Chapter Three: The Secret Crusade
Montreal, September 2015…
Natasha covered her mouth as she yawned, leaning against the wall of the elevator. She opened her eyes as Bishop's new recruit stepped into the elevator, looking pale from time in the Animus.
"You okay?" she asked, making the analyst-turned-Assassin turn to look at her.
"Miss Romanoff," he greeted, nodding at her. "On your way up to see the boss?" he asked, standing opposite her.
"Yeah. She wants me to look over some of the data recorded about Shay Cormac and Arno Dorian. Compare it to the information we were able to recover from Subject 17 and his ancestors," Natasha replied. "You?"
"New projects she wants me to look at. Something about London and twins."
"Sounds exciting," Natasha commented. "You think Melanie's being jumpy lately?"
The Initiate nodded. "Ever since Olivier went missing. It could be just that she's nervous about being the big boss here now. Who knows what's going on in her head at the moment."
Natasha nodded, pleased that Bishop's recruit knew not to reveal anything when there were cameras everywhere. "Let's try to make her comfortable as our new boss," the red-head stated as the elevator, waving at the secretary as they approached the office.
The Initiate stood at the door when Juhani Osto Berg came into view, speaking with Melanie. Natasha didn't bother knocking as she entered the office. "Arguing again?" she asked, making the two of them turn to look at her.
"Americans are too compassionate and seen to have influenced their closest neighbours," Juhani informed her with a scold.
Melanie made a noise of protest. "It's hard enough to find analysts willing to go into the Animus, Juhani. Pushing them too hard doesn't help anyone."
"Melanie is right, Sir. A person can only do so much time in the Animus before they lose their sanity. Desmond Miles may have been able to reverse the effects during his time in the Animus following the events in Rome in 2012 but he had Assassin DNA in his blood, dating back to the time of Altäir at least. We can't expect anyone to risk their sanity for respect. When we could use their minds to further our cause," Natasha argued. "Miles' recovery could have been just a fluke and since he's now dead, we can't do tests to prove otherwise. Take what you are given."
Juhani turned to look her in the eye. "Just because your uncle is the Russian Grand Master doesn't mean you are my superior," he warned her.
"No. It doesn't," she agreed, stepping forward. "But it is because of me that your daughter is still alive. You should lsten to me when I give you advice, Berg," she added, narrowing her eyes at him.
Juhani paled before he nodded. "Fine. I want as much info from our analysts as we can get. In the time recommended by our medical team," he stated before walking out of the office.
"Thank you," Melanie said to Natasha as the door shut. "He wouldn't listen to me."
Natasha shrugged. "He was trying to compromise the Order. He just needed to be reminded why he joined in the first place."
Melanie nodded. "Did you come here to put Juhani in his place or is there another reason?"
"You wanted me to compare data from Subject 17's memories, the pirate Edward Kenway, Shay Cormac, and Arno Dorian," Natasha stated. "I was told I need your signature to copy the files for work at my apartment."
Melanie groaned and nodded. "You have the necessary security access and they still need me to sign off on things. I'm beginning to think I should give them a list of people who don't need my signature."
"It would make your life and workload easier," Natasha agreed. "With Olivier gone, you are the only one who knows what way the company should be go."
Melanie smiled slightly. "Thank you. I'll have a list drawn up tonight. You won't need my signature but just e-mail me beforehand so I can back you up."
Natasha nodded; sometimes the world gave you gifts that you had to grasp with both hands…
Clint sighed as he sat back in his chair, rubbing his eyes as he took a small break from his deeper research into the memories they had recovered from Desmond's Animus and Shay's memories for the Assassins to see, William Miles had been determined to find any clues in the main research to locate pieces of Eden so they could be kept out of the hands of the Templars. His phone beeped, making the archer-turned-Assassin groan, thinking it was new information/orders from William. He picked up the phone, his mood lightening immediately when he saw it was Natasha's number. He opened the message, smirking when it revealed his wife dressed in red La Perla, winking at the camera.
"Present," it read, letting Clint know she was okay and had managed to get him further information for his research.
"You spoil me," he text back, smiling as he opened up his email to message Kate to collect his order when he got confirmation of its departure and arrival.
"Someone has to," came her reply, making him smirk; his complaints about too much pressure had not gone unnoticed. "How is Lucky?"
"He misses you. He sleeps on the bed with me. At the end of your side. Whining."
"Like you?"
"I'm insulted."
"Dogs are cute. Most of the time."
"You do get territorial ;)".
"… I don't know if I should be proud or embarrassed."
"I'll let you decide, yastreb."
"When do you get time off again?"
"End of November. I have research to finish. Five weeks should do."
"And after then?"
"We'll see. New project in the mix. Don't know if it will take off or not."
"You're killing me, Natasha."
"I'm sorry. I will try to make it easier for you."
"Just be safe and come home. I can't ask for more."
"Of course, moy yastreb. I love you."
"I love you too, Tasha."
Clint looked up at Kate as she entered the apartment, Lucky jumping up to greet her. "Do you have the package?" he asked, pleading that he would have something better to work with.
Kate pulled her rucksack off her back and pulled out an A4-shaped package with the height of two full arch ring-binders. "This better be worth it, Clint," she informed him, handing him the package.
"I hope so too," he answered, tearing through the top of the package carefully with a knife. Kate frowned but said nothing as her mentor pulled out about seven files worth of sheets. "And this is why my source is amazing," he informed his apprentice. "Well, one reason," he added.
"Why do I have a feeling this source is more than a source?" Kate asked with a knowing smirk.
Clint returned her smirk. "If I told you otherwise, I'd have to kill you," he answered. "How is America Chavez?" he asked, directing the conversation away from his 'source's' real identity.
Kate grinned, knowing exactly what Clint was doing. "She's good. She has a match this weekend. That I am going to in order to support my girlfriend," the brunet replied with a smile.
Clint grinned. "You're whipped," he teased.
Kate chuckled. "Shut up, Barton," she replied. "What about that red-head you're seeing?"
"What about her?" Clint replied, cocking his head to the side. Knowing Kate's older sister, it wouldn't surprise him if Kate knew who Natasha was.
"Are you still seeing her?" Kate asked as if it was obvious what she was asking.
"Yes, I am," he answered, rising his eyebrow at his apprentice. "Why?"
Kate grinned. "You're in a good mood when you're getting laid regularly," she stated.
Clint sighed, shaking his head. If only she knew. "And what mood am I currently?"
"In between," she replied. "It's like you're getting laid but not as much as you were five years ago." Five years ago being when he first took Kate in.
"Her job keeps her moving around. We take what we can," Clint answered honestly. "And Lucky likes her so I know she's not a Templar."
Kate grinned. "I wasn't going to ask," she lied.
Clint raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Of course you weren't," he commented. "I need to go back to work. Do you have anything else to tell me?"
Kate shook her head. "No. Susan hasn't had any update from her source yet so they're still doing research. If she gets anything new she'll pass it on."
"Okay. Then I'm sorry, Bishop, but I have to kick you out," he informed her.
Kate made a face of mock-offence. "You're cruel, Barton."
Clint shrugged. "So is life. Now get out."
Natasha sighed, rubbing her eyes as she leaned back from her notes. Currently, she was looking through the notes of Desmond Miles' first time in the Animus, exploring the memories of Altair Ibn-La'Ahad; the Assassin responsible for re-organising the Assassin Brotherhood. The man had been arrogant at the start of Desmond's time in the Animus, mellowing out as the memories progressed. His Codex gave his views on the previous ways of the Brotherhood, his views on the Apple of Eden, the war between the Templars and Assassins. There were diagrams and written words by the long-dead Mentor. What Natasha could not understand was how Altair linked up with the Assassins outside of Desmond's memories? How did Ezio and the Kenways link with them?
She looked up and thought for a moment. Connor Kenway, Shea Cormac and Arno Dorian all lived around the same time, during the Age of Political Revolutions. That was their link. Connor was the grandson of the Assassin, Edward Kenway, and son of the Templar, Haytham Kenway; another link. But the Kenways and Auditore were Desmond's paternal ancestors and Altair had been his maternal ancestor. All with triple Helix DNA which gave them Isu ancestry. And all had a connection to a Piece of Eden. But those four links did not answer the 'why?'.
"I hope Clint is having more luck with this," she murmured to herself. If her husband could find the link, they might have found a way to end the war between the Assassins and Templars…
Clint rubbed his temple as he read Altair's words: "When I was very young, I was foolish to believe that our Creed would bring an end to these conflicts. If only I had the humility to say to myself, I have seen enough for one life, I have done my part. Then again, there is no greater glory that fighting to find the truth." He frowned. Altair's older self knew that the Creed would never bring peace to the world.
"But the Creed is simply a way to find it," Clint whispered to himself. "Altair's Crusade was to reorganise the Brotherhood into what is the basis of it is today."
Clint closed his eyes, rubbing the bridge of his nose. Altair's Codex questioned the ironies of the Brotherhood: "What follows are the three ironies of the Assassin Order: (1) Here we seek to promote peace, but murder is our means. (2) Here we seek to open the minds of men, but require obedience to a master and set of rules. (3) Here we seek to reveal the danger of blind faith, yet we are practitioners ourselves." That was page four of the Codex. Page six revealed the decision to change the customs of the Brotherhood. There were thirty pages, all discussing what actions the Assassins should follow, disregarding that of the past. Clint leaned back and looked up at the ceiling. With the re-emergence of Juno, a member of the First Civilisation, Abstergo was desperately looking for those who possessed the ability of the Eagle Sense – the dormant Human Sixth Sense that some had managed to master.
Clint opened his eyes, letting his own Eagle Sense open. He noticed Lucky's blue aura, making him smile. He looked back at the notes Natasha had sent him. Every one of her fingerprints was highlighted blue on the sheets. He blinked again and focused his vision back to normal before picking up Altair's drawing of his wife, Maria Thorpe. She died because of greed and jealousy in the Brotherhood; a female Templar-turned-Assassin. "I won't let the same happen to Natasha," he promised himself…
Budapest, Hungary, 2004…
Clint smiled as Natasha pushed him down into the bed, leaning down and kissing him slowly. They had been doing this dance for six months now, taking whenever they were in the same country. Now they were in the Hungarian capital, in a hotel room. Clint slowly ran his hands up along her back, under the fabric of her camisole as their lips and tongues met in a lazy kiss.
Natasha pulled back and pulled her camisole over her head along with her bra before leaning back down and kissing Clint deeply. He grinned into the kiss, sliding his hands to her breasts. He teased her nipples between his thumbs and forefingers, earning a moan of approval from his lover.
Natasha gripped the hem of his shirt as he teased her nipples. She wanted him naked but he was enjoying teasing her and making her wait. "Please," she whispered, breaking the kiss. "You can take your time once we're both naked," she offered.
Clint seemed to think about it before he nodded, lifting his arms above his head so she could pull his top over his head. He sat up and claimed her lips as he worked with her to get their pants off as quickly as possible.
Once they were naked, Clint laid back and rolled them so he had Natasha beneath him. He broke their kiss and slowly kissed his way down her neck, nipping and sucking on her skin as he moved. Natasha moaned and bit her bottom lip as he kissed his way further down. He wrapped his lips around one of her nipples and used his hand to tease the other. She arched up into his touch, letting her lover wrap his free arm under her back.
Clint switched his lips to her other nipple, smiling as Natasha moaned his name loudly in response. He straddled her hips and pushed gently so he could pin her to the mattress. He pulled his lips away from her breasts, smiling as he caught her wrists and pinned them above her head. "You told me that I could take my time with you once we were naked," he whispered huskily.
Natasha swallowed and nodded, relaxing into the mattress. She relaxed her hands under his hold, smiling when he realised what she was doing; she was trusting him not to hurt her.
"Thank you, Tasha," Clint whispered before kissing Natasha deeply, smiling when Natasha moaned into his mouth. The red-head wrapped her legs around his own, pulling him closer to her. "Let me take care of you tonight," he whispered as he brought his lips to her left ear, slowly kissing his way along her jaw. He blew gently on her now wet skin, making his lover squirm under his touch.
"Please, Clint," she gasped as he moved his lips to her pulse, her weak spot as he sucked on her skin. "Please, please," she begged, not really sure what she was begging him for. Clint smirked slightly as he marked her skin with love bites, slowly making his way down her body.
"I've got you," he promised. He brought his lips to Natasha's chest, leaving more marks on her skin, grinning smugly when the red-haired beauty moaned his name in response.
Natasha gasped in pleasure as Clint took one of her nipples into his mouth, sucking and nipping on the erect nub teasingly. He let go of her hands, grinning up at the red-head as she brought her hands to his head, her fingers threading through his spiky hair. She tugged on the short strands when he brought his lips to her other breast, giving it the same pleasure as he had to its twin.
"Oh God. Yes. Yes. Yes. Please," Natasha moaned, making Clint smirk against her chest as he sucked and tugged on her nipple with his lips and teeth. At the same time, he massaged her other nipple between his thumb and index finger, tugging every now and again.
Clint let go of her nipple with a wet pop, grinning at Natasha as he brought his lips back up to her ear. He smirked when she shivered at the feeling of his breath in her ear. "Keep moaning like that, Tasha, and I promise I'll make sure you can't walk straight for a week," he whispered huskily in Russian, grinning when Natasha moaned her approval into his ear.
"Please, Clint," Natasha moaned before gasping as he grinded his thigh down against her cunt.
"Mmmm. Natasha. You're so wet for me," Clint whispered as he brought his left hand down, looking for something to restrain Natasha's hands to the bed so he could continue his actions without her hands distracting him.
"Please. Clint. I want you. I want you so much," Natasha moaned as Clint lowered his head to take her left nipple back into his mouth. He pulled on the erect nub with his teeth lightly, making his red-haired lover cry out his name in pleasure at the sensation. He grinned as he continued to grind his right thigh against Natasha's sex, using his left hand to palm her right breast. He used his right to bring the Russian's bra up to the headboard, making sure she was distracted with his lips so she wouldn't notice what he was planning to do to her.
"Clint. Fuck. Clint," Natasha gasped before Clint suddenly lifted her hands up back up to the headboard and tying her down to the bed. She groaned at her lover's actions, tugging on her restraints to test them; if she wanted to get free, Clint had left her room to manoeuvre out of the fabric of her bra.
"I'm not going to hurt you," he promised, smiling at her softly as he stroked her sternum affectionately, watching her slowly relax back into his touch.
Natasha slowly nodded and watched Clint carefully as he brought his lips to her stomach, pressing soft wet kisses over her soft skin, smiling up at her tenderly as his hands rested on hips. He slowly brought his left hand to the apex of her thighs, slowly running two fingers along her slit, the calluses of his thumb teasing her clit with perfect precision, earning a loud moan of approval from the red-head.
He brought his lips back to Natasha's chest. He grinned at his lover when she moaned and bucked her hips upwards as he slipped three fingers inside her tight pussy. "You're so tight and wet, Tasha. Is that all for me?" he whispered softly against her skin.
"Yes, Clint, yes," she moaned, tossing her head back, her voice a breathless promise. He curled his fingers inside her, changing the pace every now and again. He earned whimpers, moans and gasps from his lover. He kissed his way down her body until he was face-to-face with her cunt, his fingers still working her sex. She whimpered when he wrapped his lips around her clit, sucking hard.
Natasha moaned and gasped as Clint worked her lower lips. He pulled his fingers from her and replaced them with his tongue, making her cry out and buck her hips up into his mouth. He used one hand to pin her hips to the mattress, his other hand spreading her sex for better access.
Clint moaned against her, using his thumb to rub her clit. Everything about Natasha was intoxicating; her personality, her body, her confident yet almost shy outlook on feelings. The more he got a taste of her, the more addicted to her he became. When he was with her he forgot about everything but them; there was no Assassin-Templar was, not every one of his friends was being kidnapped or murdered every time he looked at his phone. Natasha reminded him to breathe and take time for himself – she was refreshing. And he planned to make the most of the time they had together.
He pushed two fingers back inside her along with his tongue, grinning as she pulsed around him, coming hard. She gripped at her restraints, sobbing out his name as the waves of her orgasm rocked through her. He worked her through her orgasm until she was too sensitive for any more, kissing his way up her body until he reached her lips. He claimed her lips softly as she rode out her climax.
"Clint," she managed to gasp as she came down from her high. He pulled away from her lips and grinned smugly as she breathed heavily. "Please let me touch you," she whispered breathlessly.
Clint kissed her lightly and released her hands. She immediately brought them to his hair and neck, pulling jim closer as she deepened the kiss. He balanced his weight on his elbows, not wanting to crush her, kissing her back just as hungrily and desperately.
When the need to breathe was required, she broke the kiss and rested her forehead against his. "Clint, please fuck me," she begged, moaning as he brought his lips to her neck. "What do you want me to do, Tasha?" he teased even as he moved to do as she wanted.
"Please. Please fuck me," she begged, bucking her hips up to his. She whimpered as his cock slipped between her wet folds, teasing her further. "Clint, please."
Clint caught her lips and slowly pushed inside her. She moaned loudly into his mouth. One of her hands when to his shoulders, her nails digging in as he bottomed out inside her, her legs coming up to wrap around her waist. He kissed her deeply and waited for her to give him the go-ahead to move.
Natasha fisted her hand in his hair, pulling back briefly, breaking the kiss, to whisper, "Please move."
"Yes, Ma'am," he whispered, slowly pulling out of her before pushing back inside her. She kissed him, smiling in between moans and gasps as they rocked together towards their orgasms. He kept his weight balanced on one elbow while he brought the other to cup her thigh and use it as leverage to thrust inside her. It wasn't long before they were both on the edge of coming.
"Clint. Clint," Natasha repeated over and over like a mantra. "Please, Clint."
"Come for me, Tasha," he whispered against her lips. He hitched her knee over the crook of his elbow, thrusting deeper inside her at the change of angle.
Natasha tossed her head back and screamed as she came, her walls clenching hard around her lover's length.
Clint buried his face in Natasha's shoulder, groaning her name as he drove himself deep inside her and came hard inside her. He tried to keep his weight off of her but failed, collapsing into her arms as they rode out their respective orgasms.
Natasha brought her hands up and trailed her hands through his sweaty hair, turning her head to kiss his temple softly. He smiled against her skin before slowly rolling them over so she could lie on top of him without him crushing her with his weight.
"I could stay like this for the rest of my life and not complain," he whispered softly.
Natasha smiled and nuzzled his neck with her cheek. "We still need food," she mumbled against his chest.
"Room service," Clint answered, earning a chuckle. He kissed the crown of her head. "Would you stay with me if I asked?" he whispered.
Natasha lifted her head to look at him. "Are you asking me?" she replied, her eyes wide.
Clint kissed her. "Yes," he answered against her lips. "I'm asking you to stay with me," he whispered.
Natasha kissed him back before breaking the kiss, resting her head on his shoulder. She bit her bottom lip and thought about it; the Templar Order promoted their members to have as normal a life as possible.. Could she have a normal life with Clint? Making a decision, she answered, "Yes, Clint, I'll stay with you."
Clint smiled, kissing her again. He'd go on a secret crusade to keep her safe…
To answer the reviews from the previous chapter:
Maria: Thank you :) I hope this is just as good :)
Sith Shadow Stalker: I take that as a very large compliment :) Hope this was just as good :)
Marvelousbones: Thank you :) Hope this was just as good :)
NEXT CHAPTER: SCARS