I'm definitely still a bit shaken up from last time, that's for sure. The moment I stepped out of the wardrobe that afternoon I fell to the floor sobbing. It took me a few days to recover; which I used to catch up on some notes I'd missed that morning. Life was tough for a bit, and in the end I called my mom to help fix things, but I am now back in Italy, cruising the streets.
It's earlier than it was during my last visit; the sun is higher up, yet still threatening to set momentarily. My camera is in better spirits, beeping happily at me when I press the 'off' button. Today was good. I had to wake up at nearly six in the morning to document the afternoon rush, but that's not much earlier than usual for most people. I managed to snap some real good shots of busy Florence today.
However, even as I'm on my way back to the decrepit alley, something catches my attention. A breeze tickles the air, swirling my hair around my ears and causing me to glance up at a waving flag. A red and gold blanket with a half-eagle, half-lion creature upon it. I've seen that symbol before…
Omigod! Isn't that the Auditore crest?
With renewed curiosity, I turn away from the portal home and move closer to the Auditore banner. To my right, I notice another flag down the street, and approach it as well. It's almost as if someone's left a trail of them…
Echoed words reach me above the din, "No, I don't think so."
That is one familiaaaaar voice right there. I halt.
"What about her, though? She could be cute."
"If she hadn't so obviously colored her hair, perhaps."
Whaaaaat?
"You're too picky, Ezio."
OMIGOD EZIO? AND FEDERICO? WHERE?
I need to find these boys. Fast. Now. While my camera is still conscious.
Bubbly excitement gripping me, I follow the amused voices bouncing off the tall Florentine buildings. Before long I've reached the busy intersection where they originate, but don't quite see the infamous brothers anywhere… I frown and take a seat on a bench, hoping maybe some of the rabble will clear. Or maybe they're part of the rabble? No, their voices are too loud and clear for that…
"So her, maybe?"
"I tire of this, Federico! Why is it always my turn to choose?" Ezio sounds so indignant… Don't fangirl or the sweet old lady sitting next to you will think you've been possessed by the devil and kick you off or something!
"Because, baby brother, I've already picked my favorite."
"Really? And who is that?"
OMIGOD OMIGOD OMIGOD THERE THEY ARE! I CAN SEE THEM! Ezio and Federico are loitering around that corner, next to the weird poster! They're staring out into the crowd or something…WOW!
Must. Reach. For. Camera.
"I don't think I can trust you to keep a secret. If Padre finds out, the scene may become ugly."
Ugly? You, Federico? Never.
Uhhhh why does the stupid thing take so long to turn ON?
"He doesn't seem so opposed to Cristina and me."
Are they like…Aware that their voices are carrying through the whole district?
"Just because you throw every notion of discretion out the window doesn't mean I will, tartaruga."
FINALLY the dumb thing is on! Ok, ok, ok, don't get too excited…Crap, how do I aim the camera without anyone noticing?
"Oh, like you're any better. Besides, at least I actually get somewhere with her. When was the last time you were with a woman, eh?"
Do I need to get closer or something? I don't think they'd notice me…They're conversation is too…Engrossing.
Ick.
"Just pick someone already, bene?"
Ok…If I use the running-person option (my camera has an old-fashioned dial with pictures on it. I don't really know their names, but the running-person picture is for use when you're in a car or moving very fast), I can get a quick shot…But the sun is almost gone. Will the lighting be ok?
Oh man, Ezio's expression is priceless! He's just pulled one over Feddy! PICTURE TAKE!
"*click*"
The old lady is looking at me funny but I GOT THE PICTURE!
Wait…
Memory…view images.
AW NUTS!
THE LIGHTING IS HORRIBLE!
NOOOOOO GODDDDDD!
My face drops and my hands catch it. Nooooo! How could this happen? All you can make out in the picture is two figures, and one of them is partially shadowed! No one would ever believe it was authentic, even if I did try to post it!
…Sniff…
Ok, only one thing to do. I have to get another one. But the lighting must be better this time. Which means two things. One, I must get closer. Two, I must turn on the flash.
Easy, right?
Ok…Ok…let's do this.
"'Scuse me," I say to the old lady as I stand and brush off my skirts. I hide the camera in my pouch and nonchalantly stroll down the street, moving directly into the Auditore brothers' crosshairs.
As Ezio continues to search for tonight's stand in, I, of course, am completely ignored.
Maybe I should be happy about that. I mean, I know the guy's destined for greatness, but to be honest he's kind of a sleaze-
-that I would kill for a picture of.
Sometimes life has you do weird things.
Alright, so now I'm directly across the way from them. Problem is, there's no bench for me to sit on and I can't exactly stand right in front of them and say 'cheese'.
Or…Can I?
Is there a way to take a picture in plain sight? I back up, bumping lightly into the doorframe of the building behind me. If I use the flash from here, I should be fine. But they'll definitely see me…
But I'll have the picture.
And besides, I'm a nobody to them. I'll be forgotten in like…Five seconds. Probably less, since Ezio's in lady-mode. Ewww… Federico though. He's a toughie…that guy has a brain in his head, despite the rumors.
Meeeh, I'm sure they won't mind a little paparazzi.
"Ah, I've found her!" Ezio exclaims as I switch the wheel from running-man to moon-and-stars (night mode- helps the camera compensate for poor lighting).
"Va bene, point her out."
Aaaaand, aim…
"The girl in the red dress over there, with the dark hair?" He points.
That's it, Ezio, pose, POSE!
"Someone has a fascination with the color-"
"*click*"
Woah, woah HEY! HEY! The camera flashes about four times, startling me. But more importantly, it's also startling everyone within ten miles of me!
Suddenly, the screen goes blank and the scope retracts.
"What?" I hiss to my trusty machine, "What the hell was that?"
"Federico, what was that?"
"It came from over there." Um…Is Federico pointing at me?
Wait, is Federico even looking at me? Um…Blushies…
"Hey, you! Aspetta!"
Ooookay, turn around, shuffle away like you didn't hear anything time! Maybe I can meld into this group of monks over here…
"Hey! I am speaking to you!"
OH SHIZ HE NOTICED!
RUN FORREST RUN!
Running in a long skirt = hard. SHUT UP BRAIN! NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR LOGIC!
"Federico, she's running!"
What's left of their exchange is lost after that. My heart is pounding in my ears and a wild grin splits my face as I barrel towards my alley. Ezio is certainly faster than me, but I don't think he's following. He wouldn't follow without his older brother's consent.
Finally the small pathway falls into view. Panting, I slip inside and throw myself against the wall, resting. I slide down it and listen carefully for the thumps of sprinting feet.
I don't hear any footsteps, but I do hear slightly heavy breathing…and two familiar voices.
"Did you catch her?"
"No," Ezio swallows, and I peek around the corner to see them standing in the street, conversing. Ezio straightens.
"What was that burst of light? Some sort of weapon?"
"Relax, Ezio. It was probably nothing. A trick of the dusk, perhaps…"
"I don't know…" Geez Ezio, since when have you backed down from one of Federico's yarns?
"Well, whatever it was," Federico continues and slaps a hand on his brother's upper arm, "it's not going to stop you from meeting your date, right? The girl with the red dress and dark hair?"
I can't really see his face, but I can hear the smile in his voice as Ezio replies, "Of course, of course."
In my lap, my camera makes a beeping sound. I smack the 'on' switch and the scope deploys once more.
Memory. View images.
YES! OH YES YES YES! THERE IT IS!
Huh…In all honestly, I thought it would look more like two people cosplaying Ezio and Federico…But the resemblance is even better than I'd hoped. The lighting came out a bit darker than I would've preferred, but it's still completely useable!
Phew…I nearly got-
Wait. Hold the phone.
Zoom in 25%...
Oh man. No way man. No way.
CURSE YOU RED-EYE!
-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-
A few tiring hours later, I'm back home running the picture through my red-eye removal program for the fifth time. They still won't come out. God, this isn't even like a THING for my camera! One out of every ten pictures comes out with bad red-eye, and even then my program can remove it.
But this time? Nope. Nothing. Technically the pictures can still be used, but I should get better ones. Besides, these weren't the best quality anyway.
And why the hell did it flash four times? I need to get that adjusted or I'll be hanging for witchcraft faster than I can say 'oops'.
I bet most girls don't have that problem. Heh, I'm so unique…
So fine, tomorrow morning I can get better prints. But still…Ezio almost caught me that night. What would've happened if he had? And if he'd seen my camera? What then?
There's not much in the way of explanation for devices that Italy wouldn't see for another five hundred years. And whatever I did tell him, he wouldn't believe.
Besides, what exactly would I tell him in the first place?
No, he can't catch me. Not an option. But I want those pictures so bad! UUUUuurgh!
"Kinda feel like it don't make sense! Cuz you're bringin' me in, and then you're kickin' me out again wo-oh, wo-oh, wooo-oh, woh-ho!"
Phone grasp.
"You got me." I mutter.
"Helen?"
"Yo, Sof."
"So what planet have you been on for the past six hours? I've been trying to call you…"
"I'm touched."
"Ha-ha. But really, where did you go?"
I pause before explaining to my best friend Sophie that my phone had only been switched to off when it hadn't. Here I was, agonizing over the fact that I couldn't get close enough to Ezio to photograph him…When the solution has been before me all along!
"Sof, do you think you could come over?" I ask slyly. Ohhh, she's gonna hate this. Hate this with a PASSION. Sophie is a very shy individual who crushes on anything with two legs.
Not that I can talk, I guess.
"Come over?" She repeats, and I can hear her frown, "I'm sorta busy. Babysitting, you know."
I sigh, "Well when do you get off?"
"Mmm, couple hours, maybe?"
"Sophie, I need you to come NOW," I say, groaning loudly, "Bring the kids if you have to. Believe me, this is not something you want to miss."
"It's just one kid, and Becki's gonna be mad if I don't watch her!"
Becki is Sophie's older sister. I can only assume the child is Alyssa, Becki's two-year-old daughter.
"You can't bring her, or anything?"
Sophie sighs into the phone, causing me to wince.
"Look, I'm real sorry to be a bitch and everything," I say quickly, "But I wouldn't do this if it weren't important. I have something I need to show you. In person."
Silence.
"Please, Sof? I'll let Alys eat my cookies!"
"Fine."
"YAY! I love you you're the best friend in the world!"
"This had better be worth it, Helen."
