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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[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.