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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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[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.

[He shakes his head quickly.]

And I don't mean to dissuade you from such a thing. It's better that I act with a bit more caution.

[She wasn't the only one that cared for him, but survivors guilt made it difficult to recognize that sometimes.]

Now... Since I'm confined to the bed, how soon before you can join me?

[She gives him a look though she does laugh, eventually sitting on the edge beside him. She's careful not to touch him, too afraid of hurting his tender injuries, but she leans over and brushes his hair from his face.] Better?

Much.

[And so he rests for long enough that his injuries allow him movement. Not enough to return to duty, but enough to continue to bother Josephine until he's healed enough to surprise her. Leading her by the hand late one evening, he brings her into her office where the fire is going and a woman sits in the corner, lute resting on her lap.]

I heard from a few that a certain diplomat enjoys dancing?

[She's wary of his surprise. No, she's not expecting terrible things to happen but she does have a mountain of work to get through after dinner and Ezio... well, Ezio has a certain way of distracting her.]

Did you now? [She has a feeling she knows who. Her runners are such gossips but this revelation doesn't detract from the smile that blooms across her face.] All this for me? [She's clearly shocked and clearly touched.]

I've definitely given a poor information if something like this comes as a surprise.

[Ezio can't help but tease her, and yet perhaps he's been rather lax in romantic gestures like this. Truth be told, he's more out of practice than anything else. It'll be a nice change of pace.]

So, will you join me for a dance? Something fast or slower?

[He offers her his hand.]

[She laughs softly at his tease and slides her hand in his, her other hand sliding to his shoulder.]

Something... fast, I think. To stir the blood. [As her grandmother would say, though it's not as if Ezio has any trouble getting Josephine going.

She gives him a fond smirk before she nods to the lute player, and waits for Ezio's lead.]

[On cue, the lute player begins to play, a slow build at first to let them move into the rhythm. Ezio has not danced in some time, but one hardly forgets how to be light on their feet in his line of work and he easily settles into the rhythm as he moves alongside Josephine.

And by request, the musician starts to play much faster and Ezio follows suit, giving Josephine a quick twirl and flourish.]

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