Altaïr x Male!Reader

News for the readers

Hello everyone. First off I just want to say that I am not Vin-Goghsts. I am here to deliver some news that may come as a surprise. My name is Theresa, for a while I was Vin's beta reader when he worked on this fic among others posted on this account. It's been close to three years since there was an update and I just want to finally shed some light on the situation.

My dear friend and author Vin-Goghsts has died.

In order to respect his family and loved ones I will be keeping his personal information a secret, I hope that you will understand. It's hard for me to even write this... I've spent the past few years mourning and accepting his death. I figured it would be unfair to you all to go years without knowing, even now there are still people commenting, expressing their love, and asking for more. Since this project was something that I helped with personally, it meant a lot to my life and creative spirit. Fanfic is something that will always be a part of my life, whether it's beta reading for others, writing my own little drabbles, or just being a simple viewer, like you lovely people.

I'm afraid I don't know the exact details of his death, just that he was killed in a car accident a couple weeks after the last update. I was fortunate enough to be notified by his friends.

I never met him in person, but he was one of the most intricate people I've come to know in this short life. I think he would be elated (and slightly anxious) to know the support that has continued to be given.

I think you all will be delighted to know I found some extra writing in the drafts of this fic. I'm making a decision to include what he wrote for what would have been the next chapter, as a tribute to his memory. I hope that you enjoy what little is left as much as you have enjoyed the rest of this fic, just as I have. Thank you for staying dedicated to my friend through all these years.

 "W-What are you doing here?" You stuttered. Altaïr stood up from the bed.

  "I came to apologize." He turned to look at you, "Imagine my surprise when you weren't here." It was hard to see his face in the dim light, but his silhouette was relaxed. You didn't feel intimidated.

  "C'mon, Altaïr. This isn't like when we first met, you don't have to say you're sorry." You said meekly. He walked towards you stopping a few inches from your chest.

  "No, I must. You deserve it and I..." He paused, his features still covered in shadow. But he was so close to you, you could hear his breathing and feel warm energy encapsulate your body. He remained silent, you decide to prod a bit.

  "'...and I'- what, Altaïr?" You kept your tone gentle. His head tillted to the side before turning back to you.

  "It's.. nothing. I need to go back to my quarters now." He curtly pushed you aside and opened the door. Slightly irritated, you grabbed his hand, stopping him in his tracks.

  "I don't believe one word you just said. Don't lie to me now Altaïr Ibn-La'Ahad. Not after..." He faced you once again. "...Not after everything we've been through. I've shared my life with you, I just want something back. I just want some trust." You admitted. Although the words had come right out of his mouth back in the main hall, you didn't believe them. Altaïr's rough hands cupped yours. You could feel the calluses, the scarred tissue, and the ever present absence of his left ring finger as his hands squeezed in comfort. You couldn't look at him, for no particular reason, it was just hard to lift your head at that moment.