AC - Secret

Ezio almost tripped while running through the park. He didn't care about anything that would normally catch his attention – even if it was only because of him.

The birds were chirping loudly, singing the same songs as always. He would stop on their way home, just to look skywards and watch them fly above their heads. Ezio would chuckle and tell him to not stay behind or they would be outside even after the sun had set. But truth be told, he wouldn't really mind staying a bit longer with him.

Children were running around, shouting and laughing. He would just smile at them and tell Ezio that he was looking forward to having children himself, that he'd like to have at least two because he knew how it was to have no siblings. Ezio of course would only tell him that brothers weren't always a good thing and that he had experienced the contras of not being an only-child himself. But he would always be imagining how it would have been if he had had a brother with similar looks, if everything had gone the same way.  

A few women were smiling and waving at him. He would let something along the lines of "I'd like to draw them…" slip and Ezio would pat his shoulder, tell him to get his drawing stuff. Then he'd saunter towards them, winking and flirting with them only long enough for him to make a sketch of them. How he would like to flirt with him instead, or at least tell him about his feelings…

Clouds were beginning to cover the sky, hiding the sun behind them. He would let himself fall into the grass, look upwards and point out how they looked like flowers or ships or even hearts, presents for those who were in love. Ezio would again just chuckle, telling him that he was a daydreamer like no one else – originally he had wanted to say that he was going to be a philosopher like no man had been before him.

Ezio always had to listen to his brain instead of following the path his heart wanted him to go.

But for once, he didn't care about anything but him, Leonardo, his best friend…

He followed the small paths between bushes to hopefully arrive at their favorite place before it was too late. Before Leonardo would leave and he would have no time to talk to him. Because if Ezio didn't get the chance to talk to him, didn't ask him if what he had heard was true, he'd rip off that bastard's head and no one could stop him.

No, he was going to do that anyway.

Never before had Ezio hated someone as much as Cesare Borgia.

He had despised him from the moment he had first seen him, at Leonardo's and his secret place, talking to the artist and making compliments. At first, Ezio hadn't known why – but he didn't want that guy to talk to his Leonardo.

Now it made sense.

Cesare was a liar, or at least the worst guy you could have as your friend, spilling secrets so personal that there was no way Ezio could forgive him.

When Ezio finally reached the hill he had met Leonardo for the first time, the artist was there, as if nothing had ever happened, sitting there on the ground like every other afternoon. He had a sketchbook on his lap which Ezio recognized even from afar. After all, he had bought it for Leonardo. He had been told that the artist would only use it when doing sketches which weren't meant for other's to see.

He had never taken a look because it would have meant to take advantage of Leonardo's trust.

"Leonardo…" he called out upon approaching the older man. The blonde immediately raised his head. His blue eyes, normally glowing like nothing Ezio had ever seen, seemed to be dull and lacking all kind of emotion. He had his hair tied back into a sloppy ponytail and circles had appeared underneath his eyes.

Ezio was shocked to see him look as if he was tired of life.

"Ezio…" he sighed, shaking his head before looking down to resume sketching, "If it's about what Cesare said – get lost. I don't want to talk about it…"

Pure anger flared up in Ezio. His heart was racing and he saw red. I'm so going to kill that bastard!

"You knew he was going to tell me?!" Ezio had to restrain himself from yelling. More so, as Leonardo looked at him sadly before nodding and averting his gaze. That bastard is going to pay! Ezio tried to calm himself before he strangled someone. Which was hard with Leonardo sitting in front of him, appearing almost heart-broken in his eyes because of that guy.

"Yes, Ezio, I knew very well..."

"Why didn't you try to stop him?!"

"Because there was no way he would… He would have told you anyway… everything…"

"Everything?! You mean there was even more?!"

For a moment, Leonardo looked shocked, caught like some prey. Then, his face grew almost emotionless again and he sighed heavily.

"Depends on what he has told you…"

Ezio let out a huff, exasperated. The conversation was heading nowhere. He would most likely never find out why Leonardo hadn't been able to stop Borgia from spilling his secret. And he wasn't sure if he was going to find out about the whole truth. He sat down next to his friend, noticing how Leonardo flinched away. For a moment he felt his chest clenching…

"Is it true that… you are gay and Cesare was… is… your lover?" he whispered, voice trembling. It hurt to ask the last question. Because imagining Cesare being close to Leonardo, being the only one allowed to kiss and hold him… it made him jealous. And angry because it wasn't him who was at Leonardo's side like this…

And he was furious that Cesare had the guts to actually betray someone as wonderful as Leonardo.

"He was…" Leonardo muttered under his breath, his hands stopping, the pencil slipping from between his fingers. Only now did Ezio notice that the artist's hands were trembling. He reached out for them, stroking over his wrists, the back of his hands, the fingers. The trembling only increased – and sobs started to emit from Leonardo. "We… broke up today… in the morning…"

"Is that why… he told me?" Ezio continued to ask. Even though he didn't want to pressure Leonardo further – he needed answers. He wouldn't be able to stay honest otherwise. Part of his mask had already fallen, his affection showing through in the way he held the artist's hands. He couldn't hug him… It didn't feel right yet – because Leonardo would think of it as a friendly gesture while he would think of the love he felt towards the artist.

"Yes… he threatened me… he told me he was going to tell you about my… preferences if I would leave him…" Leonardo explained, whipping the tears from his eyes, but more followed. For a moment he had feared he was alone now, without anyone by his side… But Ezio was still here. He was going to stay… Mind clouded by desperation, he couldn't do anything but reach out for his friend and pull him close, arms snaking around the stronger man. He felt him tense up and for a moment he was afraid he was going to be pushed away.

Ezio returned the hug, feeling the artist bury his head in the crook of his neck. He felt the blonde sobbing, warm tears being absorbed by his shirt. Now was not the time to think about what he didn't have – he had Leonardo at his side, needing his help. Nothing else should matter.

"I had wanted to break up sooner… but then he told me… I didn't want you to know… I thought you were going to leave me… I wouldn't stand losing you, as the only one I have left…

But I couldn't stand it anymore… No more…"

Ezio held him close, waiting for him to calm down. He understood his friend's worries – he felt a pain pretty similar. But he wouldn't tell him, not yet. He would help Leonardo get over the pain at first before he confronted him with his feelings… He sighed, nuzzling the blonde's hair, inhaling his scent. Leonardo was slowly calming down already, the sobbing getting less, his breath growing more regular as time passed.

"Leo… I have to go…" he whispered, feeling as if something was ripping at his heart, trying to scar it. Rage was still hidden deep within him, yearning release. He had to seek revenge, for Leonardo's sake. He wouldn't let anyone hurt him and get away with it.

Leonardo whimpered, causing Ezio to chuckle knowingly.

"I'll come back, my friend… I promise you… Just wait here… I'll be back very soon…"

He tried to free himself from Leonardo's grip, only being successful after a few moments. He had to whisper to him reassuringly while standing up. He smiled at the artist – at least he tried to, but it felt just wrong, seeing Leonardo like this, sitting on the ground, cheeks wet with tears. He didn't appear as if he was a few years older than Ezio – he looked like a child which was left alone in the dark. And he probably felt like one too.

"Wait for me.." Ezio mumbled while turning around.

He's going to pay…



"Ah, Ezio..."

Cesare had immediately noticed him when he stepped onto the school's campus. It wasn't surprising really – they had both somehow achieved a kind of sixth sense to track down each other if they were in the mood for a fight or just some provoking. Or at least they were able to make out the other's hate.

"What gives me the pleasure of meeting you?"

But seeing Ezio strike didn't mean anyone could avoid being hit.

Cesare was lying on the ground, pressing his hand against his split lip in an attempt to stop the bleeding, eyes wide open, before his mind could even register what had happened. Ezio only grinned at him, fist still raised. His eyes were glowing with rage as he stepped closer, letting his arm dangle at his side, his fingers still clenching and unclenching.

"The pleasure of being ripped apart, you must mean, goddamn bastard" he growled, waiting for Cesare to get up. He wouldn't sink as low as to beat someone who was already down to his feet – at least not before he had some fun.

"You will regret what you did to Leonardo…"

Cesare snorted.

"What I did? He was the one responsible for what happened… I'm not the one always at fault, you know."

"Speak some sense – or do I have to beat it into you?" Ezio hissed, patience failing him. He didn't plan on spending too much time with that asshole – he'd be gone as fast as he could, even if that meant not getting any answer. He simply felt as if he couldn't stand that bastard much longer without ripping him another hole…

"You ever had anyone moaning the name of another man while you fucked them, Auditore?" Cesare snarled, getting up from the ground only slowly, head still spinning. He was no weaklings by any means –but it had been quite some time since his last real fight against any decent opponent. And Ezio definately was one – at least while being furious like this…

Ezio on the other side didn't know if he should laugh or just snort. It was just too comical – someone who thought of himself as the greatest man on earth, with a lover both beautiful and intelligent… And suddenly the lover moaned the name of someone who wasn't as great. He would just like to know, whose name it had been that it was pissing off Cesare so greatly.

He did find out sooner than he had ever thought.

"Don't you dare saying anything, Auditore!" the Borgia yelled at him, lunging for Ezio to hurt him in any way possible. The fight's goal was to make one of them bleed. And he wasn't going to be the only one.

Ezio, always fighting with his brother, was moving faster, making the fight appear pretty much one-sided. He didn't care about the few hits that landed, making his face and chest, as well as his right arm, only feel slightly sore. He would have bruises later – but revenge was the more pressing matter at hand.

Another hit and kick and they were both toppling to the ground, Ezio on top for a moment. Limbs flailing, they tried to scratch at each other, both blinded by rage, not caring. They didn't know why – but there was something like a yearning to see the other bleed.

A few more moments passed before Ezio had Cesare pinned to the ground, close to strangling him.

"He doesn't deserve being hurt…" he ground out, teeth bared. Cesare struggled, fighting for air, also smirking.

"You might think that way at the moment… but you will be the next one to hurt him… I'm sure of that…"

"I'll never hurt him!"

"Really? Even if I tell you… what he craves for? Can you give it to him? If not – he'll only feel the same kind of despair again!"

"Then tell me!" Ezio yelled, shaking him by the shoulders. He wanted to wipe that smug grin of his face. The urge was animalistic – but not unknown to him. His brother had already told him about himself feeling the same way when fighting against the youngest of the Pazzi family. They seemingly had something predatory passed on in their blood…

"He craves for you… and you are a blind fool for not noticing!"

Pained flared up in his face but he barely registered. His mind was clouded, so much that he hadn't noticed the knife that had suddenly appeared in Cesare's hand and had slashed his lip open. He stumbled backwards, off Cesare, leaving him to stand up, feeling victorious. He didn't really notice that the look on Ezio's face was one of pure disbelief, not disgust.

"See now, Auditore? Are you still sure that you will not hurt him?" Cesare provoked, seeing as Ezio was still too stunned to really move. He didn't even get any response from him, so he simply snorted in annoyance.

"Well, Auditore… I'm sure we'll meet again… Get that pretty face of yours examined – we wouldn't want to have you left with a scar, would we?"

With that said, he was gone, leaving Ezio kneeling on the ground, staring at nothing.

Why didn't I notice?

His fist hit the ground, hard. He didn't feel the impact.

I could have helped him…

Another hit, blood dripping from his chin onto his hand. He was starting to tremble. He hardly felt the people around him staring.

How could I have been so blind…?

He slapped away a hand that shook his shoulder. He glanced up at the person – a friend of his father and a teacher – before he got up, stumbling as he started to run. The world was spinning around him, barely focusing. He felt like in trance as he hurried towards the park.

I have to see him! Now!




When he entered the park this time, everything had changed.

The birds were already asleep, the people gone. It was unnaturally silent.

The sun had disappeared entirely, being replaced by the stars and the moon. He didn't know yet what Leonardo thought about them. They had only met during the day – until now. Never before had he made Leonardo wait for him for such a long time…

He wasn't going to let him wait any longer.

"L-leo?" he shouted while running up the little hill. A body was lying in the grass, sketchbook right next to him. Leonardo had his eyes closed, apparently asleep. Ezio sighed, kneeling down next to him with a gentle smile on his face.

"Falling asleep out here while drawing… how very typical of you, Leonardo…" he whispered, fingers running through the artist's blonde hair without another thought or hesitation. Even though he wanted to talk – he couldn't bring himself to wake the other up. He enjoyed the relaxed expression on Leonardo's face, how he looked completely at peace…

He reached over, picking up the sketchbook, planning to close it. But one single glance at the last sketch made him curious. That can't be…

Upon closer inspection he knew that he had been right.

He, apparently how Leonardo imagined him to look like when he was older, hair tied back, beard grazing his face, laughing happily while carrying a young boy on his shoulders. Next to him stood Leonardo, he too was smiling, looking at Ezio, holding another child in his arms.

A family like the one that both of them dreamt of.

"Hm… Ezio…?"

Leonardo's low, sleepy murmur made Ezio jump, lost in thoughts. The artist sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes, a small smile pulling at the edges of his mouth as he looked at the younger one. He stretched, yawning, reminding Ezio of a cat - I think Cesare hit me worse that I had expected… - before he finally seemed able to talk.

"You… returned…" he stated and Ezio could tell how relieved he was.

"Of course I did…" he whispered, looking back down at the picture. I'd do everything to make it end like this… Leonardo seemed to follow his gaze, blushing brightly upon seeing the picture that Ezio was looking at. He reached forward, trying to grab and hide it from Ezio. His friend should have never seen this…

"A-ah, sorry, Ezio… I didn't mean for you to see this…" he stuttered, not knowing what to say as Ezio grabbed his wrist while holding the sketchbook out of his reach. He was smirking at the artist, making him even more desperate to get it back. "Please, Ezio, give it back…" His voice was only a low whine now, making Ezio chuckle.

"Only if you tell me one thing: Does this mean anything?"

Leonardo looked at him with pleading eyes, before looking at the ground.

"No… no, it doesn't mean a thing…"

Ezio, sensing the sadness in his friend's words, just leaned forward, hugging him. If he isn't going to talk… then I'll have to start…

"It does… It's what you are wishing for, isn't it, Leo? I know how you feel… Cesare told me…" he whispered into the other's ear gently, feeling him shiver against him. How he enjoyed feeling the artist close like this. He couldn't think of anything he had craved more than this – his friend in his arms.

Leonardo tried to struggle slightly. "I-I'm s-sorry… D-don't b-believe anything h-he said, p-please… I c-can't lose y-you too, E-ezo…" he stuttered – but was shut up by Ezio very soon, lips pressed against his own keeping him from talking.

He stared at Ezio with wide eyes, shocked and tense, but relaxed soon upon seeing the familiar emotions in Ezio's half-lidded eyes. He kissed back hesitantly, making the younger one chuckle and pull back. Their foreheads touched slightly and Ezio could nearly feel the artist blushing, heat rising to his face.

"No need to be shy, Leo…" he whispered, kissing him again. This time, the artist responded immediately. But after a few seconds he gasped, pulling back.

"Ezio, you're bleeding!" he gasped, hands shooting up to touch the younger's lips gently, feeling the cut at once. "It's fresh… Did… did Cesare do this?"

"Yes… But I think he's more bruised than I am…" Ezio replied, pointing down at his right wrist, "I only have a few scratches and bruises… and that cut… No need to worry…"

Leonardo was already pulling a tissue out of his bag which was lying not far away from them, pressing it to Ezio's lips and looking at him sternly.

"You shouldn't fight for no reason, Ezio!"

His wrist was gripped tightly. He raised his gaze, his eyes meeting Ezio's warm brown ones. He shook his head lightly, bringing the artist's hand up to his face and kissing it. Leonardo was almost breathless, seeing all those emotions in his friend's eyes, pulling him in.

"Him hurting you would have been reason enough for me to rip his head off, Leonardo… I won't let you get hurt again… I won't let anyone betray you ever again… I don't care if it's by spreading lies or spilling secrets… No one will ever dare to do that again…"

Leonardo chuckled, tapping Ezio's forehead slightly, making the other raise an eyebrow at him. "That sounded sappy, Ezio…" he laughed. He felt a lot better now, relieved…

Ezio huffed, biting his lip slightly so he wouldn't laugh out loud. After a few seconds of watching the artist laugh, he had to join in anyway. "It was meant to, Leonardo!" he ground out, smiling a bit lop-sided, "And you have just ruined the mood, my friend!"

The artist cocked his head, looking at Ezio with confusion clearly shown on his face. "What mood?"

"You can't be that oblivious, Leo, can you?" the Auditore replied, pushing Leonardo down onto his back. The artist was looking up at Ezio, his eyes reflecting the stars in the sky enough to make Ezio get lost in them. "The right mood to tell you something important…"

"A-and what would that b-be?" he whispered, getting nervous upon the close proximity. Ezio smiled, leaning down so his lips brushed against Leonardo's only slightly, making him silently gasp in something close to anticipation, his body craving the kiss he was being denied.

"I love you, Leonardo…"

Lips were on his before he could give a reply of any sort. Calloused fingers were stroking through his hair, massaging his scalp gently, making him sigh content. They were looking at each other, drinking in the present of one another. They had been waiting much too long…

"I love you too…" the artist whispered when they broke apart for only a moment before diving into the kiss again. He looked at Ezio all the time, seeing his face framed by his dark hair and the even darker night sky, the stars above them as well as the moon making him appear like an angel in his eyes. An angel he fell in love with, the second they had first met.

And now he was his'.

And he wasn't planning on keeping this a secret. Because he would never share his eagle, his angle, with anyone.