Blank Canvas (A Risotto Nero Love Story)

An Auction for a Heart (Edited!)

Aurora woke up to the sound of birds and dishes clattering about. She released a muffled groan, her face stuffed into her plush pillows. Was Rusty getting into the cabinets again? After lying there to stretch her legs, pondering on whether or not she had to actually get up, she decided she may as well. He was probably hungry, and now that she thought about it, she was a little hungry too.

The sight of Formaggio in an apron was not something she expected, however.

"What the hell."

"Oh, sup! Makin' some eggs. Found this in your closet, hope you don't mind!" He claimed cheerfully. She would have questioned this further, but the delicious smell of food hit her nostrils before she could complain. Food. She sat herself down at the table, fiddling with her pajama bottoms. When was the last time anyone cooked for her? Going out and eating didn't count. Before she realized it, a plate of steaming eggs, sausage and pancakes were set down before her. And god did they look good.

Aurora wasted no time shoveling down her food, not missing the snicker that came from her friend. She gave him a scowl before finishing up her plate. "That was... surprisingly really good. Thanks, Formaggio," She said with a polite smile.

"Hey, thanks! ...wait, surprisingly?"

"Anyway, what's up? Why are you making me breakfast?" She asked, shoving the used ceramic into the sink. Slowly, she squinted at him. "Are you buttering me up for something?" His wide eyes confirmed her suspicions.

"Whaaaat, Formaggio? What could you possibly want now?" It was normal for him to do this. Of course, his requests were usually just drawings and sweets, so it was never anything majorly annoying. However, something about this felt... different.

The assassin looked off to the side, clearly conflicted as he searched for his words. "Well..." he started hesitantly, "the boss actually needs you t'do something for him. It's kind of... important."

Aurora rose a brow. This was odd. He almost appeared guilty, which was a look she never saw on the man.

"Gio, what's going on?" She asked, sitting across from him. Formaggio rubbed the back of his neck, laughing nervously.

"Well, yah see, the thing is... is we need your help. With a mission." Aurora felt her blood run cold.

"Wait, what!? A mission!? You mean those things you do to go and kill someone!?" She yelled, knocking back her chair as she stood. How could they ask her to do this? To end someone's life!? Even if she wasn't pulling the trigger, she was going to be a part of it! "Look, being under a bunch of assassins' watchful eyes is one thing. Being a part of said team is another thing completely!"

"Well, Risotto did say from the get go that you were on the team whether you liked it or not-"

"It doesn't matter! You can't force me to kill someone! I thought you were my friend, Formaggio!" Aurora felt her eyes sting and her throat begin to choke up. Her chest was aching, and she was instantly reminded of why she kept to herself all these years. People will always disappoint you. The hurt in his eyes was genuine, however.

"W-we are! Oi, calm down a second, will yah!? Let me explain—"

"What is there to explain!?"

"The details, woman!" Formaggio yelled, throwing his hands in the air. He took in a deep breath, rubbing his face with an exhausted hand. "Look. We don't expect you to kill anyone. No poisoning anything, no making faulty floors that'll make the target fall to his death—none of that. We just need you to attend," He paused, opening his arms extravagantly, "a gala."