xxxvi λ winter

[assassino]

-------- Private -------

January 28th.

In some ways, I feel as though I am a ship adrift at sea, or at least a boat lost in a maze of canals. I do not know how to navigate a relationship with a woman from the future. The customs that are difficult enough in friendship prove even more complicated now. I know how a man might dictate a relationship in my time, but Lana is entirely different. If I commanded her, she would likely just be angry with me, so I am letting her make all of the decisions… it is strange, to say the least, but there is little I can do, even if I feel I am being emasculated.

Put like that, it all sounds very dramatic, but it feels as though that is the only way I can express it. It is one thing to be friends with women from the future, that I enjoy very much, but it is somehow different to call one your "girlfriend." I am just not used to being at one woman's beck and call.

I want to be prepared for this, yet I still feel lost… but I am still determined to prove to Molotov and the rest of them that I can be with a single woman and respect her wishes.

(It would be easier, though, if I were not always consumed with... frustrations. She will not even allow me to taste her.)

And what else plagues my mind? The Borgia, of course, as always… I fear Lucrezia will sabotage my relationships, and am concerned about that Cesare has been planning. I dare not place too many thoughts to the page, lest I bring bad luck upon myself.

Then there is Tim, who is Stephanie's "ex-boyfriend" –– I have yet to meet him, but I look forward to it. A bit of sporting fun would do me good.


x






----- Cesare Borgia -----


[written]

Salute.

I'd like to invite you to dinner. Just men –– no fair ladies this time.

E. Auditore.


-------------





Is it time for the snow to vanish into the ground yet? I hate snow. It is miserable to have to bundle oneself up like a Rossian just to go outdoors, and even more miserable to be indoors and wet in such heavy clothing.

Fuck winter, that is what I say.

Comments

[secondchances]

[She starts leading the way.]

But there's snow!

[assassino]

It is an evil that will make the onsen even more pleasant.

[secondchances]

[Steph is nice the entire walk over and doesn't shove him into the snow or put snow down his clothing. :')

Awww yeah, onsen. She has no idea how this thing works, having only been in the area maybe once or twice before.]

Oooh, right. Separate sides. Cross over and the onsen gods shall make you pay.

[assassino]

[HOW KIND OF HER.

He chuckles.]

There is a wall separating the two inside, but if you go out far enough, you can mingle past the wall. I will see you there in a moment, hmm?

[secondchances]

Gotcha. See you in a moment.

[She goes to drop off her stuff and take off all her winter clothes. It's already uncomfortably warm in them, near the onsen. She has her super cute purple bathing suit on underneath.

And now it's a little chilly without layers, so she hurries to get into the water.]

[assassino]

[Ezio strips right down to the nude and heads for the water. It actually takes a moment to adjust to the heat of the spring before he heads out past the barrier, peering around it for Steph.

That purple bathing suit always stands out like a beacon, heralding the arrival of Stephanie.]

[secondchances]

This is different.

[She's a little slower to get out there, piling her hair on the top of her head as she goes.

And, of course, she's totally unaware of what lurks beneath the surface of the water.]

It's nice, though. Good idea, Ezio.

[assassino]

It is nice. I am surprised you do not come here often.

[He flicks a bit of water at her, sinking down to be shoulder-deep.]

[secondchances]

I guess my water-relaxation choices are usually the beach or the pool. But now that I know this is pleasant, I'll have to add it to the list.

[Brat. She flicks some back at him, but then turns to survey the area.

Totally bringing the girls here. :') This would be awesome before ice cream and sleepovers.]

[assassino]

Three years and you never came here?

[He chuckles.]

Not many people seem to, though...

[secondchances]

Some people might prefer the comfort of their own bathtubs, if they want to soak in hot water. Not everyone can tolerate nature, or the effort it takes to get here and back.

[Walking back is going to suck in the cold, but she'll worry about that later. She's still inspecting, going over into the men's side.]

At least we don't have to fight a crowd.

[assassino]

What bath tub is this big? [Wide open gesture with arms. He grins.] Lazy Americans, hmm?

[secondchances]

Who would need a tub this big?

[She comes back, and finds a spot to settle down.]

But if you really wanted all this space, I'm sure the castle could provide.

[assassino]

The richest man on the planet, but since we can have it for free, why not partake?

[He settles down near her.]

I hate the public bathhouses in Italia, they are uncomfortable shared with so many people. But this warmth, with this spaciousness, with good company... that is all I need from the castle.

[secondchances]

Aww. That's heartwarming.

[assassino]

It is true!

[secondchances]

I know. Sincere is your middle name.

[assassino]

[Slightly confused.]

Is that how Americans use middle names?

[secondchances]

What? No. That's just a thing people say.

[assassino]

Oh. I see.

[secondchances]

So, tell me. What's your favorite material posession?

[assassino]

Ah... probably my hidden blade. Why?

[secondchances]

No reason. Just asking questions to make conversation.

[assassino]

Ah. Pardon me, but usually people have a motive to ask such a thing.

What is yours, then?

[secondchances]

Batgirl suit.

And you're pardoned.