AC: Drabbles

Crunch.

Crunch.

A soft sigh. And then...

Crunch.

Sat on the end of the couch, Desmond couldn't help but stare at Shaun, who was sat, as always, at his desk, enjoying the reheated remains of last night's Chinese take out.

He observed silently as Shaun carefully deposited a small mound of rice and meat onto one of the now stale prawn crackers, before shoving the entire thing into his mouth. Desmond grinned, and raised an eyebrow when Shaun turned to blink at him.

"What?"

Desmond grinned. "You're cute when you have a mouth full of food."

Shaun choked, and a blush lit up his cheeks. "Fuck off, Des. I'm eating here."

Desmond began laughing. "See? You're adorable!" He fell back against the couch, still laughing, as Shaun covered his mouth with his hand.

"Desmond! Fuck off, I'm eating here!" Shaun fought back his own giggle. "Will you piss off and let me eat in peace?"

Still laughing hard, Desmond wiped away a tear. "Oh god, you're so damn cute...Your cheeks all puffed up with a mouth full of noms..." He laughed harder as Shaun attempted to continue eating, only to throw the fork he was using down onto his desk in exasperation.

"Desmond, I will gut you alive! Knock it off!" Shaun practically howled as Desmond continued giggling at him. "Piss off, you asshole!"

Now howling with laughter, Desmond lay back on the couch as Shaun picked up his bowl of rice and sweet and sour chicken, shooting a glare over to Desmond. "You're such a fucker..." He snapped, taking his precious food out to the kitchen. Lucy blinked at him as she passed towards the Animus room.

"Shaun?"

"A man can't even eat in peace anymore! Damn it!" He cried out. Lucy strode into the Animus room, arms crossing as she spotted Desmond laughing away on the couch.

"Desmond, what's so damn funny?" She asked softly. "And before you answer, let me ask this. Does it have something to do with Shaun?"

"Tell him he can fuck off!" Shaun called through from the kitchen. "Or buy me a present for being a dick!"

Lucy shook her head, and left Desmond to cry with laughter on the couch.

A few hours later, Shaun was drinking a soda while working, and nibbling on some potato chips...or crisps, as he called them, refusing to bow to the American slang. Desmond strode over to him, leaning down over his shoulder.

"There you go, mouth full of food again." Desmond chuckled at him, and Shaun turned around, cheeks bulging with food, he raised his middle finger slowly. Desmond laughed, and slapped both of Shaun's cheeks playfully.

A jet of lukewarm cola sprayed out over Desmond, who sputtered. "The hell is wrong with you, Shaun?" He snapped, shaking himself free of the cola. "What did I do?"

"Not so cute with a face full of food now, am I?" Shaun chuckled. "Let this be a warning, love...let me eat in peace!"

"British bastard."

"Uncultured swine."


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Desmond's eyes shot open, and he turned his head slightly to gaze at the sleeping face that rested in the pillows beside him. He let his fingers raise ever so slightly  trace along the jaw, his eyes closing as his fingers droppped, and rolled onto his back, staring up at the ceiling. He let a tear slip from his eye, and covered his face with his hands.

"Desmond..." The husky voice, thick with sleep whispered. "It's three in the morning."

"Go-" A lump formed in his throat, and he swallowed, trying to force it down. "Go back to sleep. Just a..."

A what? Bad dream? Strange fantasy? He stared down at his hands as his partner straightened up, and a lamp was switched on.

"What is it?"

"I..." He raised his head, and studying that face, decided he couldn't lie. "I dreamt I was having sex with Lucy."

Shaun blinked at him owlishly, before turning off the lamp and stretching back into the covers. "And you had me worried there for a second."

Desmond stared at him through the dark, feeling as though Shaun had completely missed the point. "Um...just admitted to cheating on you..."

Shaun snorted into his pillow. "It doesn't count in your sleep, dick." He yawned. "It's like you being jealous of me having slept with Robert Downey Jr."

"Uh...what?"

"Did you fucking see him in that Sherlock Holmes film? Fuck yes please with a side of Watson." Shaun yawned again, and tugged the front of Desmond's nightshirt until he moved closer. "Had wet-dreams about that for about a month. So I suppose I've cheated on you, huh?"

"But..."

"Desmond, Lucy fantasizes about jumping your bones practically all the time, but she also has her own little dreams." Shaun buried closer to him, failing to stifle another yawn. "Ask her about Johnny." He sighed, before relaxing against Desmond, who also sagged back into the covers.

"Johnny who?"

"...Depp, of course, who the fuck else?"

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Desmond was stepping past the couch in the animus room, when he realised Shaun was not glued to his keyboard as usual, but instead sat on the couch. Or rather, huddled up as tightly as possible, knees drawn up to his chest, teeth nibbling at his thumbnail as he studied the television through his glasses.

"Shaun-?"

"Shh!" Came the rather impatient hiss. "Either sit and watch, or fuck off!" Shaun wasn't even looking at him, but watching a series of clouds with golden shapes moving through them. Desmond studied the screen for a moment, before clicking his fingers.

"Hey, this is Toccata and Fugue, right?" He asked. Shaun tore his eyes away, and patted the couch impatiently.

"Come and sit, Desmond, you'll like this. Although I find it hard to believe you've not watched Fantasia." He turned back to the screen, studying it as though his life depended on it. Desmond sat down next to him, watching the hypnotic colours dance across the screen. Shaun abruptly stretched his legs out over Desmond's, grinning as Becca stalked past, also doing a double take at the screen.

"Sweet! Sorcerer's Apprentice?" She asked, jumping on the couch next to Desmond. Shaun shook his head.

"Not yet. Nutcracker Suite first." He whispered. Becca cooed happily, and snuggled back into the couch, grinning. Desmond blinked, but went back to staring at the screen.

After sweet fairies had finished their dance across their screen, Lucy sighed happily. "Have I missed the dancing hippos yet?"

"Nowhere near my dear. Have a seat!" Shaun grinned, as flowers floated down across the screen. Lucy squeezed between Desmond and Becca, grinning at them as she sat down. The four Assassins continued to gaze at the screen in near silence, all squashed happily onto the couch as they enjoyed the perfect mix of music and animation.

Almost an hour and half later, Shaun stretched his arms and legs out, grinning. "I think my bum's gone numb." He declared, standing up. Desmond slapped him, hard, laughing at the look of shock on his face.

"Looks like you can feel it again, mister. What's with this, anyway, I thought we had way too much to be done!"

"Call it a Christmas tradition, Desmond. I always watched Fantasia on December first. It lets me know it's almost time to be an indulgent pig." Shaun sat back down. Lucy smiled across at them.

"We've all got our own traditions we impose on each other. We'll be watching Peter Pan a week before Christmas Day, right Becca?"

"Oh Hell yeah we will. Nothing says 'immaturity forever' like the boy that never grew up, right?" She grinned. "Yours still Beauty and the Beast?"

Lucy nodded, sighing. "It's the ballroom...so gorgeous..." She crossed her arms. "You any Christmas Traditions, Desmond?"

Desmond shook his head. "I'm a poor, deprived child, remember?"

Shaun shook his head disbelievingly. "All right then. Favourite Disney film?"

"You'll laugh at me." Desmond paled. "Especially since I only saw it after seeing the third one advertised."

"Really? Which one?" Becca leaned forwards, looking thrilled.

"No...You'll make fun of me!"

Shaun reached down, and grasped a very intimate part of Desmond, painfully. "Tell us, love, and I won't pull."

"All right, all right!" Desmond exhaled as he was released. "Jeez. Toy Story."

"Toy Story?" Lucy couldn't help but smile. "W...why Toy Story?"

"I used to wish my cowboy doll was real, okay? I can see you laughing, Becca, fuck off." He grumbled. "And you can knock it off too." He glared at Shaun, who was smirking.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Hey."

"Hey man. You get out there okay?"

"Yeah...the flight could have been a lot fucking shorter. Sorry, I don't mean to bitch."

"Aw, I missed the bitching though. So how's...York, was it?"

"Yorkshire. It's dark and wet and grey. I miss Italy."

"Are you setting up now?"

"Yeah, I should be able to get online tomorrow night."

"It's been a month."

"I...I know."

"Are...are you okay?"

"N-no, I'm on my own and pissed off! I...I miss you...It's insane, but I...I want to be back with you."

"I miss you too...It's wierd going through history without your databases to rely on."

"Oh yeah, you get off on my data, is that it? Mmm, you know I love it when you talk dirty to me."

"You warped bastard."

"You started it, dumbass."

"...Des?"

"Yeah Shaun?"

"I really do miss you."

"I know. I miss you too...How much longer are you out there for?"

"Another month or so at least. Sorry love."

"Jesus. I'm so fed up of waking up and not seeing you."

"S-shit. I've got to get out of here."

"Shaun...are you...alright?"

"Des...I love you."

"Shaun...Shaun!"

"..."


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Letting his fingers dance over the keys of his laptop, Shaun sighed and rubbed at his forehead sleepily. He groaned at the data in front of him.

"Tough going on the notes, Shaun?"

He made a noise of affirmation as Lucy sat down next to him, smiling. He turned to glare at her as she straightened out her tank top.

"Why are you blushing?"

"Blushing? I'm not blushing, I'm...I'm just a little red from working out!" She protested, pushing her hair back away from her face. Shaun raised an eyebrow, and studied her.

"Lucy, you're going even redder!" He bit his lip. "This wouldn't be because of a certain Subject, would it?"

"Shaun, you're being ridiculous." She let an eye open ever so slightly. "Is it...is it obvious?"

"Plain as the nose on your face, love." Shaun let his hands drop back to the keyboard, his mouth twisting into a grin. "So do me a favour, get over yourself and ask him on a date."

"Wh-what!?" She turned even redder, and covered her face. "Shaun, how could you even say that?"

"Great. I'm going to have to play matchmaker again?" He sighed, and shook his head. "Wait here. Don't move."

"Where are you going!?" Lucy watched him go, and stared blankly at the computer monitor. "What the hell just happened?"

Shaun found Desmond in the kitchen, rummaging in the cupboards, which he jerked away from, hands in the air.

"I'm not touching your tea."

"Mm, Points for self-control. Do you like Lucy?" Shaun asked, crossing his arms. Desmond turned a rather comical shade of red, and turned to hide in the cupboard.

"Wh-why would you ask that, I mean, she's sweet and everything but I'm not sure that she-"

"Oh, for Heaven's sake,  you two are as bad as each other." Shaun grabbed at Desmond's sleeve, and began pulling him along. "I'm fed up of watching you two dance around the bloody issue."

"What the hell man, get off of me!" Desmond shouted. Shaun rolled his eyes, and, adjusting his grip on Desmond's wrist, twisted his arm behind his back to frog-march him down the halls. "Shaun, get the fuck off!"

"Shaun!" Lucy rose as Shaun pushed Desmond towards her, crossing his arms. "What are you doing?" She snapped, bending to inspect Desmond's wrist.

"Look, stop beating around the bush and just admit you fancy each other, you berks." Shaun sat back down at his desk. "You bloody Americans, making everything into such a song and dance." He waved his hand. "Get out of my hair, and have a nice date, kids. Have her back by ten, Desdes." He smirked at his screen as he watched the two figures vanish.

His smile disappered after a moment, and he closed his eyes, hands covering his face.

"How much does it hurt?"

He lifted his head up away from his hands to look at Becca, who gave him a soft smile. "You don't have to act tough for me. You're a very gracious man, you know."

Resting his chin on his folded arms, Shaun shrugged as Becca leaned closer to hug him. "I know it hurts, Shaun. But they've already been through a lot together."

"They're so perfect for each other it makes me sick." Shaun rubbed at his eyes, and looked up at Becca. "Thanks, love."

"No prob, sweetie. Come on, let's cheer you up the way you should be cheered up." She rubbed at his shoulders. "A musical and some alcohol."

"Becca, I'm gay, not camp, sweetheart. And right now I want to see people die horribly." Shaun grinned at her. "The alcohol sounds like an idea though."


* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Humming to himself, Shaun stretched up, fighting back a yawn. He rubbed at his arms idly, frowning, and stood up, crossing his arms.

"Desmond?" He stalked into the kitchen, rubbing his arms again. "Desmond, are you about?"

"Oh, you calling me?" Desmond blinked as Shaun stepped forwards, reaching out to hug him. "You okay, Shaun?" He asked, letting his arms drop to Shaun's waist.

With a satisfied sigh, Shaun nodded. "I'm good now." He grinned, sliding his hands down over Desmond's lower back and over his bottom. Desmond raised an eyebrow as Shaun's eyes closed, and he let his cheek rest against Desmond's. "Mmm...this is much better." Shaun mumbled.

"Dammit, you've gotta stop using me as your personal heater." Desmond complained. "You're so damned cold...just wrap up a bit more."

"But that means more damned layers when we're headed off to bed." Shaun sighed.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Placing his fingers on the back of Shaun's chair, Desmond smiled as Shaun frowned, and opened his mouth, but sighed and closed his eyes. "What, Desmond?"

"Hey. I'm off out for some supplies, you fancy coming with?"

Shaun glanced at his computer, and nodded, rolling his eyes. "Sure. I'm fed up of going through these databases anyways."

Striding towards the coat hangers, Shaun hesitated. His was the only one still hung up. He took it and shrugged it on He jumped in surprise as he realised Desmond was right behind him."There you are. I wondered where you'd gone."

"I just wanted to show you something real quick before we go anywhere." Sighing in exasperation, Shaun followed Desmond, who led him into the warehouse. "Ooh, wait. Close your eyes, Shaun."

Shaun glowered at him. "Desmond, we don't have time for this."

"Come on. Just close your eyes, and no peeking."

Shaun crossed his arms, but clossed his eyes. Desmond carefully pushed him forwards. "Desmond? Where are you taking me?"

"Relax. Just, don't open your eyes yet."

A blast of cold air caught him by surprise, and Shaun had to fight not to open his eyes. "Desmond..."

"Relax..."

A loud crackling noise echoed around him.

"Open your eyes."

Shaun let his eyes open.

A small fire was burning away in front of him, with Becca tending to it. "Glad you could join us, you Nancy Boy." She giggled, and crossed to them. "Burger?"

Shaun studied them, one eyebrow arching. "What's going on in here?"

Lucy grinned, and strode over, handing him a long stick. "Happy Bonfire Night, Shaun." She lit the end of the sparkler, smiling as it lit up in front of him. Shaun grinned, and shook his head.

"You guys...you didn't have to-"

"No, we know...but it's obvious you were missing home..." Lucy stepped forwards, and hugged him, mindful of the sparkler. "I know you miss England, and we appreciate everything you do for us." She pressed a kiss to his cheek. "So...thanks, Shaun."

"You want a beer?" Desmond held a bottle out, which Shaun took. "We couldn't risk fireworks, what with Abstergo after us..." He pointed. "But we got some of the other Assassins to help us out...and they've a surprise for you."

Shaun jumped as a loud bang echoed through the dark sky, and smiled as the sky lit up with a white shower of stars.