paradisa | (no subject)

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[ Lucrezia could plot and scheme with charm and grace, but the persistence it takes to bake an edible cake was less in her nature. So it took her some weeks to have one angel cake with a messy "Tanti Auguri" frosted on it.

Late, yes, but at least it's chewable and not burnt!

She has other reasons for standing in front of Ezio's door, trying to hear any sign of Cristina before knocking twice, but he doesn't need to know that yet. Not until he's tasted the cake. ]

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[Ezio is alone, as usual these days -- he goes out with Stephanie or Molotov and other friends when he feels like it, but it's been a quiet week or so. He's felt the void of a number of people in his life now that Cristina refuses to see him, and Lucrezia, interestingly enough, is one of them.

When he opens the door, he looks mildly surprised, but certainly not displeased. He even smiles.]

And what brings you to my door today, bella?

[ The smile doesn't come as easily to her, but she does try, and holds up the box. ]

I promised you a cake for your birthday.

That you did!

[He stands back and holds the door open for her.]

Come in.

[ She grins and walks in, throwing a glance around the room for signs of female company, before turning around to offer him the box. ]

I hope you had a happy birthday and many more to come.

[None. The place is sadly silent, save the rufflings of the big bird in a coop on the balcony.]

I did... and I certainly plan for the rest to be joyous, as well.

[He accepts the box.]

Thank you, Lucrezia.

[ )':

She purses her lips and drops her gaze before attempting another smile meant to be comforting. ]

You should taste it, so you could tell me it is the best you have ever eaten.

[He sets it down on the counter, and then opens the box and smiles.]

Of course. It certainly looks delicious.

[And then he gets two plates out for them.]

[ She follows him to the counter and watches him work. She has the words picked and arranged for the right time. ]

I could taste it first, to be safe.

[Teasing:]

I thought you were sure that it was the best.

[ She chuckles. ]

Sweetness can conceal many things.

So I can imagine.

[He serves up two slices, and takes them to the table, beckoning her to follow.]

[ She trails behind him, waiting for him before taking a seat at the table. ]

Yet you would not have me taste it first.

Would it please you to have the first taste?

[ She inhales then holds her breath, her eyes trained on the cake. ]

It would please me if you would.

[If he dies because Cesare poisoned it, he is going to fucking murder Cesare when he comes back.

Ezio Auditore's thought process, part 2039423.

He chuckles and sits, and then takes a bite. SURPRISINGLY EDIBLE... and surprisingly not atrocious, either.]

You are a fast learner.

[ She sighs and takes a bite of her own cake. She will never tell him the effort she went to for this, smiling mischievously at him now. ]

Five minutes.

It took you five minutes?

[ She leans closer to whisper, holding back a grin. ]

It should take five minutes for the poison to take effect.

[His smile grows a touch tense, but he keeps it on his face like a champ. In equally hushed tones:]

I doubt someone who struggled to assemble a cake could brew poison into it... but for the sake of caution, what must I do to convince you to give me the antidote?

[ She allows herself that winning grin, before leaning back to take another leisurely bite of her cake. ]

You could answer one question.

And what is this question, which is so dire that you felt the need to poison me in order to get an honest answer?

[ She opens her mouth to speak, hesitates, before trying again. ]

You would not trust my brother as you do me.

Your brother does not trust me, either, piccina.

[He shrugs.]

We are men. Sometimes we need to strut and cross swords a few times before we come to an understanding.

[ She trains her eyes on the cake and furrows her brow. ]

He is wary of you for my sake, not his own.

And you have not assuaged his fears.