Together [Ezio Auditore]

Part 1

"Ezio, what have you done this time?" The doctor took Ezio's chin in his hold before looking over his face.

"Looks like merda (shit) doesn't it?" Federico teased as Ezio shoved his shoulder and hissed as a damp cloth touched the light wound.

"Such a baby." The doctor chuckled behind his mask before leaning back and grabbing out a small bottle. "Here, drink this and you'll feel as good as new." Ezio slowly took the bottle and gave me a hesitant look. I only knocked my shoulder with his lightly which was enough to encourage the boy to down his medicine.

"Ugh! Il sapore come vomito! (It tastes like vomit!)" Federico burst out laughing and I let a few chuckles escape from my lips. "It's not funny!" The doctor shook his head and looked away but somehow I knew that even he was smiling behind it.

"You're an idiota (idot)..." I breathed taking his arm and giving the doctor my thanks before pulling us away. Federico followed after us wiping away his tears before trying to compose himself. Ezio raised an unimpressed eyebrow at me as I just smirked and shrugged my shoulders letting go of him.

A crowd then suddenly past us like we didn't even exist, bumping our shoulders and keeping their eyes forward towards wherever they were going. I stumbled a bit but soon felt large hands steady myself.

"Some people are just rude." Ezio muttered glaring over at the crowd that continued their way forward.

"You cannot help those one's Ezio." I looked up as he sighed and offered a small smile.

"You know if anyone treats you wrong, then just give me the word and I'll beat their sorry culo (ass)." Federico put a hand on Ezio's shoulder and I nodded with a playful look at the boy.

"I promise."

"Little brother," Ezio turned his attention to his older sibling. "I am to head back home now. I expect you will be coming?"

"Sorry Federico, I'm going to stay out a little longer." Ezio turned and gave me a hidden wink as his brother sighed and stepped back.

"Alright. But do not be gone all night. You know how madre (mother) worries."

"Yes, yes Federico! Now be off!" He shooed him with a glimmer of playfulness before taking my wrist and puling us away through the small crowds. I looked around at the people and activity that was still happening in the evening as the day was coming to an end. What was there to do after the sun had fallen?

Well... maybe I don't want to know the answer to that.

"Ersilia," I was pulled out of my thoughts and brought my gaze up to Ezio who let go of me and turned his body so I had his full attention. "how about a race huh?" He raised an eyebrow to the challenge as I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Oh yeah? Where to ragazzo sciocco? (silly boy?)" he lifted his gaze and pointed up towards the highest building in the area. Of course.

"There." He smirked as I rolled my eyes and turned my back to him.

"I don't know. I don't think that you wi-"

I cut myself off and began running for the nearest building to begin my climb.

"Hey!" Ezio laughed at my trick for a head start. Hauling myself upon balconies, I finally reached the roofs and ran across the hard tiles. "Ersilia!" Ezio was quick to join my side as we came head to head towards the edge. I threw Ezio a challenging glance to with a short reply of a nod.

Not even moments later, we had both flung ourselves in the air and between two buildings. The wind whipped my tied back hair as I let out a shaky breath. It was moments like these that I cherished. To do something that made my feet tingle and to believe –even if it was just for a second- that I could truly fly.

"Expect to lose Ersilia!" Ezio yelled once our feet landed on the tiled roof again. He was already climbing up higher and higher as I smiled watching, happy to go easy on the boy. I slowed my pace down and watched him reach the destination first. The smile on his face prominent. "I won!" He yelled lifting his head and spreading his arms.

I caught up to him and quietly stepped beside him and watched him have the exact same moment I did mere seconds ago. Realizing how lucky we were and how free we felt for this short amount of time.

"It's breathtaking isn't it?" I asked putting my hand on his shoulder and looking out over the city.

"Yes." He smiled as I found myself to sit and stared at the scenery. "Do you have anything planned tomorrow amico mio? (my friend?)" We shared a short stare as I cracked a smile and relaxed.

"Who do you think I am?" Ezio could only let out small bottled up laughter. "Of course I'm free tomorrow."

"Then we will do something... exciting!" His hand took hold of my knee as I laughed. "Daring! Out of this world!"

"Ok, ok Ezio! I am one hundred percent certain we will do something like that!" Our laughs slowly came to a s top as Ezio slowly stood up and let his gaze wonder over to a particular building. My eyes decided to follow before my chest tightened a bit. Cristina.

"Ezio..."

"This is where we part ways for tonight Ersilia." He helped me to my feet before giving a soft smile. "I will see you tomorrow morning. Be ready." He gave a friendly kiss to my cheek before leaping off the building and into a haystack. My smile dropped instantly and I rolled my eyes watching the boy run through the streets and disappear into the alleyway.

I don't understand.

My fists tightened as I turned and made my way towards the edge as well. Why would he need Cristina when I'm here? I'm a close female companion am I not? So why does he feel the need to go and bed her tonight?

Simply rolling my eyes, I jumped off the building and landed into the haystack below. I must start fresh tomorrow. Like I've always done.