Chapter Text
Altair looked out the office window onto the strip. It was illuminated in the night with all the neon signs and lights. He was currently feeling miserable. He had his glass of whisky with him and was about to hit a bar soon. He needed to avoid the bar in the hotel first since Desmond worked there and would know something was wrong. Altair’s mind wandered to a few hours ago...
“You will marry her” Al Mualim commanded him. It was him and Altair currently in a stuffy conference room. Altair was sitting at one end of the table looking at pictures of a woman he had unfortunately heard of from the press. She looked like a complete piece of work from the way she presented herself. “Adha is from a hotel empire like you. We can merge assets when you get married. She is the fit for you”
Altair shook his head and looked at his mentor. “I refuse to do this. I’m not getting married to her.”
Al Mualim looked furious at him. “This is non-negatable. You are twenty-eight and aging away. You need an heir fast. We also need to combine our assets for a stronger foothold against Abstergo. This marriage will happen” Al Mualim saw how Abstergo was getting more and more powerful. He refused to lose his hotel to them. “I’m also stepping down soon and I need to know Masyaf will be successful even under your leadership”
Altair stared longer at the pictures hoping to feel something but all he felt was disgust. He wished he had some backup to help him, but Desmond was a lowly bartender. Ezio had his own issues. Then Malik wanted nothing to do with him. “We’re doing fine I saw the quarterly report why?” Altair looked up at him. By all accounts, they were doing well. Masyaf was one of the most successful on the strip.
Al Mualim glared at him again. “This is clearly hard for you to understand. Read what Adha’s family is offering and what we can gain from this. You will meet tomorrow and then announce your engagement in two months. The wedding itself will be massive and extravagant. The entire relationship will be a public affair. I also want an heir nine months after the wedding night” Altair felt a pit in his stomach form. He knew the media would be all over this. They were hungry vultures after all.
Altair still sat there looking at the damn pictures of her. Sure, she was attractive, but he heard the horror stories of how she treated people. Altair also hated extravagant things. He would rather wear a sweatshirt than a suit. The thought of having a media-centered wedding made him sick. Al Mualim then got closer to him. “I have more meetings to attend. This will be done, and you will be meeting her tomorrow. If you don’t comply there will be major consequences understand” he gave him a deadly look.
“I understand” Altair spat out crossing his arms. Al Mualim left, and Altair sat there. His day was going normally and great, well as great as it could be till Al Mualim bothered him. Altair put his hands on his face and sighed. He had to do this he had no choice, but Al Mualim didn’t say he had to be sober. Altair got up and headed for the hotel bar. He took his private elevator and hit the button. As Altair waited, he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. He looked worse than he thought. He may have been wearing a white designer suit, but he was carrying designer bags under his eyes. He also saw the stupid scar on his face. He hated seeing and being reminded of how it got there. The elevator finally opened, and he stepped out. The smell of cigarettes and Middle Eastern food hit him. He slowly walked over to Desmond who was tending the bar.
“Hey boss” Desmond joked. He was always in a good mood. Altair wondered how he could be so happy all the damn time.
“The usual” Altair stated. He took a seat at the bar. Thankfully there was no one seated next to him.
Desmond quirked an eyebrow at him. “You good?” He knew Altair was usually in a better mood than this. However, the man was never a hundred percent happy.
“Do I look good?” Altair snapped at him pointing to his eyes. “I have Gucci bags under my eyes that would make Ezio’s sister swoon over” his sister was an upcoming fashion stylist.
Desmond was shaking a drink. “Sorry, I’m a bartender I know when my patrons are having a hard time. And you look like you're having a harder time. Do you need something stronger than your usual”
“I need a new life” Altair complained. “I can’t go into detail right now” Altair did not want anything to get out and go to the media.
Desmond shrugged and poured him a drink. “That’s okay I’m good at not prying” He felt sorry for Altair. This man had never had control over his life.
Altair immediately took a long sip of his drink. He set the glass down. “How are you always so happy? No offense I’ve seen what you get paid your life can’t be that great”
Desmond gave him a smirk. “Well, first drunks tip well. Second, I decided I wanted to be happy and therefore put my life into my own hands. I decided to do what I wanted to do. I ran away from home at sixteen and I haven’t looked back” Desmond was content with his life. Sure, he wasn’t a millionaire but looking at the millionaire in front of him made him happy for his life.
Altair nodded. “Must be nice. If I ran away Al Mualim would track me down and drag me back here” Altair shuddered to think what Al Mualim would do to him. He then finished his drink. “Send me another up to my residence”
“On it” Desmond started up another order. “But hey if you need anything let me know. I can’t imagine the stress of being the next CEO of the biggest hotel on the strip”
“Thank you” Altair got up and walked to the elevator. He put the code in, and it opened up. He hit the top floor button. He hated living here too. Al Mualim lived in a mega mansion somewhere in the suburbs whereas Altair was told to live here just in case. He was always stuck here. He slowly walked into the dark penthouse and went to his office. Soon another glass was brought up. He kept staring at the Vegas lights knowing people would kill to have his issues. He sighed. He was miserable and the thought of seeing Adha tomorrow made him nauseous. He needed a stronger drink. He got up and snuck off to the closest bar he could find. Sure, it was almost midnight now and it was dangerous to be out but Al Mualim basically taught Altair to be an Assassin. He found a bar called Acre and walked in. It was seedy looking therefore it was the best place to get fucked. As he walked in, he saw a brunette sitting at the bar taking shots. She wore a white cocktail dress, and her hair was disarrayed. He was intrigued by her. She looked so familiar. He sat down next to her. “Did your boyfriend leave you at the alter” She looked like she was at a wedding.
She turned and looked at him. She was even more stunning than Altair thought. “God, I wish” she sighed.
Altair was now even more interesting. “What’s your story?”
The woman looked at him studying his face and noticing the scar on his lip. She then saw his and they captivated her with a golden hue to them. “Do you have all night?” she asked the handsome stranger.
He smiled at her. “I have nothing but time. Let me get a drink first.”
“Same let me get another shot. I’m Maria by the way” she introduced herself.
“Altair” he kept it short. Everyone always knew who he was.
“Oh, wait like Masyaf,” she asked. She knew he was the upcoming CEO. Business reports kept talking about him.
He then looked sad “Yup. But you look familiar. Are you part of the Victorian Grand family.” he had picked up on her English accent and brown hair.
She nodded “Sadly. That’s why I’m here” Their drinks were then handed to them. “Alright I feel drunk enough so let me start my story”
---
The Victorian Grand was a chain of hotels based off the Victorian era. Their main hub was in Las Vegas. Maria’s mom had married into the family when Maria was seven. Which meant she also got step-siblings. Most of her life was fairly normal as it could be growing up in a hotel empire. Maria got her MBA and was currently on track to be the CFO until her mom Elizabeth had other ideas.
“Your father and I have decided-” Elizabeth started. Maria was sitting in a conference room beyond confused to as why her mom and stepdad were there along with a bald man.
“Stepdad” Maria corrected her mom.
Elizabeth breathed out annoyed. “Your stepdad and I have decided that you will marry Robert De Sable.” Maria’s stomach plummeted at this. She did not want to get married at all. “The VG is suffering and Abstergo can change that. They are up and coming with all the new tech coming out such as a flat-screen TV. When you two get married we can merge assets and upgrade our hotels. We’ve been lagging behind”
“Wait Ethan you can’t allow this” She looked over at her stepdad who looked to hate all this as much as she does.
“I’m sorry but this is a matter between you and your mom” he was not thrilled to be here at all. But the VG was dying.
Maria looked at her mom with distain and disgust. “I’m twenty-six. I can do what I want”
Elizabeth shook her head. “If you leave we will get rid of all your savings accounts, and you will be written out of the will”
Maria stood up “Fine by me. I have my master’s I can find a job anywhere”
“Not if we blacklist you” Elizabeth threatened her. “I can make sure you never work a high-end job. If you leave you will live out of a trailer for the rest of your life. On top of that, I will make sure Evie never finds you” Maria sat down defeated. She loved Evie too much to leave. She also knew her mother wasn’t playing around. “Now meet your husband, Robert De Sable. We will leave you two in peace” She and Ethan then stepped out.
Maria crossed her arms and stared at him. He was not attractive, to say the least. He then got closer to her. “I know that was rough, but I will treat you well. Let’s clear some stuff up right now. We will start dating soon. I want it all public. Everyone must know we are together. The wedding itself will make the royal family jealous. You will be obedient and normal. I don’t want you loud or obnoxious. I will also take in additional lovers as I have a high sex drive.” Maria almost gagged at that. “During our wedding night, I will impregnate you and you will give birth to a son.” Now Maria wanted to throw up. He then held her chin. Maria saw a gold ring on his finger already. “Do you understand”
Maria looked at him with utter disgust. “I hope you don’t have a nut allergy because I’m about to kick you so hard in the balls They'll be stuck in your throat if you don’t get your hands off me.” She was fuming. She knew she should not have said that but who cares.
He then retracted his hand from her face. “You better not be this difficult or I will make your life hell” he liked a challenge and hoped he could break her.
“I need a moment to process all this” Maria stood up and walked away. She was about to cry from frustration. She walked out and went to find her room. The whole family lived on the top two floors. She had her own apartment. As she did she heard someone call out to her.
“Maria”
“I’m fine” Maria trekked forward. She did not have the heart to talk to anyone right now.
“Bullshit”
Maria turned around and looked at Evie. “You’re going to pull that card”
Evie walked up. “You know I can detect a lie” It was true Evie was basically a human lie detector. “I saw Elizabeth and my dad walk out. I know something is going on” She knew if Elizabeth was around, it was nothing but schemes. Evie never liked her.
“Can we go to my suite and talk about it? I don’t want any listening ears” Evie agreed, and they walked to Maria’s suite. The suite was big with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. A spacious kitchen and living room. And of course, one of the best views of the strip. They sat down at the kitchen table and Maria explained everything.
“Wow that is a lot" Evie whispered. She was so mad at her father for essentially selling Maria like that.
Maria nodded. “Yeah, I don’t know what to do. I mean I have to do this I have no other choice.” She could not risk getting blacklisted.
Evie sighed. “I feel like if I never married Henry we wouldn’t be here” Evie started spiraling on ways this could have been avoided.
Maria grabbed Evie’s hand “Don't think like that, please. You and Henry belong together. Ethan was just mad because Henry isn’t hotel royalty just business royalty. I mean this was to be expected I just thought I would get away. But everyone marries someone for something in this city.” It was true Ethan married Elizabeth for money and stability.
“I know I just feel awful” Evie admitted. “When I knew they were meeting with you I hurried over. I wish I could have been here sooner. I could have pulled the fire alarms or something to get you out”
Maria rolled her eyes. “That would not have stopped my mother”
“Well, I’m sorry for what happened” Evie apologized. “I wish we could get you out of it”
Before the girls could talk more Elizabeth burst into Maria’s suite. “Maria Thorpe what were you thinking embarrassing us like that with Robert” she stormed over to Maria and Evie. “You should be ashamed of yourself”
“Well, maybe Maria actually wants choices.” Evie jumped into Maria’s defense.
“Choices get you in trouble your brother would know” Elizabeth snapped at Evie glaring at her. Evie stayed quiet. That was a low blow. Maria was cringing at that comment. Elizabeth took a deep breath. “I have a stylist coming in. They will be fitting you for an engagement dress. Clean yourself up and look presentable. I will be at a meeting but if I hear of any issues, you will regret it. Understand”
“I understand” Maria spat out at her. Elizabeth walked off. “I hate her I’m sorry for what she said” she looked over at Evie.
Evie shook her head. “It’s okay I should have seen that coming.” Elizabeth was a bitter lady and going low was a signature move. “I’ll stay here with the stylist. Is that okay? I don’t want you to be alone.”
A few minutes went by and a knock at Maria’s door was heard. Mair got up and answered it thankfully she saw a familiar face. “Claudia?!”
The Italian smiled at her. “Yup, I’m your stylist can I come in?” She was also carrying bags and had a bellhop pulling outfit racks. She then entered.
Evie jumped up in excitement. “Oh, Claudia it’s so good to see you” she hugged her.
“Thank I’m so happy I can see you guys. When your mom booked me I was so excited. I’ve just been so busy with clients and everything.” she then started unpacking her stuff. “So tell me what’s going on” Maria then explained the whole situation. “I get it one hundred percent. My parents had to keep raising my dowery and then gave up after I hit one of my suitors for looking at a girl.”
“Can you teach me your ways” Maria laughed.
“Well, when you have a big family it’s easier to blend into the background. Also, my parents don’t suck which is a plus.” Claudia started pulling out dresses and holding them up to Maria.
“I hate dressing up by the way,” Maria told her. Maria of course was wearing a grey jacket and jeans much to Elizabeth’s dismay.
“Well, the best revenge is looking good. What about this white Versace dress” Claudia pulled it out. It was a cocktail dress that clung to the body.
Maria touched the fabric. “I do like it”
“It would look good” Evie prodded on.
“Alright, I’ll go try it on” Maria grabbed the dress and walked to the bathroom.
“So how’s your siblings?” Evie asked to make a polite conversation. Her Claudia used to be closer but life happened.
“Good Federico is following in Dad's footsteps. Then Ezio of course is busy seducing every girl in Vegas” Claudia rolled her eyes. “He needs to calm down. Our parents are getting mad at him. Then Petruccio is excelling in his musical studies. He might be going to Austria to perform soon. That’s how we are how’s Henry?”
Evie loved the Auditore family. They had so many funny stories and all loved each other. “Henry is great. We just celebrated our second anniversary.”
“Aww your wedding was so much fun” Claudia remembered how small and quaint it was. It caused a huge fuss between the families though. “Have you heard from Elise by any chance?”
Evie made a face. “No I’m sure she’s stuffing her face with cocaine” Claudia made a sad face but understood Evie.
“How do I look?” Maria stepped out. The dress was perfect.
“If you get rid of it, I’ll be mad,” Evie told her.
“My styling skills once again saving the day” Claudia came up and gave Maria some earrings.
Maria put the earrings in. “I will say the dress does look nice. I’ll wear this one then”
“Perfect my job is done!” Claudia smiled. She then started packing up. They all made plans to meet up soon for dinner. Claudia had some stories about her family.
“Well, I better head out. Henry and I have reservations at The Mirage for dinner will you be okay?” Evie looked at Maria with concern.
“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I kinda want to be alone right now” Maria had plans to get plastered alone when Evie left. Evie and her hugged and Evie headed out. As Maria went to take the dress off she saw herself in the mirror. She knew it would be a waste if she didn’t go out. She grabbed her purse and snuck out. The cool Vegas air hit her as she walked out of the VG. She was so mad at her mom. At the world. She had always wanted to study history and work at a museum, but this damn hotel would be the future. She found her favorite bar Acre and walked in. She took a seat at the bar and opened her tab.
---
“And that's why I’m here” She took another shot. The tequila felt great going down her throat.
“Damn,” Altair breathed. It felt good to know he and Maria were in the same boat. “I get it” Altair then told his story.
Maria shook her head. Feeling more and more drunk. “What is up with asshole parents telling us who to marry and fuck with”
“He’s my mentor” Altair interrupted but Maria kept going.
“I just don’t know why it has to be Robert. He is the absolute worst. I wish he would drop dead” she rambled on.
“Adha is the worst also” Altair took a shot. As he was drinking and staring at Maria and her white dress he had an idea. “Maria” he grabbed her by the shoulders. “Let’s get married right now”
Maria looked at him. “What?” She knew he was drunk if he wanted to be with her like that.
“Think about. We’re both millionaires. We’re part of hotel dynasties that need to be expanded. And we both hate who we have to marry. It’s perfect!” He had to get out of his arranged marriage and he could see Maria wanted to also. It was a win-win scenario.
Maria nodded, hanging onto every word. “That might work. We can merge and all that shit. But where the hell are we going to get married?” This could work she thought to herself.
“Hello, it’s Vegas we can go to one of the twenty-four-hour wedding chapels!” They were everywhere here. Also, lots of customers were usually from there. The weddings were official and fast.
Maria gave him a huge smile. “That is the best idea I have heard all day.” she then looked concerned “Wait we need rings. I also need a veil”
“We can find a pawn shop,” Altair said. “Come on let's go” he grabbed her hand.
“Wait let’s do one more shot together” She grabbed her shot glass and handed him one. They downed their alcohol and headed out.
They found a rundown pawn shop and walked in. The pawn shop had trinkets everywhere and was messy. “Hello,” a person greeted them from the shadows. They then stepped out and had a golden eye patch. “My name is Azar what can I help you with”
“We need rings,” Altair told them.
“And a wedding veil” Maria added.
Azar looked at them. “Young love I see. We’ll come closer to my jewelry counter and pick out what you like”
Maria and Altair saw a huge selection of rings. They were all different sizes and colors. “I don’t want anything too crazy,” Maria said. She then saw a simple gold band with a ruby in it. “May I see that one?” Azar pulled it out. Maria tried it on. “It’s perfect I’ll take it”
“Very well and for you sir” Azar looked at Altair.
Altair looked at the rings. He then found a simple golden band. “I’ll take that one”
Azar nodded and pulled it out. “Let me see if we have any wedding veils” They walked away for a second.
“I’m excited” Maria slurred a bit. The alcohol was hitting her.
“Same” Altair was also getting hit. Azar then returned with a simple wedding veil. Altair pinned the veil into Maria’s hair. She turned and looked at him. “Perfect” he blushed seeing her. Happy the alcohol could be a cover.
They then ran out of the pawn shop happy with their purchases. After staggering around they finally found a Wedding Chapel called Aphrodite's Temple. The neon sign with pink hearts drew them in. The décor was tacky and colorful. Pink walls and carpet were everywhere. Fake flowers were littered throughout. The place looked so dated and smelled a bit musty. A man in a purple robe greeted them. “My name is Alkibiades how can I help you?”
“We want to get married right now” Maria rushed in.
“What she said” Altair added.
Alkibiades smiled “Perfect let’s get started!” fifteen minutes later and some paperwork Altair and Maria were husband and wife. They got their picture taken and kissed hard. Maria liked the way Altair kissed. She could taste the tequila on his breath. They then ran out of the wedding chapel laughing. Alkibiades knew they would make it. He loved his job and saw many people come and go but Altair and Maria were by far the most fascinating.
“Let’s get more shots husband!” Maria leaned into Altair laughing. She could not believe they just did that.
Altair joined her laughing “Sounds good wife!” they then went bar hopping some more...
----
Maria woke up in bed sheets. She had nothing on but a white dress shirt. Her head was also hurting like crazy. As she looked around, she was in an unfamiliar place. The room she was in looked like a presidential suite. She barely remembered last night. “Shit” she whispered to herself. She then heard light snoring next to her. She slowly turned her head and saw a shirtless Altair next to her! Her hand went to her mouth. She was about to scream. What the hell happened last night? She could barely remember. Just a lot of laughter and flashing lights. She slowly got out of the bed and put her dress on. As she went to grab her earrings, she saw a piece of paper next to them. She picked up the paper and her stomach dropped.
Altair was dreaming when he felt someone tapping his face. “Altair wake up. Altair. Altair” the voice went on.
“What?” he groaned. He blinked and then saw Maria standing next to him. She was in her dress.
“How drunk were we last night?” she sounded panicked.
“I mean we were drunk. My head is killing me” He hadn't been this hung over in years.
“We’re married” Maria shoved the marriage certificate in his face.
Altair’s eyes jumped out of his head. He sat up and looked at the certificate. It was official. “Al Mualim is going to kill me” his mind started racing.
“My mother is going to throw me off the building” Maria sighed. “We're going to have to face them. Oh my god were fucked”
Altair was not doing well. He did not remember the night at all. The only thing he could remember was Maria’s lips on his but he was going to ignore that for now. As he was about to say something his phone went off on the nightstand. “Shit let me get that” he leaned over and grabbed the phone. It was Al Mualim...
Maria saw how he turned three shades paler. Whoever was on the phone was mad. “Who is it?” Maria asked.
Altair then hung up the phone. “It was Al Mualim and I guess your mom. They want us to meet in an hour.”
Maria was about to vomit. “Oh shit”
“Yeah... Well um, you’re at my place by the way. Do you want to run to your place and change? I can call my driver”
“Probably a good idea. Also, I have to ask” Maria did not want to ask but had to. “Did we... you know um...” she was turning red.
Altair shook his head quickly. “No no not at all! We were both so drunk.” he did somewhat remember stumbling in and then passing out.
“Thank god” Maria gave an awkward laugh. “Okay well, I’ll see you in an hour.”
“See you in an hour”
---
“Ezio Auditore de La Firenze” Maria (the mom lmao) yelled at Ezio “You need to find more hobbies”
“I have plenty of hobbies” Ezio snapped back at her. He was at Giovanni’s office and Maria was yelling at him. Ezio was annoyed, he came here real quick to talk to Federico but ran into his mother whom he was trying to avoid.
“I meant besides vaginas” Maria clapped back. She was fed up with Ezio’s reckless behavior.
“Mom!” Ezio’s face turned bright red. He then composed himself. “Can you just let me live my life? I’m old enough”
“You’re acting like a seventeen-year-old boy instead of a twenty-seven-year-old man! Tell me why when I woke up this morning, I saw you making out with Lucrezia Borgia whose family is our enemies on the front page” Maria had almost passed away seeing that. Just as she was yelling Giovanni walked in. “Giovanni come over here and talk some sense into your son!”
Giovanni walked in. He was also with an attractive redhead woman. Ezio quit slouching on the couch and sat up. He could at least look good. “Maria I can’t I’m with the new HR director showing her around.”
“Hi, I’m Sofia Sartor” she gave an awkward wave. She knew she had come in at the wrong time. She could see the tension. She also saw how attractive Ezio was. No wonder the girls swooned over him. However, she was in HR and knew being with him was wrong. She also didn’t want to date him due to all the trouble he was always in.
“Father listen Mom is overreacting we’re fine” he was playing it cool. He just needed his mom to back off and he could continue his life.
Maria then gave Ezio the deadliest glare to have ever been given. “Overreacting?? You have been on the worst behavior these last few years and kissing Lucrezia Borgia is where I draw the line!” She was tired of seeing her son on some tabloid and having to call the PR team.
“He did what?” Giovanni stepped forward and looked at his son. Maria threw the paper at Giovanni aggressively.
“Read it for yourself” she sighed. “Ezio we can’t keep contacting Niccolò Machiavelli to clean your messes up”
“The Vieri de' Pazzi incident about killed us Ezio,” Giovanni told him. That whole incident was better to be forgotten.
Ezio leaned back onto the couch. “What do you guys want from me?” He hated having all his siblings and living in their shadows. He was lost on what he was supposed to do.
“You need to quit having sex with every women in Vegas. The Paola incident was also another one that about killed us” Maria exclaimed. Ezio had been seen passed out drunk at the brothel. The whole time Sofia was here, and her face was red. This was not what she signed up for.
“I’m with your mother on this. I think you need a job” Giovanni looked at his spoiled son. “You have your degree in business, and I think it’s time you put it to use.” he was tired of footing the bill for his son and letting him do what he wanted. “Sofia” he looked over at her. An idea forming.
Sofia looked up. “Yes sir?”
“You will now be working with my son in HR. Ezio can be your assistant and you can teach him how HR works and how to manage employees. I know you’re new, but it can’t be much different from your other HR job at The Byzantine”
Sofia was shocked but agreed. “Yes, that works. HR is HR no matter where you go.”
Ezio shot up. “HR? HR? They don’t give a shit about anything but the company and themselves. Why do I even need to work here Federico is taking over anyway!” he did not want to work for HR.
Giovanni then pinched his nose in annoyance and looked at Ezio. “You will always be a part of this company. I also need you to grow up. You can’t be a party boy till you die at the age of thirty-five from an overdose. It’s time you got on the right track. As of right now, you work for The Venetian. You will get paid like every employee and be treated like an employee. You will also be moving to your own apartment. We are no longer financing you.”
Ezio felt the blood drain out of his face. “What? Look I’m sorry I can pull it together”
Giovanni shook his head. “We have let you try to pull it together one too many times. You need to learn a hard lesson.” He hoped this could help Ezio because if not then what would? “Sofia let me teach you how to do the paperwork for a new hire starting with Ezio.”
Ezio was about to pass out. This was horrible. The rest of the afternoon Giovanni took time out of his schedule to help Sofia get Ezio hired. They were then looking at salaries in Sofia’s new office. “So, with working in HR as an assistant the base pay is $25,000.”
“$25,000” Ezio sputtered. “Father that is how much some of my suits cost. I can’t work this job.” There was no way he could live off that much.He had standards.
“It’s perfect” Giovanni smiled. “Ezio start moving your stuff out. You have three days to get an apartment.”
Sofia was shocked that Ezio’s outfits cost that much. She was happy she wasn’t having his rude awakening. “Okay, you are officially hired. We start tomorrow at 8 am and we work till 5 pm.”
Giovanni went on. Ezio was speechless. “He will see you bright and early!” Giovanni then left leaving Sofia and Ezio who was sitting across her desk defeated.
“So, um I do need help unpacking my office if you can help?” She looked at him. They still had a few hours of work.
He shook out of it. “Yeah, sure 'cause I now work here like some peasant” He was not okay, to say the least.
“Cool that box over there has some books can you put them on the shelves.” she pointed to a box.
Ezio got up and started putting them on the shelves. “You have a lot of books” he observed some were HR and others looked to be fun.
Sofia chuckled “Yeah, I love reading and sometimes read when I get free time at work.” She got up and unpacked more of her stuff. It was quiet between her and Ezio. She felt like she had nothing in common with him. She also didn’t know how to talk to him after all that. Another hour passed and her office was done. “Looks like we're done. You can leave now”
Ezio nodded “Shit I gotta move my stuff out. Do you know where apartments are for my budget?”
Sofia pulled out a notebook from her desk and wrote something down. “Here’s where I live. It’s decent.” She gave him the name and address
Ezio took the paper and said goodbye to her. He started walking out when a voice called out to him.
“Ezio” Federico ran up to him. “Heard what happened!” he was trying hard not to laugh. It was just hard not to laugh when it was ones own sibling.
Ezio rolled his eyes. “Shut up. I give it a week and I’ll start back to my normal life”
Federico shook his head. “I don’t know Mom and Dad seem dead set on what they did. They haven’t been happy with you in a while.” It was true. All the Auditore siblings were doing well but Ezio. Federico was also not happy about Ezio kissing Lucrezia. That whole family grossed him out.
“When are they ever happy with me!” Ezio snapped. No matter what he did he couldn’t be like his siblings. “Look I have to go find an apartment within my means. So bye” he then stormed off. He finally got back to his luxurious apartment and saw there were boxes. His parents were serious. Ezio sighed. He went straight to the bar and poured himself a drink. It wasn't the best he wished Altair could bring Desmond over. That man knew how to make a drink. Speaking of Altair, Ezio needed to call him and tell him what was going on. Ezio went to his phone and dialed Altair. A few rings later Altair picked up.
“Oh my god Ezio I have so much to tell you!” Altair was happy his friend called him.
“Same!” Ezio replied. “You go first”
Altair then told Ezio the whole story and what was to be expected of him. Ezio was in shock. Maybe he didn’t fuck up as bad as he did. “Damn amico that’s a lot” Ezio could not believe he missed that story, but he had been busy.
“Yup. But what about you” Ezio then told him the whole story. “I would help but I’m on Al Mualim’s shit list.” Altair felt awful but Ezio did need to learn a lesson.
“Who isn’t on his shit list,” Ezio told him. “I better start packing.” Ezio looked around and saw he had a lot of stuff. Altair wished him luck and he hung up. Ezio sighed down the rest of the wine and started packing...
---
A few days later.
“You must be Ezio Auditore de La la la Fir something “ a man went on.
Ezio took a deep breath “It's Ezio Auditore de La Firenze” Ezio was in the lobby of the apartment building. He was moving in today.
The man rolled his eyes. “I don’t speak Italian gibberish but anyways I’m Yusuf Tazim your landlord. Sofia told me about you” Mainly it was all the drama. Yusuf was now invested. He had always heard about Ezio but never expected in a million years to be in front of him.
“Great can you show me where I’m going to live? I need to start unpacking.” Ezio was not interested in this man.
“Of course, friend” Yusuf went to the back of his office and got Ezio’s keys. “Here is your room key. Payments are on the first of the month. Now let me show you your room.” He led Ezio to the elevator. The apartment was all closed in which was nice. It was also in a decent part of town. But Ezio on the other hand felt like he was living from a cardboard box. They got to the second floor and Yusuf walked him to the end. “here is your room” Ezio unlocked the door and walked in. The place was the size of his closet back home. “So this is the one-bedroom apartment. You have a nice sitting area, full kitchen, a full bath, then your own washer and dryer which is hard to come by.” Yusuf explained.
“So will a maid service come in” Ezio was being dead serious.
Yusuf burst into laughter. This man was in for a rude awakening. “Oh my god that is the best thing a tenet has ever asked me oh my god” he wiped a tear from his face. “Well, I will let you unpack good luck. If you need anything my number is on the fridge” he walked away still laughing.
“Asshole” Ezio mumbled. Ezio then started the process of moving in. He had so much crap. Two hours later he got the last box in. His apartment was not going to fit everything. He kept trying to rearrange stuff but he had too much. He knew he needed to get rid of some stuff.
Ezio walked out of the apartment to get some fresh air and think about what to do but to his dismay, he saw Yusuf. “hey, wanted to check on you.”
“I’m fine” Ezio answered with a short attitude.
“I was just checking. You are the most interesting tenet I have ever had” he then burst into laughter again. This whole thing was hilarious to him.
Just then Ezio’s neighbor opened the door. “Yusuf, why are you laughing so loud?”
“Oh my god Sofia meet your new neighbor Ezio Auditore de La la” Yusuf started laughing. He did put them together intentionally being a landlord was boring and this would spice up his life.
“Firenze” Ezio snapped getting annoyed at this man. “De La Firenze” he did the classic Italian hand gestures.
Sofia just observed the two. She did hear someone moving in but was not expecting Ezio at all. She was sure Yusuf moved Ezio next to her to be funny. “So, Yusuf will you be at book club next week?”
Yusuf straightened up. “Of course, I will be. Oh, Ezio we have a monthly book club if you would like to join”
Ezio made a face “I’m good.”
“They can't hurt you,” Sofia told him. “It could be a healthy outlet” She knew reading was better than catching an STD.
“Why would he be with normal people” Yusuf joked. “Anyways I better head off.” He waved goodbye.
After he walked away from earshot Ezio turned and looked at Sofia. “He is so annoying. How do you put up with him?”
Sofia shrugged “he’s a good guy once you get to know him. How’s moving by the way?”
Ezio sighed “Horrible do you think you could help me real quick. You seem good at organizing.” he was so desperate.
“Sure” They then walked into Ezio’s apartment. It was crammed and cluttered. “Wow you have so much stuff”
“Yeah, that’s the issue. This apartment is the size of my closet back home.” Ezio complained. “This is so unfair”
“Well let me try to help” Sofia offered. A few hours later and a lot of boxes with stuff to donate. They were done. “Well, it looks a lot better” His living area was small but quaint. He was able to keep a good chunk of his wardrobe. The kitchen didn’t have too much since Ezio had never cooked. All in all the apartment was perfect for Sofia.
“Yeah, it's okay.” Ezio shrugged. “I just wish my view was on the strip and not the highway” he also hated the size of it and how he wasn’t on the top floor.
Sofia snorted “You and me both.” She could not believe how much stuff they got rid of. She saved a couple of his Gucci shirts and was going to sell them for extra money. She did, however, see a jacket she thought would keep her cozy. “Well, I better head out. I’ll see you at work tomorrow”
“What time?”
“8 a.m. same as last week and the next,” she told him for the millionth time.
“Right the ass crack of dawn” He hated how he was having to get up early.
“Yeah anyway have a good night” She waved goodbye and walked out.
She walked back to her modest apartment. Ezio was interesting to her. She was happy she did not have his upbringing or that could be her. Her family was a modest middle-class family. She was an only child which could be lonely. She made herself a cup of tea and sat down on her favorite chair. She pulled out her latest read and started reading.