A game, or real life? (Ezio x reader)

Don't leave me...

Letting out a soft sigh, I pushed myself up and onto my feet with the help of my cane, groaning a bit at the effort. But soon enough, I was standing, and I found myself walking towards Ezio's office. And with a soft knock, I walked in. As expected, Ezio was behind his desk, quill in hand, while a small bouquet of freshly picked blood red roses rested on the dark wood of the table, making their vibrant color even more breathtaking. I smiled tenderly as our gazes met. For once, he looked...peaceful. A soft smile painted his lips as I walked towards him, and finally placing myself behind him, I proceeded to gently wrap my arms around his waist from behind, my cane forgotten as it leaned on the side of the table. A comfortable silence settled between us as I relished in his warmth, and closing my eyes, I decided to ask. "Still writing...?"

"Not anymore." His voice was but a soft rumble, filled with an overwhelming tenderness that had me drowning in a peaceful trance. I felt the sweetest caress of a thumb against my knuckles, before he continued. "Are you going out to the mercato today?"

"I might." I shrugged. "Mariana is growing restless, staying here all the time. I might take her out for a stroll to the city."

"Hmm..." he hummed in agreement. "It is true that we have not been out of the villa in a while. Some fresh air might do us good, indeed." He brought my hand up to his lips, leaving a soft kiss against my knuckles. "You go on ahead. I will be joining you by the carriage."

"You're coming too?" I asked, my eyebrows rising in surprise just as a violent coughing fit shook his entire being. He was clutching his chest, his breathing labored and shallow. I rushed to grab him a glass of water, and after gulping it down, he started feeling a little better. Still, that didn't turn my frown upside down. "I think you should stay, tesoro (darling). I worry about your health."

"I will be fine, (y/n)." Ezio was quick to dismiss my protests as he stood from his chair, a shaky hand resting on the table for support. "Go and get Mariana ready. There are just some things I need to finish here, then I will meet you outside."

"Are you sure?" I asked once more, just to be sure. Hell, I didn't mind staying inside if it meant he'd get better. But there was something in Ezio's eyes. He wanted to go. It was almost like...he was pleading to let him go with us. And how could I say no to that? As my gaze softened, I finally replied. "I will be waiting outside then." I gave him a tender smile, and after leaving a soft kiss to his wrinkly cheek, I grabbed my walking cane and walked towards the door.

We were well into the afternoon when we finally did get to the city gates, leaving our carriage to the trust and care of a stableman we trusted quite well. I gave him a few florins for his services, and with that, we found ourselves walking in the lively and busy streets of beautiful Firenze, our little Mariana happily looking around as she walked in front of us. And I'll admit, as I held onto Ezio's arm, even I allowed my eyes to wander as I felt my heart flutter with nostalgia. To a time where I was younger, where WE were younger. To a time where things were easier. To a time where Ezio had yet to steal my first kiss. I could still see it so clearly... two 19 year-olds running side by side, teasing each other and visiting Leonardo, for Codex pages and to just hang out with a dear friend. Oh, Leonardo... my heart clenched at the thought of our dear, old friend. We had lived our lives. And oh, we lived them to the fullest. But now, we were old, and our friends were dying out. Such was life, but that didn't make it any less painful. Not when every time we come back to Firenze, we're flooded with memories of how things were like back then. Back when they still were alive. Every street, every building...they all had a certain memory that made them special. But there was no place that was more meaningful to us in all of Firenze...than Piazza della Signoria. Standing here once more, alongside Ezio...only brought a smile to my face. A Piazza drenched with the blood of the innocent, now full of life and joy. This was what we had fought for. And I could only feel content for finally seeing this Piazza so peaceful, after so many quarrels.