Hey guys! I have a cold :( Not cool. But hey, I give thee a new chappie :3 For those of you that reviewed my last chapter, I thank you! It's nice to know that the story hasn't been completely forgotten lol. Just going off on a tangent, I was at work the other day and suddenly thought how awesomely hilarious it would be if Ezio just dropped into my office, right by my desk. I'd have a spasm of joy. Yes, I'm a weird nerd. Moving swiftly onwards...

Thank You Reviewers Time!

VampireVampyre- Your 'I am bah da bah bah bah lovin' it!' bit there made me laugh out loud xD

Doomstone- I'm pleased to hear you still enjoy reading this :)

Anon- Yes, let's party hardy! ;D

ThePersonFromYourNightmares- I'm really pleased you're loving this :D I know right, how awesome is Mass Effect 2! Gah, so much love for it!

HikariNoTenshi-San- LOL, she is a total spaz. Kinda like me :P

Hikura Rima- Glad you liked the gun and pigeon scene xD

XxNikkigirl123xX- Pleased you liked the chappie :)

AngelofThursday- I'm sorry for killing you with the Ezio/Megan fandango! I'm so cruel haha :P

LadyAssassin87- Ooh, murder at Carnevale! xD

IluvReaver- Thank you for your lovely review! 3 It's good to be back.

jgal747- Thank you! :3

ForgeandGred4ever- May I just say your username is very interesting lol :p

RaquellaRose- You should like this chappie seeing as you were excited for Ezio and Megan going to Carnevale :3

Chaos-and-Insanity- Yes I'm alive :D

I've also been getting quite a few new people story alerting and whatnot, so thank you to all you guys! :D

Disclaimer: Assassin's Creed is Ubisoft's. But Megan is mine, bitches!

Chapter 30: Wine, Wine, Everywhere!

"Oh, isn't this exciting!" I practically squeal like a complete fan girl, as I walk slightly ahead of Ezio and Leonardo. Actually, to be more accurate, maybe I should say skip ahead. Yes, guys. I'm that excited. I can almost feel a spasm coming on. The sound of the joyful and upbeat festival music is heard loud and clear, and is incredibly pleasing to my ears. It makes me feel blissfully cheerful, and I'm dying to try out my new dance moves Leonardo kindly taught me earlier. Normally, I'd need to have a large amount of alcohol in my bloodstream for me to get up and dance, but with this music playing the last thing I need is alcohol. Just a dance partner.

"I hope you can handle your alcohol, Megan" Ezio calls, laughter in his voice. "There's going to be a lot of it." I turn around to face the pair, however continue to walk backwards as I reply.

"No need to worry about me, my good chum. I can handle my alcohol. The question is can you?" I smirk, and even give a comical wink. Ezio continues to walk forward casually, and gives me a relaxed smile.

"What makes you think that I can't, mia cara?" he purrs. "I would wager that I can better than you"

"Well, look who's getting too big for their boots!" I laugh, and then look directly at Leonardo. "Leonardo, can you believe this arrogance?" I exclaim jokingly, which earns me a big grin from the polymath, and I then hear a quiet chuckle from Ezio.

"Alright, Auditore. Do you want to put your money where your mouth is?" I propose a wager. I can only imagine that Ezio is raising an eyebrow through slight curiosity under that hood and mask, for he is tilting his head. He then quickly understands, and smiles slyly.

"Si! The last, er…man standing is the winner" Ezio agrees. Right, this is it. I have got to drink more than Ezio and actually stay upright. And sane. I tend to make a complete tit of myself when I'm drunk. Oh dear God, is this a good idea? Will there be wine? I really hope not. If I'm drinking wine I stand no chance in bloody hell. But I've talked him up to this, so I can't back down now.

"Deal!" I laugh, and turn and face forward, wondering how I actually managed to go that far walking backwards without making a fool of myself. We continue to make our way to the main area where the festivities are being held, and where it will be busiest. Entertainers try to grab our attention as we swan past. Acrobats doing handstands, and other positions which I can only wish I could pull off. Fire breathers letting the illuminating orange flames escape from their mouths. I send wide smiles to all of them as we pass by and upon hearing a succession of loud bangs, look up to the heavens which is full of bright colours. Blue, green, pink, purple! Beautiful fireworks. Which will also come in handy later, when Ezio has to use his pistol.

As we cross the bridge and enter the area where Carnevale is truly alive, my excitement grows that little bit more. People are either dancing happily, or socialising in small groups. Some benches are occupied with lovers cuddling up to each other, one man whispering sweet promises into his sweetheart's ear. There is bunting all over the place, as far as the eye can see.

"Ezio, I need to tell you something" Leonardo tells his close friend quietly.

"I don't have much time. The Doge's party starts very soon"

"Nevertheless, I have news. I hear Cristina Vespucci is in Venezia for Carnevale. Weren't the two of you close?" Oh, here we go…

"Once…" Ezio trails off and looks down sadly, thinking better of telling us about his relationship with Cristina. Which was pretty complicated, let's be honest.

"Perhaps it would have been better not to tell you… She's with her husband" Leonardo states glumly, regret almost detectable in his voice. His arms drop to his sides and his shoulders slump, as if he's sad for Ezio, knowing that what he is about to say next will sadden him. "She may not be too happy to see you…"

"No…it's wonderful!" Ezio rejoices. "It's Carnevale. With this mask she need not even know it's me! I know just the way to draw her attention..." he trails off, looking away thoughtfully with a smile on his face. He then looks at Leonardo and his smile widens as he places a hand on his shoulder. "Grazie amico"

Un-Fucking-Believable. Really, Ezio? Really? You're going to ditch your date to go and rekindle your romance with your ex (for want of a better word) girlfriend, while her husband dances away like a poor sod as you snog the face off of his wife in a back alley? And did I mention he's ditching me? For the love of…seriously, Ezio? Wow. Just wow. I have no idea how my face looks now. Actually, thank God I have this mask on to cover the majority of it. I bet I have a face like thunder. Not that Ezio would have a chance to see it anyway, as he's already dashed off to plant the letter on Cristina. Fuck this. I'm getting some wine and getting a head start on this wager. I'm getting completely off my face.

"Leonardo, I'm getting a drink. Do you want one?" I offer, trying not to let my foul mood show.

"Oh, no thank you, my dear. I will have a drink or two later though" he smiles sweetly, and I smile back, but it's not as sincere as his. I'm just so pleased Leonardo is here, so I don't have to look like a complete loner, all aloney on my owney at Carnevale. Now, wouldn't that be tragic.

I receive the deep red shade of wine, and down it on the spot. I wince, pulling the most unattractive face you can pull unwillingly. Let's just say it would rival the face you pull when you're about to sneeze. Yeah, I know. Sexy!

"Top me up, please" I ask, which gets me a rather judging look to be honest. Pfft, like there aren't people who drink this much, if not more, around here. I raise my eyebrows as if to say 'Well? What are you waiting for?" She reluctantly complies, and tops up my large goblet with more wine. I skulk away, thinking that tonight is going to be a complete waste of make up and a gorgeous dress. I take another sip of the bitter wine from the goblet as I make my way past entertainers and happy dancers back to Leonardo, who is sitting at a small table.

"Well, this isn't the nicest wine in the world. Actually, I shall rephrase that. It's complete merde, but with the amount that I'm consuming combined with the undeniable fact that I cannot handle wine, I'll be drunk soon and won't be able to taste it" I sigh, and take a large gulp.

"Megan, you were so happy a few moments ago. What's happened to sour your mood?" Leonardo enquires, his eyes looking slightly sad. Seeing his eyes like this crushes my soul like a grape. Especially when his eyes are always so full of life. Maybe I should just try to make the best out of this and still have fun tonight. If not for me, for Leonardo. I let out a sigh and fidget in my chair slightly as I gather my words.

"Well…it's just…ugh" I struggle to form a decent explanation.

"Has Ezio done something?" I let out a loud laugh and nod at this as I take another sip of my wine, which is gradually going straight to my head. I think I need to slow down with the drink. Deciding to uphold to that thought, I push the goblet away from me slowly.

"It's just…he asked me to go to Carnevale and as soon as Cristina pops up, he just drops me without a second thought. I know he's essentially dropped both of us, but I'm his date tonight and I can't help but feel…" I look down into the liquid contents of the goblet, "stood up"

"It sounds like you were rather excited coming here as Ezio's date tonight, my dear" Leonardo states, smiling kindly. I look up and grin at Leonardo, my mouth open slightly.

"Leonardo! What are you implying?" I smirk.

"That you may be thinking of Ezio as…more than a friend these days. I've seen you both together over the past few years. You've grown extremely close. It's nice to see!" he grins merrily. I know that he's not meddling. It's not Leonardo's style. No, this is just his honest opinion. I sigh slightly, not knowing how to reply. It's all pretty much a big tangled up, knotty mess in my head at the moment when it comes to Ezio. Do I go weak at the knees simply because, hey, it's Ezio Auditore. He has a smile and a charm about him that makes me feel like I'm going to melt into a puddle. Or, is this something more than an attraction? Am I really melting at Ezio Auditore having got to know him, and not merely swooning over his insanely good looks and charm? The little voice in my head has answered that for me in a heartbeat.

"Maybe I do… Leonardo, I'm really not sure what these feelings mean at the moment. And besides, can you honestly tell me you can see us as an actual couple?" I raise my eyebrows and let out a giggle. My eyes then widen, and I lean forward slightly. "Leonardo, please don't mention what we've talked about to Ezio!" I plead.

"It'll be our little secret" he replies, flashing a toothy grin.

"Thank you!" I gasp, and with that take a sip of wine.

"There! I have planted a letter on Cristina and will meet with her shortly!" Ezio declares as he joins us at our small wooden table.

"Good to see this evening is turning out so well for you, Ezio" I mutter, sporting pursed lips, and then take another swig of wine and after placing the goblet back on the table, do not take my gaze off of the liquid content.

"Is…something wrong, mia cara?" Ezio asks hesitantly, obviously picking up on the tone there.

"Just a word of advice" I look up into his hazel eyes, "When you ask someone on a date, actually spend time with them instead of organising a reunion with your ex 'girlfriend'…" I rise from my chair and take a step away from the table, before turning to face Ezio who looks fairly sheepish. "Oh yeah, I reckon I'm ahead in this wager. I've had time to really get a head start on the old vino"

I know that I won't be able to stay mad at Ezio for long. I'll hold his charm accountable for that. But I needed to let him know he's royally pissed me off with this whole fandango. Although, part of me thinks that I've been a bit too harsh on him. I don't get very far before Ezio calls me from the table.

"Megan, I'm sorry if you feel I've ditched you. I just…" he then stops himself from saying another word and gets up and strolls towards me.

"You just what?" I ask.

"You know that I felt strongly about Cristina. And when Leonardo told me she was here tonight, I felt like I had another chance. To say things that were left unsaid. To make sure she was happy" Ezio replies hurriedly, his voice just barely above a whisper. I bite my lip slightly, feeling slightly bad now. I guess he just saw an opportunity. A chance to…fix things, and grabbed on to it without even thinking. Chances like that don't always come around often.

"I should have been more understanding, Ezio… I'm really sorry" I reply, my voice small. How I feel right now. Ezio gives me a tight hug before telling me that he won't be long with Cristina.

"Once I'm done, you and Leonardo will have my full attention for the rest of the night. Well, apart from when I have to take care of Marco Barbarigo"

"Sounds good to me" I smile softly and give him a hug.

"You really do smell of wine" Ezio laughs, which in turn makes me close my eyes and cringe whilst laughing with him. We then pull out of the hug.

"I got a bit carried away…But hey, I'm still standing!" I grin and give a thumbs up. "You've got some catching up to do!"

"I shouldn't yet. I don't want to jeopardise the mission. But there will be plenty of time for drinking once I return!" Ezio counters, and 'The Melter' spreads across his face. Jelly legs and butterflies in the tummy, courtesy of Ezio…

"I should go and meet Cristina. I might miss my chance"

"Well, we wouldn't want that" I smile, to make it clear I'm not being snarky. Ezio returns the smile and places a hand lightly on my shoulder, before walking past me towards the rendezvous point. So, here I am, all aloney on my owney at Carnevale. Exactly what I didn't want to happen. Leonardo has wandered off, God only knows where. I plunk myself into the chair at our table and smooth down my dress, and then adjust my mask slightly, looking around trying to find Leonardo in the crowds.

"Here we go, my dear!"

I'm caught by surprise, and my head spins back round to see Leonardo standing over the table, placing two goblets on the table. Oh no, not more wine!

"I just went to get a drink. Seeing as how much you seem to love wine, I picked you up one as well" he glows, and sits down opposite me.

"Thank you, Leonardo" I grin, not wasting any time and extracting some of the dark liquid content from the chalice. I then scan the area and admire the view of people joyously dancing, laughing, drunkenly swaying, smooching and- oh, hello…

There's a dark haired guy looking directly at me. Just…staring at me, with a slight smirk on his face. It's pretty alluring, I'll tell you that for free. I quickly look away, the eye contact making me feel uncomfortable, as if it's searing my eyeballs. And then, without even thinking, I look back. He's walking towards our table! Oh dear…

"Buona sera" he greets in a friendly, rather sweet manner. I simply look up at him and smile warmly. Not needing me to speak a word, he continues to speak.

"It surprises me that a pretty lady such as yourself doesn't have anyone to dance with tonight"

"Well, I do…But he, er…" I start, stuttering slightly due to his gorgeous eyes putting me off. His eyes…I've seen them before. You don't see eyes like that everyday, and you certainly don't forget them. The way he is looking at me now makes me believe he has also seen me before.

"Wait, do I know you?" I enquire curiously, my eyes narrowed slightly as I continue to study those eyes, and rack my brain to remember where I've seen them before. He's tall, dark…green eyes, nice lips, handsome for sure.

"I'm starting to think the same about you…" he responds, giving me an almost suspicious look whilst smiling slightly.

The guy from the market at the stall with the arsey merchant! I'm about 95% sure it's him. It's got to be!

"Did we meet in the market once not too long ago?" I ask, grinning all the while. This causes him to almost gasp as he recalls the memory also.

"Si, si!" he exclaims happily. He then takes his mask off slowly to prove his identity. That's definitely him! Wow, I never thought I'd see him again…

Following suit, I gently take my own mask off at which he smiles widely, obviously remembering me.

"I remember your speech" he laughs, whilst putting his black mask back on. I honestly don't know what to say to that, so I just opt for a short, sweet laugh as I place my own elegant mask back on.

"I never did repay you, you know. I never even got your name!"

"My name is Massimo Moretti, and you do not owe me anything…" he trails off, as if permitting to hear my name.

"Megan Green" I smile graciously.

"Well, Megan Green, would you care to dance?"

Finally! I was beginning to think I wouldn't have a chance to bust these moves. I look at Leonardo, slightly biting my lip which is curved into a smile, as if asking for permission. I don't want to leave him all alone.

"Do not worry about me, Megan. I do not mind being alone, and it will be fun to watch you dance. Go! Have fun!" Leonardo replies jollily. Woah, it's as if he just read my mind.

"Thank you!" I whisper cheerfully, as I take Massimo's outstretched hand and rise from the wooden chair. "Remember, we need to have a dance tonight, too!" I call back with a grin spreading from ear to ear.

"I won't forget!" he calls back. Massimo twirls me round gently as we find a space with enough room to happily prance about in, and I listen hard to the beat of the music. Here we go. Just pretend you're back in Leonardo's studio…

So, the dancing is going miraculously well! I haven't trodden on his feet, or tripped or fallen. So far, so good. It's even more fun when you have the music to dance to. I know, that sounds like a stupid thing to say, but with the amount of fun I had when Leonardo was teaching me in the living room of his studio, I just didn't think that could be trumped. Massimo and I continue to skip and hop merrily, laughing all the while. I then notice Ezio walking rather hastily towards our table. He doesn't look too happy. Things with Cristina can't have gone well…

The music stops and we let out a sigh of happiness. Taking a seat on a nearby bench, not too far away from the table where Leonardo and Ezio are conversing, we try to catch our breath.

"So, from your accent I'm guessing you're not from Venezia"

"How very observant of you!" I giggle, and then add, "No, I'm not from around here. I'm from England."

"I thought so" he replies with a toothy smile as he shifts in his seat and turns his body to face me more, his entire attention on me. "So what brings you to Venezia?"

Oh, lordy! What am I meant to say to that? Something tells me that, 'Y'see, I'm from England in the very distant future, and I fell through a wall into the Italian Renaissance' won't go down too well.

"I was born in England, but my parents liked to travel. As soon as they set foot in Venice there was no going back. They fell in love with this place" I smile sweetly, hoping that it was convincing enough. From the smile on his face, I'm thinking it was. Phew.

"Interesting! I take it you live with your parents then?" Massimo asks, full of questions. I'm suddenly hit by a pang of sadness, and a longing to see my dad.

"Well, yes I did. I live with my mum. My dad…he died recently" I trail off, looking at my hands folded in my lap.

"I'm so sorry…" he voices, guilt in his voice and written on his face, as if he feels he has hit a nerve. A sensitive one.

"Yeah…" I mumble, not wanting an awkward silence. "Time is on my side at the moment though. It's helping me heal"

"I'm sorry I brought him up and resurfaced old wounds" Massimo says quietly.

"Massimo, you weren't to know!" I laugh slightly, trying to make the depressing atmosphere that surrounds us disappear. Clocking his guilty expression again, I add, "Please, don't feel bad. You asked me a perfectly harmless question" I smile reassuringly. He has no words, but his smile speaks a hundred of them.

Ezio approaches hesitantly, and stands there for a moment as Massimo and I continue to smile at each other. His forest green eyes are making me feel all weak and jelloid…

"Megan, would you like to dance with me?" Ezio asks softly. So now he asks.

"Better late than never" I smirk, which gets a chuckle from the cocky assassin.

"I take that as a yes, then?" he quips, flashing a lopsided, cheeky grin.

I look to Massimo, but I don't say a word as he speaks before I can say anything.

"It's quite alright, Megan. I should be retiring for the night, anyway"

"So soon?" I ask, a hint of sadness and disappointment detectable in my soft voice.

"I fear that if I don't now, I will be feeling the unpleasant after effects of this ale and wine in the morning" he laughs quietly. "Megan, I hope that you don't think I'm being forward…"

I stand up as he does and stand beside Ezio. "Go on" I encourage, my voice reassuring.

"I'd love to see you again" At hearing this, Ezio has grabbed my hand gently, almost protectively. I look at his hand on mine and then up at Ezio, before resting my gaze back on Massimo.

"I've had a nice time with you this evening. I'd like to see you again, too" I beam. Ezio's hand has now lost grip on my own. Massimo telling me he'll write to me makes my heart nearly explode. Oh, I've always wanted to receive a letter. And I'm not talking about one from the dentist telling you your next appointment is due (or well overdue), or your phone bill. I mean a real letter. A love letter. I suppose this is just the equivalent of a text back in modern day. Like, 'hey, fancy hanging out?' but with a tad more sophistication, romance and elegance. Lovely jubbly! Massimo places a chaste kiss on my hand, and bids me a farewell. Ezio, catch me now!

"Who was that?" Ezio asks, suspicious.

"That was the guy from the market I told you and Leonardo about! The really nice one that paid for Leonardo's supplies when I didn't have enough money on me" I smile happily to myself.

"I see" Ezio states with a monotonous tone. He then gives me a twirl as the next song begins.

"So, how did it go with Cristina?" I ask carefully. I don't know how he'll respond to that. Ezio and I continue to dance, taking a step closer to each other, then back, and then repeating this move.

"She wasn't very happy, to say the least" Ezio replies rather glumly, even letting out a quiet, frustrated sigh.

The music has gotten more upbeat and jolly now, and so we are proceeding to the insane prancing. Hopping delicately from one side to the next, and then twirling around Ezio, I prod him further.

"Well, it can't have been that bad! I'm sure she was happy to see you, y'know, deep down"

"She told me never to find her again" he replies, almost dead pan. Ouch.

At hearing this I stop my prancing and we are left just staring at each other. Ezio looks pretty broken. I know he's trying his best to hide how much this really hurts. I mean, that's really got to sting. Someone so dear to you demanding that you never try to find or speak to them again. Especially when Ezio went out of his way to do so, and was so thrilled and excited after learning she was here tonight. He's been crushed.

I want to go and slap the bitch.

"Hey…"I break the silence, and place a hand on his shoulder. He looks up at me with a slight smile on his face. A smile I've seen and used before. The one you use when the last thing you want to do is smile, but you want to hide that fact from everyone. Pretending to be okay is easier than telling people why you're not. Seeing Ezio use that smile gives me more of a reason to give him a big hug.

"It'll be okay. Look, I guess you got what you wanted from it, eh?"

Ezio looks at me as if I'm slightly off my rocker, begging for me to continue.

"Closure. You know where you stand with her now. You can move on" I reply, my voice sounding somewhat…wise.

"You're right, mia cara. Which makes a change" he smirks. There we go, Ezio's back.

"Come on, let's get you some wine. Wine makes everything better"

"I can't yet, Megan. I've got to go and-"

"Crash the party? Pump some lead into Marco Barbarigo?" I grin, my eyebrows raised as I look up at Ezio.

"Si! I'll be back shortly though, and then I'll be able to beat you on our little wager" he winks, and then dashes over to the table where Leonardo is sitting, clapping along to the music happily. He bids him a farewell, gives me a quick wave as I make my way back over to Leonardo, and then shoots off to Barbarigo's party.

"Leonardo! Let's have that dance!" I shout over to him, and he lets his wide cheerful smile do the talking as he stands up and makes his way towards me.

Wine. Wine. Wine. Oh, and some more wine. I've consumed so much wine this evening that I'm starting to feel sorry for my liver now. It's a little trooper! Eyes are feeling boss-eyed, lips are feeling slightly numb, feeling extremely happy and giggly, and I can see two Ezio's coming towards us.

"Ez- Ezi…" I struggle with my words in my drunken state, "Ezzy!" I then erupt in a fit of giggles as Ezio sits down next to me at the table. Leonardo rubs the back of his head and furrows his eyebrows worriedly. They've never seen me like this before. My sober self must be crazy enough for them.

"You've really got a head start on me, haven't you?" Ezio laughs, "You really want to win this little wager, don't you?" he grins widely as he places a hand on my shoulder, steadying me as I sway and threaten to fall off of the chair.

"I've already won, my very handsome friend!" I stammer out the words.

"Handsome, eh?" Ezio smirks, trying to coax more compliments out of me as his face gets slightly closer to mine.

"Oh, you know you're handsome Ezio!" I counter, and he pouts ever so slightly and raises his eyebrows as if accepting this as the truth.

"I'd ask you to dance, but I fear you'll end up falling over" Ezio smirks, trying to contain the laughter.

"Y'know, if you didn't get a kiss from…" I pause, my pissed brain trying to form the words to continue the sentence, "from Cristina, you could always kiss me…" I then laugh heartily and slap Ezio hard on the shoulder. When I finally compose myself, I look up at Ezio's striking eyes. Having no control over myself whatsoever, I lean in, staring at his lips which are smiling. He places a hand on each shoulder and looks deep into my eyes.

"Megan, you're very drunk right now. You'd regret it..." he whispers softly, not taking advantage of my drunkenness. My eyes then feel rather heavy, and I cannot keep them open any longer. My head relaxes so much that it collides with Ezio's shoulder, and doesn't move from that spot. Ezio's eyes focus straight ahead and a warm smile conjures on his full lips.