#thunder fic

“I fuckin’ hate parties.”

Frankie sips his beer to hide his smile as Luciana laughs alongside him. “Yet, you’re always at them,” Luciana reminds him, sipping whatever concoction’s in her red Solo cup as she gives his bottle a flick. “And why don’t you ever use a cup? Are you ‘too cool’ for that?”

“Shut up,” Frankie mutters, biting back a smile as he nudges her shoulder. “I just prefer it ‘authentic.’” Luciana laughs as she lets out a sigh, leaning back against the corner of the wall.

Luciana’s not wrong. Even though Frankie hates parties with every fiber of his being, he’s almost always here at Benny’s frat house, finding himself unable to reject the time spent with his best friends. Over the past few years of college, Frankie’s found a friend group that’s become more like a family, unstable at times but also reliable. Tom, Will, and Benny are all people he met within his first week at school—but Santiago and Luciana have been close to his side ever since high school. Him and his four brothers have already planned to move into their next phase of life together serving their country.

Really, Frankie just wants to fly.

He always has. Ever since he was a kid, Frankie’s dreamed of being able to touch the sky. His gaze drifted upwards no matter what time of the day it was, admiring either the clouds or the stars above. His mother used to tell him he could catch a star if he got up high enough, and it would fit right in his pocket. His father used to say he could paint with the clouds, using the edge of a wing as a brush. Frankie would tell them that he’d paint his dad a portrait of their old family dog, and he’d get two stars—one for his mom and one for himself.

That was until his mother finally gave way to her condition, and his father wasted himself away with Jack and Jim Beam not too long after.

But now, Frankie’s got a new family who cares just as much about his dreams of flying. Being the “dad” friend already promised him a spot as their calm and collected pilot, anyway. Santiago always told him that he was the person who steered the group in the right direction—so it made sense that he’d do the same in the air someday. Luciana agreed with those claims. Even though she’s not going to follow the same path as the rest of them, she’s always said that Frankie needs to be in the air. He’s the only one she’d trust, she often tells them all.

So, it’s no surprise that Frankie’s once again found himself on the fringes of another one of Benny’s wild frat parties, keeping a watchful eye over his four brothers as Luciana keeps him company at his side. She’s not big into parties, either—just one of their many similarities. It’s what’s made Frankie draw so close to her, especially over the past few years at college. They understand each other like no one else does. Her and Santiago have been there for Frankie ever since his father started fading, and they practically adopted him into their family. But Frankie would never use the label “sister” on her. He doesn’t know why he can’t do it.

He thinks he might be starting to get an idea as to why, now.

Frankie looks over to see Luciana bobbing her head to the hip-hop tunes that blare out of Benny’s speakers—a firm rule for his parties: current hits only. Her brown eyes are sparkling as she watches the crowd of drunken college kids dancing in front of them, and Frankie likens the appearance of them to that of fresh honey dripping into a warm mug of tea. She has her dark hair tied back in a loose bun behind her head, and a few pieces fall around her face as her free hand tucks them away absentmindedly. Freckles adorn her nose and cheeks, and Frankie has to try to suppress the warmth in his chest when he thinks about how fitting they are for her.

Luciana soon catches Frankie’s eye, and she raises an eyebrow at him curiously. “What?” she asks, observing his close stare. She covers her mouth with her hand self-consciously. “Is there something in my teeth?”

“No! No,” Frankie assures her, chuckling a bit as he takes a hold of her wrist and brings her hand back down. “I just—” Frankie pauses, trying to think of a way to cover his ass, “—I was making sure you’re still awake.”

Luciana furrows her brow as she laughs at him. “I’m not sure how anyone could fall asleep easily here, Frankie,” she remarks, taking another sip of her drink.

Frankie tries to laugh it off, tipping the brim of his hat on his head before taking a swig from his bottle. “If I wasn’t standing, I probably could.”

“I know,” Luciana agrees, nudging his shoulder playfully. “You’re an old man stuck inside a college kid’s body, Francisco.”

Frankie wrinkles his nose at the sound of his full name. “What did you call me, Luciana?”

Luciana gasps lightly and narrows her eyes at Frankie. “Are you trying to full-name me back?”

“And what if I am?”

Luciana doesn’t get a chance to answer before Benny suddenly stumbles over to them, throwing his arms around their shoulders. Frankie and Luciana both fall back a bit at the sudden taking of his weight. Some of the drink in his cup sloshes on Frankie’s shoulder, and he holds back a heavy sigh as the reeking scent of vodka hits his nostrils. “Franksters! Luci-Goosey!” Benny greets them, his voice slurred. “What are y’all doing in the corner?”

“Minding our own business,” Frankie answers simply, earning a snort from Luciana.

“Oh, c’mon,” Benny scoffs. “You’re always avoidin’ the fun! You should go dance!”

“I’d rather watch people make asses of themselves,” Luciana asserts, gesturing to the main part of the house where some hotshot’s just tried to do a backflip—and ended up kicking one of their buddies in the face while also landing straight on their back.

“Fuck, y’all are boring as hell,” Benny whines, taking his own weight again as he lifts his arms from Frankie’s and Luciana’s shoulders. “But thanks for comin’!”

“We always do,” Frankie reminds him, slapping his shoulder in a friendly manner before he stumbles somewhere else.

Frankie and Luciana share a glance, barely able to contain their laughter as they shake their heads. That was the typical Benny interaction they’ve been waiting for, always being urged to do something other than sit in the corner where they’re more comfortable. Frankie wouldn’t change a thing about it.

“Luce, where’s your brother?” Frankie suddenly questions, looking over at Luciana with a raised brow. He’s lost track of his Santiago, Will, and Tom, and he wonders if they’ve gone somewhere else in the house.

Luciana shrugs. “Probably fucking up a nice game of pong,” she confesses honestly, causing Frankie to chuckle to himself.

It’s true—the minute Santiago gets more than a few drinks in him, he’s an absolute shitshow. Any drinking game he touches turns to chaos. Santiago already has a high energy about him, and so it gets intensified when the alcohol starts pumping through his veins. Frankie doesn’t know how he does it, and sometimes he wonders what it’s like to be the life of a party. It’s a role he knows he’ll never fill.

“Hey,” Luciana’s voice suddenly draws Frankie out from his thoughts. He looks back over to see her looking up at him with a sparkle in her eyes, one that makes Frankie want to smile instinctively. “Are you ready to get out of here? I would kill for some pizza right now.”

Frankie laughs, nodding as he finishes off his bottle. It was his only drink over the course of the hour they’d lasted at the party, and so he doesn’t have to deny her request to go for a drive as they head out to his truck. It’s a rusty red color, worn from its years of use but still going as strong as ever. The guys and Luciana have often told him that it’s a perfect reflection of himself—but Frankie doesn’t try to think about it too hard. Going in deep isn’t something he’s mastered yet.

They get into the truck, and as soon as Frankie starts it up, the classic rock station starts to play. It’s his favorite—his parents loved to blast it when he was growing up. He has to suppress the smile that grows when he sees Luciana’s eyes light up out of the corner of his eye. “Ugh, Frankie, you have the best fuckin’ taste in music,” she tells him, closing her eyes as “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac flows out from the speakers. “I swear to God. Sing it, Stevie girl.”

Frankie chuckles, taking off for the local pizza place as Luciana hums along to the tune. He looks over every once in a while to see her gazing out of the open window, as if she’s lost in her own little world. Frankie’s always admired the way she does that so easily. Luciana often escapes into the worlds of her creation, but she somehow also stays grounded to her reality. She’s always been the person that’s able to get Frankie to escape his reality if even for a little bit—and that’s just one of the many reasons why he’s so drawn to her. It’s reaching a dangerous level, and he knows it.

It’s not a conversation he’s had with Santiago yet, but he knows exactly what would result from it. Santiago and Luciana are practically attached at the hip. They’re the kind of twins that truly share everything with each other—and should his sister’s heart be placed into Frankie’s hands, he knows Santiago would be on his case all the time. To make shit easier, Frankie knows Santiago wouldn’t let that happen in the first place. Luciana is off limits in any sense other than friendship, so Frankie doesn’t even let himself get there mentally. For now.

“Thunder only happens when it’s rainin’,” Luciana joins in with Stevie’s voice, and Frankie bites back a smile upon hearing it. “Players only love you when they’re playin’.” Luciana releases a light sigh, finally looking back over at Frankie as he navigates the dark roads. “I wish it was raining right now.”

“Yeah?” Frankie remarks, raising an eyebrow. “Why? Are you a pluviophile, now?”

Luciana giggles softly. “I always have been, Frankie. I’m surprised you haven’t noticed.”

Frankie shrugs, turning into the parking lot of the pizza place. “When have we ever talked about rain?”

“Fair point. I guess we have to do it more often.”

Frankie nods, putting the car in park and flashing her a quick smile. “I guess so.” He starts to get out of the car—leaving it running so that Luciana can stay inside with the tunes playing—but pauses as he holds up a finger and narrows his eyes in concentration. “A pepperoni eight-cut with the Italian parmesan crust?”

“You know me so well, Morales.” She offers a bright smile, one that involuntarily makes Frankie’s chest warm up as he completely gets out of the truck and heads inside. He places their order and waits for it, trying not to drown in his thoughts as he pictures himself flying high above them. He even tries his hand at daydreaming, attempting to envision himself painting his way through the clouds. He can see the world so small beneath him, putting himself in a place where he doesn’t have to think about everything he’s left there. All that would matter is keeping his eyes on the horizon and steering ahead—and maybe even capturing a star when the sun sets.

His daydream’s soon interrupted by the finishing of his order, and he takes the box with a low thank-you before heading back inside the truck. Frankie sets it on the backseat, chuckling when Luciana dramatically inhales the scent of the freshly baked pizza.

“God damn, do they make some heavenly shit here,” Luciana comments, causing Frankie to laugh harder as he starts to head back to the house. “I can’t wait to devour that.”

“That makes two of us,” Frankie agrees, glancing over at Luciana quickly as he drives on.

“Four slices for each of us,” Luciana reminds him. “It’s perfect.”

“Four?” Frankie scoffs playfully. “Last time, you could only handle three.”

“Oh, fuck off, Flyboy,” Luciana retorts. “Last time we also got garlic knots. I can only hold so much at once.”

“Sure, Luce. Sure.” Frankie laughs as Luciana swats at his shoulder, and he sees her shaking her head with a hidden smile as she crosses her arms.

They spend the rest of the drive listening to the tunes of the radio, sitting in an otherwise peaceful silence. It’s not too long until Frankie’s pulling into the long driveway of the house. It’s a respectively large space, split between the boys and Luciana. Everyone’s able to have their own rooms—save for Will and Benny, but Benny usually splits his time up between staying there and staying at the frat house—and they never let it get too crazy. Parties are always held at Benny’s frat house, which helps to keep their own home in shape. If it’s just the six of them, they’ll keep the party to themselves, but otherwise their home is like a sacred space just for their little family. Frankie wouldn’t have it any other way.

Just as Frankie’s about to turn the engine off, Luciana stops him, keeping his hand from touching the keys as she shakes her head. “Let’s eat in here,” she suggests, already starting to reach back for the pizza. “I’m really feeling these songs right now.”

“I can turn the radio on in the house,” Frankie reminds her, gesturing with his thumb to the house behind him.

“Yeah, but there’s something about it coming through the truck speakers.” Luciana sets the pizza box down onto the center console, opening it and taking a slice for herself. “It just really hits deep.”

Frankie snorts, also taking a slice and folding it in half. “Alright, but if you get grease stains on my seats, I’ll have no choice but to fucking kill you.”

“You got it, ‘dad,’” Luciana jokes, and Frankie shakes his head as she lets out a laugh. They continue to eat and bop along to the songs that play, mostly accompanied by Luciana’s random commentary on the selections. “Have you ever thought about how fuckin’ creepy this song is?” she reflects when The Police’s “Every Breath You Take” starts playing. “Like, it’s a love song, but he’s basically like ‘I’m always watching you.’ That shit is terrifying.”

“What, you wouldn’t find it romantic if someone was watching you all the time?” Frankie teases her while he moves onto his third piece of pizza, pleased to find that he still hasn’t gotten a grease stain on his jeans yet.

“Hell no!” Luciana lets out a cut laugh, shaking her head as she also goes for her third slice.

“Okay, fair.” Frankie pauses to bite off a piece and chew it up, contemplating his next few words as he does so. “Then, what would you consider romantic?”

“Jesus, there’s like… so many things.” Luciana’s gaze drifts to the roof of the car as she thinks, chewing on her food as she does so. Frankie waits curiously for her response, continuing to eat as he watches her think. “I mean, for starters, you can never go wrong with pulling the gentleman card. You know, like opening doors and pulling out chairs.”

“That’s not cheesy?”

“No! If anything, the fact that it’s going out of style is so depressing to me.” Luciana clicks her tongue and shakes her head, and Frankie can tell by the way she’s narrowed her eyes that she’s thinking again. “Honestly, the most important thing is just knowing what she likes. You gotta make sure you’re playing her favorite songs and bringing her to her favorite places—without her having to tell you ahead of time. Picking up on those hints along the way is so important.”

“Noted.” Frankie finishes off his third piece after he speaks, watching as Luciana raises an eyebrow at him.

“Plan on being romantic anytime soon, Morales?”

Frankie scoffs, shaking his head as he reaches for his last slice. “No, not likely. But it’s good to know.” He shovels a bite into his mouth, hoping it’ll keep him from having to speak again. Frankie soon realizes he’s unsuccessful, as Luciana’s head has now tilted in a curious manner at him. He releases a sigh, waiting until he finishes chewing to go on. “Maybe, one day, I’ll be able to take someone up to the sky with me. Show them the clouds. Catch a star for them.” Frankie shrugs. “Just—y’know—that’s probably not something I’ll have soon.”

Luciana smiles a bit, but Frankie easily sees a hint of darkness in her gaze. “That’s sweet, Frankie. But why don’t you think you can have it soon?”

Frankie’s breath catches in his throat. Why does he think he can’t have it soon? Because he’s not ready to let his heart be taken? Because he’s so guarded that only five other people know his true heart, but still don’t even know all of it? Because he’s denying himself a painful truth? Frankie doesn’t have a fucking clue. But Luciana’s still waiting for an answer, her dark gaze glittering as she waits to take her last slice into her mouth. “Not enough time, I guess. And how can I show someone the sky when I don’t even have my piloting license yet?”

“Fair point,” Luciana agrees, finally digging into her pizza. Frankie holds back a sigh of relief, continuing with his slice as well. They finish off their servings in comfortable silence, letting the sounds of classic rock lull them into a rhythmic state of conscious slumber. Frankie’s thoughts solely drift to the words of the singers, and he pictures himself hearing the songs play as he returns home from piloting school—his mother singing along with them as he shows her his license. She would smile at him in that endearing way she always used to and playfully ask if they can play Journey on their way up when she finally gets to fly with him. I want some Journey on our first journey!, she always used to joke with Frankie. Now, he just tries not to listen to Journey at all.

His trance is broken when Luciana suddenly lets out a gasp, and Frankie feels alert for a moment until he realizes that a new song’s come on the radio. He tunes his ears in and hears the beginning instrumental of Foreigner’s “Waiting For a Girl Like You”—a guilty pleasure song of his that he’s not willing to reveal to anyone else. But it must be Luciana’s, too, because she’s looking at Frankie with excitement in her dark gaze. “This… this is my fuckin’ song,” Luciana tells him, clearing her throat as the lyrics soon come in.

“Of all songs, you chose one of classic rock’s cheesiest?” Frankie jokes.

Luciana places a hand on her chest, pretending to be hurt. “It’s not cheesy. It’s romantic. And it’s an absolute classic.”

Frankie raises his hands in fake surrender. “Alright, Luce, you got me there. Go ahead, freak out.”

Luciana narrows her eyes at him, laughing it off as she starts to let herself jam along. “Maybe I’m wrong, won’t you tell me if I’m comin’ on too strong?”

“This heart of mine has been hurt before, this time I wanna be sure…” Frankie murmurs the words under his breath, hoping Luciana won’t hear it over her own singing. He would never hear the end of it.

“I’ve been waiting!... for a girl like you, to come into my life.” Luciana sings the words unashamedly, closing her eyes as she spreads her arms wide. Frankie chuckles lightly—more in admiration of her free spirit than in amusement. Luciana finishes the chorus and shakes her head, looking at Frankie with a raised brow. “I’m telling you. A fuckin’ classic.”

“Hey, I believe you,” Frankie retorts, chuckling as he releases a sigh. He looks around, seeing the dark street around them. “I think we’ve overstayed our welcome in this truck. She’s gonna be begging for mercy if we don’t go inside soon.”

“Shit, I didn’t even think about that,” Luciana confesses, reaching for the empty pizza box. “I’m sorry, Frankie.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Frankie assures her. “It was worth it.”

Luciana simply smiles in response, setting Frankie’s chest ablaze yet again as they walk inside the house together. They remain silent as they settle in, soon heading upstairs to their respective bedrooms. Before they part, Luciana stops Frankie for a moment, her hand reaching for his arm. Frankie faces her with his brow raised. “Thank you, Frankie,” she says softly, her dark gaze looking straight into his. “For always being there for me—and getting some damn good pizza with some hella’ good tunes.”

Frankie chuckles softly, shaking his head at her. “You don’t have to thank me, Luci. I enjoy it just as much.”

Luciana widens her smile, bidding Frankie goodnight before she disappears into her room. Frankie bites back his own, entering his room and preparing for bed. He flops down onto it with a sigh, hating the way his mind feels cloudier than usual. He’s being swept by a feeling he’s had before—but it’s starting to almost overpower him now. Frankie’s afraid he won’t be able to ignore it anymore.

The lyrics to the song are stuck in his head. It’s a torturous reminder of himself and his own heart—and that’s why he’s annoyed when the lyrics run through his mind. It feels so right, so warm and true, the words taunt him. I need to know if you feel it too. Does he, though? Because Frankie’s pretty damn certain he’s content with ignoring every feeling he has. He’s been doing it ever since his mother passed—and he’s pretty sure he can keep doing it.

But then he thinks on that chorus: I’ve been waiting for a girl like you to come into my life. And Frankie can’t help wondering if that’s exactly what’s happening. As he hides himself underneath his covers to sleep, he hears distant thunder rumble outside, and he smiles for the fact Luciana will get her pluviophile moment—even if she’s asleep.

next part: chapter 2: cold front

thunder tag list: @youhavereachedtheendofpie​ @charmantbarnes​ @theindiealto​ @fangirl-and-stuff​ @phoenixhalliwell​ @maybege​ @amarvelousmandalorian​ @seawhisperer​ @mrsparknuts​ @saltywintersoldat​ @softpedropascal​ @i-hide-inside-my-head​ @sunshinepascal​

Frankie never imagined he could have a life so full of sweet torture.

The weeks following graduation and the beginning of his and Luciana’s romantic relationship were full of nothing but close calls, stolen kisses, and lots of secret dates. Frankie came to realize how much more beautiful the view of the stars was from the roof when the silhouette of Luciana on top of him contrasted against them, and Luciana came to appreciate the fact that Frankie’s truck had a continuous seat that allowed for her to be laid back completely against it in the heat of any moment. The day they snuck off to the dive and were caught sharing shakes with their hands folded together over the table, Frankie thought Marlena was going to have a heart attack.

“Are my contacts messed up, or am I seeing this right?” she’d asked when she came over to the table, nearly spilling the drinks in her shock.

Frankie and Luciana had both laughed with pink cheeks. “No, your vision’s alright,” Frankie had assured her, giving his confidante a warm smile that only grew once he met Luciana’s gaze again. He’d also given her hand a squeeze that caused a bright light to flicker in her dark eyes.

“But it’s, you know…” Luciana had trailed off and used her free hand to place a finger over her lips, informing Marlena that things were being kept low-key. She’d nodded in understanding and flashed the couple a wink, simply setting down the drinks and smiling before she’d left them alone again.

But the honeymoon phase is now quickly coming to a close. Frankie can sense it when he and Luciana are alone, a tension growing between them that’s full of unspoken desperation. Frankie’s due to leave for training as a pilot with the Delta Force in a week, which means months upon months of never getting to see Luciana. In the meantime, she’ll be starting a temp job to save up for opening her own business someday. The reality of life is harsh and unrelenting, leaving the couple uncertain as to how they’ll maintain the beautiful relationship they’ve started to nurture and have yearned much too long for.

This doesn’t include how exhausting it is to keep everything a secret. Thankfully, the boys haven’t suspected a thing—even Santiago, which is the biggest relief—but Frankie and Luciana being trapped in the same house with rooms just down the hall from each other has been so torturous that Frankie finds himself tossing and turning more often at night than he’d like, dreaming of the moment when they can be together in all the ways they want to.

Going on a weekend trip with everyone only makes Frankie dread this feeling more.

The group decided to venture on the true last hoorah before they all would leave for the Delta Force, renting out a large space for the weekend at the local lake. The plot of land included a two-story main house with enough room for everyone, but also a guesthouse that followed down a trail into the nearby woods. The boys figured it could be of use in case Will and Benny threatened to kill each other—though Frankie had other thoughts for it. But even he knew he wouldn’t risk it while being so close to the guys and Santiago.

Frankie thinks of this while he looks upon the site from the house’s back porch, letting out a soft breath as his forearms lean against the wooden railing. From here, he can see that trail leading into the woods, along with the lake that spreads out wide ahead of him. A gentle breeze tugs at the curls of hair around his ears and on the back of his neck, and he readjusts his hat in hopes of refocusing himself. He knows the day ahead will be full of good quality time with the group, which—though it makes him extremely happy—also means he’ll have to act as normal as possible around his girlfriend. Frankie wouldn’t be so worried if swimming wasn’t on the list.

The simple thought of seeing Luciana in a bathing suit was enough to make him want to spiral out of control.

Frankie blinks a few times and gives his head a shake, standing back up from where he’s been leaning as he hears footsteps behind him. He sees Will carrying a cooler and pausing to look at Frankie with a gesture of his hand towards a similar-looking one off to the side. “Hey Fish, mind bringing that one down with you to the dock?” Will asks. Frankie nods without hesitation, grateful for the distraction as he picks up the cooler loaded with drinks and follows Will down the stone-filled path to the dock. Thankfully, Frankie’s already fit himself in his essentials for a day spent down by the lake, one of his usual t-shirts paired simply with his swim shorts as his sunglasses help his hat in shielding his eyes from the sun.

Down at the dock, there’s a few Adirondack-style chairs along with a table. There’s a part of the dock that extends further into the lake, making it ideal for anyone crazy enough to jump off it. Frankie smiles a bit at the sight, always having been a fan of lakesides and the fun that comes with it. It’s slightly nostalgic, since he fondly remembers him and his parents traveling up to a lakehouse his uncle had owned, but it only makes him happier to be sharing this weekend with his newer family.

Frankie puts the cooler down next to where Will’s dropped his by the table. When Will already helps himself to a beer from inside, he offers one up to Frankie, who doesn’t decline as he settles into one of the chairs and takes a sip. He thinks, as he looks out at the lake and draws another sip from his bottle, that he might just be able to clear his mind and relax. But then the rest of the group joins them, arriving in a four-person clump that Frankie tries to resist staring at. Once they come into sight, though, he’s temporarily relieved of the view that could give something away, as Luciana’s hidden it within one of her favorite large t-shirts. Still, he takes another sip of his beer to hide anything he might be displaying unknowingly on his expression, trying to ignore the way he can practically feel Luciana’s gaze burning through him.

“Damn, it’s hot out here,” Benny comments, already sliding off his t-shirt and looking as if he’s about to jump headfirst into the water.

“Hold on, hot shit,” Luciana stops him, chuckling a bit as she presses a hand against his chest. She takes a bottle of sunscreen out of the bag that hangs from her shoulder. “Safety first.”

Benny sighs, taking the bottle from Luciana while trying hard to hide a smile. “Alright, alright.” He laughs to himself as he starts to apply it. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d think it was Fish trying to parent me, not you.”

Luciana shrugs, looking over at Frankie with a sly smile. “Maybe I’ve picked up a few things.”

“Jesus,” Santiago mutters playfully. “We need to stop letting you two spend so much time together. We can’t have two parents around here.”

Frankie chuckles nervously and tips his hat, hoping he can hide his face for a moment as he looks down at the beer resting against his thigh. “It’ll make you safer,” Luciana insists. “All of you. You’re too chaotic for your own goods.”

“And we’ve made it this far, haven’t we?” Benny jokes as he finishes with the sunscreen, tossing it back to Luciana who’s since placed her bag down by another one of the chairs. She catches it swiftly, resting it on the arm of the chair as she shakes her head with a soft laugh. Frankie looks back up at her and feels thankful for the sunglasses that hide his admiring gaze. He can’t stop studying the way her brown eyes sparkle into a golden color in the sun’s lighting, the freckles on her cheeks that he adores so much becoming as prominent as ever. Her dark, wavy hair falls around her shoulders and flows gently with the wind. It looks so soft and Frankie knows it feels even softer. He wishes for nothing more than to run his fingers through it like he loves to.

Frankie can’t believe she’s his—but he also can’t believe that he doesn’t even get to show it.

He thinks he can deal with it at the moment, though he knows that’s bound to change very soon. As the boys prepare themselves to join Benny in the lake, they take their rounds with the sunscreen, but Frankie remains glued to his chair and sips his beer. He watches more closely when Santiago becomes the next one to possess it, reaching everywhere he can before turning to his sister. “Luci,” he calls for her, shaking the bottle in his hand once he catches her attention. “Can you get my back?”

“Yeah,” Luciana agrees, walking over to her brother and taking the bottle from him. Frankie’s distracted for a moment as he hears a splashing sound from further down the dock, and he watches as the two brothers dive in followed by Tom. Frankie tuts to himself, knowing they hadn’t let their sunscreen soak in for nearly half the time they’re supposed to.

“What about you, Fish?” Benny calls to him from the water.

Frankie shakes his head and holds up his bottle. “Can’t let this get warm!” Frankie exclaims back to him. “Plus, I gotta soak in the sun some more. I’m not hot enough yet.”

“It’s like fuckin’ ninety degrees out here!” Benny retorts. “That’s not hot enough for you?” Frankie laughs and simply shrugs in response.

“Relax, Benny,” Will scolds his brother. “He’s Cat-fish. He’ll come in on his own time.”

Frankie lifts his beer to his lips again. “Roger that,” he calls out to them, finally easing Benny for the moment.

His attention draws back to his girlfriend when he hears her brother go on. “Let me help you,” Santiago’s saying, and Frankie looks back to them just in time to see Luciana nod. She crosses her arms to grab the hem of her t-shirt with both hands at once, pulling it over her head in one swift movement. She’s wearing a two-piece suit that’s salmon-colored—which contrasts perfectly with her tanned skin—and is styled with a classic string top and cheeky bottoms. It’s displaying those same assets Frankie had gotten to see that night at the bar, but so much more of them.

Frankie swallows hard. Damn.

It’s not like he hasn’t seen Luciana in a swimsuit before; it’s just different now that Frankie’s with her, knowing that in any other circumstance, he could have the honor of running his hands or even his lips over every curve he’s seeing. Frankie had always wanted to respect her before, and he still does—but now that he has the knowledge of Luciana particularly liking when his gaze admires her in such a way, Frankie’s not afraid to do so anymore.

At least, whenever her brother isn’t watching over her like a goddamn hawk.

Frankie makes himself look away while Santiago applies the sunscreen to his sister’s back, not really wanting to witness the sight and knowing he’ll just wish he could’ve done it himself. He finishes off the rest of his beer but pretends there’s still some in it for the sake of avoiding jumping into the lake just yet. He only looks away from his bottle when he hears Santiago running to jump off the dock—also seeming to forget that his sunscreen’s freshly applied—and sees Luciana finishing the rest just a few steps away from his chair.

Frankie’s gaze studies each movement of her hand upon her skin, rubbing at her arms, and then her legs, and then her stomach, and then her neck and chest. He watches as her fingers take their time rubbing it in, making sure it gets into every necessary nook of her collarbones and then closer to her cleavage. His fingers subconsciously grip the edge of the chair’s arm tighter. Frankie sees her gaze meet his as it flickers with amusement and shared desire.

“Something wrong, Flyboy?” Luciana prompts, making a point to slowly run her fingers back up from the middle of her chest to her neck.

Frankie clenches his jaw before he releases a curt sigh. “Nope,” he answers, clearing his throat as he catches the singular drop of beer that’s left in his bottle. “Everything’s fine over here.”

“Looks like it.”

Frankie watches Luciana’s gaze observe him quickly yet pleasantly, and he shakes his head with a playful roll of his eyes. He looks to the water to see the boys thoroughly distracted with trying to dunk each other under the water and see who can last the longest, and so he drops his voice low as he speaks to her again. “You know, you’re not making this any easier.”

Luciana shrugs nonchalantly, tossing the sunscreen bottle between her hands as she stares him down. “Maybe I’m not trying to.” She smiles slyly as Frankie’s fingers grip the arm of the chair again, both in nervousness and in frustration. He knows that if she acts up any more than this, he’ll break. “Need some help with your sunscreen?” She shakes the bottle at him.

Frankie knows this is a bad idea. He knows that the moment he feels her hands on him, he could absolutely lose his cool—but he also knows that he’s always been a calm man, and he can maintain that if he fights hard enough. He won’t let Luciana win this little game of hers. So, he nods, standing up and setting his hat and sunglasses on the chair as his shirt joins them next. When he faces Luciana again, he sees her eyeing him with her teeth grazing her lower lip. He nearly growls and pulls her to him on the spot, but once again, he reminds himself to have self-control. She meets his gaze and continues to attempt biting back a smile.

“What a hottie,” Luciana comments playfully yet truthfully, walking around him to work on his back. Her voice comes from next to his ear when she continues. “Whoever gets to date you must be pretty damn lucky.”

“Yeah, she is,” Frankie remarks, attempting to keep a smirk off his face as he now faces the boys who are still playing further off in the water. When he feels Luciana’s hands on him, he can tell she’s moving them in a manner that’s unnecessary to the actual application of the sunscreen, and he grits his teeth before he adds something else. “And she’s about to get me in trouble.”

A light scoff comes from behind him. “Trouble?” Luciana’s hand that’s been rubbing into his shoulder quickly drifts off to give his upper arm a squeeze. “I think she likes trouble.”

Frankie swallows hard, attempting to compose himself until she’s finished her work. Once he’s sure that she’s done, he allows himself to get out a proper response. “Good—because now she’s about to get herself into trouble.” He turns around to face Luciana, seeing her staring up at him with a darkened gaze and a raised eyebrow.

“How so?” Her voice is soft as velvet and it makes Frankie wish more than anything that he could just whisk her away.

Instead, he takes the bottle from her hands and tosses it near her bag, grinning when he sees her shocked expression. “You’ll see.” He throws his arm around her waist to hoist her body over his shoulder, laughing as he hears her gasp in shock. She lets out a laugh with him once he starts to walk further down the dock, and her hands lightly beat against his back.

“Frankie! You asshole!” Luciana continues to laugh in sync with Frankie. “Put me down!”

Frankie doesn’t say anything as he walks closer and closer to the edge of the dock. “I thought you said you liked trouble.”

“Morales, I swear to God, if you’re throwing me in the water—.”

“You were being bad, García.” Frankie keeps his voice low enough for only them to hear, despite the fact that the boys are closer now—though still not in hearing range. “And you know what happens to girls when they haven’t been good?” Frankie moves his hands to grip both sides of her bare waist. “They get punished.”

Frankie gives the skin there a subtle squeeze that causes a breathless gasp to fall from Luciana’s lips, especially as he lifts her from his shoulder and tosses her off the dock in front of them. She disappears under the water a moment later, and Frankie laughs when the cheers of the boys ring out upon the sight. As soon as she surfaces, Frankie jumps in right beside her, hoping to catch her off guard with the larger splash as he surfaces with more laughter.

“That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Frankie asks her when he catches his breath.

“Motherfucker!” Luciana curses, splashing Frankie with some of the lakewater despite the laughter that falls from her lips. She swims closer to him and lowers her voice so that she’s sure he’s the only one who hears the words she says next. “Say anything like that again, and I swear I’ll jump your bones right here, Morales.”

Frankie raises an eyebrow at her. “Is that a challenge?”

Luciana smirks at him. “It’s a promise.”

Frankie gives her a nod. “In that case, I’ll hold you to your word, ma’am.”

Luciana smiles and shakes her head before they both swim over to where the boys are still fooling around.

The group then continues to swim until they’ve exhausted themselves, engaging in random games of making the biggest splashes from the dock and intense chicken fights along the way. It’s dinnertime when the group finally hikes back up to the lakehouse, and after taking the time to wash themselves up, they have a cookout and eat upon paper plates at the table on the porch. The sun starts to set while they eat, not sinking too low at all but just enough to make the sky glow with stunning colors. They follow up dinner with a campfire and s’mores, but end up getting sent inside when a rumble of thunder sounds in the distance. They make it inside just in time when it starts to pour, finishing off the night with card games and beer before their exhaustion starts to get the best of them. Everyone heads to bed and decides to call it a night.

Except for Frankie. He’s in his room, sitting on the edge of his bed restlessly—his thoughts laying with the woman whose own room is right down the hall.

He keeps replaying the scene from today over and over in his head. Being around Luciana for so long today, watching her laugh and admiring her various looks and seeing the warmth and love she holds for him in her eyes without being able to say anything or touch her or kiss her drove him absolutely insane. Now, all he can think about is having that opportunity back. He fantasizes about his fingers gliding over her smooth, tanned skin, his lips following them as he proves just how much she means to him.

They haven’t gotten to engage in an activity like that just yet. Frankie’s always put a stop to it whenever they’ve come close. He knows that once they cross that line, it’s truly over for them—they’ll be completely tied to one another, and while that’s all Frankie could ever want, he’s afraid on her behalf. He doesn’t want to share something so beautiful with her and then abandon her a few days later. Frankie would never want to break her heart like that. At the same time, he’s yearning so badly for it that he’s not sure he can handle holding himself back anymore. But he doesn’t want it to happen somewhere quick and uncomfortable, like in his truck on one of their secretive dates. Frankie wants it to be on their own time with their own terms, where he can fully gaze upon her and she on him as they fully reveal just how deep their love goes.

Luciana must be thinking all the same things, because a few moments later, he hears his door open slowly. Frankie meets Luciana’s brown gaze that somehow glitters even in the darkness of the room. She looks to be just as restless as himself.

“Frankie,” Luciana whispers, keeping her voice extremely hushed in fear of waking anyone else up. She gestures with her head to the hallway. “Let’s go.”

Frankie furrows his brow. “Go?” he echoes her. “Where?”

Luciana points with her hand to the window beside Frankie’s bed. “The guesthouse.”

Frankie looks out the window and notices that it’s still storming—badly. He turns back to her with slight concern. “Luci, it’s pouring, and it’s a far walk. And what if someone wakes up?”

Luciana shakes her head. “No one will hear us above the storm.” As if on cue, a loud roll of thunder sounds, proving her point about the volume. “Plus, I’m sure there’s an umbrella somewhere around here.”

Frankie sighs, knowing this is his one opportunity to finally be alone with his girlfriend and maybe even get to talk over everything that’s on his mind. He gives in with a nod, slipping on the nearest pair of shoes and quietly following her out of his room. He closes it behind him in hopes of the boys thinking he’s still in there. Together, they tiptoe past the other bedrooms and down the stairs, relieved to go near the front door and spot a ceramic bucket full of umbrellas. Frankie takes one and readies it, letting Luciana open the door as he unfolds it and holds her close to him underneath it. They close the door behind him and try to hold in their chuckles as they hurry through the rain, following the path down to the guesthouse without causing a lot of noise.

Soon, they’re pushing into the front door of the guesthouse, releasing their laughs there as Frankie folds up the umbrella and closes the door behind them. He rests the now-soaked umbrella against the wall, taking a quick glance over the house. It has a log-cabin feel, fully furnished with a couch, tables, decorations, and a separate bedroom. There’s not much else Frankie’s able to observe before he feels Luciana’s hands on his face, desperately pulling it towards her as her mouth practically devours his own. Frankie returns her kiss with just as much passion, his hands gliding down to her waist and pulling her tight against him. They don’t dare to separate until they’re out of air, breathing in the same space as they pull apart yet remain close. Luciana’s gaze searches Frankie’s with nothing but sheer affection and desire.

“You have no idea how long I’ve been waiting to do that,” Luciana confesses, pressing another kiss upon his lips and pulling away to brush her nose against his.

Frankie hums in agreement. “You were making it real fuckin’ difficult to keep my hands off you,” he informs her, seeing her smirk before he hides his face in her neck. He places a series of open-mouthed kisses there that leave Luciana sighing with pleasure, hands burying into his thick hair as he licks and sucks at all the right spots. “Wearing that pretty little suit of yours…” Frankie trails off to tend more to one of her sweet spots, smiling against her heated skin when he draws a soft moan out from her, “... flaunting that beautiful body that drives me crazy. You knew what you were doing.” Frankie continues his work on her neck until he’s on the brink of leaving a mark, knowing it’s too risky to go through with it as badly as he wants to.

When Frankie rises back up to meet her face again, he receives a series of kisses along his jaw, making him swallow hard as Luciana begins to respond. “I would’ve let you take me right then and there, Frankie.” Her words ghost softly over the skin of his face, and Frankie never breaks his gaze with her as she faces him seriously. “I still would.” Luciana’s tone is gentle, as if she’s afraid that something louder will break the precious moment they’re in. She searches his gaze for a moment, and Frankie feels his chest tighten in anticipation as she goes on. “Frankie, is that something you’re okay with, or is there a reason you’ve been stopping whenever we’ve come close?”

Frankie releases a soft sigh, brushing a hand over the side of Luciana’s face continuously as he answers her. “I’d love that more than anything, Luce.” His tone matches her, hushed as if someone could overhear it. “I just… I was worried because, y’know, I’m leaving soon, and I didn’t want to make you feel as if I was just using you for a quick fuck before I went.”

Luciana’s brow furrows immediately as she holds his face between her hands. “I know you’d never do that, Frankie. Don’t worry.” She kisses him quickly, pressing her forehead against his afterwards. “I know that this is real. That’s why…” Luciana pauses, and Frankie feels one of her hands travel from his face down his chest and closer to his waistband, “... I want to do this. I want to be able to fully express it—with you. I want to feel this connection and hold on to the memory of it while you’re gone.” Her hand continues to go lower as her lips press against his ear. “I can’t hold back anymore. I need you, Frankie Morales.”

Frankie lets out a shaky breath at her words, wondering how he could’ve possibly been honored with being the man who gets to hear them uttered from her lips. Once her hand hooks on his waistband, Frankie grabs her wrist to stop her, pulling her mouth to his in a heated kiss. Luciana’s hands start digging into his hair and over his back while his drift over her ass, giving it a light squeeze just to feel her moan against him. He wastes no time picking her up so that she wraps her legs around his waist, easily navigating them to the bedroom he’d seen before. Though there’s no one else around, Frankie still closes the door behind them, letting only the pale moonlight hidden behind storm clouds light the room as he sets her back down against the bed. Luciana pulls his body against hers by grabbing the material of his shirt in her fists, instantly tugging at it to try to get it off. That becomes the first thing to go, and the next few minutes are a blur of things getting thrown around and kisses being left on lips, jaws, necks, and whatever else can be reached in the heat of the moment.

Once they’re skin-on-skin, Frankie feels the fire in him blazing brighter than ever before, the warmth spreading from his stomach to his chest as his heart thuds against the skin there. He practically loses his breath when Luciana rolls them over so that she’s straddling him, separating her face from his to take a look at his body. Frankie’s thankful for the darkness of the room as his cheeks redden in sudden embarrassment and insecurity. For a quick moment, he starts to wonder if she’s regretting this, regretting him. His mouth goes dry, and the longer Luciana stays silent with her gaze and fingertips brushing over his body, the more nervous he becomes. All he can hear is the soft panting of their breath and the rain that pours over the house.

“Frankie,” Luciana finally speaks, her tone breathless and thick with genuine emotion. She pauses to look in his eyes again, and even in the darkness of the room, Frankie can read her look perfectly. He sees all the admiration, love, and deep desire she has for him—and it melts his heart. Luciana’s hand brushes over his cheek as she smiles at him. “You’re so handsome. I’ve always thought that, but now that I really get to see it… I just can’t believe it. I’m so lucky.”

Frankie feels speechless for a moment, unable to believe that such an ethereal creature as Luciana would ever say something like that about him. He swallows hard, hands grabbing her waist as he flips them over again so that he’s hovering over her. Frankie’s hands trace over her curves, forming to them as if he’s known them forever. He bites back a smile at the sigh it draws from her lips. “You… You’re a masterpiece,” Frankie confesses honestly, his gaze meeting hers and drowning it with pure affection. “I noticed that from the day I met you. I always—well, I always thought you’d end up with someone who’s just as perfect as you are.”

Luciana reaches for one of Frankie’s hands, leaving a kiss on his palm. “I did.”

Frankie’s heart warms just as much as his stomach, now, and he can’t help smiling before he presses his lips to hers in another heated yet passionate kiss. Their hands can’t stop exploring each other and neither one of them could ever complain about it. They’re taking in each other’s forms, memorizing them, wanting to grab at them and feel them while they can—before it’s too late, when they’ll have to try to imagine them.

After a few moments of exploration, Frankie lets one of his hands go lower, hesitating to wordlessly ask for permission. Luciana’s hand pushes his further, and that becomes Frankie’s cue to go ahead with it. Frankie works her body like he’s always known it, hitting all the right spots that have her gasping and moaning and pleading into the heated skin of his neck. He can tell, though, that she’s trying to hold these sounds back—and that’s something he won’t have.

“Let it out,” Frankie murmurs into his ear, using his free hand to lift her face from his neck. “Let me hear you.” With his words, Frankie adds a new pressure that draws a soft cry from her lips, and he smirks pleasantly at the sound of it. “There you go, baby girl, that’s it. It’s just us out here. Be as loud as you can.”

And Luciana takes him up on that. That fire within Frankie continues to grow more and more as she pleads his name and writhes beneath his touch, and he realizes that even without his own contact—just by making the woman he loves feel so pleasured—he’s feeling something he never has before. He continually mumbles praises when she reaches her first high, stroking her cheek with his free hand as he does so. Her hands grip onto him for dear life and Frankie wouldn’t exchange her touch for anything. Frankie can tell she wants to return the favor for him somehow, but he shakes his head.

“Another time,” Frankie insists, his words breathless as he finds himself unable to wait any longer than he already has to feel her. “Right now, I need you.”

Luciana’s gaze sparkles up at him, and she nods as she brushes an admiring hand over his cheek. “Please, Frankie—,” she pauses as she pulls his lips to his, leaving a quick yet passionate kiss there, “—make love to me.”

Frankie doesn’t need anymore convincing. He entwines one of his hands with hers and keeps the other tight on her waist, pressing his forehead against her own as they finally start to make the connection that brings their love to a physical manifestation. As Frankie slowly eases into his first move, he draws a long, pleasured whimper from Luciana’s lips, causing him to hum as he presses a kiss upon the tip of her nose. “It’s alright, Luce,” Frankie whispers to her, his voice soft even as he grits his teeth to try to keep his own grunt hidden. “You’re alright. Just feel me—feel us.”

“I do,” Luciana breathes, her eyelids fluttering as she stares up at him. “I fucking feel you, Frankie.”

Frankie lets out a light chuckle that’s cut off by his own hiss when he moves again. He earns a similar sound from Luciana, only fueling him further as he moves in a steadier rhythm. Frankie squeezes her hand as they go on, his other hand steadying her as they continue moving together. It’s a feeling so heavenly yet so natural, as if they were made to be together like this. Frankie feels more confident than he ever has before and he swears he’s never felt so complete. His mind, his heart, and his body are all finally finding their matches in a single person, someone whose heart seems to beat to the same rhythm as his own. These thoughts hit Frankie all at once and he’s surprised he’s even able to conceive of them as his body rejoices in what he’s experiencing.

It’s when Frankie hears Luciana’s voice call for him that he finds himself losing any self-control he’d maintained before. “Frankie,” she pleads, as if asking for more. He doesn’t hesitate to give it to her—after all, he’d give her the world if he could.

As he complies with her request, Frankie speaks to her, having to swallow back any other sounds as he absorbs hers. “I love the way you say my name,” Frankie tells her behind gritted teeth, though his voice is full of nothing but admiration. “I love the way you sound. I love—,” Frankie cuts himself off with a groan that he releases into her neck, “—fuck, I love the way you feel. I love you. Shit, I love you so much, Luciana.”

Frankie has to stop himself because he’s coming too dangerously close to that point they can’t return from and there’s no more coherence left for either one of them. He earns a returned proclamation of love from Luciana along with his name when her moment comes, perfectly in time with a roll of thunder from outside as a flash of lightning shows Frankie a quick sight of them joining together, finally becoming one not just in mind and heart but also in body. It’s enough to bring him to a place he’s never gone before, a feeling higher than he could ever go in one of his planes or helicopters, and he swears he’s finally been able to take a star as he lets go and starts to relax in time with the love of his life.

They remain where they are for a few moments as their chests heave in the same, simultaneous rhythm, gazes never separating as they wordlessly appreciate everything they’ve just experienced. Frankie swears that Luciana’s eyes start to tear up, but he isn’t sure if it’s from pain or pleasure. He hopes that it’s the latter and that it’ll dissipate with time—but just in case, he lavishes her face with breathless and air-light kisses, hoping to earn a smile from her as he silently praises her for how she’d taken him.

Once they’ve recovered, Frankie lets himself rest beside her, burying them in the sheets as he pulls her body to his. Their legs tangle together in a desperate need to maintain some kind of contact, and Frankie runs one hand continuously through Luciana’s hair as she buries her face in his neck. He tries not to feel nervous at her silence, hoping it’s just her absorbing the intimate moment they’ve just shared. Frankie swears he’s never felt so connected to another person in his life, and he knows he’d give anything to make sure he never loses it—never loses her.

Suddenly, Frankie hears Luciana heaving a large breath, and he realizes what’s happening. He pulls her away from him so that she’s facing him again, and his heart shatters in his chest when he sees tears falling down her cheeks. Frankie grimaces as he holds her face delicately in his hands, thumbs attempting to brush the tears away as he searches her gaze. “Hey, baby, don’t cry,” Frankie coos gently, resting his forehead against hers. “What is it?” He prays he didn’t hurt her. He knows he wouldn’t forgive himself for it.

Luciana looks as if she can’t speak for a moment, and it makes a pit grow in Frankie’s stomach. He’s rarely ever seen her cry and so he knows that it takes a lot for that to happen. When her lip only trembles more and her eyes cloud with more tears, Frankie’s heart nearly flies through his chest with panic. Her hands thread delicately through his hair as she swallows back a sob. “Don’t leave me, Frankie,” Luciana finally manages, her voice unrecognizably broken and desperate as her eyes finally fall closed. A cry breaks through, and Frankie feels his entire body practically go numb with heartbreak as he pulls her to him again. She hides her face in his chest as he coos sweet nothings into her ear, stroking her hair and willing himself not to have a similar reaction as he works to comfort her.

“Shh,” Frankie mumbles, lips brushing against the shell of her ear as he continues to comfort her. “It’ll be alright, Luci. Take a deep breath.” Frankie feels her chest rise and fall against his own, and he smiles slightly at her effort as he presses a kiss into her hair. “There you go, baby. Just relax. I’m here.” Frankie only relaxes himself once he feels Luciana do the same, and when he’s certain that she’s calmed back down, he pulls her away to rest his forehead against hers again. His thumb strokes over her cheek as he goes on. “I know it’s gonna be hard, Luci, but we can do this. Alright? Think about it. We’ve waited a long fuckin’ time just to get to this point. We can do it again.”

Frankie earns a small smile and giggle from Luciana at that, and he smiles wider himself as he presses a gentle kiss upon her lips. When they break apart, Luciana nods, placing her hand over the one Frankie still has on her cheek. “I know. I just…” she pauses, gripping his hand tight as she looks longingly into his eyes, “... I love you so much, Frankie. I don’t know what I’m gonna do without you.”

“You won’t be without me.” Frankie says the reassurance softly yet with confidence. “You’ll have these memories and the reassurance that I’ll be coming back to you later to finish this life and love of ours. And I wouldn’t be opposed to going old-school and getting some letters.”

Luciana chuckles. “I can write letters. I’ll address them to Flyboy.”

Frankie laughs, brushing his free hand through her hair as he keeps her close. “Perfect.” He then presses a kiss to her forehead. “Just like you.”

Luciana scoffs playfully and rolls her eyes. “How charming.” She presses another kiss to his lips. “By the way… I like it when you use ‘baby girl.’ Keep that habit up.”

Frankie smiles at her. “Noted.” He then invites her to relax into him again, leaving a kiss on her head once she’s nestled her head back into his neck. “Now rest, baby girl. Can’t let anybody know that we weren’t sleeping during these hours.”

Luciana giggles against the skin of his neck. “I’ve never had someone tire me out like this after just one round, Morales. Add that to your confidence checklist.” She presses a kiss to his neck when she hears him laugh in response. “Goodnight, babe. I love you.”

Frankie can’t help smiling yet again upon hearing the words, and he pulls her as close as possible as he closes his eyes in contentment. “I love you, too.”

In this moment, Frankie doesn’t give a damn who knows anymore. He would shout it to the whole world if he could. All he knows is that he’s found his other half in the woman who’s curled up into his side, and even though he’d tried to reassure her that everything would be okay, he knows his heart’s going to be ripped in half the moment he has to leave her.

next part: chapter 8: hail

thunder tag list: @youhavereachedtheendofpie @charmantbarnes @theindiealto @fangirl-and-stuff @phoenixhalliwell @maybege @housekenobi​ @seawhisperer @mrsparknuts @saltywintersoldat @softpedropascal @i-hide-inside-my-head @sunshinepascal @domino-oh-damn @thirsty-flygirl 

Frankie may not like parties, but he’s always game for a good night at their local bar. Mulligan’s has been the home of many of Frankie’s favorite memories—especially the wilder ones. Of course, he’s never the one at the center of the action. His memories come from his perspective standing at the bar or in a corner, laughing at either Benny or Santiago making an idiot of themselves. Many of those memories come along with Luciana’s laughter in the background, whether she’s standing next to him or joining in the fun. Luciana will let herself be a little looser at bars than at parties, and Frankie doesn’t mind. She never lets herself get out of control.

Luciana’s gone out with her friends outside of the group a few times before, but Frankie never usually caught her leaving or coming back. She’s confessed something about it to him before: she wears different clothing when she’s with the girls, because it’s a different kind of experience. With the guys, she’s not out to impress anybody. With the girls, anything’s fair game.

This has stuck in Frankie’s mind for a reason he refuses to acknowledge.

But now, he’s curious—because Luciana’s coming into the kitchen where everyone’s gathering, and she’s wearing something Frankie would consider to be in her “with the girls” wardrobe. She has a deep v-neck lavender-colored shirt on that hugs to her body and crops just above the waistband of the cut-off denim shorts that are much shorter than anything Frankie remembers seeing her in. He tries not to make his studying of her too obvious, but he can’t help it. He’s not judging—he’s admiring. It’s showing off things Frankie never paid much attention to before. It’s not helping with everything he’s trying to keep buried within.

So, why is she wearing it?

Frankie assumes that Luciana’s probably meeting up with her girl friends at the bar. He feels slightly disappointed at the thought of it, wishing they could stand together and make fun of their idiotic friends, but he also wants her to do whatever she wants to. Frankie wouldn’t hold her back. He could try to keep up with the not-as-drunk-but-still-shitfaced Tom and Will—or stand in the corner on his own. It wouldn’t be the first time in his life he’s done that, and it probably wouldn’t be the last.

“Frankie?” Luciana’s voice suddenly snaps Frankie out of his thoughts, and he blinks a few times before looking to the source. She’s standing a few steps away from him, waving her hand gently under the brim of his hat. “You awake? The night hasn’t even started yet.”

Frankie chuckles, tucking his thoughts away as he focuses on her amused yet concerned gaze. He makes an obvious point to look there and not anywhere else—specifically the assets she has on display. He wouldn’t want to disrespect her. “I’m—yeah, sorry,” Frankie manages to finally answer, watching as Luciana lifts a doubtful eyebrow. “Just thinkin’.”

“About what?” Luciana presses curiously. Her brow then furrows into further concern, and she looks around to make sure the boys are properly distracted before taking a step closer to Frankie. “Are you okay? Do you need to talk?”

Frankie gives her a reassuring smile, feeling a warmth in his chest at her eagerness to comfort him. “I’m alright, Luce,” he assures her softly. “It wasn’t anything bad. I just…” Frankie sighs, trying to find the right words to be honest with her, “… I was wondering if you were meeting up with your other friends.”

Luciana’s face relaxes, and she shakes her head at him as she steps away. “No, we weren’t planning on it. Why?”

Frankie hesitates, trying to think of an excuse quickly. “I—.”

“You’d really miss me that much, Flyboy?” Luciana chuckles, an amused twinkle sparkling in her eye. Frankie nearly breathes a sigh of relief.

“Don’t flatter yourself like that, Luci,” Frankie jokingly scoffs, earning a punch to the shoulder. “Maybe I was hoping I’d get some time away from you.”

“You fucking asshole,” Luciana curses, pushing him backwards a bit as she laughs. Frankie also laughs gently but keeps an eye out to make sure no one’s witnessing the exchange actively. He’s satisfied to see Tom, Will, and Benny lost in their own conversation. Thankfully, Santiago’s usually the last one to come downstairs—who knows how long it takes him to gel his hair just right and put on his four layers of cologne—and so he doesn’t have to worry about increasing his suspicions.

As if on cue, Santiago walks into the kitchen, and everyone grumbles with divine-directed gratitude as they start to file out the door. The bar is on the other side of the street from the dive, and so they all decide to walk there. It’s safer for everyone and it allows them to drink as much as they want. For Frankie, the latter incentive doesn’t factor, but he doesn’t mind the walking; it always calms him.

That is, until he realizes how humid it is. It’s been a little over a week since their last storm, and Frankie wonders if the spring’s about to bring them another one. He even has to undo an extra two buttons on his tropical-printed shirt to allow himself more room to breathe. Sweat has already started to coat everyone’s foreheads, but it remains ignored as the group makes casual conversation.

Once they get to Mulligan’s, the usual routine starts to run. Frankie holds on to his reliable bottle of lite beer while the others down shots to get started. Luciana even joins in with them, and Frankie has to hide his smile at the sight of her having fun with them. He also has to swallow back the way he feels upon seeing her take them so powerfully, as if they don’t affect her at all. She’s even tougher than her brother. Frankie likes tough.

He shakes his head, looking down into his bottle. Frankie has no idea what he’s looking for. Or at least, he wishes he didn’t.

Frankie only looks back up when he feels a hand on his shoulder, and he meets Luciana’s sparkling gaze right away. “You should take one, Frankie!” Luciana encourages him, raising her voice over the hum of the bar’s many guests and the music playing much louder than it probably should.

He laughs and gives his head a shake. “You know me, Luce,” he responds, also having to raise his voice. “That’s not my thing.”

“Just one!” Luciana pushes, giving him a small smile. “I won’t make you do it if you don’t want to, but if you do, you’d only have to do one!”

Frankie sighs softly, searching Luciana’s gaze for a moment. It’s full of such fun, excitement, and hope—hope that Frankie will at least try to take a part in all of that, too. He doesn’t want to let her down. Plus, it’s not like he’s never done a shot before. Maybe he could use a little change. “Alright,” Frankie finally agrees, causing Luciana to whoop in delight. “Hit me with it.”

Luciana leads him closer to where the boys are still going, and they give a loud cheer as Frankie approaches. He tries to keep the heat away from his cheeks, putting his beer bottle onto the bar as he accepts one of the shots that’s sitting there. Before he takes it, Frankie looks over at Luciana, throwing her a wink that he wishes was more confident as he throws his head back and lets the alcohol burn down his throat. He scrunches his nose upon identifying the liquor as tequila. He thought it would’ve been vodka.

“What a fuckin’ legend, Fish!” Benny hollers from behind him, grabbing him by the shoulders and giving his body a few shakes. Frankie laughs at his friend’s dramatic reaction, tipping his hat on his head as he reaches for his beer bottle again. “I bet you could do, like, ten of those in a minute.”

“I probably could,” Frankie agrees, placing his hand on Benny’s shoulder. “But then I’d be dead.”

Benny laughs—harder than he probably should, but Frankie knows his liquor’s already kicking in—and steps away from Frankie. “You’re hilarious, man.”

Frankie shrugs, taking a swig from his bottle as he stays on the outskirts of the group. He watches and rarely comments as they dare each other to drink more or try their luck with girls, witnessing as they slip further and further out of sobriety and start to gravitate towards the livelier part of the bar. Mulligan’s has a larger space left for dancing than most bars, which is part of the reason why the group loves it so much. Frankie’s never partaken in that. He hasn’t wanted to.

Frankie watches as his friends lose themselves in the crowd, some staying together while some split off and find some pretty thing to dance up on. That’s their way of relaxing, enjoying life, and de-stressing. Frankie has other ways, like watching his friends have fun and taking solitary walks. He can’t be as open as they are because he’s closed himself off. Frankie used to be funny and hyper. And then life caught up to him—it surpassed him.

He still hasn’t caught back up to it.

The only thing grounding him has been people like Santiago, Luciana, and the boys. His shell protects him from experiencing any further damage, but he lets them see underneath it. They understand it. They don’t try to peel it away. So, when Frankie stands here and watches his friends dance the night away like he might’ve had life been different, he doesn’t feel left out or sad. He feels… relieved. At peace. Happy that his friends won’t make him feel like he should be doing something he doesn’t want to.

But then Luciana gives his arm a tug, and he looks over to see her glancing up at him with that sparkle in her eyes—and he knows she’s about to ask him something out of the ordinary. It doesn’t anger him, though, or make him uncomfortable. He trusts her. “I love this song,” she tells him, and Frankie tunes in to hear “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC playing through the speakers. “Will you dance with me?”

Frankie’s eyes widen a bit. “Luce, I… you know I’m not—.”

“I’ll guide you,” Luciana insists. Frankie knows she’s more buzzed than usual—he can tell by the glossier texture of her eyes. But she’s still partially sober. She’s conscious of what she’s doing. And that makes him question things. “Don’t be scared.” Luciana reaches to ease Frankie’s nearly empty bottle onto the bar, taking his hand and gently pulling him in the direction of the dance floor.

“Luci, what about your brother?” Frankie starts to panic. “If he sees us, my ass is grass.” There’s a million other things going through his head right now, and he’s not sure what to do about it. His brain’s screaming at him to remove himself from this situation and think off on his own, but his heart’s telling him to enjoy this moment—like he might’ve used to.

“He’s absolutely hammered and completely invested in that blonde chick over there.” Luciana jerks her head on the opposite side of the dance floor, where Frankie observes Santiago practically falling onto the blonde who’s dancing on him. He lets out a sigh, looking back to see Luciana’s hopeful gaze.

“Alright. I’ll… uh, try.” Frankie often finds himself lacking confidence, but he’s never felt less confident about anything than he does about this. Dancing—with a girl, even if it’s one of his closest friends—is definitely not his strong point. Frankie can feel how stiff he is as he attempts to move in sync with Luciana, who’s easily able to move her body to the beat in ways that have him feeling a little dizzy. All she’s doing is standing right in front of him, and his heart’s beginning to race.

It doesn’t take long for Luciana to pick up on his rigidity, and she lets out a soft laugh as she places her hands on his shoulders. “Hey, it’s alright, Frankie,” she soothes, and Frankie can feel some of the tension roll off his shoulders at her touch. He nearly feels numb when her hands move to his hat, flipping it around on his head so that the brim’s backwards. She then places her hands on the sides of his face to pull his forehead to hers, forcing him to look into her faded yet lively brown gaze. “Relax. It’s just me—just us. Move with me.”

Frankie tries to keep himself from trembling at this odd yet comfortable moment of intimacy. He watches as Luciana releases Frankie’s face and lets them separate again. She turns around so that he’s facing her back, and she looks over her shoulder as she moves to the rhythm of the classic tune. Frankie attempts to mimic her in a masculine way, trying to drown out the rest of the crowd so that he’s only thinking of himself and Luciana. He doesn’t want to share this moment with anybody else, and if he starts thinking of the other people present, he’ll lose the tiny shred of confidence Luciana’s attempting to give him.

The rest of the bar truly disappears the moment Luciana brings herself closer to Frankie, eliminating the gap between them until she’s right up against him. With every movement, she’s brushing up against him, and Frankie’s sure now that it’s not just the exercise of the dancing that’s making his heart beat out of his chest. He doesn’t know what to do—where to look, how to act—and he feels frozen again. Luciana senses this, and Frankie hears her release another chuckle. She reaches over her shoulder with one arm to capture the side of his neck, bringing his ear to her lips as she reassures him. “It’s alright, Frankie.” Luciana pauses, using her free hand to take one of Frankie’s and gently ease it onto her waist. “You can touch me.”

Frankie swallows back his hesitance and does what she says. He lets his other hand meet her waist as well, and soon his grip on her becomes firmer. It feels natural to him. Frankie swelters in the heat of the moment as Luciana leaves her hand on his neck, her lips instead beginning to brush over the perspiring skin of his neck as they keep moving together. He never would’ve expected something like this to feel so right, as if that line between friendship and something more has been blurred for a lifetime. He never would’ve expected he’d be looking down at her like this, admiring the way she moves against his body. He never would’ve expected to be eyeing the way her shorts ride up and reveal more of the assets he’d tried to ignore before, or the view he has down her shirt from this angle.

But what Frankie truly never expected was the way she turns herself around so that her chest is pressed against his, unfastening one more of his buttons before she firmly brushes a hand over the skin there. She’s reciprocating. And that insecure part of Frankie wants to tell himself it’s because she’s had too much to drink or that those shots hit her harder than usual. But he knows that’s not true. He can look into her eyes and see that she’s still there, maybe not completely sober but still entirely aware of what’s happening. Frankie’s always thought she was beautiful—in a way he couldn’t match. He knew that one day, she’d fall into the arms of a man who was equally as attractive. Instead, out of all the people surrounding them at the bar, she’s chosen to dance with him, to give him all of her attention, to make him feel as if he’s the only person in her world.

He can’t process that. Frankie doesn’t make himself process it.

He absorbs the moment he’s in now, losing himself in her gaze as his hands draw her waist even closer to him. Frankie feels bolder now than he ever has before, and he clings to that shred of confidence Luciana’s actions have brought him. He even lets his touch fall a little lower, getting closer to the fringe of her cut-off shorts. Still, Frankie hesitates, wanting to make sure Luciana consents with everything he’s doing. Once he earns a small nod, he lets his hands fall farther, until the soft skin peeking out from under her shorts is brushing against his palms.

The temperature of the bar rises even more now, especially as Frankie hears Luciana release a pleasured sigh at the feeling of his hands against her. Her hands that have come around his neck give the hair peeking out from under his hat a tug, and Frankie tries to bite back a pleasant grunt as his grip on her tightens in response. Luciana draws herself even closer to him, her hands easing his head back down until her lips are brushing against his ear.

“Frankie,” Luciana’s soft voice begins, the tone balancing between something kind and something sensual. It drives Frankie crazy to hear her say his name in such a way. “Has anyone ever told you…” she pauses for a moment, sliding one of her hands onto the skin of his chest and rubbing over it, “…how sexy you are?”

Frankie almost chokes upon hearing the words, but instead he ends up releasing a growl as her one hand grips his hair yet again. He tightens his grasp on her ass in a way that he’s sure will leave marks for at least a few minutes, causing Luciana to hide her face in his shirt-covered shoulder as she releases a half-gasp, half-moan. Frankie doesn’t know whether to blame the liquor or some instinct deep within for the full confidence he’s now gained, especially as he whispers back in her ear. “I only want to hear you say it,” he states lowly, almost like a demand. “As many times as you want to.”

Luciana lifts her face from his shoulder, her eyes darkened so much that they’re almost black. She bats her lashes up at him, and Frankie feels a bead of sweat drip down the side of his head. “I’ll say it as much as you want me to,” she assures him, her hand running over his chest once again before she secures it to the back of his neck. Her eyelids then flutter closed, as if she’s placing herself into a daydream. Frankie brushes his thumbs over the mixture of skin and denim he’s holding in his grasp, causing her to wince in delight as she hides her face in his shoulder again. “Fuck, Frankie.”

“I know,” Frankie assures her, his lips brushing against her ear in the haze of it all. Her body has never stopped moving against his, no matter how firm his grip’s gotten or how many times they’ve spoken to each other—and it’s put Frankie in a daze. This shouldn’t feel so right. This is something Frankie didn’t even know he had buried deep within him. This is an admiration for one of his closest friends that he never knew existed—or at least, that he attempted to keep under lock and key. Now, it’s loose, and Frankie doesn’t know if he’ll ever be able to put it back in its cage again.

And then, just as suddenly as the long moment began, it ends. Luciana turns her head rapidly to the side, and Frankie follows her stare to see her brother and the other guys starting to head back in their direction. They separate quickly upon noticing that, and neither one of them speak as they help the stumbling men get back to the house safely.

The whole way there, Frankie can still feel himself buzzing from the excitement of what he and Luciana just shared. At the same time, he can’t stop worrying about it. Things have to change now. They can’t deny the way they just acted with each other, the things they just revealed without even having to say the words. What’s brewing between them goes deeper than friendship—even deeper than the plain admiration Frankie thought he held for Luciana, and vice versa. This was more than a “date” for milkshakes at the dive. This was more than a night spent in Frankie’s truck eating pizza and listening to classic rock. This was touching, and gasping, and confessing, and bringing each other to a feeling that’s not easy to come back from. Frankie can only hope he hasn’t ruined things for them by giving into these tensions.

He’s afraid he has up until they start to get settled in for the night. When the boys are properly distracted by completely passing out in their beds—though Bennie only made it to the couch, and needed to be dragged up the stairs—Frankie passes Luciana in the hallway and has his arm caught by her hand. He immediately stops, looking her in the eye to see nothing but the same fondness she’d shown him moments before the heat intensified at the bar. Frankie relaxes as he waits for her to speak.

“Thank you, Frankie,” Luciana whispers, trying to make sure the guys—regardless of their states of consciousness—don’t hear what she’s saying, “for such a fun night. I’m glad you loosened up. I had a really good time.”

Frankie ends up biting back a smile at her words, taking a moment to form his own in his head. “I should be thanking you for helping me to loosen up,” he retorts, earning a smile from Luciana. “I had a good time, too—a great time, actually.”

Luciana says nothing, choosing only to widen her smile and give his arm a gentle squeeze before she walks off towards her room. Frankie stares after her for just a moment, letting his eyes soak in that final view of her assets before he disappears inside his own room. He flops onto his bed and releases an airy sigh, staring at the ceiling and letting his smile grow.

Frankie wonders if this is what it feels like to finally fly, because he’s sure his spirits have never risen higher than they have right now.

next part: chapter 4: dark clouds

thunder tag list: @youhavereachedtheendofpie @charmantbarnes @theindiealto @fangirl-and-stuff @phoenixhalliwell @maybege @amarvelousmandalorian @seawhisperer @mrsparknuts @saltywintersoldat @softpedropascal @i-hide-inside-my-head @sunshinepascal @domino-oh-damn​ @thirsty-flygirl​ @awesomefandomsunited

It’s finally the night before graduation—and Frankie’s a fucking mess.

He’s trying to come to terms with the idea of leaving this house, this life, the girl who lives right down the hall and will be taking his heart with her wherever she goes, and the simple thought of it makes him sick to his stomach. Frankie wants to be able to control it, to keep all of these things the same somehow yet work towards his dream of piloting, but he knows he can’t have it both ways. Some things he can change, but he just doesn’t know if he’s strong enough to.

Still, Frankie wants to try. He thinks that maybe if he had tried harder with his mom, somehow figured out that she wasn’t acting the same before her condition was diagnosed and it was too late, then he wouldn’t have lost her. He hopes that he can prevent the same thing from happening with Luciana. If he tells her how he feels now, before it’s too late, maybe he won’t lose her. Half of him is afraid he may already be too late—but he’ll be damned if he doesn’t at least try.

Frankie releases a sigh as he sits up from where he’s been staring blankly at his ceiling, contemplating his next move. Benny’s frat house is throwing a goddamn rager tonight, going absolutely wild for the last night of their college careers, but both Frankie and Luciana aren’t feeling up to it; they know they’d both leave early, anyway. Now, it’s just the two of them in the house, and with the boys having just left, Frankie’s determined to make some kind of move. He forces himself to make his way out of his room and stop at Luciana’s, not even thinking twice as he lightly raps his knuckles against her door. He keeps his gaze fixed on the floor as he waits for her to answer, his free hand tapping against the side of his leg. He’s not sure why he’s feeling nervous—it’s Luciana, what does he have to be afraid of?—but still his fingers work anxiously against the material of his jeans as he waits for her.

The door opens within a few seconds, and Frankie sees Luciana standing there with her usual soft gaze and a raised brow. It almost looks hopeful, as if she’s been waiting for him to show up. The thought makes Frankie smile just a bit. “What’s up, Flyboy?” Luciana greets him, leaning against her doorframe as she looks up at him.

Frankie gives himself a little time to muse on this moment. He loves this position, her looking up at him with such endearment and him looking down at her with the same feeling. He’d kiss her if he had the balls to do it. But the time’s just not right—at least, not yet. Frankie abandons his daydream as he offers her a small shrug. “I know we’re not up for the party, but I wanted to do something,” Frankie explains. “Y’know, for our last night before graduation. I figured we could maybe get something to go and then go to Mayweather.”

Luciana smiles at Frankie’s proposition. Mayweather Beach is a local piece of the long beach that touches the Atlantic Ocean about twenty minutes away from the house, and since it doesn’t allow parties, it’s bound to be empty at this time. “That sounds great, Frankie.” Frankie smiles wider at that. “Gimme a few minutes and I’ll be right down.”

Frankie nods at her, stepping away as she closes her bedroom door. He knows there’s a glow to him now that’d be hard to get rid of as he quickly jogs into his room and gets himself a little bit nicer. He wears one of those button-up tropical print shirts like he’d worn that night to the bar, even opting for some cargo shorts and sandals for easy removal on the sand. Frankie refuses to leave without his signature hat, leaving it atop his head as he reaches for a sweatshirt should the night air get chilly and heads downstairs. He checks his pockets for his wallet and hopes that Luciana’s been wise enough to leave hers upstairs.

When Frankie hears her approaching, his brain almost short-circuits at the way she’s fixed herself up. She wears a long-sleeved white top that wraps around her and ties together in a knot at the center of her chest, the waist of her shorts leaving a reasonable gap of skin as they hug tight to her body. Her hair flows graciously over her shoulders, and Frankie notices how her warm brown gaze sparkles just above the plethora of adorable freckles that line her cheeks. He’s a sucker and he knows it.

“Looks like we both decided to dress up, huh?” Luciana jokes, nudging Frankie’s shoulder as she approaches him and looking him up and down obviously. “I haven’t seen you in something so different since—.”

“—that night at the bar.” Frankie finishes with a smile. “Yeah, funny how that works.”

Luciana bites her smile back and shakes her head. Frankie wants to laugh at how fucking obvious it is that they’re sharing the same thoughts yet saying nothing—but he also wants to cry out at the way they both feel so conflicted about it. If there wasn’t such outside pressure, if there wasn’t an expectation they’d agreed to meet, they could’ve pushed past this weeks ago and started the life together that they wanted to. Instead, they’re involved in this weird tango, dancing around each other and wondering if either one of them is brave enough to step forward and take the other’s hand.

As they leave the house, Frankie locks it behind them, offering a chuckle before looking over at Luciana. “You better not have brought any money.”

Luciana looks up at him incredulously. “You think you’re paying for anything tonight?”

“Everything.” Frankie offers the correction with emphasis as they both get into his faithful truck.

“No, Francisco. I refuse.” Luciana dramatically crosses her arms, giving Frankie a playful side-eye.

“Too bad, Luciana, because we always agree that whoever made the plans has to make the payment—and I just so happened to make these plans.” Frankie smirks as he backs out of the driveway, already heading to the dive where he’ll be getting their dessert takeout.

Luciana fully looks over at Frankie now, her eyes narrowed as she shakes her head. “Fuck you and your rational thinking, Morales.”

Frankie laughs, smiling in victory as he pulls into the roughed-up lot of the dive. “I’ll be back in a few,” he announces, hopping out of the truck and making his way inside. He’s glad to spot Marlena as soon as he walks in, and she immediately heads over to him to get his order.

“Ah, so she’s making you run errands now, huh?” Marlena teases, raising a curious eyebrow at Frankie.

He laughs and lifts his hat from his head, brushing a hand over his hair before setting it back down. “No, no, this was my idea.”

Marlena hands the written order off to someone else as she continues to stand by Frankie, one hand on her hip as she looks at him with hopefulness. “You finally gonna tell her somethin’, or what?”

Frankie takes a deep breath, crossing his arms and shrugging. “That’s the goal. But who knows. I’ll probably freak out again and keep it to myself.” Marlena’s been the receiving end of his “relationship” struggles for a few weeks, now, this having been the destination of many of his self-contemplative walks.

“Tonight’s the night for it,” Marlena insists, tapping a straw against Frankie’s shoulder. “Isn’t your graduation tomorrow?”

“It is.” Frankie sighs, giving Marlena a nod. “I know. I’ll try. It’s just—well, you know.”

“I know.” Marlena smiles as she takes the to-go milkshakes from another waitress, putting them in a drink carrier for Frankie. She slides them over and places a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry, kiddo. Everything will be alright. Life has a funny way of working itself out like that.”

Frankie smiles back, feeling oddly comforted by her words. “Thanks, Marlena.” He hands her his cash and a big tip as usual, soon heading back out to the truck with the drinks in hand. As he hops up inside the truck, Luciana gives an impressed look.

“That was fast,” Luciana comments, taking the drinks to hold on her lap while Frankie drives. “I’m surprised Marlena didn’t try to hold you up.”

“Oh, trust me, she tried,” Frankie half-jokes, giving Luciana a funny look before he pulls onto the road. For the rest of the drive to the beach, the two talk about their expectations for tomorrow, wondering which one of the guys is bound to do something embarrassing while they walk or which one will yell the loudest for the others. Frankie’s ranking is easy—he’s the least likely to do either. But he knows he can depend on hearing a loud Fish! coming from the direction of his brothers. Luciana can’t decide if the guys or her girl friends are going to be louder. Frankie knows it’ll probably be the guys. It always is.

He’s afraid for the day when that “is” turns into a “was.”

Soon, Frankie’s pulling into the parking lot just along the fence of the beach, grabbing his emergency blanket from the back of his truck and walking alongside Luciana onto the sand. Just as he’d predicted, the beach is practically empty, save for a few who live along the beach going for walks as the sky begins to darken. There’s a few dark clouds in the distance, but Frankie doesn’t worry about that for now. He only chuckles sadly to himself at the irony of it all, as if the dark thoughts of the future he has are already beginning to loom and manifest themselves physically in his life.

Frankie lays out the blanket and helps Luciana to sit, taking one of her hands as she positions herself with the other. She thanks him before he does the same to him, already having kicked off his sandals as he buries his feet in the sand—right alongside hers. They take their respective shakes and start drinking them, sitting in peaceful silence that’s only filled with the sound of the waves crashing against the shore. They’re bigger than usual. For some odd reason, it makes Frankie even more calm.

There’s a heaviness in the air, and while it’s extremely humid outside, Frankie knows there’s more to it. There are so many unspoken things between him and Luciana and it’s almost as if it’s creating its own kind of humidity. Frankie knows he should say something, but he doesn’t know what; he’s thought about it for so long, but he still can’t think of anything. Part of him wishes Luciana would do it. The wiser part of him knows that he should. If anything, she’s probably waiting for him on purpose, because she’s the most goddamn considerate and caring person Frankie’s ever known and she knows he has a heart that’s broken and delicate—so she wants him to be the one to tell her that he’s ready. Frankie thinks over all of this and it causes the silence to go on.

“Care to share what’s going on in there?” Luciana finally says, crashing through the quiet like the waves on the shore as she lightly flicks his temple. Frankie looks over to see her gaze twinkling with amusement yet concern, and he laughs softly when she raises an eyebrow. “Holy fuck, I sounded like Dr. Seuss.”

Frankie laughs harder at that. “I guess that’s what your degree’s gotten you.”

Luciana snorts, sipping her milkshake as she looks out to the ocean for a quick moment. “I’d hope my business degree would get me… well, a business.”

Frankie continues looking at her, silently admiring the way her brown eyes flicker so beautifully in the evening light as she observes the crashing waters ahead. “It will, Luce. You’ll have one of the best-running damn businesses this place has ever seen. And maybe I can fly some shipments of shit to you or something.”

Luciana laughs, looking back at Frankie with amusement and gratitude. “Thank you, Frankie. I don’t know if that’s how it works, though.”

Frankie shrugs. “We can make an exception, right?”

Luciana huffs and looks down at her cup, one of her hands fiddling with the straw. “There’s a lot of exceptions I wish I could make.”

Frankie tilts his head down at her, lifting one hand to gently brush against her arm. It captures her attention immediately, and her gaze practically melts into his own. It makes Frankie’s heart race. “I know. Me too.”

Luciana gives him a smile that’s appropriately as sad as his own, and soon her hand slides up until it meets his. She laces her fingers with his slowly—as if she’s absorbing every little touch—and takes a heavy breath, one that weighs just as much upon Frankie’s own chest. There’s no more words spoken for a while, just space that stops existing between them as Luciana’s side is soon much closer to Frankie’s. Once their shake cups are emptied, Frankie puts them in the carrier and sets them aside, and his heart practically jumps in his chest when Luciana’s head softly meets his shoulder.

Hands still entwined, Frankie gives hers a gentle squeeze, opting for that instead of nudging her head with his shoulder. “What’s goin’ on in that pretty little head of yours?”

Luciana’s warm gaze lifts to meet Frankie’s, a slight blush and a small smile appearing. “Did you just call me pretty, Flyboy?”

Frankie feels his own cheeks reddening now as he raises an eyebrow at her. “Don’t act like you don’t know it already, Luce.” She chuckles and shakes her head, causing Frankie’s heart to beat faster at the way he feels the motion against his shoulder. “Answer the question.”

Luciana sighs softly, finally returning Frankie’s squeeze as her gaze looks thoughtfully out at the water. “I was just thinking about tomorrow, of course. And how grateful I am to have had the experience I did. Spending these years with you and my brother and the guys has been just… so amazing.” Frankie smiles at her words—especially at the separation of him from the guys. Luciana’s silent for a moment, and when Frankie looks down at her again, he sees that her gaze is ever so slightly starting to fill with tears. The sight breaks his heart. “I’m really gonna miss it, Frankie.” She looks up at him again. “I’m really gonna miss you.”

Frankie drops her hand to fully wrap his arm around her shoulders in a comforting manner, inviting her to lean into him further as she wraps her arms around his middle. Her head now rests against the inside of his shoulder, her gaze still looking to the ocean for escape as he finds the words to speak. “I’m gonna miss you too, Luce,” Frankie says, running his thumb over her shoulder as he talks, “so damn much. I agree—these years have been incredible. You have no idea how much they’ve helped me grow and move on from… well, you know.” Luciana nods, holding him a bit tighter at that. “But just because this phase of our lives ends tomorrow doesn’t mean we have to.”

Luciana’s gaze floats up to Frankie’s, and once again, he’s in that position where he wishes with all his heart he could just say fuck it and kiss her with all the love he’s holding hostage in his heart. Instead, he lets her search his gaze and find the same desperation she feels also in him. “I don’t know what I’d do without it, Frankie.”

He raises an eyebrow at her. “Without college?”

Luciana scoffs and slaps his chest with one of her hands. “No, you dumbass.” They share a light laugh before she goes on. “Without you—us.”

Frankie’s heart somehow both grows and falls apart at Luciana’s words, his arm pulling her closer to him as rests his head against her own. “You won’t have to know, Luci. I promise. I’ll do all I can.”

Luciana’s eyes fall closed as she lets her head fall even further into Frankie. “I hope so, Frankie. I really do.”

In the silence that follows, three words tug so viciously at Frankie’s chest that he can barely breathe. They dance along his tongue, which is only bitten back by the clenching of his jaw as his nerves get the best of him. Frankie can’t make a fool of himself. If he says those words, he won’t be able to take them back. And this, whatever this is right here, is so beautiful to him that he can’t risk losing it. Frankie resolves to just live in this moment with the girl he loves, holding her close to him for what could be the last time in a long time—no matter how many promises he makes.

Suddenly, the low rumbling of thunder sounds in the distance. Frankie looks from where he’s been staring endlessly into the horizon to see those dark clouds from before hovering much closer now. The humidity’s only gotten worse since they’d arrived, and Frankie knows it’ll be a matter of time before the moisture in the air turns into real drops of water. A stronger wind starts to blow, one gust nearly knocking the hat from Frankie’s head as it picks up. Luciana finally leans up from Frankie’s shoulder, her brow creasing in worry at their surroundings. Frankie chuckles softly.

“What’s with the look?” Frankie jokes. “I thought you were a pluviophile.”

Luciana nudges his shoulder with hers as she tries to suppress a smile. “Not when we’re about to be in the middle of it, by the fucking ocean,” she scoffs.

Frankie’s about to make some smartass remark when they can hear the oncoming wave of rain along the ocean, causing them to scramble to their feet. Luciana squeals the moment the rain reaches them, starting slow but getting faster quickly. Another roll of thunder sounds from much closer by, and Frankie starts to panic for Luciana’s more exposed skin as he finds his sweatshirt and hands it to her. “Take this!” Frankie exclaims over the sound of the now-pouring rain.

“Frankie, it’s yours!” Luciana tries to argue. “You take it!”

“Just wear the damn sweatshirt!” Frankie insists with a laugh, scooping up the blanket and the trash and taking her by the arm as they run back to the truck. Frankie drops off the trash in a nearby can before he heads in himself, laughing with Luciana as they finally get under some shelter. He looks and sees her hair dampened and sticking to her face, her clothes thankfully somewhat dry underneath his sweatshirt. Frankie’s lost all hope for himself, thankful for his hat that at least protected his hair.

“Holy shit, where did that come from?” Luciana giggles as Frankie pulls out of the parking lot, starting to head back to the house.

“I have no idea. I didn’t even know it was supposed to storm.” Frankie tries not to let the same darkness of the storm cloud his own mind as he realizes his perfect moment was broken. He looks over to see Luciana watching the storm from outside the window, her eyes lighting up along with the flashes of lightning.

Somehow, not even the sight of her enthusiasm can stop his own oncoming storm.

Frankie’s hands grip the wheel tighter as he drives on. All his dark thoughts are hitting him at once. He should’ve used that moment to tell her his feelings. Now, he’s going to lose her, just like his mom. Just like he told her she wouldn’t. Just like he’s been fearing himself. Frankie doesn’t know what the fuck he’ll do without her. The thought of it is filling him with such fear, anxiety, and anger that he’s sure a lightning bolt is somehow going to leap out of him. It’s building up and he can only hope that he can get them home before he lashes out in private, sparing Luciana of his tumultuous emotions.

But then, the truck begins to stall. Frankie’s brow wrinkles together in concern as feels it winding down. He realizes that the leaky radiator he hasn’t had time to fix yet is overheating—and now he’ll have to stop to cool it down if he wants a chance at getting home. Even with the knowledge of that easy fix, Frankie can’t handle it anymore, and his storm begins to rain down just as hard as the one outside.

“Fuck!” Frankie yells as he pulls over, his hand slamming against the wheel as he does so. Out of his peripherals, he can see Luciana’s head turn quickly in his direction, as if the action scared her. “Fuck!” Frankie’s body falls back against the seat as he releases a heavy sigh, his hands still holding tight to the wheel. “Not the truck. You’ve gotta be fuckin’ kidding me.”

“What is it?” Luciana asks worriedly, her voice a little more timid than usual at Frankie’s unprecedented anger.

“It’s that damn radiator,” Frankie answers, lifting his hat and running his hand over his hair. “It’s overheated. If I don’t fix it, I’ll lose the truck.” Frankie clicks his tongue, shaking his head before he slams the wheel again. “Fuck!”

“Frankie, it’s alright, it’s an easy fix.” Luciana tries to calm him down, also setting a gentle hand on his arm as she looks at him with concern. “Don’t get so worked up.”

“I can’t help it, Luce!” Frankie confesses, unable to look at her as he watches the rain pour down against the hood of his truck. “I just—this reminds me that I’m close to losing this truck and I can’t. I know it sounds ridiculous because it’s just a goddamn truck but she was my first one. I love this thing.” Frankie shakes his head, tightening his hands even more around the wheel as he pours the words practically from his heart. “I love it and I’m tired of losing what I love! My mom’s gone, you’re off to God-knows-what, my truck’s close to kicking it—.”

“Wait.” Luciana cuts him off, leaning closer to press a hand against his chest. Frankie finally looks back into her gaze, which is now flickering with warmth at his words. “Me? With what you love?”

The realization of what he revealed hits Frankie in that moment, and his mouth falls open in shock as he searches her gaze. He tries to speak, but he doesn’t know what to say. “I… Luci, I—I’ve been meaning to tell you, I thought you might’ve known—.”

“I did.” Luciana’s voice is so quiet now that Frankie can barely hear it over the sound of the rain hitting the truck. Frankie watches in awe as her hand raises from his chest to his cheek, her thumb gently brushing over his cheek. A smile starts to form on her lips as she looks at him in amazement. “And I do, too.”

Frankie can’t even process the words for a moment as he sits there, the ghost of a smile appearing when it finally starts to register. “Really?”

Luciana fully smiles as she runs her thumb over his cheek again. “Don’t act like you don’t know it already, Flyboy,” she uses his comeback from earlier.

Frankie’s hands finally fall from the wheel, resting idly on his lap as Luciana continues to lean over him. He feels as if he’s in a dream and part of him wants to pinch himself to make sure he’s not. Still, even with the confirmed knowledge of the love they share, he can’t celebrate. He doesn’t know what to do with this, now. All he can do is hold his breath and manage to speak with whatever he has left. “What do we do now, Luce?”

Luciana’s gaze only trails down his face, following her thumb that continues to run over his cheek before it drops to his lips. She looks back up to meet his eyes, and Frankie can see the same mixture of strong affection and desire he’d seen that night at the bar. “Kiss me.” The words come low and breathless, as if she can barely breathe without his touch.

It strikes something deep within Frankie, and he doesn’t even think twice before he reaches for her face and closes the gap between them. The relief is so sweet that it causes the both of them to sigh into each other’s mouths, the storm outside now mirroring what they’re creating themselves as Frankie pulls Luciana even closer to himself. She ends up straddling him on the seat of the truck, and Frankie swears he’s never felt as complete and comfortable as he does in this moment. His hands glide from her face down to her waist and then her thighs, like he’s known the feeling of her body forever. His stomach is soaring as if he’s already flying, his heart thumping against his chest as his mouth keeps moving against hers. When they finally pull away to breathe, they stay close, and Frankie watches as a smile grows on Luciana’s lips.

“Damn, Morales—if I knew you could kiss me like that, I would’ve asked you to a long time ago.”

Frankie lets out a soft laugh as he starts to blush, brushing his thumbs over the skin of her thighs in just the way she likes. “I can’t believe what I’ve been letting myself miss out on.”

Luciana giggles before she plants a kiss on the stubble along his jaw, leaving a few more there that cause a fire to ignite deep in Frankie’s stomach. “There’s a lot more where that came from.” Luciana lifts her head once again, touching her nose to his. “But if you don’t take care of the truck, we’re gonna be stuck in this storm forever.”

Frankie chuckles and nods, reaching to at least kiss her for another quick moment before forcing himself to pull away. “Alright.”

He helps her to climb back off his lap as he prepares himself to get out into the storm, reaching for the coolant in his backseat and hurrying to the front of the truck. He lifts the hood and takes care of the radiator, his mind going everywhere else except the truck at the moment. Frankie’s in awe of the events that just took place—but he’s also still afraid of what’s to come. Now that they’ve crossed this line, he knows they can’t go back, and there’s going to be consequences to what they’re allowing themselves to do. For now, Frankie doesn’t dwell on those, but he knows he’ll have to eventually.

Once he finishes up, he closes the hood, shocked to see Luciana suddenly getting out of the truck. He shakes his head and points to the truck. “I’m done!” Frankie exclaims to her over the pouring rain. “We can get back in the truck!”

Luciana doesn’t respond as she fully approaches him, throwing her arms around his neck and pulling him close. “But you haven’t kissed me in the rain, yet,” Luciana insists, her brown gaze glittering with such excitement and love that Frankie can’t deny her request. He smiles before he kisses her again, amazed at how it still takes his breath away just like the first one as his hands fall on her waist and pull her completely against him. Luciana’s hands glide along his neck and up to his face, admiring his features before they pull away.

“Okay, I’m not letting you get sick,” Frankie states, gesturing back to the truck. “Let’s go!”

Luciana laughs as they hurry back inside the truck, giggling like teenagers in love as they finally start heading back to the house again. Frankie’s hand stays tight in Luciana’s the entire drive back, a peaceful silence falling before he decides to break it with a cheeky smile.

“So,” Frankie starts, giving Luciana a quick look of amusement, “am I really a good kisser?”

Luciana chuckles softly, giving his hand a squeeze as her eyes widen. “Listen, Frankie, I’ve kissed quite a few guys,” she tells him, “and I’ve had yet to experience something that feels like that.”

Frankie snorts and runs his thumb over her knuckles. “That’s good to know. I just…” he sighs, trying to piece his words together, “… I wasn’t sure, y’know?”

Luciana tuts and shakes her head. “You underestimate yourself, Frankie. In so many ways.” She brings his hand to her lips for a moment as she leaves a soft kiss there. “You really think I would’ve fallen in love with someone who wasn’t so kind, caring, and hot?”

Frankie laughs as his cheeks redden again and he shakes his head in slight embarrassment. “Alright, alright. I get it.” He gives her a quick look of affection. “‘Fallen in love’ though, huh? It’s nice to hear that.”

“You better get used to it, Morales.” Luciana’s tone is playful yet serious, her hand only leaving his to brush over his cheek as he drives. “Because I love you and I’ll remind you of that as many times as you need to hear it.”

Frankie’s heart swells at the words, another smile spreading on his lips as he takes her hand and squeezes it tight. “I love you too, Luce. A lot.”

“I know.” Luciana leans over to kiss his cheek, and Frankie’s half-tempted to turn his face so that it lands on his lips—but he knows better while he’s driving.

As soon as they pull into the driveway of the house, Frankie stops the truck, turning to face Luciana with a raised brow. “What now, Luci? Do we just say fuck it and go for this in front of the guys, or go on pretending this doesn’t exist?”

Luciana sighs softly, holding Frankie’s face between her hands as she looks him deep in the eye. “Remember what I told you after Santi talked to us. You’re allowed to feel what you feel, and so am I. We’re allowed to have this and no one can tell us otherwise. But I know that these are your brothers—and mine, too. And if you don’t want to parade this around them, I understand. Just know that any single moment when they’re not looking? I’m gonna be yours.”

Frankie nods at Luciana, absorbing the feeling of her hands on his face. He takes a deep breath and then nods. “Alright. We can try that. It’ll be hard…” Frankie trails off for a moment as his gaze drifts to his fingers, which walk their way onto the skin of her thigh before his gaze wanders back to her eyes, “… but it’ll be worth it.”

Luciana smiles, leaning in for a quick kiss before they resolve to get into the house. Hand-in-hand, they run through the downpour, jumping a bit when a loud roll of thunder sounds but then laughing once they’re safe inside. Knowing the boys are still at Benny’s, Frankie doesn’t have to be shy yet about pulling her body to his, wrapping his arms around her in a lame attempt at warmth as he leaves a kiss on her head.

“You need to warm up,” Frankie instructs her softly. “I know you don’t need me telling you this, but please—for my piece of mind. You can’t be sick on graduation day.”

Luciana looks up from where she’d buried her face in Frankie’s chest, raising an eyebrow as giggles at him. “You’re just saying that because you wanna kiss me and you can’t if I’m sick.”

Frankie shrugs at her. “Maybe. But don’t you want that, too?” He chuckles before he leans down to kiss her again, unable to get enough of the feeling as his mouth moves against hers in such a perfect rhythm.

Luciana pulls away, but stays close, her nose and lips still brushing against his as she speaks. “Sure.” She leaves another peck on his lips before she leans away again. “I guess this means bedtime, huh?”

Frankie nods. “Big day tomorrow.”

Luciana shrugs. “I know I won’t be getting rid of you anytime soon, so I think it’ll be fine.”

Frankie chuckles as they walk hand-in-hand up the stairs, not wanting to part until it’s absolutely necessary. When they get to Luciana’s room, they stop, and she stares up at him with affection that takes Frankie’s breath away. “Goodnight, Luce. I’ll see you first thing tomorrow, okay?”

Luciana frowns dramatically, putting her arms around his neck as her fingers play with the curls peeking out from under his hat. “Don’t leave me just yet. Lay with me.”

“I wish I could. But you know… the boys—if they come home and they see…”

“I know.” Luciana gives Frankie an understanding nod and pulls him in for one last kiss. “Goodnight, Flyboy. I love you.”

The words still hit Frankie in a deep place that he can’t explain, grinning like an idiot as he brushes a hand over her cheek. “I love you too.” His voice is almost as gentle as the kiss he leaves on her forehead, regretful to leave her arms as he heads to his own bedroom. The entire way there, his smile never fades, and the first thing he does regardless of his soaked clothes is pull out his journal—refusing to dwell on the consequences of his actions as he grabs his pen.

Mom,

I did it. I get to be with the love of my life.

And for the first time in much too long, Frankie sheds a tear that’s meant for joy and not for sadness.

next part: chapter 7: lightning

thunder tag list: @youhavereachedtheendofpie @charmantbarnes @theindiealto @fangirl-and-stuff @phoenixhalliwell @maybege @amarvelousmandalorian @seawhisperer @mrsparknuts @saltywintersoldat @softpedropascal @i-hide-inside-my-head @sunshinepascal @domino-oh-damn @thirsty-flygirl @awesomefandomsunited @ezraslittleblondestreak​ @b0n-chann​

Frankie doesn’t get to be alone with Santiago often. So, when his closest friend asks him to lunch at their favorite dive just down the road, he doesn’t hesitate to get his shit together and hop into Santiago’s forest green Jeep. Frankie doesn’t ask why—he never will. He treasures these moments he gets to have with the guy who feels like his twin brother. He doesn’t need to question the motive.

Santiago shivers as the air whips into the Jeep through the crack in Frankie’s window. “Jesus, why is it so cold today?” he mutters, lifting the button to seal the window shut.

“It’s from the storm,” Frankie explains.

“The storm? There was a storm?” Santiago gives Frankie a confused look, and when Frankie nods, he sighs heavily and runs a free hand over the side of his head. “Damn, I really did fuck myself up last night.”

Frankie laughs. “What else is new?”

“Hey,” Santiago starts to defend himself, laughing a bit as he pulls into the parking lot that’s in desperate need of paving. “At least I’m not as bad as Benny.”

“You’re getting close,” Frankie teases, flashing him an amused smile before he hops out of the Jeep. Santiago punches his shoulder when they start walking inside the dive, heading over to the booth by the window where they always go. Typically, they’re with the group, so the booth feels bigger than usual as they take their seats. They don’t have to look through the menu before the waitress arrives, and Marlena knows exactly what they’re getting. She’s only surprised when Santiago requests a water instead of his usual diet coke.

“Rough night?” Marlena guesses, tucking her pen back behind her ear as she raises an eyebrow at Santiago.

“Yeah, you could say that,” Santiago chuckles.

Frankie laughs to himself, looking back to Santiago once Marlena puts their orders in. “Damn, Pope, even Marlena noticed.”

“Fuck off, Fish,” Santiago retorts, running his hands over his face before folding them on top of the table. “I didn’t think I looked that bad.”

“You don’t look bad, Pope. You’re handsome as hell.” Santiago laughs at that. “But you also do a shitty job at hiding your hangovers. Hell, I’m impressed you’re even able to handle being here right now.”

“It’s not as bad as usual. I’m actually pretty hungry right now.”

Frankie lifts an impressed brow. “Good for you. You’re getting better at actually being an adult.”

Santiago shakes his head and scoffs. “You’d know, wouldn’t you? You’re always out of the party early—and sober.”

Frankie shrugs, thanking Marlena as she drops off their drinks before disappearing back inside the kitchen. He pushes aside the straw and sips from his plastic Coca Cola cup of water. “I’ve never been one for parties, Pope. You know that.”

“Oh, trust me, I know.” Santiago snickers as he also sips delicately from the water, his nose wrinkling as he tastes it. “Damn, I forgot how flavorless water is.”

“It’s water, you dipshit. It’s not supposed to have flavor.”

“That’s why I drink diet coke.”

Frankie laughs, tilting his hat on his head as he shakes his head at his friend. “This is your step into adulthood, brother. You’re growing up in front my very eyes.”

“Franksters, don’t get cheesy on me right now.” Santiago reaches across the table to lightly punch Frankie’s shoulder again.

Frankie tenses at the nickname. “Oh God, please never call me that again.”

“Should I tell Benny to stop, then?”

“He won’t, no matter how many times you ask him.”

Santiago laughs. “You’re right, Fish.” He pauses, his gaze focusing up to the ceiling as he focuses on his words. “Franksters, Popey, Luci-Goosey… damn, the guy’s clever.”

“Don’t forget Kill Will and Tom-Tom.”

Santiago looks back at Frankie and tilts his head curiously. “Does he actually ever use those names, still?”

“Usually when he’s drunk.” Frankie lets out a curt chuckle and takes another sip of his water. “Like last night, he called Luci and I by our nicknames.”

“Oh, I see. So, it’s usually when I’m shitfaced, too.”

“For sure.” Frankie smiles in amusement. “When are you not shitfaced around Benny?”

“Fish, don’t fuckin’ play with me like we don’t live in the same household.” Santiago and Frankie both laugh as he says the words. “I’m serious, you fucker.”

“Language, Santiago!” Marlena chastises him as she walks by, hitting the side of Santiago’s head with a straw. He laughs harder, shaking his head as he looks back to Frankie.

When Santiago lets out a deep breath, Frankie sees his expression change—and it causes a pit to start forming in his stomach. He’s had a few serious conversations with Santiago before, mostly talking about the struggles of his past, and he can sense that another one’s about to come on. Frankie’s not sure why—which makes it even more nerve-wracking. “Listen, Frankie.” Santiago sighs the words, and Frankie furrows his brow at the use of his actual name. Santiago takes a sip of his water and fixates his gaze fully on his brother. “I, uh… I just wanted to bring something up with you.”

Frankie nods. “Anything, brother.”

One of the corners of Santiago’s mouth lifts upon hearing the endearment, but he continues as serious as before. “I know that you and my sister are close—basically just as close as we are.” Frankie offers another nod to confirm his words. “And I also know that you’ve been getting… well, closer. Which isn’t a problem, don’t get me wrong. But I feel like I should put some boundaries—.”

“Santiago, Luci and I are not like that,” Frankie cuts off his friend with a nervous chuckle. He even lifts his hands in surrender to further assure him. “We’re—it’s just friendship.”

“I know, I know.” Santiago gestures for Frankie to drop his hands. “I just—,” Santiago pauses as Marlena brings their plates, and the two brothers thank her before he goes on, “—I need to make sure I’m clear on this.”

“Of course. Say what you need to.” Frankie tries not to let his voice waver when he speaks, instead taking a bite of his burger to avoid talking more. He won’t let his thoughts betray him.

“Frankie, you know how close Luci and I are,” Santiago begins, unable to touch his food as he speaks. Instead, his hands remain folded on the tabletop. Frankie continues to eat to get rid of his sudden anxiety. “She’s my little sister—only by a few minutes, but still. And you also know how close you and I are. You’re the brother I never had. I mean, the other guys are my brothers too, but—you know.”

“I know,” Frankie assures him through a mouthful of fries.

“And having you both so close to me means that, obviously, my life wouldn’t be the same without you. If you ever were to, y’know, be together or something… that could drive a wedge between us.” Santiago pauses to collect his thoughts more, and Frankie tries to force his food down his throat despite the sudden hole that’s made itself known in his stomach. “Because relationships are fuckin’ hard. Things happen. It’s not easy. And if anything bad were to happen, and I lost one of you—or both of you—I don’t know what the fuck I’d do, Frankie.”

“I understand.” Frankie takes another bite of his burger—almost unable to swallow it around the lump in his throat.

“I just can’t have that, brother. I mean, I know you said you’re not like that, but please remember that if anything changes.”

Frankie fully studies the panic in Santiago’s eyes at the idea of losing his closest friend or his twin sister, and he feels a small pain in his chest as he nods at him. “You have my word, Santiago.” He reaches his hand across the table for a handshake, and Santiago returns it with a growing smile.

“I knew I could count on you, Franksters.” The darkness flees from Santiago’s gaze as it instead fills with amusement.

Frankie frowns and squeezes Santiago’s fingers in a deadly grip. “Don’t think that just because we’re being soft right now, I won’t fuckin’ kill you, Pope.”

As Santiago exclaims an ow!, Marlena walks by, slapping Frankie on the head with a straw as she says, “Language!” The brothers laugh, and Frankie releases Santiago’s hand to let them both keep eating. The conversation easily picks up on a lighter topic from there, and Frankie’s thoughts don’t even go back to their darker places until they get back to the house. Frankie decides to take a walk to clear his mind, and he sets off while Santiago heads inside the house.

Luciana’s watching a re-run of Magnum P.I. when Santiago comes in, and she turns to face him with a smile. It was a show they’d grown up watching together with their parents, and she knows her brother will be thrilled to that it’s on now. Before she can point it out to him, she watches as he raises his brow at her.

“Are the boys here?” Santiago asks, stopping at his place behind the kitchen island as he rests both hands on the hard surface.

Luciana shakes her head. “I think they said they were going out to lunch,” she explains. “Since, y’know, you and Frankie went alone.” She then furrows her brow, tilting her head at her brother. “Speaking of which, where is Frankie?”

“He’s out walking,” Santiago answers. Luciana’s immediately filled with concern, knowing that Frankie must not be in a good place mentally if he’s walking alone. It’s one of the many things she’s picked up about him—and now she feels motivated to go join him and get him to talk about whatever’s going on. She even starts to stand up from the couch, but when Santiago comes over with two cans of diet coke—one for each of them—she makes herself sit back down. “Is it alright if I talk to you real quick?”

“Of course, Santi,” Luciana remarks, trying to ignore the concern she feels for Frankie as she instead focuses on the growing darkness in her brother’s eyes. She takes the can he’s offering to her, popping it open and taking a sip as she waits for him to speak.

“Luci, you know I want to support you in everything you do,” Santiago begins, his thumb playing with the tab of the can as his gaze remains fixated on it. “You also know that I want what’s best for you—right?”

“Yeah, Santi, I know,” Luciana confirms. She feels a weight on her chest from her growing worry. She has no idea where this conversation could go.

“Well… I’ve just been noticing, y’know, how close you and Frankie have become.” Santiago pauses to pop his can open, drawing a long sip before finally looking his sister in the eye. “I think that’s great—because he’s like my brother. But I need to make sure that’s how it stays for you.”

Luciana furrows her brow, tapping her index finger against the can. “What do you mean?”

“I mean…” Santiago sighs, his gaze drifting to the ceiling and then looking back at Luciana, “… I can’t see you two being together.”

Luciana’s brow shoots up. “Santi, it’s not like—.”

“I know,” Santiago assures her, holding his hand out to emphasize his point. “I just have to make sure you know that I don’t think it would be the best idea for that to ever happen. Because the three of us, we’re all so close, and if something should happen between you—and it drives us apart—it’d break not only me, but all of us.” Santiago shakes his head at the thought of it. “I can’t bear seeing that happen.”

“I won’t let anything drive us apart, brother.” Luciana reaches one hand out to take her brother’s, giving it a squeeze as she smiles at him. “Promise.”

Santiago returns her smile, but it quickly fades as he goes on. “I want to see you happy, little sis, don’t get me wrong. And I don’t think you’d both even get to that point past friendship. But love is risky, and I can’t risk losing the two most important people in my life.”

Luciana nods, reaching forward to give her brother an affectionate embrace. “I understand, Santi.” When she pulls away, she gives his cheek a quick kiss, satisfied to see the darkness leaving his eyes as his lips curl back up into a smile. “I won’t let anything drive us apart. Alright?”

“Thank you, little sis.” Santiago takes a swig of his diet coke, finally turning to the TV and noticing Magnum P.I. playing. His eyes widen as he looks at Luciana excitedly. “It’s Magnum!”

“Of course it is!” Luciana exclaims with a laugh, resting her head on her brother’s shoulder as they continue to watch together. She tucks away her secret thoughts on Santiago’s words for the moment, simply choosing to spend some quality time with him before she lets herself resent his speech. For a moment, she pretends that they’re kids again, and she doesn’t have to think about more complex things as she puts herself into the world of Magnum P.I. with her brother.

When the current episode finishes, Santiago heaves a sigh, rising from the couch and heading back over to the counter. He reaches for his keys. “I hate to run out again, but I’ve got a meeting for some group project.” He raises his brow at her. “Will you be okay on your own again?”

“Please, Santi, I’m used to it,” Luciana scoffs, waving him off. “You five are always leaving me for something.”

Santiago laughs, walking back over to give his sister a kiss on her head. “Thanks for hearing me out, little sis.”

Luciana doesn’t respond, instead pasting on a smile as he heads towards the door. As soon as he’s outside, Luciana rolls her eyes, setting her diet coke onto the coffee table as she crosses her arms. “Wants what’s best for me,” she mutters. “It’ll drive us apart… bullshit. Bullshit.”

Luciana loves her brother more than anything—but she’s also not one to be told what to do with her life. She has intense self-awareness, and if she feels that something’s good for her, she’ll take it. She doesn’t need the advice of other people who think they know her so well. She’s a woman who’s used to living in a man’s world, and that’s something she knows her brother can’t understand. If Luciana should want to pursue something with Frankie, she will.

If.

Luciana picks her diet coke back up and takes a swig of it. There’s no guarantees. No promises. If she stretches the truth a bit, Luciana could even say that she hasn’t thought of a future with Frankie beyond friendship. She’s just trying to go through the flow of life, letting it take her wherever she belongs. It’s much easier than scrutinizing every detail.

Something she knows both Frankie and Santiago do—a lot.

Thinking about Frankie draws her thoughts back to him, and almost immediately after, she sees him walking through the door. She smiles when he comes into sight, his usual hat hiding most of his curls as a few peek out from under it. His dark eyes wrinkle up a bit as he returns her smile. Luciana loves it when his eyes do that. It means he’s truly happy. And when they light up with such a gentle sparkle, that glimmer of light with its contagious happiness, they look so reminiscent of a summer night’s sky. It’s almost as if he has the entire galaxy in—.

“Hey, Luce,” Frankie’s voice cuts off her thoughts, bringing Luciana back to the present. “What’ve you been up to?”

Luciana gestures to the TV with her diet coke can. “Magnum.” Frankie chuckles. “And you?”

Frankie shrugs. “Walkin’.”

Luciana frowns. “You okay?”

Frankie nods, leaning his back against the counter as he continues to look her way. “Yeah, I’m alright. Just had to clear my mind.”

“Is there any way I can help with that?”

“No, no, don’t worry about it.” Frankie shakes his head as he speaks, as if to reassure her.

“Let me guess… it had something to do with my brother.” Frankie’s eyes widen at that, and suddenly Luciana understands exactly what’s happening. “He talked with you about it too, didn’t he?”

“About…?” Frankie trails off, waiting for Luciana to fill in the blank.

“Us.” Luciana raises her brow, and Frankie hesitates before offering a nod. She laughs, shaking her head. “Of course he did. He’s crazy, Frankie.” Luciana raises an eyebrow at him. “Was it as awkward for you guys as it was for us?”

“It wasn’t awkward,” Frankie insists, his gaze unable to meet Luciana’s as he looks around the room. “It was more, like…”

“… unnecessary?” Luciana finishes once again, and Frankie gives her another nod. “Yeah, that’s what I thought, too.”

Frankie is suddenly wondering what other thoughts Luciana’s sharing with him. Was she also seized by panic throughout the talk? Did she fear that she’d have to put a stop to the feelings she has no control over? The ones that have been growing for some time, but haven’t come into fruition yet? Or is she satisfied by the whole thing, and in agreeance with her brother on the matter? This is why Frankie doesn’t get his hopes up. He’ll keep reminding himself of that.

“You know what I could really use after that bullshit?” Luciana pulls Frankie out of his thoughts, and his wandering gaze finally falls back on her. He watches as she stands up from the couch and turns off the TV, heading over to the kitchen and emptying the rest of her diet coke down her throat. Frankie narrows his eyes as he studies her—as if he doesn’t already know exactly what she’s thinking.

“A milkshake,” Frankie finally answers, seeing Luciana’s eyes widen as she places her can in their designated place for recyclables.

“Fuck yes, Frankie!” Luciana exclaims. “I knew I could count on you!”

Frankie feels his chest warm up, especially as Luciana’s dark eyes begin to sparkle at him. Don’t get your hopes up. “Always, Luci. Remember who you’re talkin’ to.” Frankie sends Luciana an obnoxious wink, and she rolls her eyes before reaching for her wallet. Frankie stops her, sliding the wallet farther away on the countertop so that it’s out of her reach. Luciana lifts an eyebrow at him. “Don’t be ridiculous, Luce. It’s my treat.”

“Frankie, don’t do this to me,” Luciana sighs, shaking her head as she lunges for it again. Frankie slides it further away. “You asshole! You always pay for everything. And I’m not making you pay for something that was my idea.”

“Technically, it was my idea.” Frankie smirks as Luciana huffs in defeat, finally standing up straight again and joining him at his side. “Thank you for cooperating.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Luciana grumbles, trying to hide her smile as they walk out of the door. She turns around to lock the door with her keys. “But I’m buying our next pizza.”

“That’s what you say now,” Frankie insists. “But you just wait.”

“Frankie, I swear to fuckin’ Christ, if you buy another goddamn pizza for the both of us…” Luciana trails off, laughing as they start to head down the sidewalk. Their destination is the dive Frankie was just at—but of course he doesn’t mind going back with Luciana. She loves their milkshakes, and so does he. She’ll order the strawberry flavor with graham cracker pieces crumbled inside of it, and he’ll get plain chocolate. That’s how it always is. And Frankie wouldn’t have it any other way.

“So, did Santiago really make it an awkward talk for you?” Frankie doesn’t look over at Luciana as he asks the question.

“Eh, no, it wasn’t too bad.” Luciana sighs, crossing her arms and dropping her gaze to her moving feet. She has to walk almost double-time to keep up with Frankie’s longer legs. “It was just… frustrating. For me, at least. Because he’ll say I’m his ‘little sis’ and tell me he wants me to be happy and all of that sappy shit, but then he’ll try to control and dictate my life.” Luciana finally looks over at Frankie, and with every glance he steals, he can see her dark eyes full of determination—a desire to break free of whatever restraint’s being put on her. “I know he means well, but when you boil it down, he’s saying it because he’s selfish and he’s jealous. He doesn’t want us getting closer to each other than we are to him.”

Frankie nods slowly, easily seeing Luciana’s point. The way Santiago had voiced his thoughts to him makes it clear that he’s afraid. What Luciana’s saying makes the root of that fear even more obvious. “Yeah, that makes sense. You have every right to feel that way.” Frankie pauses, his gaze drifting up to the sky as he lets out a soft breath. “I wouldn’t want someone trying to control my life, either.”

“But don’t you see, Frankie? He’s trying to control your life, too.” Frankie looks over at Luciana, seeing her dark eyes widened at him. “He’s trying to tell you how to feel. He wants to control your feelings. And that’s not healthy for anyone, Frankie.” Luciana stops for a moment, her gaze filling with sympathy before she goes on. “Especially for you.”

Frankie’s gaze falls to his boots as soon as she says the words. “I’m used to it.” His voice is strained, stiff even, and he hopes Luciana won’t be able to tell. But he knows she will. She always does.

It’s when Frankie feels the gentle touch on his arm that his gaze snaps back to hers, and he nearly drowns himself in the soft way her dark eyes are studying him. “You don’t have to be.” She gives him a small smile, as if a larger one would make him uneasy. “I know your mind and heart are guarded, Frankie—and that makes sense, because of everything you’ve gone through. But you’re still free to feel what you feel. You don’t have to shut everything out. Not when you have people like us—people like me. You know us well, and we know you. You’re safe with us.”

Frankie’s heart softens at Luciana’s small speech, and he swallows hard to keep himself from saying something he’ll regret. Instead, he calculates his response, studying her gaze further to make sure he’s reading it right. “I know. Thank you.” Frankie looks back to the sidewalk ahead of them, seeing the dive come into close view. “I just… it’s not easy. To do that. Y’know?”

“I understand, Frankie.” Luciana’s gaze practically burns through Frankie as he continues looking ahead. But he knows he can’t share her gaze right now; it’ll reveal too much. It’s too much of a risk. “When you’ve lost people you love, it can be hard to open yourself back up. Because you’re afraid you’ll lose more people.”

“Exactly.” Frankie hates how his voice is strained again.

“But you won’t lose me—any of us.” Luciana reaches out her pinky for Frankie to take with his, and he watches it hang in the air for a moment. “I promise.”

Frankie tries to bite back a smile, looping his pinky with hers in a seal of promise. They chuckle softly as they bring their hands back to their sides, soon coming upon the dive. “Damn, at this rate, we’re gonna have a cavity from all of today’s sweetness.”

Luciana snorts and shakes her head. “That was such a dad joke.”

Frankie lifts his brow and looks over at her. “Have you not said that I’m the dad friend? Doesn’t it make sense? I need to stick to my brand, here.”

“Well, you’re doing a fantastic job.” Frankie tries to playfully punch her shoulder, but Luciana dodges it just in time, laughing as they stumble into the dive. Luciana leads the way in, and rather than taking the same familiar booth, she heads for one in the corner. Frankie isn’t fazed by this; it’s what they always do when they’re alone here. It’s just… different than being with the group. They can’t sit where the group always does. It puts them on that same level. And for reasons they both can’t acknowledge, they refuse to be placed on that same level with each other.

Marlena soon comes over, and she looks curiously at Frankie. “You’re back, again?” she teases, placing her hands on her hips for emphasis. “You just couldn’t annoy me enough today, huh?”

“Oh, c’mon, Marlena,” Frankie demurs, narrowing his eyes at her jokingly. “I’m not the annoying one. It’s always Santiago.”

“Yeah, but look,” Marlena observes, gesturing with her pen over to Luciana. “You brought another García with you.”

Luciana gapes dramatically at the waitress. “Marlena!” she exclaims with fake surprise, laughing a bit. “You have to think more highly of me.”

“Of course, dear,” Marlena assures her, giving her shoulder a gentle pat. “Now, let me guess: strawberry with graham crackers for you—,” she gestures with her pen over to Luciana again, “—and chocolate for you.” She moves her pen to Frankie’s direction.

“What else is new around here,” Luciana retorts, causing Marlena to chuckle as she writes the orders down.

“Sadly, nothin’,” Marlena remarks, throwing her a wink before she walks away. Frankie and Luciana share a confused look—although deep down, Frankie knows exactly what she’s referring to. Marlena’s never been shy about observing the close relationship between the two of them. She’s waiting for something to happen.

Frankie and Luciana get their milkshakes in no time, and they make their usual lighthearted conversation as they reflect on the recent household activity. Benny hasn’t been home for a while, and the house is starting to get used to it. They’re predicting what’ll happen the minute the group’s ultimate firecracker steps back in. Frankie declares a cage fight between Benny and Will for who gets to use their shower first. Luciana insists upon a party where Benny gets absolutely wasted, and everyone else pretends to be—but is actually completely sober. By the time they finish off their milkshakes, they’ve agreed upon both possibilities, plus one where the guys manage to get a fully asleep Benny and his mattress onto the roof for the night.

By the time they’re walking back to the house, the sun has surpassed its peak warmth, and the cold effects of the previous night’s storm are starting to make themselves more known. Frankie’s suddenly aware of the green jacket on his shoulders, as compared to the simple t-shirt Luciana’s dressed in. She won’t admit it, but he knows she’s cold. Her goosebumps couldn’t have lasted that long from the milkshake she’d indulged in—and gotten brain freeze from more than once.

Frankie doesn’t say a word to interrupt Luciana’s current speech on why Frankie should at least try the strawberry milkshake concoction as he shrugs his jacket off his shoulders. He’s left in his grey t-shirt as he hands the jacket over to Luciana, which ultimately causes her to stop speaking. Luciana’s brow raises at him.

“Take it,” Frankie instructs softly. “I’m not that cold.”

“Frankie, I—,” Luciana’s about to try to argue.

“Please, Luce, don’t fight me on this one. I can see your goosebumps.”

Luciana’s dark gaze softens, and Frankie watches her cheeks flush as she takes the jacket from his hands. She shrugs it on, and Frankie has to try to keep his chest from warming up at the way it nearly devours her figure. It’s an impossible task. He can already feel the warmth spreading from his chest to the rest of his body, making him tingle like a teenager who’s just starting to fall in love.

Fuck.

“Are you sure you’re not cold, now?” Luciana questions, pulling Frankie out of his thoughts as she gestures to his exposed arms.

“Luce, please,” Frankie scoffs. “I’m practically hot-blooded.”

Luciana’s eyes widen. “Flyboy, was that a Foreigner reference?”

Frankie shrugs with a knowing smile. “Maybe.”

Luciana shakes her head, returning his smile as she looks up at him. “And I thought you couldn’t know me any better.”

Frankie tries to keep his smile from growing even more at her words. Instead, he listens as she softly begins to hum and recite some of the lyrics of “Hot Blooded,” wondering what it’d be like if he got to experience this much more often. Frankie starts to wonder if he’ll be able to stay true to the word he’d given Santiago. He’s loyal, but any person would find it difficult to resist such charm, wit, beauty, loveliness, grace—.

Oh shit.

Frankie better not be falling hard before he even gets his ass into the air.

next part: chapter 3: humidity

thunder tag list: @youhavereachedtheendofpie @charmantbarnes @theindiealto @fangirl-and-stuff @phoenixhalliwell @maybege @amarvelousmandalorian @seawhisperer @mrsparknuts @saltywintersoldat @softpedropascal @i-hide-inside-my-head @sunshinepascal @domino-oh-damn​ @thirsty-flygirl​ @awesomefandomsunited​

The child’s eyes fly open as she hears the sound. It cracks through the outside air like a whip, leaving a trace of bright light—and fear within her heart. She can hear the wind howling at her window, reminiscent of the monsters her parents assured her weren’t under her bed. Rain pours against the roof, drumming to a rhythm similar to that of her racing heart. Her tiny hands tug on the edge of her pink duvet cover as she cowers beneath it. The room, darkened except for the glow of a moon-shaped nightlight from her bedside table, flashes every other minute from the storm raging around her. She hates thunderstorms; they’re loud, scary, and quick. All it takes is a few minutes for them to make a sudden appearance, seizing every part of her once they make the sounds.

It’s after the fourth rumble of thunder that she knows she can’t do this alone. She dares to rush out from under her protective blankets, her tiny feet padding against the hardwood floor as she heads for the door. She turns the knob and walks further down the hallway, soon finding herself at the door of her parents’ room. Slowly, she enters, seeing the two darkened figures laying close to each other—completely unbothered by the chaos of the outdoors. She winces when another loud roll of thunder sounds, wasting no more time as she heads to her mother’s side of the bed and taps her arm.

“Mommy,” the child whispers softly, trying not to wake her father up as well. Her mother stirs, her dark eyes opening to see her daughter standing there in distress. She furrows her brow, untangling herself from her husband’s arms to face her daughter completely.

“What is it, lovebug?” her mother prompts, but she receives her answer from the sudden roll of thunder that sends her daughter cowering into the side of her bed. She cups her daughter’s cheek as she releases a soft sigh. “It’s the storm, huh?” When her daughter nods, she gives her a small smile, completely rolling out of the bed as she takes her daughter’s hand. “C’mon.”

The child holds tight to her mother’s hand as she walks with her out of her parents’ room, heading back down the hallway to her room. Her mother turns on the lamp of her bedside table before sitting down, pulling her daughter up with her. She sets her on her lap, holding her tightly so she can feel safe whenever the sound of thunder rumbles again. The child’s eyes are full of fear as she looks up at her mother. “Why are storms so scary?” she asks innocently, her small fingers playing with the v-neck collar of her mother’s shirt. “And loud?”

Her mother chuckles softly, running her hand over her daughter’s head. “They’re just very powerful, lovebug,” she tells her daughter. “They affect a lot of things: the wind, the rain, even the air. But they don’t always have to be scary.”

The child’s eyes start to shine with curiosity. “How?”

Her mother’s lips start to curl up into a smile. “Do you want to hear a story?”

Her daughter nods excitedly. “Yes, Mommy, please tell me a story!” She pauses to gasp for a moment, her eyes widening as if she’s made an impeccable realization. “You didn’t tell me one before I went to bed tonight, Mommy. Maybe that’s why there’s a storm!”

Her mother laughs softly. “Maybe.” She sighs, setting her daughter beside her as she tucks her back under her covers. “But you have to be a big girl and listen the whole time, okay? No matter how loud the storm gets.”

The child nods earnestly. “I promise, Mommy! I’ll be a big girl.” She puffs out her chest for effect.

“Alright.” She moves to sit in front of her daughter, crossing her legs so that she can sit comfortably as she tells her story. “It’s about love.”

Her daughter’s eyes widen. “I love love! Is it a princess and a prince? Oh!—a mermaid and a pirate?”

“No, lovebug.” Her mother pauses, musing for a moment before continuing. “It does have a fish, though.”

The child’s nose crinkles. “A fish?”

Her mother chuckles softly. “You’ll see. Are you ready to listen?”

Her daughter nods once again. “Yes!” She cringes a bit as a loud roll of thunder makes itself known, but she tucks her lips together and doesn’t cower in fear—causing her mother to smile even wider.

“Okay.” Her mother takes a deep breath, recounting the entire story in her mind. She remembers the details that she sets aside only for herself and not her daughter, feeling as if she’s experiencing every moment again as she goes on. “It all started not-so long ago…”

next part: chapter 1: warm front

thunder tag list: @youhavereachedtheendofpie @charmantbarnes​ @theindiealto​ @fangirl-and-stuff​ @phoenixhalliwell​ @maybege​ @amarvelousmandalorian​ @seawhisperer​ @mrsparknuts​ @saltywintersoldat​ @softpedropascal​ @i-hide-inside-my-head​

Today isn’t an easy day for Frankie. But he rarely has easy days, anyway. Today is just especially hard.

It’s been seven years to the day since Frankie’s mom passed away, and while it does get a little bit easier with each passing year, the wound still feels fresh. There’s a ring his mom always used to wear with his birthstone on it, and today, he finds himself taking it out of the small box of personal knick-knacks he keeps on his dresser. It’s attached to a chain that he can wear around his neck. He clips it in place, his fingers gliding down the silver chain until they reach the ring that hangs there. Frankie closes his eyes and lifts it to his lips. As if in a silent prayer, Frankie remembers the last time he saw his mom, promising her that he wouldn’t let her down and would accomplish his dream of learning how to fly.

Frankie sits down at his small desk meant for work and instead reaches into the lock-drawer, taking out a black leather journal that sits inside. He flips open the first page like he always does to see his mom’s handwriting, addressed directly to him. Francisco Morales, it reads, to write to me while I’m away. You’ll always have me, lovebug. Frankie smiles in a bittersweet way as he reads his mom’s endearment for him. He used to be so embarrassed by it back then, and now, it would mean the world to hear it again.

There’s a black silk marker that tells Frankie where he’ll be writing next. He picks up his pen and opens it to that page, seeing his last entry that’s dated a few weeks back—just before the semi-formal had happened. So much has gone on inside his head and heart since then, and he wonders how he’ll get it all on paper to his mom before his hand gives out. Frankie begins to write.

Mom,

I miss you a lot today. Well, I’ve been missing you a lot lately. Truth is, there’s been a lot happening since last time I wrote, and I really wish you were here to help me through it.

Frankie pauses to sigh, thinking about how he wants to word the rest. He presses the end of the pen against his pursed lips, staring blankly at the wall ahead before he decides on how to continue.

I think I might be in love, Mom. I’m not sure. Santi told me it’s complicated. I believe him. But that’s the problem. I told him I wouldn’t do anything with Luci, but you see Mom, that’s exactly it. I think I love her.

Seeing the words written on paper makes Frankie panic for a moment, and he stops to catch his breath as he reads them over and over. Does he really? Maybe he’s just being dramatic. Luciana’s been there a lot for him in the past few months, and that’s probably why he thinks he’s in love with her. She’s just been nice and a lot of people aren’t. But then his mind always go back to the night at the bar and the semi-formal and he remembers how damn beautiful she is and how her gaze glittered at him so affectionately and Frankie’s sure that he’s in deep for her.

I don’t know if she feels the same way, but I think she might. Maybe. There’s something weighing so heavy when we’re together and I think that’s it. But I’m not sure. I wish you were here to tell me if it is.

Frankie sighs, taking a second to put down the pen and run his hands down his face. He folds them together and rests his chin on top of them. If he’s being honest, he doesn’t know what the fuck to do. He’d been so sure when Santiago talked to him that he wasn’t going to reach this point with Luciana, but here is he, feeling as if he can’t breathe whenever she’s not around. The thought of never telling her and losing her once college ends freaks him out so badly that there’s a change to his breathing pattern. He forces himself to relax and picks the pen back up.

I don’t know what to do, Mom, because I don’t want to break my word to Santi but I can’t let Luci go. She’s an amazing woman, Mom. You’d love her. I wish you guys met. Her and Santi were always there for me when you left. She knows me almost better than I know myself, a lot like you always did. I can’t lose her like I lost you, and I won’t. Somehow, I’ll figure it out. But enough of my crises.

Frankie takes a deep breath and tries to look to the positives for once.

I graduate in a few weeks. Then, I’m off to finally do it: I’m gonna get my piloting license. I hope you’d be proud of me. Luci always says you would.

He pauses to smile at that.

I can’t wait to start flying, Mom. I’ll be so close to you when I do. Will you tell me which star’s yours, so I can try to take it? Or when you’re near a cloud, so I can wave at you? I’m 22 now, I know I can’t actually take a star, especially when I’m just flying a little plane or a helicopter, but I’d try for you.

Frankie swallows hard, willing himself not to get emotional as he writes his closing words.

I miss you so much, Mom. I hope you’ve had a good seven years of rest. I hated seeing you suffer. I’ll see you again someday. I love you so much.

Love, Francisco (your lovebug)

Frankie puts a kiss to the paper before he marks and closes it, setting it back inside his lock drawer. He moves from his desk chair to his bed, sitting on top of it as he holds the ring between his fingers again. His gaze is empty as it stares at the wall across from him. Just like he does every year since her passing, Frankie waits to see if he’ll somehow hear her voice talk to him again. It hasn’t happened yet, but maybe seven’s a lucky number.

Instead of a voice, though, he hears a gentle knock against his door. Frankie blinks a few times and looks over, dropping the ring and letting it knock against his t-shirt covered chest as he calls for his unexpected guest to come in. His heart flutters when he meets Luciana’s concerned gaze, her brown eyes sparkling with a sadder look than usual as she leans against his doorway.

“Hey,” Luciana greets softly, her voice as soft as the blanket at the foot of Frankie’s bed as she speaks. “I just wanted to come and see how you were doing.”

Frankie shrugs. “I wrote,” he answers simply. He’d told her about the journal a long time ago.

Luciana offers a small smile in response. “That’s good. I bet she’s already read it.”

“I hope so.” Frankie lets out a deep breath and swings his legs over the edge of the bed, watching as his sock-covered feet meet the floor. “I just wish I could get a response.”

“Remember what I said.” Luciana walks over to him, pointing towards the left part of his chest. “Her response is in there.”

Frankie gives her a weak smile, the best one he can manage right now. He doesn’t tell her that he needs more than just a feeling to guide him this time around, that the advice he’s seeking is more complicated than that. There’s no use—and he’s not looking to embarrass himself. “I know.”

Luciana’s smile widens a bit as she takes a soft breath, looking into Frankie’s eyes with a tenderness that almost has him weak in the knees. “Listen… you don’t have to say yes, because I know that it’s hard to do anything today, but if you wanted to get out for a little bit, I’d love to treat us to some ‘shakes to get your mind off things.”

Frankie tries to bite back another smile at her proposition. It’s… adorable. Sweet. There’s no better words for it and it makes Frankie’s chest ache in a good way. “You know, I’d really like that, Luce.”

When Luciana’s gaze begins to glitter up at Frankie, he swears he loses his breath for a moment. “Great! I’ll go get my wallet—the guys aren’t here, they wanted to let you have some privacy in the house, but I didn’t want to leave you alone.”

Frankie knows his expression is nothing short of grateful. “Thank you, Luce. That means a lot.”

Luciana gives her hand a nonchalant wave, though Frankie can see the deeper truth within her dark eyes. She turns and heads downstairs, and Frankie releases a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding as he reaches for his boots. There’s a warmth that’s replaced the emptiness in his chest, and for a moment, he wonders if Luciana’s words are right. Maybe he’s getting his response from his mom—and she’s telling him that this is the way to go.

Frankie makes quick work of his getting-ready routine and soon joins Luciana downstairs. She holds her wallet out with a cheesy smile, causing Frankie to chuckle as she leads them out of the house, locking it behind them.

“I hope you didn’t dare bringing your wallet, Francisco,” Luciana says, and Frankie snorts as he digs one of his hands into his pocket and lets the other swing alongside him. “There’s no way in hell I’m letting you pay for a single cent of these frozen bitches.”

“Did you just call milkshakes ‘frozen bitches?’” Frankie laughs, his smile widening when he hears Luciana’s laughter beside him. “You’re crazy.”

“I know. Learned it from some of the best.” Luciana gives Frankie a warm look and a smile as they head off for the dive, her gaze trailing down to Frankie’s swinging arm. His follows hers, and he watches as she slowly inches her hand closer to his. “So…” Luciana pauses, threading her fingers through his until their hands are entwined. Frankie feels a lump in his throat—but not a bad one. “… if your mom was coming with us, what kind of milkshake do you think she’d order? I think she’d have taste and order the Luci special.”

Frankie’s still trying to adjust to the feeling of her hand in his—something he’s only felt once before, that night on the roof after the semi-formal—as he thinks of a response. “Sorry to tell you, but she was a vanilla person. Probably would’ve gone apeshit for a good cookies ‘n cream milkshake.”

Luciana shrugs. “Can’t blame her. That’s a classic—and they make it real fuckin’ good over here.”

Frankie gasps overdramatically as he looks over at her with a dropped jaw. “You’ve had something other than your Luci special? How’s that possible?”

“It’s called the road to experimenting before the creation of the Luci special,” Luciana answers with a playful roll of her eyes. “How was I supposed to strike gold on my first try?”

“Dunno. At least you have it now—and got to try something else before that.”

“Yeah, at least I don’t just go plain chocolate and call it a day.”

Frankie lightly tugs at Luciana’s hand so that she stumbles a few steps towards him, making her laugh as he chuckles himself. “You have no room to come at me, García. They know both our orders like the back of their hands here. That should be equally embarrassing for both of us.”

“Sure. Whatever helps you sleep at night, Morales.”

The two remain in comfortable silence for the final stretch of the way to the dive, only dropping each other’s hands when they step inside. They head for their usual table in the corner, sitting down just as Marlena approaches with her usual friendly smile. “Shakes?” she asks, gesturing with a finger between the two of them. Frankie and Luciana nod, and Marlena gives a knowing nod as she heads back to the kitchen.

Luciana sighs and parts her lips as if to speak but stops when she catches the ring hanging around Frankie’s neck. Her gaze looks back into Frankie’s. “Is that your mom’s?”

Frankie looks down at the ring and then back up to Luciana. “Yeah. Has my birthstone on it. She gave it to me the last time I saw her.”

Luciana smiles in a bittersweet manner, hesitating before she goes on. “Is it alright if I…?” she trails off, gesturing with her hand to pick it up. Frankie nods, watching as she reaches across the table to take it in her hands. It’s still on the chain around Frankie’s neck, causing her face to be closer to his than usual. Frankie hears his heart thump a bit faster in his chest at the proximity. Luciana’s dark gaze warms up at the sight of it, admiring the silver band and still-shining stone. “Wow. It’s beautiful.”

“That’s fitting for her.”

Luciana looks up at Frankie to widen her smile, her gaze falling back to the ring soon after. “Can I try it on?”

Frankie’s taken aback a bit by her question, but nevertheless, he nods. He watches with awe as she slips it on her finger—and it fits her as if it was made specifically for her. Luciana looks up at Frankie again with an excited expression.

“Your mom and I must have the same ring size.”

If Frankie’s been waiting on a clear sign from the universe about Luciana, that was it. Frankie’s in such shock of the blatant sign of his mom’s presence—the most obvious one he’s had ever since she passed—that he can feel himself starting to tear up just a bit. He attempts to blink them back, refusing to be so shamelessly emotional in a public place, but Luciana knows him well and she’s close enough to tell. She frowns.

“You okay, Frankie?” Luciana’s eyes then widen a bit as she quickly reaches to take the ring off. “Did I go too far?”

“No, no, no, Luce, I’m alright,” Frankie reassures her, taking a deep breath as he feels the tears melting away. Thankfully.

“Do you want to get them to go?” Luciana questions, gesturing with her thumb to the kitchen.

“No, don’t worry—I swear, I’m okay. I just…” Frankie sighs, trying to decide how to word his thoughts without spilling his entire heart to her, “… I thought I felt my mom for a second.”

Luciana’s gaze flickers with joy. “Here?”

Frankie nods. “It’s hard to explain, but it’s never happened before.”

Luciana grins. “She must really want that cookies ‘n cream shake, huh?”

Frankie laughs, shaking his head as Marlena brings their shakes. They keep the topic off his mom while they enjoy their desserts, solely laughing and joking about other topics ranging from Benny’s latest crazy party to the prospect of graduation being so close. Frankie tries to ignore the ache in his heart at thought of them all going their separate ways. He knows Luciana isn’t going with them into the next phase of life—and the thought of that separation pains him so greatly that he almost feels his milkshake coming back up.

They walk back to the house—hand-in-hand again, but separating when the house comes into view, just in case the boys are back—and the rest of the day is spent watching Magnum P.I. reruns and eating pizza, the boys joining them once they return. The whole group heads to bed earlier than usual thanks to an early morning venture to their favorite mountain peak, the last time they’ll be able to hike it together.

The drive isn’t bad, and they only need two cars as they head there the next day. Frankie’s only concern is making sure that he keeps his feelings for Luciana under control with Santiago being nearby. The incident with the ring is all he’s been able to think about, and he knows it could lead to him doing some things that he shouldn’t in front of his friend. It’s just not the time yet.

The group parks in the dirt lot at the foot of the trail and gets together. They check in to make sure they have everything they need—emergency survival tools with Will, food and snacks with Benny, first-aid equipment with Frankie, and extra water bottles split between Santiago, Tom, and Luciana—and start to head up. Frankie always takes up the rear, wanting to have a clear look at his friends in case of emergency, and the rest of the group clears the way. Though they practically have this trail memorized by now, Frankie’s always on the look for something dangerous, wanting to keep his friends safe in the event that something happens.

Being surrounded by nature lets Frankie’s thoughts expand and become freer than usual. His overthinking about Luciana is given room to breathe, as if he can stretch every worry throughout the entire surrounding forest and not have to feel so suffocated by it. The sound of his boots making satisfying crunches over leaves, twigs, and other debris works in a therapeutic way to relax him. Frankie likes to look around and see if he can spy any nearby animals—but his favorite thing to do is look at the sky. Sometimes, the trees surrounding them block it from him, but at other times he can get a clear view of it. It makes Frankie feel more connected to it when he’s out here.

They’re about three quarters of the way to the top when Frankie suddenly hears a squeal of shock coming from Luciana’s direction. Instantly, he snaps his gaze towards her, watching as her foot gets caught in a dip of the forest floor. She falls to the side, letting her lower half take the weight rather than trying to catch herself with her hands. She lets out a loud curse.

“Luci!” Santiago exclaims as he turns around and stretches his hands out to his sister, as if to help her up. “You okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, I think so,” Luciana answers, accepting his hands and letting him help her up. As she goes to take a step forward, however, her ankle gives out, and she practically collapses onto Santiago. “Shit—never mind. I think I wrenched my ankle.”

Frankie hurries over to her, already taking off his backpack as he reaches for the first-aid kit. Santiago continues to hold Luciana up. “Do you need to go back? Maybe you should see a doctor.”

“No, it’s fine, Santi,” Luciana assures her brother. “I’m being a little bitch about it. You guys keep going, we’ll catch up.” She gestures to Frankie, who’s already taking out whatever creams, ice packs, and wraps he needs to work with.

Frankie looks up to give Santiago a reassuring nod, and he sighs as he helps Luciana to a nearby boulder where she can sit. “Alright. But be careful, Luci.”

“I know, I know. You know me—so clumsy.”

Santiago chuckles a bit, nodding as he turns back to the rest of the group. They continue up while Frankie starts to tend to Luciana’s ankle, removing her boot so he can inspect it. “How’s it lookin’, doc?” Luciana asks him. “Am I gonna be able to walk again?”

Frankie snorts, shaking his head as he gently releases her ankle to reach for the tube of arnica bruising cream. “It’s a little swollen, but nothing terrible,” he answers, never looking away from his work. “You probably just have a muscle strain. If you rest it for the remainder of the day, you’ll be fine tomorrow.”

Luciana scoffs, her gaze constantly watching Frankie as he finishes with the cream and cracks an ice pack, placing it against her ankle and securing it there with a cloth wrap. “Leave it to me to fuck up our last hike.”

“Hey, you didn’t fuck it up.” Frankie looks back up to Luciana once he finishes his work, putting the first-aid kit in his backpack and softening his eyes at her. “Look, the show will go on.” He reaches back inside his backpack and takes out his spare granola bar, handing it to Luciana along with two pills for the pain. She accepts them gratefully, swallowing the pills with her water and starting to break into the granola bar.

“I don’t know how when I can’t even walk.” Luciana mumbles the words through a mouthful of the bar, causing Frankie to chuckle.

“You won’t have to walk.” Frankie puts Luciana’s boot in his backpack and hangs it on the front of his body, gesturing to his now-open back as he stands up. “I’ll carry you.”

Luciana raises her brow as she looks at him incredulously. “Frankie, I’m not making you carry me the entire way up and down this mountain.”

“Luci, don’t worry, I can handle it. Plus… I could use the workout.” Frankie slaps a hand over the part of his stomach that isn’t covered by the backpack, causing Luciana to laugh as she shakes her head.

“You’re perfect just the way you are, Flyboy.” Frankie tries not to let the heat rise in his cheeks at her compliment, instead reaching out to help her onto her good foot. He bends down enough for her to be able to get herself onto his back, and his hands grip either sides of her thighs as he helps her slide further onto his back.

“Comfortable?” Frankie questions, waiting for her green light.

“I feel like I should be the one asking you that.” Luciana’s tone is laced with shared gratitude and guilt as Frankie turns his face as much as he can to try to see her. “It’s great, Frankie. Thank you so much.” With a smile, she kisses his cheek, causing Frankie’s heart to stop for a moment as he quickly tries to regather his bearings.

“Uh—yeah, Luce. Of course. It’s the least I could do.” He bits back a smile as he turns his head towards the trail again, feeling Luciana’s arms secure around his neck as he starts to catch back up to the boys.

Before long, they close the distance, and thankfully Santiago isn’t at all suspicious of the way Frankie’s carrying his sister. Instead, he thanks him, grateful that Luciana can somehow still join them on the rest of the hike. They reach the peak in no time, and the sight never fails to take Frankie’s breath away. He looks out in awe, letting Luciana slide off his back for the time being as she stays at his side, leaning on his arm for support.

“I’ve always thought this view was so beautiful.” Luciana’s words are hushed, as if she wants to keep them between herself and Frankie.

Frankie looks from the view to her, watching the way she scans over the landscape ahead with such wonder in her dark eyes. He adores it. He adores her. “Yeah, this is a stunning view.” Luciana finally looks over at Frankie, and upon realizing that he’d been gazing at her when he said the words, he sees the heat rise in her cheeks. She looks out again with a squeeze to his arm, and Frankie does the same.

The group gets together after a few minutes of staring, eating a few snacks to prepare themselves for the trip back down. They crack some jokes and laugh as is routine for them, Will threatening to throw Benny off when he tells an embarrassing childhood story that the group somehow hasn’t heard before. Frankie’s heart feels fuller than ever at the time spent with his family in one of their favorite places, and he refuses to let the haunting thoughts of the future ruin it.

After about an hour on the peak, the group gets their things back together and starts the descent. Luciana’s on Frankie’s back again, and while she continually worries about hurting him or wearing him out, Frankie insists that she feels weightless. It’s true; Frankie doesn’t know if it’s Luciana’s rather petite size or his trips to the gym actually coming in handy for once, but Luciana feels light as a feather. Even lighter than his backpack had been.

By the time they get to the bottom and head home, the group’s yawning from having to be up so early and partaking in so much physical exertion. Frankie never stops helping Luciana even as they get back to the house, taking her on his back yet again as he helps her upstairs and into her room. He sets her on her bed and provides her with more pain medication, ice packs, and the tube of arnica cream.

“You should ice on and off every fifteen minutes,” Frankie instructs her gently, “and keep your foot elevated. That’ll help it to heal fast, hopefully by tomorrow. The bruising doesn’t look too bad, but if you want to get rid of it more, put on some more arnica. And if you need anything, don’t get it yourself. You just yell for help. Okay?”

Luciana laughs. “Alright, doc.” Frankie chuckles and shakes his head, crossing his arms as he looks down at her. She stays silent for a moment, looking up at him through her lashes. Her brown eyes are glittering, and Frankie finds his stomach fluttering again. “Thank you so much, Frankie. Seriously. Everything you did for me today… it means a lot to me.” She pauses, her gaze falling for a moment before it looks into his again. “You mean a lot to me.”

Frankie’s heart soars higher than his airplanes ever could at that. He can’t suppress the smile that grows on his lips. “You mean a lot to me too, Luce. That’s why I did what I did.” He stops for a moment, willing himself to be brave as he leans down to press a gentle kiss to her forehead. “You’ll be back to normal in no time.”

Luciana smiles up at him. “Bummer. I like having you take care of me like this.”

Frankie shrugs with a chuckle. “You’ll just have to roll your ankle again, I guess.”

Luciana gives him a shove while she laughs, gesturing to her bedroom door. “Don’t let it hit you on the way out.”

Frankie laughs with her, biting back another smile as he heads for the door. He closes it gently behind him, looking to see if any of the boys are around. When he doesn’t spot them, he lets himself lean back against her door, closing his eyes as his smile spreads wide.

Frankie doesn’t know how the hell he’s gonna do it—especially with the opposing pressure of his best friend—but he’s sure that he has to make Luciana his, before he loses her.

next part: chapter 6: thunder

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