The Eagle and the Lion

I Trust You

Ezio stood up, facing East on the flat rooftop patio, the cool breeze rustling through his hair. It was twilight dawn, just before the sun rises when the sky is a gradient of Rust to Navy. He looked down at his city, the sprawling land of Firenze, with its endless nooks and crannies, hiding spots and perches. The Arno glistened against the night sky and black buildings. He was on the highest open patio he could find, comfortably adorned with wind chimes, fragrant flowers, and vibrant cushions. It was his favorite spot to recline when he knew nobody would be pursuing him.

He strode towards the edge of the patio grounds, his calloused yet limber fingers gripping the ledge. He considered trying to leap down to the street, and began calculating the arc to make it down to a hay pile nearby. He jumped atop the ledge, and stood up. He loved the adrenaline, those moments of flying from rooftop to the ground. He breathed in, readied himself, and-

Ezio felt a hand brush against his leg, and he nearly lost his footing. He gasped, crouching down to grab the ledge. He whirled around, readying his hidden blade, and barely stopped himself, being face to face with none other than Leonardo DaVinci.

"Oh!" was all the blonde architect could squeak, and leapt backwards to avoid Ezio's sharp reach.

"Leo!" Ezio hissed. "Are you trying to get yourself assassinated?!" His friend couldn't sound out a word yet, still fear-stricken. He fell backwards onto the stone floor, slightly shaking.

Ezio sighed, and sheathing his blade, went up and scooped Leo up into a warm embrace.

His voice shaking, Leonardo managed to speak now.

"O-oh Ezio, I am so very sorry bu-b-but I wanted to talk to you before y-you were off..." He wiped tears away with his sleeve. "I wanted to..." His voice trailed off, and he ducked his head, blushing fiercely.

"What is it, Leo?" Ezio gently lifted Leonardo's face and looked him in his bright wide eyes. "It's okay, you know you're safe with me."

"I want to see the world, like you do," Leonardo blurted suddenly. Ezio's eyes widened.

"Like I do?"

"Yes, you have the view of an eagle, my boy, and me being an artist, well," Leo laughed nervously. "I suppose it sounds stupid, but could you help me see Firenze like that?" He looked up at Ezio with a little smile. Leaning up, just almost brushing his lips, he murmured, "I'll make a painting for you."

Ezio laughed lightly, and held Leo at arm's length. "Oh, you've won my heart. And you don't have to make that painting for me, but if you so please, I won't stop you. Now," he pointed at the ledge. "Climb up and stand on that ledge there. I'll be holding you so you can't fall."

Leo's face turned a bit pale, but he excitedly nodded. He started to clamber up, and while crouched down, he looked over his shoulder to Ezio.

"Um, how do you wanna do this..." he stammered. Ezio went up behind Leonardo and grabbed his waist from behind.

"Just stand up, I've got you," he coaxed Leo.

Leo blushed a bright red and whipped his head forward so Ezio couldn't see. "I," he laughed, a bit giddy, "I'm not sure I want to stand up..."

"Leonardo?" Ezio looked up at the architect. "Do you trust me?"

Leonardo swallowed hard and looked out at the sky.

"I trust you." He stood up, and Ezio stood his ground, his hands firmly holding him in place.

Suddenly, the sun shone its first rays of light over the rolling hills. Leonardo gasped in awe. For miles around, buildings and land were bathed in golden streams of morning's first light. He had no words. In pure ecstasy, he outstretched his arms, and laughing, welcomed the sun. Ezio below him smiled, glad that Leo could trust him with his life.