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teary eyed josie things

Josephine paces outside Ezio's door, the sound of her steps echoing in her ears. She only stops when the mage comes out, nodding and speaking in low tones of his injuries. Not dire, not anymore, but bandaging and much rest is what the mage prescribes. It makes the weight almost lift from Josephine's shoulders.

But not entirely. When the mage passes, it's the ambassador who steps in, quietly creeping to his bed. Bare to the waist and stitched and bandaged nicely, he doesn't look nearly as bad as before. Then again she hadn't seen him except for quick glances, her heart hammering in her chest, before the shouts brought others to bring him inside. Now in the agent quarters he lies, lucky enough to have the room to himself while others worked to Sister Nightingale's ends.

She isn't sure if he slumbers or not but she still doesn't speak. She doesn't think she can. She had wept outside until her throat is raw and her eyes burn from want of tears that no longer can fall. One hand falls to his, fingers gently interlacing with his before she pulls up a chair to sit beside his bed.

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[It's proof positive: even an injured man could surprise Josephine. Thankfully it's not too abrupt of a pull and she doesn't fall atop him. Instead she slides to the small space beside him. Falling off the bed isn't idea and she gingerly curls close, her face burying in the crook of his neck.]

You didn't mean to, Ezio. I simply... It was as if the world stilled when I saw how hurt you were. [She presses a kiss to his pulse.]

[He sighs, feeling a marginal bit of pressure against his injuries but not enough to reconsider what he was doing. Idly, he ran one hand along her back and adjusted his hold on her hand so they were comfortable.]

I generally don't make a habit of making mistakes like I did, but I will try harder not to be so careless next time for you.

[She scoffs, trying to dismiss the fluttering in her belly at his words.]

You could try not being reckless for your sake.

[He presses a kiss against her cheek and nuzzles his head against hers. As much affection as he can manage in this state to try and make up for making her cry.]

I could, but being with you for another day is a much better source of motivation.

[That's much harder to dismiss and she's glad for their position, able to hide her blush.]

Rest, caro. I'll be here when you awaken. [She means in the very general sense. It would be no hardship to bring some of her reading in here. But at the moment, extracting herself from his embrace is not appealing, and she simply relaxes against him.]

Grazie... I think I'll do that.

[He shifts so that his arm isn't digging into her back and he can better run a few fingers through her hair idly. Snug against her and the bed, he lets his eyes shut.]

Riposare bene, Josie. I'm not going anywhere for a little while.

[She waits in the circle of his arms for his steady breathe but in truth, she finds sleep quick to claim her as well. It doesn't help that her work keeps her up often so the first moment of respite has her dozing.

When she awakens later she creeps out of his bed and returns only later with a stack of her papers and things to review. With a blanket over her she takes up residence in his quarters, commandeering the chair for her own and getting comfortable as she works well into the night.]

[To his credit, he doesn't awaken from her leaving. His sleep is silent but until she returns to the room and he stirs just as she makes herself comfortable next to his bed. He smiles faintly and relaxes against the bed, reaching out towards her and pressing a hand against her leg so he has some contact with her.]

No rest for the inquisition... But it is always lovely when it happens.

[She laughs softly and doesn't move his hand. If anything, she lifts her legs to rest her feet on the bed, turning her body closer to him.]

I'd think you'd be bothered by all the paperwork. I've only begun my sighing.

[He chuckles and shifts his hand to run along her leg and thigh, massaging her through the fabric carefully. Despite everything he takes care not to wrinkle her clothes.]

Plenty more to come, I'm sure. By the way, did the Leliana get my report...?

[Of significantly less concern to him than being with Josephine right now, but important none the less.]

[His gentle massage has her sighing but her focus isn't completely gone. She nods.] She did. She would be here to thank you but... [Well, Josephine is there. And there's always that terse look in Leliana's eyes whenever Josephine mentions she's going to Ezio's room.]

I'm sure she'll be around to speak with you about it.

It may be a big place, but it shouldn't be hard to find her once I can leave the bed.

[And they did such a good job that he should be able to start walking soon once he's rested enough. Really, the worst part was the blood loss. Well... and the risk of the injury re-opening which would result in more blood-loss.]

Which you won't be doing anytime soon. [She can't help but be quick to remind him. Leaving bed. When he nearly died!]

[Ezio lets out a sigh, smiling but knowing full well he won't win any such argument with her.]

I... Do eventually need to leave.

[He can't stay there forever. Not that he would, but he's trying duck around the pressing issue.]

Of course. [She says it airily, lightly. She's not going to pretend.] But only when you're well. Truly well. [She's not about to pretend he can leave tomorrow after a night's rest either.]

[She gives him a teasing smile.] You just want to be away from my company.

[That gives him a faint chuckle which prompts a wince, adding another point in favor of her argument.]

Mm... I'm actually looking forward to the moment I can walk around Skyhold with you again. Enjoying your company and avoiding certain glares from a Spymaster.

[She laughs softly, her hand coming to rest on his.] Leliana... [Josephine shakes her head.] She means well but she remembers me when I was so young. She really needs to stop.

In comparison, I'm still something of a stranger in this place. Eventually I'll change her mind.

[His smile grows teasing and he takes her hand.]

"So young". Josephine, you cannot expect me to believe that was so long ago.

[She clucks her tongue but she gives their interlaced fingers a squeeze.]

I'm too old to be running about, as my mother likes to remind me. It feels like my youth was quite some time ago. [True, she might not have been his age, but she didn't feel like a doe eyed maiden.]

Well, I think I know what we need to do when I'm well enough to walk around with out fear of further injury. It's a little risky, but I have a feeling you'll enjoy the payoff. I hope so, anyways.

[It would also require a little bit of preparation, but Ezio was a patient man in all things and this was hardly the exception.]

[She doesn't look the least bit surprised - or pleased - at the idea of him doing something risky.] What are you planning, caro.

[He waggles the finger of his free hand at her, wearing a confident smile across his features.]

It's not really that risky, but you'll have to wait until I'm ready before I hint as to what they may be. It'll be worth it though, I'm sure about that.

[The answer doesn't placate her, but something like amusement dances across her features.]

You have a lot of resting ahead of you if you wish to take me on some... adventures.

Va bene... I will make sure until I'm completely healed before doing anything particularly exerting.

[Walking and cuddling not included. He will not be pried away from her for too long if he has any sort of control of the situation.]

I've always been used to taking risks, any time. You've gone and made it a difficult practice for me, Josie.

[Her smile turns soft, guarded.] I... I didn't mean to intrude and presume, Ezio.

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