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Chapter Text

Desmond had survived and not really wanting to go back to the assassin’s he ran away, again, this time more wary of the Templar threat. He traveled a lot and jumped from town to town from state to state just so they wouldn't find him. When he was finally sure that he was so far under the radar that neither secret organizations could find him, he found himself in a small forest town on Salmon Bay. at least his last stop was pretty, Desmond told himself, though he was always more used to the city life he couldn't take the chance. Desmond Miles was dead to the world and he was gonna make sure it stayed that way.

He moved into a small shack, or at least that's what he called it, it was a one bedroom one bathroom house, he didn't mind it all too much, it was affordable and good for one person. The bar/restaurant he worked at was only a short walk away though he would drive his motorcycle sometimes as well. the more He worked there, the more he started to remember many peoples faces who would come in for a drink or a bit to eat. Two of those familiar faces were Reggie Rowe a local police officer along with his younger brother Delsin Rowe. the two would sit near the bar and they would joke and laugh without a care in the world. Delsin was a loud individual with a happy carefree attitude, where his brother was calmer and level-headed. Sometimes Reggie would come in by himself and sit at the bar for hours sipping on one drink the whole time. Most of the time he would keep to himself and not talk much, Desmond took note that he looked a hell of a lot sadder here sitting at the bar compared to when he sits at the warm booth with his brother.

Tonight was one of those nights, Reggie ordered a drink and sat near the wall under the vent. Reggie looked into his drink and sighed, Desmond has watched this poor guy come in here for months never the same days but always the same time and always orders the same drink, a little more than a shot of whiskey. Though Desmond thought that was enough and decided to mix him something different. When he placed it in front of Reggie, Reggie looked up at him confused.

“What’s this?” Reggie asked looking at the fruity drink.

“Well I like to call it a Shirley Templar,” Desmond smiled with a slight giggle at the name, “it’s just a Shirley temple with some gin, back at the last bar I worked at I made this all the time.”

Reggie took a sip of it, “well it's good.” he smiled up at Desmond then went quiet.

“I have seen you for like five months now, and I know nothing about you, tell me.” Desmond leaned down on the counter and looked Reggie in the eyes.

Reggie looked down at his drink with a faint blush growing over his cheeks, “why do you wanna know?” he mumbled.

“I make it a mission to know all of my patrons, especially the cute ones,” he smirked when he saw Reggie blush grow darker.

Reggie took a deep breath and looked back up at Desmond, “w-well, I work as a deputy of the county, I, uhh, take care of my 18-year-old brother, who is usually a sweet kid but recently he's been acting out more and more. I had to arrest him the other day for vandalism, he was super pissed at that,” the more Reggie talked the less nervous he felt.

Demond learned that Reggie was a year older than him and liked poetry and history, and he originally was gonna become a historian but had to quit school to take care of his brother after their parents died. By the end of Reggie's story, he was talking to him like he was a good friend.

“Enough about me, what about you?” Reggie turned the conversation onto Desmond.

“Me?” Desmond asked Reggie nodded his head with a smile as he took another sip of his drink, “well there isn't much about me,” Desmond lied everyone he knew and loved thinks he’s dead.

“Oh, come on, I basically told you my life story there must be something?” Reggie asked.

“Well… when I was a kid, I was trained from an early age to take on... the family business, at age 16 I ran away and moved to new york for a while. I’ve been hoppin’ around ever since.”

Reggie's smile faltered a bit at the mechon of “hoppin’ around” as if the idea of Desmond leaving would upset him in some way.

“Though I'm sick of running and I'm glad the last stop of my adventure was here,” Desmond added making Reggie the straighten up a bit from his previous slight slouch.

Just then one of desmond's coworkers walked behind the counter and put a hand on his shoulder, “hey, your shift is up.”

“Oh, really,” Desmond said as he turned to Reggie, “time flies when you're havin’ fun.” he smirked.

Reggie blushed slightly until he looked at the clock, “oh crap, it’s late, I have to work tomorrow.” he stood up and pulled out his wallet only to be stopped by Desmond.

“I told you the drink is on me.” he walked out from behind the counter walking up to Reggie realizing the slight height difference for the first time. “Do you want a ride home on my bike?”

“You don't have to,” Reggie waved his hands in front of him.

“No really, it’s fine, just let me change and I'll be back,” Desmond said, then walking back into the back room. Reggie sat back at the counter and waited, Desmond, came back wearing a pair go worn jeans and a white hoodie holding a motorcycle helmet, something more casual than the pair of black slacks and a black button up. “Ready?”

“Yeah, sure.” Reggie's nerves returned as Desmond lead him outside.

Desmond swung his leg over his bike and handed the helmet to Reggie, “here, wear this.”

“What about you?” Reggie took it reluctantly.

“It's fine, haven't crashed once so I doubt this will be the one time I do,”

“You know it's illegal to drive a motorcycle without a helmet here in the state of Washington?” Reggie said.

“Oh yeah?” he said in a flirty tone, “what are you gonna do, arrest me?” there smirked when Reggie put on the helmet and got on behind him.

“No, but next time I might.” Reggie grumbler causing Desmond to laugh.

Desmond started the motorcycle and looked back at Reggie, “you better hold on,” Desmond took off and started down the road causing Reggie to wrap his arms around desmond's middle. Reggie yelled out his address so Desmond could hear him through the fast wind.

When Desmond came to a complete stop Reggie got off and gave Desmond his helmet, “um, thank you, for the ride.” Reggie mumbled looking down at his feet.

“Don't mention it,” Desmond said, he stared at Reggie for a minute then he pulled the helmet over he head.

Reggie waved at him as he turned and walked to his front door, Desmond didn't leave until he was sure Reggie had walked inside. Desmond’s paranoia kicking in, he drove around for an hour just making sure he wasn't being followed. When he got home he smiled to himself as he got ready for bed.

Chapter Text

Reggie was excited, he hadn't been this excited since he was in high school. Desmond was a nice guy, a bartender at the local bar who he had been talking to for a few weeks now. Who flirted with him, of all people, him! and now he was going to go on a date with this man! Reggie never thought he would have been able to get a date ever again. Reggie had a few girlfriends and one boyfriend in the past but they all ended the same utter heartbreak and failure. Reggie just stopped trying and focused more on his brother, who didn't like any of past relationships anyway.

his thoughts were interrupted by a voice at his door he turned around to see his younger brother leaning against his bedroom door with a questioning look a parent would give a child or the look Reggie usually gives him. “where are you going all dressed up?” he asked.

“out with friends” Reggie replied without hesitation, in the past when he told his brother he was going on a date he would give him shit that usually made him feel bad to leave him alone. so he was prepared!

“I didn't know you had friends!” Delsin jokes as he cracks a smirk, “which friends?”

“a new one I made,” Reggie said as he looked in the mirror and fixed his shirt collar.

Delsin glared slightly, “what's their name?” he asked.

“Desmond,” Reggie said walking past elsin to go down the stairs.

as Reggie began to walk down the stairs Delsin called after him asking with surprise, “the bartender?”

Reggie looked around the kitchen looking for his wallet replying with a “yep” as he did so. Then he laid his eyes on his wallet and keys he picked then up and pocketed them.

“where are you going?” Delsin's tone sounded more panicked than before.

“Delsin, chill, what's with the integration baby brother?” Reggie asked getting fed up with the question and answer.

“that bartender is too cool to be friends with you, who are you really going with?!” Delsin asked amusingly.

“wow, rude-” Reggie was cut off by a knock at the door.

Delsin ran to the door and pulled it open with a force and speed to make Desmond jump. Delsin glaired in confusion and looked back at Reggie.

“hey,” Desmond said lifting his hand in a nervous wave.

Reggie walked behind Delsin and smiled saying, “hello,” Reggie walked out from behind Delsin, “ok, Delsin, there are leftovers in the fridge and be in bed by 10 and don't forget to brush your teeth.” Reggie told Delsin then turned and began to walk away.

“wait-” Delsin started only to be cut off by Reggie.

“and also lock the door!” he called back as he started to gently push desmond to make him go.

Desmond looked at Reggie confused but went with it and he waved bye to Delsin.

they waited for Ddelsin to close the door before they started talking, “what was that about?” desmond asked.

Reggie sighed, “Delsin is protective when I go on dates, so I told him I was just going to dinner with a friend but he started to see through my bluff.”

“oh, I mean you're not wrong though, I would like to think we're friends as well and not only going on a date.” Desmond smiled causing Reggie to blush and smile back. As they reached his motorcycle. Desmond's smile grew with childish glee and he ran forward and grab two helmets, “look two helmets this time!” and with that Reggie began to laugh all of his worries about his brother melted away. “what?” Desmond asked. Reggie grabbed one of the helmets and Desmond dropped the subject and got on the motorcycle, Reggie got on behind him and held on to Desmond.

Desmond drove off. when they reached their destination desmond linked arms with Reggie, Reggie blushed to cause desmond to laugh as he pulled him forward to the front door of the restaurant. they were seated and ordered their food, Reggie decided to ask some questions. “so where did you come from before here?” Reggie asked.

“New York” desmond answered the simple question with a simple answer.

“really? why come all the way out here?” Reggie pressed further wanting to know more about this man.

“I told you, running from the family business.” desmond smiled bitterly.

“the family business in New York?” Reggie asked trying to figure out what this “family business” was.

“no, no, it was in South Dakota.” Desmond looked at knuckles of his fists that were on the table when he remembered his life back in South Dakota and thoughts about the farm filled his head.

“How did you get to New York?” Reggie pressed even farther.

“the greyhound bus and stolen money from my folks.” Desmond shook the thoughts of the farm away and smiled.

“so you were not kidding when you said you ran away?” Reggie asked.

“yeah what did you think I meant?” desmond asked finding this conversation amusing.

“I don't know, something more legal” at that desmond laughed “what I'm serious!” Reggie

“I haven't seen my mom since I was 15 almost 16, considering she was always busy with work that it kept her away most of the time.” Desmond’s tone morphed back to the bittersweetness it had moments ago.

“what about your dad?”

“I saw him a few months ago, almost a year now.”

“that's good, are you keeping in touch?”

“no… um, I'm probably never going to see him again.” Desmond looked out the window, avoiding all eye contact.

Desmond started to think back at how him and his dad finally started to see each other eye to eye, all it took was Desmond to be kidnapped and for him to almost have his brains melt out of his ears causing desmond to space out more often and forget things sometimes along with seeing his ancestors run up buildings and trees. Then he saved the world from basically the apocalypse and instead of going back to the assassins order like how anyone would think, he ran out of the tomb without a word, leaving his phone behind with messages to his dad though nothing about him being alive so it is safe to assume he thinks he is dead.

“Desmond, hey Desmond are you alright?” Reggie spoke up snapping Desmond out of his trance.

“what?” desmond asked, startled.

“Are you alright, did I say something wrong?” Reggie looked worried.

“oh no, everything is fine, I promise!” Desmond lied but smiled anyway, speaking of spacing out, “let's talk about something else, alright?”

they continued to sit and talk for a while but the conversation about Desmond's past still lingered in the back of their minds. In Desmond's mind, there was fear of Reggie finding out about all he has done and seen, sure he saved the world but along the way he had killed so many people and hurt families most likely. But in Reggie's mind, the conversation sparked curiosity and a question, who is Desmond Miles?

After dinner, they walked along the shore of the beach where they caught a glimpse of graffiti that Reggie said was most definitely from his brother’s hand. Desmond took note over how much talent was there and how it was a shame that it was going to be washed away. But walking past it they continued in silence, after the conversation before they found it hard to actually find something to talk about until desmond brought up a book he read recently that Reggie had also happened to read, they continued to talk about books and shows that they have seen or read. Desmond found out that Reggie was into historical fiction and a few fantasy stories Desmond had heard enough stories growing up to be satisfied but he couldn't help but make mental notes at books Reggie suggested.

By the end of their date, they were laughing and smiling wishing their date didn't have to end so soon, though they both had work tomorrow and a home to go back to. Desmond drove Reggie home and once they reached the Rowe household a pissed off Delsin stepped out the front door, “Do you know what time it is?” Delsin asked with a slight glare.

“Yeah past the time I told you to be in bed by,” Reggie tried to reply but was cut off.

“where the hell were you?” Delsin asked not taking the usual brotherly banter as Reggie got off the bike and took off the helmet giving it back to Desmond who put it on the back and took his own helmet off.

“you are going to be grumpy tomorrow,” Reggie tried once more with a slight smirk, Desmond followed behind Reggie and tried not to giggle at the look on Reggie's face.

“seriously, bro I was worried! did you get in trouble or something?” Delsin said stepping out of the door onto the front porch to meet Reggie halfway.

“Delsin I'm a cop, I am fine.”

“But-”

“Go inside, I'll be in in a sec, let me say goodbye to my... friend,” Reggie said with a slight smile. Delsin grumbled and walk back inside Reggie turned around to face desmond. “I had a nice time.” Reggie's smile grew and Desmond stepped closer.

“Me too.” Desmond smiled at Reggie as he rubbed the back of his neck with his hand.

Desmond was about to turn around but turned back to say something but wasn't able to get anything out when Reggie grabbed him by the collar of his jacking bringing him into a kiss. They pulled apart with reddened faces and small smiles on their faces, “maybe we can-” Reggie was saying when Delsin stepped out again.

“I fuckin knew it!!” Delsin shouts.

“Delsin, go inside!” Reggie yelled back he turned around and pushed Delsin back into the house, he turned and waved goodbye to desmond and shut the door. Desmond could hear on the other side of the door Reggie say “and watch your language!” to Delsin. Desmond smiled a goofy smile as he touched his lips with his hand. He turned, putting his helmet back on and got on his bike and drove around for 30 minutes making sure he wasn't followed and then drove home. that night as he lay in bed he couldn't stop thinking about Reggie as he fell asleep.

Chapter Text

Desmond and Reggie went out on a few dates and today was no different, it was early afternoon this time. Delsin decided to tag along as a sort of chaperone which Reggie was annoyed about but let it slide because Desmond thought it would be nice to meet him. Desmond unfortunately was having a bad day with his hallucinations, they were a constant stream of Altair yelling in Syrian to Ezio fighting Borgia guards to even Ratonhnhaké:ton hunting in the trees. Desmond almost called the whole thing off but decided against it because he really wanted to see Reggie.

Reggie stopped when he saw that Desmond stopped, “Desmond, are you ok?” he asked, turning and touching Desmond's shoulder. Desmond flinched and looked around as if he didnt know where he was.

“Sorry, I just am not feeling all too well.” desmond said.

“Do you want to go home?” Reggie asked.

“No!” Desmond rushed to answer, “I wanted to hang out with you today,” Desmond held out his hand and took Reggie's, “im fine.” Desmond smiled.

“As long as you're sure about it.” Reggie smiled and squeezed Desmond's hand.

Delsin from farther up ahead cleared his throat to get their attention, “excuse me, but if you two are done can we get a move on!”

“Delsin can you just hold on!” Reggie shouted back.

“Go up ahead, i'll catch up,” desmond smiled, “I need a minute.”

“Are you sure?” Reggie asked in concern.

“Of course, go on.” Desmond said as he lifted reggies hand he held and kissed the knuckle before he let go.

Desmond walked to the side of the path to not bother anyone as they passed. Reggie walked up to meet delsin, “Bro, what do you see in him?” delsin asked, “the dudes a spaz!” he said with a glare as he watched Desmond zone out watching a butterfly then flinch at nothing.

“Delsin that was super rude for one, and two he’s a good guy and I thought you said he was cool?”

“Yeah that was before I found out you were dating him!” Delsin whisper yelled

“I don't see why you can't just accept me dating people?”

“Bet the dude did drugs, it would explain that.” Delsin gestured to Desmond standing alone now moving slightly as if people walked past him.

Reggie smacked delsin on the back of the head lightly but was concerned for Desmond, “delsin, he's been through a lot and you shouldn't assume things from people.”

Desmond was brought back to reality when he heard a child crying. He looked up and saw a kid between the ages of 8 to 10 he started to walk over and Reggie and Delsin followed over, Desmond bent down to the child's level and asked “what's wrong?”

“My kite,” the child sobbed and pointed up at a small pink kite stuck in the tall tree.

Reggie and delsin ran up from behind immediately recognizing their neighbors kid, “whats up?” Reggie asked.

“The kid lost their kite.” Desmond explained in a distant tone looking up at where the kite was, Reggie thought his words sounded vacant as if it came from someone else much older.

“Oh no, I'm sorry little one.” Reggie knelt down patted the kids head, “I can go see if i can go find the park custodian, they might have a ladder that can reach your kite.” Reggie smiled.

“Ok,” the child agreed and nodded their head.

“I can climb up and get it?” delsin smirked looking up at the kite.

“No!” Reggie decided to shoot that thought down immediately, “that tree is too tall, you could fall,” Reggie un crouched and started to jog off to go find the custodian, “stay there!” he shouted.

“You're no fun!” delsin called back but was sure reggie didn't listen or cared delsin turned back to desmond and was about to ask him something so he could try and get to know him at least, “so what-”

But Desmond wasn't listening as he watched Altair take a running leap into the tree and climb up high. Desmond followed the apparition and ran towards the tree and started to climb up it like he had done it many times before.

“What the hell?” delsin said in disbelief as he watched him go.

Desmond reached the kite in minutes; he sat there to catch his breath and looked out over the vast expanse of trees from all around and the bay reaching out into the distance.

Reggie returned with the custodian to assess the situation, “ok i found him, now- where's desmond?” just then desmond untangled the kite from the branches and tossed it down.

“Dude! You're awesome!” delsin yelled at Desmond as the kite hit the ground.

“Desmond how did you get up there?” Reggie asked in panic.

“He just ran and started jumping, it was awesome!” delsin beamed to his older brother.

Desmond let out a sigh and looked forward; he saw Atair looking out in front of him; he turned and looked at Desmond as if daring him to do what he was about to do, Altiar then looked back forward jumping off in a leap of faith. In that moment Desmond didn't exist, only Altair, he ran forward and jumped off the tree to the horror of the four people down below into a convenient pile of leaves that broke his fall.

“Desmond!” Reggie was the first to run to him. Desmond sat up in the pile of leaves, “desmond are you alright?”

Reggie knelt down and hugged Desmond who only pushed him away shouting at him in Arabic and looked at him like a cornered feral animal.

“Desmond?”

At that point Desmond realized who and where he was as a look of fear crossed his face, “Reggie I-” was all Desmond could get out before he passed out.

A few hours passed and Desmond woke up on the couch to delsin yelling at the TV as he buttons smashed a ps4 controller. Desmond tried to sit up but a sharp pain struck in his skull making him fall back into the sofa with a groan. Delsin jumped and threw the controller onto the floor, forgetting the timed event he was playing all together. He climbed over the chair and rushed over to Desmond’s side, “duuuude, you ok? You like jumping out of a tree!”

“Ugh, yeah, I’ve done worse.” Desmond took a deep breath and sat up and looked around trying to figure out where he was.

“Yo! Like what?!” Delsin asked, his face lighting up.

“Stuff,” Desmond replied and cracked his neck and whenced.

“Oh c’mon man, like what?” Delsin asked again as Reggie walked in through the door holding a paper bag of groceries, and as soon as he saw Desmond awake he quickly dropped the bag on the table and ran around the couch to wrap his arms around Desmond’s neck in a hug.

Desmond whinced again and Reggie pulled back looking worried then a mixture of anger and sadness crossed his face, “what the hell were you thinking?!” He asked harshly.

Desmond looked to the side, “I wasn’t- to be honest, I just lost myself for a minute…” he trailed off.

“I was so worried!” He pulled Desmond back into a hug, “I want to know what happened!”

Delsin took this as his queue to let the two talk and wandered over to the bag of groceries at the table.

“I…” Desmond trailed off as he buried his head into the crook of his neck, “I don't know how to explain…”

Reggie pulled away looking him in the eyes, he saw the pain and fear in Desmond's eyes and sighed then he said “take your time, you don’t have to tell me now but I would like to know more about my… boyfriend…” The last part of that sentence made his face redden.

Desmond blushed as well, it was the first time either of them called themselves boyfriends. It made his stomach fill with butterflies. Desmond smiles and nods.

“Hey you didn’t get the gogurt!” Delsin interrupted the moment.

“Delsin we have yogurt in the fridge and I’m about to make dinner.” Reggie said in annoyance. “Speak of, you wanna stay for dinner?” He asked Desmond in a softer tone.

“Sure, I would love to,” Desmond answered and kissed Reggie.

To which Delsin gagged...

Chapter Text

Hey guys!

Long time no see!

This is so old now that I decided that I would like to rewrite it:

https://ao3-rd-18.onrender.com/works/61555891/chapters/157369504

Here is the link to the first chapter rewrite, it basiclly follows the original chapter but with more dialogue.

Hope to see you guys over there!!!

Love you!