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Chapter 14

In the proceeding months, Antonio became much more relaxed, as his manpower had increased and his friends had been returned safely. Rosa's leg was almost completely healed, so she was able to provide some assistance on more routine missions in order to prepare herself for the upcoming larger ones. Ezio often climbed with her in order to make sure she didn't fall as she got used to it again. She, of course, never had any trouble (a fact that she constantly brought to Ezio's attention).

When he wasn't running errands around the city, Ezio often participated in races along the rooftops with some of the thieves in order to hone his skills. Although Antonio discouraged gambling within the guild, many of the thieves placed bets on the races and made things more interesting by proposing races near rooftop guards.

"Ezio!" Antonio interrupted a race one day. "Come speak with me for a moment."

The thieves, fearing a lecture from Antonio, immediately scattered off the other side of the rooftop. Ezio came down on Antonio's side, prepared for the same.

"Si?"

"I wanted to apologize for not formally welcoming you to the city. With all that's been going on, it's been difficult to find the time to be a good host."

"I understand," Ezio assured him, "You have been most hospitable."

"Now that you've recovered some of my men, I have time to show you around. I know you have seen most of the city, but perhaps I can give you some tips for avoiding guards and finding quicker routes."

"Molto bene. I would appreciate it," Ezio bowed.

"Shall we?"

Since Antonio was an able climber, the two took to the rooftops to get a better view of their surroundings. Ezio was surprised by how nimble Antonio was, especially since he often kept to his office.

"I'm sure you and Rosa have seen much of the city already," Antonio told him, "No doubt she has been eager to explore whenever possible."

"Si, she seems pleased to be off her crutches."

"That is the other thing," Antonio replied as they slowed to a walk. "I have not had the time to help Rosa heal as I should have done. I have apologized to her, but she understands the situation as well as I do. She claims I need not apologize, and that doing so only wastes our time."

"That sounds like her."

"Si, I was not surprised by her response," chuckled Antonio. "Nevertheless, I wanted to thank you for doing what I could not. As I've said before, Rosa is dear to me."

"She mentioned you two have quite a history."

"Si, I found her when she was young. She was an orphan, so I believe I became something of a father to her. The other thieves might as well be her siblings."

"I cannot imagine a better family than the one you've given her," Ezio told him.

"No, neither can I. I am glad to have had the opportunity to give her this," Antonio smiled to himself. "That being the case, I am realizing now that I have another responsibility to her."

"Oh? What is it?"

"On

"Perhaps this would be a good time to speak with you on the matter, given the free time we both have."

"Speak with me? I don't understand."

"I am surprised it isn't obvious to you, Ezio. I believed you to be more perceptive."

"I still don't understand," Ezio replied, a quizzical look on his face.

"Rosa is quite fond of you, Ezio. To be honest, it is unlike her."

"Perhaps you are thinking of a different Rosa," he laughed nervously. "You have not seen the bruises on my arm."

"If she was truly angry with you, your face would pay the price, not your arm."

"A fair point I suppose. She is a friend, but fondness is to be expected among friends," he shrugged.

"It's more than that, Ezio," the thief told him sternly. "Rosa is….softer around you. I think she trusts you, perhaps even more than some of the other thieves."

"What are you saying?" asked Ezio, who by this point was a bit pale.

"I'm only asking you to be considerate of that in whatever you do. Please, for her and for me, keep her feelings in mind."

"Va bene," Ezio replied cautiously, still not entirely clear on Antonio's meaning. "You have my word. I do not wish to hurt her either."

"Thank you, Ezio."

Before they continued on their way, Antonio stopped Ezio again.

"One more thing, Ezio," the thief began.

"Si?"

"I will not inquire about your feelings for Rosa, but I trust you as well. You have my support in whatever you do, so long as she is happy."

Ezio nodded, and the two began moving again. Antonio managed to point out a few things that Exio had never noticed around the city, but Ezio was simply pleased to be finished with the awkward subject.