Other than a few chaste kisses and flirting behind buildings, the routine between the two of them didn't seem to change much...until about a month later. Federico had managed to interrupt Vieri during one of his /father's/ parties, running strait through it and ducking under tables. The angry cries of the guards behind him followed, outraged that he'd interrupt such an important event. He was bleeding from an ugly-looking wound on his temple, but his trade-mark grin had not left his lips. He glanced back and forth, trying to spot Vieri in the crowd.
The party was /riveting/, so much fun he could barely contain himself. Mid-way through it he found that he suddenly cared nothing for the gossip, or for the idle problems of those that desired a conversation with the Pazzi son. He would smile and talk back, of course, but his thoughts would drift. He wondered just what mischief Federico was getting into., then promptly shoved his curiosities away. Bored, he retreated to a table tucked away in the corner and watched as the crowd flitted about.
From the corner of his eye he caught sight of his guards running through the crowd and inclined his head, trying to get a better peek at the one who had angered them. Finally, he spotted that mess of familiar brown hair and rubbed his face - that dumb ass was here. His was getting into trouble /here/, at his father's party, injured by the looks of it, but alive.
One of the guards managed to catch up, taking the intruder by surprise, during his search, and brought the hilt of his sword across the man's back. It bought enough time for the rest of the sentry to join in, intending to (if nothing else) knock the man unconscious. In between the insults and jeers, quite a few decent blows were delivered.
Vieri bit his tongue and said nothing, pretended not to notice, not to care. He didn't, that's what he told himself - the man could die and he'd not care. Good riddance! ...Then why did his chest constrict at every little glimpse he got of the Auditore? It didn't matter, no reason to dwell on it, the man was crafty and resilient, he'd live through it. If he was dumb enough to start it, then he would suffer the consequences.
Federico grunted in pain when the sword hit him, stumbling forwards onto his knees. He brought his arm up to block a second blow, ending up with a deep slice on his arm, a dozen bruises across his back and shoulders, and a scrape that was purpling as he fought to free himself from the guards. Grunting, he rolled onto his back. "I've been struck harder by my mother!" He chuckled, waiting until the man roared in anger, and his foot soundly connected with the man's groin as he jerked forwards.
Watching him double over in pain, he ducked through the opening it had made and stepped past him. He spotted Vieri (finally) and grinned, waving at him lightly before making a beeline through the crowd towards him. He jumped atop the table that Vieri sat at, bleeding and bruised, his grin ever present. "Buona sera, Messer Pazzi." He hummed, dropping a tiny parcel in his lap, the edges of it tinged with a bit of blood from his wounded arm.
The guards soon come after him again however, and he flashed Vieri another smile before jumping over his head and to the fence directly behind him, hopping over it and rolling into a nearby haystack.
He covered his face and groaned in disbelief - did he really just wave at him? Yes. Yes he had, and now stood on his table. Vieri would've popped off an insult, to add to injury, but the gift served as a distraction and he picked it up curiously. All of this for a worthless little gift? A frown set upon his face to counter the Auditore's cheerful expression - he specifically asked for no public displays! Was it really that hard a concept to follow?
When the guards came bellowing, weapons raised in rage, the Pazzi shrugged," I saw him run to the north." A lie, but it worked well enough, and the guards went on their goose chase. The Auditore had already taken a beating, the lesson was (hopefully) bashed into his thick skull. He wasn't doing it to save his life or anything, that would caring, something he didn't feel.
Left alone again, gift in hand, he unwrapped it then frowned in confusion - a key? What nonsense was this? What sort of fool would give a key without any hint of what it belonged to...oh, right. Federico Auditore would. This was probably to lure him out, and with the stunt he pulled a month ago - their making love in that abandoned building - he didn't put it past the sneaky bastard.
Vieri got to his feet, pushed past the thong of people, and excused himself from the party. He knew where the other had escaped, heard the hay give under his weight, so he /casually/ walked to his destination. Depending on just how badly Federico was hurt would determine on just how hard he would hit him.
Federico was nearly silent save for the quiet grunts of pain he was releasing. He was silent, nursing the wound on his arm and smiling silently to himself. It was a gamble to see if Vieri was interested enough to come play this game with him, to come see him even after he'd made a public display of affection.
He stifled a groan of pain as he gingerly touched the cut on his arm, eyes flicking closed. He heard the distinctive sound of Vieri's footsteps then, and he perked slightly, just barely poking his head out of the haystack, his chin resting on the edge of the wooden crate he rested in. He hid the wound on his arm against his chest, though he could not hide the blood dribbling freely from his temple and down the side of his face. He squinted one eye closed to avoid getting blood in it.
"Buona sera, amore mio." He greeted again, cheerful as always.
"What the fuck was that?" Vieri shouted with narrowed eyes, pointing at the wall and beyond it to the soiree inside. "Can you do anything subtle, at all, or was that a trait you didn't inherit? Look at you!"
Bristled like a cat, the Pazzi leaned in closer to grab his face, turning his head this way and that. There were other injuries, he knew, but let it drop along with the Auditore's face.
"You're an idiot, do you know that? If you don't allow me to be the first to tell you - you're an idiot." The key - momentarily forgotten - was raised to Federico' eye level. "This? What is this for? What is so damned special about it that you had to make a scene of my father's party?"
Federico was merely chuckling now as Vieri pawed at him. The wounds hurt, and the blood was sticky and uncomfortable, but the look on Vieri's face was so utterly worth it. He just laughed louder at the questions, before finally managing an answer. "I was never one for subtlety."
Glancing at the key, he grinned wider. "I hoped you would figure it out." He mused, running his fingers over the key with a light grin. "I gave you the key..." he trailed off, trying to suppress a chuckle. "...to my heart."
All those stunts, the injuries, just so he could say a cheesy line.
Looking from the key to Federico's face, he wondered just how much effort it would to embed it between his eyes. He stared and stared, the others cheer and sweet (albeit cheesy) words were not lifting his fowl mood, at all.
He was angry, yes, but the flush across his face wasn't entirely from rage. Pursing his lips and straightening, Vieri tossed the key into the haystack," You're the biggest fool I've ever known, Federico Auditore. Take your key, if you can find it, and never pull a stunt like this again."
"Your words wound me, amore mio...!" He breathed, standing up from the haystack and wincing as the gash in his arm bumped the side. Cradling it to his chest, he smiled. "Don't I even get a kiss for my troubles? Surely I deserve it..." he almost pouted now, bending to rummage for the key, finding it and holding it out again.
"I went through a lot to get it to you...Please keep it?" he asked, canting his head to the side.
His heart lurched a bit, watching the other look for the key in his condition (even if it served him right). Then did another flip-flop when presented to him for a second time. What was with this idiot? Why wouldn't he take no for an answer like normal people, and leave?
Snatching the key from the Auditore's hand he heaved a sigh, thumb running over the design absently. "Fine, whatever, just so long as you never do something so stupid again." He averted his eyes, face burning visibly for the other to see. "Just...go get your injuries tended to, idiota."
"Keep it safe for me." Federico hummed, bowing his head lightly. Grinning, he stepped from the haystack, dusting himself off. "The guards are still looking for me...I'll treat them myself." He mused, peering at the wound on his arm. It might need stitched...eh. Sewing those himself would be rather nasty. Perhaps his father could...
"Mmm, I can't promise you that, love. I'm wooing you, remember?"
"You can't woo someone when you're dead, you...you-!" He had raised a fist, meaning to strike the other or throw the key again, before growling. His hand dropped back to his side and trembled - whether from anger or something else, he wasn't sure.
He did not care, would /not/ let himself care for this man.
It took a moment but Vieri managed to compose himself," You'll only make a mess of the injuries if you try that. If you refuse to see a doctor, and have no one else, I could /possibly/.../perhaps/..." He trailed off awkwardly and fiddled with the key in his hands. "I might consider treating it myself - if you've no other options."
"Mm, that is true...I will try not to get myself killed then." He mused, watching the fist and making no move to block or avoid it. He smiled wider at the offer, his eyes almost sparkling. Now /this/ he hadn't expected...
"Well, Vieri...If you wish to do so, then do it, but if not, I really must find myself a needle and threat for this wound, here." He motioned to the gash on his arm, his smile still friendly. "The scar it leaves will be quite dashing, don't you think?"
"Hopefully you'll see it and be reminded of your own ignorance," huffed the shorter man, taking a moment to scan the area. "Fine, I'll tend to it but don't expect any special treatment. Say something stupid or try anything, and I'm jerking the thread to shut you up."
With that he tilted his head and placed both hands on his hips, key still tucked safely behind his fingers. How he could smile through all of this was beyond the Pazzi.
"Can you find your way to my room without aid, Auditore? It seems like something you would already have memorized by now, stalker."
Federcio smiled warmly at that, leaning in to steal a kiss - on the cheek, of course. He pulled back then and lazily climbed a ladder up to a nearby rooftop. "I'll be there before you if you don't hurry, amore mio."
And he trotted off, dribbling blood in tiny trails as he went. He would be perched atop the young Pazzi's window sill when he got to his room, leaning heavily against the glass. Blood smeared along the glass as he let out a shaky sigh. He hadn't originally intended to be injured so badly - a few scrapes for Vieri to kiss better - but the number of guards had taken him by surprise..
Vieri had to admit, even injured, the younger man was something else. Full of surprises. Not that he had been /expecting/ a kiss on the lips or anything, no. He certainly wasn't the least bit let down when it didn't happen either.
After taking a moment to watch Federico sprint off, the Pazzi turned on his heel and returned to the guards waiting outside the party. A quick lie to throw them off, about not finding anything and being just fine, and that was settled. Vieri made up an excuse of illness to leave when curious attendee's threw questions his way.
Finally he arrived at his room and opened the window, making a mental note to clean it later. He had snagged a thread and needle along the way, as well as a bottle of wine - to prevent infection, of course.
"You're lucky I'm even doing this," remarked Vieri, giving him a sideways glance.
Federico stumbled forwards into the room, seating himself lazily on one of his chairs. His red clothes were stained darker with blood, and he shuddered slightly before pulling his shirt off. This revealed the many dark bruises and cuts along his back, chest, and shoulders. The worst of course was the one on his arm, where he'd blocked the blow to his head. "Mm, if I knew you'd be my doctor, I would have gotten a worse injury." He teased, smiling good-naturedly at him.
He knew this would hurt regardless of where he went to get his wound treated...and he wanted Vieri to treat it for him. It gave him more time with him at least. "Mm, yes...I am lucky. Thank you."
"If you had any worse," he chided, pulling up a chair across from his and another to hold the supplies - a small dish of water and a few clothes along with the others," I would have tossed you out into the street. To teach you a lesson, so wipe that smile off your face, idiota."
Wetting the clean cloth, he pressed it over the less time consuming injuries along his chest. Vieri's brows knitted in concentration as he continued to wash off dried blood, eyes trailing from bruise to cut. The man was so thickheaded it was surprising that he'd lived for this long!
He stood and moved around the chair to tend to his back, dabbing lightly," Don't do this again." There was no threat behind his words this time, nor was it an order so much as a statement.
Federico just chuckled at that. He sighed in relief as the blood was cleaned away, wincing when it ran over some of the more painful bruises. The worst, the one on his arm, he cradled to his chest, patiently waiting for treatment. He shivered a little and bowed his head when the cloth ran over his back.
"You'd throw me out? Harsh, amore mio." He murmured, glancing over his shoulder back at him with a light smile. "I'll try not to get hurt again." He murmured, reaching back to clasp Vieri's hand for a moment, giving a light squeeze.
He scoffed and pulled his hand back, focusing on patching the man up," When have I ever been anything but harsh with you?"
Grey eyes lifted to catch the others, then fell back to the cuts along his shoulders, taking care to be more gentle without even really thinking. Finishing with them he rounded back to his seat and took Federico's arm into his hand carefully, dabbing away the blood there as gently as possible.
"Mi dispiace," Vieri murmured, not bothering to elaborate on any specific meaning. Of course, it was directed for the pain that was to come, but a small part of him apologized for being the cause of the injuries in the first place.
Federico grit his teeth, resisting the urge to hiss when his arm was touched. It still bled, but more sluggishly now. He peered down at Vieri, flicking his eyes over to the needle with a light grimace. This would hurt, but he hoped Vieri might take pity on him and let him have the wine later. He flashed Vieri a somewhat devilish smile. "No need..." he murmured. "I've had worse."
Where exactly he'd 'had worse' was up for questioning, but Federico chose not to elaborate. He was surprisingly relaxed considering he was about to let Vieri sew up his arm.
A noncommittal noise was his only reply before he went about preparing the needle, and uncorking the bottle. He didn't bother with warnings before pouring the contents over the cut - actually, it might have been a form of revenge for the abuse his backside suffered on the rooftops.
"You're still an idiot," came his voice gently, eyes not leaving the wound as he offered the rest of the bottle for consumption. "You should take better care of yourself."
He was speaking to help keep the Auditore's mind occupied, beginning to stitch up the gash. It hurt, Vieri knew as much, could see the muscles along his abdomen and in his neck clench each time the needle broke through skin. He kept up the careful pace - no use in having it reopen later - and when finished, cut off the extra thread.
Federico let out a low hiss when the wine spilled over his open wound. It stung painfully, but...he knew it would prevent infection, and that was good. His face contorted into an expression of pain, brows knitting together as he took in a few deep breaths.
"A-Am I...?" He breathed, in a quiet chuckle, though at the moment, he couldn't seem to force a smile. He dutifully kept his arm still, his whole body tense. As the flesh was slowly sewn together he grimaced, gritting his teeth. When it was finally done, he let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
He flexed his arm a little and grimaced again, taking a swig of wine. Good wine. Mm. Vieri had good taste. "Grazie..." he ground out, his voice still a bit strained due to his arm throbbing in pain.
The Pazzi spoke with an air of detachment," Si, you are. The biggest of all, even."
Honestly, the man was more trouble than he was worth. The secret kisses and stupid words Vieri could put up with them - hell, he'd almost go as far as to say he liked them. Er, only a little though. Still, the point was, the crazy antics in public were /anything/ but worthwhile.
All throughout his mental musings and clearing away supplies, a frown had settled on his lips - thoughtful but still a frown. He placed his hands on hips and regarded the injured man intensely; it would make most people uncomfortable.
"Get out," he said finally, cocking his head to the side. "Recover at your home, not mine." Perhaps he was being cruel, it had never stopped him before.
"Lovely..." Federico hummed lightly, sipping the wine a bit more before corking it again. Peering at Vieri as he moved, the smile didn't vanish, even when he was told to leave. The look he met evenly, staring him down and grinning slightly.
He stood after a moment, wrapping his arms loosely around Vieri's middle. He buried his face in his neck, nuzzling his shoulder a little. "Just a moment longer." Federico assured him. He'd leave in a moment, after he had had a 'proper' goodbye. Breathing in deeply his lover's scent, he tightened the hold just slightly.
"Ti amo, Vieri." He hummed in his ear, sweet and genuine. If he had his way, he wouldn't leave Vieri with an encounter in which he didn't remind him of how he felt. Besides...he couldn't help himself. If Vieri melted even a little at his words, then that was good.
Vieri brought his hands up to shove the other away before sighing, letting fingers glide over dampened skin instead. For the life of him, he couldn't just say no. The man had made a mess of himself just to deliver a stupid line - not that he approved of it.
So there he stood, pressed up against the Auditore with his forehead pressed against his shoulder. It wasn't fair. Federico didn't play fair, those words so full of love tickling his skin - promising something more if he gave in to them. He would not allow himself to cave though, at least, not completely.
Figuring the taller of them deserved something for his efforts he pressed a small kiss to his throat. Even such a small gesture made the Pazzi feel awkward and flustered, had his face burning.
Pleased that he wasn't shoving him away, he sighed in relief. He was ...surprised, when he felt the kiss, and he blinked lightly. What...? A kiss? He hadn't expected it. He grinned a little, nuzzling him further and tangling his fingers lightly in his hair.
"Grazie." He murmured. That was enough for him for now. He just wanted to be touched by him. He knew Vieri's feelings would come later - but if he liked him even a /little/ bit, then this was working. "Shall I try something a little less dangerous next time?" He teased, kissing his ear. He already had a few more ideas, but this one had been the most...dangerous. That was why he'd done it first, of course.
Of course that tiny, /tiny/ kiss would fuel Federico's ego - make him try harder. Jerk. He was lucky that Vieri thought he was comfortable enough to stay close. Yes, that was why, not because he was enjoying it, being held. What a ludicrous thought that!
Lips still against his skin, he spoke, though muffled," I'd prefer something /not/ dangerous, if you can manage it. Though I somehow think you can't." He gave pause to slant his head, looking up at him. "If you get anymore injuries then you're just shit out of luck, don't come to my window, because I refuse to tend to you like some nurse. Do you understand me, Auditore?"
Federico just grinned at that. He ran his fingers lightly back and forth over his back, the other hand still firmly tangled in his hair. "Mmn, of course. I'll try not to get hurt." He purred, kissing him lightly once more, this time on the side of his jaw. "So you wouldn't object to me coming to your window when I'm not injured, then?"
He was curious, really. Would he let him in if he came to visit? He hadn't tried it /yet/, but he planned to.
His eyes narrowed slightly at the question, trying not to shiver at the touch on his back," I never said that. Though you're free to see for yourself, whether or not I feel like letting you in." Then a smirk tugged at the corners of his mouth and he took a step back, not enough to break free of the man holding him. "You might have to beg, but I can't promise that will work. Still, you're free to try."
That said, Vieri freed himself from Federico and strode to the window, opening it to gesture for his departure.
"Go, before you overstay your welcome."
Federico grinned a little at that. Stepping forwards, he leaned in, as though to kiss him...then playfully pulled back, winking at him instead and stepping onto the sill. He hung over the edge briefly by one hand before dropping to the ground and briskly trotting off, leaving Vieri behind without a single backwards glance. He wanted to leave Vieri wanting more, of course. And he /had/ been shoved out...so to speak.