I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I know I said that the next chapter would have an assassination in it but I fear that won't be occuring until next chapter :( I didn't mean to lie but this chapter just ended up being longer than I had expected... I hope you all enjoy. If you find any mistakes, let me know! I finished this chapter up at like 2 in the morning so there might be a few (I get stupid when I get sleepy). R&R :3

Disclaimer: Still don't own AC. I can dream, though.

Thanks to everyone that reviewed (and added the story to their alerts or favorites!):

BlahBlah112
Nightrose1931
brittany
NeonXSuja: *Altair actually is the one to come up with it (I didn't know that when I had written the first few chapters) but I thought it was Leonardos idea, hahah. So, I just decided to keep it that way. Helps out with my storyline, as well.*
RandomDoughnut: *I'm glad you like my story and surprised that you think I'm a pro! I wish I was, lol! Thanks so much :D*
you cant see me
Shelleythesnail
Figgs: *That was my favorite part, too!*
amica
& MasterAetos: *I love them, too :3 I read them alllllll the time!*

If I Surrender

Chapter 7: Meeting a Fox

"I'm going to need to need a little more room than that, Ezio." I grumbled as I pushed Ezio more to his side of the small bed. He had been edging closer and closer since we've laid down and had just now came into contact with my body. Ezio chuckled devilishly and began the process all over again causing me to sigh in frustration. "This obviously isn't going to work." I said and attempted to sit up.

Ezio grabbed my waist and pulled me back playfully and I tried to break the hold he had on me but he was putting a lot of his strength into it. His fingers brushed against my sides softly almost causing me to giggle. I was extremely ticklish; but I wasn't about to admit that to him.

I threw a half hearted elbow but he just moved his head and started to kiss along the back of my arm. I shivered and attempted to move away but our limbs were intertwined and I couldn't break his grip. His mouth found its way to my neck and he nipped on my sensitive skin softly causing my body to freeze. This was going too far. We had to stop whatever this was right now. I am on the verge of having a huge freak-out at the moment.

"Ezio?" My voice sounded strangled and a little out of control. I berated myself for not taking the time to calm and control my voice. Ezio hesitated with his mouth hovering inches from my skin; I could still feel his hot breath against my skin. His eyes were heavy with desire and I found that I couldn't breathe properly when I looked into them. I took a deep breath in an attempt to calm myself down but it all began again as Ezio resumed his assault on my body. Suddenly, without warning, Ezio flipped me over and pressed his body to mine and stared straight into my eyes. It almost felt like it was straight into my soul.

"Aria." His voice was husky. I found myself being lured in by the longing in his honey-brown eyes. His lips were inches away from mine and I arched my back a little in order to complete the kiss before I really started to regret it. Before our lips even got close to touching Ezio whispered again, "Aria."

It sounded faint, as if he was far away and he whispered it again but this time it was louder and I flinched away from him, wincing my eyes shut.

"Wake up, Aria." Ezios' voice sounded vaguely amused and a little strained. I opened my eyes groggily to see that we were in a position similar to the one in my dream. I opened my mouth to say something but the expression that Ezio had on his face stopped me. His eyes looked more amber than honey and he pressed his body into mine; I almost gasped because it felt like the dream so much. "The things you say in your sleep…" He trailed off, mumbling something in Italian that I couldn't catch and looked at me hungrily. "It is enough to drive any man crazy; calling his name out in such a tone."

I blushed and feeling frustrated, decided that I did not like being powerless. I hooked my legs to each other around his waist; which brought us closer than I anticipated and caused a growl from Ezio, and flipped us over easily. Ezio seemed surprised but became far more interested in the way our bodies were touching. I slapped away the hands that were trailing up my thighs and grabbed them to hold them above his head.

It was an interesting position and it was making Ezio more excited than my inexperienced self could handle. Even so, I felt a rush of power over Ezio that I hadn't ever experienced before. He tried to move and take back the upper hand but stopped when he felt the tip of my stiletto against his throat. We stared at one another for a few agonizing minutes; his gaze was intoxicating but I was able to hold my ground.

"You got me, bella." Ezio said in an intense voice that made me tremble. "Now what shall we do?"

I shook my head, trying to clear out the fuzziness that this situation was creating and replied, "I just wanted to tell you something."

"Can it not wait until another time?" Ezio asked, obviously feeling a little exasperated. His eyes ran down my body and I tried not to blush as he looked down my shirt but even more so, I was trying to ignore the excitement building up in me. This is wrong, I thought to myself. This will only bring pain for the both of us. Plus there was something else… making me nervous; more nervous than I had ever been around Ezio before.

I shook my head. "I'm engaged, Ezio."

This did not seem to deter Ezio in the least. He was able to pull his hands away from mine because of my lack of concentration from just waking. His hands ran along my body, his fingertips barely touching my skin and I tried to shift away from his touch in vain. I pushed down with the knife a little harder; just to show that I was serious. His hands stilled. "Your point?" He asked, without even missing a beat. Deciding that I had hit my limit, I rolled over Ezio smoothly and laid on the bed next to him. He turned on his side and propped his head up with his arm. He gazed at me like he was trying to analyze me.

"I understand now."

I lifted up my head and looked at him, doubtfully. "You do?"

"Of course." He replied in a smug tone that made me remember why I was trying to avoid this type of interaction with him in the first place. "You're a virgin."

He caught me off guard with that statement and my mouth opened and closed several times before I lamely say, "Sort of." I felt like smacking myself across the face for such a bad reply. As soon as the words left my mouth, I saw Ezios' eyebrow lift in curiosity as well as a charming lopsided smile to grace his lips. I frowned back at him. This wasn't really where I wanted the conversation to go but how could I possibly get out of telling him this now. Ezio was looking at me expectantly but I had no idea where to start.

"Am I interrupting anything?" Leonardo was standing in the doorway and he had a cup lifted to his lips, taking a sip of whatever he had. Ezio waved a hand before laying his head back down on the pillow. I got up and went behind the screen to pull on my armor; mostly for something to do and a way to get away. Ezio watched me leave and I found myself feeling relieved that Leonardo had saved me from that particular conversation. I stepped out from behind the screen and saw that Ezio had slipped on his armor as well.

Ezio let his eyes wonder down my body and I looked away, pretending that I didn't see that. My face was felt a little red but I kept it turned away from the two men until it went away. Leonardo had a knowing grin on his face and I could tell that he knew what was going on between the two of us; maybe these walls were thinner than we thought.

"Have you finished?" Ezio asked, who was straightening his robes, and got straight to the point. I almost smiled, thinking of how business-like he seemed now before remembering that smiling would encourage him and that was not good. Not good at all. He looked over at me and winked then looked back at Leonardo. I felt my mouth go a little dry and I took a deep, silent breath to compose myself once more. Definitely not good; I couldn't let myself get distracted like this.

"Yes, my friend." Leonardo said before turning and walking down the hallway to his workshop. I smiled as it was easy to tell that Leonardo was excited; he was practically skipping down the hallway. Ezio and I exchanged a glance before he gestured for me to go first but I know Ezio too well. He's only trying to get a good view so I pushed him on ahead of me, ignoring his pout.

We came into the workshop and Leonardo held out two new wrist blades. Ezio and I both began to pull it onto our wrists; flexing to see how it worked. I touched my finger and was secretly glad that someone had figured out how to use these without such a sacrifice. I never wanted to experience anything like that again.

"Thank you, Leonardo." I said as I tested out the new blade.

"It was no problem. But please, call me Leo."

Ezio wasn't paying much to our conversation and was apparently still in business mode because he leaned towards Leonardo and whispered, "There is someone I need to see while I'm here. I cannot approach him publicly… Would you know a way-"

Leonardo cut him off mid sentence and hissed back, "La Volpe."

"The Fox?" Ezio said in confusion and Leonardo shushed him quickly before looking around nervously.

Understanding Leonardos' caution, I smiled and stepped closer to Leonardo, causing him to lean down to me a little. Ezio stepped closer as well; he had a strange look in his eye as he watched me and Leonardo closely. I briefly wondered why that was before whispering to Leonardo, "Leo, where would one find a fox hiding?"

Leonardo grinned with a twinkle in his eyes and said as nonchalantly as possible, "Near the Mercato… Where the thieves are."

We left his home only after I made Ezio stay and practice the new assassinations with me in the courtyard. It was interesting to learn together instead of teaching him the moves. The moves themselves were not too difficult to accomplish, but to do so without anyone seeing? Nearly impossible, especially for Ezio who still had not gotten the hang out taking out his targets as quietly as possible. Eventually, after much bickering and unwillingness on Ezios' part to learn how to move stealthier, we left for the Mercato in search of the fox. I, myself, was very interested to meet this man. I only knew of one fox in particular and he was a friend of my fathers. I looked at the buildings that we passed wondering how many Assassins' were in the city right now.

Ezio was still showing me landmarks and telling me what certain areas were called. He also told me stories of his adventures in the city with his brother, Frederico. At the end of the stories, he seemed sad and it was very clear how much he missed his family. We came to a halt in front of a very large home that was gated off. Ezio stared and I asked where we were.

"My home…" Ezio said with more emotion that I had ever seen him show. I touched his arm but he moved a few steps away from me. "I am surprised that they have not sold it to anyone else."

I shook my head, wishing that I didn't have to be the one to tell him this. "The Templars' will want to examine the house very extensively. They want to understand the Assassins' better."

Ezio looked at his house for only a second longer before turning away. He glanced at me and I could barely see his eyes from under his hood. I felt a twinge of sadness for him and what happened but couldn't dwell on it because he was already off again, saying that we needed to get to the Mercato. I looked back at the house one more time, thinking of how happy Ezio must have been before. I shook my head and followed my fellow Assassin.

We finally came to the Mercato and I asked Ezio, "How are we supposed to know what he looks like?"

Ezio gave me a slight smile before his eyes glazed over. I raised an eyebrow and waved my hand in front of his face. He grabbed my wrist suddenly and laughed at my surprised expression; I cursed and pulled my hand away. He pointed over to the other side of the Mercato and I followed him, wondering if that is the sacred vision my father had told me about. I frowned, feeling jealous that I did not have such a power as Ezio yelled out after a man bumped into him.

"What?' Ezio searched through all his pouches, looking frantically. "My money is gone!"

"Please don't tell me that you kept all your money in the same pouch…" I asked and then sighed as he glowered at me. "Hey! Give us back our money." I yelled at the thief, who was watching us with an amused expression from afar.

"Oh?" The thief laughed tauntingly. "Your money. I don't have your money!" He jetted off and Ezio cursed, running after him. I pursued them both and found a ladder that would make my access to the roof quicker. Ezio took the hard way and was climbing up the walls. I shook my head at him; it's like he never learns.

"Get back here!" I heard Ezio growl threateningly but the man only let out a laugh as he raced for his life. I felt exhilarated as I chased after the two; leaping over rooftops and climbing up towers. Finally, we managed to pin the thief on a rather private roof. "I really have no interesting in hurting you. So, give me back my money and we'll call it even."

Ezio was drawing his sword but I was nervous about the smile on the thieves face. I started to reach for my own sword and then, without warning, I felt a presence appear beside me and it held a sword across Ezios' throat.

"Not so fast!" The presence called out, stilling mine and Ezios' blade. I looked over the man, who was dressed in a simple brown tunic and pants. He did have a cloak on and its hood over his head; it was very similar to the ones Ezio and I had. I pushed my sword back into its sheath and walked towards Ezio slowly.

"Who are you?" I asked quietly as Ezio was slowly pulling his sword out of its own sheath. I placed my hand over his and shook my head; he swallowed and nodded back, pushing the sword back in.

The man smiled at the two of us. "They call me many things: Murderer, Tagliagole, Thief. But you many call me La Volpe." He bowed to us both as we exchanged astonished looks. "At your service, Messer Ezio." He looked me over as well and Ezio stepped in front of me slightly. La Volpe ignored Ezio and walked around him over to me, grabbed my hand and placed a kiss on it. "Your father did not describe your beauty well enough, Madonna."

I got a little red in the face and replied, "Grazie."

"How to you know my name?" Ezio questioned again. I could see that he was feeling even more impatient than usual by the quirk of his brow. The fox released my hand stepped away from me and back towards the thief, who was throwing our money pouch up into the air over and over again. Ezio glared at him and I couldn't but thinking 'if looks could kill.'

La Volpe smiled grimly before answering, "It is my business to know everything in this city. Isn't that why you have come to see me?"

"Of course. We need your helping in finding someone." I said when Ezio stayed quiet. I wonder what's going through his mind.

"Who?" The fox asked while pacing back in forth in front of us. I was preparing to answer but I felt someone's eyes on me. Glancing around, I noticed it was the thief. He was smiling lustfully at me and was looking very closely at my body. I looked back to Ezio for a second and then to the fox; neither of them were paying attention to me. I looked over to the man and glared back at him but it had no effect. Changing tactics, I smiled severely at him, bringing out my wrist blade slowly so no one would hear. I stroked the blade with my stub of a finger and glanced at the man with a darker expression in my eyes. It worked perfectly; he gulped and started looking anywhere but me. I felt like laughing but decided that I should probably know what was going on in the conversation with La Volpe.

"…A secret meeting at sunset tonight. I would say that you can find out Francesco's whereabouts there." The fox was finishing and Ezio was the one pacing now. I glanced between the two men, wondering what had stressed Ezio out this time.

"Where will the meeting be held?" Ezio asked hurriedly; rubbing his hands together in a nervous motion. It wasn't until I placed my hand on his shoulder that he stopped pacing; glancing at me, he returned to my side with a blank, emotion free face. I watched him closely, thinking that he was able to place that mask on much more smoothly than before.

La Volpe seemed bored as he answered with a flick of his wrist, "Whenever you are ready, I will escort you." He turned to go back down the roof but stopped before his thief and grabbed the pouch that he had stolen from Ezio. He tossed it over to Ezio and said, "I believe this is yours." Ezio caught the money bag with ease before clasping it back to his belt and turning back to me.

"Are you ready?" He asked, eyeing my weapons in particular. I looked out over the various rooftops before shaking my head at him.

"I think I will go and explore the city for a time." I said casually, before pulling out a few extra throwing knives and what little medicine I had left and pressing them to his hands. He smiled gratefully and tucked them into the many pouches hanging from his belt. "I have enough confidence in your skills to know you won't need me to eavesdrop on a secret meeting."

"If I do recall correctly, didn't you say I was a bumbling fool just this morning?" Ezio said, a hint of humor lacing through his voice. I glanced up at him to see his eyes dancing mischievously.

I pinched his arm playfully and laughed as he scowled at me. "You are but, I hope that won't hinder your ability to hear." Ezio rubs his arm where I pinched him and rolls his eyes after hearing my sarcastic comment. "Seriously though," I said through my laughter. "I saw a stand that had some nice maps of the city that I would like to study. I am looking forward to hearing what you will be finding."

"It will be rather late when I come in; I have a few things to do first." Ezio answered but didn't let his eyes meet mine. I shrugged, thinking that I would probably be awake regardless of the time.

"Do be careful, Ezio." I replied while trying to look at him as stern as possible. "I would hate to have to come rescue you so soon."

Ezio doesn't respond and turns away, flourishing his long cape behind him as he and the fox take off over the many rooftops. As I watch them leave, I happen to glimpse a large tower nearby. Perfect, I think to myself as I launch myself from rooftop to rooftop until I find myself standing at the bottom of the tower. I raise my hand to block out the sun as I size up the climb. It was tall but, I could see various ledges and windows that I could take to my own advantage.

I smile and rub my hands together eagerly, placing my foot on the first hold and my hand on another a little over my head. The sun was bearing down on my back and I could feel the sweat pouring down my body as I continued to climb the tower. Finally, after coming through some tight spots that I wasn't sure I could climb, I make it to the top of the tower. Leaning against the wall and letting my legs dangle, I bring out a small spyglass that my father gave to me and began to study the vast city.

I stroll back into Leonardo's home a few hours later with my pouches and bags feeling much heavier. I had gotten many different supplies in preparation for the assassination; medicine, bandages, daggers, throwing knives, maps of the different districts of the city, and much information. I hummed to myself softly as I approached Leonardo, who was busy scribbling more and more notes into a tattered notebook.

"Ah, hello, Aria!" He said happily after noticing that I was there. Glancing up at me and then back down to the notebook, he scribbles a few more words down before closing the book and turning to give me his full attention. "How are you doing? I hope my spare room was to your liking."

I nod briefly before answering, "Yes, it's very nice of you to let Ezio and I stay with you."

"It's no problem at all." He answers brightly, clasping his hands behind his back. He frowns and seems pensive for a moment but cheers almost immediately. "Ezio has helped me out more than once."

"Has he returned yet?" I asked, looking around the large room for any sign of my fellow assassin. Leonardo shakes his head and I frown in disappointment. I was hoping he would be back but he did say he had stuff to do. Leonardo breaks me out of my thoughts as he calls for his assistant, telling him to get two cups of tea. I sigh and walk towards a small desk in the corner of the room and begin to pull all of the equipment and set it on the table to take stock of it.

I'm standing in front of said table with one hand on my hip and the other on my chin when Leonardo appears at my side with two cups of tea. I take my cup with a nod of appreciation and take a small sip, letting the earthy aroma fill my lungs. I can see Leonardo studying one of my new maps with interest.

"So, you and Ezio, eh?" Leonardo said very casually and out of nowhere. I am shocked that he would just come out and say something like that but I keep my expression neutral as I inquire what he means. "Please, I'm not blind. I see the way you two look at each other." Stuttering and stumbling over my words, I try my best to deny any thing of the sort. Leonardo only looks at me with those twinkling, all-knowing eyes and they cause me to blush deeply. Which is, unfortunately enough for me, the time that Ezio decides to arrive.

"What's going on here?" He said as he lowered his hood; a devilish smile on his face when he notices the redness of my cheeks.

"Nothing, Ezio." I replied, coolly. Ezio looks to Leonardo, who only grins and shrugs his shoulders back. Ezio looks pretty confused so I cut in to prevent Leonardo from giving away what our conversation was about. "Have you found Francesco?" Then it hit me. An almost intoxicating smell of alcohol, roses, and perfume. Lots and lots of perfume. I coughed and turned away from the two men, trying to escape the overwhelming smell. I clamp my hand over my nose and curse, "Merda! You smell like a bordello!"

Ezio merely grins at me as he answers my previous question. "I have. But you will not like the rest of my news." I impatiently gesture for him to continue with my free hand. "They have the Popes support and enough weapons for a battalion."

I wrinkled my brow at that. The Pope? Interesting. My father and I had been discussing our similar suspicions about the Pope being on the same side as the Templar. It only made sense, seeing how they always seemed to get away with everything. "What are they planning to do with such support?" I asked and Leonardo nodded eagerly.

"They are planning on attacking the Medici family in the middle of High Mass tomorrow." Ezio replied calmly, taking an sudden interest in the new equipment I had acquired earlier.

"Well then," I began; Ezio and Leonardo both glanced at me. I walked over and leaned over my map before looking back up at the two. "We have an assassination to plan, yes?"

Not too much Italian in this one :(

La Volpe - The Fox.

Mercato - Market.

Tagliagole - Cutthroat.

Bordello - Brothel.

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to review! :3