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-Amore mio, please give me a chance- you called from under Claudia window. Finally she shows with a bucket of water, splashing it all over your head. You sighed as Ezio and Federico laughed, enjoying the show from the neighboring room window cell. Your best friends sure found funny your desperate attempts to impress their sister.
-Shut up, bastardi! The best of friends you are- you yelled at them only casing them to burst out laughing. Geez, those guys could be annoying sometimes. You rolled your eyes turning to leave. You had to retreat soaked and with hurt pride until you come up with an idea how to impress your beloved Claudia. One thing neither of the Auditore knew was your real identity. You only introduced yourself with your first name. Your family name is Borgia. You are the youngest child always teased by your brother and sister and only because you have different way of thinking and ambitions unlike the rest of your siblings. Your father always implies that you are a huge disappointment, because of your dream to be an Archeologist and travel around the world in search of legendary artifacts. Your brother Cesare called you a helpless dreamer and your sister Lucrecia laughed at your stories for lost civilizations. You only ignored them because you knew how wrong they are. You came home only to be greeted by your father yelling.
-Where have you been? Don’t tell me you still run after that peasant girl. People like her are nothing but a bad influence for you- he glared at you, meeting only your anger. How there he call Claudia this way?
-You know what I think? I think you held your head too high for a rogue coward like you- you snapped at him. You rarely lose your nerves on your father or anyone at that matter. Rodrigo slapped you across the face so hard your cheek become crimsoned red.
-Seems like I was not too hard on you. Your arrogance is unacceptable- his voice filled the hall bringing Cesare’s attention, who was obviously nearby.
-What is this noise all about? - He looked between you two as he entered the hall. Rodrigo instantly turned when he heard his other son’s voice.
-This time your brother crosses the line with his behavior. I am too tired to deal with him. He is in your hands now- Rodrigo growled angry, before he left, leaving you both alone. Cesare shook his head, crossing his arms. You very well knew what he will say.
- You cause more trouble than being useful, brother. You know our father patience has a limit; right? -he rounded you as he said that. That is not the first time you will heard that speech- I personally have nothing against your choice to marry a ruck girl, anyone but the Auditore chick.
-Because father has issues with her family? - You added with a sigh. Sometimes you wished you never be born. It was a torment to be ignored by your most close people, just because you thought differently.
-Exactly! - He clapped his hands like you just found decision of a global problem. He just enjoyed to teas you it became like some kind of a hobby to him. As you though it could get any worse Lucrecia enter the room with who knows which lover of hers- you honestly lost count already. Not in the mood you headed to your room to change in something dry sneezing few times on your way to the upper floor.
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You were walking down the street of Firenze enjoying the bright sunny morning. Lately your father kept you busy with half of your brother’s tasks. You honestly thought their ambitions are pointless, but you didn’t have much of a choice. As you walk between the buildings you heard voices from an alleyway on your right. Curiously you approached to see Claudia surrounded by a group of bandits or at least they looked like such. The head of the gang had Claudia pinned to a wall. She struggled trying to push him away, but he was stronger than her. Your blood boiled in furious anger as you made your way towards them.
-Let the girl go. She is not interested in you, so you should respect her will- you pointed your finger at him as the words left your mouth. He eyed you from the corner of his eye, slowly turning his head.
-And why that concerns you? - He sounded annoyed by your interference. You yourself were on the edge of anger. You hated when a man force himself on a woman. You witnessed that when you were a kid and that left deep mark on you, because you knew the woman. She was really nice lady who worked in the bakery two blocks from where your present location. She was really nice to you and you felt really sad when she suddenly left after that night. When you grow up enough you begin to defend every woman in similar situation making yourself a name between the citizens of Firenze. You were not fazed as the bandits surrounded you. That was what you expected. Two of them on your right and left charged first only for you to punch the right one, grabbing on his clothes and throwing him and the left one. In less than a minute all the bandits were on the ground beaten up. The one pinning Claudia stepped away from her, dashing off scared. The Auditore walked over to you with a quiet serious look on her face. You thought she will yell or slap you, but she only touched lightly the scratch one of the men you fought left on your eyebrow. You winced pulling back.
-It looks bad, you should go to the doctor- she sounded worry, something that surprised you a lot. You didn’t say anything so she continued to talk- if you didn’t come I don’t know what would happen. And to show my appreciation I would like you to have a dinner with me and my family tonight.
-It would be an honor- you bowed, which made her giggle. It seemed you had a bit of progress, but still you had a long way to go. Of what Ezio told you about his sister she is like a sweetest apple on the tree- you want to taste it, but it’s hard to reach. Maybe after all you got a chance to take a bite.
-I’ll be waiting for you then- she turned and walked away. You followed her with your eyes until she disappeared behind the corner.
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You took a deep breath as you arrive in front of the Auditore’s mansion. You were nervous even if this was not your first time to have dinner with your best friends’ family. Back then you and Claudia couldn’t stand each other. You shook your head to get rid of these thoughts, knocking lightly on the door. When no one answers you knock loudly. After a minute the rightwing swing open, Ezio standing on the doorway.

-You actually came- he grinned, stepping aside to let you in. You already knew where the dining room was and without waiting for your friend you headed directly for the door on your left. The rest of the Auditore were already around the table when you enter the room. Federico was the first one to notice you and he quickly rises from his sit, walking over to you.
-Benvenuto, il mio amico- he spread his arms, pulling you in a warm hug. You glanced over his shoulder at Claudia, who was smiling at you. You had no chance to say anything as you were pulled by the older Auditore to sit between him and Ezio, who already took his sit. You greet Giovanni and Maria when you walk passes them. They thought of you as part of the family so formalities were out of the picture. You had a great time chatting, telling jokes you even told them for your plans and goals after a few more years when you are old enough and no longer depending on your family. The entire time your eyes were on Claudia, who watched you as well. As the time went by you didn’t realize how late it is until you checked the old clock near the door. It was almost midnight and neither your father, brother nor sister knew where you were- you thought it’s better to sneak out the window without anyone notice.
-I have to get going. It’s already too late and I don’t want to have another argument with my father- you stood of your sit with a deep bow- Grazie for the invitation.
-It is always nice to have you around- Maria smiled warmly at you. Claudia quickly stood to escort you before her brothers. Both Federico and Ezio snickered as you both left the room. Neither of you said anything until you reached the front door.
-It was a nice evening- you said, opening the door. Instead of saying anything Claudia kissed you. Your eyes widened in surprise at the action. The kiss was short, but to you it looks like it lasted longer. When she pulled back her cheeks were as red as yours.
-Goodnight- she avoided eye contact as she closed the door. You stood there like an idiot for a good five minutes, before you snap out of your trance and headed down the dark streets of Firenze.
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Your father sends you in Paris not even telling you the reason. While you were there you wrote letters to Claudia every week. You received her answer every weekend, but one day they just stop arriving. Your sixth sense told you something is wrong and you as soon as possible rode back to Italy only to find Villa Auditore abandoned when you arrive in Florence. Losing no time you made your way to your house to find out your family left to Rome. Furious you left for the Italian capital arriving in three days. The first one you saw was Cesare who was surprised to see you.
-Aren’t you supposed to be in Paris? - He asked only for his jaw to meet your fist. You grab on his neck, pushing him in a colonel.
-What have you done? Answer me! - You yelled, near the edge of killing him. You never restriction to do so, but never had a good reason until now.
-They just were on the way. We had to do it in order to full fill our goals- he choked while talking. You hit him again, letting go of him as you saw your father. Rodrigo froze when he saw you and turned to leave, but you faster and block his way, pointing your sword at him.
-/your name/, you won’t kill your own father, right- his voice was shaky as he spoke. You lowered the blade- he was not worth killing. You sheathed the sword under your so called father scared gaze. Not even thinking it twice you punch him, before you left. One day you were going to kill him, but this day was not today.
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You arrived in Venice where Federico told their uncle house is located. You easily found it ready to knock on the door when it opens and you happen to be face in face with Claudia. When she saw you she instantly wrapped her arms around you, buries her face in your chest. You returned the embrace relieved she is unharmed. Later that day while you were sitting in the garden she told you what happened. Your heart sunk as you heard on of your best friends is dead. It all now made sense. Your father sand you away only because he knew you were going to stay on his way to destroy the Auditores. You thought it was finally time to tell her the truth.
-Claudia, the man who is responsible for your father and brothers dead is my father. I knew he hates your father, but I have no idea how far he will go to…- you suddenly was slapped across the face. Ignoring the sting on your cheek you looked at her. She was in tears now.
-You liar! You were aware and still done nothing to prevent it- he voice sound hurt and you didn’t blame her. You probably would feel the same way on her place- Leave right now and never again dare to look for me again.
You stared at her as she said that or rather yelled it. Slowly standing on your feet you headed for the door, not even looking at her. You lost her, but still you didn’t regret you reveal the truth.
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You saw bright light passing by the church in Rome. You had a bad feeling about this so you snick inside from a secret door you discovered few days ago. Knowing your father too well you followed every move he make after he become head of the Catholic Church. You also helped Ezio, who even after your confession about your real bloodline agrees to your assistance. He still doesn’t forgive you, but you were okay with just temporary alliance. Once inside you followed the voices coming from the Grand Hall. There on the altar you spotted Rodrigo holding high one of the pieces of Eden. In the middle of the hall Ezio was laying on his back. You were relieved when he moved to sit up, but from his position it would be difficult to reach the pope if he uses such source of power. Pulling out your sword you approached quietly your father, who unfortunately heard you, abruptly turning at your direction. A strong wave of energy was send at you, but you think quick lifting your sword. The blade reflects the attack, sending it back to Rodrigo. He falls on the marble floor, dropping his staff. The Eden element turn into ashes before his terrified eyes, leaving him helpless. You grabbed on the back of his robe, dragging him down the stairs.
-You are not planning to kill your own father, right- he asked laughing pathetically. You only eyed him before you answer.
-I am not the one who is supposed to end your life- with this words you throw him in Ezio’s legs. You ignored his begging for your help as you watch him being assassinate in front of your eyes.
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A year passed after your father dead. You haven’t seen or hear anything of neither Ezio nor Claudia. You only knew she was married now. It was hurting you inside, but no matter how hard it was, you kept telling yourself it was meant to be this way. You spend your time in the library you now run in Firenze. You had a lot of visitors and you barely had time to think about your broken heart. One day while you rearranged the books you heard the doorbell. It was surprising because the library was closed by this time of the day. You left your work to check on who enter. The moment you saw the person your hear skip a beat. On the door stood Claudia, looking uneasy.
-I thought you didn’t want to see me again- you finally spoke and she looked down. It looks like it was not easy for her to face you after the last time you saw each other.
-I know what I said, but many things changed. My brother told me what did. It probably was hard for you to betray your own father because you see him as a criminal- she rubbed her arm an awkward silence fall between both of you.
-Does your husband know you are here? - You suddenly asked. She looked confused at your words, but decides to answer.
-We are no longer together. But to be honest I was not happy with him. My heart always does and will belong only to one man- she was now in tears and you did the only thing on your mind- hold her in your arms. She looked up at you smiling now- Can we start it all over again.
-How about a red wine and pasta- you suggest, bringing up a laugh out of her. You wrapped your arms together as you exited the library for your first date.