But Endurance is What Counts

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.

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.

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 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. 

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.

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.

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.

… What did Federico think he was doing?

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. 

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

@laidbackassassin - Modern AU

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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. 

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

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.

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.

"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.

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.”

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.

Sweet smile indeed.

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.

@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.