A few months pass, and Ezio continues to try and get closer to Speranza. She fends off all advances with ease, and even his best techniques fall short when it comes to learning more about her.

It was frustrating for him, and difficult for her.

She was restless, and a little paranoid. Tarso was still out there. Good thing her injury was healing nicely, and soon she could get back on the job.

She also couldn't help but start to have feelings for the Italian assassin. She hid it well, brushing it off as a minuscule crush that will pass by eventually. Besides, his feelings for her, however large or small, are hollow, like every other relationship he's had.

However, fate can work in mysterious ways.

----------

"Oggi è il giorno. Lo sento," Speranza says with confidence.

"Are you sure?" Ezio asks.

"The bandages are off, the wound is healed. Yes, I'm sure."

"Then we'll start tracking down Tarso in the morning."

"It's about time. I'm getting so restless." Speranza smiles brightly, looking down at her dress. "Tomorrow, I'll be back in my robes. Oh, it'll feel so good..."

"I bet they will," Ezio agrees, scratching the back of his neck. "But for now, how about you and I go on a picnic?"

"That sounds...nice. Where should we go?" she asks.

"I've got a place in mind." He smirks mischievously, and she rolls her eyes.

"Can you tell me?"

"Not yet, mio cuore."

"Ezio, I asked you not to give me nicknames."

"It's not a nickname. I mean it." He moves closer to her, his hands grazing her waist.

"I'll see you when the picnic items are prepared," she says, stepping away from his hands. "I'm going to go for a walk."

As she walks away, Ezio lets out a frustrated groan, sitting himself down.

"Girl trouble, nipote?" Mario asks.

Ezio turns, looking to his uncle.

"It's like she doesn't believe I have feelings for her," he says. "Why is that?"

"Do you have feelings for her?" Mario asks cautiously. "Are they real?"

Ezio sighs, running a hand over his dark hair. "Yes, they are real. I like her a lot, but nothing I try works."

"Maybe it is working, and she's simply staying mysterious. You know how she is. You've also had a lot of relationships that have been simply for the love-making. She may think that's what you're trying to do to her."

"I've told her it isn't. I was young, and stupid at times," he defends.

Mario shrugs. "Give it time. She trusts you now, be happy for that."

"You give such great advice." The assassin smiles. "I will try."

"Good boy. Now, you've got a picnic to plan for."

Oggi è il giorno: Today is the day.

Lo sento: I can feel it.

Mio cuore: My heart

Nipote: Nephew