[Ezio stops abruptly in his pacing, something he was unaware he was doing in the room. It is not the entirety of Connor's words that are hitting him, though those are an incredible mark all on their own. It's the fact that Connor addressed him by his name. Not "sir." Not "Mentor." Ezio.
Had he not been practically drowning in his own guilt, he would celebrate for the change. As it is, internally he is struggling taking the blame and understanding that those actions were not his.]
But it was not the path you took. Not the path you chose.
[Connor's voice hasn't changed, if anything he seems unaware of the fact that he referred to Ezio by name. He's as steady as ever, a door that keeps shutting in the face of Ezio's self-doubt.]
You once told me that a man is the sum of his actions. If that is so, then what happened is nothing more than an incorrect digit in the equation that has already been erased; why are you still staring at the place where it once was?
[For a long moment, Ezio looks back to Connor, blinking, allowing the words to sink into him one by one. Ezio is one who has taught himself to look forward, to find a better future for others, after having clung for so long to a past that could no longer be his. Now, here, he is being reminded again that he cannot dwell on what has already been done- learn from it, of course, but not drag his feet as he'd done previously.
Then, finally, he sighs- but not one in annoyance, but one that admits he has been bested. There may or may not be a smile with it.]
Because it is easier for me to forget that not everything that happens here is my fault. [A pause.] This was out of my hands, and that is hard to recall when the first thing you remember is causing trouble for those that are family.
[He finally turns to Connor at that, and nods. Usually he would either embrace or give the other a pat on the shoulder, but Connor is not one for touch, and Ezio respects that.]
It will not be easy for me to always remember, so I ask for you to be patient when my vision gets clouded from the truth.
[Surprise, Ezio! It's actually Connor who steps forward, closes the space between them and briefly embraces Ezio--this man who has become not only a mentor but something of a father-figure.]
You have always been patient with me. I would be glad to return that favor.
[The embrace is not what he is expecting, but it is welcomed all the same. Ezio straightens slightly at first, believing the other to be reaching for something behind him- and then he realizes that it is a familial gesture, and he cannot help but to smile and return the embrace eagerly.
Connor has come such a long way since his arrival, and Ezio is certain he will make a fine mentor one day. As he pulls away, the Italian blinks, recalling something.]
Connor- I am proud of you. [A beat.] Even when we return home, do not forget that.
[Connor gives Ezio a brief, almost imperceptible squeeze before he lets go and steps back. He's had a mentor. A father. But for all the care he felt for the both of them, he was never able to reconcile the two things with each other. In Ezio he has a little of both. It feels good.]
I won't. [A contraction! Now you know he's comfortable.] Thank you, Ezio. For everything.
[To hear the simplicity of his statement means much more than most would perceive. But Ezio knows, and he is incredibly grateful. There is a chuckle there]
Prego. You are most welcome. It is what family does for each other, Ratonhnhaké:ton.
[He never did tell Connor that he was trying to learn his real name. Desmond's been helping a little on that endeavor.]
[His eyes widen in response, and then, Ezio laughs. Not at Connor, but in joy, a mark that shows that he is touched and grateful and amazed and everything in between. He did not expect this from the other, but it shows familiarity, and more importantly, a bond. One that promises that he will be fine in his future endeavors both in Asgard, and at home.]
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Had he not been practically drowning in his own guilt, he would celebrate for the change. As it is, internally he is struggling taking the blame and understanding that those actions were not his.]
...but it was a path that I could have taken.
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[Connor's voice hasn't changed, if anything he seems unaware of the fact that he referred to Ezio by name. He's as steady as ever, a door that keeps shutting in the face of Ezio's self-doubt.]
You once told me that a man is the sum of his actions. If that is so, then what happened is nothing more than an incorrect digit in the equation that has already been erased; why are you still staring at the place where it once was?
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Then, finally, he sighs- but not one in annoyance, but one that admits he has been bested. There may or may not be a smile with it.]
Because it is easier for me to forget that not everything that happens here is my fault. [A pause.] This was out of my hands, and that is hard to recall when the first thing you remember is causing trouble for those that are family.
[He finally turns to Connor at that, and nods. Usually he would either embrace or give the other a pat on the shoulder, but Connor is not one for touch, and Ezio respects that.]
It will not be easy for me to always remember, so I ask for you to be patient when my vision gets clouded from the truth.
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You have always been patient with me. I would be glad to return that favor.
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Connor has come such a long way since his arrival, and Ezio is certain he will make a fine mentor one day. As he pulls away, the Italian blinks, recalling something.]
Connor- I am proud of you. [A beat.] Even when we return home, do not forget that.
[Simple words, but powerful. From father to son.]
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I won't. [A contraction! Now you know he's comfortable.] Thank you, Ezio. For everything.
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Prego. You are most welcome. It is what family does for each other, Ratonhnhaké:ton.
[He never did tell Connor that he was trying to learn his real name. Desmond's been helping a little on that endeavor.]
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Desmond, you cheat.
But then it's all wiped away by what is possibly the most bashful smile Ezio's seen cross Connor's face.]
I suppose we are family now. Nonno.
[Did he do it? Did he say it right?]
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Si, that we are, nipote. That we are.