~ Leonardo da Vinci ~
Leonardo da Vinci loved the womanizing Assassin since the first time he laid eyes on him, before he became an assassin, before his whole world crumbled together with the deaths of his father and brothers.
Ezio Auditore was then a boy of 17 – for he was not yet a man then – working for his father in their family business. The Auditore's was a rather wealthy banking family, just like de Pazzi and the rules of the city; de Medici.
He arrived with his mother, Madonna Maria, to collect the finished commissions (for Leo was actually done with them, which was rather unusual).
Leonardo was interested in the boy, inquiring as to what he was doing (though he knew to a certain degree) and if he wanted to continue along that path, or if he had any other interests. His reply was that he was not sure, but Leonardo thought he did not seem interested in it.
Arriving at Palazzo Auditore, Ezio put down the box with the paintings and disappeared into his father's office to see if he could help in any way. Leonardo joined the Madonna into the Palazzo to find the perfect places for the paintings.
The next time Leonardo, for so he was to be from now on, he was not himself. He had snuck up to the tower where his father and brothers were held prisoners. He was instructed by his father to return to their home, and find everything that was in the chest in the hidden room in his office; he'd told Leonardo as much when he asked what had happened.
In the chest there were several letters and documents which Messer Giovanni had instructed him to bring to the Gonfalaniore. The documents proves the innocence of Ezio's family, as well as Ezio's own
Ezio didn't have to tell Leonardo why he came, not just because Leonardo would read it in the way Ezio was behaving, but simply because he didn't have to explain himself to Leonardo.
Leonardo told him then, that he would always be there for him - no matter what it was Ezio needed, be it a warm meal, a comfortable bed, a friend, or just a safe haven - Leonardo was happy to help.
He thought to himself that he would always be there to welcome Ezio with a kind smile on his face and his arms wide open, ready to embrace him.
Leonardo could sense the desperation in the man, and wowed himself that he would do whatever was in his power to keep Ezio from desperation and despair.
And why wouldn't he? After all, he loved the man.
Ezio left not long after, to deliver the papers.
The next time Leonardo saw him, he was in shock and did not know what do to; he had just witnessed the hanging of Giovanni, and Federico and little Petruccio.
Leonardo had already heard the news (who hadn't?), and welcomed Ezio with open arms and hid the look of pity in his eyes, for Ezio's sake.
Ezio insisted on having to go to his mother and sister to tell them the news, but Leonardo coaxed him into staying, if just for the night, just so he did not have to deal with it all right now. This way, he could spare hi for it, if just for a few hours.
Leonardo told Ezio to take his bed; he himself would take the divan in the studio.
He guided Ezio to his sleeping chamber, and gently coaxed him out of his armor.
Just he turned around to leave, he felt a shaking, slightly calloused hand, grab his own.
"Stay," Ezio whispered, and Leonardo did not need any more convincing. Hurrying out of his own clothing and into his sleepwear, he crawled into bed besides Ezio, letting the younger's arms hold him tight.
When he awoke the morning after, Ezio was gone.
He showed up a few days later, with a codex-page and a broken hidden blade.
Leonardo was exited beyond belief when he got to translate it and rebuild the broken blade, he even joked with Ezio about having to cut his finger off.
And when he straight afterwards was attacked by a guard, he was immensely grateful for Ezio and his blade.
After making sure Leonardo was alright, Ezio thanked him for his help, and, when Leonardo asked, he promise he'd bring back the other Codex-pages he'd come across.
Leonardo did not see Ezio for two years. He knew he'd taken his mother and his sister Claudia to his Uncle Mario in Monterriggioni, because he told him so as he departed.
But Leonardo had not heard from him in the meantime, and was worried for him.
Every night, he laid alone in his bed that now seemed far too big for one person alone and his thoughts strayed to Ezio. How was he doing? He surely wouldn't be dead, he would know it if he was, right?
And so the two years passed, until Ezio suddenly stood at his door again, as if he'd only been gone for a few hours.
But it was visible that he had been gone for longer than that. Leonardo could feel the muscles as he hugged him close, and he could see the death, hatred and pure FORCE in Ezio's eyes. He hated it.
He hated to see what just two shirt (long for him) years had done to the man who had his heart without knowing it.
Who knew how long this would continue?
So he buried his worries for the time being; not wanting Ezio to notice and ask.
Instead, he enjoyed the challenges given by the Codex-pages and the nights spent by Ezio's side in bed.
Ezio had declined using the bed at first, but Leonardo said that he should take the bed, after all, how often did he get to spend the night "in a soft warm bed..?. He quickly added "that's not in one of the bordellos?" in a teasing manner. He had expected Ezio to comment on the last pat, but he did not. Instead, he'd accepted the bed, but only as long as Leonardo shared it with him.
Just because he was there for a few days, didn't mean the artist had to give up his bed for the assassin.
And so Leonardo got to spend some hours each night next to the man of his dreams.
For Leonardo, every moment Ezio was "home" was bliss.
But he knew It couldn't last. Which is why, on what Leonardo knew was to be their last night together for a long time; he made Ezio promise him one thing.
He made him promise he would come back safe and sound. And he reminded him of the vow he made two years ago; that this door was always open, that there would always be a free spot for him in the bed and a free stool in the kitchen for him to eat at.
And Ezio promised, even though they both knew very well that it was not a promise he could keep.
But Leonardo still felt safer, because now he knew just by looking at Ezio that he would at least try, e would try for Leo's sake.
And sure enough, just like two years ago, Ezio was gone when Leonardo woke.
Leonardo's life passed in much the same manner as the previous two, but with more offers now. He also worked more on his inventions, not just his paintings. He was behind on several of them, due to his ability to procrastinate.
When he missed Ezio too much, he would retire to his sleeping chamber and draw and sketch Ezio based on his memory.
Other times, he'd hug a pillow, pretending it was the assassin he held close.
And other times still, he succumbed to his primal instincts, and masturbated to the memory of him.
He was not proud of it, and therefor he would not do in unless he felt he had no choice.
He knew there was no point in spending money on a courtesan; there was no point in even trying. It was better this way.
And so, another two years passed.
Leonardo did not like it, not at all, but he knew there was nothing he could do about it.
And even though Ezio had chosen to continue on this long and winding path after being thrown onto it, it was necessary, it had to be done for the sake of the world.
No, Leonardo did not like it. But he understood it, and therefor he would accept it. After all, he loved the man.
He did not feel confident enough to admit to his feelings, if he were given the chance; instead he would cherish the few moments they got to be together.
If the assassin came back hurt, Leonardo would be there to fix him.
No, Leonardo da Vinci was sure that he would never find the courage to admit his feelings for Ezio Auditore da Firenze. Instead, he settled for continuing to be what he had been for years now; his friend and companion through all parts of life.
They could be together in Leonardo's dreams, and he accepted that.
Still, if only he knew.
