Chapter Text
"Ah, Ezio, come in, my friend! I have bought some wine that I would love to share with you. Oh, I have made interesting discoveries and I woud love to discuss those with you. It could help with the treatment of injuries and— Ah, mi dispiace, amico, I speak too much. Come in." Leonardo took a step back to let Ezio enter his workshop and swiftly closed the door behind him.
Ezio chuckled, "You look well, my friend. I am glad you are still finding new topics to study. The dottori should come take lessons from you, instead of selling people those awful leeches." He paused and squinted at Leonardo, suspicious. "Wait, do your recent discoveries involve leeches?"
"Nothing of the sort, thankfully. And according to my research, it should be completely free, at least if we don't use any of the substances that were— Ah, before I get carried away again, let me fetch the wine. I also have some zuppa di fagioli left, if you are hungry?"
Amused at his friend's enthusiasm, Ezio shook his head. "I don't feel like eating, wine will do, grazie." He got rid of his sword, and sat in the chair near the fireplace.
Leonardo came back soon after, his hands carrying a bottle and two glasses. He sat in the other chair and poured a glass for his friend, then one for himself.
They both looked at the fire crackling in the fireplace, and Ezio sighed in contentment, relaxing in his chair. "So, tell me about your discoveries, I can practically hear you vibrate in excitement."
"Ah, yes, you see, I found a manuscript explaining the ways to treat wounds throughout history. Did you know that in ancient Egypt, there were places where they cured various ailments thanks to fasting, chanting, and sleep? They would induce an altered state of the mind and use strong suggestions that would allow patients to heal. Those sleep temples also existed in Greece, where patients would lie down for extended periods of time, while priests used suggestion to help them cure their illness. Isn't that fascinating? The power of the mind is tremendous!" Leonardo was smiling triumphantly, happy to share what he had learned.
"Of course," he continued, "Those methods were mainly used to help with illnesses of the mind, but I can't help but think it could also be useful in the treatment of physical wounds. Perhaps we could use this as a way to make the mind believe the body is not in pain? That way, I am sure injured people would get to rest more efficiently and heal faster. Who knows, maybe it can also help with fevers and balancing humors? The possibilites are endless!"
Ezio had a teasing smile on his face when he replied, "Leonardo, I admire your drive to find new ways to cure wounds and understand how we work, but... Isn't that idealistic? The mind, helping the body? How could it be as strong as laudanum?"
"I beg to differ, amico! I have a feeling we strongly underestimate the power of the mind. Suggestion has been used for centuries to help and cure many disorders and physical disabilities, not only by physicians, but also by preachers. You and I have both heard several stories of impaired people managing to get better after terrible accidents, thanks to the power of words, and we both know God had other fish to fry." He lowered his eyes, hesitating. "And... a mind under great shock or pressure can have very physical consequences."
A pained look of realization crossed Ezio's face. "Ah. You are right. I guess I should have taken a moment to think about it." He was frowning with the reminder of a painful past, the ache never quite healed. Choosing not to dwell on it as if to enjoy his time with his friend, he continued, "So, have you tried it yet? Does it work well?"
The apologetic look on Leonardo's face quickly got replaced by excitement all over again. "Not yet, but I would love to! Can you imagine? Being able to rest fully, getting enough sleep to heal, without being interrupted by the sharpness of pain? That woud be life-changing! I would love to test these methods, I only need somebody who would be willing..." he was looking at his friend through his lashes, almost coyly.
Ezio snorted, "I have known you more subtle, my friend! You want me to be your madman again, don't you?"
The artist rubbed the back of his neck in embarrassment, "I did not want you to feel pressured, Ezio... But to be perfectly honest, I do not know anyone else who would volunteer for such a task. If you do not feel like it, I can always look for somebody who would do it in exchange for coin, so worry not."
"It is alright," continued Ezio, still smiliing, "I would gladly help you, it does not bother me. Although I am terribly unhurt as we speak, so I suspect it won't be very conclusive..."
Leonardo's eyes widened in surprise. "You— You meant tonight? You would be amenable?"
Ezio shrugged in agreement.
"It is probably best if we start when you are uninjured anyway, otherwise I think it would be too much to deal with at once," continued Leonardo, "We need to assess the feasibility first, since I've read some people are less receptive than others. Then, the most effective process would be to help you get used to it, regularly, until we can try using it when you are hurt. Does it seem appropriate to you?
"It does, my friend. How do you want me?"
The artist tried not to pay attention to the phrasing, and simply replied, "Any way you are comfortable. Whether you sit or lie down, I do not mind."
"I am quite comfortable right here, actually."
"Good, good," said Leonardo. "Do you want us to start?"
Ezio gestured with his hand, "Of course, amico, do your thing."
"All right, I am going to need you to focus on your breathing. You may close your eyes if it makes things easier," calmly prompted Leonardo. "Take a deep breath, as deep as your body allows you, and pay attention to how the air travels through your lungs."
The younger inhaled but it was shallow, and his shoulder had risen in the process.
The artist smiled and continued, his voice soft, "Exhale slowly, fully, and feel how, when the air leaves your body, it carries tensions away."
Ezio frowned in focus, and visibly tried to make his exhalation last longer.
"Good," encouraged Leonardo. "Continue to breathe slowly, but fully. Feel how the muscles in your face relax. Allow them to let go. Your forehead, between your eyebrows, your eyes..." With surprised satisfaction, he noticed Ezio's face was slowly getting more and more slack. "Each breath you take helps you relax further. Unclench your jaw, relax your tongue. You can breathe through your mouth if it is more comfortable, just let go."
A soft sigh escaped Ezio's lips, and Leonardo couldn't help the rush of affection at seeing his friend trusting him so fully, eyes closed in his chair, a hint of pink on his cheeks due to the warmth of the fire near them.
"You are doing well, Ezio, keep focusing on my voice. Feel how the tensions in your neck and in your shoulders are fading. You are breathing more steadily, more deeply, and your body relaxes in the chair, just as if you were sinking into a warm bath, letting the water slowly ease your tensions, down your arms, into your back and your stomach. Let yourself enjoy how warm and comfortable it feels, as you let your thighs and knees relax, further and further."
He took a moment to check his friend's state, pleased to see Ezio was still breathing slowly. He let silence surround them, only disturbed by the faint crackles of the fire.
Just as he thought he'd continue, Ezio made a choking sound and opened his eyes, a look of panic painted on his face.
"Ezio? Are you all right?"
The pink on the assassin's cheeks was now almost crimson, as he moved in the chair, avoiding Leonardo's eyes. "I—" He seemed at a loss for words, his mouth forming words stuck in his throat.
Leonardo scanned his face, looking for answers. He felt as if there was something just out of reach he could almost see. Looking upon Ezio's face, he then gazed at his clothes, and his attention got caught by the nervous way Ezio's hands were twisting. His hands that were currently resting on his lap, but swiftly moved to hide...
"Oh—"
"I— Leonardo, I apologize. I do not know why it happened— I guess I relaxed too much," dismissed Ezio with a forced laugh.
The painter gave a sympathetic smile. "It is a natural reaction, do not fret. That part of the body has a mind of its own."
Ezio was still looking awfully embarrassed, eyes cast down and hands still firmly held in front of his breeches. "I should— In fact I should get going..." Ezio muttered under his breath as he stood, "I have this thing I need to work on anyway..."
The elder felt a rush of panic spread through him as Ezio started walking awkwardly towards the door, carefully hiding his whole front from Leonardo. "Ezio, please—"
"I will get back to you soon, amico, I just need— space and fresh air. Buona notte."
Defeated, Leonardo stared for several seconds at the door that had closed right behind his friend.
Sighing, he grabbed his glass and took a large mouthful of wine, holding himself back from downing it in one go. It had started so well, he had seen Ezio slowly getting more relaxed, sinking into the chair. If he had to be perfectly honest, Leonardo had harbored the hope of helping Ezio develop techniques, not only to handle the pain he'd suffer from, but also the many tensions that would accumulate in the course of his missions. He'd thought there would finally be a way for his friend to handle pressure more easily. His line of work was a stressful one, and what was at stake was too much for one person to bear. He deserved to get some rest and relaxation...
I guess I relaxed too much... His friend's words echoed in his head, as he remembered how quickly Ezio had moved his hands to hide the visible bulge in his breeches. Leonardo felt swallowed by shame as he realized the heat in his cheeks. He felt a little guilty of how uncomfortable Ezio had visibly gotten, of course, but he couldn't help but picture what ifs and maybes...
He cut short the thought, scolding himself: it was an unvoluntary reaction, a usual one in contexts of relaxation, and Leonardo couldn't let his greed make him forget that Ezio's reaction had actually nothing to do with him. He pinched the bridge of his nose in an attempt to organize his thoughts. It was obvious he'd need a distraction, there was no way he could just go to sleep and forget about how Ezio had sighed, completely at ease. How peaceful his face had looked, for a while. He could imagine so easily how his friend could have relaxed even more, with a little more practice. Was it how Ezio looked, after a good night's sleep? Surely, good nights were scarce in Ezio's life, but Leonardo could picture it so vividly, his friend waking up with the same relaxed features, the soft morning sun caressing his tanned skin as he would sigh contentedly, his arms hugging the cushions in Leonardo's bed and—
Che cosa?!
Groaning, Leonardo stood and shook his head to get rid of the deviant thoughts polluting his mind. He had to distract himself sooner rather than later. Fetching his notebook and quill, he lit a few candles and focused on the battiloro design he had started working on earlier. It would be a long night anyway.