DISCLAIMER!
I do not own Assassin's Creed II characters, Ubisoft does…I'm just borrowing them. Please don't sue me!

Time passed quickly as I became acclimated to living in Renaissance-era Italy, and two months had gone by before I knew it. So much happened in those two months that it was nearly mindboggling.

Maria sat down with me one day to see just how far along my schooling was. Now keep in mind that I had only gotten through my sophomore year in high school, but in this era that level of education was considered extensive for a young woman like me. My knowledge in math and science was unusual, I could read and write in both English and Italian (talk about a plus!), and I also knew how to manage money to some extent.

Maria could only shake her head. "Well, I won't have to bother with a tutor then."

Even though my education was impressive, I'm afraid I was completely lost when it came to more domestic skills. I could cook, but I was used to electrical appliances, not the wood stove. Maria turned out to be an amazing cook, having owned her own bakery in the past, and she quickly took me under her wing. I learned fast and enjoyed every minute of it. She and I would spend entire afternoons in the kitchen, exploring new recipes and whipping up dishes that were greatly appreciated at the dinner table.

Maria had to be the most wonderful woman I had ever met. She was kind, sharp and had a quick sense of humor that never failed to catch me when I least expected it. These sessions brought back memories of when dad and I would mess around in the kitchen when I was growing up. It was the first time since dad had died that I could think of him and smile.

Cooking wasn't the only thing Maria insisted I learn. She had Claudia and one of the maids teach me to sew by starting us on a new dress. Talk about a long and tedious process! I decided that sewing machines were wonderful inventions even though I had never used one. We would spend a good portion of every evening working on my next dress before dinner, and we passed the time by talking. I found myself starting to enjoy making something useful with my own two hands.

Claudia proved to be every bit the feisty girl I expected her to be, but she could be a bit of a drama queen as well. Her current boyfriend, if that word was even usable here, was normally the main topic of whatever she had to say. He was either the greatest man in the world or the worst, depending on the situation. I hoped for his sake that the guy wouldn't cheat on Claudia, because her brothers wouldn't have a problem with bashing his face in.

Federico took great pride in being the oldest of the four, a fact he loved to rub in Ezio's face, but he was also very considerate of his younger siblings and me. He was like the big brother I never had, and it was obvious he held the same opinion. Federico loved poking fun at my height – or lack thereof – and it wasn't long before his nickname for me was piccola. (little one)

Hey, it's not my fault I'm short!

Federico was also seriously courting a young woman from another noble family. Her name was Amelia and she really was pretty with her dark hair and eyes. Both families approved of the match, but I didn't realize how serious their relationship was until I accidentally walked in on the two kissing. Talk about awkward.

Ezio would go to great lengths to dish out any dirt on his older brother when Amelia was within earshot, which involved bringing up Federico's not-so-chaste past. Apparently it was somewhat common for unmarried, and some married, men to sleep around quite frequently. I personally thought it was disgusting, but then again, not much had changed in my time either. I had to admit thought, it was really entertaining to watch Federico try to shut Ezio up in a non-violent manner and still keep his cool.

Now Ezio was every bit the womanizer he described Federico being, and probably more so. I knew he frequently snuck out at night, not to return until just before daybreak. He currently had a thing going with Christina Vespucci, but he also had a thing going with just about every other young, single woman in the area. At first I was put off by Ezio's behavior, but as I got to know him better, I realized that's just who he was.

Ezio flirted with me hardcore for the first couple of weeks, but even as flattering as that was, I made it clear that I wasn't about to be swept off my feet. He finally gave it up, and we started to become good friends. Whenever he was around, my tomboyish nature would come out and we discovered that we had a lot in common. Ezio really was a good guy; he worked hard for Giovanni and cared about his family. He even made an extra effort to watch out for Petruccio and Claudia.

Petruccio, I learned, was sick and very rarely was allowed to go outside. I felt sorry for him, I really did, and I made sure to spend extra time with him when he was stuck in bed. Despite his situation, Petruccio was never bitter or depressed; in fact he was incredibly smart and spent almost every minute of his free time with his nose in a book, showing a passion for learning. He also had this thing for collecting feathers, saying it was for a secret project he was working on. I begged him several time for him to let me in on his secret, but he just grinned each time and said that I would have to wait like everyone else.

Giovanni was employed directly under Lorenzo de' Medici, the ruler of Florence, and ran one of the largest banks in the city. However, Giovanni only worked at the bank if he needed to and preferred to spend most of his time at home. However, his job as a banker was a cover for his true occupation as an Assassin. Recently, Giovanni had been making some "business" trips at the request of Lorenzo, and even though I was morbidly curious, I didn't ask. We hadn't spoken of anything pertaining to Assassins since the day I arrived.

To someone outside the family, Giovanni seemed like a stern business man, but he was really a kind father and husband. He and Maria loved each other; you didn't have to watch them for more than five minutes to figure that out. Whenever they interacted, there was always some sign of affection that passed between them. Giovanni also spent lots of time with each of his four children. On afternoons that were free of work, he would take Ezio and Federico out and instructed them in sword fighting, fist fighting, climbing, and riding. He also doted on Claudia and Petruccio, always bringing them something from his trips.

Now, Giovanni had a streak of mischievousness that wasn't obvious to the casual observer, and he could cause his fair share of headaches for Maria. Once I caught him sneaking Petruccio outside on his back with the most uncharacteristic grin on his face. Unfortunately for Giovanni, he underestimated Maria's uncanny ability to know when someone was up to something and got caught. I would laugh for days at the memory of the smaller woman chewing him out.

So this was the environment that I was slowly getting used to. Now not everything was all fine and dandy; there were more modern things that I missed, like indoor plumbing. I really missed my hot showers. Another thing that was really beginning to get on my nerves was the fact that I was stuck inside most, if not all, of the day. I was used to spending the majority of my time outside fooling around. I told myself over and over that I shouldn't be ungrateful, after all, the Auditore's had given me a roof over my head when I was a complete stranger. But I really missed getting out more!

I tried to keep myself occupied, but I was quickly running out of things to do. Eventually I started reading whatever books I could find to kill time. Most of them were kind of boring, but I did come across a few interesting texts. However, I couldn't ignore the growing pent-up feeling that was either going to make me explode or go crazy. I started to daydream of going outside, so much in fact that I started to grow distant and quiet.

Something needed to change.

It was Ezio who caught me one afternoon. I had my chin in my hand, a book forgotten in my lap as I looked out the window, wishing I could go do something else.

"Daydreaming again, Kiara?"

I was brought back to the real world and saw Ezio leaning against the doorframe with his arms folded across his chest and a grin plastered on his face. I huffed and stood to return the book to its proper place.

"You caught me," I admitted.

"What were you thinking about?"

I glanced at him, but there was nothing in his face that indicated that he was teasing me.

"I was just thinking that it's such a beautiful day and…" I sighed, "I'm so tired of being cooped up here. Don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful to your family for taking me in, but I'm used to being outside more."

Ezio cocked his head to one side. "Why not take a walk?"

I shook my head, "I meant I'm used to being more active like you and Federico. You know, running around, having fun?"

"Hmm…" Ezio was lost in thought for a moment, then a mischievous grin lit up his face. "Do you still have those clothes you were wearing when you first came here?"

"Yes, but what does that have to do with anything?"

Ezio's eyes twinkled with whatever scheme he had concocted. "Go change and then come down to my room. I'll explain there."

I had a million other questions, but Ezio left quickly, and the only way to figure out what he had planned was for me to do as he said. Besides, the prospect of getting out of the stuffy dress I had on was actually quite tempting.

I slipped back to my room and pulled out the clothes I had barely convinced Maria to let me keep. I ran across my necklace and put it on too, glad to have an excuse to wear it. It was a huge relief to get out of those hot layers and into something that was cooler and allowed me more freedom of movement. I snuck down to Ezio's room and was quickly ushered inside. I looked around and couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the mess that met my eyes.

Ezio gave me a sheepish smile. "I apologize for the mess. I've been…eh…busy lately."

I rolled my eyes, but left it at that. "Va bene, now what is this 'wonderful' plan you've come up with?" (Alright)

"Is that sarcasm I detect? You wound me with your doubt bella." Ezio put his hand on his chest and gave me a mock pout.

I shook my head, but I couldn't help the smile that tugged at the corners of my mouth at his theatrics. "Just tell me before I change my mind."

Ezio was all too eager to comply. "It is simple; we will dress you up as a boy and you will be able to roam the city at your leisure."

I was a bit doubtful, "But I don't look like a boy."

"We can change that. Let your hair down,"

With a sigh, I pulled the tie from my hair, letting it fall around my shoulders. Ezio stepped forward and surprised me by running his fingers through the dark strands, carefully studying the different lengths. He pursed his lips and I could almost hear the gears turning.

Finally, Ezio pull my hair back at the nape of my neck and tied it with the black ribbon. The strands were secured, but they were also loose enough to just cover my ears. Nodding in satisfaction, Ezio removed the pins that held my bangs back and messed with those until they hung in two parts on each side of my face.

He stepped back to inspect the progress, but I could tell he wasn't completely satisfied.

"That shirt is not going to work." Ezio said, drumming his fingers against his chin.

I looked down at the green garment. "What's wrong with it?"

"It's a little too tight to pass as a man's shirt. Not that I'm complaining."

I scowled at him. "Pervertio," (pervert)

Ezio smirked, but hopped over a pile of discarded clothes on the floor to get to a dresser. He opened the bottom drawer and started digging through its contents, muttering to himself.

"Now where did that…ah! Here we are!"

Ezio pulled out a small, light gray shirt and threw it to me. "I grew out of this one several years ago."

I caught the wad of fabric and held it up to inspect it. The seams looked a little worn from use, but I decided that it just might work.

"If you grew out of this a long time ago, why do you still have it?" I asked.

Ezio shrugged. "It was my favorite shirt, and I never really cared to throw it away."

He pointed to a small washroom, and I stepped inside to change quickly. The shirt was very comfortable and, to my relief, it buttoned all the way up to the neck and hid the cloth I had tightly wound around my chest. I made sure all of the buttons were securely fastened before stepping out of the small room.

Ezio was pleased, "What do you think?"

I frowned slightly. "It's a little baggy,"

"Yes, it's supposed to look that way. But there's one more thing…"

Ezio handed me a dark leather belt with a square buckle and helped me secure it around my lower waist, then he reached up and lifted the collar from its folded position. Grinning, he pushed me in front of a mirror, and I was surprised by how much I did look like a boy. The loose fabric hid my feminine figure and slender arms, so unless someone looked really close at my face they wouldn't give me a second thought.

"It isn't perfect," Ezio commented, "but it should do for now. We should see if Petruccio has a vest you can borrow."

He took a hold of my wrist and grinned with excitement that was contagious. "Florence awaits, bella mia. Let's go." (my beauty)

We snuck through the house and slipped out the back door. The fresh air was so relieving that I couldn't help but take a deep breath. Ezio tugged at my arm and I followed gratefully. However, instead of walking down the street, like normal people do, he made his way over to a nearby wall.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Climbing. We can see more of Florence this way."

"We? You expect me to climb all the way up there?"

Ezio let go of my arm and hopped up on a small crate. "It is not difficult. Just do what I do."

I had no more say in the matter as he reached up and grabbed a protruding brick. I watched warily as he quickly scaled the wall. It didn't look too hard and the handholds were easy to reach. But still, that was a long ways up!

Ezio pulled himself up onto the roof and then stuck his head over the edge with a rather taunting grin. "Come on then, Kiara. We don't have all day."

I huffed and clambered up onto the crate, wondering if this was really a good idea or not. I grabbed the first brick and braced my foot on a small ledge, pushing and pulling myself upwards. It wasn't that I hadn't climbed before, my high school had a rock wall that I visited on occasion, but I had always been secured in a harness. Knowing it only would take only one wrong move to go tumbling to the ground was certainly nerve-wracking.

Ezio coached me up the wall, directing me to closer foot and toe holds until I was in arm's reach. He held out his hand to me and I took it without hesitation, more than ready to get back on secure ground. He pulled me up onto the roof fairly easily and a wave of vertigo hit me as I happened to look down.

"Whoa…that's a long ways down,"

Ezio put his hands on my waist to steady me and pulled me away from the edge. "You'll get used to it eventually."

I turned my attention back to him and realized that I had a pretty good grip on his arms. Slightly embarrassed, I let go and stepped back, only to notice the breathtaking sight all around me. Florence spread out in every direction and from up on the roof, I could see just how large it was. Momentarily forgetting Ezio, I walked farther up on the roof to get a better look. The architecture was right out of paintings I had seen in school and church steeples pointed proudly at the clear blue sky.

"Beautiful, isn't it?"

Ezio had come up beside me and I nodded. "I never realized how big Florence was."

Ezio shrugged, "It isn't as big as other cities, but it is home." He took my hand. "Come on then, let's begin our tour."

For a good part of the afternoon, Ezio and I roamed the Florence rooftops. He showed me where Giovanni's bank was, where Lorenzo de' Medici lived, and other important buildings. It was obvious that Ezio was used to using the roofs to make his way across town, but I was not. The worst part was jumping from roof to roof when there was a thirty foot drop below. It took Ezio about ten minutes to convince me to jump the first gap we came across, and he avoided them for the most part afterwards.

We eventually took a break just above the main market area and Ezio tossed me an apple that he had no doubt pilfered from someone's stand. I caught it and took a bite, munching slowly as I enjoyed the warmth of the afternoon.

"So, do you like Florence?" Ezio asked as he sat down next to me.

I nodded, "It's beautiful, I love it here."

"Do…do you miss your old home?"

I had to think about that one before answering honestly. "No,"

"Why?"

I looked out over the warm-colored rooftops. "There was nothing left for me when my father died. The only family I had left didn't care about me."

"Didn't you have any friends?"

"One, and I miss her, but I'm happier here."

My fingers brushed the beads of my necklace and I couldn't help but smile. Ezio leaned over and moved the collar of the shirt with his finger.

"How long have you had that necklace? I've never seen you wear it."

"It was my father's, he gave it to me just before he died. I can't exactly wear it with my dresses."

Ezio chuckled, "No, I suppose not."

There was a moment of silence and then he suddenly cursed and jumped up.

"Merda! We need to get back!"

I gasped when I realized how much time had passed and scrambled to my feet as well. I had been so excited to get out of the house that getting caught had never once crossed my mind. Oh man…

We ran across the rooftops as fast as I could manage, but I still came close to heart failure as we jumped across the small gaps. It seemed like a horribly long time before the Palazzo Auditore came into view and the shadows were starting to lengthen.

As we reached the Palazzo roof, Ezio slowed and took my hand, leading me over to a spot that I would be able to climb down. He dropped to the ground first, looking around warily before looking back up and motioning for me to do the same. I bit my lip nervously, but carefully turned and lowered my legs over the edge, reaching for the first small ledge with my toes. Slowly, I made my way down the wall until I was low enough for Ezio to take me by the waist and help me down the rest of the way.

We held our breath for a moment, our ears straining for any sound, and then we each breathed out a sigh of relief.

"I was beginning to wonder when the two of you would return."

Both Ezio and I nearly jumped out of our skin and whipped around to see Giovanni standing in the archway of the courtyard that had been empty just a moment before. His hands were clasped behind his back and his face was unreadable.

Ezio and I looked at each other in abject horror and guilt. We had been caught red-handed, and to make matters worse, I was wearing men's clothing. Giovanni strode forward, his expression stern as his sharp gaze studied us. I felt sick to my stomach, wishing the ground would swallow me up.

"Well? Do you have anything to say for yourselves?"

Ezio swallowed hard, "It was my idea to go out, padre. I helped Kiara find some clothes so she wouldn't be recognized."

"But I was the one who complained," I blurted out, not wanting Ezio to get in trouble for something I shouldn't have done.

Giovanni held up his hand and we fell silent, dropping our eyes to the ground and bracing ourselves for the worst.

"Kiara, if you wished to go out, all you had to do was ask."

I looked up in shock to see barely contained amusement on the older man's face.

"I wondered if you were not used to a more active lifestyle," Giovanni continued, "but sneaking around was not necessary, or effective for that matter. You two make enough noise for four people."

"You…you knew?" Ezio asked incredulously.

The older Auditore chuckled. "Of course I knew. I am not your father for nothing, Ezio." He turned his attention back to me, "The next time you wish to see the city, Kiara, inform me first."

I ducked my head, both in gratitude and remorse. "I will. I'm sorry Giovanni."

The man chuckled again, "Apology accepted. Now, you better change for dinner."

Giovanni left, and Ezio and I gave huge sighs of relief.

"Well…that could have been worse," Ezio said, giving me a lopsided grin.

I was nearly trembling with relief as we left the courtyard. "I don't think I'll ever figure him out. But now I know not to go along with anything you scheme up."

"Me? You were the one who complained!"

"You came up with the idea."

"You didn't have to go along with it,"

I couldn't help but laugh as Ezio and I bantered back and forth. It was like we had known each other for much longer than two months. He grinned back at me and ruffled my hair.

"Next time, we'll work on your climbing skills. You'll be scaling the tallest building in Florence before you know it."

I snorted, but the thought of getting out more had improved my mood drastically. "Yeah, sure."

"I mean it, Kiara; you're a natural, even if you do refuse to jump from roof to roof."

"Hey now, being cautious is a healthy thing."

Ezio chuckled as we hurried back inside. "So they say,"

Merda - Sh*t

A/N – Ok, I had a little more fun with this one, even if it is about as long as the previous chapter. Sorry if that first half is kind of long-winded, but I really wanted to develop the characters and their relationships.

On a completely random note, I found Assassin's Creed for PC at Walmart, but it won't work on my laptop. Now I've got to wait until I buy a new computer to play it. *headdesk* Not cool.

So, as always, review please. Many thanks to those that have done so already, you guys really make my day.

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~TKD Dragon