"Come to my window, Ezio. I'll be waiting for you."
Leonardo picked up a book and starting reading through it. The book contained statistics of random items within the vicinity. After a moments read of endless numbers, he threw the book at the wall.
Tears started forming.
"Why? It's hopeless. He wants someone with breasts." He cried. He buried himself in a pillow, whaling senseless things.
It was solitude for what felt like forever. Continually thinking about Ezio somehow made him cry even further.
"Actually, that pillow method really does lessen frustrations. "
Leonardo recognized the voice and slowly removed the pillow from his face. It was Ezio. He collapsed to the floor, covering himself with the cloth that fell on him.
"How's it going?"
Leonardo remained silent. So, Ezio walked over to him and removed the cloth. He sat down on the floor besides him, which caused Leonardo to back away as he clutched onto his legs.
"Hey, I talk to myself all the time in the streets. Everyone gives me a blank stare."
He face relayed a blush. "H-how long were you here?" Leonardo asked.
"Just about when you threw the book and were screaming at your pillow." Ezio chuckled.
Leonardo felt his heart pumping quicker. "Everything?"
"Sure."
"It's all true then!" Leonardo groaned. "Just run from this place and forget everything that happened..."
He then threw a pillow at him.
Ezio caught it in time. "What are you talking about? You're usually in a happier mood. What's wrong?"
"Nothing."
There was a pause.
"Fair enough. Anyway, I have some manuscripts that need some translating." He searched through his pocket. He also produced a satchel. "Ooh," pretending to imitate his friend, "I found this thing, too. Open it." He placed the item right where he could see.
Out of curiosity, Leonardo examined the package. He gently unwrapped the covering. It revealed the manikin. At the market during their tour of the city, Leonardo was feeling this item.
Leonardo rose up and placed it near a light source. He also sniffed its context. It was still fresh since the day he smelt it. He clasped the wooden tool and continued inhaling it.
Ezio scratched his head and made a small smile.
"I know it's not much. But, figured I should give you this for everything you've done. You put up with me; and, at the same time, you created inventions for me. I don't know what else I could say. You're practically my best friend."
When he heard the last line, Leonardo stooped.
And nothing more, he thought.
Ezio noticed since he entered that Leonardo was troubled. His hands were halfway covering the face. He was slouching.
In a low tone Leonardo said, "Thank you for the gift. I do not want to delay you any longer. And I shall have these pages translated soon. My assistant will send a message. Good night, Signore."
Leonardo expected his "best friend" to say his good-byes. When Ezio would leave, he planned to smell the manikin even more and then place it by his bed side to remember what would have happened.
However, there was an awkward silence. He turned his head slightly. Ezio was staring at him.
"Ay, don't you have an assassination project or a lady to bed?" said the painter.
"Perhaps."
Ezio continued, "But, I can't just leave you like that. Something's bugging you. I won't leave without an answer."
I hate him! Why did I foolishly ask for him to come to my window? Leonardo screamed in his head.
A few months ago, Leonardo would have told him anything that concerned him, like how he procrastinated when doing commissions or why the weather was inconvenient. Right at this moment, though, it was terrifying to reveal his true thought.
Leonardo could imagine his assistant scolding him. Do the deed, now.
Thus Leonardo, with a bent elbow guarding his face, looked into Ezio's deep eyes. He sighed. Here it goes.
"I think I like you."
Drop dead silence. Ezio's mouth was agape and his eyes had widen. It seemed that time halted.
Leonardo endured even more intense hot flashing. This was a dream that he wanted to believe. Everything would be better when he awoke.
But this was real. Anytime now, he expected Ezio to jump out the window. But the assassin was transfixed.
"For the longest time..." Leonardo trembled. "I dreamed about you. I pondered the days I'd see your face again." He exhaled. "All I desired was to be swept away by you."
Still, the room was quiet.
"Wow," Ezio said. "That's deep stuff."
The assassin's tone of voice sounded monotone.
Feeling humiliated, Leonardo had the urge to escape from this place. It sounded better when the assistant said it. He nearly stormed out of the room, intent on forgetting everything inside.
All chances of ever being with Ezio were over. He probably laughed at him in his mind, thinking it was either a joke, or would leave in a hurry whence he knew the true meaning. What beautiful imagery he confessed was spoiled.
But then, almost like an instinct Ezio pulled Leonardo toward him. Shocked. The painter was unsure and tried to resist. Did the assassin need to further poke fun of him?
Ezio whispered, "I.. I think I like you, too."
Before Leonardo could do anything, Ezio pulled him closer. The assassin looked into his bewildered eyes and smiled before embracing him.
A/N:
And thus it ends... for now.
Originally, the author was going to make Ezio laugh hysterically at Leonardo's confession. But, in the end, only the author found that funny. ;)
The "I think I like you" parts are kind of an inside joke as well.^^
Thank you all for reading! :D