TMWolf: Aaaand time for a new chapter guys! Not much excitement here, so it's kind of a filler, but there's some important stuff introduced and set up, so, y'know, gotta have it! Hopefully ya'll will enjoy the banter ;) Lots of Catzio time this chapter, heehehe. Oh:

SO I HAVE A PRETTY DECENT CHANGE TO THE STORY THAT I RECENTLY DECIDED ON. YOU DO NOT NEED TO GO BACK AND READ, BUT ESSENTIALLY I DECIDED TO CHANGE THE "GODDESS" TO A "GOD". THE WOMAN CATHERINE SAW IN THE CLOCK-DIMENSION THING IS NOW A MAN. I HAVE MY REASONS FOR CHANGING, BUT THIS IS JUST TO LET THE READERS KNOW SO THEY ARE NOT CONFUSED LATER ON WHEN ITS BROUGHT UP AGAIN.

As I said, you don't need to go back and re-read to understand, so carry on :p

Per usual, how I write the canon characters is based upon my interpretation of the canon.

Also per usual: thanks so much for the reviews! I really do love hearing what you all have to say and what you think is going on, and I'm always happy to answer questions, so don't be afraid to ask! xD

Lastly, this chapter's title is from the Titanic movie's soundtrack - A Life So Changed.

Now enjoy!

24 – A Life So Changed

July 8, 1477

Monteriggioni, Italy

Catherine made a short yelp when the mercenary's fist hit her cheek. It wasn't terribly painful, but she felt it and staggered a single step back. Blood pooled into her mouth, which she spat into the grassy dirt. Her anger flared, but she cooled it immediately—or at least as much as she could. Anger would get her nowhere so she forced herself to focus. She recalled the split seconds up to the punch and saw her error; a misstep. A missing of the man's movement. She had been too slow to react. She should have kept her knees bent more to be ready to dodge at any moment. Next time, she would do better.

The mercenary charged towards her, and she leaped low, using her arm to brace and skid to his backside on her knee. She lunged forward, ramming into the back of his leg. He made a garbled sound of surprise as he dropped down on his own knee. She popped up to wring his head back by the hair, wrap an arm under his chin, press it hard against his neck, and then used her other arm to lock it into place. The man tried to stand, but she quickly brought her legs around to lock over his and then her feet under. He struggled, trying to grab at her, but she buried her head into his neck. He pulled at her hair and it hurt, but she just grit her teeth and held fast. If all he could do was grab at her arm or hair, then he wouldn't make her let go. He rolled some, trying to pin her or put too much pressure, but she held fast, and waited as the long seconds passed. She grit her teeth as her arm ached against his pulling, trying her hardest to keep the pressure. She just needed him to start going limp or for Mario to call it, but it was taking so long!

"Enough."

Relief flooded through Catherine, and she released him, falling back. She untangled her legs so he could roll over, coughing some. She would never have really let him fully choke, but he needed to feel it, and that gave her some pride. Finally she was starting to get some victories, and this was just one of those few. It had taken nearly a month of working—with a lot of help from Ezio, Mario, and Ottavio, of course—but she was getting better. A lot better. Her focus was stronger, and she rarely got into a blind rage. Oh, she faltered every so often, but she was able to use different moves like her choke hold to win her matches. It was a painstaking process, but it was worth it. She felt so much stronger than before already.

"How—how's your neck?" she asked the man, whom coughed as he rubbed it.

"Better before you did that. Little sneak," he grumbled, but not with malice. He was a good tempered man, and didn't seem to mind losing to a woman. Of course, most of the men remaining didn't seem to mind—not like Emilio had. His influence had lingered and caused some to leave, but those that remained were good men. She felt at home among them; like they did just see her as one of their own, and that helped, too.

"Hey, now you know not to let some tiny guard do that to you, eh?" she chuckled as she briefly leaned back on her arms, and then stood up. She held her hand out to the man, whom rolled his eyes, but took it with a grin.

"Knowing you, it'll be far easier to avoid a guard," he hummed as he got up, and then they both looked to Mario.

The older man nodded, "Well done, Catherine. Good, quick thinking and use of your abilities. Gasparo, we will need to work on getting out of that, but good work keeping her on her toes. You are both done—step out and rest for now. You may return to the Barracks early if you wish. Catherine, you will be needed after."

"Sir," both replied, bowing their heads and placing a closed fist over their heart. She and Gasparo headed out of the ring then, the redhead heading over to the wall near the stairs where a familiar young man was grinning at her. She raised a brow as she smiled knowingly back, and spun on her heels to lean against the wall beside him. She folded her arms over her chest and glanced up at him.

"What're you so happy about? You still have to fight Ottavio, and you can't beat him."

He just grinned more, "I am just happy to see you happy."

"Oh my God. You realize how cheesy that sounds right?" she laughed, and he paused for a moment, thinking.

"'Cheesy'…? Oh! You mean too sentimental. Right. Your little sayings are always so strange," he laughed lightly. "And no, I don't think it sounds 'cheesy' at all. Why wouldn't I be happy for you?"

"Well, I guess when you put it that way it works… but still. I mean… I should be like this, anyways—you've worked hard to get me here and all… even if I hate you for always beating me," she huffed slightly.

"Now, now, you've won a few rounds. No need to pout," he teased, poking at her. She pushed him back playfully with a chuckle.

"A few. But that's fine. I still make you work for it."

"Indeed. The bruise from yesterday still hurts," he pouted this time, rubbing at his stomach.

"Hey, consider it a battle scar. Ladies love those."

"Oh?" he smirked, leaning closer. "I take it that includes you?"

She gave him a look before putting her hand on his face and turning it away, "Calm down, lover boy. If that was the case your scar on your lip would have be weak in the knees all the time."

"No wonder you always stumble a little during matches."

"Pfft. More like I'm startled by how ugly your face is."

"Oh, kitty-'Cat, don't lie to yourself. I've caught you looking."

"So I know where to not punch and make it worse—wouldn't want to cause the ladies of Monteriggioni to suffer, and all."

"Even if I wasn't so handsome, they hardly suffer. I could elaborate for you—perhaps later?"

"Elaborate? On how you make them laugh? Then I am already well aware," she snorted, though smirked right after. He smirked back.

"Oh, but there is so much I can teach you. You are still so innocent, after all," he winked, taking her hand to kiss it. She sent him a quick glare before she pulled her hand free and lightly "slapped" him on both cheeks.

"I may be 'innocent', but I'm not naïve. I know very well what you can 'teach' me. Wouldn't you rather teach that one young lady, though—the one that keeps wanting to see your room?"

He waggled a brow, "Is that jealousy I hear? You know you are more than welcome to visit. I would gladly show you how comfortable my bed is."

"Are sex jokes and innuendoes the only comebacks you can make? Because they're getting a bit stale—or should I say flaccid since you seem to only ever understand that kind of thing?" she mused, turning towards him, arms once again across her chest.

"They're the best way to fluster you, although it seems you are well guarded today. Perhaps I should increase my efforts," Ezio mused as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "What to do, though?"

"How about you hold your horses, buster?" Catherine laughed, shaking her head. "For one, even if you had a chance with me, you and I have no time for romance. We're busy training, remember? Besides, you're not really my type."

"You keep saying that, but I can't help thinking you're lying," he grinned like a fox. "After all, I never see you flirting with the other men."

"Who says I'm flirting with you?"

"Catherine, please. You are a terrible liar," he replied, grin widening.

"And you are delusional," she hummed back, though despite herself she was smiling a little. Her cheeks were a bit warm, too, but she chose to ignore that for the most part. It was hard not to get a bit flustered when he was flirting with her like that, after all. Who wouldn't, though? He was a charmer despite her denial, and he had the looks to back it up. That, and she liked the attention. None of the other men flirted the way he did, and even when they had tried it hadn't been the same. Maybe. Sometimes she believed she chose to ignore it, but maybe not. She wasn't sure. She just knew it was getting harder and harder to deny she liked Ezio more than she should. Perhaps a lot more. Even dangerously so. She couldn't help it, either, no matter what she told herself. She was only so thankful she could use training as a distraction in the end—at least until he started to tease her again.

"Well, if this be an illusion, then it a good one," the young man purred, giving her that smile of his. She wanted to smile, but she managed to roll her eyes instead.

"Time to wake up, though—we're in the middle of training here and all," Catherine mused, giving him a look right back. He made a dramatic sigh as he rolled his eyes this time and leaned back against the wall once more.

"Ah, you always must ruin the fun. You are lucky I am so stubborn."

"Pfffft. Or what?"

"Well, I suppose I would have to stop vying for your attention—and you wouldn't want that now would you?" he winked, and though she meant to say something witty she just ended up laughing and shaking her head.

"Good grief… just watch the matches like you're supposed to, Ezio. Otherwise your Uncle might make our other training a lot tougher, and God knows he'll make our Assassin work tomorrow just impossible."

He winced briefly, "Ah…I supposethat is true… but do not think you are rid of me so easy."

"You really are stubborn aren't you? Or have all those ladies out in the city finally seen through your 'charm'?" she replied with a wry smile.

"Perhaps they simply just do not interest me as much, or perhaps I like the challenge."

"Oh, so that's it, huh? You just want the challenge? I'm a test for you, mm?" she barked back as if angry at him, although she wasn't—not really. She knew he didn't mean anything bad by it, but it was just too open for that. Also, she quite enjoyed the guilty and awkward look that came over him.

He rubbed the back of his head, "No—that is—that's not what I meant!"

"Uh-huh, well you just lost this 'challenge' then. I was this close to kissing you, too," she smirked, holding up her fingers so they were just centimeters apart.

"Catherine, you should not tease a man like that," he huffed, pouting severely now. Catherine just laughed, and even had another bit of wit riding on her lips. It was cut off, though, as another person joined them at the wall, leaning against it.

"Well, well, aren't you two just a sight for sore eyes? And by that I mean you make me want to gouge them out," Ottavio snickered, head turned towards them. "You two should just get it over with already. Everyone already has bets anyways."

"Wait—what!?" the redhead hissed, smacking the man's arm. "They're betting whether or not I'll sleep with him!?"

"Well, not quite that, but if you did I would win my bet," he grinned, and laughed when the redhead smacked his arm, her face as red as a tomato.

"Then you better pay up to the other guy because that won't ever happen!" she snapped, folding her arms tightly and pouting fiercely.

Ezio frowned worse than a scolded child, "Do you truly find me so repulsive?"

"You—you're just not my type of… guy!" Catherine grumbled, sighing with some exasperation. "You're too… frivolous, or whatever. You can't take anything seriously for more than like five minutes, and then you're a total flirt! Besides, I'm busy training and focusing on work! I don't have time to deal with little boys!"

Ottavio sighed with a grin, shaking his head, "You're either a shrew or you're like the Lady Auditore then. Ezio, you must help me win my bet!"

"I assure you I am trying!" the young man laughed, and Catherine was left to throw her hands up in frustration. She promptly called them foul names, which made them laugh more, and she continued to huff. She refused to talk them after that, although that lasted only perhaps a few minutes before she was smiling to keep her laughter at bay and she had a few smart retorts come forth soon enough. Of course, all the while she was reminded of how she did feel something for Ezio, and all the talk kept giving her hope—a lot more than she wanted or needed. She chose to not think much on it, although she knew it would come back to the forefront of her mind soon enough. She supposed that was better than her doubts that had plagued her a month ago, but she wasn't sure. Of course, she was never sure about that aspect of life.

'Alright, you, focus on the training,' the redhead sighed mentally as she ignored the playful jabs sent her way—something about being a tease or what not, and how she was breaking Ezio's heart. There was no need to take it seriously, to be honest. It was just teasing. Sure, she and the young Auditore did it a lot and "flirted", but it wouldn't go anywhere. Even if they actually wanted it to, it couldn't. Despite her hopes, she had to remind herself that Ezio still wanted to leave once training was done. The thought hadn't actually come up for a long while—especially not once they brought in their Assassin training—but she had seen maps. She had seen him asking merchants about roads. He was still vying for it, although she liked to think he was considering staying. Maybe. She hoped he would.

Of course, even if he did stay, it wouldn't change anything.

'And there you go thinking about it. Shush, brain. Focus on training. Not focusing on the bad stuff is good, but this stuff is not helping so enough,' she grumbled, wishing she could smack her mind and make it forget all that stupid crap. Honestly, it was really only so bad because of that one day Ezio had knocked sense into her, and he'd been at her side whenever she needed it. Once things got more like how they had been before and they were doing more of their own thing it would go back to normal. She would be able to stop thinking about it.

"You can stop giving him tips—they won't work," Catherine snorted when she heard the Captain trying just that.

He chuckled, "Hey, I have a bet to win—and I got some decent coin on it, too."

"Oh good Lord. I can't believe you're going to try and play match maker," she sighed, rolling her eyes.

"Well, I don't mind," Ezio smirked, and Catherine gave him a look for a moment before shoving him away. He laughed as he stumbled slightly.

"You have some odd tastes, Ezio—I never knew a man that enjoyed such punishment."

"What? But you let Mario beat you all the time!" the young man replied with a snicker.

"It's because he's too thick in the skull, now can we please stop talking about it? My non-existent affections for Ezio are not what we're here to work on!" Catherine groaned, rubbing the bridge of her nose.

"Alright, alright, I suppose we can let the little one have her peace. Just come by later, Ezio, and I'll give you some more pointers," Ottavio winked, and the redhead's mouth creased into a thin line.

"If Ezio tries anything 'new', I am going to punch him you both."

They just laughed, but the teasing settled. It helped that the last few fights were going on, this time with the new men. Despite Emilio's lingering influence, there had been new recruits. They still had more losses than gains, but they were eager to learn and become stronger. So far they were doing well enough and didn't mind the punishment. As usual, most were shocked to see her training, too, but once the other men just shrugged and went with it, so, too, did they. Thankfully, none of the other men minded her presence, so it all went fairly smoothly. Now she only pitied the men going through the rigors of beginning lessons. It would get better after the first month, but still.

Their rounds never went too long, so once the newbies were done, that was it. Mario gave the call to end the lessons, and now it was time for Catherine and Ezio to do their thing. Their teacher had started to include some of their Assassin work in the final part of training. They still focused solely on the hidden blade and assassinations in the morning, but the evening involve mixing all of their training: sword, blade, and hand-to-hand. Some of the other men stayed to watch every now and then—especially some of the new ones since she and Ezio used moves most weren't used to—but tonight they were alone save for Mario.

"You ready?" Catherine asked as she adjusted her hidden blade and rolled her shoulders.

He nodded, adjusting his own, "As always."

"Good… and look at attention; he's about to speak," she replied, gesturing with her eyes towards the older man outside the ring. He was smiling at them, which was a good sign.

"You are both making fine progress! Today, along with continuing to work on your attacks, I am going to teach you how to position yourself more properly in battle. Where you stand and how you move can make all the difference. So far you have displayed a good, innate ability, but it is not yet perfected. So, let us begin—work to get behind your opponent's guard; dodge at the last moment to throw them off, and so forth. Listen closely, and try and do as I say," he began, and the two listened attentively to his words. He explained it in troves and by the end of it, both were sure they would know what to do. It wasn't all that different from what they were doing, but it was certainly refining it and giving them more to work on. As such, they got started relatively quickly, and soon both were working to maneuver and back off and get into position as needed. It was after only a few minutes, though, that during a pause Mario chuckled suddenly, grabbing their attention.

"What?" Ezio inquired, not sure if he should grin back or not.

"Oh, it is nothing… only, I have not failed to notice you picking apart my library. I trust you believe me now?"

The young man paused, flushing a little, "I—yes. My father was an Assassin, although I suppose I have known that for some time. I believe I understand it after reading so much, but this secrecy… why so much of it?"

"You are familiar with the Templars, yes?" his Uncle asked in kind, and Ezio nodded, noting Catherine had mentioned them as had the books. "As they should. To put it simply: they are one of several Knightly orders formed during the Crusades. History teaches they disbanded nearly two-hundred years ago in France. Only, they were not—merely pushed underground where they continued their nefarious work."

"Catherine has mentioned some kind of 'work' as well, but what is it they do exactly?"

"Isn't it just… don't they use politics to control the world, right? Or try to?" the redhead added, and Mario nodded.

"Indeed. They seek dominion over Man. And we, the Assassins, are sworn to stand against them as I have told you before."

Ezio frowned in thought, "So… Uberto… he was one of these men."

"Yes, he was," his Uncle replied grimly.

"And the other names on my father's list?"

He nodded again, "Templars as well."

"That means Vieri… I would not think it, and yet…"

"He is just like his father, Francesco. It is likely the entire Pazzi family are Templars."

"Could that be why Vieri hated you so much? He knew about your father?" Catherine asked, but Ezio shrugged.

"Perhaps, but we have been rivals since boyhood, too. His father and my father would know, but Vieri? Still, it is no wonder he chased us down when we came here."

"That…would make sense. If it was just a rivalry he wouldn't bring all those guards, either."

"Indeed… this explains a great many things," the young man sighed deeply, shaking his head. "I know my father was an Assassin, but it is still so hard to believe he was doing all these things—fighting against all these men."

"Your father was a great man, Ezio, and you could very well become as great as he was or more—you take after him more than you know," Mario smiled warmly, and the young man returned it.

"He'd be proud of you," Catherine added, touching his arm. His smile grew a bit brighter as he gave a quiet "thank-you" in return.

"Indeed… and you must continue to make him proud," his Uncle chuckled, motioning for them to continue.

"Right, right—need to focus on training. I guess I should listen to you more, kitty-Cat," he mused, turning to the redhead, whom raised a brow.

"You're just now figuring that out? Guess I need to beat you up a bit more. What do you think, Mario?" she asked as she got into stance.

"I think you both need to get at it before I show you both how it is to be beaten by a real warrior," Mario laughed, and the other two just grinned as they got to work.

-O-

Catherine sighed as she hopped out of the ring, rubbing the back of her neck. She was a little sore now, but that always happened right after. She'd be fine by dinner time, and she was happy to say she'd done a good job. Oh, she'd lost most every round, but she'd gotten one or two wins in, and she had kept Ezio on his toes. Once that would have still made her mad, but now she took it as it was and took pride in how much better she had gotten. It wasn't nearly as much as she would like, but he was taking what she could get.

She glanced over at Ezio, the young man dribbling with as much sweat as she was. He wiped it away as he rolled his shoulders, nursing the blow she'd landed on his back. He gave her a grin when he noticed her watching, and she just rolled her eyes—with a smile, of course—and headed towards the Villa. They were done now, with some time to spare before dinner. Mario had been including cardio in their morning training, and they jogged anyways, so there was no need for it in the evening unless they felt like it, which wasn't often anymore. It was all just exhausting, although they managed to wake up and get to it every day. Thus, they only had to wash off and wait for a good meal and then do whatever else they liked. For Ezio, that generally meant reading up on his heritage or going about the town, and for her it was mostly relaxing, but sometimes she went out with the young man. Tonight, she had a feeling she might stay in.

"What do you think Ghita is making tonight? I'm hoping for something with chicken," Catherine hummed as they ascended the stairs and made for the door.

"That sounds good, although I'm always up for anything that Ghita makes—especially after training like that. Got me good back there on that last one," he winced slightly, rubbing at the spot again.

"Sorry?" she grinned, and he just chuckled back. "Hey, just consider it payback for all your wins today. Anyways, come on. You just need a bath and you'll feel better."

"You know what would make me feel even better?"

One glance at his cheeky smirk was all she needed to know what he was thinking, and she shoved him playfully in response.

"Next one is a smack, not a shove," she snorted and brushed right by him inside. He snickered the whole way, and Catherine was only spared more antics by the timely arrival of his sister. The young Auditore made to embrace her brother, but then stopped mid-way as she caught whiff of him, and promptly avoided him. Ezio pouted briefly before laughing, and refrained from trying to hug her back.

"I take it training went well then? You both look like a mess, after all," she mused, glancing between them.

"You know us so well," Catherine snickered.

"Indeed; our sessions have been going good. You might even join yourself one of these days—Uncle Mario is very good at what he does," Ezio added, but his sister scoffed heavily at the idea.

"Do not even try, brother; you know what my answer will be. Besides, I would never do any sort of training with a man who dared to think to subject me to such torture!"

Her brother exchanged a look with the redhead, "'Torture'?"

Claudia sighed dramatically, "Well, I was discussing with Uncle Mario about things to do since I can only sew so much and it is getting rather droll around here, so he suggested that I work. Can you believe him? He wants me to work for the city—keep finances or something! It is outrageous!"

"Well, I mean, that's not a bad idea," Catherine mused, but then promptly held up her hands for peace when the young woman glared. "I just mean that, Mario could use help with that, and maybe we could finally get some things repaired around here! Your dad taught you about money and finances, right?"

"Er… well, yes. He did, but this is not the work of a lady."

"You are bound to be the most qualified, though; even I never got the hang of father's banking work. Why do you think he had me running errands all the time? You should do it, Claudia—we could use your sharp tongue and stubbornness to get this city up and running."

She raised a brow, "I am not sure whether to consider that a compliment or not… but… ah, I suppose I could… consider it, but I doubt I will do it. Besides, we will not even be staying here for long anyways, right?"

Catherine had to work harder than she thought to hide her disappointment in that. It wasn't a great deal of it, but enough she didn't want it to show. Instead, she put on a happier demeanor, reminding herself that of course they would be leaving still. Ezio had said they would, and evidently this place wasn't enough to make them stay.

"You can still do some good while we are here. Come, surely you must have some ideas. Perhaps a new business? Or more merchants?" Ezio pressed, and his little sister sighed.

"Well, I suppose I have thought of a few things," she mused, trailing off in thought. When she saw their expecting looks, she flushed a little and continued, "Er—that is… well, I thought, perhaps… well, the brothel…"

Her brother barked with laughter, "You wish to open the brothel?!"

"Oh, be quiet! I knew this would be foolish!" Claudia snapped, her flush deepening. Catherine frowned at Ezio, smacking his chest.

"What? I was just—it was funny! I never thought my sister would suggest such a thing! I certainly do not mind it!"

"Of course you don't," his sister huffed with a glare. "But it is not for your benefit, I assure you. I happened to find old records, and the brothel brought in the greatest amount of coin in the city's golden days. Opening it would surely attract more customers and merchants, which would increase our profit and allow more shops to open, further increasing our income for other things—like more repairs to the Villa. Of course, we may have to open shops first to get the money needed for the repairs—the brothel is rather costly."

"You know… she has a point. I remember talk of how the brothel used to be packed back in the day. If we got it fixed up and someone to run in, we might just start getting more people to come here with their business," Catherine shrugged. Ezio looked to her, a flicker of surprise in his features. He then looked to Claudia, whom appeared pleased to have the redhead agree with her.

"When you put it like that, it does sound like a very good idea… I never knew you were so wise in these things. The town will be forever in your debt if it works—especially the men," he laughed, and despite the lewd joke, his sister smiled in reply.

"And their coin will make the city happy."

"Well, then what are you waiting for? You should tell Mario you want the job and get started. You obviously have what it takes to run the place," Catherine told her, but Claudia's confidence turned a little shy once more.

"I… I do not know…"

"Give it some time," the redhead smiled, grasping her shoulder gently. "Think on it and what you want. It's your choice, and all. So think hard and choose what you want to do. No matter what it is, it'll be fine."

Claudia pursed her lip, "I… will think on it."

"Just do not keep us waiting too long in anticipation," Ezio smirked, to which he received a "look" from his sister.

"Oh, yes, let us not keep you men waiting for your whores," she snorted, rolling her eyes. "Ah, but I will think on it. Even if only for a little while, I suppose it is something to do. But, that is a matter for later, and you two need to wash off. You smell terrible."

"Do we now? How about we share it then—maybe it won't be so bad!" Catherine grinned wickedly as she opened her arms to embrace the young woman.

"What—no! Stay away!" Claudia shrieked and promptly backed away. The redhead just laughed loudly and went after her, forcing the young woman to flee up the stairs. She didn't follow up, and Claudia turned around to stick her tongue out at her. She might act like she was above it, but the young Auditore was all too likely to act like the young girl she was. Of course, it was all fun and games, and so the redhead kept on chuckling as Ezio approached, snickering as well.

"It is good to see her finding a place here. Father would be proud to see her doing this work—taking up that mantle of his. He would have preferred Federico or myself, but…" he sighed softly, though still smiled.

"She'll do great if she does it. But what about you?" she asked quietly. He looked at her, a little confused, and she sheepishly rubbed the back of her neck. "Um… well, I mean… Mario is training you as an Assassin, and those men on his list… have you… considered maybe… seeing what he was on to? Taking up his work?"

"I…." he began slowly, folding his arms. When he did not answered again for a few moments, guilt gnawed at her. She shouldn't have said it. It was a cheap trick, too. She was hoping he would take it up—that he would stay. She didn't want him to leave, although it would be good if he continued the work. He could stop a lot of bad people and help keep the world safe. At least, she told herself that was also why, but she knew it was more-so her own selfish wish. As such, she watched him carefully as he closed his eyes, breathed in slowly, and let it out just as slow. "I admit that I have… entertained the thought. The men he was after… I do not know them all, but… they must be terrible if my father saw fit to have a list of them. And I'm sure Mario would agree—he may even know them. And then Vieri is on it, and we have been enemies. It almost seems right, and yet…"

"It's your choice, too. I mean… I think it would be good if you did… but… you know," she replied, eyes falling some. She shouldn't push him—right? He had to do what was best for his family, and what if this wasn't? What if she was just being selfish?

"I know… I just… Like my sister I need to think on it. Things are so… so different. Everything has changed. Before coming here I would never have thought I would be here doing these things, saying these things, thinking these things… even Claudia has changed so much, and I am still not sure if it is good or bad."

"Well… I guess… Yeah, think on it… but… if it helps… I think things have changed for the better—for both of us. You've grown a lot since you got here. You're definitely a lot stronger, and not just physically," she smiled, and he returned it briefly.

"As have you... and perhaps you are right—perhaps it had been for better. I guess only time will tell, but first I must finish training. You would think after all this time I would be almost done, but Uncle always has something to teach us it seems."

"Oh, yes. I've been here just shy of a year now—actually, it's been a year since we've met," she chuckled lightly. "Anyways, what I mean is that even after all this time I'm still learning, and we're both learning all these Assassin techniques as well. By the end of it, we'll be able to take on armies on our own!"

He stifled a laugh, "That's for sure. Ah, but I still have time to think, and there is still much to do. I don't know yet what is the best choice… but I will. One day."

"Well, I'll support whatever decision. Just make sure you make the one you think is right," Catherine replied, touching his arm. Ezio looked to her, and grasped her hand gently.

"I will try," he spoke softly, giving her a small smile before sighing dramatically. "Claudia was right about one thing, though—we do smell. We should wash off. Shall we conserve water and do so together?"

"That was your worst attempt yet. Looks like I'll be wasting water today like always," she hummed, walking right by him.

"Don't you at least want to know what you're missing out on?" he called out, grinning with a waggling brow.

"I've seen your chest before when you take your shirt off," she mused, turning at the top to face him.

His grin widened, "I didn't mean my chest—although I noticed you quite liked that little show."

"I mean, it's a nice chest, but there are better. Sorry, Ezio, but it takes more than a pretty face to woo me," she hummed with a wink.

"You must give me some hints then—how else might I garner your favor?" he implored, holding his arms out to her.

She leaned on the railing, brow raised as she grinned, "Oh must I now? Well, seeing as I love to disappoint you, I'm afraid you'll just have to figure it out yourself, which means you shooould give up. I mean, really, you keep persisting even after all my hints. What's with you?"

"I told you I like a challenge."

"Oh, is that all then? Well, consider this a challenge beyond your capabilities," she hummed, shifting back and forth.

"You know that makes me only want to try harder."

"All the more fun for me to reject you," she winked, but he only rolled his eyes with a grin. She sighed as she pushed up. "Anyways, you and I both need a bath—separately, mind you. So go on and get washed, have some good food, and get ready for more training tomorrow."

"Yes, Mario," Ezio smirked, and she laughed all the way to her room. There she closed the door behind her, leaned against it, and sighed a little.

Life had certainly had changed here. She knew hers had changed for the better, but Ezio's doubts made her own about him grow. Was his life getting better? She thought it was. However, as they both knew, only time would tell, and she hoped he could see it was better despite everything.

Unfortunately, all they could do for that was wait.

24 – End

TMWolf: Aaaaand chapter done! Hope you all enjoyed that Catzio fluff. It's not as often as I'd like just yet, so there we are. Oh, and then Claudia there you are. Acting all like you.

Speaking of... so you may have noticed I introduced the idea of Claudia running the finances of the city. Some of you may wonder why. Well, as we all know the game skips 1.5 YEARS during the training montage with Mario. In the book, Claudia and Maria were in a convent, but in the game is shows them just being there, so I ultimately decided to keep them in the city. However, I don't think Claudia would just sit there doing nothing for that long, so I decided to introduce her running the city much, much earlier. This also means the "repair/reconstruct/improve" concept of the game happens a lot earlier, too.

I find it works very well, so expect Claudia to start whipping things into shape and for her to start growing :)

And as for the two dorks... well, they still have a looong way to go. Lots of drama-llamas and other things, but they're kinda getting there. Catherine finally semi-admits she likes him ;p

That should be it for this chapter, so prepare for some more set-up for big changes and stuff! :'D

P.S. Ottavio really does have a bet on them... as do the other men, tee hee.