The late morning sounds of Venice rouse Ezio from his sleep, and he looks around blearily. He snaps back to reality when he sees Speranza sleeping peacefully on the table, her torso bandaged neatly. Her hand is intertwined with his, and he stands from the stool he's sitting on.

"Ezio..." she murmurs through her slumber.

"I'm right here, bella. I'm not leaving," he whispers, his fingers grazing her cheek.

"Any deeper and she would've died," Leo says, striding into the room, a pleasant smile on his face. "She's pulled through. I'm glad."

"I'm more than glad. Thank you, mio amico." Ezio smiles, shaking Leo's hand.

"So, this is Speranza Chilometri," the artist says thoughtfully. "You were correct when you said she was beautiful."

"She is."

"What are you going to do once she wakes up?"

"Explain, and ask her to stay with me," Ezio says. "I want to get to know her. It feels like I have to."

"The question is, will she let you? Will she want to?" Leo asks, stroking his chin.

"I hope she does. I felt a spark when I first saw her. There was something different about her, something new. I can't explain it in mere words."

Leo nods, and looks to the table one last time. "I'm going to go purchase some more food for breakfast. I'm assuming you'll stay here with her."

"Sì. Grazie, Leonardo."

"It's no trouble."

He leaves the house after grabbing a woven basket, and Ezio returns to his spot beside Speranza. He grasps her hand again, closing his eyes as he rests his head on the table.

The minutes tick by and the assassin waits. Suddenly, Speranza's hand tightens around his, and he looks up. Her eyes flutter open, and she winces, touching her bandages gently.

"Ezio?" she asks, sounding completely astonished.

He breathes a sigh of relief, unable to stop a smile from placing itself on his face.

"I'm so glad to hear you say that. You have no idea," he says, not releasing her hand.

"Where are we?"

"My friend Leonardo Da Vinci's house. I brought you here after you collapsed."

She laughs lightly. "I thought I had been left amongst the other dead Templars."

"I wouldn't have done that. A brother or sister of the order doesn't leave another behind."

"Can you help me sit up?"

"Of course, mia signora."

He stands up, releasing her hand. He places his arm around her shoulders, and her hand grips his bicep as she gets off the table.

"I've repaid my debt to you," he murmurs.

"For what?"

"You saved me, and I saved you." He smirks, stepping closer to her, his hands finding her hips.

"Thank you, Ezio." She wraps her arms around him, resting her head on his muscular shoulders.

"I don't understand why the Templars hold such a grudge against your family, simply because of an attack," he says, returning the embrace.

"It wasn't the attack. My father killed the leader's son during his attack. He wanted my father to feel the pain he felt...but he got in too deep," she whispers, pulling away from the hug but keeping her hands on his torso. "I'm the only one in my family who managed to get away."

"You want me to stay away from you...why? Why did you say those things about yourself?" He looks down at her, his fingers lifting her chin up so she can look at him.

"My grandfather...my mentor, was killed. My friends were killed, and it seems like I have a curse. It wasn't all Templars, but the majority was. Until Tarso is dead..."

"You can't be free from the nightmare surrounding you."

They fall silent, looking at each other. She smirks.

"I feel like...I haven't thanked you enough."

"Oh?" He chuckles. "How are you going to thank me?"

She reaches up, resting her hand on the back of his neck. She leans up, pressing her lips to his softly. He closes his eyes, and she breaks away after only a second or so. A short, sweet kiss to show her gratitude.

"Could you thank me more often?" he asks, and she rolls her eyes.

"Maybe, but not right now, te ragazzo malizioso."

The door creaks open, and Leo steps through, his basket full of various food items.

"Anyone hungry?"

----------

"I have one more thing to ask of you," Ezio says.

Speranza arches an eyebrow, turning to him. She's back in her assassin clothing, and she seems more confident.

"Yes?"

"Come to Monteriggioni, to the Auditore villa. You could meet my family, get washed up, rest until you're healed."

She looks down, then to the gates of Venice.

"Would you really want someone like me there? It's a pretty important place."

"I want you to be with me." He smiles. "What do you say, mia signora?"

"I will go, mio buon uomo." She smirks. "I have to find Tarso soon though."

"I'm going to help you. He was assigned as my target. It's my sworn duty to help you." He touches her wrist lightly.

"Alright. We're a team then?" she clarifies.

"Sì."

Bello: Beautiful/handsome

Mio amico: My friend

Sì: Yes

Grazie: Thank you

Mia signora: My lady

Te ragazzo malizioso: You naughty boy ;)

Mio buon uomo: My good man