Blank Canvas (A Risotto Nero Love Story)

Late Night Chats And A Letter Of Warning (Edited!)

The sound of pleasant chirps awoke her. Usually she was falling asleep to those sounds, not waking up to them. Aurora glanced over at the clock, reading 7 AM in the familiar blaring red characters. Rather than getting up right away she decided to lie there and stare out the window. She always enjoyed mornings. They would usually lul her to sleep, but she was feeling oddly invigorated this morning. Probably because I had a full nights sleep, she joked to herself.

The morning went by smoothly. She used one of the bowls she had created from the day before as a food dish for Rusty, took a shower, got dressed and was on her way out the door! A normal morning, she pleasantly thought. A normal morning until she walked head first into a very muscled chest.

Aurora yelped, stumbling backwards in surprise. She felt strong hands on her shoulders, steadying her. The action would have been welcomed if the woman weren't freaking the fuck out! She immediately thrashed around, shutting her eyes in terror as panic set in. She wasn't ready for another attack! This was all becoming far too much for her!

"A-Anon, calm down. Aurora!" A familiar voice reached her ears, her name rolling off his tongue smoothly. The way he said it was deep and melodic, and for a moment, it sent her head spinning. She focused on the face in front of her, eyes squinting.

"Risotto?" She asked, surprised to see him. His brow was etched with concern, worry clear in his rose-like eyes.

"Christ, woman!" He grumbled, running a hand through his free white hair. "Are you alright?" He asked after a moment, eyes scanning her body for any injuries. Aurora's cheeks flushed at his gaze and she became hyper aware of their closeness. His hands were still gripping her shoulders, their bodies not even a foot apart. He was wearing very simple attire today, which she found especially odd.

"Alright..? Yeah? Why wouldn't I be?" She asked, clearly confused. The man didn't seem pleased with her answer.

"You freaked out the moment you bumped into me. Aurora, if you're not feeling well, maybe you should stay inside—"

"I did? Nonsense! Why would I..." Aurora trailed off, brow furrowing. Did she freak out? She couldn't even remember what happened between leaving her house and talking to him. Risotto sighed at seeing her lack of resolve.

"Come on. Let's get you some food. That may help," The assassin said plainly. His face was now one void of emotion, save for some glances he would take to make sure she was alright. He walked directly beside her, their arms occasionally brushing against one another at the close proximity.

Aurora was too lost in thought to really notice the contact. What was going on with her? Was she experiencing some type of PTSD? I mean, who could blame her? She was constantly being thrown into life or death situations! The painter snuck a glance at Risotto, looking for anything his face may give away. Nope. Nothing. His red eyes flickered down, meeting hers for a brief moment before focusing on the sidewalk once more.

Aurora inwardly sighed. This was awkward.

Their breakfast was just as silent as their walk. Rosemary offered the painter an innocent wink, unaware of the dangers this man possessed. If only she knew that this man killed people for a living. Aurora sighed heavily, doodling random swirls and dots on an empty page.

Risotto rose a brow in her direction, moving his gaze to the pencil. She was different today. Not as easy going as she once was. Should he try to start a conversation?

"I noticed that your stand didn't activate when you began to draw," He said smoothly. Nailed it.

Aurora looked up, somewhat surprised he noticed. Who was she kidding; of course he noticed. She smiled a tad, saying, "Oh, uh, yeah! With all the practice I got in, I discovered that if I don't concentrate on it, it won't pop out when I start to draw..." she trailed off, feeling both awkward and accomplished. She wanted to be proud of herself, but she wasn't sure if this was something to be proud of.