Souls Through Time (EzioxOC/DesmondxOC)

Chapter 19 - Amelia

"Machiavelli and I are heading out. Take care of her. Do not leave her unattended." Ezio told La Volpe, his eyes pleading with his friend. She knew he was putting trust in their friend to ensure her safety.

"Do not fret my friend. I have sent for your brother. He heard about what happened and insisted he come guard her. He will have five others with him. Two stationed at every door." La Volpe reassured him, placing a strong hand on his shoulder.

"Heads will roll if I come back and she is gone." Ezio threatened.

"Ezio, that's enough. La Volpe has been a friend long enough to now how to handle this situation." She scolded.

Ezio's eyes softened as he looked at Amelia, the fierce protectiveness in his gaze melting into tenderness. He moved to her side, kneeling beside the bed to bring himself level with her eyes.

"Thank you, Volpe." Ezio said.

La Volpe nodded solemnly at Ezio's threat, understanding the gravity of the situation. "You have my word, Ezio. No harm will come to her while you're gone."

Ezio's expression softened slightly as he turned back to Amelia. He approached the bed, his movements slow and deliberate. "I don't want to leave you," he said softly, his voice tinged with regret. "But I must see to these matters."

Amelia reached out, taking Ezio's hand in hers. She marveled at how natural it felt, despite her earlier hesitation. "I understand," she said, her voice steady. "You have responsibilities. I'll be safe here with La Volpe and Federico."

Ezio squeezed her hand gently, his eyes searching hers. "Are you certain you'll be alright?"

Amelia squeezed Ezio's hand reassuringly, mustering a small smile. "I'll be fine, I promise. La Volpe and Pettrucio will keep me safe. You need to focus on your mission."

Ezio nodded, though reluctance was clear in his eyes. He leaned in slowly, giving Amelia time to pull away if she wished. When she didn't, he placed a soft, chaste kiss on her forehead. "I'll return as soon as I can," he murmured.

As Ezio stood to leave, Amelia felt a pang of anxiety. Her hand snapped out and caught his wrist, stopping him. He turned around surprised. Shyly, she puled him down, her hand cupping his face as she gave him a tender kiss.

"I love you." She whispered.

Ezio's eyes widened in surprise at Amelia's sudden gesture, but he melted into the kiss, savoring the softness of her lips against his. When they parted, his amber eyes were filled with a mixture of love and longing.

"I love you too, amore mio," he whispered back, his voice thick with emotion. "More than you could ever know."

He reluctantly pulled away, his fingers lingering on hers for a moment before he turned to leave. At the doorway, he paused, looking back at Amelia with a tender smile. "Rest well. I'll return to you soon."

As the door closed behind Ezio and Machiavelli, Amelia let out a shaky breath, her heart racing from the unexpected intimacy of the moment. La Volpe cleared his throat discreetly, reminding her of his presence.

"Would you like me to give you some privacy, Signora?" La Volpe asked gently, his usual sly demeanor softened by understanding.

Amelia shook her head, pulling the blanket tighter around her shoulders. "No, please stay. I've been lacking in human conversation. I'd appreciate the company."

La Volpe nodded, settling into a chair near the bed. "Of course. I'll be here as long as you need."

A comfortable silence fell between them, broken only by the soft crackling of the fire. Amelia's mind wandered, replaying the tender moment with Ezio. It had been impulsive, driven by a surge of emotion she hadn't felt in months. The kiss had been brief, but it had awakened something within her - a flicker of her old self, the woman who loved Ezio without fear or hesitation.