Stand Down
A/N: I’m so sorry this took so long. I ended up rewriting it entirely with a completely different Haytham/Reader meeting.
The bustle of the market blared in the distance. Men shouting the prices of their livestock and crops, women advertising hand made clothing and quilts. Despite its bustle, visiting the market always had a trance-like effect on me, calming me in an odd way that only this place, and another, had this effect on me.
As I browsed the exotic fruits, freshly brought in from the harbor, an eerie sensation washed over me; the hairs on my neck stood on end as I glanced around instinctively. Despite the feeling, everything was as it normally was. Still unnerved, I resumed my browsing picking up a pomegranate. The rare fruit was well beyond my ability to buy it, but I hoped one day I could scrape enough to get one to try. Sorrowfully I put the fruit down with a sigh.
“Not to your liking?” The voice startled me from my thoughts, a man clad in a navy blue coat, and matching hat stood next me. His hair was neatly pulled back, and his face clean and shaven. He obviously had some form of money and was not of the common drabble that roamed here.
I chuckled nervously, “Well, more like a few coins short.” I began to walk further down the line, browsing other selections, when a slight tap on my shoulder caused me to turn back around.
Holding out the ripened fruit, he gently nodded for me to accept it.
As he drew his hand back, after being freed of the fruit, I thanked him softly. “I’m very grateful, Mister? I’m sorry I don’t think I ever caught your name.”
A smile tugged at the corner of his lips, “Oh right. Haytham Kenway, my dear,” His eyes locked with mine as bowed ever so slightly. “And you?”
“Y/N. Pleased to meet you.” I placed my hand over my chest and gave a slight nod to him. “But thank you again, Mister Kenway.”
Haytham scoffed lightly, “No need for such formalities, really.” He gestured for me to walk with him as he continued through the market.
I kept my eyes off Haytham, the nerves rising in my back forced me to watch every step. Here was this very polite, well spoken individual who I knew nothing about, treating me as an old friend. Needless to say I was very off put by the situation. Though he tried nothing, other than attempting to keep the conversation flowing, I still felt as though he was using this interaction to gain something.
As I selected the last few items I needed for the next few days, I bid Haytham a farewell. “Thank you for keeping me company today, but I have all I came for.”
“It was a pleasure. Please, if you are in town again, do not hesitate to seek me out.” With a tip of his hat, Haytham left into the crowded Boston streets.
I shook my head, ‘Why would I wish to seek him out again? He barely knows me.’ Clearing my thoughts, I loaded the items into the satchels hanging from the horse’s saddle. With the last buckle secure, I grabbed the reins of the paint stallion and led him through the streets.
With the stallion stored away in his stall and the moon beginning to rise on the horizon, I hurried up the small incline and into the manor. I was greeted swiftly by Connor, who lightly placed his forehead against mine. “I’m glad to see you too.” I pulled away and lightly pecked his cheek.
Connor grabbed a few of the bags, leading us to the kitchen, “That trip took a bit longer than the last.”
I sighed heavily as I was glad to be home and in a position to relax, “I had a rather unexpected guest join me. It slowed me down more than I would have liked.”
Confusion colored Connor’s face as he questioned, “Guest? One of the strays?”
“I wish. But no, a man. He seemed a bit eager to get me talking but he was kind enough to buy me this.” I pulled out the rare fruit and placed it on the table. I continued to place away the food as Connor cut open the pomegranate.
He paused before placing the two halves down, “That’s very kind of him, though I will warn you to be careful,” walking over to me, he grabbed my hands, pulling them up to his chest, “Some people can be dangerous.”
“I know,” I pulled away from him and turned back the pantry, sorting the jars and fresh herbs, “but he was so well dress and clean spoken. I guess I lowered my guard.” I paused a bit waiting for Connor, who was leaning against the countertops now, arms crossed, to respond. After a brief silence I continued, “He did tell me his name if that is of any consolation.” Connor tilted his head, with a small hum of curiosity. “Haytham Kenway.”
Connor stiffened, his grip tightening on his bicep, his breathing hitching for a millisecond before turning into shallow breaths.
Noticing the change in his mood, I turned my head to face him slightly. “What?”
“Nothing.” He relaxed the best he could and gave a small smile. Without another word, Connor walked out of the kitchen and out the back door.
The fall moon reached its peak in the sky, and few rooms in Boston still illuminated with the faint glow of candles. Connor dismounted the horse, and stood before the Green Dragon Tavern. Almost bursting through the door, Connor scanned the ground floor that was alive with music, dancing and alcohol induced activities. Walking through the crowd, Connor evaded the bodies that took little notice of him as well. He swiftly climbed the stairs and saw Haytham sitting at a long table with the other Templars.
Haytham quickly noticed Connor. Placing his pint on the table, he excused himself and followed Connor, who after being noticed, walked back down the stairs.
With Haytham on his tail, Connor leaned against the hitching rail, hood raised and arms tightly crossed.
“Brave of you to enter alone.” Haytham’s smug tone caused Connor’s arms to flex.
“Bravery has nothing to do with it.” Standing straight, Connor stomped over to Haytham, pointing a stern finger at him, “Do not come near me or Y/N again. And you know who and what I am referring to. So do not try to play dumb with me, Old Man!”
Haytham scoffed and waved away Connor’s hand, “I was merely being friendly. Hardly something to attack someone for. Besides, Connor, I doubt you give her the proper attention and love she needs.”
“And with your age, I doubt you can no longer give it to her either.” Connor mounted his horse and placed it next to Haytham, “I give you this last warning, stay away from her.”
