#christopher gist x reader

[bookworm-with-coffee]

MASTERLIST

☆ * • * • * • * • * • * • * ☆

The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings 🍃

• Excuses - (Thorin Oakenshield x Child!Reader) Part One, Part Two & Part Three

• LOTR/TH Characters as wrong number texts! - Part One, Part Two & Part Three

• Sleepless Nights - (Fili x Reader)

• Insecurities - (Kili x Reader)

• Softly - (Kili x Reader)

* • * • * • *

Assassin's Creed 🗡

(*mainly writing for Assassin's Creed III & Rogue )

• Aesthetics - Shay Cormac , Haytham Kenway , Liam O'Brien & Chevalier de la Verendrye

• Torn - (Liam O'Brien x Reader)

* • * • * • *

Hogwarts Legacy 🪄

• Incorrect Quotes - Punch in the Crotch

• Aesthetics - Ominis Gaunt & Sebastian Sallow

• The Greatest Heist of All - (Slytherin Boys x Reader)

* • * • * • *

Van Helsing 🦇

• Night Terrors - (Van Helsing Boys x Reader Imagines)

* • * • * • *

Being Human 🩸

• Dancing With Death - (John Mitchell x Reader) Part One, Part Two & Part Three - COMING SOON

* • * • * • *

Star Trek 🪐

(*mainly writing for AOS movie series - 2009-16)

______________________________

Writing requests status - CLOSED.

(PLEASE NOTE ! - This is both a writing and personal blog. To be tagged in any fics I may write in future from the fandoms above*, let me know and specify which fandoms, characters, etc. you'd be interested in. Thank you 🥰❤).

(*more fandoms may be added/removed at any time).

(DISCLAIMER! - Any writing or other works published above are mine, based on their franchises which I do not own. I also take no ownership of gifs or images that I use in this post (or any I make), unless I specify my ownership. All credits for gifs and images go to their creators).

[demigoddessqueens]

Shay and Gist are sharing the ginger brain cell. Singular. And as much as I like Shaytham I really like Shaygist.

Imagine being in a polyship with Shay and Gist. Haytham has no hope of ever getting any of you to not act like gremlins.

Considering Gist is first mate on the Morrigan, you three are peas in a pod 🫛

Haytham always looks at you three like “why is it when something happens, it’s always you three?”

And then even if you indulge in the antics, there’s a limit and you’re looking

But on the fluffier side, they always like talking to you on the ship’s deck, cuddling with you, Gist “lets” you steal his hat, Shay likes to warm both of your hands, taking you up to the crow’s nest to admire the view but they’re looking at you instead

[feelbokkie]

Number 1 Fan

☀️Feelbokkie M.list☀️

**Request**

Chan with actress reader (I lost the actual request for this but I remember the gist of it)

genre: fluff

pov: 2nd person

description: Chan reassuring his girlfriend while she trys to self tape an audition.

pairing: idol!chan x actress!reader

warnings: swearing, self-doubt

word count: 641

©feelbokkie (2023) — all rights reserved. reposting/modification of any kind is not tolerated.

"Chan, if you're going to sit there while I do my self-tap audition, you can't look at me like that." You groan as you walk back to the camera to stop the recording again.

"Like what?" He tilts his head to the side and gives you a big grin making his dimple more prominent.

"Like that! All smiley and cute. This is supposed to be a serious scene." You throw your head back and stare at the ceiling.

"I can't help it, you're just so amazing it's giving me butterflies and chills." He says, smiling harder than he was before. You're not even sure how that's possible.

"Tell that to the casting directors." You mumble as you go through the camera and delete the messed-up footage.

It's not that you can't act, you acted very well and were cast in a handful of commercials. You even worked in music videos and as an extra on a few shows. You just haven't had your big break yet and it was frustrating you. While Chan lets you live with him to relieve the burden of living expenses, you still don't make much on the few acting jobs you did have, and the part-time job you had to give you some financial stability. You wanted to land a lead role or side character so you could make your dreams come true and not feel like you're mooching off of your boyfriend.

"You don't need my help, you're good enough as is. But I would tell them if I could, but you told me not to interfere. And your wish is my command." He teases. He doesn't have much pull in the industry, being more on the musical side of things, but he still has some connections. If you were going to make it in this industry, you wanted to do so on your own merit.

"Love your vote of confidence, babe but I've been doing this for so long. I'm tired. I don't know how you trained for so long, you're a better person than me." You mutter the last part as you flip through the script one more time, trying to see if you could try a new angle for the scene. Chan gets up from his seat and gently pulls the script from your hands, setting it on the table. He cups your face and forces you to look him in the eyes.

"I was able to train so long because I had you cheering me on. You were there for me through all the late practices. All the monthly evaluations. All of the showcases. And I'm returning the favor. I'm here for you every audition, callback, et cetera. And when you win best actress, I'll be right there in the audience cheering the loudest because I already knew you are the best, everyone else just has yet to open their eyes." He presses a hard kiss on your forehead like he's trying to engrave his love on your brain. When he pulls away he swipes his thumb across your cheek, wiping away a tear.

"Damnit, Channie, I'm supposed to do a confession scene. Why did you have to go and make me cry." You sniffle.

"I didn't do it on purpose. You're just emotional. But maybe use it?" He smiles as he uses the back of his hoodie sleeve to clean your face, tears pouring out now.

"Use it? But--oh, OH! Bang Christopher Chan, you're fucking brilliant." You quickly kiss his cheek and push him back onto the couch.

"I have my moments," He smiles sheepishly, taking one of the couch pillows and clutching it to his chest. You send him a wink, which causes him to blush and bring his knees to his chest, as you set the camera up again ready to try a new approach to the scene.

—

Buy me a coffee?

—

Permanent Taglist

Red means that it wouldn't let me tag you (either at all or properly)

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[musings-and-moans]

I thought it’s full-on nsfw collab, but let out a sigh of relief when i saw that sfw works are also allowed (nearly sent in an nsfw art entry wherein the Doctor!Kenma is looking for toys to use to his s/o reader 👀)

[Doctor Who] Kenma x [???] Reader by @mrskenmakozume (SFW - art)

For the record I haven’t watched the whole series (from the first Doctor up to the current one), but saw a few clips on YouTube years ago (especially the one I found on the BBC official YouTube channel about transformation/transition between the previous and new Doctors); reader tbd—will let you know soon 🙇🏻‍♀️

In Another Fantasy Collab

:')

you made my day ily so much!!! /p added you btw :D:D

OYA?👀👀👀👀 nvjnvjvnv /j /lh

sure thing!!! my advice? since dw's divided into two major parts: classical (1963-1989, 1996) ; and modern (2005-present), do watch the latter (or the clips of the latter) to get a gist of the idea, plus for our generation, the modern era is easier to grasp <33

and kenma gives me major christopher eccleston (the ninth doctor) vibes, personality wise so that's a good place to start too

also, feel free to ask me more questions about the show should you need help, I love that show with all of my heart and I truly can't wait for your artwork :D

[reddeaddamnation]

Imagine their reaction to someone hitting on your daughter/ When they find out your daughter has a boyfriend: [preference] pt. 2

Alexios

You didn't even realize when Alexios stopped walking beside you and had started walking rather angrily towards a young couple in the distance. "Okay, just one more thing I need over ther- Alexios?" You looked behind yourself only to realize he was going to get himself in trouble again... "Alexios!" You yelled after him, but he didn't turn around, so you had to follow him and try to stop him. When you got closer, you finally realized what made him this mad. Your daughter was holding hands and giggling with an unknown to you boy and didn't tell you that she was even seeing someone. "Who do you think you are?!" Alexios yelled, startling the both of them. Your daughter quickly managed to get over the surprise and boldly stepped up to her father "Dad, meet my boyfriend." She told him, her attitude in such a situation, leaving him wonder-stricken. "Alexios, what the hell?" You caught up to him and your eyes scanned the situation until they landed on the unknown boy. "Who is this, D/N?" You asked. "My boyfriend." Your daughter answered with the same expression. You raised your eyebrows in surprise and looked at your husband who was still in the same shock he was the first time he heard that statement. "We are going to have a long talk later, D/N..." He muttered.

Malik al'Sayf

Malik promised to behave during the dinner with his daughter's boyfriend. But there was always that thought in the back of your mind that things might go wrong. "So. How long have you and D/N been together?" Malik asked expectantly, a stoic expression on his face. The boy gulped before answering "Um... Three months now." He answered. “What are your intentions with her?” Malik continued asking, as if he was the policeman and the boyfriend - the suspect. “I-I...I hope to take our relationship to the next level.” the boy answered again, fear in his voice. Malik’s eye twitched slightly and in that moment you knew he was going to say something weird. “If I ever find out you got her pregnant, you can expect to be dead in the next several days! I may have only one arm, but that won’t stop me from killing you!”

La Volpe

“What the hell is wrong with you?!“ you yelled at your husband angrily “You can’t just break into the boy’s house because you decided to!“ As soon as you found out Volpe was going to break into your daughter’s boyfriend’s house in search of who knows what or catch him doing whatever just so he can have something to accuse the boy of, even though you thought he was a pretty good and respectful candidate for your daughter. You patiently waited for Gilberto to come home, arms and legs crossed and the most furious expression you could muster up. “My love, I’d say that is my everyday job.“ He answered with a cheeky smirk, taking off his hood and cape. “Don’t play around with me right now! What were you even looking for?“ you kept yelling, now angrily gesticulating with your hands. “Anything that could prove he isn’t worthy. Letters, books, diaries...“ Gilberto said, suspicion in his voice “Oh my gosh, you read his diary?!“ you slapped your forehead, disbelief screaming in your mind and soul that he could have gotten so far. “I had to know.“ Volpe shrugged his shoulders. “And?“ you raised your eyebrow expectantly “Did you find anything incriminating?“ The thief bit his lower lip, obviously guilty, but too proud to admit it. “Well...no.“ he murmured. “What was that?“ you mocked, leaning closer to hear him say it again. “He’s clean...“ Oh, what a lecture was waiting for him...

Yusuf Tazim

“She has a what?!“ Yusuf asked loudly, more because he didn’t hear it the first time rather than out of disbelief or anger. “[D/N] has a boyfriend. I saw them together the other day.“ you repeated nervously, wondering what his next reaction was going to be. Luckily, you caught him in a good mood, lying back on a pile of pillows and wanting nothing more than some rest after a long day. “A boyfriend?“ he furrowed his brows, letting the information sink in. For a moment you thought he was going to get angry and start ranting about how it isn’t her time and how he isn’t ready to let go of his little girl yet, but his next words sent a wave of shock through you. “Aah, good for her, good for her! We should invite him some time to talk then! I’ll sit down, have a drink with him! Tell him I even invite him to share a hookah with me!“ (A/N: It was a tradition in the Ottoman empire that when someone invites someone to smoke hookah with them, the other person can’t refuse, because it’s a sign of great respect and trust) It was your turn to be baffled and silent, because you didn’t expect such an outcome, but still relief washed over you. “A-alright, I’ll...“ you spoke slowly, eyebrow raised “I’ll make sure to tell them both.“

Adewale

You could tell a lot of thoughts were going through your husband’s mind the moment you mentioned [D/N] having a boyfriend. And it was true. The man was angry, because his daughter didn’t tell him personally; distrusting towards the boyfriend; anxious for their future and afraid his little bird will fly away from the nest too soon. And when Edward was telling him about the same fears he has for his own daughter, Ade merely brushed him off and told him he has to get used to it sooner or later. Now, the next time they go out for a drink, he will be the one talking about those things and Edward will comfort him that everything will be alright. Ultimately, he decided he wasn’t going to make it too much of a big deal. “You know what, [Y/N]?” he sighed heavily “I’ll give him a chance. As long as she’s happy, I’m happy too.” a smile stretched across his lips, but quickly faded and a serious, menacing expression replaced it, which could have scared any potential candidate for his daughter’s hand. “But if I see him doing anything suspicious, I’m afraid he won’t be seen again.” You giggled and wrapped your arms around his neck, giving his cheek a peck “Whatever you say, darling.”

Christopher Gist

“I say, my good lad, it’s a pleasure to meet you.“ Gist extended his hand to shake his apparently new potential son-in-law’s. A seemingly friendly smile was on his face and you thought everything was going to be alright during this dinner. The boy took the bait and shook his hand with a smile of his own and all the nervousness from [D/N] vanished as soon as she witnessed this. “Come, have a glass of whiskey. And my personal favorite, as well! You drink whiskey don’t you?“ Your husband asked, already pouring him a glass without waiting for an answer. “Of course, sir.“ The boy took the glass from Gist, still oblivious of the trap. “Often?“ Christopher tried to keep the friendly smile on his lips, but you saw he was getting irked already. “No, sir. Only on occassion.“ The answer seemed to please him, but he wasn’t ready to let go yet. “How about a smoke?“ The older man pulled out a pack of cigarettes out of his pocket, which he especially bought for this, even though he himself doesn’t smoke. “No thank you, sir, I don’t smoke.“ The politeness of this boy charmed you, but your husband wasn’t so easy trusting. That answer pleased him as well and he put the cigarettes back in his pocket. “You know, you remind me of my own youthful days, son. I used to be outside more than inside, myself. Always going somewhere with someone or even just walking down a street to count how many steps it took until I reach the end of it. I can even recall my mother, my own mother, asking who I was when I entered my house one day.“ Gist laughed loudly, making everyone around him uncomfortable, but you still let out a small giggle so he doesn’t laugh alone. “Must have been quite a moment.“ [D/N]’s boyfriend chuckled awkwardly. “And you, lad? Seems to me [D/N] is almost never home when she’s with you.“ the young couple blushed furiously and your daughter yelled “Dad!“ You sighed and pulled him out of the room to whisper “Don’t embarass yourself to look for things that aren’t even there!“

Pierre Bellec

One evening, when Pierre burst through the door of your apartment, you swore you have never seen him this scared even in the most dire of situations he has gotten himself into. “[Y/N], you are not gonna believe this!” he panted heavily. Apparently he had been running for awhile just to get these surreal news to you before he is killed along the way. You raised your eyebrow expectantly. “It’s [D/N]... I just saw her with a...a...” he bit his lip, not even wanting to say the word because it would taint his very soul. “A what, cherie?” you insisted, interest peaked. “She has a boyfriend!” Your laugh wasn’t something he expected or anticipated, because he stared at you, baffled. “So? She’s at that age, Pierre. There’s nothing wrong going on.” you kept giggling in his direction. “How can you laugh in a time like this! She’s still too young!” he insisted. “Dear, however old [D/N] is, she will always seem like a child to you. Don’t worry. Even if she has a boyfriend, it doesn’t change the fact that you are her father and she loves you for it.” Your words seemed to touch his heart, because his expression softened and he didn’t utter another word, but merely walked over to the couch and slumped down on it, almost like he was defeated. “I don’t trust him.” were his next words and you knew for the rest of the evening he was going to talk only about that.

Henry Green

You didn’t doubt him for a second. Henry was very open minded about the situation and surprisingly, he found many topics to talk about with his potential son-in-law and soon found out the two have a lot in common. You knew he wasn’t going to get jealous or anything and didn’t have to worry about your husband acting weird and suspicious towards the boy. [D/N] was confident as well and even happy she and her boyfriend were at such a point where they were meeting each other’s parents. Conversation was easy going, you were laughing and smiling... Henry even offered to the boy to invite his parents next time to join them as well. “I only hope to see [D/N] in a wedding dress. I’m sure she will be beautiful.” Henry told the boy, watching him expectantly, but the only answer he received was a loud “Dad!” from [D/N] and her boyfriend blushing like a tomato, avoiding everyone’s eyes.

[creednight]

If requests are open could i request a cute fluffy stuff with Christoper Gist from rogue? With a S/o thats a women but was raised as a guy so shes a little insecure with her bidy ij that sense

I’ll do my best, I haven’t played that game so please excuse me if his character is a little off!

It was awkward and you knew it. 

Wearing a dress is fine, you just weren’t used to it as much as other women your age and during this time. Your father had always been as hard on you as he was the rest of your brothers, so you grit your teeth and tried to enjoy the feeling of wearing something so damn tight!

It’s a quick mission, you try to tell yourself. Get your info and get the hell out. 

Two steps is what you simplified everything down to. Gist is the man on the inside of the bar meant to get you out if things got sticky. Shay was only to go in if things were sinking rapidly, last resort and all. You’re not new to such missions. You’ve been a Templar for most of your life, it’s the only place you felt you made any sort of impact being as ‘improper’ as people often called you. Sneaking in and out, getting info out of people and quick kills got you recognized (and paid) fast. 

That’s all this is...

“(Y/N)! It’s time for us to go, what’re you waitin’ for?” Christopher Gist barges into your room only to pause when he spots you.Standing at your bed, one leg lifted on top as you were securing some knives, the dress falls away to reveal your toned legs. You see him swallow thickly and glance away, giving you time to finish securing the knives and lower your leg and skirts. “I-I’m just getting ready,” you say after a moment of silence. “I’m just trying to get used to this ugly dress.”“Ugly?” he scoffs, coming forward to take your hands. 

He’s gentle as he twirls you around the room before placing his other hand on your hip. “Darlin’ you’re beautiful as ever in this dress. Stop lookin’ so uncomfortable, you look great.”

A blush blooms on your cheeks as you take back your hand and flatten your skirts in a nervous tick. “Why, thank you, Gist.”

“Don’t you worry about a thing,” he holds out his arm. His eyes are sparkling when you loop your arm through his. “I’ll be right there with you.”

[ragingbookdragon]

Christmas Punch & Kisses

A Haytham Kenway x Reader One-Shot

Word Count: 2,320 Warnings: Explicit Language, Minor Mentions Of Violence

Author’s Note: DAY 3 OF CHRISTMAS FICS. HERE. WE. GO. ENJOY! -Thorne

With the yearly Christmas party in full swing, half of the Templars were drunk off their rockers and the other half were stuffing their faces with food—well on their way to becoming drunker than skunks. (Y/N) sat between Haytham and Shay, an amused expression on her face as she listened to Shay’s rather embellished tale of the sea battle between the Morrigan and the Storm Fortress.

           The Irishman curled an arm around her neck, ignoring how she grunted when his tug caused her to spill the rum. “—And the lass jumped up, grabbed the wheel and yelled for the crew to drop the port side anchor.” The group stared in at her like she had three heads, but it didn’t stop Shay. “We hit hard at port, the Morrigan spun and showed starboard and she just screamed, ‘Fire!’” He beamed with pride. “And we blew half the Storm Fortress to kingdom come.”

           (Y/N) shrugged off his arm and set her drink down on the table. “Well, someone had to take charge and sink the ship.” The Templars around her let out ‘ooo’s’ and she grinned. “You were too busy passing out.”

           Shay pressed a hand to his chest. “My own best friend wounding my pride like this. How could she?”

           She snorted and elbowed him in the side. “Hey, I saved our asses and sunk one of the fiercest ships on the seven seas.” (Y/N) curled an arm around his neck and gave him a noogie. “I think I’m allowed to wound some Captain’s pride.” The group laughed at the two, and Haytham, who’d been watching them with mild amusement set his wine glass down.

           “I wasn’t aware you could sail, (Y/N). How’d a young woman become skilled enough to take down a Man O’War?” he inquired, catching her eye.

           She nodded. “Shay’s dad used to dress me up as a boy in order to take me on the ship with them as a kid. I caught on quick.” Sharing a look with Shay, she remarked, “He’s also been lenient enough with the wheel to let me sail around the North Atlantic a few times.”

           “Lenient?” Shay scoffed. “You kicked me in the gonads and took the wheel from me.” (Y/N) tipped her head back and cackled.

           When she calmed, she leaned her head on his shoulder. “I asked politely, and you declined. What was I supposed to do?”

           “Not kick me in the crotch! That’s what!”

           (Y/N) rolled her eyes. “Little bitch.”

           “Harlot!” he retorted and the two glowered at each other, much to the delight of the group.

           Haytham chuckled. “Given their bravery and skill, I think one of them should get the Christmas bonus this year.” That caught their attention and they stared at him.

           “The Christmas what?” she repeated.

           Shay nodded excitedly. “Aye, what’s that?”

           The Grandmaster regarded the two of them, dark brows furrowed as he asked, “Gist didn’t mention it to either of you?”

           With that they looked at the frontiersman who grinned sheepishly. “I believe it slipped my mind.”

           Their glower made him sink his neck into his shoulders and Haytham huffed. “Then I shall explain.” He said. “The Christmas bonus is a minor increase in pay that one special member gets at the end of the year for their work in the Order.”

           “How much is ‘minor’?” she questioned.

           “Fifteen hundred pounds.”

           Their jaws dropped and (Y/N) shoved her hand against the side of Shay’s face, blurting out, “I sunk the Storm Fortress!”

           He spluttered, yanking her hand down. “I took over New York!”

           She spun on him and glared. “I helped!”

           “Oh please! You didn’t do a damn thing!”

           “Excuse you! I was the one who conquered the headquarters in Waterfront and East Village while you were nursing a head cold!”

           The templars snorted and Shay flushed. “I was running a high fever! It was strategic to retreat and get better!”

           “How the hell did your ass even manage to make it this far in life to make strategic retreats?!”

           “Probably the way your ass managed to make it this far by brown-nosing!”

           (Y/N) recoiled, dramatically gasping. “How. Dare. You.” She pointed at him. “Take that back.”

           Shay glared and grabbed her rum. He chugged the entire thing and slammed the tankard down. “Over. My. Dead. Body.”

           “That can be arranged.” She hissed.

           But before she could even jump his way, they heard, “Enough.” It was humored, but it was firm, and they reacted like unruly children, sulking in their seats. Their gazes snapped to Haytham. “You two argue like siblings.”

           They shared a look, then smiles grew on their faces, and she said, “Hell, we’ve been conjoined at the hip since we were kids.”

           Shay nodded. “Couldn’t imagine life without you, lass.”

           The group awwed and Haytham said, “Since it’s clear the two of you are willing to go to war over the bonus,” he paused, taking in their grins. “How about one of you gets the bonus and the other can take a request.”

           (Y/N) cocked a brow. “A request? Like a request to move, or?”

           Haytham shrugged. “A request for anything you’d like. Whatever’s been on your mind or in your wildest dreams.” She opened her mouth and he added, “Within reason, of course. No asking for the Royal Throne.”

           The Irishman snorted. “Looks like your plans are gone, (Y/N).”

           She let out a ‘pfft’ and nodded. “Shay can have the bonus. I’ll take the request.”

           “But what if I have a req—”

           He started to complain, but she turned and grabbed the front of his shirt, bunching it in her fist. (Y/N) pulled them nose to nose and hissed, “Take the goddamn pay raise or I swear to God I’ll flay you alive.”

           His coffee eyes went wide, and he nodded rapidly, looking to Haytham. “(Y/N) can have the request. I’ll take the pay raise, sir.”

           Haytham snorted and turned his attention to her as she was releasing her friend. “So, (Y/N), what request are you so adamantly wanting?”

           She narrowed her gaze and queried, “I can ask for anything so long as it’s within reason?”

           He nodded. “Absolutely. If I can grant it, I will.”

           Suspicions entered her tone. “You’re not lying to me? You won’t back out if I ask for something peculiar? I won’t get punished if I ask for perhaps,” her eyes drifted to Charles. “to knee him in the groin?”

           Sighing heavily, he nodded. “On my honor, I won’t back out nor punish you.” Charles squealed in shock.

           (Y/N) slapped the table. “Done.” She stood and pointed at Haytham. “I want to punch you in the face.”

           The entire table went silent, evidently not expecting that, save for Shay who buried his face in his hands, laughing hysterically. “Dear god, (Y/N).” he guffawed.

           She ignored him and stared straight at the Grandmaster.

           He blinked at her, repeating, “You…want to punch…me?”

           She nodded. “You’re damn right I want to punch you. Right now. One good time. In the jaw. As hard as I possibly can.”

           With his face pinching in confusion, Haytham’s mouth opened and closed until all he could ask was, “Why?”

           (Y/N) crossed her arms over her chest. “Because I have suffered three years of the antagonism and arrogance and,” she took a deep breath, “nothing would make me happier than taking out all of my pent up, infernal, ungodly rage in the form of punching you.”

           She nodded at him. “So get up, because it’s happening right now.”

           “But—”

           Pointing at him, she said, “Nuh-uh. You said on your honor you won’t back out.” Cracking her knuckles, she quipped, “Grow a backbone and take my request like a man, Grandmaster.”

           He narrowed his eyes at her and (Y/N) could see fury swimming in them, but she simply grinned and stared back. Finally, Haytham let out a sigh and removed his tricorn, placing it on the table.

           “Let’s get this over with then.”

           An unnatural smile spread across her face and she shifted until they stood a couple feet apart.

           Haytham gazed at her. “I can’t believe this is the request you wanted.”

           (Y/N) shrugged, testing out the angle of her swing. “I’ve spent the last three years listening to your Holier-Than-Thou-I-Have-My-Head-Shoved-Up-My-Ass-Because-I-Believe-I’m-Superior-To-Everyone-Attitude.” She motioned to him. “Don’t get me wrong, you are superior in skill, but you’re annoying as hell about it and I have dreamed about this moment like Shay dreams about getting laid.”

           “HEY!” Shay shouted, but she disregarded him.

           “And now, my dream gets to come true and I’m not gonna get punished for it?” She flashed a pearly white smile. “What better request could I ask for?”

           Haytham didn’t respond, but the set of his jaw made her giggle. “Good on you for locking your jaw.” She clenched her fist. “‘Cause this is gonna hurt.”

           (Y/N) cocked her arm back and swung as hard as she could possibly manage and when she connected with Haytham’s jaw, she knew it was going to leave a mark. The blow sent Haytham staggering backwards and he dropped to a knee, reaching up to grab his face.

           His head tilted upwards and though she kept it hidden, mild surprise bled through her when she saw the split in his lip.

           She threw her hands in the air in victory. “YES! YES! YES!” (Y/N) pointed at Shay. “KISS MY ASS, YOU IRISH BASTARD!”

           Shay recoiled. “Why are you badgering me?!”

           (Y/N) grabbed his beer tankard and downed it before slamming it on the table. “Alright! I’m out of here!”

           “Where are you going?!” Shay yelled.

           She waved a hand. “I doubt I’m overly welcome right now so I’m going to find some cheap beer to drink and find some Christmas carolers to egg!” (Y/N) turned and made finger guns at them before exiting into the hallway.

***

           She lay on her back at the edge of the docks, eyes directed to the stars above. They twinkled like millions of little candles and it made her smile, thinking about the stories Shay’s dad used to tell the two of them when they were kids. Her fingers curled around the bottle of rum, but she forwent drinking from it anymore, simply letting herself enjoy the mild haze clouding her mind.

           The sound of boots against the dock caught her attention and she tipped her head back, catching sight of Haytham coming her way. She grinned. “Come to punish me in secret?”

           He scoffed and took a seat beside her. “That really hurt.”

           Even by the moonlight she could see the dark crimson bruise spreading across his lower jaw and chin. The worst of it was at the left corner of his lip where she’d split it. He’d successfully stopped the bleeding but if it didn’t scar, it’d certainly take a while to heal.

           “Good,” she said. “I meant for it to.”

           His steel eyes dropped down to her and she grunted as she heaved herself up and maneuvered until her head was resting on his thigh.

           “I don’t remember giving you permission to use me as a pillow, (Y/N).”

           She cocked an eyebrow, countering, “Well if having a woman on your lap is so perturbing to you, feel free to move me.”

           Haytham huffed, but conceded, choosing instead to rest his arm across her chest, his fingers twirling the ring on the necklace she wore.

           “This is a unique design,” he commented. “I’ve never seen such a thing.”

           (Y/N) tipped her chin down to look at it, her lips brushing the tips of his fingers. “It’s called a Witch’s Heart.” She stared at the rubies set in the gold, ten around a bigger one in the middle, positioned slightly pointing to the right. “Belonged to my great-great aunt.”

           “Was she a witch?” Haytham inquired.

           “That’s not what the ring symbolizes, but to answer anyway, she might’ve been, might’ve not been. I’ll never know though.” (Y/N) murmured.

           “Salem witch trials?” he guessed.

           “She was a widow who owned a great deal of land.” Her eyes hardened. “There wasn’t anyone to defend on her behalf and they hung her in a make-believe trial.”

           “Father or mother’s side?”

           “Father’s.”

           He was quiet a moment, then asked, “May I ask you a question, (Y/N)?”

           “Other than that one?” she quipped, but his narrowed gaze had her rolling her eyes. “Knock yourself out.”

           “Do you hate me?”

           Haytham’s question was quiet, as if he were unsure of himself and she met his eyes.

           “Why would you think—oh, that, right.” She directed her gaze sideways, looking to where the sea met the sky. “Nah, you just irritate the piss out of me sometimes. If I really hated you, I wouldn’t ever come into contact with you and let Shay do it for me.” (Y/N) hummed. “Why do you ask?”

           “Curiosity.”

           “Fuck off.”

           “Excuse me?”

           She winced, giggling as she said, “Sorry, I didn’t mean that.” (Y/N) cleared her throat. “What I meant was, ‘you’re lying’.”

           “Not many have ever accused me of lying.”

           “I guess that means I’m the rarity.”

           Haytham smiled. “You are.”

           (Y/N) peered at his face. “So, what’s the real reason you’re asking? Are you afraid of being subject to my hate?”

           His eyes searched hers and he admitted, “I am.” Her eyes widened. “You are one of the few I wouldn’t want to be hated by.”

           She didn’t say anything for a few moments, then she murmured, “Can I ask for another request?”

           “You’re not punching me again.” He said firmly.

           “Not what I want, Haytham.”

           He sighed. “If you must.”

           (Y/N) reached up and gently prodded his lower lip, smiling when he hissed slightly. “I request a Christmas kiss…think you’re up for it?”

           Haytham’s free hand grabbed hers and he pressed a kiss to her fingertips before bending down. “I think I can work something out.”

[ladye11e]

Deception pt 21

The conflict between the Assassins and the Templars is getting out of hand. Lies, deceit and subterfuge, now you must pick a side... 

Tagging the wonderful @geekgoddess813 @sweet-flash @ermergerd517 @i-wontgivein @imakemyownblog

If anyone wants on or off the tag train, please let me know 😊

Link to the full fic so far is Here.

Dropping down on the bed breathless and very satisfied, you hummed softly and stifled a yawn when Shay rolled over and nestled up to your side, tracing lazy circles up and down your stomach.

"You're just trying to wear me out so I'm too tired to go, aren't you?"

He chuckled against you and drew up his hand to tilt your head to face him, planting feathery kisses over your eyes, cheeks and lips before getting up and heading over to his dresser, pulling it open and rummaging through the top drawer.

"As if I would love. What kind of man do you think I am? Besides, I'm going with ya. An that's not debatable."

You propped yourself up on your elbows and tried to look annoyed at his demand, but you found it impossible as your eyes drifted over his naked body affectionately while he continued searching, walking back over and sitting down next to you with a smirk after he found what he was looking for and caught you staring. You squeaked when he suddenly leant over and kissed you tenderly, making you giddy with the warmth that was swimming throughout you.

"What was that for?"

"You have any idea what it does to me when ya look at me like that?"

"Like what?" You asked as innocently as you could, biting the corners of your mouth to try and stop a cheeky grin spreading over your face.

He gave you a stare that would have made your knees weak if you hadn't already been laying down, before grabbing the leather pouch he had dug out of his drawer, flipping it open and handing it to you.

"Sedative. I'm guessing you wanna do this with as little bloodshed as possible?"

"How very perceptive of you Mr Cormac. I knew there was a reason I like you." You chuckled, plucking one of the needles out of its casing and narrowing your eyes at it in scrutiny.

"Like me ay? Easy on the compliments love, my head won't fit through the door at this rate."

You erupted in a fit of giggles when he nudged you with his arm and got up to get dressed, picking up your bag of shopping that you assumed Gist had brought down earlier and, tipping its contents out on top of the duvet in encouraging you to do the same. Sliding the needle back in the pouch carefully, you got up and started rifling through your things; pulling out a pair of jeans and a tank top, the corner of your mouth twitching when you came to the half-opened packet from the lingerie shop.

"So, that sedative, how long does it take to work?"

"It's quick, a few seconds. Maybe a bit longer on that gigantic mate of yours...."

Grimacing at the thought of subduing Connor like that, you looked up through your eyelashes after you had finished putting on your new red silk knickers and matching bra when you realised Shay had stopped talking, snickering when you saw he was just stood there ogling and his jaw was pretty much on the floor.

"Fuck the engine part. We can just stay here." He growled, diving on you and knocking you back down onto the bed.

After finally managing to get dressed, you sat on the main deck now that there wasn't anybody about this time of night, starting to feel apprehensive at what you were about to do. You had stolen from people more times than you could count, never from friends though, and it put you on edge. But you refused to let it show, feigning an air of confidence as Gist bounded up the steps in his usual chipper way with a bundle of fabric in his arms.

"This is for you. I couldn't get the water stains out, so I dyed it instead. I also fixed the hole in the arm, I hope that's alright."

Taking your coat off of him when he handed it out to you, your eyebrows raised in astonishment when you shook it out and pulled it on, quite liking that it was now black instead of dark brown.

"Now you're a tailor? Is there anything you can't do?" You sniggered, stroking the fabric gingerly as it now felt softer after his amending.

"It doesn't hurt to have many skills, my dear, especially when you have a life like ours!"

Shrugging your shoulders in agreement after finishing doing up your coat, your attention was pulled away as Shay jumped down from the mast after finishing hooking the last sail back up, so you can make a quick getaway before anyone realises what's happened. Your chest fluttered when you saw he was wearing the same thing as what he had on at the warehouse, spinning you around with a grin when he reached you to tie something around your neck. Pulling up the mask, so it covered your mouth and nose and, raising your hood so now only your eyes were visible, you let out a muffled chuckle as you weren't completely unaware that you were now a mirror image of Shay.

"Awww, how splendid. Matching his and hers, positively adorable!"

You elbowed Christopher in the gut with a scoff for his mocking; grinning when he pouted and rubbed where you'd hit him, before making your way to the side of the ship and jumping over the rail, landing elegantly on the walkway and taking a deep breath when Shay leapt down behind you. Staring up at the sky when he laced his fingers with yours and squeezed gently, you felt slightly better as you knew he had somewhat experienced and understood what you were going through right now.

"Let's get this over with." You grumbled, breaking into a sprint down the dock towards the other side of the marina.

Ducking and weaving between the shipping crates that were stacked about, you stopped about fifty yards from the Jackdaw, watching Shay intently as he poked his head around the side with his eyes narrowing in concentration as he stared at the ship.

"How many?"

"Ten. Five up top, one at the helm, four down below. The rest are asleep in their quarters."

Letting out a heavy breath with a slow smile when that was the skeleton crew you were expecting, you took the earpiece that Shay was holding out to you and pulled your hood down briefly to slip it in, giving him a thumbs up when you heard the faint crackle of static.

"Let's go. I'm in charge remember."

Creeping down the side of the ship when he gestured for you to lead the way, you lept up and caught the rail when you got to the stern, shimmying across until you reached the lifeboat hanging over the other side. Holding where you were until the first guard walked past, you pulled yourself up and silently tiptoed behind him, clapping your hand over his mouth and winding your arm around his neck, squeezing tightly.

When he eventually stopped thrashing about, you dragged him to the side and balanced him on the edge, tipping him over to where Shay was waiting in the boat so he could cover him with the tarp, so that no one would spot the body. You took down the next crew member that was slightly further down the deck just as fast, more than impressed at the tranquillisers strength when you quickly pulled his head to the side and jabbed one of the needles into his neck, catching him as he dropped to the floor in mere seconds.

Hiding under the nearby stairs when Shay climbed up and joined you, you signalled for him to take out the one on the left when a duo came down the steps, not knowing what hit them as they were too busy engrossed in conversation to notice you jump out and with one swift strike, knock them out cold.

Now that the way to the lower deck was clear; the last crewman up here being on the other side of the ship, you split up as you went down the twin staircases, almost in a trance as you hugged the wall and navigated through the sparsely lit corridor. Shame began to ball at the pit of your gut as you turned the corner to head towards the bottom-most deck, as you were feeling exhilarated at doing covert work again, even if it wasn't under the best of circumstances. It was your subspecialty after all, and you had missed doing what you had been trained for.

"Shay, I'm near the engine room. How close are you?"

"You go... bit sidetracked...two left down here..."

Pressing your hand to your ear when you could barely hear him through the interference that being so far below deck was causing, you scrambled behind some old rigging and pressed yourself against the wall, when you heard footsteps and two familiar voices heading your way.

"Oh come on big guy, just let me have a look! I promise I won't break it!"

"Jacob. For the hundredth time, No. My crossbow is not a toy, and I doubt very much my grandfather would appreciate you leaving a string of holes across his ship."

Half sighing, half sniggering as the voices trailed off to where you had come from, you jumped out and hoped that they were the two that Shay was talking about, running the rest of the way to your goal. Silently closing the door behind you, you slowly walked across the steel flooring in search of the part you needed, clueless as to where it actually was as you had never been down here before. Spotting a manual on top of one of the instrument panels, you opened it up and began flicking through the sheets rapidly, hoping it would shed some light as to where the thing was located.

Sliding behind the console quickly when you heard the click of the door, you poked your head just around the edge of it a few seconds later and breathed a sigh of relief when you saw that it was Shay that had entered the room.

"Bit lost love?" He chuckled when you got up from your hiding spot and, noticed the book that was still in your hand.

Chucking the guide on the floor behind you with a pang of humiliation, you pulled your hood down and walked around to the second part of the engine confidently, pinpointing the device thanks to the last page that you had managed to speed read.

"Not at all. Run into a spot of trouble did you?"

Flicking out your hidden blade and prying off the pipe that held the component in place; the two screws following quickly, you held the unit in triumph for a moment before dropping it into a drawstring bag that you had brought with you, tying it to your coat through the belt so you could keep your hands free.

"Nothing I couldn't handle, they won't be waking up anytime soon. Let's get out of here."

Pulling your hood back up and starting to make your way back towards the door, you stopped and cocked your head quizzically when Shay just stood there, staring at something at the back of the room.

"Wait, there is something else we can do while we're here. This way."

Following him down to where he was looking, you became even more perplexed when he picked up a thick metal pipe that was propped up against the wall before grabbing the top of one of the compartments, wincing when the hinges creaked loudly as he lifted it.

"Ya feeling strong love?"

"Why? What are you... Ohhhh. Sneaky." You giggled when you poked your head over and saw two heavy steel cables attached to something that looked like a winch. "I'm guessing these control the rudder?"

Standing in front of him when he nodded and wove the pipe through the cables, you gripped onto it firmly and waited for his signal as he mimicked your pose at the side of you, pushing with all your might when he said 'Go'. Your muscles felt like they were burning as you continued to press down, but even as hard as you were pushing, the cables refused to budge.

"Shay, this isn't working, we've got to try another way."

Looking about to try and find something else that would help, you suddenly had an idea when you saw the conduits running across the ceiling just above where you were. Climbing up and standing on the pipe with one foot in front of the other; using the ducting to help you keep your balance when Shay followed you up, you shuffled down and then held onto him tightly, so your combined weights were on the very tip.

"Jump on three. One, two, three!"

Bending your knees and slamming down as forcefully as you could, your eyes widened when the cables gave way with a colossal boom and then an echoing whipping sound, the pipe falling from under your feet and sending you plummeting to the floor. You wheezed when your back hit the ground; knocking the breath out of you for a moment, but you scrambled up quickly to help Shay up and, check each other over to see if you were hurt after he closed the lid, so it wasn't obvious what you had just done.

"Shit. There's no way no one heard that, is there another way out of here?"

"The vents maybe?! But you're not going to fit through there."

You didn't have time to look for another way as Shay spun around and glared at the wall on the other side of the room, dragging you down behind the partition moments before the door burst open and Connor barged in, shortly followed by Jacob. You held your breath as they looked around frantically to try and find out where the noise had come from, scrunching your fists up tight to stop them from trembling when they started edging closer to where you were. Inching back when you felt Shay tug at your coat, you turned to him and shook your head fiercely when he went to get by you, grabbing his arm to stop him in his tracks.

"What are you doing?!" You hissed, thankful that you had your earbuds in so he could still hear your mouse like whisper.

"I won't let them catch you lass. I'll lead them away, get that part to Gist. I'll catch you up."

Crouching there speechless as he brushed your cheek with the back of his hand before getting up slowly and revealing himself, you only just managed to resist the urge to poke your head around to see what was going on, instead, flinching when you heard Connor and Jacob growl out in unison.

"You."

[anotheronechicagobog]

Requests

So the holiday season is fast approaching and there’s now an abundance of people writing Christmas fics. And that’s great, but not everybody celebrates christmas. I don’t. My family celebrates winter solstice and Ukrainian Christmas (Orthodox christmas is the traditional way to phrase it) Ukrainian christmas is nothing like Christian christmas, the traditions are incredibly different and almost polar opposites, the gist of it is; candles, white tableclothes, and pierogies.

So during the holiday season I tend to notice the lack of fics for other winter holidays. Which leads me to the reason behind this post. I will temporarily re-open my requests BUT only for non-christian christmas requests.

So the rules are:

- No christmas requests

- Specify if you’re requesting and x reader fic or pairing

- Please don’t request anonymously so that I can message you privately to request infortmation about the traditions specific to that holiday/your family

- I do not write for Hank Voight, Wallace Boden, Christopher Hermann, Alvin Olinsky, or Daniel Charles unless it’s a x daughter!reader fic

Happy holidays eveyone 😁

[writerjodie]

Storms - Shay Cormac x Reader

Now this is soppy, o lord o boy this is soppy at the end...wooow

852 words

-

Halifax is cold enough at the best of times, never mind when the winter storms roll in. Luckily for you, your house is tucked in the far corner of the town, sheltered by the deep ridges of the coastline.

Despite this natural security, all you can hear is the deep rolling and crashing of the waves down by the harbour, and the whip and snap of trees caught up in the wind. But that's not what's on your mind, no, not with your lover out on those rough seas with his ship, the Morrigan.

Come to think of it, it must be at least three years since you and him first met. Well, I'd hardly call it a meeting as such, since Shay was drunk when he stumbled into your house, and he did think your house was his tavern, and he did think you were his quartermaster - the same one who picked him up the next morning after you dragged Shay down to the docks.

Even though you know he's a capable sailor, and fighter (and lover), you can't help but worry about him when he's not with you - especially when it's storming like this.

Sighing to yourself, you watch the lone candle on your bedside table flicker and wane, the pearls of wax sliding down the sides like the rivulets of ice on the insides on your windows. From beneath your pile of thick blankets - most of them a gift from Shay - you snuggle down and try to sleep, even if the constant screaming of the wind is keeping you awake.

You start to drift off asleep, ignoring the faint banging noise in your drowsy state, and write it off as a loose branch or something. Until a vile yell rouses you from your rest.

"(Name), open up!" you recognise the voice as Christopher Gist, Shay's right hand man. What on earth is he doing here?

"For God's sake (Name)! Shay is hurt!" he calls again, prompting you to race down the stairs to let him in.

Once your door is open to the wilds of the raging storm, Gist throws himself inside, lugging the semi conscious body of Shay with him.

"Clear your table," Gist orders, and you comply immediately, allowing Gist to place your lover gently on the rough wooden surface.

"What happened?" you question, assessing the damage along Shay's midriff.

"The sails were straining to hard against the wind, one of them snapped and a piece of rigging flew into Shay," Gist is already ripping Shay's coat and weapons off, "It was a clean hit, help me clean it and stitch it up,"

Swearing softly to yourself, you run and grab a kettle of water, kicking up the reanimated embers of your fire to warm it up. Gist makes quick work of your spare bed sheet for bandages, and you scurry about in the kitchen finding cleansing herbs and whatnot.

Gist proves a dab hand at removing the splinters, some nearly three inches long, and you tie a neat bandage around the wounds after cleaning them up.

"Master Gist, thank you for bringing him back to me," your voice cracks, nearly at tears at the closeness Shay was to death - and he still has a long way to go.

He waves it off as if it's nothing, and offers to stay and watch over him whilst you sleep.

"Thank you, but I don't think I can sleep after this. You go instead, I'll watch Shay...the spare room is at the top of the stairs," you spy the tiredness in Gist's eyes and opt to watch Shay instead, even though you know every second will be agony.

-

At some point during your watch, you drifted off asleep, only to wake a few hours later with Shay stroking your hair gently as you half lie on him.

"Shay...you're awake," you hum softly, "I thought I was going to lose you,"

He's pale still, to say in the least, but he's awake now - and more importantly; alive.

"Ah...I'm not as young as I once was, and I can really feel it now," he mumbles, "But I'm glad you helped me, and Gist,"

You don't say anything is response, just contentedly smile against his broad shoulder. Gist must've come down and covered the both of you with a blanket at some point...how kind of him.

"You know, (Name), in my line of work, I walk a fine line between bravery and idiocy, between life and death. And I can safely say that you, my love, is what has kept me brave and not reckless, alive and not dead...I love you, (Name), I love you with all my heart and my soul,"

Tears, warm and wet, glisten in your eyes as you rise up to take Shay's face in your hands.

"God, I love you Shay," you sniff, pulling him forward into a kiss to end all kisses.

"I love you," you murmur again as you snuggle once again into his chest, already half asleep again, "I love you,"

And as the storm wages it's war with the streets outside, you and your lover fold into each others' arms, allowing sleep to consume the both of you again.

[gray-anxiety]

It’s Been So Long! | Shay Cormac X Reader Part Two

S/C = Skin color

THIS IS UNEDITED (because I’m lazy ;)

Four years later

________________

           You were in the Dining Hall of the military fort the Templars used as HQ. The grey stone cold walls were jagged like it was cemented in place by force. The wooden floors a dark oak color, as the ceiling matched the dark color. The long table in the center of it all, where you sat lazily, pondering what to do in this boring day.

         Suddenly, Haytham appeared in the doorframe, posture straight and nose up. Something was up. You stood up as fast as your body could go and pushed in the dark blue chair. Haytham's icy blue eyes bore into your soul it seemed like. The room grew intense as you continued to make eye contact with Haytham. Suddenly, a ghost of a smile appeared on Haytham's lips as he made his way towards you. You obviously panicked like any normal person would, but you held your head high.

         "(Y/N), I'd like for you to come to my office later. There is someone I want to introduce to you," Haytham commanded, his tone eerily off. "Did I fail again, sir? My sincere and utter apologies." You were reminded of the incident four years ago. Although you and Haytham are equal in skill and somewhat strength, you still sometimes address him properly, since he is the grandmaster and all. "No need for the formal talk, (Y/N), we are alone," "Just come by soon, please, and swiftly,"

          “Yes, Haytham,” You nodded as Haytham walked off to his office. ‘Now why would he want me to meet someone?’ You pondered, walking to the upper velvet stairs to reach Haytham’s office. You came to a screeching halt some few minutes later, since you were only admiring the paintings on the now wooden halls. Yes, it is odd that a military fort isn’t just entirely made of stone, but Haytham customized it so it would somewhat look like his childhood home.

           You were suddenly nervous once your hand reached to turn the shiny, golden knob on the broad door, but you did anyway and walked into the dark office. “Ah, (Y/N), I’d like for you to meet Christopher Gist, he has been out and about with his associate on the sea for a while,” Haytham seemed to be hiding something, ‘But what is he hiding? Could it be that he will assign a task to only me and Gist to complete?’

            It was like Haytham had read your mind. “(Y/N), you and Gist are assigned to destroy Fort James just north of here,” Haytham cooly said while giving you the documents of the fort’s weaknesses. “Yes, Sir,” You mumbled while looking outside. Despite the fact that Haytham’s office is surrounded by dark wooden floors, panels, and ceiling, the fact that his office has so many windows makes it so well lit. “Get going, I expect you two to be finished by dusk,” 

           You and Gist walked out of the intense air of Haytham’s office and started walking down the stairs as Gist started to beam. “What is it, Gist?” You asked, looking at you beaming friend. “Just the fact that you and Haytham seem so close, and yet act so professional,” Gist joked. “Aye, but he’s like a father to me so it’s only natural to act professionally in front of others,” You said sternly, acting offended. “Ah, yes, the famous father-daughter duo I’ve heard about is you and Haytham,” Gist concluded.

          “In all reality, it’d be more like a brother-sister relationship if Haytham didn’t act so stinking old all the time; he is after all only seven years older than me,” You laughed, as you and Gist finally started to roam the streets of New York. You and Gist talked and talked until you finally saw Fort James in front of you two.

          “I want you to shoot at the barrels of gunpowder while I set fire to the inside and smoke all the French out,” You commanded “Yes M’lady,” Gist grinned as he ran off. ‘Let’s get down to business, shall we?’ You thought, jumping up to the conveniently grown trees, allowing you access to the fort.        

                                   BOOM BOOM BOOM 

      ‘That must have been Gist already, I should hurry up’ You thought as you started to sprint towards the fort. Your lungs burned as your knees ached and your ankles screeched for you to stop. Suddenly, barrels of gunpowder next to the door blew up, knocking you back to the unwelcoming stone cold ground. The heat of the raging fire burned you, blood gushing out of many cuts from the impact. Your (S/C) skin — burned in some places, as your Templar robes caught fire. 

       You realized that you were going to burn alive if you didn’t move now. You grunted as you used your semi-burned hands to pick yourself up, pain shooting through your many limbs. “Agh!” You groaned as you collapsed back onto the stone floor. Your hair sticking to your face from the sweat you produced. You are going to die here. 

         “Let me go you wretches!” A familiar thick Irish accented voice rang through. Shay. He’s here and is probably in deeper trouble than you, although you are really close to dying. You got up despite your body telling you no and started running towards the noise. You turned the corner only to be greeted with a sight you didn’t recognize. 

          You saw a man in black and red robes with his dark brown hair tied up into what once was a neat ponytail, and a large scar running down from his eyebrow to his cheekbone. “The traitor is alive! Tell Mistress Hope!” A shout was heard from one of the gangsters that held the man down. ‘Traitor? Shay wouldn’t betray the Brotherhood just like that, would he? No, he had to be somewhere nearby,’

          You jumped onto the stone wall behind the man being held down and ejected your hidden blades. You grabbed a smoke bomb and threw it down below, making the gangsters cough and wheeze. ‘Now’s the time to strike’ You thought as you jumped down, assassinating the gangsters one by one. 

          By the time the smoke had cleared, every single gangster that had been around the man was dead. “You okay?” You spun around making eye contact with the man. Those eyes. It’s really Shay. He had betrayed the Brotherhood. “S- Shay?” You gasped as you bolted down to the tied up man. You quickly undid the ropes and removed the gag from Shay’s mouth.

           “(Y/N),” Shay breathed as he pulled you into an embrace. “How did you get here? Why are you here? Why did you betray the Assassins? Are you Templar?” You had so many questions swirling around in your head. Shay is back and you’re in his arms. “I missed you too,” A chuckle rumbled through Shay’s chest. Tears pricked your eyes and you hugged Shay as tight as you could, fearing that you would never see him again.

            “Don’t go and join the enemy side without telling me, you hear?!” You pouted. “I could have killed you!” “I know, Lass, but I should be saying that since you became a Templar after I became an Assassin,” Shay smiled, kissing your forehead.  The young immature Shay you once knew and fell in love with was replaced with a mature man with many secrets and a past hidden, just waiting to be shared. It’d be foolish if you didn’t admit Shay was mysterious. 

              “They’re here! and (Y/N) is badly injured!” Gist shouted, running towards you and Shay with backup. “Gist, help (Y/N) first,” Shay commanded as he started to carry you towards the horses with a cart waiting outside of the burning fort. “I guess we accomplished this mission, didn’t we, Gist?” You said sheepishly while being set into the wooden cart. “You could say that,” Gist laughed as he nodded towards the “Coachman”, telling him to start going back to the Templar fort. “Oi, I should get some credit. After all, I did become a distraction!” Shay shouted, grinning as he sat next to you in the cart. 

Fin.

__________

Aaaaaaaaaaa, I’m sorry it wasn’t very fluffy. I don’t know how to make it extremely fluffy T-T

Also, I decided not to post this yesterday since Avicii died.. (R.I.P another part of my childhood)

And I’m out of Shay x reader fanfics... on Wattpad, Archive of Our Own, Deviant Art, Quotev, and on here T-T this sucks. 

[maxattack-powell]

Winter Break - Nationals

Winter Break - Nationals (1-17f)

***This is an original fic that fits in between the Luxury Date special and Book 2/Chapter 1 (1-17f) in my masterlist)***

Masterlist - go here for other chapters and related original fics

Disclaimer: The following are fics (adaptations from actual game chapters AND original works) to Choices: The Freshman and The Sophomore stories. It is a fictional adaptation. I do not work for Pixelberry Studios, the game developer or own the rights to the characters Chris Powell, Nicole or any other IN GAME character. All of the ORIGINAL characters, storylines and events were developed for my adaptation of The Freshman story.

Comments: I enjoyed playing Choices The Freshman… and then I found this awesome group of people and their works - I’ve loved it all, very much so. Deciding that I wanted more interaction than the options allowed, I’ve gone through the first book, chapter by chapter (omg painfully slow) to follow the story (95-99% I’d say) and add to it as I felt would benefit. Now I am doing the same to Book 2 as well.

Word Count: 13,911

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NSFW moments possible - Mature Readers Only Please

Paring: MC x Chris

POV: ~MC~ or ~Chris~

~Chris~

It has been a few days since Christmas, since Chris surprised MC with his very rough, but endearing version of All I Want for Christmas. When she told him she loved it again the next morning, Chris insisted it was not very good at all. He needed more practice. She smirked at him then, asking when she would get to hear it again. Knowing he had backed himself into a corner he laughed and flashed her a smile. He mentally decided to continue practicing at least twice a day, ready to do the song justice when he sees her in person soon. Chris and MC’s communication increased in frequency each day after that moment.

Chris smiles as he thinks back over the break, especially Christmas. He stretches out across his bed, reaching far as he attempts to wake himself. He and the guys still had today off thanks to Coach Madison, his former Cherryfield High Coach, who went out of town for the holidays. The relief wouldn’t last long though, as practice would start up again tomorrow. As he rolls over onto his back, Chris begins to think about MC again. He just sent his essential morning text and is waiting for the reply, so she is fresh on his mind.

He is feeling fairly confident with their… exchanges. He almost wants to call it a relationship, but doesn’t want to jinx it. Whatever it is, whatever she wants, he is more than willing to accommodate. Chris can’t wait to see her again. The tension has become so thick that he can hear it in her voice while they are on the phone, and he can definitely see it in her eyes when they FaceTime or send pictures back and forth for hours. He knows she can tell the same with him. He had started showing his devotion a little before they had even left each other’s side weeks earlier.

Chris doesn’t care though. He already decided that he will tell her everything, do whatever it takes, even if it means embarrassment, just so she knows where he stands. She’s always done it with him, so he’s determined to return the courtesy. Knowing where they stand at all times is also a huge relief to Chris. He knows that he won’t have to worry about MC ever making him feel like…like she did.

He closes his eyes tightly for a moment before he shakes his head, forcing the bad memories out. Chris opens his phone and starts scanning pictures for her eyes, the eyes that have waited for him, the eyes that he knows will have his back, the eyes he loves to look at. A smile crosses his lips as he slowly scrolls through images. Chris is determined to stick to his word and give her all the time in the world, but he is starting to think that she may feel the same way too. That she wants more. Chris can tell that MC is trusting him again, and that makes him hopeful.

Deciding she must not yet be awake, Chris rolls over to sit on the edge of his bed, his long legs stretched out in front of him as he reaches up to stretch his arms again, flexing them behind his neck. Just as he yawns, his phone dings, indicating an incoming text. He grins, assuming that she’s sent a reply. He reaches over to his bedside table and eagerly looks at the screen. His eyebrow arches when he sees that it is not from MC. He tilts his head as he opens the long text, something about nationals, from his coach at Hartfeld.

Curiously he begins to read it, making his mouth fall open slightly. “What..?!”

Chris stands up quickly, his covers sliding down his legs, exposing more of his toned body with the exception of an almost too short pair of boxer briefs. “You’re kidding me.”

He quickly sends a text back, asking for more information before he makes any decisions. Chris looks out of his window, into the world that is now covered in a thick blanket of snow. His mind is reeling as he thinks about the information Coach Cohen had just sent.

The gist of it is, Russell Thibbs, Hartfeld’s legendary running back, has offered to send their team to the College Football National Championship. Apparently, he was able to lock in on a section of seats due to his connections with the NFL and college football circuits. Coach Cohen had sent the message to all current players, even the so to be graduating seniors, letting them know they had the option to join. The only catch was that Thibbs and Hartfeld only supplied the entry tickets to the game and transportation to Beaver Stadium at Penn State, via the team bus. Every attendee must pay for their own lodging and food, and each individual would have to sign a waiver to participate in the trip since they were going off campus for an event that had no direct correlation to Hartfeld as they did not qualify this year.

There were a set amount of tickets, but if for some reason, players either couldn’t or didn’t want to attend, the available tickets could be used for other Hartfeld students. Chris immediately thinks of MC, wondering if she will be interested in going if he can snag an extra ticket. He wants to see her, badly. That combined with seeing one of the best games of the year sounds like an amazing trip to him.

After a few texts back and forth with Coach Cohen, Chris learns that about a third of the players had already declined for a range of reasons. He didn’t care why or who wasn’t interested, it just meant that he could now ask MC. He told Coach that he had someone in mind and would get back with him shortly.

Chris almost can’t contain his excitement as he typed a message to MC, his hands almost shaking, causing him to retype a few words. ‘Hey! You awake beautiful? FT me when you get this’

He tosses his phone on the bed and searches for the pair of sweats he tossed onto his chair the night before. Just as he pulls them up he hears his phone chirping, letting him know she received his message. Chris takes three large steps, almost running back to his bed and jumping on it to get to his phone. He scopes the phone up and slides his thumb across the screen it to answer as he rolls to his side, propping his head on his arm.

MC’s sleepy but smiling face appears on the screen. “I’m up… I’m up…”

“Barely…” Chris grins at her. “You have a late night with the girls again?”

“Maaaaybe.” She squint winks at him as she brushes her disheveled hair from her face.

“There they are…” He flashes her a toothy grin when she moves the hair out of her eyes.

She sticks her tounge out at him playfully. “Whats got you all wound up this morning, it’s only…” She looks past the phone to her nightstand clock. “…8:17, and you don’t have to work today. Are you nuts?” She laughs and rubs her face, trying to wake up.

He shakes his head, “No, I wanted to send you my essential morning greeting, but someone was too busy recovering from her late night to notice.” Chris looks at her with an exaggerated sulk.

She snorts and gives him a flat look. “Oh, and what about that night you forgot to say goodnight?”

His eyes go wide as both of his eyebrows shoot up. “Heeeey, no wait. That was all Ryan and Ethan’s fault. They kept me out too late playing pool, and you know what… I did send you a message that night.” He tilts his head, daring her to challenge his statement.

“You sent it at 2 a.m. Christopher Powell.” She scoffs at him and rolls her eyes, but he can see the amusement in them.

Chris grimaces. “Oh boy, using the full name is never a good thing…” He sighs with a small smile. “Can you forgive me, baby?”

She doesn’t say anything for a moment as she looks through the screen at him, her eyes locking to his. His chest swells as he searches her face, his body warming as he watches her slowly smile at his new name for her.

“If I have to…” She lets out a soft laugh as he grins at her again, this time making his cheeks hurt.

“Thanks, beautiful.” He winks at her and she bites her lip.

“So, I also have a question…” Chris suddenly feels nervous for some reason.

She perks up on the other side of the call, pulling her phone closer so she can clearly hear him. “Whats up?”

“Well, Coach Cohen from Hartfeld sent me a text this morning, offering me a chance to do  something I’ve always wanted to.”

She smiles. “Sounds great already. What is it?”

He clears his throat, still trying to shake the anxious feeling that has crept up on him. “You remember Russell Thibbs…” MC shakes her head and he continues, “Well, he got his hands on some National Championship tickets for the whole team, and Coach is going to have the bus take everyone out to Penn State to watch the game.”

She grins so big her eyes almost disappear behind her cheeks. “Chris, thats awesome! When is it?”

Chris runs his hand through his hair and rests on the nape of his neck as he watches her face. “In three days…”

“Oh, that’s soon. You’ll still be able to go though, right?” She looks at him hopefully.

Chris nods, but worries about her comment of how quickly it is coming up. “Yeah, Coach Madison won’t have an issue with me being gone for a few days.” He laughs. “He’ll probably try to sneak in with me, actually.”

She laughs and he relaxes a little as he listens to the pleasant sound. He watches her eyes as she moves on the screen, swearing the color has shifted more to a blue tint since they started talking.

“The thing is…” He stares as her focus comes back to his face. “…I was hoping you would go with me.”

Her brow furrows at his words, making his stomach fall a little. He swallows and clears his throat. “I guess that’s not something you’d be interested in…” Chris shakes his head lightly, “…or its too short notice…” He frowns a little.

She quickly shakes her head, “No, no… I would love to Chris.” She flashes him an excited smile.

He lets out a breath of air and takes a long deep breath, feeling the anxiety instantly leave his body. “Oh, okay. That’s great. The face you made kind worried me a little.”

“No, I would love to. I’m just confused… how..? You said it was for the team.” She looks at him curiously.

Chris runs his hand through his hair again, this time resting it on his chest after as he shifts his upper body to a more comfortable position against his headboard. “Ah well, not everyone can or wants to go, so a few extra tickets are available. Coach said we could invite other Hartfeld students to go with us if they wanted. We just have to uh, pay for our own rooms and food of course…”

He looks at her, hoping that won’t be an issue. “I have some money saved up from last summer and from working during the break, so I think I can cover everything.”

She smiles at him, “I have some saved up too. This sounds like a great excuse to spend it.”

Chris sighs as the corner of his lips curl up, “I can’t wait to see you…”

She pulls her bottom lip in and works it as she tries not to let her smile split her in half.

They talk for a little while longer and Chris tells her that he will let her know more as he gets the information from Coach. As soon as he gets off the call with MC, Chris shoots a quick text telling Coach Cohen that he and his plus one are in. Coach Cohen tells him that he still has a few extra tickets, asking Chris if he knows any other Hartfeld students that might want to attend.

Chris knows his roommates were supportive when he played at the beginning of the quarter, but many were currently too far away to attend even if they wanted to. He knows Zack is close enough, but according to MC, his family has been keeping him beyond busy. She tried to visit over the break since they weren’t that far from each other, but Zack grumbled as he told her that he wouldn’t be available anytime soon. So, Zak was out too. Chris frowns as he thinks of other available friends.

Suddenly something hits him. Ryan and Ethan. Sure, they aren’t Hartfeld students, but Coach Cohen knows about them fairly well thanks to Chris. They have discussed Chris’s previous experiences, and a lot of talk centered around the infamous Cherryfield High trio. Coach had looked into his friends playing history after Chris told him more about himself last quarter. He had told Coach all about his two best friends, his brothers that were always there for him How they helped him get to this point. It was worth a shot to ask.

Chris types up a message and edited it a few times before he felt that he had said enough to possibly persuade Coach Cohen to allow two non Hartfeld students to join. Too anxious to just sit there and wait for a response, Chris grabs some clothes and rushes through a shower, the entire time thinking about the trip. He was beyond happy that he was going to go with MC, and ecstatic that she wants to spend the time with him as he was very eager to see her. But he also wants to repay his friends for all the hell he put them through their senior year.

He had created a lot of trouble for them, but they stuck with him and made sure he came out okay on the other side. The version of him after wasn’t quite the same as before her, but he was getting there with help from his friends, and now that includes MC. Chris just hopes that Coach will understand, now knowing Chris’s history and what these guys mean to him. It would be a great experience for them as well.

Chris rushes through his shower and leans into the warm spray as it beats on his neck and shoulders. He can’t stop his thoughts from drifting to MC. That’s when he realizes, not only was she going to go, but they will be together the entire time. That meant he needs to figure out what exactly that means for sleeping arrangements. That line of thought simultaneously makes him feel excited while also causing him some anxiety at the idea of sharing a bed with her for multiple nights. He wasn’t sure if she would want that, or to stay separate.

He feels his body start to react to the idea and he groans. He doesn’t have time for this, knowing that he probably has a response from Coach and if it is a yes, he is going to have to move quick to secure two more spots. He grasps his hardening length and squeezes it firmly, trying to make it wilt in his hand. All of his actions are futile however, because no matter what he does or thinks of, the imagery of MC in his bed won’t leave his mind. He lets out a low growl and quickly takes care of it, gasping her name as he has his release after a few minutes effort.

Chris quickly rinses off and throws a towel around his waist, not bothering to change yet, instead grabbing everything and rushing back to his room and to his charging phone. He throws his clothes on the bed and sits on the edge as he grabs his phone. There was a reply from Coach, a few actually. They basically start with him saying the offer was for Hartfeld students only, making Chris’s demeanor fall slightly. But as he continues reading he realizes that Coach Cohen actually had changed his mind, saying that he would like to talk to them about their college careers, and the trip might be a good opportunity to get some time with them both.

Ecstatic, Chris jumps up from his spot on the bed, causing his towel to fly off in the process. He doesn’t care, squatting down to snatch it up while he laughs, promptly typing a text to his brothers while he stands bare ass naked in the middle of his room.

He barely has time to dress and brush teeth before he hears the front door to his house swing open, slamming into the wall with a bang. He rushes out of his room and shoots Ethan and Ryan a glare as they slide across the hardwood in the hallway as they rush through the front door.

“What the hell guys?!” Chris rushes to the door and inspects the wall, thankfully finding that the doorstop saved him from future repairs.

He spins and looks at his friends, his glare fading instantly as he takes in their overzealous expressions. Ethan and Ryan look at each other and rush Chris together without saying a word, both slamming into him, squeezing the air out of him. He gasps as he forcefully removes himself from the crushing embrace.

“So, I take that as a yes…” Chris sucks in a few breaths, glad to have the ability to do so once again.

Ryan and Ethan give each other high fives and start short versions of their touchdown dances from their time at Cherryfield High. Chris laughs and joins in, the three of them doing some of the most ridiculous end zone dances in the state of Maine.

It only takes a few moments before they are all laughing and gasping for air. Chris clasps them both on the shoulder and smiles. “You guys don’t know how excited I am that you’re going. I’ve been trying to think of a way to make it up to you guys… for last fall…” He swallows, “For almost ruining our senior year…”

Ryan and Ethan mirror Chris’s movements by putting their hands up on his shoulders, as well as each others, creating their trademark triangle trio huddle. The looks his friends give him makes Chris pause and lower his head, a small knowing smile crossing his lips. “Thanks guys.”

Ryan shakes his head enthusiastically. “No, no, no… thank you.”

Ethan nods, “Yeah, so uh… what’s the plan?”

The three sit in the living room and hash out some rough plans to get them to Hartfeld and meetup with everyone else for the bus ride to the stadium. While they chat, Chris shoots Darren, Logan and a few guys on the team a text, checking to see who all was going. Darren says he has declined. After the season he had this year combined with his future plans, he thinks someone else might benefit from it more. A few of the other guys he had sent texts to said the same thing, giving different reasons why they couldn’t or didn’t want to go.

Logan was obviously excited about the trip, telling Chris they were going to have the best damn night of their lives. Chris laughs and shakes his head, knowing Logan, Chris will have to be careful to keep him from getting arrested. Chris’s mother joins them after a while, Chris telling her the amazing opportunity they were offered, making her smile with happiness for her son and his adopted brothers. She even helps the guys budget for their lodging and food so they can have a good time.

After they finalize their plans, Ryan and Ethan head out, making sure Chris knows to meet them later at the pub to play some pool for their last free day before Coach Madison makes them get back to work tomorrow. He nods and waves as he shuts the door, immediately heading back to his room.

Chris lays down on his bed and calls MC. She picks up quickly. “Hey, handsome…”

He can hear the grin in her voice, making him smile in return. Chris tells her all that had transpired since they last spoke, asking if she would be okay going on the bus with not only most of the Hartfeld football team, but Ryan and Ethan as well. He was surprised at how enthusiastic she was about meeting his friends face to face, attempting to smother the small spike of jealousy that had showed its ugly head. He wants her to be that excited, or more, to see him as well.

She must have sensed it, causing her to pause. “Chris…”

“Yeah?” He blinks a few times, jerking his mind back to the present.

“What’s wrong?” She says in a low voice.

He snorts playfully. “I’m glad you’re going to meet them, but I guess I thought you might be a little more excited to see me instead of those guys.” He jokingly jabs at her a little.

“If you could only read my mind, cannon.” Chris swears she smirking.

“Here we go with that cannon stuff again…” He laughs, feeling warm relief seep through him with her response.

The news few days pass swiftly, their typical communication and work patterns in place as the championship game gets closer. Finally, it’s the morning of their drive to Hartfeld. The same drive that lets Chris see MC again. His hands itch to touch her, to pull her close and smell her scent, to warm her with his body. His memory has done a good job keeping her with him over the last few weeks, but he will gladly take a refresh.

The guys decide to take Chris’s Jeep, as it has the most comfortable seating for more than two passengers and barely the best gas mileage. The guys pitch in gas money and the trio heads out early, knowing they have to be at Hartfeld by 11 a.m. since the bus will leaving at noon. The friends have an enjoyable trip south, careful to navigate safely through the roads that are still covered with ice and snow in many places.

Halfway there, the guys pull over to refuel and stretch their legs. Their mother’s had packed some food for each of them. The snacks were doing a good job, but Ryan and Ethan still come out of the convenience store with their hands full. Ryan is already elbow deep into the middle of a bag of white cheddar popcorn, a blissful expression smeared across his face. Ethan takes a bite out of a protein bar and puts the rest away for later. Chris shakes his head as he watches them walk back to the Jeep. It was a good thing they both enjoyed working out and staying fit, because their eating habits would destroy them otherwise.

The first leg of their trip to nationals was spent catching up on absolutely everything they had yet to talk about since they all had come home on break. The subject of girls came up of course, discussing Ryan’s bountiful selection of females, Ethan’s semi serious new girlfriend, and Chris’s unusual experience with MC over their first quarter. When the guys ask him more about her, Chris can’t help but gush. Ryan and Ethan share amused looks between the front and back seats while Chris stays unaware as he keeps his eyes on the road.

They arrive at Hartfeld earlier than expected, finding the bus in the main parking lot near the quad, just where Coach Cohen said it would be. Chris passes it and slowly drives around though, seeking something specific. When his eyes land on what he’s searching for, he grins. Standing with Madison and Logan near some of the trees near the quad entrance, is his beautiful girl. She doesn’t notice the Jeep at first as she laughs and talks with the pair in front of her. He watches her hair float around her defined jaw as she bounces around enthusiastically, obviously having an entertaining conversation with their friends.

Ryan notices Chris’s behavior change and turns his gaze to his friend from the passenger seat, studying the quarterbacks face. He then glances back at Ethan before spinning around to follow Chris’s gaze through the windshield. MC turns at that moment, finally noticing the all too familiar cherry red Jeep, with Chris’s special smirk crossing her face. He quickly throws the Jeep into park, ready to jump out and scoop her up, but the door ajar alarm begins to chime first. He immediately looks at his dash, then at the now open passenger door. His head whips to the right, barely seeing the blur that is his friend Ryan, moving straight towards MC with great speed, as if he’s about to receive one of Chris’s passes.

Chris and Ethan open their doors and stand on the Jeep’s running boards, curious as to what’s about to happen. Chris’s face scrunches up, perturbed at his friend’s impulsive action. The tall quarterback watches as MC’s expression changes, showing that she recognizes Ryan. But only just barely before he makes quick contact, wrapping his arms around her and spinning her around. Chris can hear her laughing from the Jeep, his expression twisting into deep confusion as he turns his head slightly to look at Ethan across the roof.

Ethan can only snort out a laugh and shrug. “It’s Ryan… What did you expect?”

“Do I actually have to call dibs…?” Chris asks incredulously before he jumps down and shuts the door, slowly making his way over to the joyous pair.

As they meet in front of the Jeep, Ethan throws his arm over Chris’s shoulder, giving him a quick squeeze, knowing his friend isn’t really upset, but can feel the sting a little. Chris glances over to him and gives him a nod, letting him know he was fine, even though he’s actually a little jealous of the harmless attention his friend is getting from the girl he can’t get out of his head.

When they join their overzealous friend and MC, they hear them chatting about all the snow they’ve had to deal with since going home. Chris and Ethan stand their silently for a moment with their hands jammed in their pockets to keep warm. A slight pout settles on Chris’s lips with every second as he waits.

MC turns when she realizes they have arrived, her gaze crossing over Ethans face, making her smile and say hey for a second as he gives her a polite nod. She hesitates long enough not to be rude, but she eagerly continues her slow spin until her eyes meet Chris’s as he stands close behind her. The moment he holds her gaze, her smile grows into something much deeper just for him. As it grows, so does the pressure in his chest, obliterating his pout and replacing it with an equally warm smile.

Not a full second passes before she threads her arms through the gaps his own arms have made between his body while his hands are in his pockets. She wraps her arms around his midsection and holds him tight, leaning in and resting her cheek on his collarbone before she closes her eyes for a few seconds. Chris pulls his hands out of his pockets and wraps them around her in turn, holding her as close as humanly possible.

“Hey, beautiful..” He mumbles quietly into her ear as he leans over slightly, his lips brushing against her ear, making her shiver in his arms.

She leans back and looks into his eyes, “Hey, cannon…”

Chris’s mouth snaps shut as he humorously frowns. “Oh man, here we go.” He sighs.

Ryan snorts. “Cannon? Nah, man… that’s a lame nickname.”

She laughs and turns in Chris’s arms to face Ryan, “Okay, you got a better idea?” She challenges him with an arched eyebrow.

Ethan watches with amusement as she starts bowing up at Ryan playfully. Chris notices as well, a sense of pride growing from within, making him chuckle lightly.

Ryan shakes his head as he holds his ground. “He’s already got one. At least, he did at Cherryfield.”

MC perks up and leans forward. Chris shakes his head as he stares at Ryan, trying to stop the progression of the conversation. Ryan and Ethan just grin at him before Ryan speaks again, his eyes staying on Chris to watch him squirm.

“His nickname is Rogers.” Ryan says, looking past MC and directly at Chris.

Chris makes an annoyed scowl, his eyes narrowing at Ryan.

MC turns slightly to see this exchange and raises an eyebrow, everything clicking in place. “As in Steve?”

Ethan immediately spins to face her. “Whoa. She knows comics?” He takes his hand out of his pocket to point his thumb in MC’s direction as he looks at Chris. “You better lock that down immediately, Rogers.”

Chris closes his eyes and shakes his head again, the very corner of his lips turning up in amusement as he laugh-sighs. When he opens his eyes again, he sees MC staring into his slightly taller blues, her nose crinkled with amusement.

Knowing they have some time left before Coach arrives, the guys pull out a football and start passing it around in the quad grass close to the parking lot. MC watches them as she walks over to Madison and Logan. The tall dark haired man immediately drops his bag near their feet when he notices the other guys, sprinting over to join the fun.

MC and Madison watch as Chris takes turns launching the football to each of the others, both cheering as they successfully catch them. Chris turns to MC every so often when he hears her loud whistle, basking in her adoration as he tries to remain focused on the guys. He really wishes he hadn’t screwed everything up this last fall. Having her at that first game was one of his best memories. He grins as he reminds himself that there’s always next year.

The guys run through partial plays and the three rush around the quad, catching everything thrown in their direction by Hartfeld’s new starting quarterback. Coach Tim Cohen arrives and immediately notices, dropping his bag by the bus before he casually walks over and stands on the sidewalk nearby. The 6’3” man folds his muscular arms and watches the precision and speed as the ball moves around the field, his eyes narrowing as his vision shifts back and forth across the quad.

Coach Cohen is one of the youngest college football head coaches in American History. He has an impressive history, being a highly successful former quarterback himself, something Chris hopes to do with his own athletic career. During his playing career, Cohen held many Division I passing records and even won the Sammy Baugh Trophy once. Prior to being the Head Coach at Hartfeld, Cohen was the offensive coordinator and the quarterbacks coach with the Texas A&M Aggies and later the Auburn Tigers. He even coached a Heisman Trophy winner the year before accepting Hartfeld’s offer.

His hazel eyes narrow as he studies the two new players in his quad. The breeze blows the top of his warm brown hair around slightly as the sun peeks out from behind a cloud, making him pull out his trademark sunglasses so he can continue watching without a glare. He raises his hand and rubs his permanent five o’clock shadow that covers his sharp jaw.

Chris turns to look at MC again, but notices his coach and instantly jogs over. “Hey, Coach. What’s up? We ready to load?”

Coach Cohen nods lightly but keeps his eyes focused past Chris as he speaks, “Yeah, sure. We can load up. But uh…” He points to the others, “…are those your friends from Cherryfield, out there with Logan?”

Chris doesn’t have to look to answer, “Sure is Coach. That’s Ethan Clark and Ryan Hawkins, the guys I was telling you about last quarter.”

He turns to smile fondly at his friends, who he quickly realizes are now playing keep away from each other, ending up in a heap on the grass as Logan shakes his head and laughs from a few feet away.

Coach Cohen gives Chris a curious look, making him laugh nervously. “They are just a little excited to go to the game tomorrow…”

Coach waves his hand at him before gesturing for he and Chris to move closer. “I get it, it’s a big deal if you’ve never been before.” They slowly walk towards the others. “How about you? Need to get some more energy out?”

Chris laughs and shrugs, “Couldn’t hurt.” He runs back towards the guys after Coach Cohen nods towards his friends.

The two on the ground finally call it a draw, like normal, and grab the hands Chris and Logan offer them to jump back up. Chris tells them a few things then backs up, the football grasped firmly in his right hand as he turns his upper body, preparing to throw once again. They run a few more plays around the quad as Coach Cohen watches with interest.

After a few minutes he calls them all over, nodding at Logan and telling him to load on the bus. Logan tips his head and pats Chris on the shoulder before cutting towards MC and Madison, both now very interested in the huddle happening a few yards away.

Chris clears his throat and places a hand on Ryan’s shoulder, introducing him to the young Head Coach for Hartfeld University. “Coach Cohen, this is Ryan Hawkins. He was my running back at Cherryfield.” He quickly places his other hand on his redheaded friends shoulder. “This is Ethan Clark. This wide wall of a man was my fullback last year. I wouldn’t be here without them…”

He gives them both a warm smile as he squeezes their shoulders simultaneously. The guys return the sentiment, giving Chris a pat on the back or a nod in conformation. Coach can’t help but smile a little as he listens to them recall their history over the years, all the crazy plays they pulled off, their great track record and some of the details about their senior year. All deftly avoid certain points of information though, making sure that period of time stays dead and in the past.

After they tell most of their Cherryfield High football stories, Coach Cohen frowns. “So, if you guys played better in high school then I just witnessed out here, and if you knew each other that well, why they didn’t anyone try to pick you up together? It’s clear you work well as a team, so well that it makes no sense that you didn’t get more attention as a group.”

Chris’s shoulders fall a little as he lets out a sigh. “That’s probably my fault, actually.”

Ryan immediately elbows Chris’s bicep and shakes his head.

Ethan simply says, “No.”

“It’s a whole mess actually.” Ryan begins. “We wanted to stay together, but my uh… grades weren’t so hot senior year.”

Chris looks up quickly as he remembers something. “Coach Massey didn’t approach us all either. He only said he needed a quarterback at the time. I tried to tell him about the guys but he wasn’t interested.”

Coach Cohen shakes his head as he thinks about his successor. “That is unfortunate. What are you guys doing now, where are you?” He looks back and forth curiously, waiting for someone to speak.

Ethan nods and takes the first position. “I’m actually at Boston College… about 45 minutes from here.”

Coach nods and coughs into his hand, “The Eagles.”

Ethan nods in return. “Yes, Coach. But I have a medical redshirt right now.”

Chris presses his lips into a thin line as he waits for his friend to continue. “I got injured during camp last August. I didn’t think it was that bad… turns out I was wrong. I severely sprained my ACL, tore it a little, and they redshirted me while I recover.”

Coach Cohen eyes him as he tilts his head. “So they gave you a medical redshirt.”

Ethan nods and he continues, “So what about now… how’s it feeling? Did you have surgery or is it stabilizing? You looked alright out there a few minutes ago.” He jerks his chin towards the quad.

“Yes, that was about… five months ago now. Small surgery, but I’ve been working at it, trying to build my strength and speed back slowly.” Ethan keeps his voice level as he waits for direction, easily falling back into the player-coach behavior.

Coach seems to contemplate his words for a moment before turning towards Ryan. “And you? Where are you right now?”

Ryan stands up straighter, his eyes focusing on Coach Cohen. “I’m currently at Louisville, Coach. But I uh, also have a redshirt this year.”

Coach Cohen’s brow creases as he looks at him, then to Ethan, and back to Ryan. “An academic redshirt for your grades?”

Ryan lets a frustrated sigh slip out. “Yeah, I was a little uh, distracted in high school. Cherryfield didn’t have the best standards, so I graduated alright after some serious work senior year, but Louisville has slightly stricter rules about their players GPAs.” He sees Coach staring at him without blinking. “But I’m… I’m working on it. My GPA is above average now, actually…”

Ethan and Chris both smile at Ryans words, glad their friend is back on track with his classes.

Coach Cohen nods, completely understanding. His eyebrow arches slightly. “So, let me get this straight, you both have redshirts this year?” He gestures back and forth to each of Chris’s friends and they give simultaneous nods in response.

He claps his hands together and rubs them as if he’s brushing off some dirt. “That’s perfect.”

Ethan’s eyebrow arches high. “Perfect..?” He glances at Ryan and they both eye him suspiciously.

Chris smiles, knowing what Coach Cohen is about to say. He glances over towards MC, finding her chatting with Madison as she keeps an eye on them, waiting until they were finished to join him again. He thinks back to all the times Nichole would interrupt him while he was in the middle of something she didn’t find important. Sure, she usually gave him his space before a game, but that was something she learned the hard way one Friday evening. She never approached him until the game was over after that night.

His thoughts are interrupted by Coach Cohen’s proposal. “Yeah, perfect.” A small cocky smirk appears on his face as he crosses his arms and shifts on his feet. “Say you wanted to switch schools. Transfer to another university where you knew the quarterback, for example.”

Ryan’s mouth falls open as it all clicks. “Are you fucking serious?!”

“Language.” Coach gives him a look, making Chris laugh under his breath.

“Ah, sorry Coach!” Ryan stands straighter, respect for Coach Cohen filling his person.

“That’s alright. We’re here to play damn good football, but I promise you we’re going to have fun while we’re doing it. I just expect my players to be in control of their actions at all times, remembering that others may be watching or listening. I don’t want anyone to have a reason to touch my team.”

The four of them talk for a while longer, discussing the steps it would take to get them to Hartfeld, if that was in fact what they wanted to do. Chris could easily see the excitement in Ryan’s eyes, but it wasnt as bright in Ethan’s. Coach Cohen nods to them all and tells them to get their stuff and load up as it was just about noon, and he was leaving on schedule, with or without them.

Chris quickly turns towards Ethan, “What’s up, man? We always said we wanted to play college ball together, but you don’t seem that excited at the moment.”

Ethan sucks in a long deep breath. “I still want it.” He lets the air out slowly, “It’s just… Stephanie. We met at Boston College. If I leave, what will happen…”

Chris sees a flash of pain and uncernancy cross Ethans face, but only for a second, his standard calm demeanor immediately falling back into place. He turns to look at Ryan who frowns slightly and stays quiet. Chris pats Ethan on the back, completely understanding the feeling, not sure what he would do if he were in the same situation.

“Well, you’ve got almost a whole year to decide, so don’t worry about it now. You guys can talk about it, and it will work out no matter what you decide. We will still be bros even if we cant play football, just like now.” He shoulder checks him, trying to get a rise out of him.

Ryan’s lips curl slightly as he decides to do the same, disliking his biggest frenemy to be so down. It only takes a few pokes and slaps before they start grappling each other once again. Chris shakes his head and steps around them, heading towards MC and Madison.

“Hey, Mads.” Chris waves at her as he approaches. “Why are you still out here, didnt Logan tell you guys to load up?”

Madison nods and gives him her standard sweet smile. “He did, but MC wanted to wait for you so I stayed with her. I’m going to find Logan tho, I dont want to miss the boat.”

Chris snort laughs at her as he nods. “Sure thing Mads. Try to keep an eye on Logan, okay?”

She waves and heads towards the bus as Chris turns to MC, a cocky smirk appearing. “Wanted to wait for me, huh?”

MC snorts indignantly at him, “Well, I don’t know anyone besides you really. Madison and Logan are nice, but–”

“I understand… you don’t have to say anything else.” Chris chuckles as he pulls her close, kissing the top of her head before lowering his head slightly so their cheeks are touching.

“I missed you, baby…” He whispers into her ear, relishing in the physical response he can see on and feel throughout her body as his arms tighten around her.

She pulls back slightly to look at him as she chews her lower lip. This action of hers makes Chris react without thought, raising his hand to slowly rub her lip with his thumb, causing her to stop with his contact. “I missed you too, Captain.” She says in a low voice.

He leans back curiously, “Captain?”

She smirks, “Yeah, Rogers. This is my nickname for you now…I just decided. A little bit of the old, a little bit of the new.”

“A lot of the new, I hope…” He teases, leaning close and brushing his lips over hers lightly.

He feels her breath catch as he makes brief contact, so he waits, giving her the opportunity to deepen the kiss if she desires or completely call it off. Chris realizes that this is the closest they have been since their last day at Hartfeld weeks ago. His body is making him well aware of that fact too. Fortunately, he doesn’t have to wait long for her decision. She runs her hands behind his neck and pulls him to her, firmly pressing her cooler lips to his much warmer ones. They don’t get to enjoy it long though, as someone’s obnoxious yells break them apart.

“Rogers! Let’s go! I’m not missing this because you two had to make out..!” Ryan shoots them a halfway serious, halfway joking glare as he points in their direction.

Ethan doesn’t miss a beat, hooking his arm around Ryan’s neck as he walks by, interrupting his rant by dragging him towards the bus. Chris rolls his eyes and grabs MC’s hand before he scoops up both of their bags in the other. They head towards the bus behind his friends, tossing their bags into the storage below before they climb the stairs onto the Hartfeld Knights team bus.

Chris watches MC as her eyes go huge when they climb the stairs, taking in the somewhat luxurious interior of their bus. He doesn’t blame her, he had the same look a few months ago when he stepped on the bus for the first time. But now, seeing it through her eyes, it feels even bigger than before.

He gently places his hand on the small of her back and guides her towards the back, right behind Ryan and Ethan who have just sat down. Logan and Madison were sitting with each other as well, close by but far enough away so everyone had privacy. Since everyone couldn’t go, the bus was about three quarters full, leaving gaps here and there.

Chris slides in first, taking the window seat, thinking MC might want access to Madison at some point, as she was the only other familiar face to MC on the trip. He’s about to make a crack on Ryan and Ethan as they sit in front of him when he sees MC lean out into the isle, her focus towards the front of the bus. Chris doesn’t have to do much but sit up straight to see what has her attention.

Coach Tim Cohen had just re-entered the bus and was slowly making his way down the isle, checking with everyone, collecting waivers, etc. He’s wearing form fitting black dress slacks and a Hartefeld red shirt under a black long sleeve fleece pullover that fits his broad shoulders and muscular chest perfectly. Chris scrunches up his nose as he looks at MC again, checking to see if that was in fact what she was looking at. His mouth falls open slightly when her enamored expression confirms it.

He doesn’t get a chance to say anything before MC interrupts his thoughts, “So, who is that…again?” She gestures towards Coach and Chris shakes his head and lets out a small sigh.

“That’s our Head Coach. We call him Coach Swag, or Coach Bro…” He glances at her, noting her focus has yet to shift, his voice quieter as he continues, “He’s the youngest Head Coach in college football at the moment…”

“I can see why you guys call him that…” MC’s voice tapers off a she takes him all in.

Chris looks at her and frowns. “Okay, you’re switching with me.” He stands up and gestures for her to scoot over behind him.

She looks up at him with a startled expression at first, then when she sees his slight pout she can’t help but smile as she slides over. Once he sits back down she wraps her arms around his right one, holding it tight against her body. “I’m sorry. I was just curious who he was. He almost looks like a senior or something… not a coach.”

He turns his head slightly, not fully looking at her as his eyebrow arches up, “And what if he was a senior…” Chris almost grumbles.

She looks at him, saying nothing until he turns to look at her with his full attention. Once he does he’s rewarded with her warm smile. “Nothing. I’ve got everything I need right here.” She squeezes his arm to emphasize her words.

Just then, Coach Cohen approaches their rows and nods to Ryan and Ethan before stepping towards Chris and MC. Chris turns to study MC’s face as Coach greets her, following her eyes as she looks up.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Coach Cohen, Tim Cohen.” He extends his hand past Chris so MC can easily reach.

She shakes it politely and introduces herself in return. “I’m MC, it’s nice to finally meet you.”

Chris watches as her eyes stay on Coach long enough to be polite, quickly turning them back to his own. He feels the warmth spread through his entire body as her eyes hold his.

“Chris has told me a lot about you.” Her left eyebrow lifts slightly.

Chris smirks at her, realizing she is clearly making a point by keeping her focus on him, and only giving his young, attractive coach the minimum direct interaction to remain polite.

“Glad to have you on the trip. Let me know if you need anything. That is, if Powell here fails to take care of it first…” He pats Chris hard on the shoulder, clearly implying he better not let that happen, before he continues his trek towards the back.

Neither MC or Chris break their locked gaze, each daring the other to do it first.

MC’s nose wiggles a little as she calms the smirk that is threatening to appear. “See? Don’t care.”

“Uh huh…” Chris laughs at her.

MC scoots closer, her face close to his again. Chris can feel his heartbeat increase as she stays there.

She touches her lips to the side of his face, almost nuzzling his cheek. “Why would I?”

He lets out a breathless sigh, his body clearly affected by her actions. He quietly groans and shifts in his seat, suddenly uncomfortable with his restrictive jeans. He turns to match his lips with hers, brushing his across them. She nips his lip a little, making him reach around her face with his free hand, cupping the base of her head as he completely eliminates the gap between them, crushing her lips with his. They kiss harder and harder for a moment, completely lost in their own world, until someone knocks Chris lightly on the back of the head.

“At least wait until I’m out of sight, Powell.” Coach growls as he passes, making Ryan and Ethan both peer over the back of their chairs.

MC blushes and pulls away from Chris sheepishly, burying her face into his shoulder. He just flashes his friends a wolfish grin and they shake their heads as they turn back around.

It’s about a six and a half hour drive if they head straight to Penn State’s Main Campus. About halfway through the trip they make a pitstop, needing to refuel. It’s also a great opportunity for everyone to stretch their legs, take bathroom breaks and of course load up on necessities. Chris is not at all surprised to see both Ryan and Ethan exit the store with a bag of snacks and drinks. Ryan is already digging into something, his face once again euphoric as he takes another bite of whatever junk he’s decided to consume. Ethan slowly tears off pieces of jerky, chatting with Ryan as they climb back onto the bus before Chris and MC.

Ryan pauses and turns to ask Chris something about the tailgate parties the next day, allowing Ethan and MC to pass and continue inside. Chris and Ryan finish their conversation as Coach approaches, ordering everyone back on the bus. As they make their way down the aisle, the pair sees Ethan sitting in his normal seat, but this time MC is sitting next to him.

Ryan stops and Chris pauses behind him, wondering why she isn’t in the seat behind Ethan, the seat she was sharing with him. The two were talking about something but stop as Chris and Ryan arrive. Ethan is smiling at her, but innocently shrugs when Chris’s eyes meet his.

Ryan steps close and bows, “Mi’lady… I believe you’re in my seat.”

She scrunches up her face as she tries not to laugh during her reply. “Eh, I’ve sat back there with that guy…” She nods at Chris, making him tilt his head. “…long enough. I think it’s time we switch.”

Ryan turns slightly to look at the quarterback, his face is a mixture of confusion, amusement, frustration and disappointment. Chris quickly wipes all emotion from his face when he realizes the three of them are all looking at him though.

If she stays there, it would ruin his plan to spend the entire trip with her, and he wasn’t exactly excited about it. His plan that was formulated after weeks of not being able to do anything more than tease himself with thoughts of her. His raven haired friend picks up on his turmoil and starts laughing, leaning on the chair slightly as he catches his breath.

Ryan grabs his tight abs and gasps, “You know, Ethan… she has a thing for gingers.” He wiggles his eyebrows.

Ethan looks amused as he turns his head slightly to look at MC as she sits close to him. “Oh, really…” He offers her his arm and she loops hers through it, scooting closer with a ridiculous grin.

Chris frowns deeper, a crease forming on his brow. Ryan sees his taller friends expression shift a little darker and he laughs even harder, folding over as if he was in pain. He has to keep his hand on the back of the seat to steady himself while his body rocks hard.

MC turns to Ethan and smirks. “Yeah, and I’m single too…”

She glances at Chris as he leans back in surprise. Her statement making his eyebrow arch sharply.

Ethan lets out a bashful chuckle. “Sadly, I am not.” She mock pouts as he gives her a small smile.

Ryan pounds on the seat he’s holding onto and almost tears up from laughter. “Oh man, this is rich.”

Chris scoffs and moves past Ryan, not making eye contact with MC or Ethan as he sits in his spot behind them. He sits down quickly, letting his muscular frame drop into the seat like dead weight. He pulls his baseball cap down over his eyes and crosses his arms, shutting out the world.

Ryan mock pouts. “Oh, poor Rogers. I’ll keep you company.” He winks at MC and Ethan before he steps back and joins Chris on the next row, successfully patting his hand once before Chris swats at him.

Chris stays like this for a while, ignoring Ryan’s chatter to Ethan and MC, until he falls asleep. He doesn’t realize that he had passed out until he wakes up some time later. When he wakes, he shifts and feels a warm weight across his legs and wrapped around his side. He turns abruptly, ready to shove Ryan off of him and onto the floor if he was screwing with him, but he quickly realizes that it wasn’t his jackass of a friend.

MC had switched back with Ryan at some point during his nap, laying her legs across his lap and worming her arms through his stubbornly folded arms, clinging to his side. She is currently asleep, her cheek pressed against his shoulder as she breathes in and out slowly. Chris reaches over and moves a few strands of hair behind her ear, giving him a better view of her face.

He studies her eyelashes, long and dark, cearly covered in mascara because he could see how light her hair was naturally from this angle. And her nose, its solid but a cute shape, turning up on the end with just the smallest degree. Then her lips, he kept his gaze there for a while, watching them part slightly as she breathes in and out.

He unfolds his crossed arms, no longer jealous of his solid redheaded friend, even if he was just talking with her earlier. Chris admits that he wants her to himself. He’s been dreaming about it for days, weeks, maybe even months if he’s being honest. As he gently lowers his arms to lay his hands on her thighs, she wraps around the one nearest to her, almost possessively as she rubs her face against his muscular shoulder. She lets out a small sigh after she adjusts, making him smile and squeeze her legs gently. Chris remains quiet, committing the details of her face to memory as the next hour passes.

Eventually the bus arrives at the Penn State campus. The time is now close to 7 p.m. and the group is eager to unload and go out for the night. Everyone on the bus was required to make their reservations at the same hotel, keeping things simple and organized for Coach on the trip. However, each individual was responsible for booking their own room. Chris’s friends all had rooms waiting, thanks to his mothers help a few days prior. The cost wasn’t too bad, not when they split it, two to a room. MC and Madison were set to share, while Logan was with Chris, leaving Ryan rooming with Ethan.

Everyone begins to disembark the bus but Chris pauses once his feet hit the pavement, turning his head to look at MC with a playful expression. She immediately jumps on him, her arms wrap around his shoulders as her warm body presses against his broad back. He runs his hands under her jean covered thighs, shifting his grip once, making her let out a startled ‘eep!’ before she laughs it off.

He smiles and turns towards the bus’s storage, ready to bend down and scoop up their bags while holding onto her at the same time. Ethan shakes his head and reaches in instead, throwing both their bags and his around his right shoulder. Chris wonders if his friend ever feels overloaded, as it is common for him to grab everything he can fit his hands around in a single trip. It didn’t matter what it was, how heavy it was, he was going to grab it all in one sweep.

As they walk inside, ready to get their rooms settled, the group congregates in the lobby, waiting for their turn to check in. After a few minutes of running through multiple rooms, the group of friends head up to the 5th floor. Chris’s mom made sure to request that their rooms be next to each other so they could easily hang out. He lowers MC to the ground and magically turns to catch the two bags just as Ethan tosses them in his direction.

~MC~

Chris nods to his friend before turning to hand MC her slightly smaller bag. Logan has already entered the room he’s sharing with Chris, it being in the middle of a string of three. Chris stands there with MC for a moment, casually leaning on the wall in front of her door as Maidson moves around inside their room. His eyes search MC’s as he gives her a warm smile.

She grins at him as she throws her bag over her shoulder. “So… now what? The game is tomorrow, right?”

Chris nods, “Yep. Everyone’s got to be hungry… Figured we could all go out and get something to eat… maybe–”

Logan jumps out into the hallway, suddenly interrupting Chris. “Let’s do this! Food and fun! They have this club here called Envy… we’ve got to check it out. The reviews are crazy.” He looks at Chris very seriously.

Ethan and Ryan step back into the hall for a moment, agreeing that they need food. Ryan begins talking about how he is already starting to waste away, implying that they need to hurry. Some of the other players and even Coach Cohen come out of their rooms as well, everyone joining the discussion about their options for the night. Eventually Chris gets everyone to agree to a quick order restaurant nearby, with after plans to go to the club Logan is already excited about. The plan begins with meeting in the lobby in 30 minutes, ready to go or be left behind.

The group scatters into their rooms, quickly washing, changing and dressing for their night out. MC and Madison dig through their bags, bringing only a few options for their relatively short trip. Knowing they were going to a club after getting some food, the girls hurry to dress and fix their hair and makeup. Madison decides to wear a cute deep v-cut dark blue jumper with long sleeves and a long shawl to battle the cool night air.

MC pulls out a kimono styled back wrap dress, the neck cutting somewhat low while the flowing hem at the bottom threatens to rise with every movement of her long legs. She pairs it with her thigh high black wedge suede boots, knowing they would keep her warm. Madison helps MC fix her hair, her own beautiful locks making Madison a master at such an early age. They quickly apply their makeup, making it more appropriate for a night at a popular club. Their eyeliners grow thicker, their eyeshadows grow bolder and wider as the seconds pass. Satisfied with their updated looks, the girls hurry down to the lobby with only a few minutes to spare.

As they exit the elevator and turn towards the lobby, her eyes meet Chris’s. There were others there as well, but she couldn’t see them as she only has eyes for him, and he apparently only has eyes for her. She feels the butterflies grow in her stomach as he freezes, everything unmoving except for his eyes as they search up and down her frame. His mouth falls open slightly as he tugs at the neck of his dark blue untucked button up before he wipes his hands on his jeans. Madison quickly walks over to Logan, but MC pauses for a moment, curling her finger at Chris, beckoning him to come close.

~Chris~

There is no hesitation once he sees her beckoning gesture. It only takes Chris a few long strides to close the distance between them, immediately wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close to him. His eyes continue to run up and down her body, making his heart rate increase as he feels the soft fabric under his hands.

“Where has this dress been hiding…” He asks breathlessly.

MC playfully shrugs and shifts in his arms, “I picked it up the other day after you invited me on the trip.”

“We need to go on more trips.” Chris grins.

After a few more minutes, everyone gathers in the lobby and they head out, walking a few blocks to the agreed upon restaurant. Clearly used to students on the go, the food comes quickly, allowing the group to consume what they want with ample time to spare to enjoy a night at the club. As they head outside, Ethan lets his friends know he’s going to skip the club, deciding to go back to his room and FaceTime his girlfriend instead.

Ryan snorts at him, berating Ethan for letting him go stag to the club. His redheaded friend just smiles and shakes his head as he pats Ryan on the back before he turns to walk in the opposite direction.

Chris watches their interaction with amusement, but also a little envy. Ethan clearly has something serious going on with his girlfriend at Boston College if he’s going to leave Ryan behind for the entire night. He turns to look at MC, currently standing next to him with his arm wrapped around her as she chats with Madison and Logan. His smile falters a little as he notices Ryan looking at him with mild disgust.

“Can you believe him…” Ryan grumbles.

Chris cant help but smash his lips together, trying not to smile at his friend. “Ah, dont worry. In just a few minutes you’ll be having the time of your life in a swarm of lovely ladies.”

Ryan’s eyebrow arches slightly but his face and body remain in the same position as he contemplates Chris’s words. The taller quarterback laughs at the expression, slapping Ryan heavily on the back, making his friend take a step to regain his balance as a smirk crosses his lips.

The somewhat large group continues down the street for a few more blocks until they reach the entrance to Envy. They get in line but Coach Cohen leaves, walking towards the door. Chris leans to the side, wondering what he was saying to the doorman as he watches Coach gesture towards their group. He glances around and realizes that they might have a shot of getting in soon with their entire group consists of muscular football players, sprinkled with quite a few attractive females throughout.

He sees Coach wave them up to the front, letting them pass many still standing in line. Chris glances at MC and Madison as they walk, knowing their presence definitely has something to do with it. He stifles a laugh when he thinks that Ryan’s presence might also be helping as he struts around, acquiring the attention of every female nearby. Chris keeps it to himself however, not wanting to add to his cocky friend’s ego. He tightens his arm around MC as he notices the different expressions of anger, frustration, and quite a few lusty ones on the many male faces as they pass.

Once inside, the group secures a large booth area in the back, setting up a home base of sorts so everyone can come and go as they please.

Coach calls them all close, his eyes very serious. “Alright you guys, we’re here to have some fun, so don’t slack. Just make sure you don’t overdo it - the game events start early enough for you guys to behave tonight. Everyone needs to be there late morning as we are not just here to have fun, but make our presence known. Got it?”

Everyone nods, their body language similar to when they are on the field. “Yes, Coach!” They all cheer.

He gives them a slow smile and clasps a few close players on the back, “Alright now. Let’s go have some fun.”

Madison immediately grabs Logan’s hand and drags him onto the dance floor, his face only startled for a moment before he grins and tugs her close when she finds a spot on the floor.

Chris turns to MC, watching her as she watches the giggly blonde and the tall handsome receiver. She looks excited. Chris runs his hand down her back, resting on her lower back just where he can feel what he believes is the top of her panties. He inwardly scolds himself for thinking about the location of his hand in detail, while standing in the middle of a public club.

He leans close, his lips brushing against her hear as he speaks so she can hear in the loud space. “Hey, beautiful. Wanna dance?”

She quickly turns her head, her nose only inches from his now, a grin plastered across her face. “Yes!”

She leads him onto the floor, stopping close to Logan and Madison’s current spot. The music beats with a rhythm that promotes close proximity between dance partners. Their bodies remain joined at all times, often sliding and pivoting against each other as they move with the changing songs. They stare into each other’s eyes often, making their desires multiply as they constantly remind themselves that they are in public, fighting the heat as it builds between them.

Their foreheads come together as a particularly sexy song begins. MC closes her eyes as she moves against Chris, her arms running around his waist and up his back. He sucks in a quick breath at the contact before running one of his hands up her back to her neck, while dropping the other to her hip, squeezing firmly as he tugs her closer.

Her mouth falls open in a gasp at the abrupt contact of his hips against hers. Chris takes advantage of the moment and covers her lips with his own, swallowing a moan as it tries to escape her throat. Her eyes still closed as she tilts her head back slightly. They shift back and forth, matching the beat of the current song as they slowly deepen the kiss, each searching for more as the intensity increases.

MC pulls back first, making Chris’s eyes snap open, finding her dilated pupils staring deep into his. She’s slightly panting, trying to catch her breath from their close encounter as Chris’s eyes fall to her lips, watching as she licks them in between two breathless pants. He hesitates for only a moment before he leans closer, capturing her lips once again. He can feel the electricity that has been there since day one as he spends time memorizing her taste, relishing in the sweet and heady flavors that are distinctly MC. His hand moves from her neck to her cheek, cupping her face as he rubs his thumb across her cheekbone while his tongue runs along her lips. She opens up, inviting him in, gasping as his own tongue makes contact with hers.

They pull apart after a moment, both of their eyes dark and shining with fire, warmth and desire. The beat changes as a new song begins, this one quicker and begging for more energetic dancing, but they remain closely attached as they look deep into each other’s eyes.

Suddenly an arm loops through hers, pulling her away from Chris’s warm embrace. They share a startled look before they turn and see Ryan, laughing as he pulls MC towards himself and spins her. She can’t help but laugh as she sees his expression while he begins to dance to the quick beat. Chris shakes his head and humorously scoffs at his audacious friend as he watches them dance around playfully. She looks at him, her expression happy yet also showing her small disappointment at being separated. Chris winks at her, telling her to have some fun before he heads back to their booth.

Chris watches his best friend and his… MC, as they dance together a few feet away. His thoughts work through his hesitation of what to refer to her as. He also thinks about her comment from earlier, when they were on the bus. She very obviously mentioned she was single to Ethan. He knows she isn’t interested in his friend, either of them. He knows she was making a direct statement to him, letting him know she wasn’t going to assume anything about their… relationship. Again, that word makes him pause as he watches them.

He knows he likes her, a lot. That is clear seeing how he can’t stop thinking about her. He wants her around as much as possible, wants her affection and approval, wants her to be proud of him. He also wants to make her happy, wants to go on runs with her, wants to have her at his games, wants to hold her as he sleeps. Thousands of desires and scenarios run through his head as he contemplates her words.

Chris doesn’t get too complete his train of thought as they appear in front of him. They are both laughing and smiling, clearly having a good time. Ryan offers his hand and Chris instinctively takes it, gripping firmly as they shake and nod to each other, indicating no harm, no foul.

“Thanks for letting me borrow this lovely lady, brother. She sure can dance. I might have to steal her again sometime.” He winks at her as he releases Chris’s hand.

MC grins at him before she turns to Chris. “Any room for me in there?”

Chris scoots over and throws his arm across the back of the booth so she can slide in next to him. Ryan slides in across from them and strikes up a conversation with one of other Hartfeld players next to him. Chris looks at her without turning his head, watching her happy face as she looks around the club.

‘So she likes to dance…’ He makes a mental note.

Chris takes in her form again, her leg pressed fully next to his in the cramped booth. He notices the few inches of exposed thigh above her tall boots before it disappears under her flirty dress once again. He can’t help himself as he reaches over, gently slipping his fingers under the lip of her boot, his hand resting on her leg just above her knee. He feels her shift at his contact but he doesn’t move or look up for a moment, rubbing his thumb across her smooth leg, enjoying the soft feel of her skin.

When he looks up, he sees her staring at him. He stills his hand for a moment, searching her face for approval of his actions, some doubt creeping in that he went too far. He’s pleasantly surprised though, as her expression turns soft. She runs her arm through his, making sure his hand stays tucked in her boot and on her knee while she leans her head on his shoulder. She slowly runs her hand across his forearm for a while as they sit like that, enjoying being with their friends.

Coach Cohen is sitting in a chair near the end of the booth, currently talking to one of his upperclassmen about the teams that are playing tomorrow. He doesn’t notice as a well dressed woman approaches from his left, her eyes trained on him as he describes something with his hands to one of his players. Chris notices though, and curiously watches her, wondering who she is as she steps closer. Her body language makes him think she knows Coach, and while it is common for ladies of all ages to hover around him, Chris is sure he has not seen her before.

Her hair is smooth and pitch, shining in the dimly lit club as the lights change around her. At first Chris believes she’s fairly tall, until he leans forward a little and sees her tall heels, making her approximately 5’7” frame closer to 5’10”.

MC notices her too and whispers to Chris, “Who’s that?”

Chris shrugs. “I’m not sure. Don’t think I’ve ever seen her before…”

MC continues to asses the stylishly dressed woman, “I love her shoes. Think I could ask her where she got them?”

Chris smirks as his eyes narrow, continuing to watch as she gently touches Coach Cohen’s shoulder. Now he was sure that the mystery woman knows Coach somehow, but as he turns to look at her, Coach’s face does not show any recognition in return. Chris frowns a little as he watches their interaction, now confused.

“Hey.” The green eyed stranger smiles at Coach Cohen softly.

Coach clears his throat and stands up, his 6’3” frame hovering over her much shorter one. He adjusts his shirt before he politely responds, “Hey… Do I uh, do I know you? You look familiar…”

His brow creases slightly as he offers her his hand. He studies her fair face, framed by long pitch black hair. Her hand drastically contrasting against his sun kissed one as they make contact. He holds onto her hand firmly, waiting for her response.

She grins at him and shakes her head, “I get that a lot. You’re probably thinking of someone else. I just saw you here and thought I should say hi.”

The corner of Coach Cohen’s lips turn up slightly, “I’m glad you did.” He drops her hand and motions to the chair next to him. “Would you like to join us?”

She acts as if she’s trying to decide, but Chris can see that she’s already made up her mind. She approached the table first after all. The stranger doesn’t hesitate for long before nodding and lowering herself into the seat next to Coach Cohen. The tall man quickly throws his hand up, indicating to the waiter that they would like some service.

MC turns her head to look at Chris, wiggling her eyebrows at the story unfolding in front of them. Chris laughs and wraps his hand around her head, covering her eyes with his large palm as he pulls her head to his chest. She lets out a muffled squeal and laughs before she bites his chest through his dark blue shirt. He blurts out a startled yelp and lets her go before he reaches down to firmly squeeze her knee, making her jerk her leg away as she giggles from the ticklish action.

As the morning nears, Coach Cohen begins rounding everyone up, telling them to head back to the hotel as the championship events would be starting in no time. He stays behind a little, finishing his conversation with the mysterious green eyed woman.

The group starts to leave in small clumps after his decree. Logan wraps his arm around Madison when they get outside after she comments on the cold. Ryan is still amped up, being friendly with every female that passes him on the sidewalk on his trek to the hotel. A few other guys from the team are with them too, as everyone takes their time to safely cross the busy intersections.

Chris’s mind has gone back to his previous musings, his thoughts about MC, more importantly, who they might be to each other at this moment. Unsure if he’s ready to try a serious relationship again, he takes a deep breath. His arm is wrapped around MC’s shoulders and she’s leaning close to him for warmth as she jokes around with the others. He stays silent for a few blocks, trying to solidify his thoughts, to make a decision.

When it hits him, he swallows hard. He’s made up his mind, now he just has to act on it. He starts to slow their pace a little, falling behind their friends just enough so when they collectively face away from himself and MC, he can tug her into a narrow alleyway next to a dark storefront without their notice. He quickly pulls her with him, pressing her against the wall, her eyes wide from the abrupt change in scenery, obviously startled. Chris places both hands on either side of her face, almost boxing her in as he takes a few steady breaths.

“Chris..?” She looks at him with confusion and concern, noticing as his arms shake a little.

“MC, I have to tell you something.” Chris begins, closing his eyes for a moment to collect his thoughts.

When he opens them again and looks at her, he sees a familiar panicked look. The same look he received when he pushed her away many times over the past quarter. He immediately stands up straight and grabs her hand, holding it in his.

“Wait, it’s nothing bad.” He swallows, “At least I don’t think it is…” He gives her a small smile as he waits for her to relax.

Her eyes search his for a minute, unsure of his abrupt behavior change. He reaches up with one hand and tucks a strand of wild hair behind her ear. He feels her lightly lean into his touch, her cool cheek resting against the hot palm of this hand. When she looks directly into his eyes again he takes a deep breath and continues, his courage instantly recharged.

“I didn’t mean to scare you, I just… I need to tell you something.” He clears his throat. “MC, I’ve told you before, that I thought I was falling for you…” He watches her face for any sign of recognition.

“Well, I’ve hit rock bottom. I can’t fall any further than this moment now…” His voice becomes a whisper as he ends the sentence, his eyes burning into hers.

He sees her swallow hard, her mouth opening slightly as she licks her now dry lips. He shifts his hand to rub his thumb across her lips, his eyes flickering between them and her very wide eyes.

Before either can say another word, a familiar voice harshly cuts through the air from the sidewalk near the corner, “CHRIS! Where the hell did you go..?!”

Chris frowns as he hears Ryan yell his name. He turns his head quickly and barks back. “I’M COMING! One second!”

He lets out a huff of air, trying to shake his irritation of being interrupted at this exact moment. When he turns back to MC, his brow pinches and he frowns a little. “Sorry…”

She gives him a timid smile and squeezes his hand. He sighs before he continues. “I just want you to know that, I am in no way interested in anyone else. I’m… l’m here if you want me.”

He lets out a long breath and turns his eyes down, tilting his head down a little as well. He is finally glad to get it out, but anxious as hell while he waits for her response. She raises her finger under his chin, tilting his face back up so she can look into his eyes. Her other hand reaches behind his neck, running her finger through the hair at the nape as she pulls him close.

Chris lets her guide his lips to hers. Her kiss is more forceful than he has ever felt before. He quickly wraps his arms around her, pulling her tightly against his chest as their hips meet with sweet contact.

Chris speaks in between her insistent kisses, “We… should probably… go… soon.” He gasps as she pulls on his bottom lip. “Ryan’s …stubborn…”

She laughs into the last kiss, pulling back to look into his eyes. His core feels weak suddenly, making him nervously laugh back. His body and mind are reeling, neither having any idea what’s happening at the moment. He also feels calm though, completely content in this moment. He’s okay with the feelings he’s experiencing, even though it’s new and a little unnerving. New adventures usually are, and he’s more than ready to start this one. He unwraps himself from her and reaches for her hand. She quickly places hers in his and they step back out onto the sidewalk.

They easily find Ryan and the others, his friend standing on the corner waiting for them with an eyebrow sharply raised. “You couldn’t wait until we got back to the hotel?”

Chris sees MC blush, making him frown a little, so he punches Ryan on the shoulder as they pass.

“Oww, holy hell Rogers…” He snorts and rubs his soon to be bruised shoulder.

Everyone makes it back to the hotel before it gets too late. Coach Cohen reminds them all of the plan in the morning, making sure they know when they have to be in the lobby to catch the bus if they plan on attending the pregame party. One by one people head up the stairs and into the elevators, eventually turning into their rooms as they walk down the many halls.

Chris and MC start to slow a little as they turn down their hallway, both trying to avoid others in the narrow space. They reach her room and see that Madison has left the door slightly ajar for MC, knowing she was right behind her a few minutes ago. MC turns to look at him, her blush from their walk suddenly back on her cheeks as she gives him a small smile. Chris just smiles and pulls her close, rubbing circles on her back as she nuzzles into his neck.

He leans close, his lips near her ear as he whispers. “Goodnight, beautiful.”

He kisses her on the top of the head before she pulls back and looks at him as she takes a step towards her door. “Goodnight, captain.”

[ao3feed-assassinscreed]

【乙女向/Shay】残月 The Waning Crescent Moon

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/34hhJfc

by die_Nachthexen

圣殿女主x鳕鱼，有点师徒向的感觉？1760年初春，开始找盒子的谢伊突然不辞而别，一直没有回到阿森纳堡。半年之后，等待不及的女主踏上了寻找谢伊的漫漫旅程

Words: 3384, Chapters: 1/1, Language: 中文

Fandoms: Assassin's Creed - All Media Types

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: F/M

Characters: Shay Cormac, Haytham Kenway, Christopher Gist, James Cook (1728-1779)

Relationships: Shay Cormac/Reader

read it on the AO3 at https://ift.tt/34hhJfc

[ragingbookdragon]

She’s Kinda Punny

A Shay Cormac x Reader Flash-Fic

Word Count: 630 Warnings: Suggestive Themes, Explicit Language

Author’s Note: I hope this makes you laugh! Enjoy! -Thorne

“(Y/N)?”

           She shifted her gaze from the Assassin-Hunter to the Grandmaster walking over to her. A pleasant smile crossed her lips at seeing her dearest friend. “Haytham. Fancy seeing you here this early. Figured you’d be sporting your morning tea.”

           His steel eyes narrowed in irritation, but a small smile crossed his lips. “I’ve already had my morning tea.”

           (Y/N) nodded. “Ah, so afternoon tea then?”

           “You’re not as funny as you’ve been eluded to believe.”

           “Still funnier than you.”

           He settled beside her against the wall, watching her eyes shift back to the other man. “Why aren’t you training with Shay?”

           (Y/N) snorted. “Oh, I was. But then I pissed him off, so he told me to piss off.” She grinned. “Not as politely as that though.”

           Haytham let out a sigh. “You’re supposed to be training with our newest member, not annoying him.”

           She cocked her head to the side and stared at him. “Would you rather I be annoying you, old friend?”

           His mouth opened, but after a moment he snapped it shut and nodded. “That’s a fair point, (Y/N).”

           “Thought so.”

           They stood in silence, simply watching Shay until the latter noticed the presence of the Grandmaster. He set the wooden training sword down and walked over. “Afternoon Master Kenway. Didn’t expect to see you this early.”

           (Y/N) grinned. “Funny, I said the same.”

           Shay merely grunted at her response and Haytham couldn’t help but remark, “Dear God (Y/N). What did you do to him? He’s typically happy when he’s around you.”

           She looked Shay over and crossed her arms over her chest. “I know, like a puppy who wants to play.” A devilish glint appeared in her eye and she feigned, “I guess he just got…dog tired of me.”

           Shay’s eye twitched and he cursed. “How have you not run out of damn puns already!” He turned his attention to Haytham, pointing at her. “It’s been nonstop puns since we got here! She’s managed to make one out of everything I’ve said! It’s ridiculous!”

           (Y/N) tutted at him. “So testy, Shay. However will you learn patience if you can’t take a simple joke.”

           He glowered at her. "I am this close, lass.”

           “Perhaps we should sail to the North Atlantic, Shay.” She offered. “You know, so you can…chill out.”

           Something snapped and he jerked towards her, but she was quick to hide behind Haytham, who was completely exasperated at their childish antics, keeping him between them. “Get back here!”

           She giggled and shoved Haytham towards the Irish Templar, who caught him, but now meant that she had two men running after her. She spun on her heel and took off for the door. “I think you should stop hunting sea life, Shay! It seems that it’s making you…over-whale-med!” His cry of anger made her cackle.

           “I am going to shoot you with your own gun, (Y/N)!”

           “You’re not going to shoot me with yours?” She flung the door open and turned to look at him with a salacious grin. “Trying to tell me I don’t cock your hammer back? Make your gun smoke?”

           Seeming to have lost all sense, he chased after her, leaving Haytham behind to sigh at them. “You’re gonna get it when I get my hands on you!”

           “Oh! I get to be your…handful, huh?”

           “STOP MAKING PUNS!”

           “Why? Are you gonna…punish me?”

           “OH MY GOD.”

***

           “So, Grandmaster, have you heard the news around New York?”

           Haytham didn’t even take his eyes off the book he was reading to answer Gist. “About the two colonists who were taken into custody by Regulars in Greenwich for public disturbance?”

           “That would be the news, sir.”

           “Hmm…” Haytham thought about it a moment then shook his head. “Nope. Haven’t heard a word about it.”

[ragingbookdragon]

You Can Take Off All My Clothes And Never See Me Naked PT. 8

A Haytham Kenway x Reader Story

Word Count: 2,000 Warnings: Explicit Language, Mentions of Past Assault/Abuse

Author’s Note: This chapter is probably the heaviest of them all. It mentions extreme past abuse, so please be advised and please be responsible. (Also Criminal Minds was a factor in how this piece was written) -Thorne

Her mind raced. Thoughts bounced off every surface as she shoved people from her way, not caring that they cursed her. Things she’d not thought about since her childhood came back, rearing their ugly heads so that she could see. Of all the things she’d expected, this wasn’t one. Not now. Not when she was almost free. Her boots slapped the pavement, but the sound was barely an echo in her ears, the sound of her pounding heart bursting over it. Air felt like it was trapped, like she hadn’t breathed in years, and her entire body was screaming at her to stop, at the very least slow down. But she didn’t. She had to get there. Had to warn Haytham what he was walking into. She had to stop someone else from suffering her fate.

***

           The man two seats down smiled as the Templars around him laughed at the story, and Haytham himself couldn’t help but chuckle as well. “And I told him that along with the supplies, the silk would come too! Just for insurance!” Another roar of laughter sounded around the man and he looked at Haytham. “Mister Kenway, you have a fantastic group of men here.”

           Haytham regarded the others around the table and took a sip of his wine. “They are a rather wonderful group, Ausilio. Good company as well.”

           Ausilio tipped his head. “I had a group once that I companied with.” He looked almost wistful at the thought. “Good men. Even better times.” They raised their glasses in a toast and the Italian asked, “So this group that you’ve sent for, tell me about them.”

           A smile crossed Haytham’s lips. “Not so much a group as a pair that are practically armies all on their own. A sailor named Shay Cormac, and a lady named (Y/N) (L/N).”

           Ausilio’s eyes went wide. “(Y/N) (L/N)?”

           The Grandmaster’s steely gaze found the man’s. “Do you know her?”

           “The name sounds familiar.” He shook his head. “I don’t remember from where I heard—”

           The doors to the backroom slammed into the walls and Haytham was surprised to see the woman they’d been speaking of running inside. He rose to his feet, making his way over. “(Y/N)?” she shoved him away, her eyes on Ausilio, they held an unbridled rage.

           “I knew,” she seethed. “I knew I would meet you again.” She shook with anger. “I knew that unless you were dead that I would never be free of you.”

           Ausilio’s eyes narrowed and he laid his palms on the table. “Hello again, Evelina.”

           (Y/N) audibly growled. “Don’t call me that! That is not my name!” She pointed to herself. “My name is (Y/N)! It is the name my mother gave me!”

           “Evelina, please. You’re being—”

           She pulled the flintlock from her side and pointed it at him. The entire room went still, the other templars leaning out of the way. (Y/N) cocked the hammer.

           “My name, is (Y/N).” Ausilio stared at her and she whispered, “I will not let you coerce these people like you did me.” Tears filled her eyes and she spat, “I will not let you lie to them.”

           “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

           Her eyes darted to Haytham who’d stepped into her peripheral. “Do you know what he does, Haytham?” She looked back at him with a disgusted expression. “He finds girls who are orphans. Who don’t have anyone to look after them.” (Y/N) breathed heavily. “He takes them in and feeds them, clothes them, educates them, pretends to care about them. And when one year has passed,” tears slid down her cheeks and she whispered hoarsely, “He gives you a contract that demands you pay back the millions of pounds he spent on you.” A humorless laugh left her. “Taking back interest, he called it.”

           Ausilio began to shift in his seat as the eyes of the men came upon him.

           “None of us could pay back that much money. We didn’t work when we lived with him.” Her hand shook. “We trusted you to take care of us and you lied! You used us! You enslaved us! You enslaved me!”

           “You are insane.” He countered and her eyes went wide.

           “Insane?!” Her free hand undid the leather armor at her chest, and she pulled the tunic up just below her breasts. “You stood above me and laughed as they branded me with your symbol!”

           He smiled and nodded at her. “All I see is a tattoo of a sun and moon. There is no evidence of branding.” His eyes darted to Haytham. “Mister Kenway, I think your lady here is losing—”

           “No!” she cried, stepping in front of Haytham, trying to shield him. “You don’t get to undermine his faith in me.” (Y/N) stared him down. “You don’t get to take what I have gained.”

“You sound like you have cracked under some strain. What are you talking about?” Ausilio said, his eyes narrowed in sadness; it enraged her.

She let out a sob. “All these years, I’ve been so afraid of you. So terrified that you would find me again.” Anger mixed with pain. “But that’s how you’ve always operated, isn’t it? You’ve built a life on sadistic pleasure and fear and making sure the girls and women never fought back. Because there was too much to lose if they did.”

           “I don’t know what you remember, Eve—” her pointed gun made him clear his throat and correct himself. “(Y/N). But I never did anything to you.”

           She shook her head. “It’s not what my memories are that are going to ruin you, Ausilio. You and I were finished the moment I left eleven years ago.”

           He gazed at her and huffed a laugh. “Then what are you doing discussing this?”

           (Y/N) pointed the gun at Haytham then back to him. “I’m making sure Haytham knows the kind of man you are.”

           Ausilio’s eyes narrowed. “And you think he’ll believe a hysteric woman like yourself?”

           She took a step forward. “I know that he trusts me with his life.”

           “Does he?” he challenged.

           “He does.” (Y/N) declared, then took another step towards him until the table brushed her thighs. “Do you know what happens to people like you? Once it all comes crashing down?” Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Once the dam loses its supports and breaks, the flood comes.”

           She let go of her tunic and raised a hand, a single pointer finger in the air. “One woman steps up. Just one.” Another finger rose. “And then another one, and so on.” Her jaw clenched. “Because they are no longer afraid of you anymore. They know they’re not alone.” She pointed to herself. “I am your dam, Ausilio.”

           He no longer paid attention to her, turning to Haytham. “Whatever lies she has spoken of—”

           “They are not lies!” (Y/N) screamed. “You enslaved me for fifteen years! You raped me! You beat me until I was unconscious! Over and over and over!” By now, people had gathered at the doors of the back room, Shay and Gist just behind her and Haytham. “One by one, every girl and woman will stand up until you can no longer deny that their claims are just lies!”

           He stood in a violent rage and she couldn’t help but step backwards. “Do you have any idea how many girls I helped? How many women I helped get out of poverty?” Ausilio gestured to her. “Look at yourself, (Y/N). You would be dead if I hadn’t helped you that day.”

           Tears fell down her cheeks and she challenged, “Nothing I received from you was for free though, was it?”

           “I saved your life,” he defended.

           (Y/N) felt fury course through her and she snarled, “Na’ilah saved my life! I saved my own life! All the way to the top of the Templars!” Her voice rose. “I did that!” she declared.

           Ausilio walked around the table, but she kept the flintlock trained on him. “Are you saying that I had no part in your life? That I had nothing to do with making you into what you are?”

           In an instance, the anger seemed to cool, and (Y/N) gazed at him. “No, Ausilio.” Her eyes met his and she agreed, “Actually everything you ever did to me has made me who I am. You have everything to gain from that.” A relieved smile crossed his lips, but it was short lived as she explained, “Because of what you did to me, I am someone who will spend the rest of her life making sure men like you don’t live to see tomorrow.”

           He let out a breath. “Evelina, please.” His hands held out to her in a plea. “I never hurt you. I loved you.”

           (Y/N) shook her head and motioned downwards with the gun. “Get on your knees.” He didn’t move and she fumed, “Do it now!”

           Slowly he rose until he was on his knees in front of her. She walked up and pressed the muzzle of the flintlock to his forehead. “Evelina.”

           “You will never harm another innocent girl again. They will be free of your taint.” Her jaw tightened. “I almost don’t want to because death would be a kindness to you. You deserve every level of hell it has. And then again for a thousand years.”

           Before she could pull the trigger, a hand rested on hers and she looked up, wide eyed to see Haytham standing beside her, a frown on his face. “(Y/N), don’t.”

           She stared incredulously at him. “Is this some type of joke?! This man is a monster! He deserves to die!” she cried, and he nodded.

           “I know.”

           (Y/N) shook her head in disbelief. “Then…why?”

           Haytham’s hand squeezed hers and he pointed out calmly, “If you kill him now, you won’t help to free the others he’s still imprisoning.” Her jaw went slack. “We need him alive to free them.”

           Her eyes drifted to Ausilio and she gaped at him. Haytham’s hand squeezed again. “(Y/N), trust me.”

           “But he…he could get away. He could buy his way out!”

           Haytham shook his head. “He can’t escape justice now.” Her mouth opened but he insisted, “He will rot in a cell until every girl is freed, and when they are, then you can deliver his punishment.” She stared into his eyes and he nodded. “I would never lie to you, (Y/N). But I need you to trust me.”

           (Y/N) let him take the gun from her hand and her arm fell limply by her side. Haytham nodded to Shay and Gist. “Take him.”

           They yanked Ausilio off the floor and he screamed for her while he was dragged off, begging her, pleading her, but she didn’t listen, eyes stuck on the spot where he’d been. She felt numb all over, and tired, like she’d not slept in decades.

           Haytham set the flintlock on the table and came to her, gently placing his hands on her arms. “(Y/N).”

           She didn’t look at him. “I thought I’d feel relieved that he was finally caught but…I don’t know what I feel right now.”

           He softly urged her to walk, directing her to the doors. “It’s okay, you have nothing to explain.”

           (Y/N) vaguely remembered climbing into the carriage, stuck in a daze. “Where are we going?” she questioned lowly.

           “I’m taking you home.” He said, his thumb drawing soothing circles in the back of hers.

           “But the tavern—”

           “I’m taking you to my home, (Y/N). You will be safe there.” She felt tears gather in her eyes and she leaned over, resting her head on his shoulder. “And I will protect you.” Haytham bent down and pressed a kiss to the crown of her head. “No matter what, darling.”

           The last thing she remembered was the smell of his cologne before falling asleep. And finally, she felt the weight of worlds come off her shoulders. There was hope for tomorrow—whatever it may bring.

[ragingbookdragon]

You Can Take Off All My Clothes And Never See Me Naked PT. 5

A Haytham Kenway x Reader Story

Word Count: 2,340 Warnings: Explicit Language, Slight Mentions of Past Abuse

Author’s Note: There’s a little fluff in this chapter since the previous ones were really heavy. Enjoy! -Thorne

***Set Six Months After Part Four***

           If anyone had passed her, they’d assume she had eaten something foul from the expression on her face. And rightly, that’s exactly what Gist assumed when he came into the tavern and saw (Y/N) hunched over a piece of parchment, a quill grasped tightly in her hand.

           He walked over, craning his neck to see. “What are you writing, Miss (Y/N)?”

           She didn’t jump this time, telling him that she’d at least known he’d entered the building. Her eyes darted to him and she gestured for him to sit. He did so and she said, “I’m thinking of ways I can show someone I trust them.”

           Gist’s face lit up and he propped his chin on his palm, motioning to the bartender for a pint. “Oh, can I help?” he asked cheerfully.

           (Y/N) shrugged. “I don’t see why not.” She looked back at the paper. “So far I’ve got…next to nothing.” She passed him the paper. “See for yourself.”

           He made a dramatic show of snapping the paper and holding it out to read. “Now let’s see here.” It made her roll her eyes. “You’ve got…making tea…giving them flowers…writing them notes…” Gist looked at her. “These are pretty basic ways, (Y/N).”

           Her face pinched. “Well announce it to the whole bar, why don’t you?”

           Gist snorted. “These are things you do for anyone, (Y/N). Making tea is so common, I don’t think they’ll know the difference between regular tea and trustworthy tea.”

           At that, she laid her head on the bar and groaned, “I know!” A sigh left her. “It’s useless. I don’t know how to show I trust them.”

           He watched her for a moment, then furrowed his brows. “Can I ask who this is you’re trying to show?”

           (Y/N) was silent for a second then she muttered, “Hayth—Grandmaster Haytham…and kind of Shay, but he’s a pain in my ass and sometimes I want to punch him.” An unnatural grin worked onto Gist’s face and she scowled at it. “Stop fucking smiling. It’s not funny.”

           “Oh, I’d never laugh at you.” He reassured. “It’s just…you already do show you trust them.”

           She raised her head, face pinching as she deadpanned, “What?”

           Gist laughed. “I think we can agree that your natural demeanor, Miss (Y/N), is that of a sailor’s.”

           “Because I swear so much?” she questioned.

           “Because you swear so much.” He answered, then he smiled. “You hardly use any profanity with Grandmaster Haytham as you do Shay and the rest of us.” Gist’s tone turned almost fond. “You’re rather…kind with him. And with Shay, you don’t call him a dumb ass as much, so that’s something.”

           The corner of her lip turned in disgust. “That makes me want to be sick.”

           “Be that as it may, I think you already show you trust them, even if you’re not actively aware of it.”

           (Y/N) thought a moment then sighed. “I mean, I’m glad that I am, but I want to do something else.” He cocked an eyebrow and she clarified, “I want to do something that will sho—that will express my trust.”

           “Why don’t you make them dinner?”

           “I should do what now?”

           Gist snorted. “Shay eats anything you put in front of him, but Grandmaster Haytham won’t eat food he’s not sure is prepared by someone who won’t poison him.” He met her gaze. “Invite them to dinner and cook something—and then just say, ‘I trust you both’.”

           “That’s…actually not a bad idea.” (Y/N) surmised. “Do you know what Grandmaster Haytham likes to eat?”

           “Not really…but I think I can speak for most when I say that you can never go wrong with meat and potatoes.”

           “Stew?” she offered.

           “Ooo! And make something for dessert too! A pie!”

           (Y/N) glared at him. “Do you have pie-money to give me?” Gist started to dig around in his pockets and she grunted, “Oh my god, I was kidding.”

           He chuckled. “I can’t believe you just made a joke! That never happens!”

           She scoffed, turning her head. “Why does everyone find it fun to point out things that are rarities for me?” She felt a nudge in her side.

           “Because it means you care.”

           “You’ll care when I plant my boot in your ass.”

           “And there’s the normal (Y/N).”

           She narrowed her gaze at him, but after a moment, gave him a smile. “You’re all right Gist. You know that?”

           He stood and straightened his coat. “So I’ve been told a few times.” Gist tipped his hat to her. “Have a good day, Miss (Y/N).”

           She waved him off, then went back to her list; she scratched her head and muttered, “I don’t even know how to bake pies.”

***

           (Y/N) sat at the small table she’d set up in her room, nervously picking at the tunic she wore. She’d decided on forgoing a dress, if only to make Haytham and Shay believe she hadn’t totally lost her mind, but not wearing her usual leather armor made her feel vulnerable. Her fingers itched to pull on her jacket at least to give her back coverage, but she fought against it, forcing herself to stay seated.

           A knock sounded at the door and she looked up, rising from her seat to cross the floor. She pressed her side to the door. “Who is it?”

           Someone cleared their throat. “It’s Shay and me. We arrived together.”

           (Y/N) took a deep breath and exhaled, but it sounded more like a groan and she unlocked the door, letting the two inside. She gestured awkwardly to the room. “Sorry it’s a bit cramped in here, but I figured a smaller area would be…better?”

           Shay snorted and took a seat opposite of hers. “Gonna make us an offer we can’t refuse, lass?”

           She huffed. “Something like that.” (Y/N) walked over to her seat, but before she could sit down, someone pulled the chair back for her. Her eyes widened when she saw Haytham smiling at her. She didn’t even see him move. She tipped her head in thanks, albeit a bit embarrassed and sat down, Haytham taking his seat between her and Shay’s.

           They waited, eyes on her and with warm on her cheeks, (Y/N) motioned to the table. “Help yourselves. It’s here for you to eat.” She busied herself with cutting into the steak on her plate. “There’s beer on the side table over there if you want some, wine too. Or tea. There’s earl grey and Kuwaiti.”

           Sensing her mild discomfort, they did as she said, fixing their plates. She watched them for a few moments, then asked, “Does…does it taste okay?”

           Shay, with his mouth stuffed like a chipmunk, nodded. “Tastes great.”

           (Y/N) glared at him and tossed a cloth his way. “Don’t talk with your mouth full.”

           He grinned and covered his mouth. “Sorry mother.” Her narrowed gaze made him snort.

           Haytham took a sip of his wine. “The red wine pairs well with the steak and potatoes. And the flavors are perfect.” He looked at her. “Who cooked this?”

           She swallowed nervously and murmured, “…I did.” Shay choked and she growled, “Oh go fuck yourself Shay, I didn’t poison anything.”

           The Grandmaster huffed a laugh, and she turned her glare to him, but he said, “You did a wonderful job, (Y/N). As Shay said moments ago, it tastes great.”

           (Y/N) let out a pfft but he could see a small smile cross her lips as she muttered, “Yeah, well…enjoy it while it lasts because it won’t happen again for a while.”

           “I think I will,” he bantered, taking a bite of the steak on his plate.

           The conversation eventually flowed into a good time of jokes and stories, (Y/N) even sharing a few of her own, and as the night dwindled, she brought the pie she’d made to the table. Shay reached over and she smacked his hand.

           He rubbed his hand, and she pointed the pie server again. “Reach over here again and instead of hitting you with it, I’ll stab you in the fucking hand.” He stuck his tongue out at her and she rolled her eyes. “You’re such a child.”

           Haytham had long since taken his tricorn off, and with the few glasses of wine he’d drunk, she could see it was affecting him, his cheeks had a rosy tint to them. He propped his chin on his palm and leaned over. “Pie?”

           (Y/N) nodded, ignoring the smell of his cologne drifting up her nose. “Apple…but it’s a little…burnt.” She looked at them. “In my defense I have never made a pie before.” She plated three pieces and handed them to the men. “It should taste okay though.” She watched them take their first bites. “Well?”

           Shay glanced at her. “There’s no way this is your first-time making pie.”

           (Y/N) huffed and nodded. “It is. I’m more efficient at baking cakes.”

           Haytham wiped his mouth and remarked, “If you ever wanted to leave the Templars, I would most certainly encourage you to open a bakery.” His steel eyes met hers. “This is delicious.” His fork flicked the burnt crust. “Even the burnt parts.”

           She gave a strained smile and nodded. “Thank you.” Her eyes drifted to Shay’s plate and she sighed. “I’d call you a piggy for eating so quickly, but that would hurt your feelings.”

           He barked a laugh and stretched his arms above his head, letting out a god-awful groan. “What can I say, I’m a growing man.”

           A surprised look crossed her face and (Y/N) remarked, “So that’s why you haven’t matured yet. Makes sense.”

           Haytham snorted into his wine and the two burst into laughter as the man put the glass down and started wiping his face. She was wiping tears from her eyes when he was finished.

           Shay reclined in his seat, fingers gently rapping the table. “Not that I don’t enjoy home-cooked meals by women who could kick my ass, but why did you cook dinner for us, (Y/N)?”

           Her eyes drifted to the empty plates and serving bowls and she took a deep breath. “Well…” she started to drift off.

           “Are you pregnant?” Both she and Haytham’s head shot up, looking to Shay.

           “Excuse me?” (Y/N) blurted out.

           “Are. You. Pregnant?” he repeated slowly.

           “What? No!” she said bewildered. “I’m not pregnant.”

           He seemed to be ready for that answer, asking, “Are you dying?”

           (Y/N) shook her head. “No, Shay, I’m not dying either.” She pulled a face. “Why in God’s name would you ask?”

           Shay shrugged and took a swig of his tankard. “You look like you’re gonna give us bad news, so I felt like I should break the ice.”

           She sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of her nose. “It’s a fucking miracle I haven’t yet strangled you with your own belt.”

           “Are you telling me you’ve thought about it?” Shay inquired with a cocked eyebrow.

           “Thought? No. Dreamed? Absolutely.”

           “You’re insane.” His words held no heat, rather humor and she chuckled, shaking her head. Shay grinned. “There you go.”

           (Y/N) arched a brow. “What are you on about?”

           Haytham answered for him, nodding to her hands. “You’re wringing your hands (Y/N), like you’re genuinely terrified to speak of what’s bothering you.”

           Her eyes lowered to her hands and she finally realized how she’d been acting. Letting her hands relax, he added, “You have our full attention, (Y/N). Whatever you have to tell us, we will respect it.”

           She pursed her lips and nodded. “Right, you’re…right.” The tension left her shoulders and she said, “I don’t trust easy—let alone at all, but I did all this,” she motioned to the table, “to show I…trust you both.”

           Haytham regarded her. “Why do you doubt people around you?” His question wasn’t a request to tell, but it was calm, opening.

           (Y/N) looked at him and she saw clarity in the haze of his eyes. “Someone I thought I could trust betrayed me when I was younger.” Her mind drifted to that morning in Rome, and how his mask of care had fallen away to reveal a monster. She shook her head and cleared it from her mind and pushed out, “I lived in…pure hell…for a very long time because of it.” She sucked in a ragged breath. “There are no words to describe what I endured…what I suffered through.”

           She felt the familiar burn in her eyes, and she shut them tight. “I refuse to be put through it ever again.” (Y/N) kept her eyes shut, too afraid that if she opened them, she would break down. “So, this meal…was my way of showing that while I still doubt those around me…that doubt no longer extends to either of you.”

           Her chest hurt and she wanted to cry, but she kept her tears at bay, taking deep breaths in and out to calm herself.

           “(Y/N)?” She inhaled and opened her eyes, coming face to face with Haytham, whose face held the sincerest expression she’d ever seen the man wear. He took her hand. “I think I speak for both Shay,” he quickly glanced at the other man who nodded, “and I when I say that this expression is accepted and appreciated.” He squeezed her hand. “And returned ten-fold.”

           Her lips wobbled but she managed a breathless, “Yeah?”

           Haytham nodded. “Always.”

           Shay cleared his throat. “Lass, I know our favorite game is taking the piss on each other, but,” he searched for the words and declared, “but you’ve fought by my side. Protected me, even so far as to take a wound.” Her free hand drifted to her arm where she’d been cut months prior. “When it comes down to it, (Y/N), I would lay down my life for you.” Finally, she broke, hands shifting to her face to hide it as she sobbed.

           Haytham and Shay shared a look, smiles coming to their faces when she managed a ‘thank-you’ through her tears.

A silence filled the room and for once in almost eleven years, (Y/N) felt a profound sense of peace.