#next to Ezio of course

[sunnysidezblog]

Spoilers, I guess, for the Desmond Miles story/games?? Idk they're games that've been out for years, but I thought it was only polite. If you don't care, then the rest is under the cut. I just need to get my love for and thoughts on Desmond out of my system.

~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~

The thing I find most tragic about Desmond miles as a character is the fact that even though the assasins preach freedom, Desmond was never given the freedom of choice until the very end and even then it wasn't a real choice.

We don't know much about Desmond's time at the farm when he was growing up, but it's insinuated multiple times that he was hit by Bill, or that he had been abused in some way.

He grew up in a place where he wasn't given a choice in whether or not he wanted to be an assassin. That in itself breaks one of the core values of their creed, which is that they fight on the side of freedom. And one could, and should, in my opinion, argue that the freedom of choice is one of the most important rights someone can have. The freedom to choose to fight for something is fundamental to what the creed is all about.

Then, he finally is able to make a choice on his own when he runs away from the farm. He thinks everything they've told him is a lie, that templars aren't real, and there's nothing to worry about. He finally makes a choice, yes, but it was one that was predetermined from the very start. The isu knew he would do it. They calculated it and set up dominos to knock over when the time was right, down to the millisecond.

Desmond Miles was very much set up to die, much like a lamb raised for slaughter. He ran away to see the rest of the world and only got to see that world for 9 years. He was always destined to be caught by the templars, fall in love with and get betrayed by Lucy, he was always meant to die.

His entire personality was also manufactured if one would like to argue that. The isu made sure that the steps leading up to his demise were calculated to perfection (with the exception of Juno, who even with little wiggle room was able to manipulate conner). Desmond's entire personality-- his humor, his attitude towards life, and his roll over stance to his mistreatment.

By giving him the childhood he had and then running away, he was hardened and had been instilled with the creeds' principles and then was exposed to the rest of humanity. He probably always had compassion and kindness for people, and that part of himself was probably increased when working as a bar tender because bar tenders see the world at their best and their worst, and he himself after having fought for his place in the world knows how resilient humans can be.

He was given an impossible choice that wasn't much choice at all, seeing as there was never supposed to *be* a choice at all. The only reason there was a "choice" was because of Juno. Minerva originally only set up the eye to be the only choice, leading Desmond to his willing-but-unwilling sacrifice, but Juno threw a wrench in the plan.

Not only was he given the most impossible choice ever, but he made the one everyone was expecting him to because in his eyes, what else was he supposed to do? Let most of humanity, which consisted of 7 billion people at the time, die? Because what, a megalomaniac false god thought she could reenslave humanity after she's long since passed?

Even more tragic is that he was arguably tortured before his death as well. He had to watch his ancestors go through horrors and conspiracy. He had to go into the animus and feel what they felt, whether it be injuries or emotions.

He felt the stab wound Altair got, and the betrayal Altair felt as his father figure was revealed to be a Templar in disguise. He felt all the injuries Ezio sustained and felt the horror and shock and betrayal and grief that Ezio felt watching half his family die. He felt the inner turmoil of Conner as he was thrust into a world that hates people like him and had to suffer the pain of knowing he'd have to kill his father AND he lost Achilles, who was a father figure to him.

Desmond was forced to live three lifetimes, and while doing so, he lost control of his own life. He suffered from the bleeding effect, he lost all sense of time, he suffered ridicule by people who were supposed to be his comrades. He suffered further under the harshness of his father.

And he was never given a choice, and neither were any of the others up until the point of his death, which is what to me makes his character so tragic and appealing. The entire timeline could have shifted, had he made different choices or his personality was just a tiny bit different.

This aspect is also why I think that his death is so underwhelming in terms of satisfaction. Maybe that was the point, though. His death, maybe, was supposed to feel anticlimactic and unjust. Maybe the ending was supposed to, instead of feel like a real ending with a good conclusion, was more so meant to emphasize he never had a choice to begin with.

Anyway, I just think Desmond is neat. Have this:

[teecupangel]

So. We’ve seen Desmond going back in time and becoming a doctor in Altaïr’s time and Ezio’s time, but I’ve never seen Desmond becoming a doctor in Ratonhnhaké:ton’s time. Any ideas?

The first thing I thought about is Desmond going to the homestead and just staying there as a doctor but that would be taking Dr White’s place and Ratonhnhaké:ton would never turn him away when he clearly needed help.

The next idea that I thought of is that Desmond just kicked the door open to the manor, told Achilles that he was Altaïr’s descendant and that he’s trying to hide from people out for his blood so he’s gonna stay there. Achilles tries to shoo him away, Ratonhnhaké:ton thinks he’s telling the truth (Desmond didn’t say that the people out for his blood was far into the distant future but he didn’t lie) so he’s supportive of Desmond staying in the manor.

That’s how Desmond starts his ‘unofficial’ job as the private physician of Davenport manor.

More often than not, he takes care of any wounds that Ratonhnhaké:ton gets and checks him every time he returned to the manor after his missions. He also visits the dock and check on the crew of the Aquila to ensure no one was on their way to suffering scurvy.

And most importantly, he takes over cooking duties to make sure Achilles eats well and healthy and absolutely not skipping any meals and just drinking tea and eating some biscuits.

He and Dr White form a kind of partnership. Dr White takes care of the residents of the homestead, Desmond takes care of the two men in the manor.

Dr White also shares his medicines and tinctures (although Desmond isn’t really keen on a lot of them) and Desmond teaches him what he knows of.

Where did he get his medical background?

Well…

Let’s just say Desmond really got into House MD and started researching and watching actual medical documentaries and books. He knows a lot about first aid and medical properties of herbs and plants because of the Farm’s education so he’s really a mix-match 21st century survivalist medical know how and ‘all theories but no practice’ medical student rolled up into one molotov cocktail ready to explode.

Dr White finds him fascinating but also knows that there would be doctors who would dismiss Desmond’s practices and maybe even call him a charlatan.

It should be fine if he remains in the homestead.

Because he will remain in the homestead.

Right?

.

Of course not. Desmond leaves the homestead once things really starts moving for the revolution and becomes a field doctor.

And that’s how he got the interest of George Washington.

[sulfies]

Fuck…

Fuck. Fuck.

"Fuck fuck fuck fuck-"

They would not stop chasing him, It has been hours.

Every turn, dip, jump and drop were followed by the heavy footsteps of the guards. Desmond was exhausted. They never chased this long before.

The Borgia must have updated their training…

Jumping into a roof garden Desmond tried to catch his break.

"He Jumped in!"

 A small rest of less than a minute. 

Desmond jumped out again, running and running, his vision blurred and he did his best to even out his breathing to save energy but he was tired. If he had any stamina left he would have just fought them off but it was too late for that. One punch would take him out at this point.

He crossed the wires between buildings shakily as the ground and the crowd below him wobbled. He jumped across halfway through and rolled onto the opposite roof. 

"Water... I can lose them in water"

He had to... He jumped roof to roof to get to a canal he knew was nearby. 

It was so close, he just had to make this jump.

So he did the jump, he grabbed the windowsill with a clammy hand and reached again with his other to pull himself up.

Then he slipped.

----------------

Water rushed out of his lungs all at once.

“Bit late to go for a swim Desmond don't you think?”

Coughing up the remainder of water in his lungs, he opened his eyes to find Ezio sitting right next to him leaning over his face just as drenched as he was. Desmond was laid down on the cold stone ground, his wet clothes an uncomfortable weight on him.

”Nah just the right temperature…” he said weakly as his body gave a shiver, now that he has crashed from his adrenaline-filled day all his muscles were catching up with him. He spat onto the ground, mucus filling up his nose and throat from the water. Muscles he didn't even know could hurt were hurting.

 “How come you were here to…” save his ass just as he drowned.

Ezio placed his hands on his knees, his teasing tone taking a serious turn “You were gone more than four hours Desmond. I was, of course, looking for you!” His wet hair partly covered his worried eyes. “You should have been back hours ago and now I-, thank God I did, I find your body cannonballing into the Venice canalé!” Ezio’s hand wiped his face as he leaned over to check Desmond with his worried gaze. “If I wasn't just around the corner…” He shook his head disapprovingly. “What even happened? Are you hurt? It was not a hard mission, why did you take so long…”

God, this guys worried puppy eyes were a weapon on their own. Desmond groaned as he sat up, “They would not stop chasing my tail” Pushing a trembling hand through his short curls he shook the water out of them “I swear they must be high off of something like coke because they chased me the entire day and their stamina is never that good usually”

”…the guards?”

Desmond rubbed his legs as tremors started on the overworked muscle, “Yep… It was insane. I took so many different turns and hid so many times but one of them always found me in minutes and alarms would go off all over again once they did. I was actually planning on losing them in the canal… which I guess kind of worked… not that I planned on adding drowning” He grinned at Ezio “What happened to the guards that were after me? Did you fight em off for me, my prince? or did they leave after laughing at my belly flop to water?”

Ezio chuckled  “No one was here, I took a turn after hearing a giant splash only to find a sopping wet pile of you, passed out face DOWN in the water”

Desmond sighed as he squeezed the ends of his tailed robe, grimacing at the water that was dripping out “Yes yes, thank you for saving my life…” Gathering his legs under him he tried to get up only for them to fail underneath him, trembling and looking as sturdy as jelly instead of bones. “If all it took was water for them to leave me alone I would have done that in hour two, I can't believe they didn't even try to get my supposed dead drowned body after chasing me so long…I am almost hurt” Ezio's open hand appeared in front of him, he clasped it letting himself be pulled up to a sturdy chest he could lean on.

”Yes, how very rude of them, to leave a body such as yours alone and wet…”

Desmond rolled his eyes at that “Let's just go home, I need a warm bath and a bed and get Leo to invent painkillers by tonight”

”Yes Signoré, at once.”

——————

It was happening again.

It had to be the same batch of soldiers and If they did this again… next time Desmond might have to kill them. He refused to believe the Borgia’s suddenly employed every renaissance-crossfitter in the city.

Maybe his drug theory was right because he had been running for close to 3 hours now with the footsteps never-ending behind him. His lungs were starting to hurt and he really didn't want to have to take a dip in the water to lose them again.

”He went to the left!”

Heels hot behind him he kept on running, arriving home 5 hours later drenched in sweat and pieces of hay stuck all over him.

———

It happened again, and again then again. It wasn't every time but it was happening enough that Desmond was getting extremely annoyed and tired from it.

It never happened when he was in group patrols or with Ezio so at this point he was getting the feeling they were targeting him specifically. Him having to run a triathlon every other day was getting old fast.

The others were also starting to get worried, and that was most likely why he was face to face with a brooding Ezio in the main room of the hideout at 4 am when he finally came back from the last mission he was sent on.

”You were supposed to be back yesterday…”

Desmond collapsed onto Ezio's chest facefirst and groaned “Hello to you t-”

”Evening… you were expected back yesterday evening.”

2 arms wrapped around his shoulders making him humm tiredly onto Ezio’s heat. 

“Desmond, this can't keep going on…”

He looked up from his place between Ezio. “They are clearly trying some strategy or aiming for you to get hurt with this.” Their eyes focused on one another, and Ezio’s lips formed a flat line.  “No solo missions till this ends.”

Desmond clicked his tongue, putting a palm between the two “I don't need to be babysat Ezio.”  Ezio didn't change his expression as he grabbed his hand and placed a gentle kiss on his gloved fingers. “It's that or you are off duty fully.”

”What! That is not fair!”

”Take it up to the Mentoré if it bothers you, oh wait that's me… such unfair world”

Desmond kept his colourful language to himself, he knew why Ezio was worried. He knew this was their best option and he couldn't keep on doing this but it was annoying to be benched. Why him? What did they gain from stalking him like a prey for hours upon hours… It's not like they ever caught him and their arrows never hit. So why?

He wrapped his free arm around Ezio’s waist,

”I should just kill them next time”

He could feel Ezio’s smirk form on his glove.

”I fear that might be an actual solution Amó”

———————

He hated to admit it… but the babysitting was working.

He had been doing patrols and small paired missions for the last week and hadn't had to apply to the Olympics even once this week. But Ezio’s looks into new juiced guards were coming back empty. From what anyone could find their training had not changed and no guard or soldier was bragging about leaving Desmond near faint at his doorstep every other day.

Surely someone would talk about a new enhancer drug they take supplied by the Borgia’s but no one was taking anything but wine and opium for the unfortunate.

”I almost feel a bit jealous Desmond, they never tried that hard with me” 

Desmond fake laughed from where he was crouched on the roof.

”Oh now it's okay to joke about?”

”Now that your life isn't in danger every tuesday? yea, it is.” Ezio said as his eyes scanned for guards with a big grin on his face, they were to intercept a small message that was supposed to leave with a poor lonely messenger.

He replied with a sigh “Shut up…”

”No you shut up, he is here.”

Both of them looked directly at their target, 2 streets over painted yellow in their sight, walking in hurried steps.

They started stalking him crouched, above the rooftops like two alleycats cornering a sad mouse. The man must have felt a chill in the air because his steps hurried faster.

Ezio sped up keeping to the man's left while Desmond stayed behind him.

He dropped down a level onto a wooden platform just as the unlucky carrier took a left to an empty alley. Desmond took to the floor, feet landing silent, blocking his exit as Ezio's dark figure placed himself to the top just right.

The man went down smoothly, and the pair was exiting the alley with the envelope in hand the next second. Passed out figure was hidden in a nearby haystack as the two of them walked the empty night streets slowly with a smile on their faces.

”Nearly scared him to death there Ezio, poor dude…”

”Nearly is the word you should be focusing on my dear, he will be very grateful to have kept his life once he wakes up.”

Desmond bumped his shoulder teasingly “A whole night in a haystack? death might have been a kinder option”

Ezio opened his mouth to reply but a voice drowned whatever Desmond was about to hear.

”ASSASSINÓ! THIS WAY!”

Someone saw them. 

He could hear a group making their way around the corner.

”This way Ezio!” Desmond grabbed Ezio's hand immediately and yanked, running up to the roofs and pulling him along with him.

”Desmo-“  “Wai-”

Ezio surely knew better than to talk and run for their lives at the same time, Desmond kept on running, letting Ezio follow his steps as he dove into a rooftop garden after a sharp turn.

”De-“

”Shhhh”

He pulled Ezio in who was taking his sweet time putting one leg over the garden’s fences with no hurry. He listened quietly for the footsteps hearing them slowly get farther. Something told him they hadn't shaken them off yet.

“Desmo-“

”SHHH! They are not gone!”

Sure enough, he heard them again. Coming closer and closer. Desmond jumped out of the garden fast hoping to shock whoever was about to check into where they were hiding.

”This way Ezio!”

They ran for 20 more minutes as Desmond led the way, each time they stopped Desmons would notice a figure coming towards them so they would run more. After 30 more minutes Desmond had a feeling these were the same guards that were torturing his solo missions this past month.  At Least this time Ezio was here.

”I think if we climb there we could lose them on the way down!”

He shouted back to Ezio pointing at the huge tower they could perform a leap from.

”Desmond I don-“

”Less talking more running Ezio, trust me you are gonna need all your energy to outrun these fuckers!”

as his hands grabbed the first stone of the tower Ezio pulled him back by his collar.

”Desmo-”

”What! We need to keep runn-“

”Desmond!”

The hand on his collar turned him around fully. “Desmond, stop for a second please!” Ezio panted at his face, breathing harshly through his nose to catch his breath he looked exhausted with sweat making his hair stick to his skin 

“Listen…” “I don't think they are after us…” 

Desmond did, taking a big gulp of air he focused around them… there weren't any footsteps or shoutings around them anymore. He smiled.

”OhThankGodTheyGaveUp!”

 He slid down the wall of the tower to squat on the ground. “Oh thank whatevers up there…” Wiping the sweat from his forehead he laughed, tension leaving his body now that the coast was clear. “Do you see what I have been dealing with all this time now? oh man, I thought I was going crazy with how long they keep up with me!” 

Ezio looked down at him with a slight worry on his face.

”to think you have been running like this for hours at a time for a full month now…

Desmond laughed again “I know right! Man, I am glad they gave up earlier than usual… I was thinking we would be at it for hours with how much one of them kept popping up every corner.”

Ezio remained standing up where he was looking down at him “So you see them…”

Desmond looked at him one eyebrow up in a question, grin still on his face “Of course I saw them, did you not? Do we need Leo to prepare you glasses, Ezio? They weren’t that far behind…”

Ezio sighed long and loud while looking at the sky, and squatted down to Desmond’s level… his hands moving on top of Desmond's knees kindly.

”I did not see them.”

Desmond scoffed “Really Ezio? I was joking about the glasse-“

”No Desmond, I did not see anyone… the whole time we ran”

Now his brows were crossed because “What do you mean? They were right behind us this whole time, you must have looked behind you at least once!”

Ezio’s thumb rubbed on his knee slowly as he gave a smile that couldn't hide the look of pity on his face.

”Oh I did… multiple times. Even with my sight.” He took a slow breath and gave Desmond a guilty look. “Desmond…. I don't think there ever was anyone”

Desmond’s ears started to ring. “If you are pulling a prank…Because if you are... ”

Hands on his knees moved to his thighs. “I know”

Desmond shook his head “I am not lying!”

”I know…”

”I really did see them” His shoulders started to shake and the hands on his thighs moved to his back as Ezio pulled him in.  “I really did… They were there I swear…”

“I know, carissimó…”

How could he have not realized… No training was changed, and no new performance drugs were taken Desmond was just getting chased by ghosts. Ghosts his own mind was supplying. 

He buried his face into Ezio’s neck as he shook.

”… so fucking unfair…”

Ezio hummed in an answer as his hands rubbed his back. They stood there as Desmond cried into his shoulder staining the white cloth with tears and snot till he calmed himself down enough.

——-

”So I was on the right idea with thinking I was going crazy” 

Ezio snorted at the first sentence Desmond chose to say after his crisis.

”You are not crazy…” then paused “…well…”

”Even you have to admit running from imaginary friends for a whole month for hours is pretty crazy”

Ezio chuckled and squeezed him into a tighter hug between his arms.

”Ehhh yeah Benè, you are pretty crazy... Good thing that I am crazy for you too, vita mia.”

Desmond made a gagging sound in his arms “Oh my god, that was so sweet I want to drown myself again”

”Oh the drama!”

----

After @a-little-buggy s fanfic I had to write one too lmao tho theirs is like a masterpiece this was fun to write

[transgenderdoctorwhomst]

okay i Need to know about abstergo cloning and weaponizing altaïr my brain is buzzing just reading that

Okay, so first, there's two facts we need to remember about altaïr: he is practically a religious figure to the assassins, and he is a fucking killing machine.

The next thing we need to remember is abstergo has cloning technology, and quite reasonably, access to desmonds DNA any time after his initial kidnapping. They also have the Animus, for accessing ancestral memories.

So, with those things kept in mind, what might Abstergo do with these pieces?

Abstergo sees, through Desmonds time as Altaïr, that altaïr is an absolute force to be reckoned with. He can take down a dozen trained soldiers alone. He can take down a dozen trained assassins alone. When he is loyal to a cause, he will not let ANYTHING get in the way of his goals.

So you clone him using Desmonds DNA. So you implant his memories into the clone using a focused and intense application of the Bleeding Effect.

And, importantly, there is a couple very good frames of time where you might be able to manipulate him into working for the templars. Or, successfully convincing him abstergo is the assassins, and the assassins are the templars.

The first one is immediately after he fails to get the piece of eden and is demoted. He has lost everything, been called a traitor, and if you time giving him memories correctly, believes he has been killed for this. So you tell him: you are meant for greater things, we of the future have saved you, and we have an enemy for you to destroy to set the world right. You have seen the leadership of the assassins fail, and we have learned from the mistakes of the templars of the past. The assassins are failing again, and the end of the world is near. They are trying to prevent us from saving it. You must stop them.

The second time is a bit more tricky: right after he kills Al Mualim. The end of the memories you have easy access to. Here you tell him; through the piece of eden, you've been brought to the future. You did many great things in your time. But now the world is ending, and we need your help.

You can tell him one of two things, that the assassins, under corrupt and misguided leadership, are mistakenly preventing the world from being saved. We have tried and cannot correct them. The only option is to demoralize them and kill their leaders, to keep them out of the way long enough to ensure the world is safe. Seeing you fight against them can help make them realize they need to change tactic and focus more on saving the world than fighting the templars.

The other, is that abstergo is run by assassins, and their enemy is the templars. It has been nearly a thousand years, surely you can expect the respective groups might look different in this modern day. This is a much harder sell; you can't tell him of the web of control abstergo has, you have to tightly control who he talks to, and you have to preemptively convince him the "templars" will try to lie to him because they are afraid of him.

Of course, Abstergo has put a lot of development into controlling and manipulating people with and without the use of a piece of eden. Altaïr is immune to the Apple, not drugs or really aggressive subliminal or whatever other tactics abstergo uses.

Either way, you get this: a major figure to the assassins, reappeared in the modern day, pointed directly at the assassins to obliterate any single person in his way. An absolute fucking nightmare to stand up to. Believing that the modern assassins are wrong.

And the assassins have to contend with this. Fight him off. Decide if they want to capture or kill him. Realize they might be able to do this with other figures, like ezio. In short: a fucking nightmare.

[navstuffs]

"...keep it on, please?"

Pairing: AC!Brotherhood x GN!Reader

Summary: You always had something for Ezio dressed in his robes whenever you saw him.

Warnings: SMUT-ish, reader has something for ezio's robe (everyone has it, tbn)

Author's Notes: heey. funny story for this fanfic: i was looking for another confession to write about but then i saw this one and NEEDED TO WRITE cause the whole idea came to my head. i want to thank and give credits to @dirtyasscreedsecrets for letting me write and also the person who submitted. i hope i did justice, i hope you like it!

my ezio's masterlist

You always had something for Ezio dressed in his robes whenever you saw him. You know it must be because he transpired this aura of power, danger, and seduction. However, Ezio never wore it in bed since he loved the feeling of your skin against his. You knew half of Rome wondered what he looked like under, and well, you are the lucky person who gets to see it.

"Tesoro, sei con me?"

You wake up from your trance, Ezio fully dressed on top of you, kissing your neck. He sounds flustered since you haven't seen each other for weeks. You are already naked in his arms, and Ezio keeps your legs apart, his eyes absorbing every inch of your body. Ezio is hungry for your touch, your moans. Your love.

"You are so pretty, you know that?" Ezio whispers as if you are not just melted enough in his hands, as if he can't do whatever he pleases with you.

You bite your lips, holding back a desperate moan, as Ezio starts to undress from his robes. He knows you like to watch him undress, so he begins slowly, throwing his cape away, his eyes never leaving yours. Ezio was certainly an Assassin because he would kill you one of these days.

Before he can remove his robes, you sit upright, stopping his hands. Maybe if you ask correctly, he will keep them on. Of course, if he wants it as well.

"Could you...keep it on, please? Your robes?" Your begging voice is music to his ears. Ezio nods as he smirks, rubbing your face in answer. You look so precious, so needy for him like this. If being Assassin doesn't kill him, you for sure will.

Your heart beats excited as you watch him, still standing in the middle of your legs, take his pants off slowly. Your eyes never leave his form, and when hard his cock springs free, you feel your sex get even more aroused.

When Ezio finally lays on top of you, you shiver with anticipation as you feel him so dangerously close to your heat. Ezio smiles, of course he does, between the small kisses he gives around your jawline and neck.

You take a moment to admire his robes. The fabric is softer than you think and light to give him all the extra mobility he needs. You wonder if Ezio ever feels cold. Your hands go down to his belt, tracing with your fingertips, wondering if you will be marked by it later.

"Liking the view?" Ezio bites your neck to call your attention. You whimper, your hands holding his shoulders as if to keep you sane.

"Mhhmm."

"Next time, you can wear it. I will dress you in my robes myself."

You want to answer, but all your thoughts escape as Ezio finally touches your sex. Fuck, you missed his touch so much. Your hand goes down his arm, pressing down so he never stops touching you. 

"Hey, hey. Sono qui, tesoro, don't worry. I will take good care of you."

Sei com me = Are you with me?

Sono qui = I am here.

[fromashesweriseuphiddenones]

Day thirty one

So ends another Month long AU. I hope you enjoyed Change the Course. It along with Desmond's Birthday Month will return next year with new adventures for each cast of characters. There are three more planned for this year.

June

Ezio's birthday month, along with mine. This is called the First Recruit throwing Desmond to 16th century Rome where he meets Ezio who mistakes him for his own son.

November

I will be doing NaNoWriMo on AO3 using the prompts from this past year's Codextober. The Tumblr AU though was actually selected by you dear followers. The Twins AU will be featured. It is called A Family of Swords since Malik Al-Sayf gets to raise poor Desmond after his twin attempted to murder him.

December

I chose a story from my NaNoWriMo from last year called Brothers of the Assassins Creed for the last one of the year. Desmond survived dying and Altaïr ibn-La'Ahad and Ezio Auditore are somehow alive as well. Hijinks ensue when such songs like Welcome to the Internet are inspiring the story already.

[assassinschaoticcreed]

Later that night

Jacob in his bed hears a floor creek, he looks up and sees nothing. Until he turns his head to side with ezio next to bed. Ezio cracking his knuckles.

Cue to Jacob screaming

next to Ezio is Desmond & Arno with their phones out ready to record the fight. Connor is standing there with his arms crossed ready to jump in and help Ezio at any time. usually he isn't like that, but he CRAVED that pizza and Jacob RUINED it. they never had pizza so he's mad. Edward is passed out on the other side of the room. Altaïr is there to see who wins, he couldn't care less the cause, of course he could have watched Arno or Desmonds recording...but it wouldn't be the same.

[edelweiss313]

So, we know the Shadow is made up of two people: the powerful entity itself and its host.

This theory is mainly based on the conditions of Bastian's curse. Why did the Shadow allow Bastian to leave after catching him in the cabin and why did it decide to wait until he turned 33? Sure, its reason that Bastian was still much too young to be of any use to him is valid, but why wait until his 33rd birthday? Couldn't the Shadow have immediately took him back once Bastian hit adulthood at 18??

And, as far as we know, 33 isn't a significant number in this universe so why that number?? Once his 33rd birthday came, he wasn't even immediately turned into a shadow, just had multiple nightmares and hauntings over the course of a week or two before it FINALLY came for him.

In EFTS, when Bastian and Laia were running towards the portal back to Hidden Town, the entity (separated from Ezio at the time) was using a lot of its power to restrain the two and have them turned into shadows immediately. But when it was fused with Ezio/the dad, it wasn't in any hurry to turn Bastian into a shadow. I'd like to think that since Ezio was able to separate from the entity (through the help of Erduval's Eye), the entity has not fully fused with Ezio's soul like it did with his dad. Because Ezio was only 3 years into the position of host when this happened, the process must be a slow one.

My theory is that Bastian's father (the host at the time of the curse) tried to negotiate with the entity to delay his son's transformation into a shadow for as long as possible without pissing it off. The entity may be more powerful of the two but the host could theoretically influence some decisions here and there. He agrees to the age of 33 so that Bastian could enjoy his childhood and be able to experience adulthood before the curse would drag him right back in. The father might have even thought of finding a way to reverse the curse before the inevitable 33rd birthday came. This is where Ezio's studies came in.

The Shadow may have tricked Ezio into studying Shamalu and other forms of dark magic in guise of finding a way to save his brother but it is actually training him to become the next host after his dad has been completely fused into the entity. Once Bastian turned 33, Ezio tried his best to delay his transformation as long as possible, just like his dad tried to do. He could've convinced the entity to just keep Bastian in Penumbra and just leave him alone there. And even during Bastian's escape attempts in Another Shadow and EFTS, the Shadow ONLY GAVE HIM WARNINGS AND JUST LEFT IMMEDIATELY.

For an entity keen on turning people into as many shadow slaves as possible, it sure is giving Bastian a lot of passes before getting impatient and finally snapping at the climax of EFTS.

[lyranova]

Oooooh!

What’s one random headcanon about your ocs? And since it’s just one thought per oc, honestly, share as many as you like/can! 🥰💖👏

Of course 🥰! I’m gonna just list as many OC’s as they pop into my head XD!

Zera: When she was a little girl she used to plant a bunch of seed’s into small pots, and when Rika asked her what she was doing she explained to him that she wanted a bunch of little sisters so was “sowing seeds” like the health book told her to. Rika didn’t have the heart to tell her what that really meant.

Neva: Could, and probably would, eat her entire body weight in desserts and bread if given the chance. Which she has nearly done once. But after getting a terrible stomach-ache she learned her lesson and hasn’t done it again. Even though she’s been tempted to….multiple times.

Alistar: Will use his World Plant Magic to create either beautiful flowers that don’t exist in the real world, or will make Hikari (along with his other friends both male and female)’s favorite flowers bloom outside their home/window/office/etc when he hears that they’re having a bad day. But with Hikari he also makes flowers bloom just because he can!

Ezio: Can sense when people feel the same way about him (romantically) when pursuing someone, but when he’s the one being pursued he’s absolutely oblivious. He will completely miss any and all signs that are given to him, and it gets to the point where the one pursuing him has to kind of “hit him over the head” with it!

Aloys: Secretly fixes things for everyone, but especially for Maelie, Grey, Alice, The Purple Witch (Bora), and Wendy. If anyone else were to ask him to fix things for them he would outright refuse and even get angry about it, but would secretly fix it when they weren’t around, but if any of the people listed were to ask him? He would fix it in a heartbeat without arguement.

Discordia: Was banned from attending any and all tea parties held by the daughters of other Clover Nobles. Why? Because she heard them talking bad about her best friend Josele. They were making terrible remarks about her being a commoner and about her dresses, and after hearing these comments, Discordia used her blood magic to create a giant sword that sliced through the table with ease. And then she verbally berated the girls and threatened their lives if they ever spoke ill of Josele again. Because to speak ill of Josele was to speak ill of House Faust.

Alice: Once for Halloween dressed up as a character named “Victoria Frankenstein” and, using her Recombination magic, she created a doll named “Frankenstein”. When asked why ahe chose this costume Alice said she thought it was be funny that “A monster that was created in a lab created another monster so she wouldn’t be lonely.” (She doesn’t really see herself as a monster, she just tried to be funny, and failed.)

Brielle: Once tried to have a Nomotatoe eating contest with Asta. It didn’t go well for either of them. Both were severely scolded by Noelle, Sister Lily, Yuno, and Father Orsi. Neither father nor daughter were able to move or train the next day due to how many they ate.

[malkuvoitenoldoran]

Turgon's Assassin's Creed AU

This is what I have right now and may be subject to change. Also once I find the actual source to the art that inspired me for it I will put in links to it but that's for later.

Turgon grew up as part of an Assassin family, similar to Ezio and the Auditore family, but despite some training he never actually became an Assassin himself. Instead during his teen years he met Elenwe and started to become one of the Templar Order, something her father insisted upon before giving his blessing to their marriage. He was never strongly committed to them or their ideals but Turgon went along with it for a while until one mission he was forced into, he tried to refuse but his wife and daughter were used as leverage against him.

The mission seemed simple, cleanse a village of some sort of infestation, but it went terribly wrong. After the village was 'cleansed' Turgon took care of all the Templars involved in it over the course of the next month. Then he made the decision that he would have to leave the Templar Order.

As a result following the mission Turgon took his wife and daughter and went to his father seeking protection for them. It was granted, Elenwe became a healer for the Brotherhood, and Turgon resumed his training to become an Assassin. He primarily uses bows and his hidden blade but because he looks different enough from what they expect Assassins to look like most of the time he gets ignored.

[loosesodamarble]

Ooooo for the ship ask game (just take your time answering, I couldn’t decide between two ships 😆!)! 3, 13, 15, and 50 for Dawn x Caelum and Ezio x Kai please 🥺💕?

The answers to your questions have finally arrived!

Going to put the answers under a "read more" since there's a lot. Whoops!

..........

Caelum x Dawn (or the StarLight ship as I like to call them)

3. What was their first impression of each other?

First off, the two were practically raised together. While House Faust and House Roulacase aren't next door neighbors, since the parents (Josele, Nacht, Finral, and Mallory, another friend's oc) are all very friendly with each other, there would certainly be plenty of play dates growing up. So they both have this understanding that the other has just always been there.

But the pair's proper introduction to each other was then they were around five. Caelum awkwardly tried to be a gentleman, bowing and almost kissing her hand. He chickened out of the kiss because he felt shy that day. He was sweet and friendly but also a little shy in a cute way. Also, Cal was just a cute boy. Dawn was smitten from that day onward.

As for Caelum, he immediately took note of how bright Dawn was. She eagerly introduced herself, didn't shy away from talking with adults, and was just so energetic. Dawn was charming to Caelum though he wasn't immediately crushing. He was simply... drawn to her.

13. How do they keep in contact when they’re apart? Do they write letters, talk on the phone, or simply wait out the time?

If they're ever apart, it's letter and communication devices for them.

Dawn actually prefers letters because then she can keep the messages that Caelum has sent her. She can reread all the kind and encouraging words he's give her.

Caelum likes making calls more because aaahhhhh! He loves the sound of Dawn's voice so so much! She sounds like a singing angel to him! And he wants to make her laugh and hear her laugh and kajhdgiaushrt!

15. What songs remind you of their relationship?

"Torisetsu" (translated at "instruction manual") by Kana Nishino.

It's a song about a girl explaining to her new partner how to treat her once they're in a relationship. There's a lot of "instructions" for the relationship in the song and it's a bit cheeky too.

This song reminds me of Dawn and Caelum because I imagine it being a sort of conversation once they get together. This is because of how they were prior to getting together. Caelum was basically afraid of romance and didn't even flirt. And so Dawn is asking Cal to be super doting and romantic with her once they're a couple. Of course she'll be equally devoted but she's taking Cal aside and telling him to please, please be so romantic.

50. Would they ever break up? If so, why? Who would handle the breakup better?

I mean once Dawn and Caelum hold hands for the first time as an official couple, they are practically glued to each other. Dawn and Caelum have known each other their whole lives, have seen the best and worst of each other through those times. Thankfully, they've never hurt each other intentionally and in any cases where they did each other wrong unintentionally, they apologized and forgave each other.

For Dawn, she's loved Caelum from the very start and after loving him for her whole life, she cannot really bring herself to stop loving him or let him go after finally getting together with him.

For Caelum, he always liked and admired Dawn but realized his feelings way later. And after spending so long in the dark about his own feelings, he wants to hold onto Dawn for the rest of his life.

They just... don't want to be apart after getting together... Babies...

.....

Kai'ichi x Ezio

3. What was their first impression of each other?

Most likely, Ezio's first impression of Kai'ichi would be that Kai is loud and reckless, much like his uncle Sukehiro. And well, that's what Kai is like. But when Ezio looks a little closer, he'll find that Kai has no sense of social decorum and might even take pity on how poorly Kai manages himself.

Kai'ichi, meanwhile, at first sees Ezio as an ordinary, fun-loving guy but not much else. He didn't expect much from a person who chatted aimlessly and flirted with multiple people. He didn't expect Ezio to be so brave on the battlefield and encouraging to those who struggle to socialize.

I'm sure they both would surprise each other with their unexpected sides.

13. How do they keep in contact when they’re apart? Do they write letters, talk on the phone, or simply wait out the time?

If they're forced apart and Ezio can't simply teleport to Kai'ichi, they'd likely keep contact through communication devices. Kai'ichi likes to do the real-time conversations and chat about their daily lives or vent things. He wants to know things as soon as they happen but it comes with a downside that is Ezio complains, Kai'ichi can only get angry that he can't be there to help Ezio.

But if they can't even communicate via devices, Kai'ichi will wait it out, distracting himself from longing by intensely training. Thinking about things he can't do a thing about tends to frustrate Kai. Poor boy.

15. What songs remind you of their relationship?

"Accidentally in Love" by Counting Crows. Because, quite honestly, we stumbled upon making this ship. It was purely by accident that the two of us went "actually wait, there's potential with these two..."

But also, once Ezio is in love, he's deep in it. And Kai'ichi would be just as into it because he doesn't do anything halfheartedly. Kai's thoughts are "I didn't mean to fall in love but I'm not some coward who will run away from these feelings!"

50. Would they ever break up? If so, why? Who would handle the breakup better?

I could see a scenario where Kai'ichi and Ezio would break up, mostly over Kai's desire to stay in Hino to become a member of the Ryuzen Seven and eventually the shogun. If Ezio is determined to stay in Clover and they decided not to try a long distance relationship, then they'd split up.

And honestly, Kai'ichi might take it a little better. But not by much...

Ezio would definitely cry a lot more than Kai'ichi would. He'd need his parents and friends to wipe his tears and bring his mood back up. And he might try to bury his heartbreak by flirting around afterwards.

Kai'ichi hides his sorrow better but he'd be in a funk with training and fighting because he'd struggle to figure out how something he put so much passion into could just fail... He'd cry less only because he's so lost about how things fell apart...

[teecupangel]

New idea:

Something happens, Desmond time travel to the past... But...

He become something like the Eldritch! Desmond, except that:

He adopts the child versions of his ancestors (and the others protagonist).

Like he take Arno just after his father dies.

Or he just adopt them before the canon is about to start or the start of the canon (like Shay is recently survived the Lisboa).

The Eldritch God Desmond idea that technically has an ending. Sorta.

He can only leave the Gray thanks to this holes that he can crawl out of.

The holes turn out to be the shadows underneath the bed or the shadowy part of a barely opened closet.

His form takes on a grotesque turn, as if reality itself tried to create a form for something shapeless enveloping the Gray.

That’s right.

We’re turning Desmond into the boogeyman that visits children at night XD

He first visits Altaïr after the death of Umar. The chest that held Umar’s possessions was left slightly open, almost empty because Assassins have already taken some of them back. He finds Altaïr crying and missing his father. The child wasn’t even afraid of him, not at all.

He was too tired from crying but he couldn’t sleep because, when he closes his eyes, he would see the head of his father rolling in the ground.

Desmond comforts him each night after their meeting, staying by his side and letting the boy sleep on his monstrous inconceivable body.

He was there when Abbas’ father tried to take his own life and all the Brotherhood knew was that he had gone inside, calling Altaïr a monster in his grief-stricken madness.

Altaïr grows up under the care of the monster inside his father’s closet and he’s… strange. He doesn’t see the world the same way others did. He had no loyalty to the Brotherhood. He stayed because Desmond told him he had to stay.

When he saw what the treasure was, he knew immediately that Desmond would want it.

.

Ezio is different. He first saw the boogeyman when Claudia was born. He had screamed in fear and the boogeyman left.

The next time he sees the boogeyman, it was when Petruccio was born. He thought he was just dreaming and ran away to Federico’s room to hide.

The final time he sees the boogeyman, it was the night before the Auditores would be arrested. The boogeyman crept from underneath Cristina’s bed and pinned Ezio, covering his mouth before he could say anything. Cristina slept peacefully as the creature whispered to Ezio.

Ezio thought he was just dreaming.

Then he learned his father and brothers were arrested and…

The creature grabbed his hand just as he opened the chest that held his father’s Assassin robes.

He whispered the same thing once more.

“Give the evidence to House Medici. Uberto Alberti betrayed your father.”

Ezio was scared, of course.

But…

He also knew that the creature was trying to help.

So he heeded his warning and went straight to House Medici.

.

Ratonhnhaké:ton first encountered him his first night in Achilles’ home. The closet door creaked open and he slipped into Ratonhnhaké:ton’s room. A being older and more powerful than anything Ratonhnhaké:ton had ever seen.

But he wasn’t afraid.

There was no need to be afraid.

He knew that he had not done anything to offend the being so he greeted him in his native language.

He used a thousand voices that whispered all over the room.

He simply told Ratonhnhaké:ton to not forget to eat dinner next time and left.

He became a nightly visitor, sometimes moving out of Ratonhnhaké:ton’s room to wander the manor in one of their regular walks.

Achilles confronted Ratonhnhaké:ton one morning about his nightly visitor.

“He’s a ghost that has haunted the Brotherhood. Seeing him means he’s marked you.”

“Marked me?”

“You will do great things, Connor. Maybe you will guide the Brotherhood and lead us to greater heights. Maybe you’ll leave the Templar Order in a storm of fire and ashes. You will leave your name in the Brotherhood and one day… you will disappear from this world and will never be found.”

.

Other possible adoptions:

- Edward would start seeing him in the chest in the captain’s room in the Jackdaw.

- Arno would see him underneath the bed in the room he was given in the de la Serre mansion. He runs away from the de la Serre once Desmond learns they’re Templars and ‘whispers’ to Arno that Monsieur de la Serre may have something to do with the death of his father.

- Jacob and Evie starts seeing him after their mother died and their father left for India. Desmond has his own ‘room’ in the train where he would slip in and out of.

- If you want to include Shay, Desmond could slip out underneath his cot in Morrigan’s captain room after they left Lisbon and Shay starts seeing him as a ‘nightmare’ haunting his guilt over what happened in Lisbon.

- Bayek would start seeing him after Khemu’s death and he thinks he’s one of the old gods, reminding him to avenge his child. (maybe Khemu even talks about Desmond as a friend who helps him sleep)

- Instead of Kassandra, we can make Desmond adopt Alexios as Deimos and turn this into ‘tired dad and chaotic mass murdering gremlin’ XD)

- Basim starts seeing Desmond in the shadows of Alamut and tries to ignore him, thinking that a spirit haunting this place would not ‘talk’ to him if he pretends that he can’t see him. Jokes on him, Desmond is there because he can ‘see’ the Isu sleeping inside Basim.

- Eivor sees Desmond her first night in Ravensthorpe and assumes he’s a spirit of the land so she treats him with respect.

[kokorowoutsu]

-- Summer Vacation ‘23: Fiore Exploration (4)

After a day to themselves, Ashe and Leon set out the next morning for Ringtown. Passing through East Road and the forest that took them to Panula Cave, the two were left to experience the pokemon and their way of life as well as take pictures or take some time to themselves as they passed through it and to Krokka Tunnel. Not anticipating how long this cave system was, they were aided by some wild pokemon to escort them out and upon exiting, unfortunately nightfall had already come upon them. Deciding to camp outdoors, the two lovebirds were fine to sleep knowing that the pokemon meant no ill will so long as respect was given. That seemed to be how things ran here -- but did it run that way for the other two regions?

Either way, in another part of the region, Kianga was having the time of his life with blending in as a pokemon himself. The pokemon here were shocked to find out he was a hybrid, of course, but he was able to blend in more easily and, well, be himself -- but that didn’t stop him from following Ruko’s lead should the Lucario need it.

And as for Grusha, the man was resting today, spending some time listening to some old folklore about the area. The folklore was intriguing to say the least and worth retelling later to his grandfather for the King’s studies, but more then that it was just nice to have some time to breathe -- but as night fell, he made sure to head to the seaside and let his pokemon have time to play while he sat on the docks, watching as Kona played among the wild Mantine and Mantyke and Hope and Ezio ran back and forth racing the waves. Lolair remained with his trainer, preening himself like a cat might. 

Overall, a quiet day and time for everyone.

---

Summerland Town, Fiore / Fall City, Fiore -> TRAVELING -> Lyra Forest, Fiore !!

Ashe Team: Sylveon (Lucky), Lapras (Loch), Liepard (Logan).

Leon Team: Decidueye (Alola/Celeste), Corviknight (Mordred), Gyarados* (Vivian).

Kianga Team: Espeon (Lavender).

Grusha Team: Weavile (Lolair), Eevee (Ezio), Mantine* (Kona), Wooloo (’Hope’/on loan).

@pokemon-experiments​

[sulfies]

this been in my doc for a while decided to just put it here, Its a bit edgy lol and tbh Im just not that into this kind of dynamic to build upon it. I don't even know what I did w Desmond in my head the apple kinda put him in this restart/reboot stage where it will take a while for him to come back (if he ever does). also didn't rlly re-read or edit this so probably there are some typos :D enjoyyy I wont ever finish it

----------------------------------

“You cannot keep him here Ezio!”

“And where else? Don't suggest jail because I already told you he is of no danger to us!”

A Hand slammed on the table “How would you know! He has only been here for a week, It is not hard to keep up an act of mental handicap that long!”

“Machiavelli! Are you crazy-”

The door muffling the conversation slammed open with a boom of voices “Crazy?! The only crazy ones here is him and YOU for not getting rid of him, Ezio!”

The shouting figure pointed at him.

Desmond blinked slowly from where he was sitting.

“I know you are not as dumb as you talk to be Ezio , so please! This screams enemy spy all over the situation, please don't let the whole brotherhood be compromised for… him?”

Ezio sighed, he of course knew Machiavelli was right to be worried but he just did not understand it. He looked at Desmond's silent sitting form, as doll-like as ever. Barely blinking.

“I… listen if anything… anything happens it's on me okay Machiavelli?”

The other scoffed as he turned his back to exit “as if at any point of this I had a crumb of fault in on it, of course it's on you. Always is. Will bring the collapse of this branch just as you built it!” 

He stopped at the open door.

“When this goes all down, and you and I know both that it will, I will not help you clean it.”

Ezio smiled after him “You are the best…”

His reply was a slammed shut door.

“I swear he is nicer once he gets to know you” He turned to Desmond who stood exactly as he was left a moment ago. Ezio’s smile stood on his face.

“And he will come around… he just doesn’t get it but how can he?”

Walking next to him, his hand squeezed Desmond's knee.

“He doesn’t have what we share does he?”

His free hand clasped at the back of his neck and they stood there a bit with their foreheads touching as Ezio inhaled deeply.

“Let's get you ready for sleep”

He straightened up and pulled Desmond softly with him. He knew he could but Ezio was kind of glad he didn't need to carry him everywhere.

Desmond followed him silently as he was led through the hideouts halls and through the open door. Stopping only once the figure in the front did.

“There we are… was a busy day huh”

Ezio turned toward him, tugging at his hand delicately as he led him to sit down on the bed.

It was silent as Desmond got readied. Ezio took his time as he went over their now nighttime routine.

 His shirt and pants were peeled off of his skin, bearing the gold markings that covered his body onto night air. The origin points of the strange lines decorating his tan skin started from Desmond's left hand.

Ezio's finger gave a butterfly touch to one on his neck then pulled over a nightshirt to cover the man's whole form.

Next, his face was cleaned as Ezio wiped it with a damp warm cloth slowly, as if cleaning a beloved hand painted figurine. His fingers raked through his short curls giving them a brush they did not really need.

Few more extra steps and Ezio stepped back with a satisfied gaze. “My, now you look ready”

He lifted the blanket and patted for Desmond to get in “Time for sleep”

Desmond followed, laying down on the bed on his back, letting Ezio drape and tuck the blanket over him. Ezio hummed happily.

“Good night Desmond, go to sleep now”

Desmond's blank eyes stared back at him for a few more moments, his brown eyes gave a short low hum of golden glow before his eyelids closed over them.

Ezio squatted down near the bed and looked at Desmonds sleeping form for few minutes, listening to the mans almost dead silent breaths.

Satisfied, Ezio grunted in a job well done and stretched his back as he got up. Walking upto the couch facing the bed he plopped down face first onto it. Arranging himself to better see Desmond he got comfortable. It didnt take long for him to fall asleep with all the watching rather than keeping watch he did.

[voidselfshipp]

The Assasin and The Proper Englishman.

Cw: violence,characters almost asphyxiating to the death. Bullying the english.

Summary: Shaun finds Jerico to be his rival in both work and his social life. But soon his heart turns the tables,much to his chagrin.

>Happens during the ezio saga. Only mutuals allowed to reblog. To those that dont know,Lucy is a templar mole,hence some of the stuff here.

Ever since Jerico had met Shaun Hastings,they had found the Man annoying,if not as Smart as he claimed to be. Pretty,but he had a way of stepping over everybody's nerves. He had the option to be kind,thoughtful,but he really shows his softer side.

And shaun,though he would never admit,had found the company of Jerico Castro quite amusing and pleaseant. Until the first time him and them had their first disagreement. If he was to described them in that moment it would be "Feisty" . And by god,does he love feisty.

The rest,couldnt stand it.

--Desmond,make yourself useful Will you?--Shaun told the Man with the scar across his upper lip.

--Useful?--Desmond scoffed-- Being hooked up to that machine and living in the past for most of the day isnt enough?

--More than enough-- Jerico intervened from their desk,they were finagling a sort of signal disruptor so Abstergo didnt find them in their hideout in Italy. Monteriggioni is a beautiful place,but they've been holed up in there for weeks now-- Mind Him little,hes pissy because he hasnt had his afternoon tea yet. You know how englishmen are...

Desmond laughed and Shaun stood up from his desk towards the young Lady. --You- Mouthy Child! -- he sighed out a hiss,and sat back down.

--very mature of you,Hastings-- Jer added, clicking a component into place within the motherboard.

--Rich coming from the punkarse with that colorful, "so-called" battle vest. Didnt you know we're supposed to hide in plain sight?

Without looking up from their work,they screech a--So called?!--Next thing Shaun feels is a breeze and something cutting through the air.

His eyes widen as infront of the wall his desk is facing, there is a flat head screw driver bouncing side to side embedded in the brick. The trayectory indicates that by a mere centimeter it has missed his head.

--Are you crazy?!--He yelled,looking at his companions for help but they all look at him to let him know well and clear that hes gotten what he desweved-- Unbelivable!

--Next time it wont miss your head-- Jeri walks up with intent to him,their green eyed gaze darkens with the anger of a lion. They stand with their nose against his,their breath on his lips. Their hand reached past his head to the screwdriver And pulled it back with ease.

--Lo-Loud and clear,ma'am-- He cleared his throat,his cheeks Pink as they walk away. He turns his gaze away,and then to the hole that the screwdriver left. -- by god,you carved a five centimeter hole into that wall!

--Dont invoke my wrath,Hastings--They raise the screwdriver for him to see and shake it a little. He swallows hard and he slowly returns to sitting,his hands a little shaky.

-♡-

--Heres your tea,whiny ass -- Jerico set a cup of tea on the desk of Shaun-- I packed some before we left from the other encampment.

--This is your way of saying sorry?--He chuckled,grabbing the cup.

--I feel sorry for the wall,not you.

He snorted-- of course,and here I was thinking you took a shine to me-- he took a sip of his tea and his eyes widened a little at the taste. Honey and milk,mixed with black tea at the perfect rate so all flavors dont overpower eachother-- How do you know how I like my tea?

Jeri shrugged-- You mentioned it in passing once,it stuck. I remember everything you tell me.

With his face warming up,he looks away-- You always had good long term memory,yes. Uh,much appreciated. 

--Well,i cant say your taste in tea is bad. Good combination-- They admit,to then cough a little-- I uh- I warmed up the milk,just so the tea didnt get lukewarm while you drank it.

--Thats...very thoughtful. Ill try to not shove my head too far up these books...too much work gone to waste if so-- He opens up one of the books on his desk and grows silent.

--Right yes...-- They clear their throat-- Its a nice change,usually you have your head shoved up your ass.

He has to hold back a laugh-- We were having a nice moment just now,but I guess I cant have too much sweet without some sour.

--The spice of life,Hastings-- Jeri playfully smacks him upside the head. Theyve done this before but this time theyre conciously gentle with him,which makes his heart skip a beat.

He doesnt watch them leave,out of fear his heart might run up and cling to their leg if he does so. Or his gaze might get lost in the swaying of their hips.

-♡-

Jerico sat at their desk, about to finish the outer Shell of the disruptor. They Grab their thermos,decorated with all sorts of stickers. They lift it up and feel the hefty weight of warm water...

--Who refilled my thermos?--They asked,looking Back at Rebecca,Desmond and Lucy.

--Shaun did--Rebbeca answered.

--He didnt boil the water,did he?

Desmond scoffed a laugh-- he spent ten minutes researching if mate should be drank with boiling hot water or not. He even shoved a thermostat into the electric kettle to be sure.

Jeri smiles,biting on their lips to stop themself. They look away and find that the Yerba Mate herbs on their Mate(the gourd you use to drink out of) were changed for fresh ones too.

Stuck to the side of the gourd there is a beige sticky note. A fitting color for a Man like Shaun. "Youre welcome -S" reads the note.

--Sneaky little englishman-- They whisper in spanish,that smile still fighting to get through as the hot water fell into the herb filled gourd.

-♡-

--Come on Hastings! Thats all you got?!--Jerico asked as he grabs the leg of Shaun and rolls him over his back and slams him into the foam matress.

--Gah! Not even close! Im an assasin-- he hooked his legs over their head and used his weight to flip them onto the matress as well.

--Some assasin you are!--Their foot sneaks between his legs and presses against the mouth of his stomach,kicking with the strength of a thousand horses.

Shaun gasped and jer rolled away and back up to their feet. The englishman looks up at the handsome face of Jerico,they had used make up to masculinize their face. Yet still those breath taking,hunter eyes remain.

--Thats...going to leave a bruise-- Shaun heaved, standing up-- Alright...how about this!--He kicks the hilt of one of the knives thrown about from previous training. He grabs it with ease,a surprising move.-- This is a proper Knife throw!

He stands properly and throws the Knife,the dull blade spinning across the training room towards Jeri,who catches it mid air as they spin to Grab the hilt and not the blade.

With the Inertia they throw the Knife back and it lunges between the Mans legs,missing barely the underside of his pants.

--Mines bigger-- they say with a smirk and a sassy tilt of their head.

--Show off!--He huffed,dusting off his hands on his shirt.

--Here,let me show you-- they circle around him,a hand slipping past his mid section to move him. The warmth of their palm makes his abdomen flutter.

Jerico grabs the Knife,flips it and offers the hilt to Shaun who takes it. He gives one glare to the male looking person infront of him and turns back.

--you want your Back to be Straight, your stance wide--They push a hand against his spine,his Back straightens and they nudge his legs appart with their foot. --use your whole body to throw it,like throwing a punch...

--But with blades--He scoffed to regain some of his pride.

--But with blades, yes.

Their breath pressed against his neck,a little ragged but warm. He blinks away the bashfulness and throws it without much presition. The hilt impacts the opposite wall and it skitters uncerempniously to the floor where it clatters loudly.

Before Shaun can defend his pride,both hear-- so this is what you do while im working...-- desmond quipped, fresh out of the animus machine.

Jerico snorted,and playfully pushed their friend who stumbles and almost falls face first on the floor. He was caught off guard,too much for his liking.

--Just training,not all of us can play a videogame and gain Real experience in the Battlefield.--They add with a snort, then they begin to walk out of the room-- Get changed,Shaun. Its our turn for a supply run..

--Brilliant-- the englishman scoffed, resting his hands on his knees as he catches his breath-- Simply brilliant. -- he shakes his head with desbelief-- they didnt break a swear,Wanker.

He does get changed,and with his hood pulled up him and Jerico drive into town. The air is silent as the radio plays and the wheels of their SUV crunches against the dirt path down the hill.

--Hey so about that Knife throw...--He says,a little awkward as he looses the collar of his shirt.

--Dont worry 'bout it...--They answer simply as they drive-- You'll get better at it.

--I s'ppose...

Silence falls again,and his eyes settle on their shoulders,how their face is covered by a black hood. And something strikes him as odd,like something's missing.

--No battle vest? -- he asked,just a little worried.

--No need to bring attention to ourselves, as you said.-- they arent in a mood,thankfully,just concentrated on not being seen by the templars if there are any of them in that road.

He looks away and puts his head on his hand--Pity,it looks good on you.

And though he doesnt see their smile,he can hear it-- Thank you,Shaun.

"Its shaun now?" He thinks with a smile,but doesnt say much else.

When they get into town,they go about getting their things with smalltalk weaved in to kill the silence. Jerico spent most of it looking at the architecture,and Shaun dropping in fun facts and things.

They go into a supermarket and get what they need,but Shaun seems to notice something is off. A pair of men following them about,he thought at first they were creeps, but as they stand in line to pay he puts a cautionary hand on Jers Lower back to get their attention.

--Possible templars behind us-- he missed the way they yelped at his touch-- lets Pay and get the bloody hell out of here.

--Yep,yep-- They mutter,and when their turn comes they go about their bussiness quickly and both get out.

--Let me Carry some of them,sharing the weight Will make you less slow if we need to make a run for it-- He says against their ear-- Cmon.

Jeri feels their cheeks warm up,and he keeps one arm around their hips as the other carries some of the bags. Both duck and weave through the crowd,and he uses the hand on their hips to tug them close if they get too far away from him in the masses.

--Almost lost them- Cmon--Shaun tugs at them and just as theyre about to make a run for it both Stumble upon two teenagers. One holds a mic and the other a camera.

The teen holding the mic is a girl,she smiles wide at the pair and asks-- Sorry! But can we ask you a few questions? You two look like a couple!

Behind them the templars approach,but they wont make a move in broad daylight and with witnesses. Shaun and Jeri exchange looks and know already what to do. What a story this Will be.

--Yes,indeed! We are...--He says nervously,Jer has to hold back a roll of their eyes. Awkwardest Man in all of Italy and the UK.

--Perfect! Can we get your names first?--The girl asked.

--Guy Fawkes-- He answers.

--Evita-- Jeri lied.

--Perfect! Guy and Evita how long have you two been together?

Jerico snorted-- A long while, almost five years?

Shaun knows thats the ammount of years they've been working together, so he goes along-- Yes,Five Years. We met at...work.

--Oh,wonderful! Was it love at first sight?--The girl asked.

--God, no--Jerico snorted, shaking their head--We butt heads often.

--And what changed the tide?

The englishman blinked,seeing he couldnt rely on Jeri's mind this time as theyre not sure what to say. --A good cup of tea-! -- he finally added,and gained a look of disbelief from his fellow assasin. -- they have a great hand for such things, Couldnt help but fall in love instantly.

Jerico felt their face warm up,they must be bright red right now-- Yeah,the best way to a Mans heart is through his stomach and all that-- They smiled awkwardly.

--And what are some pet reeves you two have of eachother?--the girl asked,and Jeri got that glint in their eyes,and their fellow assasin too.

--Well he eats with his mouth Open sometimes..--Jerico began.

--I do no such thing!--the Man chided with indignation deep within himself-- Im a proper englishman! --He put his hands on his hips-- And you! How rich coming from the person that burps out loud!

--Oh yeah because you've never passed gas before? I know for a fact you have!

The girl blinks with surprise and turns to her friend-- Maybe we should look for another couple,thank you for your time!--She begins looking around and at that,Shaun stops arguing and in a stroke of genius he turns back to the two templars.

--Those two seem like good candidates. --He added before continuing the fight and escalating it.

Without much else and not wanting to be around the fight,both teens run to the templars. When they are all up in their business,Shaun takes Jericos hand and hastily pulls them away.

Soon they make it to their SUV and book it out of the town between laughs.

--The faces they made!--Jeri said with a smile-- That was a stroke of genius,Shaun.

--Hah! Thank you. Though it was brilliant to follow along with the ruse of us being together. -- his hand reaches for their thigh.

They snorted-- Yeah,can you imagine?

His heart squeezes a little,and he looks out the Window. His hand retreats to fall on his lap with almost a sadness--Yeah,quite daft...

The rest of the drive is silent.

-♡-

--Whats up with Shaun?-- Desmond asked,looking at his historian co-worker-- Hes been nose deep since the last supply run.

--Hes been nose deep into his books,more than usual--rebecca agreed, though shes worried-- Jer told me they didnt have any fights during the trip. So,no clue.

--Weird...

Its only now jerico enters the room to Grab their signal disruptor. They look confused when Desmond and Rebecca give them odd looks,but they shrug it off and walk to Shaun.

Truth was that they hadnt been able to get him out of their head since the trip, would it really be so bad if they both tried to be together?.

A gentle hand settles on the Mans shoulder,and the voice that follows makes him jump a little-- hey,im going to set up the signal disruptor. Heading into town for a few days,want to come with?

--Uh. No-- Shaun answered,crude and to the Point-- Too busy.

--Ill go with you!--Lucy pipes up,A little too eager. She grabs her jacket from her chair-- If you want.

--Uh...sure.-- jer squeezed the Man shoulders with longing and Walked off with the woman.

Shaun sighed and got closer to his book,his heart so heavy it might drag him to the floor and into an early grave.

-♡-

Jerico and Lucy had set up in a nearby motel, while the woman was simply unpacking what little she had brought,they were sitting at the Window warthing the world underneath.

--Whats up?--Asked lucy.

--Oh nothing s'just..--Jer rested their hands on their lap-- I worry about Shaun,hes not himself

--Thats very sweet of you-- she added with a smile-- Are you sure nothing happened during the trip?

They shrugged-- No,not really. I mean one second we're laughing about the templars being caught off guard,and when I make the joke that it would be silly if we actually were together he- oh my god.

--I think we know now--Lucy said conciliatorilly. She walks up to them and puts a hand on their shoulder-- Maybe Shaun and You dont really hate eachother..

--We have our disagreements,I dont necessarily hate the Man. He can be sweet,and funny...he can manage to be mean and funny... I dont like seeing him sad like that.

--You two can talk about it when we're back. Alright?--They nodd,now thinking what exactly to say-- ill go shower,we Will put the disruptor tomorrow morning.

Lucy walks away,leaving Jeri alone with their thoughts and their yearning for the englishman.

Meanwhile,Shaun is having a cup of tea as he looks out one of the Windows of the hideout. His worry hangs heavy on him like a layer of muck he cant wash off. "Is jerico okay? Did they make it to town? Are they hungry? Tired?" He thought,taking a sip of his tea.

--Okay dude,really whats up?--Desmond comes from behind him,silent as the fucking night.

--Jesus christ!--He yelled, his heart leaping into his throat-- give me a heart attack why dont you! Christ.

Desmond held back a few laughs-- Okay old Man,dont drop dead now. -- he smirked at the glare he gets-- Whats up? You've been all gloomy.

--it doesnt matter.-- he grumbled,returning his sight to the outside,though His mind is well beyond the glass and the italian countryside,almost hoping he could see the city jeri is in.

--Is it about Jer?

--....-- He says nothing but his silence betrays him alongside his pursed lips and the way he slouches a little.

--You need to talk it with somebody,either with them or with one of us.

Shaun sighed loudly and finished his tea. He doesnt meet his Friends gaze but he does ask-- would it be silly if I asked jerico out?

Desmond blinks in surprise,suddenly the air feels heavy. The rug wasnt pulled from underneath his feet,the whole earth was.

--Dont you...hate them?

--Hate?god, no!--The Man chided-- Do I find them annoyingly rebellious? Yes. Do I find them frustratingly good at everything? Yes. They can be a bit of a smartass too but- By god arent they the hottest,funniest and kindest smartass ive ever met. I dont hate them,no.

The other Man scoffs and pats his back-- Then no,it wouldnt be silly if you asked them out. Get 'em,tiger.

With that,Desmond leaves. Shaun rolls his eyes-- Bloody brilliant-- He grumbled.

-♡-

When jerico was scaling up the radio tower to set the disruptor in place,they couldnt stop thinking about Shaun. They Grab their radio and say:

--Helios to Deacon,Helios to Deacon. Disruptor placed, do you copy?

Shaun rushed to the radio equipment and pressed a button on it--Deacon to Helios. Solid copy. Recieved. Return to the nest.

--Ten four,Deacon--The communication cuts,and hes left smiling like an idiot. Rebecca looks on surprised while she keeps an eye on Desmond who is connected to the animus.

When jerico and lucy return,Shaun runs up to his crush and brings them in for a tight hug that catches them by surprise. They hug back and smile a little confused.

He seems to catch himself and brutely pulled back. -- Good to see you two are alive and well...

--Missed you too--Jer chuckles,face Pink.

--Shush.

--You can say it.

--I didnt- i mean I did-

Lucy pulls them back into the hide out before their screams are heard by all of italy.

Sadly,beacause of work, Shaun wasnt able to ask Jerico out. there was too Many things to research on his end and they were so close to finding what they were looking for that Jerico was too busy making sure the Animus kept running and didnt break because of all the use it was getting.

Days slipped away where they were in the same room,but too busy. No more thermos filled with water,or cups of tea.

But weeks later,when the disruptor was being hijacked,he saw his opportunity to accompany Jerico back to the city. The drive was filled with tension, and when they finally manage to infiltrate the building that held the radio tower...

A brute shaking of the elevator stops Shaun in his tracks. Jeri holds on to his torso in a tight hug and he holds them protectively. He knows this is their living nightmare.

--Rebecca?--Shaun asked through his radio.

--Its the disruptor! The templars are messing with it...--Rebecca hissed. At that,the fans of the elevator kick in. --Oh god...

--Oh god?! What do you mean-? --Shaun chided as his throat gets dry.

Jerico jumps from his arms,pulling their hidden blade and shoving it between the Doors of the lift. They have to get it Open.

--The templars are sucking out the air! Im trying to stop them,dont move and dont waste air.

--Bloody brilliant!--He chided. Before his eyes turn to Jeri who is fighting like a rabid animal to get the Doors open-- theyre magnetically sealed! Dont waste your breath!

--I need to- i-!--Jerico keeps pushing to no avail-- I wont die like this!

--You Will if you dont fucking stop!

Shaun grabs them by the waist and pulls them back,but not without a good fight. As he would describe them,they are feisty and vicious.

It only makes him love them more.

He slams them against the opposite wall of the elevator and holds their hands over their head,looming over them-- Listen to me you idiot! This is a waste of breath. Rebbeca is on it,calm the fuck down.

Jerico Glares at him,but they stop fighting. He drags them down to sit with him,and he curls up a little with them fully curling up into themselves.

--For now you have five minutes of oxygen. Its enough...--Rebbeca says to try and soothe them. --I got this.

Shaun worries when Jeri doesnt say anything else. He puts a hand on their shoulder and they shake it off,so he gives them space.

Four minutes...

--Rebecca is really good at this. She'll get us out. --He reassured,yet he got no answer.

Three minutes...

--This Will be my legacy?--Jerico asked with a string of a voice.

--it wont be,ill be sure of that-- Shaun promised,opening his arm. They snuggle right against him.

Two minutes.

--We're almost through--He said softly-- Shes doing the best she can.

--I know...--They mutter.

One minute.

--Would it really be silly if we both were together?--Jerico asked.

--No,it wouldnt.

Thirty seconds.

--Cant believe this...--Shaun scoffed-- all the years ive known you and only now I realize...

--Dont waste your breath.-- Jer urged.

--Years of complaining about you,of getting into stupid fights...

--Shaun!--Jerico barked.-- stop.

Twenty seconds.

--I wont!--He takes their face in their hands and holds them dearly,hes starting to feel weak-- I wont die without telling you...

Their eyes leave him breathless.

Ten seconds.

--Telling me...? -- they beg,holding the hands on their cheeks,clinging to the sight of his eyes and that stupid face they came to love.

Five seconds.

--That I love you--With his last bit of strength he pulls them into a kiss,one they return-- That I love you more than I realized,and that I was a fool to fight you for so Long-- another kiss.

--I was an idiot too...--They gasp-- I cant believe I hadnt realized...-- they kiss him again,and cuddle closer.

Silence settles over the pair.

--Got it!--Rebecca yelled,the lift shakes and starts to go up again. Air fills the chamber and its enough to pull them from the brink of unconciousness.

Shaun clings to jerico,holding their face like its a treasure. He looks and makes sure they are okay before hopping into the radio and cursing the absolute shit out of Rebecca.

--What took you so bloody long! We couldve died!--He mustve spent a minute cussing her out. Jerico couldnt help but laugh in desbelief, breathless laughs as they Nestle their face against his chest and hugs his torso. He hugs back and keeps laying into Rebecca who takes it without a Word spoken.

When they make it to the tower they make quick work of the templars that were guarding it. Fighting together,after what they lived,is easy.

--Is that my footwork!--Jerico asked with a smile as their hidden blade plunges into the chest of a templar.

--Indeed!-- Shaun grinned as he drops the now dead man he was fighting. -- look out!

He grabs the Knife on the belt of his enemy,he straightens his back and his stance wide. He swings with his while body and the blade spins past jerico,missing them by an inch and befalling the last of their enemy soldiers.

The templar falls back first. And silence hangs in the air for a moment.

Jerico chuckles and gives him a tilt of their head,a proud one--Sick moves.

--Learnt from the best.

With that,he watches them go up the radio tower with ease. He wonders if their work out as an aerial dancer helped in any regard.

He really needs to watch them train more often.

Shaun lingers around the tower,almost ready to catch them if anything happens. Jerico unplugs the disruptor,presses a few keys and re-routes it as Rebecca kicks out the templars from the device's Network and patches up the holes.

Once its all done,its plugged back in and jer hops down to Shaun who hugs them tight. They hug back,and that night at the Motel both sleep in the same bed.

-♡-

Once back at the hide out,shaun wasted no time in going back to his bitchy self. Only now jeri didnt fight him.

The moment anyone asked anything of him,he loudly said-- no,fuck all of you. Im going to Grab my girlfriend-- He went to hold Jericos hand-- And take them out on a proper date. Piss off.

Neither Rebecca,desmond or Lucy fought him on it.

He looks at his lover and says--Shall we?

They smile and nodd--Lets.

A tiny smile appears on the englishman's face,and he walks with his beloved out of the hideout.

Everyone had the sinking feeling that Shaun would become even more insufferable. But hey,at least the date he had in mind was really,really nice.

A proper englishman indeed.

[dollycas]

Case of the Bayfront Murder: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery by S.K. Derban #GuestPost / #Giveaway - Great Escapes Book Tour @s.k.derban @awriterofmystery

Case of the Bayfront Murder: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery by S.K. Derban Conner Reeves Let’s meet Terza before I introduce you to Conner. Terza Tiepolo is the owner of Macaroni on Wheels, a full-service catering company in Little Italy, San Diego. I have included two character cards for readers to enjoy. One features Terza Tiepolo, and the other features Conner Reeves. Of course, they are best friends! Readers originally met Conner in my second book, Uneven Exchange. He is a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration. Conner works at the National City headquarters, in the County of San Diego. Uneven Exchange, a stand-alone mystery book, takes place primarily in San Diego and Mexico. After the title was featured in a BookBub deal-of-the-day, I received numerous requests to write a sequel. Readers wanted to know more about Conner, and how the story ended for one of the main characters named Rico. But since my heart belonged to cozy mysteries, I would have to find another way to finish their story. I wrote Conner as a single man living in the Mission Valley area of San Diego. He recently purchased his own condominium, and was feeling the desire to settle down and begin a family. Uneven Exchange took place in San Diego, and Case of the Bayfront Murder, my new cozy mystery would also take place in San Diego. The locations created the perfect opportunity to add Conner. The seed of an idea blossomed, and Conner Reeves would be featured in all three of the Macaroni on Wheels cozy mystery series. Deciding how to include Rico came naturally as Conner and Rico were already friends. Rico is featured in Case of the Curved Staircase, the second cozy in my Macaroni on Wheels series. Just wait until you read what happens. I know readers will smile, and some may also shed a tear! Conner is a cutie, with blond hair, and gorgeous baby-blue eyes. He is physically fit, and adores surfing. Conner also adores Terza, perhaps more than just a friend. He is very kind, loving, and fits in well with Terza’s family. Conner would make a wonderful husband. Terza feels conflicted. She enjoys spending time with Conner, and can almost visualize herself in a relationship with him. Almost is the key word. Terza is unsure, and feeling very unlucky in love. There is a definite attraction, but will they, or won’t they? There is a fun “Lady in Red” scene in Case of the Curved Staircase, and the relationships are tied up with a beautiful bow in Case of the Paella Party. I did not leave my readers hanging, I promise! I wrote the perfect Happily Ever After ending – but who ends up with whom? I hope you enjoy reading all three of the Macaroni on Wheels cozy mystery series. Have fun with the following Character Cards! About Case of the Bayfront Murder Case of the Bayfront Murder: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery Cozy Mystery 1st in Series Setting - Little Italy, San Diego and San Diego Bay Publisher ‏ : ‎ S.K. Derban (March 27, 2024) Paperback ‏ : ‎ 278 pages ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1963188020 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1963188028 Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CV5Z5VY2 Little Italy in San Diego, once a thriving fishing community, has blossomed into a prominent tourist destination. Nestled in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood, both travelers and residents find the Tiepolo Mercato a favorite spot to stop and shop. Ezio and Benedette Tiepolo are the proprietors of the Mercato, while their daughter owns Macaroni on Wheels, the catering company located directly next door. There’s more than pasta cooking in the Macaroni on Wheels kitchen. Meet Terza Tiepolo, a feisty Italian caterer who fills her free time solving crime. She belongs to a local murder mystery book club, and leads the other participants in their monthly whodunnit contest. Terza also works diligently to grow her catering business. But when a prominent doctor hires Terza’s company to cater a dinner party, she never expects murder to be on the menu. The prestigious bayfront event should enhance the Macaroni on Wheels portfolio, and Terza anticipates meeting many potential new clients. On the day of the party, Terza arrives early to prepare, only to discover her grand expectations are as dead as the body on the kitchen floor. Fans of cozy mysteries will revel in solving the murder along with Terza, and will appreciate her zest for life. Readers will also treasure the introduction to her vibrant Italian relatives. They will enjoy getting to know the Tiepolo family, and will smile at the special relationship Terza has with her mother and father. The fun never stops when the animated relatives join together each Sunday for dinner. Consider this your personal invitation! Great Escapes Praise for Case of the Bayfront Murder: A Macaroni on Wheels Mystery by S.K. Derban This was a fun and funny mystery in a wonderful setting – San Diego’s Little Italy. The writing brought this place to life and I felt like I was on a little vacation as I was reading. ~Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books Case of the Bayfront Murder is a nicely paced, cozy mystery with many clues to sift through while enjoying time with family and friends. Sit back with a glass of wine or a cool, refreshing gelato and try to figure out whodunnit! ~Novel's Alive About S.K. Derban  S.K. Derban resides with her husband in Southern California. Although born in the United States she moved to London within the first three months and remained in England until the age of five. Her father, an American citizen, was a decorated veteran of the Second World War. Her British mother was involved with the London Royal Ballet Company and a great fan of the arts. After returning to the United States, Derban’s life remained filled with a love of the theatre and a passion for British murder mysteries. S.K. Derban’s personal travel and missionary escapades are readily apparent as they shine through into her characters. Readers are often transported virtually across the globe. She has traveled to Hong Kong on five separate occasions to smuggle Bibles into China and has been to Israel on seven missionary trips. Derban’s other adventures include visits to Bangkok, Greece, Egypt, Italy, and the Caribbean. Beginning with her faith in the Lord, S.K. Derban relies on all aspects of her life when writing. She hopes her books will allow readers to go on holiday without having to pack! Author Links Facebook - Twitter/X - Instagram - Goodreads - BookBub - Website  Purchase Link Amazon Also written by S.K. Derban TOUR PARTICIPANTS - Please visit all the stops. August 12 – Mystery, Thrillers, and Suspense – SPOTLIGHT   August 12 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – RECIPE August 13 – Christy's Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST August 13 – Lady Hawkeye – SPOTLIGHT August 14 – Sarah Can't Stop Reading Books – REVIEW August 14 – Maureen's Musings – SPOTLIGHT August 15 – Literary Gold – SPOTLIGHT August 15 – Novels Alive – REVIEW August 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy  REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW August 16 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 17 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT August 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST August 18 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT August 18 – StoreyBook Reviews – AUTHOR GUEST POST August 19 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW August 19 – Baroness Book Trove – SPOTLIGHT August 20 – Elizabeth McKenna - Author – SPOTLIGHT August 20 – Eskimo Princess Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT August 21 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT, EXCERPT a Rafflecopter giveaway Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here to Find Details and Sign Up Today! Want to Book a Tour? Click Here Your Escape Into A Good Book Travel Agent This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using my links, I will receive a small commission from the sale at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Escape With Dollycas. Read the full article