The older brother

"You’re nephew and I have missed you. You’re company that is, your face just comes with it~." 

"Ah, Gratia, as sweet as ever. My nephew is quite a lucky man to have such a woman at his side."

"When you’re so focused on helping others, you tend to forget to help yourself."

"And that is when they remind you," Federico nodded, attempting to ruffle up her hair once more.

"I really should listen to my own advice." She chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck, a habit she no doubt picked up from her fiance.

"That is alright," he chuckled, shaking his head. "I have been just as guilty of the same thing in the past. It is something not everyone keeps in mind."

"I just want Federico to be happy… I don’t even know much of what he thinks about this younger sibling he’ll be getting either." Gratia eased herself, letting her arms fall to her sides.

"Then you just have to talk to him, right?" Federico smiled, moving his hand to rest against her shoulder. "Ask him how he feels about it, be open with him, as you have instructed me to do."

"It’s not fear, it’s respect. But whenever Federico comes home and tells me he thinks he’s upset his father…" Her hands suddenly clenched together, teeth biting on her lower lip in obvious frustration. 

"The two are not yet accustomed to each other," he shrugged, watching her with a smile. "..You remind me of my little sister, Claudia. She would often become so irritated with the things Ezio would do."

"Si, but by no means should any of us be given or giving special treatment to him." Freckled cheeks took on a tint of pink at his fluffing of her hair, a hand reaching up to smooth her auburn locks back into place. "I love him like a leader and a father figure… But that doesn’t mean I don’t also want to smack him to get his head straight."

"Of course not, but we are all working towards the same goals." He grinned when she missed a lock, reaching out to correct it gently for her. "I am right beside you when you mention a desire to smack some sense into him. By all means, sometime he truly needs it. Do not fear him simply for being your mentor, as he makes just as many mistakes as the rest of us."

"Mentore… I’ve cut back on my closeness to him…" Gratia let her arms fall, a sigh leaving her. "Ser Machiavelli scolded me for treating him so casually, it doesn’t matter who I marry, he’s still my grandmaster. He’s still skiddish around Federico too." She paused, thinking for a brief moment. "Your best bet for a gift would be taking him with you to get it, it’s the time you spend with him that’s important."

"Molto bene," Federico chuckled, reaching out to playfully fluff her hair. "Thank you for the insight.. But at the same time, pay no attention to what Machiavelli says. It is alright to treat him that way, because although he is your mentor, he is no higher than you. The Assassins are a brotherhood, my father taught this to me many years ago. While your skill level may be different, we are all equal, and we are all family."

"The absence means nothing to him now, so long as you are all here." She spoke quietly, folding her arms. "A gift would do little, all you really need to do is speak with him."

"I plan to do that as well.. I was just thinking a little something would serve as a kind gesture. Is there a certain kind of food he likes?" The man's arms crossed over his chest, smiling down at her. "You know him more than I do.. and perhaps more than his own father, so this is why I came to you."

"I was wondering if you could help me find a gift for my nephew. I do not know much about him, and I know that I cannot do much to make up for my absence," he chuckled quietly. "But, family is family. I wish to show him that I am here, should he need me."