Author's Note: As usual, I own nothing, characters belonging to Ubisoft and in some cases themselves. This follows my previous story Caro Mio, its Leo and Ezio's time in Venezia. However, at the request of a friend I am dividing the story into two main arcs, E/L and the oc I based on her and Antonio(lets face it, the guy needs love). Also, I'm just too lazy to make two separate stories. So, here we are, the first chapter. Ciao!

Under the Venetian Sky

Arc 1 – The Lion and the Eagle

Venice – 1482

Another late night of waiting up for the assassino to return to the workshop. Leonardo tried to be understanding of Ezio's comings and goings, after all, neither artists nor assassins are the type to keep regular office hours. There was however the issue of Ezio's new thief friends. They had a habit of popping up at the oddest times and Leonardo was beginning to think they might be taking advantage of his pacifist nature. He was missing a very nice pair of boots and was certain the young rogue Ugo was wearing one of his shirts the last time he had seen him. Maybe he should do the city a favor and turn a couple of these pests into some of his research subjects….

Then there was the issue of his housekeeper, Lucia was always disappearing. Salai occasionally went missing as well, he had started to develop a little duckling syndrome with the older woman. As cute as it was, he was tired of not being able to find either his employee or his student. It was almost enough to make him miss Firenze, it had been much easier keeping tab on everyone.

"Daydreaming again amore?" There was a tickle of warm breath on his ear, making the artist shiver with delight. He smiled as a strong pair of arms encircled him from behind and Ezio rested his chin on his lover's broad shoulder. The artist's worries and agitation evaporated immediately replaced by warmth and contentment of having his other half returned. "I'm sorry for being so late, Antonio insisted on celebrating Emilio's death with a trip to the Dorsoduro district, I barely managed to get away."

"Your friend Antonio seems quite the merry spirit. He sent several pots of that strange caffe here the other day." Ezio grimaced, he was not a fan of the nasty concoction. He prayed to God Leonardo wouldn't become one, the inventor was energetic enough without it. "I need to go to Monterrigioni for a few weeks, Zio Mario insists I come and start learning more about running the villa."

"When will you leave?" Leonardo asked, his heart sinking, in the past year they hadn't had much time together. He had hoped with Emilio's downfall that would change.

"In two days, I thought we could spend some time together before then. I feel I've neglected you caro mio." Ezio pressed a kiss to the corner of the artist's lips, chuckling as he felt the corners turn up in a smile. His hands which had been passively clasped just above the artists belt slipped upwards to start undoing the clasps holding the outer tunic together and down to untie the laces of his breeches before slipping a hand inside. With a moan Leonardo arched back into the assassin, Ezio biting down on an earlobe.

"Ayy…I do believe…Dio…we should retire amore." All but tossing the artist over his shoulder the assassin hurried them off to their private chambers and the comfort of their large bed. Laying his lover down on the bed Ezio crawled on top of his to straddle the blonde's hips.

"I saw the way your patron was looking at you" the assassin whispered, pressing his lips to the underside of Leonardo's throat, sucking on the sensitive skin, "you are mine caro, and I shall mark you as mine for all too see."

"Green is not a pretty color on you amore" the artist said breathlessly, running work hardened hands down the younger man's sides, deftly undoing the clasps on the assassin's armor. Sitting up the assassin tossed the heavy armor away along with his tunic and cape.

"Perhaps a limp would be better."

Arc 2 – Principessa Mia

She snuck out as soon as she heard Ezio come home and say where he had been. Putting on the new black cloak she had made to shield herself from the strong ocean winds and frequent rains she headed out into the night. It had been many years since she had last walked these streets, but somehow her feet had a firm memory of the terrain. She wanted to see him, if only just to glimpse him from a distance. It would give closure to her memories and allow her to move on.

As it started to rain the young woman brought down the hood effectively hiding her face. The streets were mostly empty now that the rain is coming down, but as she got closer and closer to the Dorsoduro life returned to streets as men and women indulged themselves in the pleasures of the flesh and wine. Even the guards seemed pleasantly lulled by the lusty atmosphere of the district.

"Oh! Antonio! You've come back to visit" Lucia pressed herself against the wall as she heard the prostitute's call. Peering carefully around the corner she saw a well dressed man surrounded by several scantily clad courtesans. It's been almost ten years since she last seen him, but she recognized him without fail. The same unruly dark hair and fair skin, even if he has grown a moustache since she last saw him and his face is more angular.

"Ma certo bella mia!" Antonio croons, wrapping an arm around the courtesan's bare shoulders. Lucia had seen enough and prepared to leave for Leonardo's workshop and the solitary comfort of her own bed.

"Ciao bella" a voice said from behind her. Turning on her heel she was face to face with one of the guards, "what is such a lovely creature doing here alone?" She could smell the wine on his breath, he must be off duty as well as drunk.

"I was just leaving. I need to get home" she started to walk away, but a large gloved hand bit down on her wrist, preventing her from moving away.

"Stay a while, it's been so long since I've known the tender touch of a woman."

"Please, I want to go home, my master will be displeased if I'm late." The guard scoffed and pressed her up against the brick wall, the other hand pushing back her hood.

"Fuck your master."

"I am a servant of Maestro Da Vinci!" She whimpered, hoping Leonardo's name would do something, "he has powerful connections in Venezia and Firenze! He'll have you thrown in prison." This only made the guard laugh harder.

"Give us a kiss bella" he leaned forward to press greasy lips to hers as she remembered the small kitchen knife she kept tucked in her apron and sliced across his cheek. "You bitch! I'll kill you!" He backhanded her, knocking her to the ground. She screamed as loud as she could, praying someone, anyone would hear.

The thief had been lounging in Teodora's parlor, enjoying the fawning attentions of several of the Madame's prettiest girls when he heard the sound of someone screaming. Teodora didn't seemed bothered, it was not uncommon to hear screams in the night.

"I should go make sure everything is alright" Antonio said as he rose to his feet, checking the sword strapped to his side.

"It's probably just one of the courtesan's first night" Teodora sipped at the herbal tea, unperturbed.

"No, sounds like someone is being killed." Antonio exited the brothel, and searched out the source of the noise. There was a guard, drunk by the unsteadiness of his movements hovering over a woman, he might beat her to death if no one did anything. Removing his sword he came up behind the man and plunged the blade through the first and second vertebrate in the neck. He gripped the slack body to make sure it fell to the side instead of on top of the woman. "Are you alright signora? Did that idiota hurt you?" She was covering her head, afraid to look up. "Signora?"

"Don't touch me" she shouted as she pushed herself to her feet and ran. Antonio was momentarily stunned, could it be? But she…he had seen…

"Lucia!" he called, but the falling rain had obscured her from his eyes, she was gone again.