The Illogically Frayed Shuffle
Chapter One, Absolute.
Quiet but I'm sure there is something here
Absolute, tell me everything 'cause I want to hear.
- - -
The wet instrument glided across the smooth paper with the flick of a wrist. Leonardo da Vinci smiled softly as he dipped his brush into the vat of green paint and began to colour the grass on his canvas. He was painting a portrait of Florence during the summer and how the plants were lush with life outside the city gates.
Florence reminded him of Ezio Auditore da Firenze, whom he hadn't seen for months. Worry crisscrossed into his daily emotions, along with an unexplained wanting of the man who was a close family friend. He could only recall Ezio leaving through his front door, giving him one of his trademark grins as he swore he would be back another day. Every night, Leonardo prayed for his safety; prayed that he would come back the next day with only a scratch on his knee.
He came back, that's for sure. He returned back a year later, his eyes hardened with revenge. The minute he stepped into the house, Leonardo turned around, his expression ridden with joy. He had returned, alive.
"Leonardo," Ezio spoke, his voice husky and deeper than he remembered.
"Ezio!" Leonardo exclaimed, dropping his supplies to the table and rushed over, embracing his dear friend closely. "You have returned!" He dug his fingers into the back of Ezio's cowl with his heart pounding heavily. Ezio grinned then began to laugh as he placed both hands on each of Leonardo's shoulders, pulling him back to look at his face.
"I always keep my word, Leonardo," he said with a mischievous grin and caressed Leonardo's cheek, being completely blasé. Silence lapsed between them – and it wasn't uncomfortable. Just seeing Ezio standing in front of him, all limbs intact, was enough to keep him from opening his mouth to ruin the glorious reunion. Ezio pulled back his hood, allowing the light in the room to show his face properly.
Leonardo had been so wrong.
In all the portraits of Ezio he had done while the man was away, he had never captured his true beauty. Without knowing he had done it, Leonardo reached out and slowly cupped Ezio's face in his hands. The man's skin was rough with stubble and as Leonardo traced the scar on his lip, he could feel Ezio shudder under his cool touch. Slowly, their gazes met and both of them spoke without using any words, telling each other what they wanted to hear.
A/N: Hey guys! I'm deciding to do a bunch of Assassin's Creed drabbles to the band, The Fray! They're an amazing band and they inspire me the most when I'm writing. So, I hope you guys like this as much as I'll like writing it!