TMWolf: Aaand back in action. Well, I guess technically right on time, but I definitely finished writing late this week. Blame my friends-they know who they are hehehehe Anyways, next chapter up and this one brings to to a head all what's been bothering our dear 'ol protag and set up the next chapter, which is going to be fun! Right, soo... don't think next chapter should be late or anything, so on to the next bits.
Reviews, which are you guys are so awesome for!
Dobby: hehehe, I maaaaaaaaaaay have been hinting at that... since Flynn and Ezio are totally the same, hahaha. And thanks a bunch! I hope I continue to do good by you! xD And always happy to provide ;)
Right, so this chapter's song is from Coldplay - Talk. It's pretty fitting... in both title and lyrics, so there you go ;)
Now on to stressed Catherine, yeah!
08 – Talk
July 20, 1476
Florence, Italy
A gentle shake on the shoulder stirred Catherine from her mostly dreamless sleep—she thought she'd seen the God man, but it was gone as she opened her eyes to see the dimly lit figure of Annetta. She whispered something about needing to wake up and get going, and the redhead made a sound of acknowledgement as she looked to the closed window and saw only the faintest of light trickling through. It could have only been the wee hours of the morning, which wasn't right; she got to sleep in until the sun was farther up when she was with Maria.
"Annetta, why did you wake me up?" she yawned, her body practically screaming and begging her to stay in the bed and keep on resting, but she slipped out anyways.
"Lady Maria will be busy today and cannot see to you. Giovanni asks you train with Federico instead. He will be waiting in the courtyard," the maid replied, bowing her head respectfully and then leaving the room. Catherine sighed, though grinned a little when she remembered how the maid used to try and help her dress. She had put a stop to that pretty quick, much to Annetta's confusion—except when it came to her gown. That she needed help with, but trousers and vests? That was easy.
'Well, here we go,' the redhead rumbled silently as she stretched herself and made for the chamber pot in the room. She honestly had to say she disliked using it and that it was pretty gross since she couldn't flush—although she supposed the servants throwing the waste out could technically count—but she was getting used to it. It never took her long, really, to get used to new situations. However, she figured she might never get used to not having the simple things she'd always taken for granted back home. She certainly missed lights and running water everywhere—especially warm running water. Baths just weren't the same. They were warm at first, but once it was filled, that was it. She also missed the Internet—missed being able to chat with friends or check out artwork or reads comics and stories. She missed TV, too, although she only really used it to pass the time when she wasn't busy unless there was a new show, and she was pretty busy here.
Since she wasn't with Maria, she changed into her boy's clothes once she'd finished up and got her hair into a ponytail, and was relieved to be in the shirt and vest, and especially the pants. Sometimes she thought it was weird she was wearing clothes that the brothers once wore, but it was better than the other option. She also preferred her boots, which she slipped on with ease, and then hurried into the hallways and down the stairs. Since it was so early, she wouldn't have any breakfast—not until after she'd finish with Federico—though it wasn't long before her stomach rumbled a bit. If there was one really great thing about this place, it was the food. It was always perfectly made, although she wasn't sure how comfortable she was about her growing taste for wine. It was kind of all they had to drink really, since the water wasn't always good. Drinking laws were very different in the past, too. Very different.
"Hey, 'Rico," Catherine yawed as she reached the courtyard. It was a little humid already, so this morning wouldn't be as fun as it could be.
The young man smiled, "Good morning, Catherine. My apologies for having you join me on such short notice."
"It's not your fault," she waved at him. "Anyways, shall we get going? The sooner we get going, the sooner it will be breakfast."
"Always so eager to break your fast," Federico laughed and turned around so he could begin climbing the siding of their house. She recalled his mother disliking the action, but they were never really punished for it, and the older woman was asleep, so up they went. The redhead paused to gaze out at the rising sun, golden light just barely peaking over the horizon line and orange tiles of the city. The sky was lit in a glorious canvas of yellows, reds, purples, and blues. In the distance she could hear some of the city already coming to life, but she was pulled away soon enough. She had training to do after all.
Federico brought her to a less populated part of the city—in particular to a large, flat rooftop that gave plenty of room to move around, and was apparently where he and his brother would spar as well. They didn't compete as much anymore, but now that they were there it would be made useful once more. To begin with, the elder Auditore removed his top tunic, leaving him in his looser, white undershirt tucked into his belt. Catherine, like-wise did the same. At first she'd been a little uneasy for fear her bra might show, but the older brother had not-so-subtly hinted he couldn't see anything. If he had been Ezio, she would have kept her vest on, but she trusted Federico, and it honestly made movements easier.
"How are you feeling today?" the young man inquired as they prepared, and she shrugged.
"Mostly just tired right now, but you did wake me up early."
"I did apologize," he grinned sympathetically.
She grinned back, "I know. But I'm still going to tease you about it. I mean, I can't just tease Ezio, and you hardly ever leave yourself open."
"Ah, a bad habit then, I am afraid—one I do not think I can break," he snickered as he fixed his sleeves, making sure they were up to his elbow.
"And you call yourself the fun one. I'm starting to think you're actually boring, 'Rico. If you don't spice it up I just might actually prefer your baby brother over you."
"Luckily for me, I know you dislike his antics far more than my 'boringness'."
"Tsk. Damn. And here I thought I could outsmart you."
"I would not be a very good teacher then… although you have proven very resourceful. You may yet manage to outsmart me."
"Now, now, I'm not falling for that false sense of security. You're trying to make me mess up," she snorted, giving him a quick glare.
Federico laughed, "It seems you found me out already. Ah, but that is enough banter for now; we need to get started. We'll be doing the usual: just try and hit me and do not get hit yourself."
"I'll try not to ruin that pretty face," she winked back with a grin, making him laugh some more.
"Luckily for me, that is not my only asset," he mused before lunging forward suddenly, striking out with his fist. She lurched back to avoid it and then threw her leg up to hit his side. He grinned wickedly as he wrapped an arm in a vice grip around the limb, holding her there. She rolled her eyes as he gave her that "I-told-you-not-to-do-that" look, and he made to throw her down, but she quickly grabbed his arm, twisted her hips, and pulled him down with her. She hit her knee a little hard, but he hit hard enough to loosen his grip, too, so she quickly rolled up just as he did.
"If I have a huge bruise on my knee I'm blaming you," she mused as she threw a punch at his face, which he ducked and then rammed his shoulder into her gut. She grunted and then groaned as she was thrown backwards and forced to roll over her head. Wrestling instinct saved her—she pushed with her shoulder blades and hands to her feet. It was done just in time, too. Federico threw a punch, which she just narrowly avoided. Gritting her teeth, she rolled out of the way and got back into stance, arms up to defend herself. Her opponent walked around her a bit, no doubt trying to throw her off her game, but she was as ready as she could be.
A final step and he rushed at her, swinging from the left. She back-stepped, and then threw her own from her right. Of course, he side-stepped with a smirk and moved to wrap arms around her neck in a choke hold. She managed to get her chin down so he couldn't press too close into her neck, but he had her. She grasped at his arms, but he was a lot stronger than her, and she hadn't yet found a good way to get out of it.
"Do not waste time on the arms, Catherine—either ram your heel into my foot or leg, or shove your elbow into my gut. If possible, try and head-butt me as well," he explained, and she let out a sigh.
She smirked a moment later, though, "Yeah… or I could hit you in the balls—that should work, too, right?"
Federico promptly released her, hands up as he laughed and backed up quite a few steps. She smirked before rolling her neck and shoulders, and doing a few little hops. Round one was done with her mistakes made and solutions found. That was how it usually went, although she thought she was doing better. Maybe.
"Your punches are still too slow, but your dodging has improved. Those fancy moves of yours are also quite useful," he hummed, no doubt meaning her twisting and rolling up.
"I would teach you, but I like having at least one thing on you," she chuckled before looking to her arms, which were a bit scraped up. "We really need a better place to spar."
"No place better, and think of this way: the better you get, the less scrapes you will have, no?" Federico replied, and after a short pause, she mumbled an "I guess". He chuckled lightly. "Well, if you are ready, let us go again—and watch out using your legs. You should only use them when your opponent is completely open, lest they catch it as I did."
"You're lucky I never catch yours—I'd have you on underneath me on your back pretty fast," she snorted, only to raise a brow as he smirked cheekily.
"I never knew you were the dominating type, Catherine. I am almost tempted to let that happen."
She rolled her eyes with a laugh, though flushed a tiny bit, "Please don't tell me you're becoming like Ezio—I thought you were a gentleman."
"Where do you think Ezio really learned how to woo women?"
"So you've been teaching him wrong this whole time?"
"Well, only half the time," he winked as he got into stance.
She copied him, snickering, "You're awful."
"I am merely an older brother. Now come. We will miss breaking our fast at this rate."
Catherine just shook her head with a grin as she threw the next punch.
-O-
Catherine rubbed at her cheek, the flesh sore after Federico had hit it. He hadn't actually meant to and apologized profusely, but she wouldn't have blamed him anyways. It was their last round, and they were both tired and getting a little too much into the fight. It couldn't be helped; since they were fatigued she was starting to finally catch his mistakes and the frustration just built up until blows weren't held back. She made a small misstep and he'd clipped the cheek. It wasn't fully on, but it still hurt and she'd be nursing the sore spot for the rest of the day. Thankfully it hadn't bruised yet, so she didn't have to make any excuse for the other children. Giovanni she never had to make an excuse for, not that he was at breakfast long enough. He had to leave to the bank, and with him went Federico and Ezio, both of whom had chores to do.
That just left her, Claudia, and Petruccio, but the daughter only paid her a little mind—she wasn't as nasty anymore, but still indifferent—before heading off to spend time with her lady friends, and Petruccio, much to his dismay, had his lessons. Thus, Catherine was on her own.
Which was weird.
She hadn't had a day where she'd been on her own since coming here, and she wasn't so sure she liked it. It reminded her too much of when she was trying to sleep—when there was nothing to occupy her mind. It let the dangerous thoughts come in and run wild, and she couldn't have that. As such, she'd quickly tried to find something to do, but came up with nothing besides drawing. That by itself, though, was not nearly enough to keep the thoughts at bay. It did remind her of someone else, however, and so she found herself as she was now: walking through the streets with parchment and tools in hand. Thankfully, she got no looks when she dressed like a boy and was glad for it. She honestly hated the looking.
Catherine smiled as she reached the particular door she was after and rapped three times on it. She heard the familiar clutter of something being dropped and a curse, grinning with amusement. She counted off the seconds and, as usual, her favorite artist opened the door right on cue. He blinked with surprised and a bit of confusion.
"Ah—well, ah, hello! To what do I owe the honor, young man?" he asked, and the redhead almost let out her laugh.
"Leonardo—it's me. Catherine."
The young man blinked again before recognition appeared in his eyes, "It is you! I did not—you are dressed so differently, and then your hat! I hardly recognized you! Come in, come in! Let me get some drinks or something."
"I ate not long ago, so no worries, and it's a good thing you didn't recognize me; that's kind of the point of me dressing like a boy," she snickered as she followed Leonardo in, shutting the door behind her, and venturing over to his work table. She set her things down there in what little free space he had and happily flopped down into the near chair. "I hope you don't mind me coming over. I was hoping to draw or paint a bit. I might back at the Palazzo, but it just… ugh, I don't know. I don't feel inspired there or something."
"I told you are always welcome here. I could use someone to speak to of my latest ideas. I have written things down, but I still struggle with it," he sighed, shaking his head as he motioned at the paper before him, scribbles and drawings all over it. She came to stand next to him, looking at it, and noticed the pictures resembled landscapes, particularly that of rocks and mountains. She also realized his letters weren't written normally, yet she understood them. She didn't dare tell him, though; no, she feigned innocence to not seem suspicious. There was no way he wouldn't find her being able to read Italian backwards without trouble odd.
"So… we have… mountains then?" she asked, and the artist folded his arms with a nod.
"Yes, the Apennine not far from here. It is not quite accurate, as is just a simply sketch I did it from memory, but I just had to work on it when a thought struck me: just how did they come to be?" he began, throwing one hand up and then rubbed his short beard, face set sternly. "Our doctrines state God made it so, but it just does not fit! I cannot be satisfied with God's will! No, there is something else at work here; something deeper; more concrete; more real. I just—I simply cannot grasp it yet!"
"Well, what exactly is it that you can't grasp? How the mountains were formed?"
He sighed, "Yes? No! Well… perhaps? I am still uncertain. But… I think that it is. How could they be formed if not by God's will? What could cause such great formations to come to be? And how does it relate to the eroding of the rocks and how the land has steps, as if they were made to be walked on, yet it matches the moving of the ea. There is something there to connect it all, but I cannot yet find it…"
"Hmm… well… maybe there's some… force—some huge force, be it God's will or something else, pushing the rock of the mountain up? And maybe that movement makes, uh… the sea move, too? Something like that?" she tried, doing her best to not reveal too much. She actually knew exactly what he was trying to figure out: plate tectonics. He was so damn close, but she couldn't just tell him. It would create too many questions and history said he found it out himself. She had to make sure she didn't mess with the timeline since he was pretty much the one thing he knew about Renaissance Italy.
"A… 'force'… like… a push? Something pushing… perhaps… the Earth? The Earth pushing against itself like… like this!" Leonardo suddenly gasped and grabbed a piece of paper. He placed his hands on both sides and then pressed them together, causing the middle to push up—not unlike how a mountain would be. The artist laughed, throwing up his hands with delight. "Aha! Yes! That is it! A 'force'! Oh, Catherine, you are a genius! That is exactly what is or—or must be! And perhaps the moving of the Earth's surface causes the sea to move and rise as well and that would make the steps I have seen and just—ah! This is wonderful! Catherine, I owe you greatly, my friend!"
"Hardly. All I did was say a few words. You would have found it out on your own soon enough. Besides, have you looked around your workshop? It's pretty obvious who the genius is. Although I am very happy to help you find your genius," she grinned and moseyed on back to the chair.
"Perhaps, but it would have taken longer without you being here. I really must thank-you."
"Leonardo, it's fine. I'm just happy to have someone to talk to about, well… normal things, I guess. Things I 'get', anyways."
"And you know I feel the same," he smiled softly, though frowned with a hint of concern as he tilted his head. "You are… uneasy with the Auditores?"
"Huh? Oh—no! No, no. Not them… it's just… well, um… this place… it's not… home. I'm just home sick really. New place, new things to get used to. Your place is the first I've had where I can actually be more like how I am without feeling like something is expected of me or worry about what people think over something I did," she sighed, slumping down, and picking up her parchment. Some of her doodles were on there—things she'd always liked drawing back in her own time; story ideas and characters and such.
"I... understand—at least the part about worrying what others think. I have had my own share of troubles with that… but, ah, never mind—do not mind me. Rather, if it helps, feel free to draw and paint as much you like. My workshop is yours to use, although I may ask for your help if another idea comes to mind," the young man chuckled, and she managed to smile back.
"Thanks. I appreciate it."
"Anytime, my friend. Consider it repayment—even if you do not think you deserve any. Now, come; let us work. I do have a painting to finish, so if I could perhaps have another favor… do help keep me on track. I get distracted so easily…"
"I'll try my best," she chuckled and started to sketch a bit. "Go ahead and talk if you want—I'm pretty good at drawing and talking at the same time. Also, don't feel you can't worry about yourself around me. I don't mind letting someone vent to me—especially if they consider me a friend."
He chuckled, "You are too kind, Catherine. But, ah… this is a matter best left forgotten. Preferably completely so. I thank-you, though."
Catherine withheld raising her brow, and nodded instead, "Of course. Now, let's both get working, shall we? If I remember right, this patron is one you've kept waiting a week now, yes?"
"Ah, er… yes. They are, ah… becoming rather… frustrated. I shall see to it then," Leonardo mused a bit nervously as he headed over to the piece. The redhead just snickered and let him get to work, though was all too happy to speak with him as he did so; talking of his idea of plate tectonics, and rising sea levels—not that he got it quite right, but he had the idea. When that was taken as far as it could go, he would explain his potential alterations to his flying machine or mention a theory about how light worked; something on changing it because what was taught now was just still did not capture life properly. He spoke of his architectural ideas and how, again, he hoped to do more direct things for the world, but still did not have the proper "means" for it.
Like before, it was a bit of peace she had been missing for a while, although this time she found herself still missing parts of it. Her mind would wander into a dullness or her head would nod as weariness ran rampant through her body. Of course, she could never doze off; no, she maybe spaced out for a bit, but she'd always jerk awake or just open her eyes again as some stupid notion came to mind. It was a curse, she swore it was, and she didn't know how to be rid of it.
Yawning and rubbing her eyes she looked over at the artist, "Sorry, Leonardo—what was that?"
"I was just curious as to what you have been drawing… and it seems I have been boring you," he chuckled, and though he obviously wasn't offended, she winced anyways and quickly shook her head.
"No, no—I'm not bored. I'm just tired. Some mostly sleepless nights is all… and I haven't really done much—just dumb doodles. Not much creativity in me today," she yawned again as she let her head fall back and legs splay out.
"Ah. I am afraid my home is not much of help today, is it?" he smiled back a bit sadly when he walked over to her. Catherine sighed.
"Which it shouldn't. I mean, this is only about the fourth time I've been here, but it's been great and I love talking with you… I just… ugh. I don't know. Maybe I have an artist's block—you know, a lack of inspiration."
"It happens to the best of us. Perhaps if you took a stroll? I tend to find my inspiration when I go out and look upon the world," he offer gently, and she finally looked back at him. She thought on it for a moment before letting out a deep breath of air.
"Maybe. It's better than just sitting around here getting nowhere, I guess. Sorry I'm kind of a letdown today."
"Nonsense. You are a great help. Now, allow me to help you and shoo you outside. Come back tomorrow or whenever you feel you are ready…. Although, perhaps not too long—I will no doubt need your aid soon. My mind simply cannot remain quiet."
She chuckled as she stood up, gathering her things, "And may it never be quiet. You wouldn't be you otherwise. I'll try and come back tomorrow or the day after—it depends on what I'm doing. You may just see me in a dress again."
"I am happy to welcome you in either," he snickered in return and said yet another goodbye before walking her to his door and letting her free. Once the door closed behind her, she groaned slightly. As much as she wanted to take Leonardo's advice, she knew it wouldn't help her. Her mind was just too cluttered and too tired to go around looking at nature, and she wasn't even sure that would inspire her. Most of her inspiration honestly came from reading stories or watching movies or listening to music, and while she had the first of those at her disposal, they weren't the same ones. Most were historical or religious-based texts rather than fantasy or futuristic stories. Of course, it was much more than just a lack of inspiration, but Leonardo couldn't help with that and neither would strolling about.
So, with a heavy head and heart, she made her way back to the Palazzo. She was glad it was a short trip; she didn't really want to potentially deal with anyone, although going back to the house was a bad way to do that in the end. She knew she was bound to be bothered, but where else could she go? She certainly couldn't go off on her own, either. She didn't dare trust herself, and she had a feeling Giovanni wouldn't like it.
Once again, she was stuck.
As always—with no way out.
The red-headed young woman paused just inside the courtyard of the Palazzo, gazing around at the statues and intricate architecture, and let out a pitiful sigh. She sat down on the bench nearby and had her head fall back against the wall. There were just too many questions—most of them depressing—for her to think about, and she didn't have enough distractions to keep her busy.
"Catherine?" a voice cut through her melancholy state, and she jerked slightly as she realized who owned the voice.
"Er—yes, Giovanni? Sorry, I was, ah, just relaxing out here," she flushed, deciding to not meet his eyes at the moment. She heard him make that thoughtful rumble of his, and dared a glance. He didn't seem mad, but she wasn't always sure with him.
"Would you care to join me in my office?" he inquired, and a flicker of dread went through her. What had she done now?
"Of course," she replied, though it was more of a pitiful murmur. Still, she did not disobey him, and followed after the man into his office. Once again the room felt small and dark, and she felt even smaller sitting in front of his desk. Giovanni, however, was far more relaxed as he lounged back in his chair, watching her with this unusual smile. She'd seen it a few times when he was with his family having a fun time, but there wasn't generally a lot of fun in this room. Oh, they'd had some decent conversations. She'd talked a bit about the future with him, although not too much to avoid saying anything she shouldn't, and they discussed her good progress and such. It was nothing like when he was with his family, however; not that she expected him to.
"May I see your drawings from today? I saw the one of Claudia, and it was very good. She is quite fond of it now, actually," he began, holding out his hands, and she gave the parchments to him. He nodded with approval as he looked over them. "You have skill, and my wife tells me you are spending time with Leonardo da Vinci—her favorite artist. I take you two have gotten along well?"
"Yes. Or, I think so. He seems to like me around, and I enjoy it there."
"I am glad. As my wife says, it is good to have outlets. I take it you just came from there? A bit early to be back, no?"
She rubbed the back of her neck, "Umm… yes, the last time I was there I stayed longer, but, ah… I'm a little distracted today."
"Something troubles you," he mused, and she knew it was not a question.
"It's nothing serious—just… a little stressed. That's all."
Giovanni eyed her, "Is it? Though I am old and work keeps me busy, I am not blind, Catherine, nor are my wife and son. They have seen how you are. Federico has mentioned that, while you have progressed, it has slowed recently. You tire more quickly, and you are sluggish. Maria has mentioned you seem tired as well, yawning more often or losing your train of thought. I have not failed to notice something is wrong, and since you are under my care and your well-being is of importance to my work, I must ask: what ails you? I would not have a guest—especially one of your circumstance—be ill at ease in my home."
Catherine watched Giovanni closely, biting her lip first and then her tongue. How was it she was always so easy to read? Or was the older man just that good? No, Federico and Maria had noticed, too. She knew Ezio knew with how they kept meeting late at night. She didn't think she was that easy, but what did she know? She could hardly think right anymore, and this man and his family were those of Assassins. Still. She honestly didn't want to say anything—it might just get her in more trouble. What with her performance obviously failing, which she had promised wouldn't. He was probably furious about that, and he would take no lies or brushing off. God, she wanted to disobey him for once, but in the end her tongue loosened and she began to speak.
"I'm… lost. And stuck. That's… that's what it feels like anyways. I don't know what I'm doing here, Giovanni. I don't come from this place; I'm not used to how everything is here or how to be. I miss everything from home. I don't even belong here. And then… and then I don't even know why I'm here. How the hell can I be of any use? What the hell was the God-Lord or whatever he was thinking? Oh, I've got some skills and improved them, but what good are they? Not that it matters in the end, right?"
Catherine sighed deeply as she finished, running a hand through her hair. She had looked away from him during her speech, wanting to stare at anything that wasn't him. She just couldn't bear to.
"Like I said—I'm just a little stressed."
Giovanni was quiet for a long time before he answered, "So I see… is there… something I might do to remedy this?"
"Only if you can somehow give me things from my time or, better yet, send me back, then no, I don't think so," she chuckled somberly. "You don't know what you're missing living in this era."
"I imagine it is grand, and I have only gotten glimpses of it from you. I am afraid I can only apologize; I am unable to accommodate for you… but perhaps there is something else that I can do?"
"None that I can think of it, to be honest. I thought spending time with Leonardo would do it, but that's already losing its touch. It worked for a little while, though, at least."
"I see… Tell me then…what is it that you would do when you were stressed? Back in your own time?" he asked, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.
She waved her hand, "Um… well, I would do…. Fun things. I don't know… what, uh… shows—like plays, but ah… they're different in our time. In little boxes. Or I'd listen to music—better music than what bards do. Or I'd play games. Also different. I would draw or write, but sometimes I'd go out and have some fun if I could—especially after doing a lot of work. I would just… I would do something. Whatever I wanted that made me feel better."
"Hmm… well, I cannot provide a play or a bard—my wife would have me hanged for the latter—and I take it the games we have are not quite enough, so perhaps… hmm…," the man rumbled, mind working as it always did and coming up with something. She waited on him patiently, barely letting herself hope she might be getting something—anything from it. He kept her waiting longer than she liked, but he finally answered as he set his hands on desk. "Catherine, how would you like to have a day to yourself? You would have no responsibilities. No training, no readings, no lessons, nothing. You may do as you wish—within reason, of course. I would also ask that you not go far on your own unless you have one of my sons go with you. I do not believe you might run off, but I would rather you not get lost or run into danger. I will only need one of them tomorrow, so either is available if you would like to take up on this offer."
Catherine blinked. Slowly. Her mind must have definitely been elsewhere, because what she just heard didn't seem real. A day off? As in, do whatever the hell she wanted and didn't care what people thought? Was it really that easy? Was it really happening? Was he finally giving her leeway? It had to be a dream. A dream in a dream or some other crazy thing. How else could it be explained?
"Uh, ah… that… you… you're… you're serious?"
Giovanni chuckled, "Yes. I am quite serious. I admit I had my doubts, but you have been here about two weeks now and you have shown no reason to doubt your word so far. You have also worked hard and strove to do what was asked despite your situation and all that works against you. It is only fitting I finally give something in return."
"I… just... ah… t-thank-you. I don't—I don't know what to… uh… wow, I actually don't know what to do now. Again," she laughed, leaning back in her seat with a wide grin on.
"Well, you have the rest of the day to think on it, if you would like. Just inform me beforehand so I will at least know where to find you should I need you."
"Right. Right! Yeah, of course. Anything. God, just—thank-you, Giovanni. I mean it. Really. Even if I've proven myself to you this… this means a lot. Really, it does."
"You are most welcome, Catherine. Now, go. Finish up whatever you have left today and then get a head start on your day off," the older man replied, motioning with her hands for her to go on and do as she said. Face brighter than it had been for a while, the redhead took back her drawings, and did just that; making her way to the parlor where she finally found quite a bit of inspiration and drew to her heart's content. At least, until Petruccio found her and shared stories and make-believe adventures for a while before Claudia joined them and they were forced to behave a little. She was not cross with them, but she did huff about as she seemed to love doing around them. Neither really understood why, but it was how it was.
Her happy stupor managed to last all through dinner where Giovanni made sure to warn the brothers she was not to be disturbed tomorrow. Ezio's pout gave her much delight, although she reluctantly promised Maria she would work extra hard on being a lady since she had missed a full day of it. However, she still managed to keep up her demeanor all through the later hours and even to bed, where she was certain she would fall asleep quickly. She would have liked it, anyways; a chance to be able to feel refreshed and ready for the new day.
Unfortunately, Catherine soon realized it was not to be as time passed and her eyes grew heavier and heavier, but no amount of tossing and turning appeased her weariness. No, she was still very much so awake, and she knew why:
She didn't know what to do.
Again.
Giovanni had finally given her some of the freedom from responsibility she'd craved, and yet she was still stuck. What could she even really do on her day off? Where was there to go? She knew the city fairly well by now, yes, but what was there for her to do? She could maybe buy some food or art supplies or even a vest, but that wasn't much fun, and she didn't know anyone outside the family besides Leonardo. All she could really think she might do involved being in the Palazzo or at Leonardo's, but that was just what she always did, and it would not save her from her thoughts. That wasn't what she wanted at all, but she knew nothing else.
So with heavy heart and sigh, she cast a glare at her Clock as she always did—she swore the damned thing silently mocked her—lit a candle, and ventured out into the hallway where she picked up the book she hadn't finished reading last time. The chair upstairs probably had an indent in the perfect shape of her rear end by now, but there was nothing she could do. At least, nothing she could think of, anyways, that didn't involve knocking her out physically.
Thus, she read and read and read, the growing pool of wax and the much lower candle stick her only means of telling how much time had passed. It was quite a few hours, but though she yawned and occasionally her head drooped, she always managed to wake up again. She was starting to think there was no cure for her new insomnia. At least it was a routine, of sorts. She would start reading and near the end she would be disturbed by her favorite Auditore. Sure enough, she heard the creek of wood as he approached.
"Up again?" the oh-so familiar voice of Ezio rang out just above a whisper, and Catherine looked up to find him standing in front of her, much closer than he usually was. She blinked, rubbing her eyes again, and shut her book after putting her make-shift bookmark in.
"Yeah. You out having 'fun' again, I take it?" she snorted, and mentally winced at how it sounded ruder than she wanted it to be. If the young man thought so, he didn't show it.
"Not the kind you are thinking of, but yes," he chuckled softly, eyes never leaving her. "Father said you have tomorrow free."
She nodded, "Mmm. I get to do whatever I want."
"Do you… already have any ideas?"
"Well… not really…"
"Good. You will come with me then—tomorrow, I mean," the young man suddenly grinned coming forward a bit more. She gave him an incredulous look.
"Excuse me?" she gaped a little too loudly, and so lowered her voice as she continued, "There is no way I am doing anything with you."
He gave her a pleading look as he took her free hand in his, "Catherine, please? I promise there will be no funny business or even a flirt or tease. I promise. You will not regret this. I swear it."
"The more you say you 'promise' or 'swear', the less I believe you…"
"On my honor as an Auditore. Just trust me, alright?" he smiled more sincerely, and if Catherine didn't know how bad he could be or if she were a softer girl, her heart might have fluttered. She was not, though, and so watched him carefully for a good long while, thinking as she always did. In the end, though, she sighed and nodded.
"Alright. Fine," she replied at last, but before he could say anything back, she jabbed a finger at him. "But if you so much as look at me wrong, I am leaving you and doing my own thing, got it?"
"Yes, my lady," he snickered before kissing her hand and trotting off before she could say more. He paused just before his door, though, winking. "Get some sleep, Catherine. You will need it for tomorrow."
The redhead just rolled her eyes, but couldn't help smiling just a little. Ezio really wasn't all that bad—he just preferred to be. She did take his advice, though; she had been out for long enough she figured she could sleep, and she probably would need her rest for whatever the trouble-maker had planned tomorrow. So with candle in tow, she returned to her room, gave the Clock another glare, blew out her candle, and hoped sleep would come.
Oddly enough, it did.
08 – End
TMWolf: Whelp, there's stressed Catherine given a day off-something she sorely needs! Better yet, it's Ezio to the rescue! Now you may finally realize why I had all those late night moments, tee hee ;) So yeah, a Catzio (that's the ship name lol) chapter tomorrow that I hope you'll all enjoy!
As for this one... yep. Cat is definitely stressed, and it's finally really getting to her. The insomnia is probably the worst, as it does definitely affect her performance, but can you blame her? Even Leo can't quite cheer her up, although he's the cutest man-puppy ever. Thankfully Giovanni is very perceptive, and he's not a complete jerk! :'D Despite how I first may have written him, he IS a nice guy ID I just wish I had more time to show off how they were, but I like to think the small changes in their moments together may show it.
Anyways, so Talk is done, and a LOT of fun is coming next chapter... as compared to this filler chapter, ha ha. Except a LONG chapter, too! Lots of fun to be had, I promise! :) Also, adorable Ezio coming, so be ready!
P.S. Hope you enjoyed sassy Rico. Just a quick show of what she does, and because Rico needs more love than I am going to give him ;(
