But Endurance is What Counts

Independent Federico Auditore account. Icon by the lovely omgjersey

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin - Modern AU

[laidbackassassin]

Well, that wasn’t entirely unexpected, but it happened faster than he thought it would. Federico tensed immediately, arm flexing to keep a hold on his phone when fingers wrapped around it. He leaned closer, eyes brightening in mischief. It wasn’t the kind of particular attention he was going for, but maybe Vieri would back down if Federico tried to kiss him right then. He should. He really should just smooch him and then make a run for it because Vieri would chase him and Federico enjoyed that type of thrill.

Instead–since they were banned from enough restaurants for reasons that were completely fair and indisputable and mostly involving numerous broken items–Federico lowered his voice and said smugly. “Didn’t take long for you to want my attention, did it?” 

[vieridepazzi]

Oh, how he hated that look! Whenever the bastard made that kind of expression, nothing good came of it. Vieri’s jaw tensed as he remained where he was. He didn’t want Federico to do something stupid, but he also didn’t want to back down at the same time. After all, backing down and moving away meant that he’d lost and surrendered to the damned Auditore. He couldn’t bare the thought! Ignoring, of course, that Federico was generally someone that he couldn’t seem to top.

His fingers tightened over the phone, and he hoped that hurt the prick’s hand too. “You’re lucky,” he hissed in a whisper, “I don’t kill you. Give me the phone now and I won’t break it.” Well, maybe.

Wait. He forgot something. “And I don’t want your attention!” Yeah, take that and choke on it.

[laidbackassassin]

Vieri needed to learn that a relationship wasn’t about winning or losing. It was about having fun and enjoying being around who you were with. Unfortunately, Vieri was domineering and competitive, and that reared up Federico’s uncontrollable desire to be a pain in the ass just to ruffle feathers.  So, technically, it was all Vieri’s fault anything went wrong.

Federico’s expression didn’t waver, despite how much his fingers were being so thoughtlessly crushed. “You just want my phone, I know.” He nodded obnoxiously, not addressing the threats and demands. “There are many pictures of myself on there. You could just ask me to send them to you instead of playing hard to get.”

It was almost as if Federico liked to irritate Vieri more than he liked to have a quiet meal, and Vieri should be flattered at that.

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin - Modern AU

[laidbackassassin]

Federico’s eyes widened slightly, Vieri’s tone traveling up his spine to push his posture up straighter. That was definitely promising. If only they were somewhere private where the both of them could react more with eager hands and arching bodies. Surely, rousing Federico up was what Vieri wanted when he used The Voice, but he wouldn’t give in! Vieri would have to work harder to catch his interest, because Federico had given it much too freely and Some People were taking it for granted. 

He glanced up, thumb pausing over the screen without touching it, the corner of his mouth pulling into a small but challenging smile. “Give me something better to focus on then.”

[vieridepazzi]

Eager hands to grip the bastard’s throat and an arching body to hold him down and lean into the act. Maybe they should find a more private place so that Federico could get what he deserved.

When he was told–no, challenged–to appeal to the prick and make him worth his time, Vieri narrowed his eyes and squared his jaw. He didn’t do well with being forced into a more subordinate role. Part of him wanted to take out his phone and ignore Federico right back but, with his anger building as it were, he didn’t have the composure to be cool.

Could he reach it? The Pazzi considered the likelihood that he’d be able to reach quickly and snatch the phone. Maybe…

Ignoring the fact that Federico was quicker than him and had a better reaction time, Vieri shot his hand out in an attempt to grab the damned phone.

[laidbackassassin]

Well, that wasn’t entirely unexpected, but it happened faster than he thought it would. Federico tensed immediately, arm flexing to keep a hold on his phone when fingers wrapped around it. He leaned closer, eyes brightening in mischief. It wasn’t the kind of particular attention he was going for, but maybe Vieri would back down if Federico tried to kiss him right then. He should. He really should just smooch him and then make a run for it because Vieri would chase him and Federico enjoyed that type of thrill.

Instead--since they were banned from enough restaurants for reasons that were completely fair and indisputable and mostly involving numerous broken items--Federico lowered his voice and said smugly. “Didn’t take long for you to want my attention, did it?” 

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin - Modern AU

[laidbackassassin]

Well, maybe Federico wouldn’t bug him to go out on a date if Vieri didn’t ignore him all the time when he needed attention. It was rude and hurtful and only made Federico want to be a nuisance until there was someone who gave him what he wanted. Maybe if Vieri knew what it felt like to be so tragically neglected…then he’d probably just get angry and confrontational. Yeah, that would be a bad idea.

So, Federico decided to go for it.

He took out his phone to check out his usual sites, giving a noncommittal grunt at Vieri’s displeasure. 

[vieridepazzi]

… What did Federico think he was doing?

Now, there were many situations where he could mask his emotions. Those situations were ones that were planned rather than incited. And, of course, this was not one of those situations. Still, he tried to be subtle as he craned his neck in an attempt to see what the bastard was ignoring him for. Was he texting someone else?

His attention flicked from the phone to Federico’s face and then back again. Was he being serious right now? Vieri considered making a grab for it, but thought better of it at the moment. Causing a scene was–at least for now–something he wanted to avoid, but he was quickly becoming incensed. “Put that down.”

[laidbackassassin]

Federico’s eyes widened slightly, Vieri’s tone traveling up his spine to push his posture up straighter. That was definitely promising. If only they were somewhere private where the both of them could react more with eager hands and arching bodies. Surely, rousing Federico up was what Vieri wanted when he used The Voice, but he wouldn’t give in! Vieri would have to work harder to catch his interest, because Federico had given it much too freely and Some People were taking it for granted. 

He glanced up, thumb pausing over the screen without touching it, the corner of his mouth pulling into a small but challenging smile. “Give me something better to focus on then.”

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin - Modern AU

[laidbackassassin]

Now wait just a minute. When he said half his paycheck was gone, he meant the food was expensive. It was also an invitation to join in and joke lightheartedly at their ridiculously fancy tastes in food and service. Vieri was not a jokester, and honestly, when was he ever impressed about anything unless it was himself or his father? Vieri needed to branch out in life.

Federico’s eyes followed the menu in Vieri’s hand. “I could serenade you?” A gentle smile grew upon his face as he tried to catch Vieri’s eye and while he spoke, hopeful. “Perhaps a picnic in the park next time, just you and me?” He sat back, smile turning into a smirk and sounding decidedly amused. “Then I can take you out on my private yacht to my private island and drive you in my private car to my private mansion.” Because he knew no amount of money or status would impress Vieri, so teasing him about it made sense for some reason.

[vieridepazzi]

Joking with Federico? Perhaps if the idiot knew how to be funny, Vieri would join in and laugh. He had a sense of humor obviously. But when he was threatened–as it was indeed something threatening if it weren’t completely stupid–to be serenaded, the Pazzi looked to him with a soured expression. “You better not.”

And a picnic in the park? He scoffed.

“There’s nothing private with you, Auditore.” Maybe he was a little amused with himself. Wasn’t it true? There was nothing that Federico could seem to keep to himself, the bastard. Why was he here again? Oh right. So he could finally be left alone from the constant badgering of ‘go out with me, go out with me!’

He’d better get a good fuck out of this.

“The wine selection is shit.”

[laidbackassassin]

Well, maybe Federico wouldn’t bug him to go out on a date if Vieri didn’t ignore him all the time when he needed attention. It was rude and hurtful and only made Federico want to be a nuisance until there was someone who gave him what he wanted. Maybe if Vieri knew what it felt like to be so tragically neglected...then he’d probably just get angry and confrontational. Yeah, that would be a bad idea.

So, Federico decided to go for it.

He took out his phone to check out his usual sites, giving a noncommittal grunt at Vieri’s displeasure. 

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin - Modern AU

[vieridepazzi]

Refraining from Federico’s romantic behavior was always well advised, especially when it could be taken as control being denied from him or his perceived dominance was being ignored. That and, as mentioned, Vieri abhorred this kind of behavior in public - if not completely because Federico was a man.

But at the mention of the order taking up half of the other man’s paycheck on appetizers and drinks alone, it served only to further his not being impressed. Father detested the poor, but thought even poorer of the middle class for daring to think they could be as good as old families with old money. Vieri was always thirsty for his father’s indoctrination. Scoffing at Federico’s attempt at winning him over with sweet nothings of getting to spend the evening with him, he plucked up the wine list on the table and started to look over it. “You’ll have to do better than that.”

Federico should want to spend time with him by virtue of who he–Vieri–was. Compliments would have to be better than that!

[laidbackassassin]

Now wait just a minute. When he said half his paycheck was gone, he meant the food was expensive. It was also an invitation to join in and joke lightheartedly at their ridiculously fancy tastes in food and service. Vieri was not a jokester, and honestly, when was he ever impressed about anything unless it was himself or his father? Vieri needed to branch out in life.

Federico’s eyes followed the menu in Vieri’s hand. “I could serenade you?” A gentle smile grew upon his face as he tried to catch Vieri’s eye and while he spoke, hopeful. “Perhaps a picnic in the park next time, just you and me?” He sat back, smile turning into a smirk and sounding decidedly amused. “Then I can take you out on my private yacht to my private island and drive you in my private car to my private mansion.” Because he knew no amount of money or status would impress Vieri, so teasing him about it made sense for some reason.

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin - Modern AU

[vieridepazzi]

The sour look on his face crinkled up into something more resembling a sort of disgusted annoyance. Why he was entertaining this whole idea was beyond him, but he knew now that it could be more embarrassing to leave now than to just get through it. He’d best be getting a blow at the very least for his trouble.

Vieri furrowed his brows. As if he’d allow Federico his ego! “When have you never?” There was a noticeable attempt at keeping his voice from a shriek or an indignant shout. “Ever is the word you’re looking for.”

“Did you order yet?” Bastard.

[laidbackassassin]

Federico smirked. As if anything Vieri could say would bring down Federico’s extremely high self-esteem and self-confidence. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” There was no noticeable attempt at keeping his voice from being light and amused. “I’ve ordered drinks and appetizers. Which means there goes half my paycheck, but worth it since I get to spend the evening with you.”

This would be where he’d reach across the table to cover his date’s hand with his own while maintaining eye contact, but he was a thoughtful man who knew that Vieri did not like physical intimacy in the public eye, so he refrained.

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin - Modern AU

[vieridepazzi]

At least they were able to arrive in different cars so that he wouldn’t have to worry about who might see them together. The bastard was damn lucky he was a pretty decent fuck or Vieri would have never let himself do this kind of thing. Then again… He was really questioning himself why he was doing this, even with that in mind.

It wouldn’t be too late to lea– Shit.

The Pazzi had caught sight of Federico already sitting down. He could’ve been seen and would have to listen to incessant whining about leaving him there. Pezzo di merda. With a sour look, he made his way over and sat down hard in the chair and put one arm over the back of the chair. “You best make this worth my time, Auditore.”

[laidbackassassin]

Federico’s face lit up when Vieri sat down, delighted that the other man didn’t bail. Not that it would have been much of a loss for him if that had happened. He’d still order food, entertain himself by chatting and perhaps flirting with whoever was fortunate to walk by him, and he’d snap up pics of his dinner and his own lovely face for his followers to comment on. But having someone he could take home or go home with was always better.

He leaned forward smoothly, forearms on the edge of the table and head tilting towards his date. “When have I never?” 

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin - Modern AU

Where he’d normally strut into a restaurant with pride, date on his arm and every bit of him exuding money and charm, Vieri found himself questioning why it was that he found himself here. Painstakingly, he had to search out a restaurant that was worthy of his patronage but, at the same time, one that was unlikely to be frequented by any one of his entourage or admirers. It wouldn’t normally be a problem. It shouldn’t have been a problem.

It wasn’t a problem.

His date… His date was the problem.

[laidbackassassin]

Perhaps he shouldn’t let Vieri choose the places they went to on their dates. They were usually expensive venues, and while Federico had no problem spending all his money on Vieri, it was usually not lavish enough for someone’s tastes. At least he got to eat and stare at a good looking man for a few hours to make up for the night that was sure to be filled with criticism.

All in all, Federico was rather smitten with himself for actually arriving early and getting a more private and quiet seat in the corner. Surely, he’d earn points for such a thoughtful idea.  

[vieridepazzi]

Vieri straightened up, trying to ignore that wink and to not allow himself to be riled up. It was, however, pretty irritating for Federico to be insisting that it was fun to be shoved out a window to his near death. “I won’t be merciful toward you.” A little gruff, but the bastard wasn’t deserving of any kindness.

But was he actually being offered an opportunity to throw the idiot out of a window? Somehow, it sounded a lot less fun when he was given permission instead of doing it out of whim or anger. “And why should I ensure you a soft landing?”

[laidbackassassin]

"Because I did for you." And it wasn't to his death. He made sure there was something he was dropping Vieri on that would help to cushion his fall. Hadn't he ever jumped into a pile of leaves before? That was fun. Granted, Federico had just gotten a little excited upon seeing Vieri and had to show it physically with rough housing a bit, but this posturing and threatening was unwarranted. "Are you hurt?" 

[vieridepazzi]

Really, the allure of throwing yourself from a window at risk of broken bones or death were lost on this particular noble. After all, what could possibly be more fun? For a crazy bastard. Vieri liked to think that he was very sane. Killing, torturing, and maiming aside, of course.

How tempting those things would be right now…

Between trying to desperately catch his breath from the thrill of plummeting from his window and chasing the prick, the Pazzi’s lips formed a weak smirk as he discovered his luck Federico running straight into a dead end. This was too good. “You aren’t as clever as you think, are you, Auditore?” He held his arms up slightly to each side as he cocked his head as if he were confident that he’d won, “There’s nowhere to run.”

[laidbackassassin]

Well, this was unfortunate. Time to play it smooth. "Have I mentioned lately how much I love the way you are so merciful towards others?" Federico threw him a wink over his shoulder. If he was going to to die, it might as well be with a smile. "It was fun, though, right? Let's be fair. You can do the same to me as long as there's a soft landing."

[vieridepazzi]

Immediately, he was trying to claw himself up and out of the haystack, red-faced in anger and embarrassment. Ooh, that bastard would pay and pay dearly! He managed to catch sight of the prick making that run for it. After a graceless exit from the cart where he tripped up, Vieri shot after him. “Bastardo! Get back here!”

[laidbackassassin]

Well, he thought jumping out of windows and landing gracefully to the admiring gazes of bystanders was fun, but apparently Vieri was a boring old man at the ripe age of barely adult. Unfortunately, that barely adult was strong and enjoyed speaking with his fists instead of calmly explaining to their eager friend why it wasn't right to toss people out of their rooms a story or two from the ground level.

Federico ran into an alleyway, which so conveniently blocked his exit with nonsense like barrels and boxes. People and their trash. Honestly. He was so offended that he took the moment to glare at the blockade.

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin

[vieridepazzi]

As if riling up Vieri was any sort of challenge! Though, Federico always seemed to have a particular knack for it - rivaled only by his brother Ezio. Still, he was doing his best at not giving in, if only because an outburst would cause him more aggravation than having to push along a plan in the most annoying way.

And speaking of being riled up.

The Pazzi’s brows furrowed. The plan was not to have the idiot gab at him the entire night. Really, he didn’t understand why he had to draw Federico into the web of these people, but he supposed there was a good reason if his father was making him do it. If only there was cooperation… “I’m not the one you’re supposed to be talking to, Auditore.” Though, he was far more important than any of these boring bastards. “You’re here to make connections. Make them.”

[laidbackassassin]

"I am making connections." He pressed the back of his hand to Vieri's shoulder. "With you. And honestly, it's a little telling that I'd rather talk with you than with these uninterested, married men." Maybe that was a little too honest, but he was not a liar. Surely, Vieri would take it as a compliment. 

His eyes searched for his father as he was already bored with getting little reaction from his party partner. Perhaps he could beg off the rest of the evening with complaints of stomach pains. He hadn't used that excuse in a while and he had to be given credit for lasting this long. 

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin

[vieridepazzi]

"That’s what I said." And a nod for emphasis.

How could the bastard not owe him? He was taking hours out of his time that could have been better used doing anything but helping Federico not be a waste of space. But of course, Vieri would be far from thrilled to know that he was seen as amusing and a so-called surly ball of rage. To him, he was worthy of great respect and honoring. Had it not been for his father’s request, he’d have done as he always did and leave Federico cold on his ass.

He wanted to say, yes, get on your knees and show your gratitude by sucking me off. But, of course, that was something to never utter even an insinuation of it. “Save it, idiota.” Bastard.

Then he gestured again to another man. “Why not talk to him?" He was being condescending, but what else was new? Maybe this other guy would get the bastard out of his hair for a little while…

[laidbackassassin]

Well, who would have thought that Vieri had such lurid, sinful thoughts about a particular gorgeous Auditore? Unfortunately, he would have had to decline on the basis that they were in a crowded room and voyeurism wasn't his thing.

"I think I prefer talking to you, actually. The others just seem so..." Federico shrugged, before giving him a grin. "You know, uptight. Not like you." If he was going to be stuck here, he might as well entertain himself by riling up his party partner.

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin

[vieridepazzi]

Vieri would have never thought in a million years to flirt with another man, though he’d tried to elicit favors from married women before. After all, he valued his own desires far above anyone else’s. Though, he did usually put his father’s wishes above his own. But hey. Things happen.

As for the Auditore’s sister, well… He’d been interested for a time, but something about disagreeable women who didn’t know how to listen was a huge turn-off for him. It seemed like the entire family was a headache and not worth the effort. So instead of getting into it about Federico’s sister, he chose to acknowledge the stupid comment about his so-called services. Vieri waved a hand dismissively to the side, “I enjoy the sport.” Except that was sarcasm.

"I’ll drink as much as I please, Auditore." He looked toward a group of people—though not anyone in particular—and grunted quietly to himself. "You owe me."

[laidbackassassin]

"I owe you?" Federico raised an eyebrow, side eyeing him. "Do I now?" For all this lovely help in making connections with men that he'd have no use of in the future, he supposed. Or for helping to not make this party as boring as it could be by offering banter. Vieri wasn't so bad. He was a surly ball of rage, but not unamusing.

"Should I take a knee and show my gratitude for such a selfless act on your part?" Federico kept his sarcasm reined in like the good man he was.   

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin

[vieridepazzi]

The Pazzi’s face scrunched up in disdain. “Is he taken? What kind of question is that?" It wasn’t like Federico need make any sort of marriage contacts for family. And being that as it were, the man in question was far beyond marrying age for anyone the idiot might have in mind. "He would never think to marry that cow of a sister you have." Vieri scoffed, "Besides, he is married.”

And nursing some wine sounded like a great idea, and so he followed suit. Hell, downing it was tempting with having to keep Federico as company! What use did father see in him? “As I said, introduce yourself to him tonight. Knowing him is valuable if you want to fit in, idiota.” Then again, Vieri wasn’t sure he wanted them to meet. It would make himself look awful if the bastard fucked this one up.

Large sips of wine help with nerves, right?

[laidbackassassin]

Well, he should have thought as much, considering the man was older, but hey, with age comes experience. And what older gent or lady didn't find a young, handsome, eager thing appealing? Flirting with married men was hardly all that scandalous, but such things should be kept--at the very least--discreet. This wasn't something to broadcast to a supposed enemy of his family, especially one who so delighted in blackmail.

"I thought you liked my sister, Vieri," Federico replied mildly. "And not that I don't appreciate it, but why are you offering me your services?" Vieri was decent at feigning interest when it was beneficial; no doubt he'd easily schmooze up with this group to get on their good side, but Federico couldn't see a reason for him to give advice with fitting in. "Also, don't drink so fast. You drunk is never pleasant."

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin

[vieridepazzi]

Sweet smile indeed.

He wanted nothing more to leave. To say that it wasn’t worth his time and certainly not beneficial to their cause. It was bad enough that he had to spend time with dried up old men for his family’s own direct benefit or mingle with the Medici in his father’s stead.

Vieri tensed up further as he was told to loosen up and was reminded that, yes, they were at a party. His brows knit together as he pooled all of his mental resources into holding his damn tongue. But Vieri was quick to vitriol and foul mood and he was having trouble keeping it at bay. “A party. Yes.”

Why was he stuck here? “Over there,” he grunted, gesturing with his chin. “See that man? Sometime tonight, introduce yourself.” And because he knew Federico would, he hissed, “Don’t mess this up.”

[laidbackassassin]

Federico could barely hold off a petulant look. It wasn't like he wanted to be here either. Parties were fun if he could get away with causing trouble, but this was an adult party, which was more of a gathering of older posh nobility trading boring stories and contact info to climb the social ladder. He was already at the top and, unfortunately, the few lovelies his own age that were dragged along here were unfairly off-limits. It was a surprise enough that Vieri even kept him company.

He raised his wine glass to his lips, taking a sip as he eyed the man across the room before murmuring thoughtfully. "Is he taken?"

[vieridepazzi]

@laidbackassassin

How he got stuck in this, Vieri couldn’t quite make sense of it himself. Casting a long look at the bastard next to him, he pulled a tight-lipped smile - forcing it. It was father’s orders, but that didn’t mean that it wasn’t getting on his very last nerves or that he understood why. Father never really explained it, but that was never something new.

But seriously. Fuck this guy.

[laidbackassassin]

What a sweet smile. Federico could tell it was meant just for him. Perhaps Vieri was swayed by the charm he used to get into the good graces of the other guests. Who knew? Vieri certainly wasn't one to speak his mind or do anything confrontational of the sort.

Federico tilted his head towards him, eyes still sweeping around the crowded room. "Loosen up. This is a party, is it not?"