fascinating-findings

[fascinating-findings]

Stages of Relationships Starters

Stage 1 — Dating:

“Will you go out with me?”

“What do you say? You and me, that great pizza place downtown, tonight?”

“You look— amazing tonight.”

“Just one date. I promise. You won’t regret it.”

“I had an amazing time tonight. I’d love to do it again, sometime.”

“I know we’ve only just met, but I’d really like to take you out tonight.”

“I promise, I’m usually better at this—”

“This is my favorite restaurant. You’re gonna love it.”

“Wow, you look even better than your online profile.”

“It’s so amazing to finally meet you, in person.”

“Do you— wanna come upstairs/inside?”

“I can walk you home, if you’d like.”

“I wasn’t sure you’d show up. But I’m glad you did.”

“I was starting to think you’d stood me up.”

“Oh, God, my ex is here.”

“So, do I get a goodnight kiss?”

“I’m not great at first impressions, am I?”

“I know we’ve been on two dates this week, already— but how about another?”

“Whoa, that is off-limits until, like, the tenth date!”

“Wait, you’ve really never been on a date before?”

Stage 2 — Love/Intimacy:

“I think I’m in love with you.”

“Please— just kiss me.”

“I don’t want you to go. Stay the night?”

“More, please—”

“Come a little closer— please.“

“Do you think you might be ready— to take the next step?”

“I didn’t know what real happiness was until I met you.”

“I love you more.”

“God, you are so perfect.”

“Stop— you’re making me blush.”

“Just when I thought I couldn’t possibly love you more—you do this.”

“Do you love me?”

“I know it’s soon, but I think I’m falling in love with you.”

“I’ve been in love with you for months—I was just too scared to admit it.”

“Just one more kiss—okay, one more—just one mo—”

So—how do you say ‘I love you’ in your mother tongue?”

“I’m sorry— I’m just not ready for sex, yet.”

“My roommate is out of town—why don’t you just stay over?”

“So, I was googling ideas for our date. I found something called Netflix & Chill—I think we should do that.”

“I think we should move-in together.”

Stage 3 — Marriage Proposal:

“_____, will you marry me?”

“I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

“I always thought that marriage was just a shame— but with you, I think it’s worth it.”

“Remember that time when (insert significant moment)? It got me thinking.”

“So, there’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you for awhile now.”

“I’ve been carrying this around in my pocket for a month, waiting for the right time. There is no right moment. So, I’m just going to go ahead and ask right now.”

“You make me a better person, and I want that forever.”

“Let’s run away together. Elope. Sounds like an adventure.”

“Dammit, my hands are shaking. Hold on, I’m super nervous.”

“Can we talk about this in private?”

“Why are you kneeling?”

“Is that a—?!”

“I–I don’t know what to say?”

“I thought you didn’t want to get married.”

“I knew there was a reason you were acting funny all day!”

“So, what’s the occasion? You never plan dates this fancy.”

“I know I said I didn’t want to settle down, but—”

“I asked your dad for your hand in marriage. Now, it’s time to ask you.”

“Of course I’ll marry you. Did you think I’d say ‘no’?”

“If this is about the baby— don’t do this. That’s not a good reason to get married.”

Stage 4 — Wedding & Honeymoon:

“I’m so nervous I could throw up. Someone get me a drink!”

“Please, get some sleep. Our big day is tomorrow. It’s gonna be amazing!”

“I can’t wait to marry you tomorrow.”

“Nah, omens are fake. No one believes that stuff. Tomorrow is gonna be perfect.”

“I promise I’m not getting cold feet, I’m just really nervous my ex is going to show up and ruin everything.”

“I do—”

“We’re married! We’re actually married now. I get to call you my husband/wife forever!”

“I know the guests are waiting at the reception—but I need a few minutes alone with my new wife/husband. Come here, you—”

“Do you think we’d get in trouble for skipping our own reception? I can’t wait to get out of here and start our honeymoon!”

“I know it’s supposedly bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding— but how do I look?”

“Pop the champagne! Let’s get this party started!”

“I know this day has been a disaster from the start—but I’ve never been happier, now that you’re mine.”

“I’m gonna cry—”

“I’d like to propose a toast to my bride/groom—”

“Wow—you look stunning!”

“Don’t panic— but I the best man/maid of honor is MIA.”

“This day has been perfect. I hope the rest of our lives together is just as amazing.”

“Last night was amazing. I’m glad we waited until we were married.”

“Let’s just stay in bed all day. Order room service. Maybe have a bubble bath. I have you all to myself, now.”

Stage 5 — Domestic Life:

“The food is not burnt. It’s—slightly toasted.”

“Tampons? You want me to buy you tampons? Me?”

“What do you mean, you lost the keys? This is the third time this week.”

“Change the channel, and I will kill you. I’ve been waiting for this show all day.”

“My underwear are all bright pink, now. Thank you for that.”

“Did you forget to walk the dog? He just made a puddle on the floor.”

“You, me, PJ’s, bed. PJ’s are totally optional, by the way.”

“I know you don’t like my parents, but we have to visit them sometime.”

“How about we never mention this situation again?”

“You should call the doctor about that. Don’t try to macho your way through it.”

“So, I got all the groceries. Except for this last one on the list. Is that an actual word, or did you just scribble something random with your elbow?”

“Did you steal my shirt again?”

“I made dinner. Your favorite.”

“Wait—you want me to wear that? In bed? It doesn’t cover anything!”

“I just bought this dress/shirt/etc at the store today. How do I look?”

“You look tense. You want a massage?”

“I just started a bath. Care to join me?”

“Thank you for taking care of the laundry.”

“Did you pay the bills today? I don’t get paid until tomorrow.”

“I couldn’t sleep either. Want me to make you some tea?”

Stage 6 — Pregnancy & Birth:

“I think I want to start a family, now.”

“What do you say we make a baby tonight?”

“What do you mean, you stopped taking your birth control?!”

“I’m out of condoms. Are you sure you still want to do this?”

“So—if we were to hypothetically have a baby, how would you react?”

“I took a pregnancy test today.”

“Have you been to the doctor yet, about that stomach bug?”

“You’re pregnant!? How far along?”

“When were you gonna tell me you were pregnant?”

“We haven’t told _____, yet. We should call them.”

“Who do you think we should name the godparents?”

“How are you feeling? Need me to rub your back? Get you something to eat? Turn the air down?”

“What do you think about (insert baby name), for a girl— or (insert baby name) for a boy?”

“Do you want to feel them? They’re kicking up a storm, right now.”

“Did you hear that? They said we’re having a boy/girl!”

“Please don’t freak out, but I’m pregnant— I SAID DON’T FREAK OUT!”

“I think my water just broke!”

“We need to go to the hospital. Now!”

“Just squeeze my hand. It’s gonna be alright. I’m here.”

“One more push! You can do it!”

Stage 7 — Children:

“They have your eyes—”

“Can you run to the store? We’re out of diapers, again.”

“Is it even possible for one baby to scream so much?”

“Ugh, they spit up on my good shirt.”

“They’re your kid before 5am.”

Shhh—they’re finally asleep.”

“I’ve been up since 4am. It’s your turn.”

“We make damn beautiful babies, don’t we?”

“The kids won’t stop fighting, again.”

“_____ got sent home from school for fighting.”

“_____ came home sick today. Great.”

“How do they outgrow their clothes so damn fast?”

“Their first word better not be a curse word. If it is, it’s your fault.”

“I think we’re damn good parents.”

“Why are both you, AND the baby, crying?”

“Can you help _____ with their homework tonight, while I make dinner?”

“It’s your turn to change the dirty diaper.”

“Is locking the kids in the closet—against the law?”

“No. She’s not allowed to date. Ever. End of discussion.”

“Wow, they have a very natural talent for _____. Maybe they’ll be a _____ when they grow up.”

[fascinating-findings]

local dudes do a lot of hugging

[fascinating-findings]

“People love their rumors, especially if they are at high expense to the person they are about. But those who make them are far too simple minded to actually make an impact and are easily distracted. They will soon move on to something, or more likely someone, else soon enough.”

[fascinating-findings]

[fascinating-findings]

Inktober Day 1: Red & White

I'm so glad that I'm finally able to join this! It started as a simple drawing of Leonardo, but then his pose gradually developed to Mona Lisa's 😅😅 The AC prompt list by the amazing @antivancorvo !!

[fascinating-findings]

Leonardo’s body was red with a blush from Alexios’s sweet words as he felt him push into him. It had been a while since he had taken anyone, but with his partner’s slow and gentle touch, he could feel himself relaxing and taking him easier. As the initial uncomfortable pain subsided, he began to whimper and moan at his touch. The amount of attention he was receiving was more than he was used to, almost to a point of overwhelming, but he had no desire to tell him to stop. He squirmed on his fingers, pushing his hips down on him in a desperate chase of that burst of pleasure he felt years before. One hand tangled itself in the shaggy strands of Alexios’s hair while the other clutched the pillow behind his head. Grinding down onto his three fingers now, Leonardo gritting his teeth but taking him fairly comfortably. The friction of it caused arousal to flood his body and when the pads of his fingers finally dragged mercifully over his prostate, he let out a sharp moan, head falling forward to watch him work.

Leonardo allowed Alexios to work him for minutes until his body was trembling with excitement. Drawing Alexios’s lips to his, he kissed him hastily before pulling away. A few strands of hair had fallen into his face and his breaths came out in small huffs as he met his dark gaze with lustful eyes. “I am ready, angelo mio. Take me... please,” he requested, bumping their foreheads together and nuzzling firmly against him as his hands stroked up and down his muscular arms. Then, pulling away, he began shifting his seat as he prepared himself for the experience to come, pushing his hair back from his face so he would have a clear view.

Leonardo's new studio was not very far away from home, only a few blocks, or at least that was what Alexios kept telling himself every time he checked the smaller man's bedroom and found it empty. He had been spending more and more time there ever since Ezio had procured him a small space where he could make all of the mess--er, art--that he could ever want. Alexios was very happy for him, but that did not change the fact that he missed him. Leonardo was like a ray of light in that house, lighting up every room, and it felt a lot darker without him there. Even though Alexios had been told he could go to the studio whenever he wanted, he still felt the need to find some sort of excuse to leave the house, otherwise he got looks from some of the other assassins and even some teasing jabs. He paid them no mind, usually, but whatever made it easier to sneak out of the house he would use in a heartbeat.

Today, it was books. Specifically, medical textbooks about human anatomy that he had found while exploring the expansive library in the den, and which were now held in the backpack that he was wearing, keeping them safe as he swiftly scaled the side of the building where Leonardo's studio was located. He could have just used the stairs or the strange moving box called an elevator, but those would have taken too long and when it came to seeing Leo, Alexios found his patience lacking. Reaching the correct window, he pushed it open and swung himself inside, landing lightly on the floor. Closing it behind him, he called out, "Leonardo, it is me." Even though he had done this many times before, he always announced his presence, not wanting to startle the smaller man and cause him to spill paint over something or ruin whatever he was working on. Walking further into the open room, he shrugged off the backpack and unzipped it, pulling out the textbooks just as he reached Leo. Leaning down, he pressed a quick kiss to the artist's cheek, holding the books up for him to see. "Agapi mou. I brought these for you."

@fascinating-findings

[fascinating-findings]

Please reblog if you play a character who is 30 years of age or older

I don’t care if it’s an OC or a canon character, and while I play a human, I don’t care if your fandom isn’t but for the love of god, why is everyone in their twenties? Give me some mid thirties or even some fourties. Hell, throw me some silver foxes. Please.

[fascinating-findings]

Every little touch Alexios was placing on Leonardo was driving him wild to the point when his hands stroked over his thighs, his legs readily fell apart. It took him a moment to respond to his question, just the thought of him prepping him sending a shudder through his body as he looked up at his beautifully-lit naked form. After a moment, he finally composed himself and replied in a low tone,”There should be a bottle of lubricant in the drawer.” Nodding in the direction of the short stand next to the mattress, Leonardo used the time that it took for him to retrieve it to shift himself up towards the pillows, propping his head up and tucking his hair behind his ears so he could watch him with ease. Then he spread his legs once more and rolled his hips up slightly, practically flagging like a bitch in heat at this point. He was so desparate for him after all of these weeks spent together without this sort of contact and he felt no urge to hide it; shameless in every passion.

Leonardo's new studio was not very far away from home, only a few blocks, or at least that was what Alexios kept telling himself every time he checked the smaller man's bedroom and found it empty. He had been spending more and more time there ever since Ezio had procured him a small space where he could make all of the mess--er, art--that he could ever want. Alexios was very happy for him, but that did not change the fact that he missed him. Leonardo was like a ray of light in that house, lighting up every room, and it felt a lot darker without him there. Even though Alexios had been told he could go to the studio whenever he wanted, he still felt the need to find some sort of excuse to leave the house, otherwise he got looks from some of the other assassins and even some teasing jabs. He paid them no mind, usually, but whatever made it easier to sneak out of the house he would use in a heartbeat.

Today, it was books. Specifically, medical textbooks about human anatomy that he had found while exploring the expansive library in the den, and which were now held in the backpack that he was wearing, keeping them safe as he swiftly scaled the side of the building where Leonardo's studio was located. He could have just used the stairs or the strange moving box called an elevator, but those would have taken too long and when it came to seeing Leo, Alexios found his patience lacking. Reaching the correct window, he pushed it open and swung himself inside, landing lightly on the floor. Closing it behind him, he called out, "Leonardo, it is me." Even though he had done this many times before, he always announced his presence, not wanting to startle the smaller man and cause him to spill paint over something or ruin whatever he was working on. Walking further into the open room, he shrugged off the backpack and unzipped it, pulling out the textbooks just as he reached Leo. Leaning down, he pressed a quick kiss to the artist's cheek, holding the books up for him to see. "Agapi mou. I brought these for you."

@fascinating-findings

[fascinating-findings]

Leonardo was sure this was as close to Heaven as he was ever going to get. Everything Alexios did made him whine and squirm with pleasure, fingers carding through his hair as he watched him explore and feeling his cock harden more and more with his every touch. When it finally got the attention it ached for, a long moan left his lips as one hand clutched the bed sheets beside him. The other, which was still hooked in Alexios’s waistband, began frantically pulling his loose pants off his hips, tugging them down until they were passed his ass and groin. That’s when he finally saw it and a large lump settled in his throat, whether it was from fear and excitement, he was not sure. 

“Dio mio...” Leonardo exclaimed under his breath as his eyes locked on to his lover’s groin. Alexios was huge. Beautiful, but huge. Bigger than any he had taken before and his ass clenched just at the thought of what was to come. Reaching forward, his fingers teased up the underside his thick shaft, thumb slipping over his slit once he reached the head. “Sei magnifico.” Making a circle with his hand, he began stroking Alexios in return while pushing his own hips up into his palm. Matching his pace, he whimpered and moaned as pleasure gently waved throughout is body, eyes darkening as he met Alexios’s gaze.

Leonardo's new studio was not very far away from home, only a few blocks, or at least that was what Alexios kept telling himself every time he checked the smaller man's bedroom and found it empty. He had been spending more and more time there ever since Ezio had procured him a small space where he could make all of the mess--er, art--that he could ever want. Alexios was very happy for him, but that did not change the fact that he missed him. Leonardo was like a ray of light in that house, lighting up every room, and it felt a lot darker without him there. Even though Alexios had been told he could go to the studio whenever he wanted, he still felt the need to find some sort of excuse to leave the house, otherwise he got looks from some of the other assassins and even some teasing jabs. He paid them no mind, usually, but whatever made it easier to sneak out of the house he would use in a heartbeat.

Today, it was books. Specifically, medical textbooks about human anatomy that he had found while exploring the expansive library in the den, and which were now held in the backpack that he was wearing, keeping them safe as he swiftly scaled the side of the building where Leonardo's studio was located. He could have just used the stairs or the strange moving box called an elevator, but those would have taken too long and when it came to seeing Leo, Alexios found his patience lacking. Reaching the correct window, he pushed it open and swung himself inside, landing lightly on the floor. Closing it behind him, he called out, "Leonardo, it is me." Even though he had done this many times before, he always announced his presence, not wanting to startle the smaller man and cause him to spill paint over something or ruin whatever he was working on. Walking further into the open room, he shrugged off the backpack and unzipped it, pulling out the textbooks just as he reached Leo. Leaning down, he pressed a quick kiss to the artist's cheek, holding the books up for him to see. "Agapi mou. I brought these for you."

@fascinating-findings

[fascinating-findings]

Leonardo’s heart began to pound in his chest as Alexios hoisted him up, caused by a mixture of anticipation and nerves. Alexios always surprised him with how gentle he was, often treating him as if he were made of glass. He only feared now that the rise in hormones might make him lose his soft touch, but he had gained enough of his trust up to this point to initiate such an act and he wasn’t about to tell him to stop just yet.

A breath leaving him as his back hit the soft surface of the mattress, Leonardo expected Alexios to get right to it, but instead was pleasantly surprised as he began kissing down his throat. A shudder ran through him at the feeling of his hot mouth against his skin and then with the pressure pushing against his groin, he felt out a soft moan. As he did, he reached around his back, one hand clawing at his muscular shoulders and the other tangling itself in his hair as he greedily pushed up into him in search of that friction from before. His head fell back with a sigh as his tongue brushed his collarbone, eyes staring up at the high ceiling for a moment. The hand on his dipped down further, tracing his spine down his lower back where talented fingers danced along the lines of his muscles which lead to his ass. Reaching his waistband, Leonardo followed hit around, squeezing his hand between them and cupping his groin. Feeling his cock beneath the soft fabric of his pants, he gave his length a squeeze while simultaneously pushing his hips up into him. 

Leonardo's new studio was not very far away from home, only a few blocks, or at least that was what Alexios kept telling himself every time he checked the smaller man's bedroom and found it empty. He had been spending more and more time there ever since Ezio had procured him a small space where he could make all of the mess--er, art--that he could ever want. Alexios was very happy for him, but that did not change the fact that he missed him. Leonardo was like a ray of light in that house, lighting up every room, and it felt a lot darker without him there. Even though Alexios had been told he could go to the studio whenever he wanted, he still felt the need to find some sort of excuse to leave the house, otherwise he got looks from some of the other assassins and even some teasing jabs. He paid them no mind, usually, but whatever made it easier to sneak out of the house he would use in a heartbeat.

Today, it was books. Specifically, medical textbooks about human anatomy that he had found while exploring the expansive library in the den, and which were now held in the backpack that he was wearing, keeping them safe as he swiftly scaled the side of the building where Leonardo's studio was located. He could have just used the stairs or the strange moving box called an elevator, but those would have taken too long and when it came to seeing Leo, Alexios found his patience lacking. Reaching the correct window, he pushed it open and swung himself inside, landing lightly on the floor. Closing it behind him, he called out, "Leonardo, it is me." Even though he had done this many times before, he always announced his presence, not wanting to startle the smaller man and cause him to spill paint over something or ruin whatever he was working on. Walking further into the open room, he shrugged off the backpack and unzipped it, pulling out the textbooks just as he reached Leo. Leaning down, he pressed a quick kiss to the artist's cheek, holding the books up for him to see. "Agapi mou. I brought these for you."

@fascinating-findings

[fascinating-findings]

Miscellaneous Meeting Starters

“You look a little out of place.”

“I didn’t expect to see you here.”

“So you’re here too huh?”

“Thank god you’re also here.”

“We seem to be running into each other a lot.”

“Looks like I’m not the only one who looks bored out of their mind.”

“Forgive me, but you seem new around here… am I right?”

“We just keep happening to run into each other don’t we?”

“Why do I keep running into you?”

“This place is huge, it can’t be a coincidence anymore.”

“Are you following me?”

“I didn’t know you liked this place too.”

“Normally people arrange a time for these things, they don’t just show up.”

“Looks like I can leave now that you’ve shown up.”

“You look like you don’t want to be here as much as I do.”

“We could just leave… that’s also an option.”

“What brings you here?”

“I didn’t expect anyone I knew to show up in this out-of-the-way place.”

“Glad you finally decided to show up!”

“I’m not sure whether to stay or go…”

“Can I help you with something?”

“This isn’t exactly a public area.”

“Are you sure you’re supposed to be here?”

“You don’t look like someone I’ve seen before.”

“Who are you?”

“Are you lost? I can try and give you directions.”

“We should stop meeting like this.”

“I can’t believe you’re here.”

“Why are you here?”

[fascinating-findings]

Leonardo shook his head at his head slightly at his words, golden hair falling into his face and partially obscuring his flush features. “It is probably for the best,” he chuckled half-heartedly, reaching up to place a hand on Alexios’s. Leaning back, he absently shook his hair from his face once he regained his composure. “You would not be the first naked man I have painted, I will have you know. But before you go getting defensive, you are much... sturdier built than the others. That being said, I do have the ability to stay professional. Although,” he turned in his lap to face him. Shifting himself so he was straddling he waist, he slowly lifted one arm to set on his shoulder as the other takes his hand and guided it down to his ass. “...it might be easier if I had more time to study your features beforehand.” Leonardo suggested, pressing his chest against him as he caught his lips in a brief, experimental kiss, wondering if Alexios would comply yet or not.

Leonardo's new studio was not very far away from home, only a few blocks, or at least that was what Alexios kept telling himself every time he checked the smaller man's bedroom and found it empty. He had been spending more and more time there ever since Ezio had procured him a small space where he could make all of the mess--er, art--that he could ever want. Alexios was very happy for him, but that did not change the fact that he missed him. Leonardo was like a ray of light in that house, lighting up every room, and it felt a lot darker without him there. Even though Alexios had been told he could go to the studio whenever he wanted, he still felt the need to find some sort of excuse to leave the house, otherwise he got looks from some of the other assassins and even some teasing jabs. He paid them no mind, usually, but whatever made it easier to sneak out of the house he would use in a heartbeat.

Today, it was books. Specifically, medical textbooks about human anatomy that he had found while exploring the expansive library in the den, and which were now held in the backpack that he was wearing, keeping them safe as he swiftly scaled the side of the building where Leonardo's studio was located. He could have just used the stairs or the strange moving box called an elevator, but those would have taken too long and when it came to seeing Leo, Alexios found his patience lacking. Reaching the correct window, he pushed it open and swung himself inside, landing lightly on the floor. Closing it behind him, he called out, "Leonardo, it is me." Even though he had done this many times before, he always announced his presence, not wanting to startle the smaller man and cause him to spill paint over something or ruin whatever he was working on. Walking further into the open room, he shrugged off the backpack and unzipped it, pulling out the textbooks just as he reached Leo. Leaning down, he pressed a quick kiss to the artist's cheek, holding the books up for him to see. "Agapi mou. I brought these for you."

@fascinating-findings

[fascinating-findings]

Feeling Alexios’s arms wrap around his waist, Leonardo lifted his arms and re-situated his sketchbook in his lap before leaning back into him. Thankfully by the time Alexios had awoken, he had just been finishing up his sketch of him, adding the last few details by memory as he replied simply, “I only draw interesting subjects, Alexios. That is, unless I am being paid a healthy sum.” He smirked, turning his head just enough to peck a kiss to the bridge of his nose, watching the faintly sun-spotted skin crinkle at the action with great amusement. “Which, might I remind you, I am not, but I will still allow you a peek at the loose sketch,” he passed the book back, twisting slightly in his arms so he could watch his reaction. After a moment passed, he spoke again, a little quieter now as he cooed, “Even in sleep, you are one of the most beautiful images I have had the pleasure of capturing.” Lifting his hand, he reached up and pulled his hair away from his face so he could better see his profile, tucking the strands back best he could behind his ear. “One day, I wish to paint you, if you will allow it. Preferably in the evening, when the setting sun makes your olive skin look impossibly warm and the lines of your body are heavily contoured. It will be difficult, and not like anything I have ever done before, but worth the work, I am sure.” He hummed, shifting himself closer in Alexios’s lap, his usually energetic frame calmed by the warmth wrapped around him.

Leonardo's new studio was not very far away from home, only a few blocks, or at least that was what Alexios kept telling himself every time he checked the smaller man's bedroom and found it empty. He had been spending more and more time there ever since Ezio had procured him a small space where he could make all of the mess--er, art--that he could ever want. Alexios was very happy for him, but that did not change the fact that he missed him. Leonardo was like a ray of light in that house, lighting up every room, and it felt a lot darker without him there. Even though Alexios had been told he could go to the studio whenever he wanted, he still felt the need to find some sort of excuse to leave the house, otherwise he got looks from some of the other assassins and even some teasing jabs. He paid them no mind, usually, but whatever made it easier to sneak out of the house he would use in a heartbeat.

Today, it was books. Specifically, medical textbooks about human anatomy that he had found while exploring the expansive library in the den, and which were now held in the backpack that he was wearing, keeping them safe as he swiftly scaled the side of the building where Leonardo's studio was located. He could have just used the stairs or the strange moving box called an elevator, but those would have taken too long and when it came to seeing Leo, Alexios found his patience lacking. Reaching the correct window, he pushed it open and swung himself inside, landing lightly on the floor. Closing it behind him, he called out, "Leonardo, it is me." Even though he had done this many times before, he always announced his presence, not wanting to startle the smaller man and cause him to spill paint over something or ruin whatever he was working on. Walking further into the open room, he shrugged off the backpack and unzipped it, pulling out the textbooks just as he reached Leo. Leaning down, he pressed a quick kiss to the artist's cheek, holding the books up for him to see. "Agapi mou. I brought these for you."

@fascinating-findings

[fascinating-findings]

“Beauty perishes in life, but is immortal in art.”

— Leonardo da Vinci

[fascinating-findings]

Leonardo ached for his touch, but nodded in agreement, eager to continue his work. Giving him a soft smile while gently bouncing on his feet, the artist returned to his canvas, collecting paint onto his new brush. The head of it was small, making it good for finer details which he began to add with great care, focusing intently on his work.

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, it could have been just minutes or hours the way he often lost himself in his painting. What pulled him back into the world was a soft mumbling coming from the corner of the room. Blinking as he pulled away from the canvas, Leonardo set his paints and brushes aside so he could go investigate, stepping lightly as he approached his bed. Immediately he identified the source. Alexios was right where he left him, laying back across the mattress, mumbling in his sleep. He did not seem to be in any distress, it seeming to be just idle noise more than anything, but he was intrigued by his expression as he slept. He had never gotten to see it before as he always woke before him, but now he knew he was truly missing out on something. The lines of his face were relaxed and smooth, his soft lips slightly parted, and his ever-growing hair lightly tousled. He was beautiful. 

Not wanting to wake him by pulling over a chair or shifting the mattress, Leonardo took to the floor, sitting down with his legs crossed as he pulled out his sketchbook and began to draw the beauty before him.

Leonardo's new studio was not very far away from home, only a few blocks, or at least that was what Alexios kept telling himself every time he checked the smaller man's bedroom and found it empty. He had been spending more and more time there ever since Ezio had procured him a small space where he could make all of the mess--er, art--that he could ever want. Alexios was very happy for him, but that did not change the fact that he missed him. Leonardo was like a ray of light in that house, lighting up every room, and it felt a lot darker without him there. Even though Alexios had been told he could go to the studio whenever he wanted, he still felt the need to find some sort of excuse to leave the house, otherwise he got looks from some of the other assassins and even some teasing jabs. He paid them no mind, usually, but whatever made it easier to sneak out of the house he would use in a heartbeat.

Today, it was books. Specifically, medical textbooks about human anatomy that he had found while exploring the expansive library in the den, and which were now held in the backpack that he was wearing, keeping them safe as he swiftly scaled the side of the building where Leonardo's studio was located. He could have just used the stairs or the strange moving box called an elevator, but those would have taken too long and when it came to seeing Leo, Alexios found his patience lacking. Reaching the correct window, he pushed it open and swung himself inside, landing lightly on the floor. Closing it behind him, he called out, "Leonardo, it is me." Even though he had done this many times before, he always announced his presence, not wanting to startle the smaller man and cause him to spill paint over something or ruin whatever he was working on. Walking further into the open room, he shrugged off the backpack and unzipped it, pulling out the textbooks just as he reached Leo. Leaning down, he pressed a quick kiss to the artist's cheek, holding the books up for him to see. "Agapi mou. I brought these for you."

@fascinating-findings

[fascinating-findings]

Leonardo had not wasted any time moving into his new space which was generously given to him after several residents of the Assassin house issued noise complaints. Not that he was offended. In fact, he was elated. Here he had plenty of room to work and he already had shelves and cabinets filled with new supplies. The only downside now was that he saw less of Alexios here, who seemed to only stop by when he had something for him. He was sure he was busy doing his own work and he still saw him more regularly than any of his past partners so he didn’t mind all that much. That being said, he still got excited whenever he arrived, his company becoming more than welcome, even while he was working at times. 

He had set to work only hours ago on his first painting in his new workshop, moving around busily as he continuously had to retrieve supplies. In time it would be easier, his organized mess quickly forming as tools were being placed in positions of convenience rather than cleanliness. But now he was left to striding across the open space when he needed something, going to one of the cupboards for yet another brush when he heard Alexios announce himself. Snatching up what he needed, he turned about and beamed at him with paint splattered hands and forearms spread wide. “Ah, grazie, angelo mio!” he exclaimed as he made his way over to him, taking his face in his hands once he reached him and lifting himself up to peck a kiss to his lips before examining the covers of the books. One of them he had already read, but he did not mention it, appreciating the gesture more than anything. Looking back up at him, he smiled softly, “These will do nicely.” Removing his hands, he chuckled softly as he realized he had left a paint smudge on his cheek. Reaching up with one hand, he made tried to wipe it away with his thumb only to leave a streak of a different color next to it. Giving him a sheepish look, he laughed lightly, “At this rate, I will have you completely painted before that canvas.”

Leonardo's new studio was not very far away from home, only a few blocks, or at least that was what Alexios kept telling himself every time he checked the smaller man's bedroom and found it empty. He had been spending more and more time there ever since Ezio had procured him a small space where he could make all of the mess--er, art--that he could ever want. Alexios was very happy for him, but that did not change the fact that he missed him. Leonardo was like a ray of light in that house, lighting up every room, and it felt a lot darker without him there. Even though Alexios had been told he could go to the studio whenever he wanted, he still felt the need to find some sort of excuse to leave the house, otherwise he got looks from some of the other assassins and even some teasing jabs. He paid them no mind, usually, but whatever made it easier to sneak out of the house he would use in a heartbeat.

Today, it was books. Specifically, medical textbooks about human anatomy that he had found while exploring the expansive library in the den, and which were now held in the backpack that he was wearing, keeping them safe as he swiftly scaled the side of the building where Leonardo's studio was located. He could have just used the stairs or the strange moving box called an elevator, but those would have taken too long and when it came to seeing Leo, Alexios found his patience lacking. Reaching the correct window, he pushed it open and swung himself inside, landing lightly on the floor. Closing it behind him, he called out, "Leonardo, it is me." Even though he had done this many times before, he always announced his presence, not wanting to startle the smaller man and cause him to spill paint over something or ruin whatever he was working on. Walking further into the open room, he shrugged off the backpack and unzipped it, pulling out the textbooks just as he reached Leo. Leaning down, he pressed a quick kiss to the artist's cheek, holding the books up for him to see. "Agapi mou. I brought these for you."

@fascinating-findings

[fascinating-findings]

The most traumatic Assassin’s Creed experience of my life.