Only Time Will Tell (A Luberto Story)

Chapter 30- If Anything Happens, I Love You

"Wait- why?" Ercole asked confused.

"Because- do you really think I'd let you do this on your own. No no no, not yet. I need to make sure we're going to find the culprit, and I'm not sure if you can do that by yourself.."

"Of course I can!"

Benedetti shook her head. "Maybe you can, but right now I can't give you that much power, okay?"

Ercole grumbled a "fine", and he followed Benedetti back to the station.
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In the waiting room of the police station, Luca and Alberto waited anxiously, wondering what was taking so long. They were told that Ercole would arrive with the tracker to their Vespa, easily being able to help them. They definitely were not so sure about that, as Ercole had a rough history with keeping up with his promises. However, if anything, they knew that he had at least somewhat changed, considering that he gave them his Vespa for free.

"Hey Luca..?" Alberto asked quietly.

"Yeah?"

"I'm sorry about- yesterday. I shouldn't have reacted so... weird."

"Al, don't worry about it! I want the Vespa back just as much as you do.. and besides, I'm sure we're gonna find it now!" Luca said cheerfully.

Alberto smiled and thanked him. The two had been anxiously waiting the previous night for any news, not getting much sleep because of that. Then, they had gotten up much earlier this morning to see if the "extra help" had arrived. Unfortunately, it hadn't. Now, they were still waiting late in the morning, and there was still nobody showing up. Only time would tell before they finally had a chance to find their Vespa.

"I hope so.." Alberto said. "And if we do.. imagine what we could do then, Luca! Just like old times; me and you exploring the world together!"

Luca laughed, "Al, you realize we can't actually do that, right?"

Alberto laughed too but felt a bit embarrassed. "Yeah.. I wish we could though.."

Alberto reached for Luca's hand, grabbing it and squeezing it three times, which meant "I love you." It was a silly little thing that they had done on the day they confessed their feelings, but now it was a regular, cute thing that they would do occasionally.

"But.. we won't need a Vespa to do that, remember? I'll be at school with you, we won't.." Alberto paused. "We won't have to leave each other again.."

Both boys were smiling, still holding each other's hands, when out of nowhere, the front door to the police station opened. Both Luca and Alberto's heads perked up in excitement, eager to see if it was the news they were looking for. Fortunately, it was officer Benedetti that walked through the door, with a slouching Ercole behind her.

"Good news boys, your help has finally arrived!"

Luca and Alberto stood up eagerly, not really sure how to approach Ercole. They weren't really enemies anymore, but they also weren't friends either. Do they say hello? Should they thank him for coming?

"Ah- well.. Luca and Alberto, nice to see you again. I'm sorry to hear about the Vespa," Ercole said in a tired voice.

Something about the tone of his voice was different; it sounded like Ercole was actually somewhat genuine with the nice things he said. It surprised Luca and Alberto, but in the best way possible.

"Look Ercole- we're not here to make up or anything- we just need go in, get our Vespa, and get out.." Alberto said.

Ercole nodded, "Yes, of course. Why don't we all get going, hm?"