Summary: Since she was little, Balbina Moretti has always watched Ezio Auditore. His buoyant and unbridled spirit always reminded her of what she wished to be. But what if all this time someone has been watching her too?

Balbina, 1475

I stared at him again today.

Walking towards the bakery to collect bread early morning, I had never expected to find him there. He was lined up in the queue for bread looking tired and so deprived of life, but handsome nonetheless. All the ladies - married, unmarried or engaged eyed the man who rarely frequented in public places unless it was for a brawl or a race. I looked away sharply when he turned his head in my direction to avoid the bright sunlight.

This was the closest I would get to him. The closest I had ever got.

But I didn't mind.

A long time ago, I would have followed him anywhere in hope that he would notice me against all the odds. Perhaps, he would look at me and not the courtesans or the Florentine beauty - Cristina Vespucci. I realised now that I was a fool. There's nothing special about me that would alert him of my presence. I hailed from a middle class family - no where near as rich as the Auditore or the Vespucci. The only time our families would ever come face to face would be those god-awful balls and even that was not enough for him to notice me. But after many failed attempts, I was content. Content to being there where I could catch a glimpse of him.

Ezio Auditore would never notice me. And that was okay.

Author's Note: Apologies for my unexplained disappearance from this forum. I have been extremely busy with university and work and it was quite hard to make time to sit down and write. I know I shouldn't be starting another fanfiction while I have one that is pending, but this will be a very short fanfiction with very medium length chapters. My primary focus is How Noble Of You and I intend to finish it. :D

This story is set two years before Auditore massacre . . .

Ages : -

Federico - 18

Ezio - 15

Balbina - 15