It was always like this ever since he knew Ezio. Whenever the assassin arrived with a codex page or a wound to be taken care of he felt his heart race in his chest pumping hope into him that maybe, just maybe Ezio did feel the same way as he did. After that, a sinking feeling when he realized that there was no chance for this dream to come true. Every time the assassin came and went when he finished with what he came for leaving with a hug and with another piece of Leonardo's heart.
It was a usual day in Venice. Through the workshop's window Leonardo could see people walking and chatting. He looked back at the sketch he was working on. He felt pathetic. Every time he tried to sketch something, a bird, a person in the end he always ended up with a drawing of Ezio. With a sigh he got up from his table, grabbed his hat and headed out the door. He had no idea where he was going. He just needed to get away from all those thoughts about that certain assassin.
He was so absorbed in his thoughts that he didn't even notice that he arrived to the docks. As he looked around he noticed that there weren't many people around.
"Probably there are no incoming ships tonight." he guessed as he settled down on a nearby bench.
The artist suddenly regretted not bringing anything to sketch with as the image of a faraway, departing ship settled in his mind, though he doubted he could sketch anything that did not include Ezio.
He sighed deeply as got ready to head back but…
-That's an incredible amount of sighing from someone usually so cheerful.
Leonardo recognized the voice right away and he felt his heart pounding in his chest already.
-Ezio, so nice to see you! How did your last mission go? – he asked turning his head towards the assassin.
-I completed it. –the answer came. So simple, so cold.
-I see…
-Can I sit? – Ezio asked already settling down besides the artist who only nodded.
There was a long silence between them but Leonardo didn't know how to break it. He was about to ask Ezio about the codex pages but the assassin interrupted him.
-So, tell me. What's wrong?
-Wrong? Nothing is wrong amico mio, I was just absorbed in my thoughts, that's all. - the artist tried with some excuses.
-Leonardo.- Ezio called out with a firm voice.
-Yes?
-Tell me. Is someone hurting you? Are the guards bothering you? I can take care of them.
Leonardo was surprised. Why did Ezio sound so…so protective?
-I-it's okay, really. I just had a lot on my mind lately. - he finally managed to stutter.
-If someone bothers you I can take care of them. Just tell me. Promise me you will! – Ezio sounded so pleading. Why? Leonardo felt so confused.
-Please, Leonardo! Promise me!
-I promise.- the artist said but by the time he looked over to the place next to him on the bench Ezio was nowhere to be seen.
That night he lay in bed for a long time thinking about all that happened that day. Finally he fell asleep with a smile. It was a clear, quiet night but no one noticed the white eagle watching over the artist's house.