I do not own any Assassin's Creed characters but I do own James and Moira Haywood.
July 1867
July was cooling down as it approached August and James had figured it would be nice if everyone got together for a picnic. It was almost rare for the Assassins to get together since the twins and Moira were now able to go on missions and do tasks for the Brotherhood. George and Ethan thought that it was a wonderful idea and that they should make a whole day of it.
Moira was in the kitchen, preparing a dessert for everyone to enjoy. She happily hummed to herself while making the strawberry tarts at the counter. She then heard her father come into the kitchen, making the young girl smile at him but frowned slightly as she saw him.
"Father, you've been looking very tired recently," Moira replied concerned, "Are you feeling all right?"
"Perfectly fine, dearest," James replied softly as he walked over to her standing at the counter, "Those look delectable, darling."
"I'm hoping that everyone else will enjoy them," Moira replied as she placed some into the picnic basket, "Are you just about ready? George and the Fryes should be arriving to the park soon. Don't want to keep them waiting."
"Right you are," James said with a smile, "I just need to get my coat."
Moira smiled as he left the kitchen and she continued to prepare the rest of the dessert along with some lemonade. After she was finished, her and James began to make their way to the park to meet with everyone else. It was a beautiful day out and the sun was not too hot but it was warm. Many people were in the park today having family outings as well as playing croquet as well as cricket. James and Moira soon spotted everyone by a tree and made their way over to greet them.
They all enjoyed the lunch that Evie had made and Moira very well knew that Jacob couldn't cook at all. Evie had mentioned to her that Jacob wanted to help but last time he tried to help Evie, he nearly burned the kitchen down. Moira howled with laughter as she told the story causing Jacob to glare at his sister. Evie then turned her attention to George when he asked her question, giving Moira the chance to speak with Jacob. She placed her hand into his causing him to look at her.
She leaned in close to his ear, "After lunch, meet me behind the large tree on the other side of the park, I want to talk to you."
"Sounds serious," Jacob replied with a small smirk while rubbing his thumb across her hand.
Moira laughed softly, "I think that it is."
"Then I will meet you there, love," he said softly as he gave her a quick kiss on the cheek before anyone could notice.
Moira smiled and felt a blush creep on her cheeks and felt her heart flutter. She knew that this was the day that she will tell Jacob how she felt about him and if he wanted to be with her. She wasn't going to hold back any longer. After all the time she had spent with Jacob, she was confident in telling him exactly how she felt about him. Now actually having the nerve to pour her feelings out to him was completely different.
After everyone had their lunch, Ethan suggested on playing croquet to which everyone but Moira and Jacob agreed. Moira said that she was going to find flowers to put in her journal while Jacob just disappeared. Thought Moira knew exactly where he was and made her way towards the other side of the park to look for Jacob. As she approached the other side of the park, she then saw him leaning against the tree making her bit her lip a little. Giggling a little, she decided to sneak up on him and moved a little closer. Before she could tackle him, he turned and grabbed her around her waist. Moira shrieked in delight from the sudden movement as Jacob laughed at her reaction.
"Thought you could sneak up on me, hmm?" Jacob purred as his nose brushed against hers.
"Apparently I'm still lacking in my stealth," Moira giggled wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Try to catch up, love," Jacob chortled, "I'll be Master Assassin in no time."
Moira smirked at his words, "In what reality would that happen?"
"Watch it," Jacob playfully growled.
Moira chuckled then pressed her lips to his in a sweet kiss. Jacob responded to the kiss while running his hands along her sides. Moira knew that she loved this man more than anything and knew that she had to tell him now. Of course, she couldn't help but falter and change that subject.
"How was your mission?" Moira asked running her hands up his back.
"So exhilerating," Jacob boasted, "I truly felt alive and felt like I could take on the world after striking down our Templar target."
Moira felt her heart melt as the man she loved most was this excited about a mission. Seeing him so happy had butterflies flitting in her stomach. His smile, his laugh, the twinkle in his eye truly made him the most amazing man. She didn't want to lose him to another woman. From all the flirting and kissing they exchanged, she was confident Jacob felt the same for her.
"So what's this big secret that you have to tell me?" Jacob asked looking into her eyes, "I'm surprised you're not telling Evie."
Moira giggled, "Because the secret involves you."
"Now I am even more intrigued," Jacob purred, "Does Miss Haywood have a dastardly secret about me?"
"I have many, you git," Moira laughed placing a playful slap on his chest, "Ones your father don't know. I could go tell him right now."
"Oh, you wouldn't dare," Jacob replied quirking his scarred brow.
Moira smirked then began to leave his arms, "Oh, Mr. Frye!"
She felt Jacob grab her again and brought her back to him tightly, "You cheeky devil."
Moira giggled then looked into his hazels, "Only joking, love."
"Always driving me mad," Jacob said as he swiped some of her bangs away from her face.
"The feeling is mutual," Moira nearly whispered as she looking into his captivating eyes.
This was it, the time to tell Jacob Frye how she truly felt for him. There was no going back and had to face this head on. Though she felt weak in the knees whenever she looked into his eyes. His gentle touch made her shiver but her heart flew. Just being around him always made her feel calm and content.
She took in a deep breath, "Jacob, I have a lot of resepect for you and I owe you so much for all that you've done for me..."
"Moira, really..." Jacob started while taking her hands into his.
"Jacob, please," Moira interjected, "Let me finish. I... I can't give you much... but..."
Moira bit her lip and looked away since she felt foolish now. She couldn't believe that she was messing up now. Jacob placed a hand on her cheek to bring her face back to his. Moira gazed back at his face to see his concerned hazel eyes. She was about to blurt out that she loved him but heard Evie frantically calling for them. Jacob and Moira looked around for the elder Frye twin then saw her a few feet away. She appeared very frantic and out of breath. Evie spotted them only to run towards them quicker.
"There you both are!" Evie shouted.
"Evie dearest! What is it?" Moira asked concerned.
"It's your father, Moira!" Evie explained out of breath, "He's collapsed!"
Moira felt her stomach drop to the news and immediately ran back to where everyone was. She hoped that he was all right and that it was nothing serious. She wouldn't know what to do if anything happened to him. As soon as she arrived, she saw George and Ethan looking over her father to try and help him.
"What's happened!?" Moira cried, "What's wrong?!"
George and Ethan looked at Moira who looked absolutely scared as tears were forming in her eyes. Ethan stood up to face his student and let out a heavy sigh.
"He was having trouble breathing and collapsed," Ethan explained, "We need to take him to a hospital. It appears he has the early signs of tuberculosis."
Moira felt her heart freeze and shook her head while dropping to her father's side, "Bring him home. I'll treat him!"
"You can't be serious!" George hissed.
"I won't let my father die in a hospital or sanatorium!" Moira argued as her voice slightly cracked while tears threatened to spill from her eyes, "I will take care of him and make him better."
George and Ethan both looked at each other and knew how stubborn Moira can be. They knew that surviving tuberculosis was very slim since there have been no cures discovered yet. They also didn't want their friend dying in an unfamiliar place and would rather him be home in his bed. They both then looked at Moira and Ethan reluctantly nodded.
"All right, George and I will help your father back home," Ethan replied then looked at the twins, "Jacob, Evie, I need you both to fetch the doctor while Moira helps us."
"Of course," Evie replied without hesitation.
Jacob looked at Moira to see tears starting to flow down her cheeks, "Don't worry. We'll be quick."
With that, the twins were off to get the doctor while George and Ethan began to carry James to his home with Moira's help. Once they arrived, they dressed James into more comfortable clothing and put him to bed while making him comfortable. Moira was running around trying to make sure that her father had everything that he needed; water, sheets, towels, anything. Moira didn't want to come to the conclusion that she was losing her father; she wouldn't accept it.
After fifteen minutes, Jacob and Evie had arrived back with the doctor. The doctor told everyone to leave the room except for George and Ethan, leaving Jacob and Evie to calm Moira down. Moira was wringing her hands and pacing the hallway as the waiting drove her mad. Many thoughts were racing through head of what she was going to do now.
"Moira, try to calm yourself," Evie begged, "You shouldn't worry yourself this much or you will get sick."
Moira looked at her friend with worried blue eyes, "I can't help it, Evie... I don't like the thought of losing my father."
Evie frowned and brought her best friend into a hug and held her close, "I know, Moira... but you have to be strong for you father. You can't give up on him."
Moira looked up at her friend, her eyes still full of tears. Evie smiled gently before wiping some of her tears away, "I'll go make us a cup of tea. All right?"
Moira nodded silently and felt Evie give her a reassuring squeeze before leaving her arms. Jacob watched as his sister left to go downstairs to make the tea and looked at Moira as she was trying to compose herself. Jacob then wrapped his arms around her and held her close to him. Moira nuzzled her face into Jacob's chest as she felt him rub her back, calming her slightly.
"Evie's right, love," Jacob replied softly, "You need to be strong for your father."
Moira sniffed and looked up at him, "I can't lose him, Jacob."
"I know, love," Jacob said stroking her hair away from her face the placed a soft kiss on her forehead.
Moira smiled for a second from his kiss and was grateful that he was with her right now. She clutched his shirt as she nuzzled her face more into his chest. His intoxicating smell helped ease her and made her feel safe. She then heard the door to her father's bedroom open and the doctor coming out. Pulling away from Jacob's grasp slightly, she looked at the doctor.
"What's wrong with him?" Moira asked.
"It's as Mr. Frye and Mr. Westhouse have mentioned," the doctor started, "Your father is in the early stages of tuberculosis."
Moira bit her lip and not wanting to fear the worst, "Can it be cured?"
The doctor looked at Moira to see the concern in her dark eyes, "While there have been a few cases of tuberculosis clearing up, it's not possible. But, since it was caught early on, there might be a chance to save him. Though, I can't guarantee anything, Miss Haywood. I highly recommend moving him to a sanatorium."
Moira shook her head, "I can't do such a thing for him! I will stay by him constantly if need be!"
Jacob brought Moira close to him again and rubbed her back to try and ease her. The doctor let out a small sigh as he had seen many family members react the same way Moira has. He understands that loved ones stricken by tuberculosis was difficult to understand and most of the family react the same as Moira did. The doctor then decided to come to a conclusion thought not one he liked suggesting.
"If you are that committed, Miss Haywood, I will leave your father in your care. I advise that you limit your contact with him thought," the doctor instructed and pulled out a few medicine bottles from his bag and handed them to her, "If he starts having coughing fits, give him this soothing syrup and give him this tonic every four hours."
Moira took the medicine from the man and nodded, "I will, thank you so much, doctor."
"Remember what I said, Miss Haywood," the doctor started, "Do not hold out hope for his survival. Prepare for the worst."
Moira gravely nodded at what he said and the doctor took his leave. She then looked down at the medicine and realized now that her father's life was in her hands. Could she really do this? She knew that she couldn't and wouldn't give on her father. He was all she had as family now. Moire then felt a hand on her shoulder and saw that it was Ethan.
"Moira, you know that if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask for any of us for our help," Ethan replied softly as he looked at her.
Moira thanked him then looked at them, "May I see him?"
George agreed and then opened the door to let Moira into James's bedroom. Moira slowly walked into the room but kept her eye contact to the floor, not wanting to see what state her father was in. She winced when she heard her father let out a foul sounding cough. She took a deep breath before raising her eyes to see her father laying in his bed, looking sickly. She didn't know if it was because of the news of his illness but he looked paler and thinner.
Moira bit her lip, "Oh, father."
She immediately went to his side while placing the bottles of medicine on his nightstand and took his hand into both of hers. James then looked over at his daughter and smiled lightly while doing his best to not show any pain. Moira felt her heart ache as she gazed at her father who was slowly deteriorating right in front of her. She so badly wanted to hold him but remembered the doctor's words about no contact. She hated this. She wished this was a bad dream.
"Darling, don't worry," James started a little hoarsely, "I will be better before you know it."
"I hope so..." Moira trailed off, doing her best not to cry, "I will make sure that you heal, father. I promise."
After making sure that James was comfortable, everyone decided to leave so the elder Assassin could get some rest. Moira was seeing everyone out the door with a heavy heart, not wanting them to go. She knew that she had to prepare for constant care for her father.
Ethan turned to look at the young Assassin while placing a hand on her shoulder, "Remember, Moira. If you need anything at all, don't hesitate to come get me or George. We will help in anyway we can."
Moira nodded softly, "Thank you, Mr. Frye... I promise I will do that. Thank you for helping me with my father... I don't know what I would have done if I didn't have you all."
"Think nothing of it, dear," George said giving her a comforting pat on the head, "Try not to over exert yourself."
"I will do my best," Moira replied smiling gently.
Ethan and George took their leave of the residence but Jacob and Evie had remained for Moira. Evie then took Moira into a hug to which Moira greatly accepted. She was especially grateful to the twins for helping her the past four years. She didn't know what she would have done without them both and their support. Moira then looked at the elder Frye twin to see a light smile on her freckled face. Evie's smile always made Moira smile since she thought the twin had the sweetest face.
"The same goes for Jacob and me, we will be by your side if need be," Evie reassured.
"You both are amazing," Moira said holding Evie tightly, "I don't know what I would do without you two."
"Take George's advice, don't over exert yourself," Evie said looking into Moira's eyes.
"Again, I will do my best, Evie dearest," Moira said.
Evie then pulled away from Moira then placed a soft kiss to her forehead and turned to leave. Jacob told Evie to go on ahead as he needed to speak with Moira. Once the elder Frye twin had disappeared, Moira practically threw herself against Jacob to cling to him. Jacob rubbed her back and set his head on top of hers to try and calm her. Moira let out a few shallow breaths then looked up at Jacob only for him to kiss her forehead.
"I don't know if I can do this..." Moira sniffed.
"You can't give up on him, love," Jacob said softly placing a hand on her cheek, "You have to be strong for him. I know that you can do this."
Moira bit her lip but knew that Jacob was right, "I won't give up on him. I refuse to."
"You are bloody incredible for doing this for you father," Jacob said stroking her cheek.
"He's all I've got for family, Jacob..." Moira replied sadly.
"I know, love," Jacob said, "Your determination and love for him will help."
Moira smiled as she placed her hand over his, "Thank you."
"If you need me, I am here for you," Jacob reminded her as he stroked her cheek.
Moira smiled then felt him press a light kiss to her lips to which she responded with an equally delicate kiss. She loved how this man could make her feel so weak but give her so much strength at the same time. After they pulled away, Jacob made his way back home while Moira stepped back into her home to prepare for a long and painful recovery for her father.
A/N: I'm a jerk, I know. Though I hope you still enjoyed this chapter. It's going to rough from here on out.