What Should Have Been - Ezio/Cristina, NC-17
Prompt: (NSFW) Blank Canvas by kimbo-demonica
Title: What Should Have Been
Author: savorvrymoment
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 2300
Warnings/Pairings: Ezio/Cristina, and a warning for public sex
Spoilers: ACB
Summary: A brief tryst at Carnivale has unexpected consequences.
Notes: This is all fake, and written for ac_bigbang .
Once Leonardo tells him that Cristina is there, right there in Venice at Carnivale, Ezio can’t resist the impulse to go see her.
He knows it’s a futile thing to do. What exactly does he hope to accomplish? Does he think now-after ten years of separation, eight years of her marriage-that he will sweep her away? Does he really think any of it won’t end in ruin?
Yet he still finds himself watching her from a distance, her beautiful body outlined in gold, as she watches the street performers dance in circles. She grins and giggles with her friends, clapping politely as the performers leap apart and bow, and Ezio’s heart swells with a love he’ll never be able to name. He waits until she’s finished watching the performers and begins moving off before he makes his approach.
She startles when he touches her shoulder, and when she turns back to look at him, she looks confused. “Manfredo?” she asks after a beat of strained silence, and Ezio’s breath stills in his chest. She doesn’t realize who he is. The mask, of course…
And he’s taking advantage of the situation, he knows. But he leans forward anyway, cradles her sweet jaw in his hand, and kisses her.
She ‘mmm’s into his mouth, bringing her arms up to wrap around his shoulders, and deepens the kiss. Uses her mouth and tongue in that way that is so familiar, and he moans back, curls his fingers into her hair. But she pulls away then, and smiles up at him, bright as the sun. “Manfredo, what has gotten into you? So romantic!”
Still doesn’t know who he is. Ezio doesn’t know whether to be surprised by her confusion, or angry at the fact that she’s so surprised by the romance. Does Manfredo not treat her like this? She deserves this sort of love everyday of her life. He’s afraid to speak, though, sure that this will give him away. Instead, he just leans forward to kiss her once again.
She indulges him for a while, her small feminine hands kneading at his biceps. But then she pulls back. He’s sure he’s been caught, but she only reaches for his hand and gives it a small pull. “Come, mi amore,” she says softly, and begins leading him further down the alleyway.
He follows silently, dumbfounded.
She leads him to a small garden, fenced in and secluded. The gate is unlocked, and she opens it, pulling him inside before falling on him once again. The gate clicks shut behind him, and Ezio holds her, kisses her deeply, aware immediately of what she wants.
But in case he’d had any doubts, she stretches up to her tiptoes and whispers to him, “Make love to me. Right here.”
“Mio dio,” Ezio moans, unable to help himself. But if Cristina recognizes his voice or suspects him, she doesn’t show it. So Ezio hefts her up, her skirts bunching up under her ass, and carries her across the garden to an empty bench set amidst the flowers.
He sits down himself, then sets her astraddle his hips. He’s already fully erect, and the feel of her weight across his groin is delicious. He moans, rutting up against her mindlessly as he pulls at her dress and skirts, moving them out of the way. He wants his hands on her.
And then he can feel her hands on him, pushing the folds of his assassin robes away and pulling at the ties on his trousers. She’s so bold about it all-he can remember her from before, shy and blushing when she touched him. But now she reaches into his trousers and pulls him out, stroking him without preamble, and he grunts, suddenly afraid that she’ll recognize his body.
If she does recognize him, she doesn’t voice it. He pushes aside her lace panties, feeling the fabric rip a bit under his hand, and slides his fingers over her sex. She gasps against his mouth, and moans, “Mi amore…”
Ezio drops his face to her neck, so aroused and still so in love, and reaches down to guide his erection to her. An easy slide up with his hips, and a pull down from her, and he’s seated where he’s been wanting to be for so long.
They rock together, Ezio’s hands anchoring Cristina and gently encouraging a comfortable, pleasurable rhythm. Cristina’s skirts fall out around them covering where they’re both joined together, but anyone passing by could easily tell what act the couple was engaging in. Luckily, no one chances a walk into that particular garden that night.
He can feel Cristina come, how wet she becomes, and the high-pitched cry she gives him, her fingers digging into his shoulders. And he only lasts a few thrusts after her, that heat unwinding from his spine, and he spills his seed inside her, her name on his lips all the while.
It’s silent after that, yet at the same time, their breathing is deafening in the confined space between them. He can feel himself beginning to soften inside of her, so he gently repositions her, pulling out.
Then, without warning, she reaches out and removes his mask.
There’s a beat of strained silence before she reaches out and backhands him across the face. It connects hard across his cheekbone, and he curses, says, “Wait, Cristina!”
“No!” she snaps, pulling away from him and out of his lap. Her skirts fall back down and in place as she stands, and he’s left sitting with his penis hanging out of his trousers, feeling exposed. He hurries to cover himself. “You left me,” she continues, beginning to cry. “You don’t get to come back here and take what isn’t yours to have!”
“Cristina, I just…” he begins, but doesn’t have any explanation.
“It’s been eight years!” she cries, then looks down at the mask still held in her hand. She shakes her head, then throws it back at him. “I should have realized-the clothes, the scar on your mouth! I am so stupid!”
“No, Cristina, I…” he tries, reaching for her, but she only pulls away.
“Leave me alone, Ezio,” she says, and turns, fleeing through the garden gate. Once Ezio has managed to stand, fix the mask back into place, and run back out of the garden-Cristina is nowhere to be found.
~*~
He tries to drown out her memory the next night with a group of courtesans. Yet somehow, they all seem to have her smile.
~*~
It’s months later when he finds the letter from Lorenzo in a pigeon coup on the East end of Venice. He hasn’t heard word from Lorenzo in months, but he still keeps constant check on most of the coups should Lorenzo send any inside information to him. And of course, to stay in touch with his family should they ever need him.
This note from Lorenzo is short and to the point. Vague, nameless, careful to hide identities in case it’s intercepted. It’s like every other letter from the man. Except this letter from the man reads simply…
“There is a woman here at my palazzo who wishes to speak with you. It is somewhat of a pressing matter. I trust that you will ride for Firenze as soon as you receive this note. Your lady is waiting for you.”
Unsure what to make of it, but trusting in Lorenzo’s good judgment nonetheless, Ezio rides for Florence the next morning. He tries to figure it out on the way there. Paola, maybe? Hopefully his mother and sister are both alright, still safe at the Villa…
Cristina doesn’t occur to him until he walks through the front doors of the palazzo to find the woman there, dressed in a loose-fitting gown and helping a few of the servants hang tapestries along the entryway. She looks happy, if a bit tired. Her body’s outlined in gold but-and this is new-her stomach is glowing a soft blue.
He stands there studying her, still processing and understanding even when she turns away from the drapery to look at him. “Ezio?” she asks quietly. Then, obviously fretting at his silence, “I wasn’t sure that you’d come, after what I said to you.”
“Are you--?” he starts, unsure of how to ask the question with tact. It’s fairly obvious to him-he’s seen the double outline of pregnant women before. Just not in such vivid color. Finally he just asks it. “Are you with child?”
She bites her lip, ringing her hands together. Ezio can see tears begin to form in her eyes. “I didn’t think I was showing yet,” she says after a moment, glancing down at her stomach.
The two servants present watch on with interest, and so Ezio takes matters into his own hands, motioning them away. Cristina watches them go, staying silent until they’re out of sight.
“That night we were together,” Cristina starts. “I hadn’t been with my husband in… it had to be months. When I realized I was pregnant, I knew it was yours.”
Ezio breathes, dumbfounded. Him, a father? He reaches for her unthinkingly, and she goes to him, folding herself against him.
“Manfredo was angry,” she says, muffled against his chest piece. “Said I’d disgraced him and his family. And then my family--God, my father is livid…”
He strokes her back, letting her talk. He would kill them all, anyone who’d hurt her. Knows at the same time that it would be counterproductive.
“I didn’t know how to find you, but then I thought of Lorenzo,” she says, a quiet sob escaping. He strokes her back, shushing. “He was nice enough to take me in, and contact you… I didn’t have anywhere else to go.”
“It’s alright,” he says, voice sure. “You’re safe here. I’ll…”
“Ezio?” comes Lorenzo’s voice, interrupting him. Cristina jerks away, startled, wiping at her eyes. Lorenzo watches them both for a moment in silence, before saying, “I thought I heard your voice.”
“Yes, I received your letter,” Ezio explains.
“Good. Come with me, let’s talk,” he says. Then, “Cristina, why don’t you go back to your room and rest? Best not to upset the child.”
Cristina looks hesitant, wavering towards Ezio, and Ezio doesn’t want to leave her if she doesn’t want him to go. But Lorenzo gives a small chuckle, and says, “I’ll send him to you as soon as we’re through talking, I promise. Fifteen minutes.”
“Alright,” she finally agrees quietly, and with one last swipe under her eyes, she leaves down a side hallway.
Ezio watches her go, then follows after Lorenzo where he is beckoned.
“I didn’t know you were even still seeing her,” Lorenzo says once they’re both behind closed doors. Ezio can’t help but gawk at him.
“How did you know I’d ever seen her?” he asks, but Lorenzo shakes his head with a wry smile.
“Ezio, everyone knew about you two. At least, everyone but her father. But then, what is it they say?” he says. “Sometimes people see only what they choose to.”
Ezio inclines his head in agreement.
“You’ve put her in a dangerous position,” Lorenzo says. “I’m quite sure the only reason Manfredo didn’t try to have her killed…”
“He wouldn’t dare,” Ezio snarls.
“…is because he fears the Auditore name,” Lorenzo finishes. “He’s not a stupid man.”
“I’ll take her to Monteriggioni,” Ezio decides easily. “The Villa. She’ll be safe, she’ll have my sister by her side…”
“Your sister won’t object?” Lorenzo asks.
“No,” Ezio says, not sure his sister will be entirely pleased. But Claudia won’t deny him, that he is certain of. “No, she’ll take her in.”
“Then it’s settled,” Lorenzo says, clapping his hands. “You’re both free to stay here for a few more days, until you’re both ready to leave.”
“Thank you, Lorenzo,” Ezio says, sincere. “Thank you for everything. This was not your responsibility.”
Lorenzo’s smile is warm, and he replies simply, “Anything to help an old friend.”
~*~
It’s days later, while he and Cristina are both hidden away in his-no, their-bedroom at the Villa when she admits it to him.
“Secretly?” she says, quiet and confined in the warm space between them. “I’m happy this has happened.”
He ‘mmm’s at her, enjoying the feel of her naked body against his beneath the silky red sheets. Her hair spills over his shoulder, soft and dark, nearly the same color as his own. He wonders if their child will have that same color hair.
“It was always my private little dream,” she says. “That we would grow up, and eventually marry. And I would have your children. Even if I knew it was a bit wistful.”
“I wish I could have given you everything. Back then,” he says, feeling dumb and nostalgic. But she shakes her head and places her hand on his chest.
“What’s done is done,” she says. Then, “As long as you won’t abandon me again?”
It’s a hedging question, he can tell. He’s not sure what the correct answer is. “I still have work that needs to be done,” he says. “But I want you to stay here. This is where you belong.”
She nods silently, then gently leans into his neck. “I’ve missed you so,” she murmurs quietly.
And he wants to tell her so much. Wants to tell her how much he’s needed her, and how lost he’s been. But all he can do is just wrap her up in his arms tight and whisper back, “Ti amo.”
She seems to understand, though, with her fingers wound in his necklaces and her smile against his throat. “Ti amo,” she repeats back to him.
They fall asleep in each others arms, how it is always supposed to be.
Title: What Should Have Been
Author: savorvrymoment
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 2300
Warnings/Pairings: Ezio/Cristina, and a warning for public sex
Spoilers: ACB
Summary: A brief tryst at Carnivale has unexpected consequences.
Notes: This is all fake, and written for ac_bigbang .
Once Leonardo tells him that Cristina is there, right there in Venice at Carnivale, Ezio can’t resist the impulse to go see her.
He knows it’s a futile thing to do. What exactly does he hope to accomplish? Does he think now-after ten years of separation, eight years of her marriage-that he will sweep her away? Does he really think any of it won’t end in ruin?
Yet he still finds himself watching her from a distance, her beautiful body outlined in gold, as she watches the street performers dance in circles. She grins and giggles with her friends, clapping politely as the performers leap apart and bow, and Ezio’s heart swells with a love he’ll never be able to name. He waits until she’s finished watching the performers and begins moving off before he makes his approach.
She startles when he touches her shoulder, and when she turns back to look at him, she looks confused. “Manfredo?” she asks after a beat of strained silence, and Ezio’s breath stills in his chest. She doesn’t realize who he is. The mask, of course…
And he’s taking advantage of the situation, he knows. But he leans forward anyway, cradles her sweet jaw in his hand, and kisses her.
She ‘mmm’s into his mouth, bringing her arms up to wrap around his shoulders, and deepens the kiss. Uses her mouth and tongue in that way that is so familiar, and he moans back, curls his fingers into her hair. But she pulls away then, and smiles up at him, bright as the sun. “Manfredo, what has gotten into you? So romantic!”
Still doesn’t know who he is. Ezio doesn’t know whether to be surprised by her confusion, or angry at the fact that she’s so surprised by the romance. Does Manfredo not treat her like this? She deserves this sort of love everyday of her life. He’s afraid to speak, though, sure that this will give him away. Instead, he just leans forward to kiss her once again.
She indulges him for a while, her small feminine hands kneading at his biceps. But then she pulls back. He’s sure he’s been caught, but she only reaches for his hand and gives it a small pull. “Come, mi amore,” she says softly, and begins leading him further down the alleyway.
He follows silently, dumbfounded.
She leads him to a small garden, fenced in and secluded. The gate is unlocked, and she opens it, pulling him inside before falling on him once again. The gate clicks shut behind him, and Ezio holds her, kisses her deeply, aware immediately of what she wants.
But in case he’d had any doubts, she stretches up to her tiptoes and whispers to him, “Make love to me. Right here.”
“Mio dio,” Ezio moans, unable to help himself. But if Cristina recognizes his voice or suspects him, she doesn’t show it. So Ezio hefts her up, her skirts bunching up under her ass, and carries her across the garden to an empty bench set amidst the flowers.
He sits down himself, then sets her astraddle his hips. He’s already fully erect, and the feel of her weight across his groin is delicious. He moans, rutting up against her mindlessly as he pulls at her dress and skirts, moving them out of the way. He wants his hands on her.
And then he can feel her hands on him, pushing the folds of his assassin robes away and pulling at the ties on his trousers. She’s so bold about it all-he can remember her from before, shy and blushing when she touched him. But now she reaches into his trousers and pulls him out, stroking him without preamble, and he grunts, suddenly afraid that she’ll recognize his body.
If she does recognize him, she doesn’t voice it. He pushes aside her lace panties, feeling the fabric rip a bit under his hand, and slides his fingers over her sex. She gasps against his mouth, and moans, “Mi amore…”
Ezio drops his face to her neck, so aroused and still so in love, and reaches down to guide his erection to her. An easy slide up with his hips, and a pull down from her, and he’s seated where he’s been wanting to be for so long.
They rock together, Ezio’s hands anchoring Cristina and gently encouraging a comfortable, pleasurable rhythm. Cristina’s skirts fall out around them covering where they’re both joined together, but anyone passing by could easily tell what act the couple was engaging in. Luckily, no one chances a walk into that particular garden that night.
He can feel Cristina come, how wet she becomes, and the high-pitched cry she gives him, her fingers digging into his shoulders. And he only lasts a few thrusts after her, that heat unwinding from his spine, and he spills his seed inside her, her name on his lips all the while.
It’s silent after that, yet at the same time, their breathing is deafening in the confined space between them. He can feel himself beginning to soften inside of her, so he gently repositions her, pulling out.
Then, without warning, she reaches out and removes his mask.
There’s a beat of strained silence before she reaches out and backhands him across the face. It connects hard across his cheekbone, and he curses, says, “Wait, Cristina!”
“No!” she snaps, pulling away from him and out of his lap. Her skirts fall back down and in place as she stands, and he’s left sitting with his penis hanging out of his trousers, feeling exposed. He hurries to cover himself. “You left me,” she continues, beginning to cry. “You don’t get to come back here and take what isn’t yours to have!”
“Cristina, I just…” he begins, but doesn’t have any explanation.
“It’s been eight years!” she cries, then looks down at the mask still held in her hand. She shakes her head, then throws it back at him. “I should have realized-the clothes, the scar on your mouth! I am so stupid!”
“No, Cristina, I…” he tries, reaching for her, but she only pulls away.
“Leave me alone, Ezio,” she says, and turns, fleeing through the garden gate. Once Ezio has managed to stand, fix the mask back into place, and run back out of the garden-Cristina is nowhere to be found.
~*~
He tries to drown out her memory the next night with a group of courtesans. Yet somehow, they all seem to have her smile.
~*~
It’s months later when he finds the letter from Lorenzo in a pigeon coup on the East end of Venice. He hasn’t heard word from Lorenzo in months, but he still keeps constant check on most of the coups should Lorenzo send any inside information to him. And of course, to stay in touch with his family should they ever need him.
This note from Lorenzo is short and to the point. Vague, nameless, careful to hide identities in case it’s intercepted. It’s like every other letter from the man. Except this letter from the man reads simply…
“There is a woman here at my palazzo who wishes to speak with you. It is somewhat of a pressing matter. I trust that you will ride for Firenze as soon as you receive this note. Your lady is waiting for you.”
Unsure what to make of it, but trusting in Lorenzo’s good judgment nonetheless, Ezio rides for Florence the next morning. He tries to figure it out on the way there. Paola, maybe? Hopefully his mother and sister are both alright, still safe at the Villa…
Cristina doesn’t occur to him until he walks through the front doors of the palazzo to find the woman there, dressed in a loose-fitting gown and helping a few of the servants hang tapestries along the entryway. She looks happy, if a bit tired. Her body’s outlined in gold but-and this is new-her stomach is glowing a soft blue.
He stands there studying her, still processing and understanding even when she turns away from the drapery to look at him. “Ezio?” she asks quietly. Then, obviously fretting at his silence, “I wasn’t sure that you’d come, after what I said to you.”
“Are you--?” he starts, unsure of how to ask the question with tact. It’s fairly obvious to him-he’s seen the double outline of pregnant women before. Just not in such vivid color. Finally he just asks it. “Are you with child?”
She bites her lip, ringing her hands together. Ezio can see tears begin to form in her eyes. “I didn’t think I was showing yet,” she says after a moment, glancing down at her stomach.
The two servants present watch on with interest, and so Ezio takes matters into his own hands, motioning them away. Cristina watches them go, staying silent until they’re out of sight.
“That night we were together,” Cristina starts. “I hadn’t been with my husband in… it had to be months. When I realized I was pregnant, I knew it was yours.”
Ezio breathes, dumbfounded. Him, a father? He reaches for her unthinkingly, and she goes to him, folding herself against him.
“Manfredo was angry,” she says, muffled against his chest piece. “Said I’d disgraced him and his family. And then my family--God, my father is livid…”
He strokes her back, letting her talk. He would kill them all, anyone who’d hurt her. Knows at the same time that it would be counterproductive.
“I didn’t know how to find you, but then I thought of Lorenzo,” she says, a quiet sob escaping. He strokes her back, shushing. “He was nice enough to take me in, and contact you… I didn’t have anywhere else to go.”
“It’s alright,” he says, voice sure. “You’re safe here. I’ll…”
“Ezio?” comes Lorenzo’s voice, interrupting him. Cristina jerks away, startled, wiping at her eyes. Lorenzo watches them both for a moment in silence, before saying, “I thought I heard your voice.”
“Yes, I received your letter,” Ezio explains.
“Good. Come with me, let’s talk,” he says. Then, “Cristina, why don’t you go back to your room and rest? Best not to upset the child.”
Cristina looks hesitant, wavering towards Ezio, and Ezio doesn’t want to leave her if she doesn’t want him to go. But Lorenzo gives a small chuckle, and says, “I’ll send him to you as soon as we’re through talking, I promise. Fifteen minutes.”
“Alright,” she finally agrees quietly, and with one last swipe under her eyes, she leaves down a side hallway.
Ezio watches her go, then follows after Lorenzo where he is beckoned.
“I didn’t know you were even still seeing her,” Lorenzo says once they’re both behind closed doors. Ezio can’t help but gawk at him.
“How did you know I’d ever seen her?” he asks, but Lorenzo shakes his head with a wry smile.
“Ezio, everyone knew about you two. At least, everyone but her father. But then, what is it they say?” he says. “Sometimes people see only what they choose to.”
Ezio inclines his head in agreement.
“You’ve put her in a dangerous position,” Lorenzo says. “I’m quite sure the only reason Manfredo didn’t try to have her killed…”
“He wouldn’t dare,” Ezio snarls.
“…is because he fears the Auditore name,” Lorenzo finishes. “He’s not a stupid man.”
“I’ll take her to Monteriggioni,” Ezio decides easily. “The Villa. She’ll be safe, she’ll have my sister by her side…”
“Your sister won’t object?” Lorenzo asks.
“No,” Ezio says, not sure his sister will be entirely pleased. But Claudia won’t deny him, that he is certain of. “No, she’ll take her in.”
“Then it’s settled,” Lorenzo says, clapping his hands. “You’re both free to stay here for a few more days, until you’re both ready to leave.”
“Thank you, Lorenzo,” Ezio says, sincere. “Thank you for everything. This was not your responsibility.”
Lorenzo’s smile is warm, and he replies simply, “Anything to help an old friend.”
~*~
It’s days later, while he and Cristina are both hidden away in his-no, their-bedroom at the Villa when she admits it to him.
“Secretly?” she says, quiet and confined in the warm space between them. “I’m happy this has happened.”
He ‘mmm’s at her, enjoying the feel of her naked body against his beneath the silky red sheets. Her hair spills over his shoulder, soft and dark, nearly the same color as his own. He wonders if their child will have that same color hair.
“It was always my private little dream,” she says. “That we would grow up, and eventually marry. And I would have your children. Even if I knew it was a bit wistful.”
“I wish I could have given you everything. Back then,” he says, feeling dumb and nostalgic. But she shakes her head and places her hand on his chest.
“What’s done is done,” she says. Then, “As long as you won’t abandon me again?”
It’s a hedging question, he can tell. He’s not sure what the correct answer is. “I still have work that needs to be done,” he says. “But I want you to stay here. This is where you belong.”
She nods silently, then gently leans into his neck. “I’ve missed you so,” she murmurs quietly.
And he wants to tell her so much. Wants to tell her how much he’s needed her, and how lost he’s been. But all he can do is just wrap her up in his arms tight and whisper back, “Ti amo.”
She seems to understand, though, with her fingers wound in his necklaces and her smile against his throat. “Ti amo,” she repeats back to him.
They fall asleep in each others arms, how it is always supposed to be.