paradisa | (no subject)

Meatballs. And tomato sauce.

Both meatballs and pasta are main courses.

[Pause.]

But I will do whatever makes you happy.

[So he starts putting together ingredients.]

Oh, huh. We just sorta toss them both together and cover them in tomato sauce.

[She rolls on her side so she can watch.]

I bet Asshole Me doesn't eat Italian food. She probably ate the hearts of small children.

I will make polpette di carne like my people make them, but we will put them in the pasta like yours.

[So he's pulling out eggs, and Romano cheese, and a whole variety of other things: salt, black pepper, garlic, olive oil, bread crumbs, parsley. He starts preparing all the ingredients.

Teasing:]

I hear they eat those in China, but you did not look like a Chinaman.

[She props herself up on some pillows to see better. Food is a good distraction from dwelling and sulking.]

Not even close.

So, help me think. What's a good gift for a "I'm sorry for breaking and entering" apology?

You broke a number of wine bottles, for one, so at the very least you must replace those.

[GROAN. She covers her face with a pillow.]

Her place is all fancy, too...

[Kneading ground pork in a bowl with the other ingredients.]

Perhaps you could work there to pay off your debts.

That might make Lana want to snap my neck more than she already does.

Why?

I don't do work like that well. There's a handful of things I'm good at, and waitressing, cooking, and cleaning are not on the list.

[He rolls his eyes. He won't say it, but women who cannot cook or clean still seem so ridiculous to him. He's a man and he can do it, it should be simple for her.]

You broke into her restaurant. Your talents are likely not a concern.

[Sigh.]

I'll see what she wants me to do.

She would know best.

Yeah.

[Why couldn't she break into the business of someone she didn't know? Ugh. She sinks back into the sofa.]

I am sure she will be tolerant, Stephanie.

I know, I know. Lana has to be one of the most tolerant people, if she puts up with you, so I should be good... but still.

[Jokes at Ezio's expense to make herself feel better, yay.]

[Mocking him as he makes you fresh meatballs :'(]

I understand, you are not as brave as I am, to deal with her.

I don't "deal with" Lana. It's not a chore! For shame, Ezio. For shame.

[He's very clearly joking:]

You have never tried to please her.

I'm not sure if it's okay to laugh or not.

[But she's still clutching a pillow in case she needs to cover her ears, which leave her delicate brain vulnerable.]

[He just laughs.

Almost sadly.

Don't think about Lana naked, don't think about Lana naked, don't think about Lana naked.]

[She joins the almost-sad laugh. Don't think about their sex life, don't think about their sex life, don't think about their sex life.]

Sooo. Um. One of my best friends from home showed up...

Oh? Is she as gorgeous as you?

Super gorgeous. [Amused by her own pun... that Ezio doesn't even realize, but whatever.]

But I'm just telling you to give you a general update about my life, not saying you ever need to be all chummy with her. I'm not sure she'd have much tolerance for... all of this. [Motions at him.]

Ezio

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