[His hands take hers when she grabs him, and quietly he finds his fingers interlocking with her own as time passes. The sorrow they share, it is a burden, but it is one they both understand and can try to help each other with. Something that Hawke is finally coming to learn after such a long time.
She's been through so much. It's a common theme between them- their pain, their loss, each a strong part of who they are and what they stand for. Assassins are not meant to reveal what they feel when asked. They keep people at a distance, speak well but are sure to guard themselves and others from their kindness. If it ever shows in the open, it brings liability and danger to all those who know them. That's how it's always been.
And yet here they are, stuck in a city with no escape, and once again crossing paths. Ezio wonders sometimes if COMPASS plans for them to meet like this or if it happens against their wishes. He'd like to think it was the latter- the company only hoping for them to wallow away in misery, instead being thwarted by the strength and compassion of others helping where they could. Like him. Like Hawke.
So when her apology, her way of thanking him is said, he only smiles and leans forward, pressing his head against hers. He says nothing, but hopes the gesture is enough.
"You're welcome."
The last time this happened, the last time they were this close, she was in his arms and bleeding out on the Ishimura, him uncertain whether she would live or not. Being here, with COMPASS, has brought them through hell and back, and it has been anything but pleasant. But it has also allowed them to meet people from different worlds, see views they could not have seen otherwise, understand and work together as a team to overcome their kidnappers. To learn.
To love.]
You do not need to apologize, I understand.
[He is so, so thankful she has not pushed him away this time, chosen instead to listen and to accept his help. It is not easy, and he doesn't expect it to be, but even this step, small as it is, is progress.]
You give so much of yourself to ensure others happiness, Hawke. Remember that they would want for you to have happiness as well.
[And it's true- he can see it in how her companions care for her. How they treat her and look after her as family, protect her where they can and fight alongside her. Hawke is as much a part of their lives as they are in hers.
He doesn't say much after that. With the silence there is, he feels there's no need to. There's a tense feeling in the air, after all- not one of hostility, but one that he's gotten quite familiar with over the years. It stands the hairs on the back of his neck and makes his nerves come alive, but for a good reason. One that he keeps to himself, and rather just enjoys the moment as-is. No qualms, no arguments.
Everything that's happened so far is quiet, calm. And for him, that is enough.]
no subject
She's been through so much. It's a common theme between them- their pain, their loss, each a strong part of who they are and what they stand for. Assassins are not meant to reveal what they feel when asked. They keep people at a distance, speak well but are sure to guard themselves and others from their kindness. If it ever shows in the open, it brings liability and danger to all those who know them. That's how it's always been.
And yet here they are, stuck in a city with no escape, and once again crossing paths. Ezio wonders sometimes if COMPASS plans for them to meet like this or if it happens against their wishes. He'd like to think it was the latter- the company only hoping for them to wallow away in misery, instead being thwarted by the strength and compassion of others helping where they could. Like him. Like Hawke.
So when her apology, her way of thanking him is said, he only smiles and leans forward, pressing his head against hers. He says nothing, but hopes the gesture is enough.
"You're welcome."
The last time this happened, the last time they were this close, she was in his arms and bleeding out on the Ishimura, him uncertain whether she would live or not. Being here, with COMPASS, has brought them through hell and back, and it has been anything but pleasant. But it has also allowed them to meet people from different worlds, see views they could not have seen otherwise, understand and work together as a team to overcome their kidnappers. To learn.
To love.]
You do not need to apologize, I understand.
[He is so, so thankful she has not pushed him away this time, chosen instead to listen and to accept his help. It is not easy, and he doesn't expect it to be, but even this step, small as it is, is progress.]
You give so much of yourself to ensure others happiness, Hawke. Remember that they would want for you to have happiness as well.
[And it's true- he can see it in how her companions care for her. How they treat her and look after her as family, protect her where they can and fight alongside her. Hawke is as much a part of their lives as they are in hers.
He doesn't say much after that. With the silence there is, he feels there's no need to. There's a tense feeling in the air, after all- not one of hostility, but one that he's gotten quite familiar with over the years. It stands the hairs on the back of his neck and makes his nerves come alive, but for a good reason. One that he keeps to himself, and rather just enjoys the moment as-is. No qualms, no arguments.
Everything that's happened so far is quiet, calm. And for him, that is enough.]