That conversation was what led to Shaun, early Sunday morning several weeks later, putting on his cleaner dress shirt and pants, and tugging on a clean sweater vest. That was what caused him to find himself standing at the doors of a small building with Desmond looking around, taking it all in.
"This is nothing like what Ezio saw."
"Nor will it ever be," Shaun said as he opened the first set of glass doors.
The second set was opened by an old man, who greeted them with a warm smile.
"Morning! Haven't seen you around here before."
Desmond jumped at being addressed, shoving his hands into his pockets and sinking back into his hoodie as if he were trying to hide. Shaun smiled and shook the offered hand.
"Travelers, mate. Just passing through, and decided to show my buddy what he was missing out on every Sunday morning."
The old man laughed. "Well, I'm glad you decided to come to our humble little church! So, it's his first time?"
Shaun nodded, casting a glance as Desmond, who was behind his shoulder, watching the man warily. The man introduced himself, and Shaun gave him a false name easily. They parted and walked farther into the foyer, being greeted and welcomed by everyone. Slowly, as they mingled with the crowd, Desmond came out of his shell, and although it was clear that he didn't trust any of them, he no longer hid in his hood or refused to talk. When the others started filing into the sanctuary, Shaun took him in and found them a seat in the middle. The lady at the door they entered through gave them each a bulletin. He watched as the man looked around with awe at the simple setting. There were people playing the prelude in the far section of the stage, which took up the front third of the room. The sound booth was in the back, and red-cushioned pews were neatly arranged between them. There was an organ with a rose on it opposite of the instruments, and the preacher's podium and a decorated table adorned the middle.
"Is this what all churches are like?" Desmond asked as he turned to look at the back of the sanctuary.
"No, definitely not. Just this one."
"Are all the people so friendly? They weren't in Ezio's time." He looked at the light fixtures hanging from the ceiling.
"Rest assured they aren't. This little church is friendly enough, though."
Shaun heard the couple behind him titter about them.
"Can we come every Sunday?"
"Only when we can. We don't get every Sunday off, and we have to be cautious not to be suspicious."
He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see a man several years older than him giving him a serious look. Desmond was on the defense, ready to spring if the man tried anything.
"God bless you for having the courage to come. I hope someday you'll be able to worship freely."
Shaun covered the man's hand with his own. "As do I, friend, as do I."
"Is this your first time?"
"His." He gestured to Desmond.
"I'm glad you could manage to bring him at least once. We're proud of this little church."
"I can see why. It's a lovely place." The man's face softened, and he looked at Desmond.
"I'm glad you like it here."
Desmond looked surprised that he was being addressed. "Uh… Yeah."
The man chuckled.
"Are you the preacher?" Desmond asked.
"No, he'll be out after the song of celebration."
"Why are we celebrating?"
"Because we're all here and rejoicing in the Lord."
Desmond blinked. Then, "That's it?"
The man laughed. "Yes, that's it."
"But I don't know the words."
"They'll appear on the projector."He pointed.
"What if I can't sing well?"
"It doesn't matter. The songs are about praising God, not how well you can hit the right notes."
Desmond twisted his lips as the song changed, and Shaun rose. Desmond's head whipped around and looked at him.
"Why are you standing?"
He looked around at everyone else rising and rose reluctantly, stepping closer to the historian. The music picked up, and Shaun starting clapping along to the beat, his eyes closing as the words left his lips, lost and old, but familiar and welcome.
"These are the days of Elijah, declaring the word of the Lord, and these are the days of your servant, Moses, righteousness being restored. And though these are times of great trial: of famine and darkness and sword, still we are the voice in the desert, crying, prepare ye the way of the Lord…"
He glanced briefly at Desmond, who looked slightly unsure of his surroundings. He was so completely out of his nature, Shaun couldn't help but feel a little sorry for him. He nudged the assassin and said over the voices of the others, "Lighten up, mate. Sing along."
"But…"
"Relax. This is a place of worship, a place to rejoice. Have a good time."
Shaun turned back to the music, jumping in at the middle of the chorus. As the chorus rolled around a second time, he opened an eye to see Desmond starting to relax as the music continued. Shaun smirked and closed his eyes again, letting the music wash over him. He belted out the chorus, and some of the people around them smiled at his passion, and he couldn't help but feel utterly at home in this little church, something he hadn't felt in a long time. He sang with all his heart and soul, his voice mixing in with the others in the small sanctuary.
"Behold he comes, riding on the cloud, shining like the sun, at the trumpet call, lift your voice, it's the year of jubilee, and out of Zion's hills salvation comes."
The song was over far too quickly, and he inhaled deeply, clapping at the end of the song. He looked to see Desmond staring at him, his jaw dropped and his eyes wide.
"Good morning!"
"Good morning!" came his response along with the rest of the congregation.
A well-dressed man had walked out on the stage, a Bible in hand. He was smiling widely. "A beautiful Sunday, isn't it? We are blessed: I hear we have some visitors today. Why don't we take a moment and greet those around us?"
Shaun looked back at Desmond, who was utterly bewildered. He felt a tap on his shoulder, and he was introduced to another stranger. He mingled easily with them and shook hands with the pastor.
"I'm glad to see you could join us today."
"You have no idea, sir."
The pastor laughed. "I take it you don't get to come to church often?"
Shaun sighed. "Not anymore. It's his first time."
The pastor clapped Desmond on the shoulder, and the assassin seemed to be crawling toward defensiveness. "I'm glad you get to meet the Lord here. I hope you enjoy the sermon." To Shaun, "If you don't mind, I'd love to get to know you more after the sermon, if you can afford to hang around."
Shaun nodded. "I'm sure we can."
The pastor grinned, nodded, and walked back to the stage. He relayed the news of the church, the new birth symbolized by the rose on the organ, and another little story before leading into the song of centering, which, Shaun was pleased to see, was "I Want to Know You."
He rose for the song, and Desmond popped to his feet, looking at Shaun as if he didn't know what to do. Shaun stepped closer and clapped his hands with the beat.
"In the secret, in the quiet place, in the stillness, You are there. In the secret, in the quiet hour, I wait, only for You, 'cause I want to know you more…"
He heard a soft voice beside him, singing along quietly to the chorus.
"I want to know you; I want to hear your voice; I want to know you more. I want to touch you; I want to see your face; I want to know you more…"
He felt a small smile spread, and he continued singing, listening to the strands of Desmond's voice, quiet and unsure, singing alongside him. When it ended, the pastor asked them to read along with the prayer of confession. They did so, and Shaun bowed his head and folded his hands. The preacher began praying after a moment of silence, and the historian was surprised to note the preacher called out for them in his prayer:
"…and Lord, help those among us who cannot come together in fellowship as we do every Sunday. Bless them with your strength to keep their faith in you, and guide their steps as they are presented with trials. Help them turn away the evil one, and bless them with your grace…"
When the offering plate was passed around, Shaun pulled out his wallet and took out a small envelope, placing it inside as it was passed. Desmond looked confused, and Shaun placed a hand over his.
"The Lord commands that we give ten percent of all we own back to him. The church puts it to use in maintenance and other various things."
"Oh…" Desmond almost looked upset.
"Don't worry, Desmond. You didn't know: I failed to tell you."
They sat back down for the sermon, and Shaun half listened, focused more on Desmond the entire time. The assassin was sitting pressed against him and was listening with rapt attention. He had a serious look on his face, and the historian found himself rubbing the top of Desmond's upper leg with his thumb. He seemed to relax a little more at the touch, his face softening and his body language becoming at ease, and Shaun felt more relaxed as he became more relaxed.
The end of the sermon came about much too quickly, and before he knew it, Shaun was singing the closing songs with Desmond beside him, much more confident and sure of himself. They hugged and bid farewell to many of the churchgoers. After many of the congregation left, the preacher came to them.
"I hope you enjoyed it today."
Desmond nodded. "Yeah, I'm glad I got to come."
The man smiled at him. "I noticed you relaxed as we progressed."
Desmond shrugged, and Shaun stepped in. "Relaxing is a luxury we don't get much."
"I take it you lead hard lives?" Shaun nodded, but said nothing more. The pastor noticed the secretive nature and smiled warmly. "I hope they will get easier for you."
Shaun offered a soft smile. "So do we. It would be nice to help him grow without having to worry about being caught."
The man placed a hand on Shaun's shoulder. "I am excited you are willing to take that risk, however, to bring another closer to Christ."
Shaun sighed, adjusting his glasses. "Yes, well, I fear every waking second that someone will find us out. Him, I'm not concerned about: he's far too important to the men we work for."
The preacher nodded, looking solemn. "The church will pray for your safety. To lose a brother because of what he believes is terrible. We will keep you in our prayers."
"Thank you, sir."
"If I could have your name?"
Shaun hesitated for a moment. Finally, he said, "Shaun Hastings. This man is Desmond Miles."
Desmond looked alarmed when his name was spoken, but the preacher just nodded. "Right. Rest assured your appearance here will remain a secret. Shaun, Desmond, we will pray for your safety and guidance."
"Thank you, sir."
"Although, I must ask why you didn't go to the basilica in the next town over if you wished to remain unseen."
"Precisely for the reason of remaining unseen," Shaun said. "I figured in a town like this, such a small church would be less likely to have many different visitors who might endanger us."
The pastor nodded once, slowly. "Well then, I will let you go. God bless, and know that we are praying for you."
Shaun nodded and looked at Desmond. "Ready, Desmond?"
The assassin nodded, stepping close to Shaun as he thanked the preacher and stepped out of the building. "What the fuck do you think you're doing, telling him our names?"
Shaun sighed and looked at him as they got in the car. "Desmond, we can trust him."
"How do you know? He could be a Templar!"
He shook his head. "Just trust me, Desmond. I can't explain it, but I felt as if he could be trusted."
"Oh, right, go around trusting people just because you think they can be? Smart move, real smart move. We're not gonna get caught at all like th—"
"Shut up!" Shaun snapped, fixing him with his fiercest glare. Desmond seemed to be frozen in his seat. "Unlike you, I've been raised in a church setting! I know the power of prayer, and I need the prayer behind me! I've put my neck on the line just lying to Lucy to take you here! Every time I enter my room, I check to see if my covers have been disturbed, worried that someone might have found the Bible I keep hidden so that I can read to you every night!"
His voice took on a desperate tone. "Desmond, I know you don't understand, but I need to know that I have a community praying for me. I need to know that I have others out there who are aware of my plight and are praying for my safety. While I'm glad you are praying for me, there is strength in numbers."
Desmond was looking at his lap.
"And you don't have to worry about such things, because you are absolutely critical to the assassin cause. I am not. I am replaceable." He sighed in frustration as he drove back toward the hideout. As they pulled in, Desmond stopped him from getting out by grabbing his sleeve. He growled, "I won't let them replace you, Shaun. I won't let them lay a single finger on you."
He was met by a fierce, protective look that reminded him distinctly of Altair.
As they walked in, Lucy was waiting for them. "Have a good time?"
Desmond smiled. "Yeah, I did. I wish I could go out more during the day."
"Well, Shaun did have a good point. With all the Templars at home because of their beliefs, you should be okay."
"Can we start taking every Sunday off?"
Lucy looked startled. "No, Desmond, I'm afraid not."
"Why not?"
Shaun rolled his eyes and left to enter the kitchen, where Rebecca was sprawled out across the table, half a chocolate bar in her hand, threatening to drop to the floor as it dangled off the edge. She was fast asleep, and Shaun had to do a double take before dismissing it as just another Rebeccen thing to do. He set about making himself some tea and a light lunch. As he brought out the plate, settling in his chair, Desmond came over, plopping into William's with a huff.
He rubbed his eyes, staring at the ceiling, confused, before he rubbed them again and shrugged.
Shaun raised an eyebrow.
"I thought I saw a Templar clinging to the ceiling. I was wrong. Just another bleed through."
He nodded once, offering some of the food to Desmond, who accepted it gratefully.
"Today was fun. Thanks for taking me out."
He nodded again. "It was nice."
Lucy came in with William, each holding several packages. "Shaun, your new cell phone and laptop arrived."
Shaun looked confused.
"The Order said that they were sending a new one for you."
He straightened up as they set the packages down. "I don't recall that."
"It was while you hit the peak of your depression," Desmond said, spinning in the chair as Shaun knelt by the packages.
"Would you stop adjusting the seat?" William growled.
Desmond grinned and spun the chair the other way, getting an irritated hiss. Shaun had all ready preoccupied himself with opening the boxes.
"Thank you, Lucy. I'll be set up by tomorrow."
Lucy nodded. "Good. Things'll go a lot faster with you back in action."
Shaun was all ready too engrossed in setting up to realize he was being talked to. He worked late into the night, nearly jumping out of his skin when he noticed Desmond sitting a ways off, staring at him. He clutched his chest, breathing deeply.
"Bloody Hell, Desmond."
"I don't understand," he said, his feet pressed together as his fingers grasped his ankles.
"Don't understand what—that you nearly gave me cardiac arrest?" he snapped.
Desmond smirked, then shook his head. "The power of prayer. I don't get it."
Shaun blinked, the dropped his hand and sat back. "You don't… Oh." Desmond was looking at him expectantly, and Shaun rubbed his face with his hand, ending by scratching his chin. "Right. Prayer power." He glanced at the computer and rose, his back popping and his joints cracking from working so long without a break. He groaned as he stretched. "Right. I'll finish tomorrow."
Desmond looked excited and climbed to his feet, keeping one-step ahead of him as he walked toward their room. He paused near the food, his stomach growling.
"Head on in and pull the Bible out. I'll be back in a minute."
He pulled out some crackers and cheese before walking into their room. Desmond was all ready in bed, the covers pulled up around him, and the Bible had been pulled from its hiding spot. He changed quietly into his sleeping clothes, uttering, "Please turn to Acts, chapter twelve."
He heard him flip through the pages.
"There." He walked over and climbed in beside him.
"Now, a little bit of background before I read this to you."
Desmond nodded, curling up beside him. Shaun almost smiled at how much he reminded him of himself as a child before he realized he probably didn't get anything like this on the Farm.
"Acts follows the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ after he died and went to Heaven."
Desmond hummed in agreement.
"They were charged with going across the nations and spreading his word, and they preformed miracles and had miracles preformed through them and for them. Acts twelve is about one of the disciples, Peter, after he was thrown in jail for preaching in a Jewish territory. The Jews believe that Christ has not come once yet, and so, hearing Peter preach that he had all ready come once was the equivalent of blasphemy."
Desmond stretched out as Shaun began reading to him, telling him the story of Peter's imprisonment. He read to him about how Peter was chained up and guarded, and how the church was praying for his safety and peace. He read that the angel appeared to him and told him to rise, and when he did, the shackles fell from him. Desmond seemed captured by the fact the soldiers beside him didn't notice, or the sentries at the entrance of the cell didn't seem to see him walking passed them. He was astonished at the story of how King Herod had died after failing to praise God, and how Peter escaped without a scratch.
When Shaun finished, Desmond scoffed. "How could that have happened? That's impossible!"
Shaun chuckled. "No, not with the power of God."
"But—Peter—and Herold!"
He ran a hand though Desmond's hair and kissed his head gently. "Herod, Desmond. Not Herold. Now do you see why it so hard for many to believe? But that is the power that God has, and he will use it to protect those who believe in him."
Desmond frowned. "I don't believe it."
Shaun shook his head. "There is documentation of King Herod dying on that day."
Desmond pursed his lips.
"Most of this can be linked back to real documentation in history."
He felt Desmond's fingers curl into his sleeping shirt. "Really?"
"Yes, and I can show you once I get everything up and running."
Desmond was quiet, and Shaun waited for a response.
"Then… Yeah. I wanna see. I mean, that story was pretty cool. Can we read more?"
Shaun laughed. "Of course. And once we're done, I'll start giving you the more classic stories."
"Like what?"
"Noah's Ark, the story of Creation, the birth of Jesus, his death and resurrection and ascension…"
"Okay."
Shaun settled back in and continued to read. Around chapter sixteen, Desmond nodded off. The historian couldn't help but have a small smile on his lips as he watched him sleep for a while. Perhaps that was reason he loved history so much: it was all an integral part of his childhood.
The next few days passed quickly, and Shaun read to Desmond the story of Creation, Cain and Abel, Noah, Moses and his life, David and Goliath, Elijah and the contest at the altars, Daniel and the lions' den, Jonah and the big fish, and then into the life and death of Jesus. He realized just how little he knew about the Bible and his own faith as Desmond pressed and pulled with questions he struggled to answer.
"So, just 'boom, bam, baby!' and the world was here?"
"Yes."
"How?"
"Because God willed it so."
"I don't see how just everything could have just 'appeared.'"
"Then what do you believe?"
"The Big Bang."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Then tell me where all the matter came from to create the universes from the 'big bang.'"
Desmond couldn't answer.
"See?" Shaun began. "The beginning of the universe is a giant mystery. And your theory makes no more sense than mine if you look at it like that."
Desmond had begrudgingly accepted that explanation, vowing to look into the Big Bang more.
"Why did God like Abel's gift more than Cain's?"
"Because Abel gave him the best of his flocks, and Cain just gave him whatever he felt like."
Desmond hadn't liked that, but he understood the message. No one liked being second best.
"So God just killed everyone except Noah and his family?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"Because they were wicked."
"Why doesn't he just do that now?"
"Because he promised to never to that again with the rainbow."
"Then why doesn't he just strike down Abstergo right now?"
Shaun had been stuck. "Because… he gave up such control when Jesus died on the cross."
"But this world is way more wicked now—"
"Because of the technology we have. Now, we have a way to be saved without sacrifices, and those who truly believe will still make it to Heaven."
"So? He could clean up this world right now. Why doesn't he?"
Shaun didn't have an answer to that, but he vowed to find a good one.
"Seriously? So, Moses really did all those miracles? Without the Staff?"
Shaun chuckled. "Yes, Desmond. No amount of technology could do what God did for Moses in his life."
"I wish I was put in a basket and adopted by a king."
"Pharaoh, but yes, it would make life so much easier, wouldn't it?"
They both decided Moses never should have left the easy life.
Shaun actually ripped the Vegetales version of David and Goliath for Desmond to watch. And the best part was Desmond enjoyed every second.
"I like the story of Elijah."
"I'm glad you do."
He could see Desmond's faith strengthening little by little.
"And not a single one hurt him?"
"No, not a hair on his head was touched."
Desmond shifted across Shaun to look him in the eyes. He looked serious, and Shaun raised an eyebrow.
"I'll make sure that no one touches a hair on your head."
There were no words to tell Desmond the happiness Shaun felt.
"Even if I have to fight God himself."
Shaun chuckled and ran a hand along his cheek. "I should hope you don't have to, but thank you."
He felt safe when they went to bed that night.
"There's no fish that big."
"A whale, perhaps?"
"No way. That's just gross!"
Shaun laughed at the look of disbelief. "Imagine how he must have smelled—"
"No! Shaun! Stop! That's disgusting!"
Desmond made a vomiting noise, pretending to gag as Shaun laughed at him. At least he found out Desmond didn't like fish—so he made a note to order it for his birthday.
"Well that makes sense about the Shroud!"
Shaun raised an eyebrow.
"I wondered how Jesus would've gotten out of the grave if that massive stone had been placed in front of it and guards there!"
"What do you mean?"
"Of course a miracle happened. It must have been God's power, right?"
Shaun smiled at the declaration of faith. "Of course."
Several weeks later, after bright in the morning as they all gathered for the Animus, Rebecca came running in, laughing. She grabbed Shaun's phone—his new one, with video capabilities—and set it up to record. Shaun watched her as she gestured wildly at the doorway, and he looked in time to see Desmond come running out in his boxers. They were pastel blue with little pink bunnies hopping all over them, and he was wiggling his butt proudly in them as he danced. It took Shaun a bit to realize he was dancing to a worship song he was singing.
"It's all God's children singing, 'Glory, glory, hallelujah, he reigns! He reigns!' It's all God's children singing, 'Glory, glory, hallelujah, he reigns! He reigns!'"
Shaun was biting his lip to hold back his laughter as Desmond danced in his socks and underwear, shaking and jiving as he sang loudly into Rebecca's hairbrush. William and Lucy looked flabbergasted, and Rebecca and Erudito were howling with laughter. He swallowed thickly, trying to hold back his laughter at the scene before them, and as the song wrapped up, Desmond strutted off, vaguely reminding Shaun of a scene from the movie with a lion and warthog and meerkat as his hips bounced with each step.
Desmond came back out a few minutes later, still hopping and bopping as he whistled to the tune in his head. He had his hoodie and jeans on, doing an impressive flash of footwork that was completely nullified by the image of him in his boxers. Rebecca and Erudito were still rolling with laughter, and William and Lucy looked less than pleased.
"Desmond," William began, "where did you hear that song?"
"Huh?" Desmond said as he "bee-bopped" his way over to them. "Online, while I was surfing the web on Shaun's computer."
"You realize that's a Templar song," Lucy said calmly.
They both looked surprised when Desmond shrugged. "Eh, whatever. It's just a song. And it was catchy, so it got stuck in my head."
He plopped onto the Animus. "Plug me in, baby!"
Shaun could only shake his head at Desmond's ridiculousness as he turned to his work. At least he had a new image to entertain him when he was stressed—and it was recorded on his phone.