We Are the Lost

Two: Cozy

You made sure to lead the way up the ramp, ever the ready for anything that might occur on arrival. You couldn't know for certain if the warehouse was still safe. Any number of things could have happened. Abstergo could have followed Lucy or worse... she could have defected and gave them the location. You always assumed people were traitors. You, yourself, were a traitor. To the Templars anyway.

You stopped at the end of the ramp and looked over your shoulder at Desmond. He was following at his own pace, deliberately slow, making sure each step was precise. You released a slow breath, steadying your tone so it didn't sound so harsh. "What is it?"

His attention shot up, brows rising. "What? What's what?"

You pressed your lips thin. "I understand you're not exactly thrilled..."

"Thrilled?" He licked his lips and tossed his head to peer out over the bottom floor cluttered with boxes and stacked with crates. "Just a few months ago and I thought all this crap was just some bullshit theory my parents conjured up." He tossed his gaze about and spat the word disbelievingly, "Templars."

You ducked your head away. If only you had such a liberating thought as a child. "You've lived better than most. You enjoyed... what, nine years of freedom?"

He shook his head a bit, stepping past you. "So what exactly is it you guys want from me?"

"Me? I just want to keep you alive. Them?" You nudged your chin towards the room down the hall. "They'll want to make you an assassin. They'll want you to help end the war." You released a shuddered sigh, an illness washing over you. God, when was the last time you slept? When was the last time you took a true breath of air that wasn't thickened by apprehension. "Abstergo is winning, Desmond. It is a painful truth."

Desmond turned to argue, to say something but his words died before they reached his lips. He reached out and pressed his hands into your arms. "You don't look too hot."

You allowed yourself to laugh a little, to smile. "Talk about hurting a girl's feelings."

His voice softened, caring and sweet, "Hey, I mean it. Are you okay?"

You gave him a quick nod. You forced yourself walk down the rest of the hall, to press firmly the mask across your expression. Your boots banged against the floor, catching the attention of the small group. Rebecca and Shaun had been huddled around Lucy, speaking of old times with laughs and playful shoves.

"Oh, shit!" Rebecca gave a bit of an excited squeal and jumped at you, her arms thrown around your neck. Your body stiffened in her hold but you forced yourself into a calm. "You're here! I can't believe it." She released you from the hug but her hands shook your shoulders. "Couldn't hardly believe we were getting to work together again."

"Fantastic." Shaun gave a grumble. "Someone hide the food."

You tossed him a bitter glower. "Don't waste your energy, Hastings. I'll just find it anyway."

He snorted but gave your arm a tender squeeze. "Glad to see you didn't die on your way here. We were beginning to wonder... Lucy said you left not long after her."

You grinned, feigning confidence. You shimmied out of your jacket and tossed it onto the closest chair, glad to finally be rid of the extra layer. What you would have given to take a long hot bath. Or even just curl up on a couch and sleep. "We took our time. Didn't want Abstergo to find this place." You held your breath, hoping Desmond didn't call you out on your lie.

Rebecca switched gears, turning her energy towards the new member. "You must be Desmond!"

"Ah, yes." Shaun threw his hands up. "The infamous subject seventeen."