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Ezio’s first and only experience of a Venetian Carnival was taking part in it with only the goal of murder in mind. Now, coming back to Venice a year later during that same time of the year with no pressing matters to attend to — at least not as pressing as last time — he thought he could take part in it in the right way.
But what fun was it to go alone?
As he found out soon after his arrival, most of his old friends from Venice currently weren’t in the city. He found it a bit strange, but he didn’t dwell on it. They surely had issues of their own that needed solving.
But he knew another old acquaintance that would surely be in town. One that he couldn’t wait to see again. Far too much time has passed since their last meeting, he thought to himself as he made his way to the man’s place.
As he knocked on the studio’s door, a familiar feeling of nostalgia washed over him. He remembered the first time he knocked on the artist’s door, in much more dire circumstances. It might’ve sounded sappy, but he would forever be grateful to fate for bringing them together. Ezio wasn’t sure where he would be without the man’s help.
“Ezio!”
A warm smile greeted him once the door opened, and he shot one right back. He was soon entangled in an equally warm hug, one that he didn’t realize just how much he missed.
“Leonardo. It is good to see you, friend.”
“Right back at you.” Leonardo practically pushed Ezio inside. “Come on in! Tell me, what brings you back to Venezia? Another mission, perhaps? More codex pages? Your hidden blade in need of an upgrade?”
Ezio chuckled. The man’s enthusiasm was another thing he greatly missed. “Not quite. Believe it or not, I have some free time on my hands, and I thought I could come and enjoy the Carnevale the proper way. Last year was quite… chaotic.”
He could swear Leonardo’s eyes lit up as he talked.
“Oh, I’m sure. Well, I am very glad to hear that! I planned on attending it myself this year, as well. I even managed to get my hands on a decent costume…”
“Would you like to accompany me, then?”
Ezio spoke before he could think about it. He could see that he caused quite a shock within his friend with that question, which, after two or three seconds made him want to back down, and yet he stood there, still looking into Leonardo’s eyes, awaiting the answer which he hoped would be a positive one.
It’s just two old friends going to a carnival together to catch up and have a good time, right? Nothing strange about it. That’s how Ezio explained it to himself.
“Oh, I— of course! I would love to, Ezio.”
It was settled then. But…
“Though, I’m afraid I do not own a costume…”
“That’s no problem! We still have a few days left, we can go out and look for some. There are many costume vendors around at this time, we will find something for you, nessun problema.”
Ezio smiled and nodded.
“In the meantime, uh… you wouldn’t happen to have a couch I could spend the night on, would you?”
The inquiry got a laugh out of Leonardo. “Oh, Ezio, you know my studio will always have a place for you.”
— • —
The search for a costume that would satisfy Ezio proved to be harder than either of them expected. To be fair, ever since Ezio put on his father’s assassin robes, he hardly ever took them off. Sounds disgusting, sure, but he hardly found the time to visit a blacksmith that could repair his armor from time to time, let alone do a deep clean on his robes. Not that he never washed them, of course. He had some dignity left. Either way, the fact that he pretty much always wore the same robe made him a little too… emotionally attached, and so, finding a costume that he would feel comfortable enough in, something that wouldn’t make him feel dangerously exposed, was tough. He didn’t even realize he would have such an issue, but alas.
And while he disregarded it, saying that he simply grew used to hiding himself under his hood and armor all this time, it still caused Leonardo to worry.
“You know, Ezio…” The inventor spoke up as they walked down the alley full of vendors and performers getting ready for the big night. “You do not have to completely change your attire – a mask should suffice.”
“But is the Carnevale not meant to be the one night during which you can wear whatever and do whatever with no judgement from others? I promise, amico mio, I am not usually this picky. I am sure something will soon catch my eye.”
But that answer didn’t satisfy Leonardo. Although he quickly came to a conclusion that a deep conversation about Ezio’s possible fears and the paranoia he might or might not have developed during the latest years of his life is not a conversation suitable to have on the street.
Soon enough, though, Ezio interrupted his train of thoughts.
“How about this one?”
Ezio pointed towards an exceptionally shiny costume displayed on a wooden mannequin — it was in the dark hues of red and black with a long cape attached to the back, a simple beret with golden chains hanging from the sides, and a matching mask to complete it. All in all, it looked gorgeous. Leonardo was sure it would look even more magnificent when put on the assassin, but he quickly chased the thought away.
“That is a beautiful costume, indeed, although it looks like it costs a fortune…”
“Well, that shouldn’t be a problem. My latest contracts left me with a pretty comfortable amount of florins.”
Leonardo chuckled. “Someone has been busy, I see.”
“When am I not?”
The trader seemed to have noticed the two eyeing his product, and invited them closer with a wave of his hand. In the end, Ezio did manage to find a costume he wouldn’t feel too exposed in, which felt like a win for both of them.
After a successful shopping trip, the two men slowly made their way back to Leonardo’s place. By the time they arrived, the sun had almost disappeared. Leonardo came in first, lightning the few candles he placed around his workshop. Far enough from anything flammable, of course.
“Well, the costume problem is settled, then.” Ezio set his piece neatly on one of the chairs. “I am curious about how yours looks, though.”
“You will see it soon enough.”
“Oh? Keeping it a secret? It must be truly exceptional, then.”
Leonardo chuckled. “Nothing of the sort, in fact yours is much more extravagant than mine. If anything, I am saving the reveal for the last minute so as to not feel overshadowed by you days in advance.”
Ezio laughed as well. “Oh, I doubt I would be able to overshadow you out of all people, maestro .”
Something about Ezio calling him that, in the way that he did, made Leonardo’s face heat up. He did his very best not to think about it too hard, but he couldn’t ignore the funny feeling it caused. Which weirded him out even more, because none of his students calling him per ‘maestro’ ever caused him to feel anything extraordinary.
“Is there anything else that I will need?”
“No, I cannot think of anything.”
“Great. How many days left, then? Two?”
“Indeed.”
Ezio let out a sigh as he sat down on the same chair he hung his costume at. “Two days with nothing specific to do… ah, I cannot remember when I had so much free time on my hands.”
Leonardo smiled as he attempted to tidy up his desk. “It will do you well. Anyone could use a good rest, especially you.”
Ezio huffed with a smile. His friend was right, but it still felt so unnatural to him. It was like he didn’t have an actual, proper rest in forever. To think that when he was young, he had so little to worry about, so much time to simply fool around and do nothing at all… he almost couldn’t believe his life used to look like that at one point.
Leonardo noticed the assassin getting lost in his own thoughts, and he let him. He would lie if he said Ezio didn’t fascinate him — every single part of the man, down to the tiniest details was something that Leonardo wished to study. It’s not that he saw him as some experiment, that was the furthest thing from it. There was just something about Ezio. He wished he could read his mind, know his every thought, the way his body operated so flawlessly and almost automatically when he sensed danger. What kind of training did he go through? Or was it just raw experience, all taken from high-risk, life threatening situations? He couldn’t help but pity him, although he had so much respect for the man it was almost overwhelming. Still…
When they first met, Ezio was seventeen. Accompanying his mother on a simple errand, he looked so bright, so careless, but a smart and kind teenager nonetheless. Before that, Maria often talked to Leonardo about all of her children when they met from time to time, and, as a mother full of love, she praised Ezio greatly, but she never forgot to mention how she’s worried that he wouldn’t grow out of his lifestyle of constantly chasing after women and, as she would say, doing first and thinking second. Leonardo would always tell her that that’s simply how teenagers are, and then she would ask if he used to be the same. He only laughed at that, admitting that perhaps he wasn’t right to say all teenagers act like Ezio, as he led a very different life at his age. Regardless, he would comfort her, saying she has nothing to worry about. Especially after he finally met the boy — he could tell Ezio wasn’t just any young troublemaker.
To think that, despite keeping his natural charm and some of his humor, he went through a change so sudden and so huge that Leonardo could swear those bright eyes he saw mere days before the tragedy were now dimmed, dark, almost, like he aged at least twenty years since then… he could not imagine going through something so traumatic, so young. Ezio truly deserved to rest and clear his mind from all the duties and missions he surely had plenty of more than anyone else.
“Is there something on my face, amico?”
Leonardo was shaken away from his thoughts, his eyes widening at the realization that he was shamelessly staring at Ezio this whole time.
“Oh, no, I— forgive me, I got a bit lost in thought.”
Ezio showed him one of his signature smirks. “Do not worry, you are not the first person that is unable to keep their eyes off of me. No shame in that.”
Leonardo huffed. “No matter how much older you get, you never lose your overwhelming confidence.”
Ezio had to agree, although the words still made him chuckle.
As Leonardo tried to focus on something else, such as tidying up his workspace and sorting his unfinished sketches, he didn’t even realize when Ezio practically teleported behind him. His heart skipped a beat when he turned around — he’s seen just how fast and stealthy Ezio can be on multiple occasions, but it still freaked him out.
“Christ— Ezio, do you want to give me a heart attack?”
The assassin only laughed at that. Cheeky bastard.
“Of course not, I couldn’t possibly bear losing my dearest friend.”
“Right, so please, quit sneaking up on me like this.”
“As you wish, maestro.”
There it was again. And the second time was even worse than the first. God, why Leonardo felt this way about such a simple word that just so happened to fall from Ezio’s mouth more than once now, he could not explain.
“Leonardo, have you ever danced with someone?”
The artist raised an eyebrow in surprise. Out of all the questions, he didn’t exactly expect this one, and from Ezio out of all people.
“I… cannot say that I have, why do you ask?”
“Well, I figured there will be a lot of that happening at the Carnevale. I wanted to ask if you know how.”
“Not exactly. But I was not planning on doing that, anyway. I cannot see myself dancing. I would rather avoid embarrassing some poor lady with my nonexistent skills.”
“And if I asked you to dance? With me?”
Leonardo thought he just hallucinated hearing that question.
“Excuse me?”
This might’ve been the first and only time Leonardo saw Ezio get flustered.
“Forgive me, that… the question came out of nowhere. I simply thought—”
“I did not deny you.” Leonardo swore he saw Ezio’s whole face lighten up from that single sentence. “You surprised me is all. Still… that would just mean that I’d embarrass you instead of some lady.”
“I am fine with that. As long as we are having fun, right? That is what the night is about, after all.”
Leonardo forced out a smile of agreement, and despite feeling… happy? About Ezio asking him to dance together at the carnival, in front of other people no less, he hated how loudly his heart was beating and how he could feel heat rise up to his face. He considered himself smart — kind of a requirement for being an inventor, and all — and he usually had no issue with deciphering the toughest questions and problems in his mind, which is exactly why not being able to name the kind of feelings he held for Ezio made him so unnerved.
He had, well… suspicions as to what this all is, but he would rather not think about it for too long. It all gets too complicated in the end. Even if there was a chance, he would never dare to… ah, it did not matter, anyway.
It would never work.
“Leonardo?”
Ezio’s voice brought him back to the real world.
“You seem to be getting lost in thought quite often today, friend. Is everything alright?”
“Yes, yes.” He replied hurriedly, getting out of Ezio’s way with a few scrolls in his hands. “I think I am just a little tired. I have not slept well recently. Speaking of which, I will prepare a place to sleep for you.”
Ezio followed behind him like a puppy. “I can do it myself, you should rest.”
“Nonsense, you are my guest.”
The assassin wanted to argue further, but he realized he would not win. He let Leonardo do as he said, and soon enough, he had a nice, comfortable couch to sleep on for the next few nights.
“Now that I’m thinking about it…” Leonardo spoke as he was about to leave the room in which Ezio would be staying. “Would you not prefer to sleep in my bed? I could take this room for the time being.”
At first, Ezio thought he was joking. But Leonardo’s face looked absolutely serious, and Ezio sat there in disbelief for a few seconds before replying.
“You cannot be serious, Leonardo. I couldn’t possibly take up your own bedroom.”
“But, as my guest…”
Ezio sat up, and because Leonardo was in his reach, he grabbed the man’s hand. He never really focused on it before, but Leonardo’s hands felt really nice. Much different from his. Those were the hands of a skilled artist, an inventor — soft, a little rough, but not noticeably enough, and in a good sense. If one were to look closer, charcoal stains could be seen on the very tips of his fingers, but they weren’t dirty in any way. Ezio could see that the man took great care of his hands. He took this as an opportunity to hold them for a little longer.
“You are already far too kind to me, you always have been. I would be grateful even if you forced me to sleep on the cold ground with nothing to wrap around myself. Rest in your bed soundly, as you usually would. I am just fine here.”
Leonardo was left speechless for a moment, but a soft smile soon formed on his lips.
“Still the sweet boy you were when I first met you.”
Ezio felt his heart rise up to his throat, and not in the usual, anxiety-filled way. This was different.
There were times where he caught himself thinking about Leonardo, in a way that a man should not be thinking of his friend. It gave him that same feeling, then — before the feeling of disappointment and disgust washed over him. Not towards Leonardo, never towards Leonardo, but towards his own self.
But he couldn’t stop himself. It never worked, anyway. At some point, he stopped chasing the thoughts away, and just… let them be. What harm could some thoughts, kept a secret in the confines of his own mind do?
Well, it seems like they could do some, after all. He could see it with the way he’s been acting today, and he was almost sure Leonardo could see it too, which filled him with both fear and excitement.
But this, that simple praise, in that tone, with those soft eyes looking down at him, it made him yearn for more. He didn’t like the realization he came to, but did he have a choice?
Perhaps this stay is a way for him to… test the waters?
“Goodnight then, Ezio.”
It took him a moment to fully comprehend the three words that fell from Leonardo’s mouth, like he was in some kind of trance. Well, technically, he was. This time, he was the one who got lost in thought.
He wondered if Leonardo thought of him too, back when that happened to him, or if Ezio was just being too hopeful and stupid?
“Right. Goodnight, Leonardo.”
At least he realized that he was still holding the man’s hand in time to let go of it before it would start to look weird.
He watched Leonardo leave, but even after he had disappeared, Ezio still sat in the very same position, eyes fixated on the door frame.
What the hell was he doing, really?
He was never shy when it came to charming his love interests. If he liked someone, he would most definitely win their heart in days. Sometimes less.
But all of those love interests were women. How could he even begin to think of doing the same thing with a man? Even if he had a chance…
Did he have a chance?
Leonardo agreed to go to the carnival with him. As a friend, not a date. He agreed to dance with him, even! At first, Ezio thought he was making him uncomfortable, but Leonardo’s treatment of him did not change in the slightest. He was still the same kind, enthusiastic man.
Oh, how Ezio admired him.
Maybe he wasn’t entirely crazy for trying. Maybe this really was an opportunity to put it all to the test — as awful as that might sound — and take his chance with the whole ‘I am most likely in love with my best friend of years’ thing.
Did he fear losing it all in one night? Yes, of course he did. Not fearing it would mean he was crazy.
But his life was full of uncertainties. In fact, he wasn’t certain about anything. Even sleeping made him anxious. His enemy could always sneak up on him during that moment of weakness and end him, as well as every goal, dream and mission he possessed, just like that. In fact, that was the only certain thing in his life — death. Everyone has to die at some point, sure. But there was quite a big difference between how that death would come to the average person, and how it most likely will come to him.
If there was one thing he could have for himself, just one, something other than murder, blood and revenge that he stood face to face with on a daily basis, he wanted it to be the love and affection he held for Leonardo. He wanted to try, despite knowing it’s much more likely that he will get rejected than not. And if that does happen, he is ready to get on his knees and beg the man to forget everything he just said and remain friends.
But he needed to try.
Even if he did not fully come to terms with what he felt just yet. He was aware of it, and that was enough. He was smart enough to know that lying to himself would bring him nowhere, he just needed to make peace with it.
He hoped he would have enough time for it.
— • —
For Ezio, someone who was on the move every single day, always planning something, sneaking around from spot A to spot B and constantly disappearing God knows where, those two days spent mainly on walking around the city with no specific goal in mind and hanging around at Leonardo’s place felt more like years. And while it felt unnatural, he didn’t mind it that much. It’s been ages since he had the privilege to simply rest and do nothing. The fact that he was spending that time basically attached to his friend’s hip did make it more enjoyable as well.
Alas, the awaited night finally came.
Ezio was dressed and ready to go rather quickly. His swiftness didn’t only apply to taking out his targets, after all.
Once he made it back to the main room, he noticed he was the first of the two to get changed. Normally, he would’ve taken this opportunity to walk around the studio and admire all the amazing work Leonardo has created overtime, but at this point, he felt like he knew every piece by heart. Having nothing else to do, he leaned against the desk and waited.
“I’m almost done!”
Leonardo’s excited voice made him crack a smile. The night was still young — the sky only started to darken an hour ago or so. He felt no rush whatsoever, but then again, the quicker they get there, the more time they’ll have to enjoy all the festivities.
Mere few minutes later, Leonardo finally emerged from his room. And God, did he take Ezio’s breath away like never before.
Ezio remembered Leonardo saying his costume wasn't as extravagant, and that the assassin will probably outshine him. Now, Ezio thought it was laughable. Leonardo looked like a prince. The most gorgeous, magnificent prince.
“Well? How do I look?”
“Beautiful.”
Once again, Ezio’s mouth worked faster than his brain. He realized what he said only after he had said it, and he could feel his face heating up.
“Why, thank you.” Leonardo’s voice was rather shy now — he probably didn’t expect to hear that. Paired with that cute smile, Ezio thought he might actually lose control over himself this time.
He cleared his throat, hoping he could swiftly change the topic. “Shall we go? We might be able to get a good look at everything before the big crowds arrive.”
“Oh, yes! We should hurry.”
Ezio showed him a smile as they both left the studio.
He only wished the mask Leonardo wore wouldn’t cover so much of his face. Yes, that was the point of them, however he liked to take any opportunity he could to admire the artist’s features, and he didn’t like having that view obstructed. Well, he would have to deal with it for tonight.
They passed many marvelously dressed people on their way, and Leonardo was absolutely fascinated by all the high-quality costumes. As soon as the ‘target’ was out of their hearing range, Leonardo would turn to face Ezio and excitedly point out all the intricate details and gorgeous colors. Ezio nodded at every word, smiling and pretending he’s listening, but really, he was just admiring how happy Leonardo was. Those past few days, especially this one, felt like a blessing he wasn’t sure he deserved.
Cheerful music hit their ears as soon as they arrived at the main point of the event. Even though they were rather early, the performers were already set up, entertaining the crowd. There was so much of… everything. Perhaps it was because Ezio’s last time partaking in the event was solely for his mission, but he felt like this year, everything was more joyous and colorful.
Something caught Ezio’s attention, then, and an idea sprung to his head. If it was smart, he would decide on that later.
“I think I would like to start off with some good competition, how about you?”
Leonardo chuckled. “Coming from you, it is not surprising at all. Which game were you thinking of?”
Ezio nodded towards the medium-sized arena. Things haven’t changed much, it seemed, since the three games he remembered were all in the same place as before.
“It has been a while since I fought using only my fists. Perhaps I should make sure I still have it in me. Besides, you’ve never really seen me in action, have you?”
Yes, he wanted to show off. Just that. He was acting like a lovestruck teenager — he was well aware of that fact, but he couldn’t care less. Acting stupid and carefree for one evening when he had to be serious and cold on the daily wouldn’t hurt.
Leonardo’s eyes slightly widened, but he didn’t say anything to oppose the idea like how Ezio thought he would at first. Quite the opposite. The man’s next words had his face heating up once again.
“That might be a bit unfair to the other contestants, Ezio… I doubt any of them are on your level.”
It was true. Nothing more than a simple observation. Of course a trained assassin would have an advantage in a simple fistfight against regular folk. So why did the comment make his heart beat so unnaturally fast? Why did it have his breath hitching as he was about to respond?
“Do not worry, I will go easy on them.”
Leonardo knew that any further objection would fly above Ezio’s head, but he could only huff with a smile and shake his head as he followed Ezio closer towards the arena. To Leonardo, the man had a golden heart — he knew he would never hurt civilians. He was still a tad worried, but he couldn’t deny that the prospect of actually seeing Ezio fight, even if just in the context of a silly carnival game, had him excited.
As the assassin went to sign up, Leonardo found a good spot from which he could see the whole thing clearly. They only had to wait a few minutes before the number of contestants for round one reached its maximum, and so it began.
It was safe to say that Leonardo was absolutely mesmerized.
He was never one for violence, unless it was against people that truly deserved it. Horrible people. But generally speaking, he was not a fan. He certainly would never describe it as anything other than unnecessary brutality.
At least that was what he thought, until he saw the way Ezio did it.
It was almost cruel, the speed at which he moved, but oh, how flawless it was. He didn’t miss a single hit, but was not careless enough to allow the enemy to spot an opening and attack any weak point at the same time. In fact, there might have been no weak points. Despite not having his armor or weapons on him, he didn’t seem any less confident. His moves were so smooth, almost too smooth, so much that an average person like Leonardo was hardly able to tell in which exact moment he made it from one end of the arena to the other. It was hypnotizing.
And that wasn’t even his full potential, Leonardo reminded himself. But after seeing Ezio’s little performance here, he would do anything to see the way he fights when he gives it his all.
Unsurprisingly, Ezio won with an overwhelming amount of knockdowns, and it only took him a few minutes. Once he claimed his reward and made it back to Leonardo, the artist didn’t even know which compliment to start with.
“That was absolutely magnificent, Ezio!” he said excitedly as they walked around, making their way towards the performers — although Leonardo’s attention didn’t stray from Ezio for even a second. “I can still hardly believe it is possible for a human to move in the way you did back there. How amazing! I never thought watching someone fight can evoke so many emotions… It is like you are able to turn a simple brawl into a work of art. You truly are one of a kind.”
To Leonardo, those comments were nothing more than an excited artist’s rambling, something he was sure that Ezio was already aware of. He could not be more wrong.
With every word, Ezio’s chest tightened. He’s never felt as appreciated as he did whenever Leonardo said even one nice thing about him, no matter what it was relating to. Be it his weapons that Leonardo was always excited to bring to life, his goals that he fully supported, really, whatever. No matter how small the compliment was, it only made Ezio fall harder. Harder in his infatuation, his absolute adoration for the man. And Leonardo had absolutely no idea.
“Surely, you are exaggerating. That was not even—”
“—not even your full potential! To see you on an actual battlefield must be a true blessing. I always knew you were talented, but to see a confirmation of it with my own eyes is an entirely different feeling.”
Ezio could hardly listen to him at this point. Paired with the past few days spent constantly at Leonardo’s side, the two of them getting even closer to the other than they were before, and, as Ezio had to admit, him testing the boundaries of where friendship ends and romantic affection begins whenever he had the chance, the assassin was at his limit.
“It seems a performance is about to start. Shall we sit down to see it?” He interrupted Leonardo’s train of praises, but he didn’t seem to be angry about it. Instead he nodded as they got closer.
But Ezio was hardly interested. His eyes couldn't stop drifting to the side to watch Leonardo instead. It was unbelievable to Ezio, the effect that man had on him, and how he was completely unaware of it.
The rest of the event went quite similarly.
He came here to enjoy the carnival — which he did! Spending time, especially so much of it with Leonardo was an absolute blessing. Ezio adored the way his eyes lit up whenever he got excited, his rambling, everything about him, really.
But all of it made it so, so hard to focus on anything else.
They participated in a few more games, but Ezio made sure to pick those that Leonardo could take part in as well, nothing of the fighting sort. They had that checked out already. They also watched all of the performances that came up — at least Leonardo did. If Ezio was asked about specifics, his mind would only be able to come up with the details he noticed about the artist while shamelessly staring at him in the meantime, even with the mask Leonardo was wearing that obscured his view in the most infuriating way.
A good few hours passed before the host announced the upcoming dance and told everyone to find a partner, which is when Ezio felt the familiar feeling of his chest tightening. Words couldn’t explain how much it annoyed him — he wasn’t able to find a logical explanation for why he was able to flawlessly charm any woman he wanted, but when it came to Leonardo, he suddenly felt like a shy teenager.
“Is it finally time for the dance, then? Time does fly fast when you are spending it with company you enjoy.” Ezio smirked, trying to hide his growing nervousness with it. He got up from the bench they were sitting on and offered Leonardo his hand. “Come. I know a better place than this. Somewhere we will not be bothered. Unless you changed your mind about dancing with me…”
“Of course not.” Leonardo smiled back at him, happily taking his hand and getting up right after. “Lead the way.”
To Ezio, the fastest and most efficient way to get about was, obviously, climbing and jumping from building to building. But considering Leonardo had no desire or skill to do so, he had to think of something safer for what he was planning. There was a building with a large, flat roof nearby — perfect for an opportunity like this. The problem was, how was he going to get his dear friend to climb it?
He had to admit, he did forget about that little issue. Fortunately, once they actually made it to their destination, Ezio spotted a ladder standing on the side.
This was a good sign. It was all going the way he wanted it to — for now, at least.
“You want me to… climb?”
“With a ladder. It could not be any safer! Do not worry, I will not let you fall.”
“Ezio…”
“Please? Just this once? For me?”
Well, Leonardo couldn’t possibly argue with that. He was quickly realizing that if Ezio asked nicely enough, he would do just about anything for him, and he wasn’t sure if that was a good thing.
Ezio said that it would be better for Leonardo to go first. That way, if god forbid he was to fall, Ezio could catch him with ease. Leonardo was very determined to not let that happen, though. Not only out of fear for his life, it would just be pretty embarrassing if it actually came to it.
Either way, he did as Ezio suggested. It took him a good minute, or a few. To think that the assassin did this every day, without the help of a ladder, and as he assumed, with immaculate speed, both sounded and felt impossible.
Then, after he finally made it to the top, Ezio took mere seconds to do the same thing, and Leonardo simply couldn’t believe how it could be humanly possible. And yet. Ezio was just full of surprises, it seemed.
As if on cue, loud music reached their ears, and they could see people on the ground level joining in to happily dance with each other.
Leonardo thought the view from up here was beautiful. He could probably make it into a good painting. It wasn’t just the place of the carnival, it went beyond that — only now he realized that they were much further up than he initially thought, but it didn’t scare him. He could stare out into Venezia like this forever.
“May I have this dance, maestro?”
Ezio’s voice shook him out of his daydreams, and his heart skipped a beat when he looked back to face the man. Ezio took his mask off, and with the moonlight shining on his face, him and his costume looked even more magnificent than before.
Leonardo figured he should do the same thing.
Before placing his hand into Ezio’s, he untied the lace that held his mask, and carefully put it on the side.
“You may.”
The rest, for both of the men, was like taken from the loveliest of dreams.
Ezio didn’t expect Leonardo to be this good of a dancer, especially because he swore that he is no good at it, but he ended up following every one of his moves flawlessly. Ezio tried his best to keep his mind from wandering, despite their closeness slowly making him lose his mind. If he could, he would grab Leonardo’s hips instead of his hands. And with every minute, it felt like their faces were only drawing nearer.
If he could, Ezio would stay like this forever. But alas, the music came to a stop much too soon. He didn’t let go of Leonardo, though. Not yet.
Just a while longer, was all he wanted.
“Yet another thing you excel in. Is there anything that you cannot do, Ezio?” Leonardo chuckled. It seemed like he didn’t particularly want to step back and let go, either.
“No examples spring to mind.” He teased, giving Leonardo’s hand a soft squeeze. “Where did you learn to dance this well? I thought you said your skills are nonexistent.”
“Here and there. I never practiced, though, so I was sure that dancing is not one of my strong suits. I guess you were able to bring that hidden talent to life.”
Just as Ezio was about to respond, the sky lit up with the most stunning fireworks. It was only the second time this night Ezio was able to drag his eyes away from Leonardo, first being the fighting contest.
The fireworks made the moment feel all the more magical. It was certainly the happiest he’s been in a long time.
“How beautiful.” Leonardo whispered under his breath, but just loudly enough for Ezio to hear. “Times like these are certainly proof that life is worth living, don’t you agree?”
Ezio agreed, but didn’t respond. Couldn’t.
He considered doing something that had high chances of ruining both this moment and their friendship, and that stressed him out far too much for him to be able to say anything. Technically, he considered doing that much earlier, but right here, right now, after everything that happened, he was only more motivated to do so, which at the same time was all the scarier. He certainly couldn't allow himself to live a lie any longer — he had to take that step. Despite the battle happening in his head.
Ezio’s lack of response must’ve surprised Leonardo, as he turned his head to face him soon after. Ezio saw it as an opportunity. With a trembling body, he moved his hand to lay on Leonardo’s cheek as swiftly as he could and brought their lips together.
And dear god, it felt utterly extraordinary.
After the longest time of fighting with his own self, finally being able to kiss the man he so adored had him experiencing a taste of heaven. It was incomparable to any of his short-lived relationships, affairs, or anything of the sort. Not one person in the world could make him feel this way.
As for what he expected to happen, well… he wasn’t sure. The most likely of all the scenarios he imagined was Leonardo pushing him away and expressing his disgust. That did not happen. Not yet, at least, and with every passing second, Ezio’s heart felt more at ease. Was there a chance for him, then? For them?
His movements were shy, unlike any other time when he kissed someone. He still wasn’t sure if, perhaps, Leonardo was so in shock that he physically wasn’t able to move away.
Those worries were quickly blown away.
When Leonardo confidently grabbed onto his collar and pulled him closer, the gears in Ezio’s brain started turning at an unimaginable speed, and he deepened the kiss right away. He almost couldn’t believe just how lucky he was, but he certainly wasn’t going to test it.
They didn’t pull away until they absolutely had to, in order to catch their breaths. They didn’t look into each other’s eyes, at first. But it wasn’t shame. The two of them were simply so shaken by the intensity and intimacy that, for their own good, they had to ground themselves first.
“I’m… I’m sorry, Leonardo.” Despite the very clear signs given to him just seconds ago by the painter that he was enjoying the kiss just as much as Ezio was, he still felt the need to apologize. For what, he wasn’t sure. Perhaps it was the guilt he felt for being in love with his male best friend in the first place.
“Sorry?” Leonardo said between breaths, finally looking up, right into Ezio’s eyes. “Was I too soft?”
“I— sorry?”
“Maybe I should have used more force… you would handle it, wouldn’t you? I mean, clearly, if there is still room for doubt after all of this…”
“No, wait— I think I just did not expect for you to… well, reciprocate it.”
Leonardo chuckled in the sweetest possible way, and Ezio could feel his legs turning into cotton.
“Oh, caro, surely you do not think I am stupid? You have not been subtle at all .”
If Ezio could dig a hole for himself and hide in it right about now, he would have done so.
“Not to say I was not quite shocked once I caught on… in fact, I could not really believe in the possibility of you being attracted to me in the first place, but the way you were acting—”
Ezio kissed him again. This time, it was to shut him up. He could not keep listening to how pathetic his flirting attempts were any longer.
Leonardo smiled into the kiss, and didn’t lose it once they parted. “Is someone getting shy?”
“Leonardo…”
He chuckled. “Alright, alright, I’ll stop.”
Ezio placed his hands on Leonardo’s waist and pulled him closer, as close as possible. He put his forehead on the man’s shoulder, letting out the deepest sigh.
“Some of my missions have stressed me less…”
As Leonardo’s lips touched Ezio’s neck, he could feel the artist’s smile against his skin. “Perhaps you should stay for a few more days. This should have been an opportunity for you to leave the stress behind, not induce it.”
Ezio couldn’t stop his own smile.
“Perhaps you are right.”