Mio Dio this chapter is short. More would have been added, but I just don't have the time right now. Anyways, many thanks to my reviewers, you guys are absolutely amazing. Oh and quick poll, anyone have a favorite character in this story so far or one they would like to see more of?

1480 Firenze – Weeks later

"Lucia! Lucia" Ezio called finding her kneading dough in the kitchen, "have you seen Leonardo?" Ezio had been in Monterrigioni for the last week meeting with his uncle and was most eager to return to Firenze and Leonardo. Though the artist had kept insisting he was fine when Ezio had left, the assassin had still wondered about the well being of his friend and sweetheart. Not that he expressed concerns as anything more than a devoted friend. As brave and brash as Ezio is, he isn't ready to have his heart dashed to pieces.

"What am I? His keeper?" She said wiping a spot of flour from her face on her soiled apron. "He went to Vinci for a few days to take care of some business. I thought he would have told you of all people." Ezio felt a bit hurt that Leonardo had not.

"Must have slipped his mind" trying to wave it of, Ezio started rummaging through the pantry for any extra food that might be lying around. Lucia watched this with a bit of amusement, the sad puppy look in the assassin's eyes has told her everything. The silly boy has finally seen what he wants, now he just has to admit it.

"Yes, well as slippery as his mind is, I thought he would have mentioned it. Even that little stronzo Salai knows. But maybe it's a good thing you're here, you'll keep me from killing him before Maestro returns." Ezio chuckled as he found some cheese and an apple, taking a seat to watch Lucia work her magic in the kitchen. "Ser Ezio, may I speak plainly?"

"Don't you always?"

"No jokes Ezio, what I tell you is serious business." Her tone lost its normal sarcastic edge, clean and diplomatic. He instinctively straightened up at that. "My Maestro is very dear to me, not just as my employer, but as a friend as well. I love him with all my heart and would rather myself die before harm comes to him. Take care of him, please"

"I promise" Ezio said, confused over her words, thinking she might have found out his little secret heart ache, "I already love him more than myself. Is everything alright?" She gave him a sad smile. He is not quite ready yet for what she is asking of him, but at least he is making the effort to be understanding. He isn't ready for that particular leap of faith just yet.

And maybe, someday she can tell him everything as well. How she has come to learn that sometimes it is only in our most broken of states we truly see what is most important to us. Sometimes, saying good bye opens the door to a new life. But today is not that day.

"Everything is alright Ezio. Someday, you will understand why I am asking this of you. For now, you are being a nuisance. Get out of my kitchen, go for a walk, take the little bastardo with you."

Side Story – For now, Forever

Because some things do last for all time.

1499

"I will come back Leo, promesso" Ezio presses a desperate kiss to his lover's lips, praying for all he is worth that this will not be the last.

"I know, you always do" Leonardo whispers, trying to remain calm for Ezio's sake even though inside he is ready to break down and cry. Why must this burden be so heavy on Ezio, why couldn't Rodrigo just do as old men do and die on his own. Why must Ezio be the blade?

"For now, and forever"

2012

Evan is visiting his uncle in Venice so he can start learning about the family shipping business. He has been given the day to explore the vast floating wonder and has gotten lost. He has somehow ended up in the San Paolo district as opposed to the Castello that he was trying to find. Frustrated he sits down one of the many docks and takes out a crudely drawn map his uncle has made him. Annoyed that it makes no sense no matter what angle or direction its turned he crumples it up and tosses it into the water.

"You look lost" a heavily accented voice says behind him, looking around him, Evan sees a tall blond guy with a sketch pad tucked under his arm.

"How did you know?"

"I noticed your….map. Where are you trying to go?" Evan shrugs. "Nowhere? That's fine, would you like a tour of the city?"

"Sure, why not" rising to his feet, "I'm Evan by the way."

"David. Come, I'll show you where they celebrate Carnivale."

"So, you an artist or something?" asked Evan, pointing to the sketch pad.

"I've always wanted to be one, I'm still learning" he showed a few of the drawings he has finished, mostly random people and birds, "after all, art allows us to see what has been, what may be and what could be."

"For now and forever" Evan says, not knowing why he has chosen those words. David looks at him strangely, as if remembering something he had long forgotten.

"Indeed, for now and forever"