xli λ bambini

[assassino]

[Ezio has been hiding himself away for a variety of reasons.

Perhaps it's because his schedule has been thrown. There are no more late mornings with Lana, pressed up against her despite the warmth and cajoling her to stay just a little bit longer, just five more minutes. There are no more late lunches, no more dinners snuck in between sittings at the restaurant. No more riding out to the fields to picnic and joke and carouse, no more wine in pretty baskets, no more flowers just-because, or any of the other hallmarks of a man starting to get really invested in a woman.

That is because there is no more Lana. She's gone, as if the castle had forgotten how much she was loved –– even with Wesley and Fred and all of those others passing on from this world, Ezio liked to think that he enjoyed Lana enough for her to always matter to the castle.

She'd always been so bothered by the fact that they'd someday leave and forget each other, but she'd always acted like she would be the one to remember while he drifted away. And now here he is, the one left waiting.

But there are only so many weeks he could hide out in Stephanie and Cassandra's apartment, thinly "tolerating" Tim's presence and straddling the line between being heartbroken and maintaining a stoic manliness. With the babies everywhere, it is somewhat easier –– distractions, and all –– but he still needs to get out. There are only so many ways you can stave off loneliness.

So here he is, tentatively dipping his feet back in the world of women. Has it really been six months since he seriously chased another skirt?]

---- Horny Ladies, 18+ ----

[And there's that thick Italian accent, suave as always, but maybe a bit stiffer than he'd usually be.]

Salute.

I'd be much obliged to take you out for dinner and drinks, for whatever pleases you –– whether it is to spirit you away from a nagging infant for an evening, or merely amuse you for a few hours. If you are bold enough to ask, then I am bold enough to satisfy!

- Ezio Auditore

---- Public ----


[And then there's Ezio, whiling away some time in the garden. He's got a thick leather glove on one hand and a colourful eagle-like bird perched at his wrist; that bird is currently wearing a hood, patiently waiting in darkness for Ezio to unhood him for some time in flight.

Come bother a dude and his bird.]

Comments

[hellofist]

[While he's busy, Cass uses the opportunity to calm herself down. With Conner, when he'd looked at her the way Ezio did, she hadn't really known what to do with it and it made her feel strange, bad, confused. Like she had to run off to Kansas to see him and try to get a better idea of exactly what was going on.

Later, when Tim and then Zero had done it, she was more used to it. She hadn't thought much of it with Tim, but by the time it was Zero giving her those looks, watching her so closely, she liked it. She likes it now, from Ezio, maybe more than she should.]

Does bird have name? Seems like, should have name.

[assassino]

I did not bother naming him. But I suppose that if my horse is worthy of a name, then so is the eagle. [Teasing:] Should I name him for you?

[hellofist]

[She just smiles at him.]

If you want. Better than... calling "bird" forever.

[And hey wait back up.]

You have horse, too?

[assassino]

Cassandros for a male, I think.

And yes, I have a horse. Maximus.

[hellofist]

Cassandros. Sounds kinda funny.

Can I ride, sometime? Never have, before.

[assassino]

Of course. I could take you now, if you wanted.

[hellofist]

Not too hungry?

[assassino]

We could take the horse into the city for lunch!

[hellofist]

[She grins. You so smart, Ezio.]

Perfect plan. Never been to... horse house. [That's certainly not what that's called but that's what she's going with now.] Lead way?

[assassino]

Stable. [He offers a hand to her, the bird on the other arm.] This way.

[hellofist]

Stable.

[Good, horse house sounded silly. She slips her hand into his and falls into step with him, but she's watching the bird again. She's already asking Ezio for so much, but she can't help one more request.]

Could I hold him? Before he... gets put away?

[assassino]

Of course. He has a stand in Maximus' stable; while I saddle him for riding, you may hold the bird.

[hellofist]

[She smiles, squeezing his hand.]

Thank you.

[But the saddle thing is interesting.]

Need saddle, to ride?

[assassino]

For comfort, yes. A bare backed horse grows tired and chapped.

[hellofist]

Don't want that.

[She's a bit excited to see a horse for the first time. Ezio's bird is nice, but he's small and the things his body says are small things too. Hunger, agitation when the mask was on. A horse, though? If they're anything like cows, Maximus will have his own thoughts and personality and she's excited to see what he's like, how he compliments Ezio.

It's possible she's starting to walk just a little faster. She's never been good at waiting for the things she wants.]

[assassino]

[He nods, picking up pace to keep up with her.]

Excited, are you?

[hellofist]

[She ducks her head to hide a sheepish smile.]

Might be... surprise, to hear? But I've missed lots. Haven't seen a lot. Horses are new.

[assassino]

No horses in Gotham, hmm? I cannot imagine a world without having seen a horse.

[hellofist]

Nope. Ride motorcycles, there. Before Gotham, saw a cow. Wild dogs. Things that live... where people don't.

[assassino]

[He chuckles.]

Well, then! I can introduce you to many horses, and then, when you are a passable rider, I will take you into the woods to see other animals, or out to the farmlands.

[hellofist]

Shouldn't take long. Just have to... watch you, a few times.

[Yay for entirely unfair cheaty abilities \o/]

[assassino]

Ah! [He jokingly reaches to pinch her bottom. She's putting him in a better mood and that emerges as playfulness, of course.] You and your endless talents.

[hellofist]

[Well, that's new. She looks down to his hand and then up to his face, watches him for a few moments, and then apparently judges it as nothing to be concerned about. Finally she just shrugs and looks ahead again. Who is she to rain on his parade if he's feel better now?]

Everyone has something. You train birds, I read people.

[assassino]

[Her momentarily silence and expression -- even if unconcerned -- reminds him, for a brief moment, that Cass is off-limits. He can't rationalize this away, either, but if she doesn't mind, who is he to back off?]

I would hardly call training birds my talent!

[hellofist]

[Maybe she shouldn't open herself up to this, but she does anyway.]

What is, then?