breathe. There was a fire burning in his eyes , and it made the whole room filled with an uneasy tension .
Luca's cold voice echoes across the room, making Alva's blood run cold. As the boy stood up, Alva could feel the tension building. He tenses up, his hands folded behind his back, his gaze fixed on Luca. "Luca, what's wrong?" He asked, his voice calm, but laced with worry. He waited for the boy to finish his tirade, hoping to get some understanding of the issue.
"Please, tell me what's bothering you. We can work through it together." Alva begs, taking a step closer to Luca, his eyes filled with concern and love. "I am here for you, my dear." He added, extending his hand to gently touch Luca's shoulder, a gesture of comfort and support.
Luca slaps his hand away,"Your are a liar! A fucking liar! You're an animal",He yells,"Lesser than an animal, lesser than a insect!"Luca snaps, throwing his hands in the air ,"You think I wouldn't find out? I found my father's work in your passion, I found what you did to him! You ruined him and his ideals", his voice was slightly strained, his eyes teary.
He grabs Alva by the collar , able to shove the man into a nearby table, knocking over a few mechanical parts. This is the worst place for Luca to start a physical fight, there were too many hazards , all impossible to avoid.
Alva's eyes widened at Luca's accusations, his heart sinking as he realized the boy knew about his past with Herman. "Luca, no, please, let me explain." He pleaded, his voice shaky, as Luca slapped his hand away. His body trembled as Luca grabbed him by the collar, his mind racing. "I didn't mean for it to happen, Luca, I—",he fumbles over his words, Luca's never been able to shove him much.
As he struggled to catch his breath, he looked at Luca with a mix of sadness and desperation. "I didn't want to ruin him, but I couldn't bear the burden of his obsession. I thought it was for the best." He explained, his voice trembling. "But I never wanted to hurt you, Luca. The past shouldn't cloud our present."
He tried to stand up, his body aching from the force of the shove. "I truly care for you, Luca. More than anything else. Please, don't let this ruin us." He whispered, a pleading look in his eyes. He reached out, hoping to touch Luca's hand, a silent gesture of wanting to make amends.
“Your nothing but hypocrite and a liar! Its disgusting! You've used his ideals and hid the rest! I know what's written about you",Luca says as he climbs on top of Alva, swinging hard and hitting the man hard in the jaw. "Maybe you rotted long before him",Luca huffs, as he gets shoved off of Alva , Luca was quick on his feet. Able to get another hit, Alva just wanted to calm him. He had no desire to hurt him, or even to try too, he was confident that he could.
"Filth! You Tridactylidaes! Schistocerca! Geometridae! Kaydid!", He yells as he hits into another table, the air smelled oddly eleteiced now. Alva could feel the hair on his arms standing up. Luca had to hit something and busted it in the room, "You plagiarized your research findings! I cant belive I called you Professor before",Luca snarls, the hurt in his voice clear.
The air was wrong, there a soft hum in the room. "I can't belive I thought of myself as Luca Lorenz or anything as stupid",Tears running down his eyes, his hands landing another punch and Alva could see where a wire had broke, the electrical power shown, it was going to blow. He simply looked so sad and confused.
The two fumbling around the room, Luca weakling hitting him until Alva shoves him enough; gaining space between the two. Alva quickly noticed small sparks, trying to focus hard , the humming driving him crazy.
Luca wasn't gonna stop, Alva was trying his best to figure out to do, maybe try to escape on his own.
But he had Luca standing in front of where the door is, the machine is now in between them.
There was a moment of silence, and Alva's next thought was to shield Luca, so he lunged at him. It wasn't a very well planned thought at all, but he was bigger than Luca. If he shields him just right, he can take most of the impact from blow.
Luca's anger fueled by the revelation of Alva's past, while Alva's mind raced to protect the boy. He made up his mind finally , lunging at Luca to shield him from the impending explosion.
"Luca, You idoit!" He cried out, hoping to move fast enough to protect him. His heart pounded, the guilt and fear overwhelming him. His actions had led to this, the consequences of his past finally catching up with him. He only hoped that Luca wouldn't be harmed in the chaos that unfolded.
It was a bright loud bang, the room feeling deathly hot. Alva could feel his hair getting burnt and than an electrical jolt through his own body, he got a glance at Luca who got hit in the eye with a piece of machinery, his eyes wide. The man was holding tightly , as if they were cuddling in bed, the burning feeling of electricity filling his body. Maybe Luca's dream was just like this moment, the boy didn't mean harm. He was hurting, he was simply hurting and Alva wanted him to stop being in pain.
Alva didn't mind dying if it was for Luca to not be pain or to at least reduce the pain.
Than everything went black and silent.