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]

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.

[assassino]

And why is that?

[secondchances]

It's like a second skin, at home. I might not get to wear it as much here, but I still love being Batgirl.

[Not asking about his, haha.]

[assassino]

You long to be a bat, hmm? [Teasing.] Part girl, part monster?

[secondchances]

Oh, yes, Ezio. That's exactly what I'm saying.

[assassino]

[he chuckles.]

You must admit the visual is a bit strange. A "bat girl."

[secondchances]

People in Gotham think of me before they think of something with leathery wings and beady eyes.

[assassino]

True, but how are you not noticed leaving your villa or your residence in such an outfit?

[secondchances]

[Villa... Ezio, please.]

I have a secret base, like the one you have in the city. And most of my activity is at night, so blah blah blah cover of darkness.

[assassino]

So imagine you are walking down the street as Stephanie Brown and you see a thief mug a woman for her purse and flee up a building. What do you do if you do not have your suit on?

[secondchances]

One, I'd be impressed if the average thief can get up a building. Two, every once in a while I [bring the wrong bag] have my suit with me, and it's something I can get into in seconds. Three... if I didn't, I'd figure something out. I always do. Couldn't tell you what, but as long as people don't see Stephanie Brown doing weird crap, it's all good. She's a nobody in Gotham.