OK KIDDIES, HERE IT IS! THE VOTED ON AND REQUESTED CHAPTER. Ireally hope you all love it. Now please excuse any mistakes, I had major guilt about sending this to the lovely Ms. hopestreet over the holiday…

Chapter 27 - DaVinci

(Eric POV)

The next morning, after a shower, we sat by the kitchen enjoying eggs and coffee.

I thought about where I could take her all night. Maybe Tiffany's? But the upturned nose and snort she gave me at the mere mention of the store made me think twice. I got the same reaction with Bulgari, Cartier and Harry Winston. I finally decided to take her to Doyle & Doyle, where I had found her pearls. Any mention of name brand jewelry stores got Sookie snorting and humphing. You'd think I was asking her to get her teeth pulled by the way she went on!

"Eric, really, I don't need an engagement ring."

"Indulge me lover."

"Oh come on, let's be two modern adults about this and just agree that it's not necessary. You can get me a gold band when we get hitched but…"

"I can still get you the gold band when we get married, but you are getting a ridiculously expensive and stunning diamond ring whether you like it or not!"

"Eric! NO! Nothing ridiculously expensive or big… please?"

"Nope. You're not getting your way this time. My bumbling proposal was bad enough. This I'm getting right. We are going to get the most wonderful ring we can find, and you my lovely beautiful fiancé are going to love it."

She muttered something to herself.

"What was that?"

"I was just saying that it wasn't bumbling. It was perfect. I wouldn't have changed anything about it."

That deserved a kiss. I leaned over and pressed my lips to hers.

"Thank you. Now get ready."

She scowled for a moment, and then smirked. She untied her kimono, letting the fabric pull away from her body. I watched as the silk slipped from her shoulder. Her left breast was exposed to me; the expanse of her torso was slowly becoming less and less covered. She was completely naked underneath, and slowly began pulling the kimono from her other shoulder. She licked her finger and lowered it to her nipple, letting out a little moan. I quickly replaced her finger with my mouth, sucking gently.

"Mmm Eric, yes."

"You're distracting me."

"Yes, is it working?"

I switched to the other nipple. "In the worst way lover."

"Don't stop then."

Two could play this game. I lifted my head, and placed my hands on her thighs. I spread her legs taking in the site of her bare sex. I gently pushed two fingers into her mouth and let her suck them. As soon as she let them go, I plunged them into her waiting folds. She moaned loudly letting her head fall back. I pumped my fingers in and out of her getting her more and more wet.

"Does it feel good?"

She moaned.

"Talk to me," I demanded.

"Yes," she said breathlessly.

"Ask me to make you come."

"Shit. Eric make me come, please make me come."

I shifted my fingers reaching further back and twisting.

"What do you want. Tell me again."

"I want to come."

"Sookie, lover, nothing would make me happier than to watch you come."

"Please," she begged.

Just where I wanted her. I found her sweet spot and rubbed gently. She squirmed in the chair.

"I'm going to make you come, and then I'm buying you the biggest fucking ring I can find. Do you understand?"

"Ung… Eric!"

"That wasn't an answer," I said applying more pressure.

"I want… Eric, please."

"Tell me you want me to buy you the biggest ring I can find."

"Oh God Eric! I want the biggest fucking ring you find!"

"Good girl."

With that I rubbed faster and lowered my head to bite down onto her nipple. When my teeth made contact with her perfect soft nub, she screamed out loud and I could feel a slick warmth coating my fingers. So fucking sexy: naked, hot, breathing heavily, and coming for me at the table, her kimono a pile around her ass on the chair. Shit, if she'd let me I'd buy her the entire damned jewelry store just to watch her come like that the rest of my life.

I pulled my fingers out and watched her come down from her high.

"Not…" she started, taking a deep breath, "fair," she finished.

"No, it certainly wasn't. But it was a gorgeous thing to watch."

She sighed, loudly. "I'm getting dressed now."

"Wear something diamond ring worthy oh my lovely Fiancé!"

"You're pushing it Mr. Northman."

"And you're loving it the future Mrs. Northman."

She stopped, turned, and looked at me. At first she was stunned, but slowly melted into a smile. All I could do was shake my head and laugh. She obviously hadn't thought that far ahead. I had. I had thought about it all night in fact. She turned back around and slowly walked toward the bedroom to get ready.

I was all smiles as I put away the dishes and made my way to the bedroom to get ready myself. When I walked into the closet Sookie had just put her arm through the sleeve of a deep red cardigan. She was wearing a gray tweed pencil skirt, a pair of gray suede heels, with matching gray stockings, and turned as she finished buttoning up her sweater. Her hair was in a high tight ponytail, and her ruby red lips were eatable. She had put on her pearls, and looked like a naughty secretary fantasy come to life - I filed the thought away for another time.

She brushed past me and smiled as I stood there watching her walk toward the bathroom. I got dressed, naughty thoughts running through my mind. A few minutes later we were ready and headed to the lobby. We stepped into the crisp autumn morning and easily found a cab that took us to Doyle and Doyle.

When we reached the store, I opened the door for her, and ogled her beautiful shapely legs as she stepped out of the cab. Those legs were attached to my future wife. How the hell did I get so lucky? Hand in hand, we made our way inside. Since I had been there before, I walked us past the painting and sculptures, passed the furniture, and to the back where the jewelry was kept.

"Mr. Northman, how lovely to see you again," said the elegant lady in her 50's behind the counter.

"And you Beatrice."

Sookie looked at us with a confused look on her face.

Beatrice picking up on the confusion interjected, "Mr. Northman came here to buy those lovely pearls for you, and I never forget a man with good taste."

"Oh, thank you?" Sookie answered somewhat confused.

Beatrice chuckled lightly, "you are most welcome. Now what can I do for you two today?"

"Sookie here is in need of the largest diamond ring you have. She's agreed to marry me."

"How divine! Congratulations are in order then."

"Thank you," Sookie and I said in unison. We looked at each other and smiled. She winked before Beatrice began again.

"I have some rings over at the end here," she said making her way toward a velvet display case. "I'll take these out for you, but the truly wonderful rings are in the back. I'll be right back."

After placing the tray on the counter, I urged Sookie toward the rings, nudging her to look. She looked shaking her head no now and then, or scrunching her nose, or rolling her eyes. Not a promising start at all. I really wanted her to fall in love with something, not just settle.

Beatrice came back a few minutes later with another velvet tray in her hand.

"Have you found anything you like dear?"

"Not really, I'm afraid I'm not exactly a diamond ring kind of girl."

"Hmmm, let's see if we can change that shall we?"

Beatrice put the other tray back behind the counter, and then put the new tray in front of Sookie.

"Eric," Sookie started, "I love you but really I don't… think… I…"

Beatrice winked at me knowingly. All I could do was laugh out loud. Sookie had put up such a fight. She was so sure nothing could catch her eye, and here she was rendered basically speechless by that very thing she was protesting.

"Beatrice, please wrap up whatever it is that has Sookie so entranced."

"My pleasure Mr. Northman."

After a few words with Beatrice, Sookie pointed to the ring, and tried it on. It was lovely and somehow so very her. One very large diamond in the middle was flanked by leaves of platinum covered in smaller diamonds. The platinum was intricately etched all around, and it fit her finger perfectly. It looked like a sparkling rose on her hand, it was wonderful, but more importantly, she was in awe of it, and couldn't take her eyes away.

Ring in hand, paid and ready to go, I led Sookie outside and thought for a moment. Now what? I hadn't really though that far. I didn't want to just hand her the ring, I wanted to put it on her properly. Make up for my mess the previous day. The only thing I could think of was going back to the scene of the crime.

"Sookie, I know this is going to seem odd, but play along?"

"Play along to what?"

"I want a re-do. So we're going to Niall's."

"That's the silliest and sweetest thing."

We got to the townhouse, and rang the bell. Lafayette answered and let us up immediately. When I told him and Niall what I wanted to do they smiled and led the way to the dining room. I sat Sookie down in the same chair she was in on Thanksgiving, got to one knee, and pulled out the box.

"Without repeating myself too much…" I started, oddly nervous for no reason whatsoever, she had already said yes, "Sookie, I love you, will you marry me?"

She smiled broadly, nodded and said, "yes Eric, I'll marry you."

I opened the box, got the ring, took her hand and slowly slipped it onto her ring finger. When it was in place I smiled at how perfect it looked. Abruptly, my head began to spin, I could hear music, I could smell candles burning, and laughter behind me somewhere. I closed my eyes, trying to will it all away. After a few calming breathes, I opened my eyes. I was no longer at Niall's, I was in another time and place.

It had all started a month ago. I had just come home from a particularly wonderful romp with Francesca, a merchant's daughter. Young perky breasts, blushing cheeks, and the wide-eyed innocence of the young girl she was – she was irresistible and absolutely no match for me. A glass of port, a few well thought out compliments, and she was ready. She told me to come to her window after midnight. Her father and mother would be passed out drunk by then. Perfect.

At one in the morning I made my way to the address she had given, and found the window she described. There was a large tree whose limbs conveniently stretched to her room. Clever girl, I thought. Of course, such conveniences were unnecessary… but she didn't know that. Being in a family of wealth and power wasn't the only blessing I had. Ever since I was boy, I had a talent, a talent I had never disclosed to anyone: I could fly.

This handy little secret made my midnight desires that much easier to fulfill. Pesky Fathers couldn't find me, neither could nosy servants. I had my standards though. The lady had to be attractive, willing, and I never fraternized with lower classes or prostitutes, they smelled like stale wine with the breath to match. And, although virgins could be a bore, they were also unspoiled and therefore sweeter to the tongue. Francesca turned out to be a sweet little bloom, and when she blushed, her entire body turned crimson; it was quite unexpected and completely adorable.

After a long night of pleasure it was time to slip out of her bed; poor thing was exhausted and had fallen asleep. Getting dressed and gathering my things, I crept to the window, looked about to make sure no one was watching, and glided to the ground before looking about once more and making my way home. Had I only looked a little harder, I might have seen a certain artist following me as I went…

Da Vinci had requested to meet me for lunch the following day, and I accepted. We were sitting in my courtyard, an early morning rain had cooled the air enough for us to enjoy the spring day.

"I'm going to speak freely," he started.

"You don't seem to speak any other way dear friend." It was true; he wasn't one for skirting the issue.

"How do you do it?" he asked and sipped at his wine.

"Do what old man?"

"Fly." I looked at him squarely. Was he joking with me? What this some kind of metaphor? He couldn't possibly know. I decided to play it off as if he were joking.

"Very funny, what's next? Are you going to accuse my father of the Midas touch?"

"Although oddly accurate, no. I know you can fly, I've been watching you do it for a month now - almost a different woman every night. While I'm impressed at your youth and stamina boy, what I really want to know is," he leaned over the table and stared right into my eyes, "how do you do it?"

I froze. A month? Sly, clever, damn intrusive old man. No one knew. No one! I was so careful, I never wanted to tell anyone, never felt the need to show my talents. What would I do now?

"If you tell anyone…" I began to warn.

"Don't be ridiculous, firstly, who would believe me, and secondly, it does me no good if you shun me, I need to know more."

"I need your solemn vow."

"Such theatrics! You have it. Now, tell me everything."

I did. I told him about being a boy and being able to jump longer and higher than all my friends. I told him about the first time I jumped off the roof. I told him about the nights I spent experimenting, testing my own boundaries. I told him about the first time I flew through the sky. I told him about the summers I spent flying through the fields in the countryside. I told him everything. My god! It felt wonderful to let it all out.

When I was done he merely shook his head and quite honestly admitted, "I've never been more jealous in my life."

We sat in silence for a while, eating, and enjoying the day. While sipping on our aperitifs he surprised me yet again.

"Why are you wasting your life on frivolous endeavors?"

"Love and Art? Those are frivolous endeavors?"

"You call what you do every night love?"

"I do it for the love of women."

"Don't spit out semantics to me and call it being clever."

"I take offense to that," I said smirking.

"As do I. You are a young, healthy, wealthy, well educated man with an extraordinary talent. Why not find someone meaningful to share yourself with? Why waste away your nights deflowering the virgins of Florence when you could be in love with a treasure?"

"I suppose you're going to tell me you've met such a treasure and intend to introduce me?"

"Not until you grow up."

"You're not my father you know."

"No, I'm someone much more important than that."

"And that is?"

"Your conscience."

I was left dumbstruck as he walked away. He was a presumptuous old man who owed a great deal of his fame to my family, how dare he speak to me like that! I could only pretend to be upset with him though. No one, absolutely no one had ever spoken like that to me. I was a prince in this city and got whatever I wanted without fail. Why was it then that his words pierced through me? Was I really so bad? Certainly there were men who were worst than me. There were rapists, and molesters, and men who drugged their women… Then something miserable occurred to me. I was comparing myself to the scum of the city. I had just told myself that I was better than a rapist or common thug, was that really the best I could do? What about the heroes of decorum and class? Could I place myself next to a teacher, a surgeon, or even my own father?

I spent the entire afternoon walking the streets, just thinking. I had never done that before. My conclusions were upsetting - Da Vinci was right. What had I done with myself? Besides my name, and a gift that now only one other person knew about, the only other claim I could give myself, was a gift for deflowering virgins, and giving lust-crazed, bored society women some release. Could I really change though? Did I want to? And who was this woman Leonardo had up his sleeve? Was she going to be worthy of me? Maybe more importantly, could I be worthy of her?

I hadn't seen or heard from Leonardo for a few days, but was certain he would be at the Summer Ball the following week. The only woman I saw for the next days was my tailor's wife, a sweet round woman who jiggled when she laughed. I didn't go to any parties or visited any of the women I frequented. Instead, I stayed close to home. I thought, I read, I walked.

The night of the Ball came and I was ready for some human interaction. I had been a recluse and was suddenly feeling claustrophobic. When I reached the villa, the party was already in full swing. I spoke with a few friends, drank some wine and took in the bevy of lovely young ladies in the room. I knew a great deal of them, in more way than one, but a glimpse of sunny blonde hair caught my eye. I didn't recognize her. Every glimpse of her made me want more though. An ample bosom woefully covered by her dress. Stunning curling hair wrapped and braided around her head, a gold ribbon woven through it. She was dressed simply but well.

At every chance I stole a glance, following her moves. She seemed to be circling with Maria da Piacenza - that would be tricky. For years our fathers had been trying to push us together, it would have been a wonderful joining of families. However, we despised each other. She was a stubborn brat with large nose and an incurable gossip. She, thankfully, had no feelings for me either, and since her father doted so mercilessly on her, she was still unmarried.

However, the vision with her, the girl who seemed to emanate light, was an angel. Maybe the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I was captivated by her. I watched as suitor after suitor asked for her hand to dance, and were swiftly, yet politely declined. Maybe she was already betrothed? Maybe she was a prude? No matter, she'll melt for me, I thought. Suddenly, the mystery girl picked up her head and looked right at me. Her sky blue eyes were boring into my head, she looked… angry? She also looked like perfection.

I smiled at her and bowed, winking before dipping my head down. I stood back up to see her looking at me coldly before walking away with Maria and the others. Through the night I tried to get her attention, but always to no avail.

"Good evening Enrico," came a familiar voice.

"Leonardo," I answered as I turned to my friend.

"Something or someone has had your attention all night."

"Do you see the angel over there the vision in the gold dress. The one with da Piacenza?"

"Indeed I do. She is lovely isn't she?" he said with a smile in his voice.

"You know her don't you?"

"I might."

"She's ignoring me! She's actually ignoring me," I whined.

"Yes, and that's exactly why you can't stop thinking about her," always so damned calm. The man could be maddening. A genius, but maddening.

"Don't be absurd."

Of course, he was correct. He usually was.

"Absurd? Hardly dear boy. I suggest you take that swollen head out of your ass long enough to admit that you're intrigued, possibly smitten."

"Leonardo, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were up to something."

"Of course I'm up to something! My brain never stops being up to something! That being said, you're wasting your youth on trivial and useless pursuits. Your Father might not care, but I do."

"I see, and this woman, this… infuriating woman…"

"Susana da Casa," he interjected.

"Yes well, this Susana is a worthy pursuit I take it? Even for a Medici?"

"The worthiest. And don't be such an impossible snob. You're speaking to an illegitimate son I'll remind you."

"Yes, a detail I like to forget."

"You know Enrico, I've changed my mind. I wash my hands of the whole thing."

Da Vinci calmly walked away, leaving me confused, befuddled and more determined than ever.

I puffed my chest out, and made my way to her. Leonardo be damned, I would win this prize. She seemed to sense I was coming; she looked at me again. She whispered into Maria's ear, rolled her eyes, and then stood her ground waiting for me to approach her. I bowed to them, and addressed Maria first.

"Maria, you look lovely tonight."

"Yes I do. What do you want old friend?" she said feigning a sweetness that came across as bitter and bored.

"Can't I simply say hello to an old family friend?" She looked at me as if I were an insolent child. She wasn't going to make the introduction I was desperate for, I had to push at fate. I bowed to the angel in gold and introduced myself.

"Good evening signora, I'm Enrico de Medici, and might I say you quite simply the most beautiful woman in the room."

She curtsied, "Susana da Casa, thank you."

I could hear a distinct accent. That explained why I had never seen her before, she wasn't from the city. Her accent was odd, a little vulgar, Southern maybe I thought?

"Susana is my cousin, from Naples," explained Maria. I was right, Southern.

"Well Susana from Naples, I hope Maria has been a thorough guide of our city."

"She's been wonderful to her vulgar southern cousin," she spat.

My eyes shot to hers, and I stared blatantly. I didn't say those words aloud. Maybe it was her attempt at humor? The coincidence was too large to ignore however. Did she really hear me?

"Oh Susana, stop being silly, you know it's been wonderful having you here, like the sister I never had," said Maria.

"How long will you here in Florence?" I inquired. I was even more intrigued than I had been before. There was something extra about this girl, something special. I just couldn't figure out what it was.

"The rest of the summer, possibly longer. If you'll excuse us?" With that she curtsied, and walked away with her cousin and the rest of the entourage. I was left trying to figure out exactly what had just happened.

I left the ball early and made my way home. I wasn't sure what had transpired, but somehow I had managed to annoy her, and I couldn't have that. I needed to know more about her. There was something strange and intoxicating about this Susana, and I was going to find out what it was.

The next morning I had a very large bouquet of flowers delivered to Susana at the da Piacenza residence. It was a lavish gift, complete with grapes and fruits, all wrapped in a gold ribbon, I made sure of that. I attached a note with it asking to see her again, if only to make up for whatever I had done to upset her.

The next morning I received a note in response. She thanked me for the flowers. That was it. No response in regards to seeing her again. I was annoyed at this woman again, a woman I didn't even have a claim to! I could have ripped up the note, called her an insufferable shrew (which it turned out she was), and jumped into a bed with a warm naked body, but I couldn't. There was something beneath the surface there that I needed to understand. Perhaps even more aggravating than her response or that nagging feeling that there was something yet to be discovered about Susana, was that all I could see when I closed my eyes… was her face.

(Susana POV)

He might have been breathtakingly handsome. Tall, strong, piercing eyes, and an easy smile, but he was also a presumptuous snob and I wanted no part of him. All night I had been listening to the thoughts of the men at the Ball, and all night I became more and more appalled by their thinking. Every man that approached me was thinking of my naked skin, the way I smelled, what my breasts must look like bare.

I could see that Enrico was looking at me all night. He was the only man yet to approach me and I was intrigued as to why. I decided it was time to focus on him, on his thoughts. It Was times like these that my unique gift came in handy. I dipped into his mind just in time to hear him think about how easily I would 'melt for him.' UGH! How dare he! I stared at him immediately. The nerve of the man! I quickly tuned him out, deciding he was no better than the other useless men around me.

Why had I even come? I hated Balls, and hated being around so many people. It was always harder to ignore the masses. But, I had promised Leonardo that I would attend. He was quite insistent. I had met him soon after I had arrived in Florence, he came to a dinner that my Cousin's had orchestrated for him. I periodically dipped into his mind over the meal and was amazed at the thoughts running through his head. Firstly, they never stopped! He seemed to be able to think of twenty things at the same time, and still speak. It was in awe. I didn't even understand a quarter of things he was thinking of.

After dinner, he sought me out. He looked right at me and said "Exactly what were you doing to my head all night?"

I was flabbergasted. How could he possibly know I was doing anything?

"Nothing?" I asked instead of stated.

"I don't think so signora. I spoke plainly, clearly, yet you continually looked at me as if you couldn't understand a thing coming out of my mouth."

"I…"

"Yes?"

"I could hear what you were thinking."

"Fascinating," was all he said. After that night I found that he would stop by every few days to speak with me, to test me. He would ask what color he was thinking of, or what letter. Sometimes it took a while to sift through the hundreds of thoughts running through his head but, he was amazed that I always came up with the right answer.

One day, as we were sitting by the garden, he said something that startled me.

"You must be terribly lonely." It was true in a way. I had my family, I had some friends, but being able to hear the real person behind the mask was difficult. It made life very lonely at times.

"Sometimes," I answered.

"What of love?" he asked.

"What of it?"

"Have you ever been able to let down your guard enough to fall in love?"

"Although you are a singular specimen Leonardo, you also know what men think of, and how they think. How could I ever possibly find someone? Even priests have thoughts that shock me."

"How very true. Well, we must find someone worthy of you dear Susana. I won't see a beautiful, talented young woman like you left behind."

"It's a lovely thought Leonardo, but unless you're asking me for my hand…"

He cut me off with a laugh, "ahhh dear girl, if only."

"Yes," I said sadly, "if only."

He convinced me to go to the Ball that afternoon, against my better judgment.

I don't really know why Medici's thoughts bothered me so much more than the others. Maybe it was because he was so attractive, maybe because just once I wished I couldn't hear his thoughts so I could be wrapped in a haze of blissful ignorance instead of the truth. So when he presumed he could just have me, and then in all of his pomp and snobbery called me vulgar - it was more than I could take.

The next day, when his overly elaborate bouquet arrived, complete with fruits and gold ribbons, I was surprised. He had obviously picked up on my disappointment in him. However, showing off his wealth was not the way to apologize to me. He asked to see me as well. I had to sit there and have a conversation with myself about it.

Yes, says I, it was a lovely gesture.

But, I continue, showing off just proved your initial thoughts of the man.

However, picking up on my displeasure with him was intuitive of him.

Any halfwit could have picked up on that!

Possibly, but only he ever has.

If you see him, you'll be disappointed again; you've been down this road before!

Right,says my other half, just a thank you then, no committing to anything Susana.

So, I sent my thank you the next day. It was a very clear message… or so I thought.

The next morning there was a note for me, from Medici, and a bouquet of white oleander.

Dear lady,

Obviously I chose the wrong flowers.

Perhaps these are more to your liking?

-Enrico de Medici

I smiled. Then I caught myself smiling and stopped. I made myself promise that I wouldn't play that game. No thank you note, I wouldn't indulge his behavior. He'd get the message sooner or later. However, the next morning a bouquet of violets came with another note:

Perhaps the lady prefers violets?

-Enrico de Medici

The following day I was greeted with sweet smell of Jasmine.

Jasmine?

-Enrico

The following day it was periwinkles, followed by bluebells, then finally bright and glorious sunflowers. Everyday there was a small note that made me smile a little broader. He was relentless and determined and he was chipping away at my resolve. On the day I received a vase of heather, Leonardo came by. I told him about Enrico's efforts. He seemed to smile a secret smile to himself.

"And?" he asked.

"And, I don't rightfully know."

"I think my dear, it's time you responded."

"Perhaps." There was comfortable silence, before Leonardo spoke.

"Would you grace me with your presence at my studio tomorrow? Say about 3?"

I was so honored by the request, I couldn't refuse. "I would be thrilled."

"I'll see you then. Think about what I said hmmm?"

"I will, I promise."

The following morning I found a simple bouquet of deep red wild roses. The note read:

Dear Susana,

I can only pray that these wild blooms capture your heart?

-Sincerely, Enrico

And, he'd done it. He found the flower I couldn't ignore. The petals were curling at the edges, the thorns removed, and the smell took me over. Leonardo was right; I couldn't ignore him any longer. I started and re-started the note over and over again. I wasn't sure what to say. Finally I decided on:

Enrico,

Yes.

-Susana

I sent my note over the Medici house, still unsure if I had done the right thing. I couldn't ponder too much however, because I had an appointment with da Vinci later, and I wanted to perfectly punctual. When I arrived at the audio later in the day, I could hear voices from around the wall.

"She said yes! Can you believe it?" I knew that voice.

"Now what will you do?" asked Leonardo.

"I don't know. I feel like dancing." It was Enrico?

"Well I'd be a poor partner I'm afraid." He and Leonardo were friends? And speaking about me?

Enrico laughed, it was such a wonderful sound.

"What will you do with the lady now that she's agreed to meet with you?"

"Bring her buckets and buckets of roses…" I closed my eyes and let my heart flutter.

"It's a good start dear boy, a good start."

Suddenly I realized that this whole day had been orchestrated. That sly old man. I'd give him a piece of mind! I walked in determined to raise a little hell, when my breath caught. Enrico was standing by the window, tall, straight, a huge smile on his face, eyes twinkling in the light. He looked… he looked like every dream I had ever had.

He saw me, and his smile grew somehow larger. I dipped into his head, I couldn't help myself.

How could she possibly be more beautiful than I remember?

I could feel my cheeks getting hot. He looked at me with both a confused and curious look on his face.

Can you hear me?

I stopped breathing full stop and froze.

If you can, breath for me again my wild rose.

And I did. I took a great big gulping breath.

Just then something happened that I thought must have been my poor overactive imagination. He floated off the ground, and flew to me. His arms wrapped about my waist and he spun me in the air. I was too shocked to let any sound come out of my mouth. Instead, I clung to him out of fear and excitement.

He gently brought us back down to the ground, and a certain genius in the room began chuckling softly to himself. We both turned to him.

"You planned all this didn't you Leonardo?" said Enrico.

He shrugged and pretended to wash a brush in some water.

"Da Vinci!" I said as I stomped my foot.

"Now now children, no need to get all huffy."

"Ahah! This was your doing!" Enrico said loudly.

"Well, I might have invited you both here at the same time, but I'm an old man, my mind isn't what it used to be."

"You're a miserable liar Leonardo; I've been inside that mind enough to know that you don't forget anything."

"Hmmm…." He started. "Very true. In that case, forgive an old man his follies?"

"What do you think Susana? Shall we forgive him?"

"I suppose it all depends on how well you behave."

"Me? Me! You're the one who ignored me, might I remind you!"

"Yes, but only because you were a miserable ass!"

"Insufferable shrew!"

"Presumptuous snob!"

By then we were feet apart staring at each other, daggers shooting from out our eyes.

The heated electricity was cut by da Vinci. "Enrico, you are a presumptuous snob," said da Vinci.

"Ha!" I yelled, satisfied.

"And Susana, you are indeed an insufferable shrew."

I looked at him mouth agape. Enrico seemed vilified.

"However," he continued, "who better to combat with the snob, and who else could tame the shrew?"

We looked at each other, than back at da Vinci. "Hmmm, yes, I do believe this is going to work nicely."

By the time the Christmas had come around, Enrico had asked both my Father and my Cousins for my hand in marriage. We fought almost weekly, but we could never deny the feelings we had. His thoughts ranged from the perverse to the sincere, and I found that for once in my life, I was excited by it, not scared or repulsed.

The day after Christmas, he came to the house. He took me to the Garden, and although the wind was whipping and the ground was cold, he dropped to one knee. He pulled out a ring with one very large ruby in the middle that was flanked by leaves of gold covered in small emeralds. The gold was intricately etched all around, and it fit me perfectly. He never stopped calling me his wild rose, and now, I would have the proof of his love on my finger, for as long as I lived.

I could hear Lafayette and Niall sniffling beside me. I looked down at the man on his knee. He had just slipped the platinum and diamond ring on my finger. Now I knew why I was so drawn to it. Eric had had given me the ring before. And, just like my previous life with him, I would never take it off.

"Wild roses?" he asked - a code only I could possibly understand.

I let a tear fall from my eye; he had slipped back in time with me. I nodded and simply answered, "Yes."

A/N

I know this was slightly less historically accurate than some of the other chapters, so I hope by acknowledging that, I'll be forgiven hehe.

The link to the modern version of the ring is on my profile.

I hope everyone has a wonderful and yummy Thanksgiving!