We Are the Lost

Eight: For Each Other

It had been days since Des and you made a run for it. You both destroyed your phones and traded the motorcycle for a less conspicuous car. You were careful to avoid major cities, sticking to small towns and rundown motels along the way. It wasn't your first time going into hiding.

You chose a small cafe along the road to stop in for breakfast. Des greeted the waitress as you eyed the building for cameras or surveillance of some kind. Just as you hoped, they didn't have any.

"That back corner," you told her. "Can we sit back there?"

The waitress gave a frazzled nod and motioned you over. "Sure. I'll be back with some menus."

Des chuckled, your attention darting to his smirk as he moved through the cafe to the table in the corner. "No windows. You get a great view of everyone." He waited for you to sit down on the opposite so that you could face the cafe's front door.

You ducked your head away, rubbing fingers along your brows. "Sorry. I'm just--"

"Don't be." He sat down across the table and watched as you took your seat as well. "But I'm pretty sure we can relax. Doubt anyone from Abstergo calls this place home."

You eyed the other patrons and then Des's soft gaze. The waitress stopped by with menus, glasses of water, and a set of silverware for you both. She made her way over to another table to check on them, striking up a conversation like they were old friends.

Friends, you mused at the idea. You couldn't fathom knowing someone for so long that you could easily have a conversation with them.

"Babe," Des jeered.

"Abstergo found you before." You busied yourself with the silverware on the table.

"Yeah," he breathed and leaned his elbows onto the table. "I guess towards the end I got sloppy. Plus, it all sounded too much like a huge conspiracy theory than a real group of power-hungry maniacs."

"Do you miss it? Your life back in New York?"

He scoffed but then darkness flashed across his eyes. He tried to push a smile back in place, jokingly adding, "Being homeless then scraping to get by?" His laugh was breathy but it was obviously fake. "There were good moments, don't get me wrong but... I'm happy where I am."

"Even if it means running for the rest of your life?"

"We could go somewhere in the countryside. No people. No cameras."

"And you would be alright with that? Giving up everything and everyone?"

"If it means I don't lose my mind in the Animus and I get to spend time with you..." He smirked, humor brightening his eyes. "A lot of alone time." His hand slid across the table, his fingertips gliding across the top of your hand.

An exasperated breath jumped past your lips.

"Who knows all the things we'll get up to."

"Focus." You laughed but you didn't pull your hand away. His touch was so light and you wondered what it might feel like to have that same gentle touch across your body.

The corner of his mouth curled into a half-smirk. "I'm focused. What's our plan after this?"

"After we finish eating, I know a Cleaner not far from here who can give us new identities. I also... stashed some money in case things went sideways." You tossed an indifferent shoulder. "A lot of money. I get paid for my work but since I never got to do anything I just kept it all in a secret bank account."

The humor in his expression melted. He pulled his lips between his teeth and shook his head slightly. "You deserved better." He clenched his teeth, unable to make eye contact with you.

"We both do." You squeezed his hand until his gaze met yours. "After we get new identities we can get a house somewhere. I've got some programming skills I can fall back on."

Des took in a sharp breath and muttered, "I... can make drinks?"

"They might have a bar nearby. Even countryfolk need a drink."

He licked his lips and he looked like he was about to say something but his lips remained parted, frozen in thought. His gaze jolted down to the menus on the table. "Let's order. I'm starving and I could go for... a thick juicy cheeseburger."

You scoffed. "If they've got it." You watched him throw open the menu but you couldn't stop yourself from wondering what thoughts crossed his mind just now. Did he regret his choice? Did he suddenly realize the whole plan was romanticized and not at all realistic? You feared at any second he might change his mind and go back to the Assassins. And you found yourself trembling, your eyes burning, the picturesque dream seconds from being ripped from before it even began.

"For you," the word fumbled out quietly that you weren't certain if he heard you.

His gaze swept up, a brow jolting in confusion.

"I'll do anything for you." Your mouth went dry, your throat tightening. "I'll go anywhere for you. You want to live in the arctic in a rundown cabin with nothing but ice, I'll do it. I'll do whatever it is we need to stay together."

In a quick motion, Des was out of his chair and leaning across the table. His mouth closed around yours, the heat of his hands enveloping the sides of your face. The scent of his aftershave filled your lungs and as his tongue swept forward you tasted him. A breathy moan left his throat and before he could lose himself he pulled his lips from yours.

You watched his eyes slowly open to take in your expression.

His mouth hovered over your eyes and spoke softly, "I know, babe. For each other. I don't doubt it for a second."

The waitress cleared her throat, her gaze locked on the table between you. "You two... ready to order something?"

Des sat down in his chair, never letting his eyes waver from yours. "Few more minutes. We haven't looked at the menu yet."

You darted your attention to your untouched menu. You pried it open and looked over the different meals but you weren't registering any of the words. Your thoughts were still reeling. You wanted more than anything to have that dream with him.