Shay Cormac, Assassin turned Templar, was speaking with Grandmaster Haytham Kenway concerning his former Order's bases when one of Kenway's servant knocked.

"Enter," Haytham said in a dark voice.

Shay had glanced over to see not only the servant but Charles Lee.

"Mr. Lee is here to see you, Sir," the servant said, backing out of the room and letting Charles in.

"Charles," the Grandmaster said, warmth filling his voice.

Charles clicked his heels and bowed before looking over at the Assassin turned Templar. Shay could have sworn he saw those clear blue eyes flare upon seeing him.

"Master Kenway," Charles said. "I did not mean to interrupt."

Haytham smiled at his second.

"It is alright, Charles. Now what seems to be the problem?"

"Minor things I can come back later. I have some more errands to run, Sir."

"Of course, Charles."

He bowed his head towards Haytham and tossed Shay a glare before walking out. The Grandmaster returned his attention to the Irish Assassin who was looking towards the door before glancing back at him.

"I don't think Charles likes me," Shay said, smile on his face. "Don't understand why."

"What I do not understand, Mr. Cormac, is why the interest in my Second?"

The assassin cautiously looked at the man's eyes and saw they were hard and cold.

"I'm not," Shay answered carefully. "I was just commenting..."

"You will leave Charles alone and I better not hear even a whisper of what is on your mind. Am I understood, Shay?" Haytham interrupted.

"Perfectly, sir."

"Good. Now you are to return to your ship and restock. I will let you know when I have new orders for you."

"Yes, sir."

Shay stood and bowed his head.

"May the Father of Understanding Light guide you."

Haytham echoed the statement back to him before waving him off.

Shay walked out of Headquarters and saw the back of Charles' head. He hurried to the man.

The Irish assassin called out, "Charles."

The younger man turned, hearing his name, and glared at the older man jogging to him.

"Yes, Master Cormac, can I help you?"

"Charles, please call me Shay," he said, smiling.

"Was there something you wanted, Master Cormac?"

"I was wondering if you would to join me on my ship tomorrow," he polite asked. "We are taking her for a few hours."

"Master Cormac, I would have to decline. I have many things to do for the Order."

"Oh come on, Charles. Live a little. I don't think Haytham or the Order is going to fall just because you are not there."

"Master Kenway," Charles stressed. "Might require my assistants. Now if you will excuse me."

The young Templar turned and headed away.

"Come one, Charles, this is a great way for us to bond."

Charles rolled his eyes as he continued walking away from the annoying man.

"Hell, I would think Haytham would want us to be friends."

With a sneer, Charles twisted around and glared at the Irishman.

"And how would you know what Master Kenway would want? Hmm?"

Shay watched the angry man stomp away before heading towards the port where his ship, the Morrigan, was anchored. His first mate, Gist, was smoking his pipe as he leaned against the reining.

"Ahh, Shay," Gist smiled, greeting his captain and friend. "How things go with Master Kenway?"

"Well, Gist, very well," Shay answered as he stepped aboard the ship. "I'll be in my quarters."

With a nod towards his first mate, he walked off and into his quarters. Shay sat at his desk and thought back to the last time he was saw the blue eyed man.

*Flashback*

Shay and Haytham walked into the Templar Headquarters after finishing their mission which took most of the dead. The Irish assassin noticed a light under the study door and pointed it out to Haytham. On cat like feet, they crept towards the study and opened the door. Shay had to bit his lips from laughing at the sight.

Charles Lee, Haytham's Second, had fallen asleep reading. Probably waiting on them to get back.

Haytham stepped towards the man and gently took the book from the relaxed hand, making the younger man blink awake.

"Master Kenway?" Charles questioned, rubbing his eyes like a child.

"Charles, I believed I told you not to wait up," Haytham said.

"Of course, sir, I was doing some light reading and I guess I fall asleep."

"Of course, Charles. Now head up to your bed."

"Yes, sir."

"Night, night, Charles," Shay teased as the younger man past him, glaring at him with icy eyes.

"Master Cormac," Haytham growled.

*Flashback end*

Shay stood up and walked to the door, yelling for Gist.

Gist walked in and saw the captain leaning heavily into his chair.

"Something the matter, Shay?" Gist questioned.

"What do you know about Charles Lee?"

"Charles?" Gist thought for a moment. "Well, he is Master Kenway's second in command in order and was mentor by the man when Kenway first arrived here. Hard soldier and great supporter of the order. Why?"

"What is the relationship between them?"

He hesitated for a moment.

"Friends, from my understanding."

Shay narrowed his brown eyes. "What rumors have you heard?"

"Shay, you know you really shouldn't listen to rumors."

"Gist," his voice deepened, his accent thick as his eyes narrowed and he leaned towards the man. "What rumors?"

Gist sighed and answered. "Some of the lower order members believe Charles loves the Grandmaster but no one can confirm or deny it."

"Hmmm."

Shay leaned back into his chair and thought, Maybe I should follow them. See if there is a way to get Charles to warm up to me.

"Shay, why are you asking?"

"I think I'm going for a nice stroll."

Shay headed towards the cabin doors, Gist following behind him.

"You're going to follow them."

The assassin shrugged and smirked.

His first mate groaned and said, "Good luck."

"I make my own luck."

Gist watched from the helm as Shay blended with the crowd, the sun setting. The darkness of the twilight hid Shay well in the shadows.

A/N: This story was inspired by Luthienberen on Archive of Our Own