Blank Canvas (A Risotto Nero Love Story)

A Date and a Threat

Well, tomorrow marks a year that this story has started! I'm so thankful to everyone that has stuck by me, and I'm really sorry for all of the slow updates! Worry not, for this story has not been forgotten! I hope you enjoy the chapter!

"...What?"

Risotto looked up from his paperwork, clearly taken aback. He was more shocked that Formaggio had the nerve to suggest such a thing to his face than anything else.

"Aw come on, boss! Don't tell me you've never been on one!" The man said, a shit-eating grin spread from ear to ear. He was clearly amusing himself with this. Still, he wouldn't have said anything at all if he knew Risotto would beat the ever living shit out of him. He had guts, he'd give him that.

"Believe it or not: No. I have not. I don't understand why you're bothering me with such trivial matters, Formaggio."

"What!? It's important, Ris! You can't just expect everything to work out perfectly! Yah gotta put effort into this, yah get me? Yah gotta- yah gotta caress it finely, like a woman. Feel me?" Formaggio explained, mimicking the curves of a woman with a dreamy expression on his face. Risotto was sure he saw him drool. Still, despite his perverse metaphors, he did have a point. Kind of. Begrudgingly, the man released an exasperated sighed and shut his book.

"Alright. Tell me then, Formaggio, with all of your expertise. How does one... date?" Formaggio's smile couldn't get any wider.

"A date?" Aurora asked, eyes wide with surprise. She hadn't expected him to be so... forward. Not with romance, anyway. Risotto cleared his throat, his fist covering his mouth at an attempt to cover his features. He was clearly trying to hide his blush, and it was extremely adorable. This tall, muscled killer was having trouble asking a woman out, and she couldn't fight back her giggles. The man rose a brow, obviously not expecting this to be an answer.

"A simple no would have been fine. No need to bruise my ego," He said with a small smile, shaking his head.

"O-oh gosh, I'm sorry! It's just... heh, it's really cute is all." She continued to giggle, especially after he immediately frowned at her words.

"...Shut up." He grumbled, but still found himself smiling smally. "Can I take your insults as a yes?" He asked, offering his arm to her. The painter nodded, finally able to stifle her giggles as she locked arms with him. Just your casual everyday date with your assassin boyfriend. She wasn't sure what it was that he had planned, but she would really be okay with just about anything. Well, almost. As long as there were no secret assassination plans mixed up in this seemingly innocent date, they'd be golden! God please don't let there be an assassination plan in this—

"Are you alright?" His question broke her from her thoughts. She blinked up in surprise, unaware she was looking panicked.

"Oh! Sorry, ah... yeah." Risotto rose a brow, clearly not believing her white lie.

"You're worried I'm working you up for a job," he stated plainly. Aurora cringed, realizing just how harsh that sounded now that he said it. She unhooked her arm from him and looked up with a pained expression.

"I..." The woman trailed off, sighing, "Yeah. I feel the feeling is warranted, however. Are you... mad?" She asked quietly. Risotto stared at her in silence, his red eyes darting across her features. He was impossible to read, despite being right here in front of her. Even now he looked like a stone statue. Was he going to realize she wasn't worth the trouble? That he should find someone...

Stronger?

"You think too much," He finally said, once more stealing her away from her intrusive thoughts. He smiled gently, his face now one of genuine care. It was a full 180, and Aurora found herself taken aback. How was he able to quell her fears so easily? "You have nothing to be worried about. I was thinking about lunch. Then we can do something you'd like to do?" He questioned, unaware of the battle occurring in her mind.