[A/N]: Okay, so this scene will be (only slightly) different from the way it is in the game. I promise not to make a habit of it.

As of today, school has officially started for me. It shouldn't affect my punctuality on here, but chapters might get a bit shorter during midterm season.

Hope you're enjoying! Feedback is always welcome!

Chapter 9

"I've missed the fresh air," she told him as they took their first steps outside. The afternoon sunlight blinded them until their eyes adjusted to their new environment.

"Should we go visit some shops? Or walk around in the Piazza San Marco?" she suggested.

"No, I think this is far enough for now," he said as he sat her down on a bench that wasn't any more than a hundred meters from her door.

"You are a constant disappointment," she pouted.

"It's best not to push yourself too hard at first," he advised.

She shrugged as she made herself comfortable on the bench

"So," she began, "you've been here quite a while, at least long enough to get a sense of the city. How are you finding Venezia?"

"It has its charms. But how do you deal with the smell? Che schifo!"

She chuckled. "A common complaint, but you should be used to it by now."

"I wish I were."

They both took a few minutes to enjoy the fresh air and sunlight. The waves of the neighboring sea were gently crashing against the docks nearby. They listened awhile to the sounds of the city as they watched the clouds and birds move overhead.

"As long as we are out here," said Ezio, "I was hoping you could help me with something."

Rosa raised her eyebrow and turned to Ezio, clearly interested in his proposal. "And that would be?" she prompted.

"I want to learn to climb the way you do."

"Oh," she grumbled, evidently disappointed. "Va bene, I can do that. Well, I can't, but Franco can."

Franco?

"Franco!" she shouted to a nearby thief, "Muovi il culo!"

The thief got up and looked at Rosa, awaiting her directions.

She pointed him to a nearby scaffold and told him to show Ezio how to climb it.

Ezio began to walk over to join Franco, but Rosa pulled him back.

"Watch first," she advised, "you can try when he's finished."

"Si, maestro."

Franco ran over to the scaffolding and grabbed onto the beam above him.

"Begin in a hanging position," Rosa told Ezio as Franco demonstrated, "Then jump to the ledge above you. As you reach it, grab it with your hand and pull yourself up."

"And if I miss it?" he laughed.

"Try not to do that."

They watched as Franco effortlessly made his way up.

"There," she concluded when he reached the top, "See how it works?"

"I think so."

"Only one way to find out. Try it yourself."

"You think I am ready?"

"Unless you want me to demonstrate as well."

"I do not," he assured her as he made his way to the scaffolding.

For an experienced climber like Ezio, the new technique was relatively easy to master. With some instruction from Rosa as he practiced, Ezio spent the next hour or so climbing up and down the structure.

"You realize how angry I am with you right now?" Rosa called to him as he was completing another ascent.

"Oh?" he yelled back.

"Not only are you making me stay in bed or on this bench, you're also making me watch you climb to your heart's content. Merda! I'm going to punch you when you get back down here."

"That means she likes you," called Franco, who was presently sitting on top of the adjacent building eating his lunch and making sure Ezio wasn't having any trouble.

"Franco! Shut your mouth before I throw you into the canale," snapped the other thief.

He shrugged as Ezio stood on the top of the scaffold.

"So? How did I do?" the latter asked.

After a pause and feigned consideration, Rosa, smiling, returned, "I've seen better."

"Ah! You wound me with your cruel, cruel words!" he complained, pressing his hands against his heart.

Rosa rolled her eyes. "Alright, smargiasso. Let's put your skills to the test," she challenged.

"I'm all ears," he accepted, preparing for her to assign him another nearby obstacle to climb.

"Meet me in front of the Frari," she called back as she began hobbling away.

He scrambled along the rooftop and descended onto the street below in front of her, blocking her path.

"Si, maestro, but not today. It's too far for you."

Immediately, she made good on her earlier promise by punching him in the arm as hard as she could.