MsNevermind: You'll have to use your work hours to think about more plotlines for stories so I can read them! :D :3
Victory Goddess: Yeah, but then again Mary's got her own mind. She's not interested in fighting Templars and sailing so she needs to do her own thing. But she hasn't disapeared, so no fret!
edgaryg: Haha I'm so glad! I really poured everything into that chapter. In fact I want all of these last chapters to be really heartfelt between everyone. And THANK GOD that battle scene was comprehensible. I hope this next one is as well - I can visualise it perfectly but I don't know if it comes across well enough. Thank you again! :3
TAyukii: Thank you! :) I'm really proud of this story. And I hope your operation goes well!
AssassinsVow2012: Yesss Connor's captain uniform is gorgeous :3 Mind you he's wonderful no matter what he wears XD And yes, Haytham and Connor's relationship is important, to me at least. I really wish they could have patched things up BEFORE Haytham died. It drives me insane
Two chapters to go after this one. It makes me feel sad to be this close to the end...
BUT the last scene of this chapter makes me very very happy :D
3rd Person POV
For the next six months, The Aquila and the Warrior Princess accompanied the Belladonna to her destination before turning back to return to the Caribbean to hunt down Benjamin Biddle. The two ships often sailed together, several planks and many ropes tying the ships together to allow communication. One evening, whilst most of the crew were drinking and dancing, Nora looked around for Connor, but couldn't find him. " He's in his quarters lass. " Robert Faulkner told her.
She frowned and made her way over to his cabin on the top deck of the Aquila. Maybe he was hiding, as some of the crew from the Warrior Princess had teased him about their relationship - or lack of. " I'm sorry about earlier. " Nora said as she went inside. He had been looking out of the window at the sea, and he turned to look at her as she stepped inside. " They were only joking. " She said.
" There is no need to apologise. " He corrected her, turning to face her properly. " You have good people around you, and a loving family. You are lucky. " He smiled, but Nora sighed.
" It's your family, not mine. " She closed her eyes for a moment, pushing back the feelings that had been growing inside of her. " You are Haytham's son. You belong here. And me? I'm just lucky that Eleanor took me with her all those years ago. " She knew they all loved her as if she was truly part of the family, but the older she grew, the more she felt like an intruder, especially when she looked at her siblings - Mary, who was so like her father, and Jim who was like his mother.
Connor watched her fighting with her emotions and felt useless. He didn't know what to say to her as he had often felt the same way when he was younger. Though his mother was his real mother, he still felt different from everyone else as he had lighter skin, lighter eyes and no father. But he didn't like to see his friend stand there looking so lost, and found himself walking over to her. She looked up at him questioningly, wondering what on earth he was doing, but he smiled slightly as he closed the gap between them and slowly slithered his arms around her waist, pulling her body against his. At first he felt awkward and foolish, about to pull away but her arms suddenly flung themselves around his neck tightly as she buried her face into his neck, her warm breath caressing his skin and raising his hairs. She was so warm, he couldn't help but smile as he closed his eyes, tightening his hold on the blonde girl who had been so supportive, so faithful over the past four years, through thick and thin, always believing in him.
Nora could barely believe what was happening. She had lived with this man for the most part of four years and had never hugged him. She had tried once, back when they first met, but he had backed away quickly and she realised that he wasn't that sort of person. But now he was holding her against him, she couldn't stop herself from pushing her whole body against his, breathing in the scent of his warm body, the smell of the outdoors still clinging to his hair and she felt herself melt in his embrace. She had lost her heart to him long ago without even realising it, this native assassin who was so focused on his work that he never took any time for himself. He cared so much for the people around him, people he barely even knew, and yet he never took the time to care for himself. She had promised herself that she would take care of him, even if it wasn't reciprocate. Someone had to do it, and it was her uttermost pleasure to be the one to do so.
Connor broke the embrace quicker than she would have liked but he stayed close to her, staring down at her with his deep golden eyes. She couldn't restrain herself from lifting her arm up and running her hand down the side of his face, smiling as she did so. His skin was so soft, not like the other men she had felt. Connor was like her teddy bear, big and muscular, always there to protect her. She couldn't believe so many people thought he was a harsh person. He was just a big softie really. " Thank you for everything you've done for me. " He said softly, breaking the silence that had set in between them. " I can only imagine how hard it has been for you, helping me as you have. "
" Nonsense. " She shook her head. " I promised you that I would help you, I've done nothing out of the ordinary. " She was indeed convinced that her actions were not outstanding and that anyone would have done the same in her position.
" You have. " He insisted. " No one has ever shown me such kindness. "
She smiled up at him and felt the burning desire to press her lips against his. But she couldn't do that, he would shut her out and she would loose him forever. She was usually so sure of herself, so confident, but around him it all just fell to pieces. But then he did what she never expected him to do, and he lifted her chin up with his thumb and guided her lips to his in the softest, most delicate way possible. He was so tentative, so hesitant, his lips barely brushing against hers but it was more than enough. He pulled away quickly, searching her eyes for any sign of reticence, but only found the usual bright smile and warm, loving look in her eyes before she came back for more.
Connor completely let himself go. He hadn't realised how much he had craved her touch, how much he had wanted - no, needed - to feel her body against his, the warmth of her breath, the softness of her skin and the loving, adoring affection that just rolled off of her in waves. She clung to him, her lips hardly letting go of his and he revelled in it, picking her up to wrap her legs around his waist. He dug his fingers into her hair, loving how soft it felt under his rough hands. He laid her down softly onto his bed and went to pull away, but she roughly pulled at his shirt and he fell on top of her as she wrapped her legs around his waist. He felt unsure of himself for once, afraid that he wouldn't be as loving as she deserved, but he completely lost himself when she started pulling on his shirt, desperate to get nearer to him, enjoying the sound of her heavy breathing.
Eleanor's POV
It was now 1778 and we were sailing past some small tropical islands. The sun was out and I wore Haytham's tricorne hat to keep the sun off my neck, singing along with my men as they pulled the ropes and moped the deck. Haytham was in our cabin with Khan going over maps and god knows what else, and I decided to sneak up on the Aquila to say hi to Nora. Jim giggled as I did so, quickly understanding what I was doing. I turned the helm, directing the Warrior Princess to come up beside the Aquila, towering over the assassin vessel. I handed the helm over to my son and jumped down onto the Aquila where Connor was standing alone, his arms crossed over his chest, cocking an eyebrow as I landed. " What's wrong? " He asked me.
" Nothing. " I laughed. " I just wanted to say hi. "
He rolled his eyes, shaking his head in exasperation just like his father did. " Will you stop doing that, it's spooky. " I frowned playfully. " Haytham does exactly the same. "
" Well he is my father. " He pointed out. " Nora is in the captain's quarters. "
" Thanks. " I winked before skipping down the stairs into the cabin where I found her reading a book as she sat in the large, red chair with her feet up on the desk. " Well, hello there me hearty! " I called happily, startling her.
" Ella! " She smiled brightly, standing to wrap her arms around me. " Is everything alright? Have we found Biddle? " She asked.
" No, I was just bored. " I sighed, sitting down. " I miss blowing ships up. "
" Soon. " She giggled. " That's if Connor doesn't beat you to it. "
" He better not! " I exclaimed, making her laugh again just as someone knocked on the door.
" The Randolph is in sight ma'am. " A man said, poking his head through the door. " Captain Connor wants you by his side. " He said before closing the door behind him.
" Oh, Captain Connor, eh? " I smirked. " And he wants you by his side? Well, well Nora. You've been busy. "
" Eleanor! " She giggled, blushing a bright shade of red. " He's not the most romantic person I've ever met, but he has his moments. "
" As long as he makes you happy. " I smiled truthfully.
" No one could make me happier. " She nodded. " He is the bravest, kindest man I have ever met. " The glint in her eye told me all that I needed to know, and I knew then that she loved Connor every bit as much as I loved Haytham.
" No he's not. " I frowned. " Haytham is. But Connor can be second if you like. After all, they are father and son. " I winked, ruffling her hair as we made our way out of the cabin and onto the top deck. I noticed then that the Warrior Princess was further behind, that the Aquila had set full sail and sped towards where the Randolph had been spotted. I huffed loudly and went up to the helm to join Connor who was frowning as he focused on the horizon towards where I could see a small speck that must have been the target. " Connor! " I cried. " How am I supposed to captain my ship? "
" I am sorry. " He apologised half-heartedly. " We cannot loose them now. "
I huffed heavily and turned around to look out to the back of the ship, where I could see Khan standing at the front of my ship. He was giving me the thumbs up, letting me know that they were okay without me which put my mind at rest. I didn't like being away from my ship or my men, but I trusted Khan's abilities. If he said they could cope, then they could. " The Randolph! " I heard someone shout from behind me and I turned around to see that Connor had sailed us into a narrow path between high, white cliffs and that indeed, the Randolph was coming up to us from on the right, already firing at us. We ducked immediately and Connor turned the helm to catch up with the enemy as fast as he could. I wanted nothing more than to push him out of the way and steer myself but he was the captain, not me. I didn't like it.
For almost half an hour we sailed after the Randolph, unable to catch her up in the open sea as the sky was changing, turning grey as the wind started to get up. I was getting impatient, looking back to see the Warrior Princess tailing us efficiently with Haytham at the helm. " Man of war! " Someone called out and sure enough, two large frigate ships appeared from the distance, the sky behind them dark and gloomy.
" That's it, I'm going back to my ship. " I announced.
" What? How are you going to do that? " Connor barked, looking at me like I was crazy.
" I'm going to fly. What do you think? " I said sarcastically, realising that spending so many years with Haytham had rubbed off on me. I didn't give Connor time to respond and before he even knew it, I dived off the side of the Aquila into the cold water and began swimming towards the Warrior Princess. I hadn't realised just how huge the waves were and I was struggling to stay on course, but I made it quickly, the two ships not being very far apart, and climbed up the side of my ship, pulling myself onto the deck and scaring some of my crew. " Sorry. " I apologised as I winked at them, squeezing the salty water out of my hair as I made my way to the helm where Haytham stood proudly.
" That was epic, mama! " Jim grinned as he held onto the helm in front of Haytham, the two sharing the task.
" Have you lost your mind? " Haytham cried to me. " You could have drowned! "
" Need I remind you that this is my ship? " I rolled my eyes, winking at Jim and pushed them both aside to grab the helm. " Prepare the cannons! " I called out.
" I've already done that. " Haytham said, smirking proudly, so I stuck my tongue out at him as I steered us towards one of the new frigates. The Randolph turned around to fight us, so it was now three against two. Not too bad really, we'd seen worse odds so I wasn't worried about it. My worry was turned to the weather as the waves were now much larger and thunder was rattling the black sky above us. I guided the Warrior Princess in between the two men of war, knowing that this could either be suicidal or very clever. I held my breath, waiting for the right moment before shouting " FIRE! " and all the cannons on my ship fired, on both sides of the ship, rendering the two men of war incapable of answering the shots until we were out or range. I let out a sigh of relief as I turned my ship around, circling one of the ships. The Aquila was being circled by the other one as well as by the Randolph but I couldn't get to it, so I pulled hard on the helm and headed straight for the man of war, ducking when she fired at us and then rammed into her, cracking her side open and sending some of her crewmen into the waters just as the rain started to fall.
Brushing the ship aside, I headed for the other one just as she fired on the Aquila, which was taking a battering. I swiveled my ship around to come up onto the side of the ship and opened fire on her, which caused the crew to panic and the Aquila made use of it to open fire as well, blowing the ship up. Good, only the Randolph remained. Connor wanted to board the ship and was firing chains at it to bring her mast down. As I didn't have any of those, I refrained from firing anything at the ship and instead, circled the Randolph to try to capture her so Connor could get a good shot. Soon enough, he did, and the Randolph's two main masts collapsed, one of them falling onto my ship. " Damn that boy! " I cursed, seeing the mess it had made on my ship. " He's going to get an ear full when this is over! "
Haytham laughed as he unsheathed his sword and leaped onto the Randolph, accompanied by my crew as they armed themselves. I ordered Jim to stay on my ship as he wasn't yet ready for battle, and then leapt across. We were the first ones on the ship as the Aquila had been further away, and all hell broke loose. I pulled out two daggers that I kept in my boots and started hacking away at anyone I could see. The top deck was on fire, and as the Aquila's crew joined in the battle, the Randolph's men were quickly finished and Nicholas Biddle was the only one left. I found him behind the helm locked in battle with Connor. I stood next to Nora as she brushed her wet hair out of her face, biting her bottom lip nervously as she watched her lover fight under the heavy rain. " He'll be alright. " I reassured her.
It seemed as if everyone was watching the two men fight, as Biddle let out a stream of curses to try to unbalance Connor. But I had no doubt the Assassin would win, even though Haytham was also worried. He cared for his son despite everything, and as I watched him watch Connor fight, he frowned unhappily as he gripped his sword until his knuckles were white. I found it sweet, how he cared for his son like that, and softly kissed him on the cheek, brushing his hair from his face as it stuck to his skin, the rain making him as soaking wet as I was even though I was the only one to have been in the water.
Biddle then pulled out his pistol and shot at Connor, who dived behind a barrel of gunpowder, and the deck exploded sending them both toppling down to the decks bellow. " Connor! " Nora shouted, rushing forwards to peer down into the hole. She wasted no time in jumping down to follow him and I made to go after her but Haytham held me back. " They'll be fine. " He murmured.
I grimaced at him and turned to my crew. " Find anything of use and take it back to the Warrior Princess. " I told them. " We're done here. "
" Yes Captain. " They nodded before turning around and looking through the debris. I doubted they would find anything of note but at least it kept them busy.
" My lady! " Connor's first mate called after me. " My name is Robert Faulkner. " He said, extending his hand to me. " I never though I would say this, but you make a good captain. For a woman. " He smiled.
" Thank you. " I nodded, shaking his hand. The rain was stopping at last, the sky clearing and just as I made to leap back onto my ship, Connor and Nora appeared up the stairs, hand in hand. " Is Biddle dead? " I asked them.
" He wishes to die with his ship. " Connor informed me. " I respect a dying man's wish. "
" That is very honourable. " Haytham nodded, putting a hand on his son's shoulder.
Connor nodded his thanks before turning to me. " Meet us on the island over there. We shall dock and spend the night on land before heading back to Boston. "
That night, the Warrior Princess and the Aquila docked not far from a small island and most of the crew rowed out onto the sandy beach and set up camp. The beach was large and provided more than enough space for both crews to set up several small cam fires. Haytham and Khan were happily chatting away as they leant against a large tree near the outskirts of the Jungle and I noticed Connor watching his father. I walked up to him with a smile on my face. " You did a good job today. " I said. " You certainly inherited Haytham's authority and sense of justice. "
" His sense of justice? " Connor repeated, looking down at me. " My father was a Templar. He and I are nothing alike. "
" You are more like him than you realise. " I sighed. " Don't be so blind Connor. Make peace with him. "
" You sound like Nora. " He groaned, rolling his eyes as he crossed his arms over his large chest. He was truly a very large man.
" Then listen to her! " I giggled, shaking my head just as Jim came running out of the Jungle.
" Mama! Mama! " He called, his hair knotty and full of leaves and twigs, his breeches dirty. " You have to come with me, I found something really good! "
" What is it? And Jim I told you not to wonder off on your own, it's dangerous! " I scolded him, picking some of the leaves out of his ginger hair, making him squirm and back away.
" But there's a hidden cave with a box with out name on it! " He insisted.
" Our name? " I frowned, intrigued all of a sudden.
" Yes! It says 'E. Kenway' on it! " He said, pulling my hand. " Come and look! "
Connor and I shared an intrigued look and we set off after him. I called Haytham so that he would join us and the four of us set off into the Jungle. It was a very different type of forest to that which I was used to in America. The trees were bigger, taller, greener. The air was humid and thick, and the wildlife was ever so noisy. Jim led us through the trees, brushing large branches out of his way and stepping over boulders and fallen trees. We seemed to be climbing ever so slightly, the island having a small mountain peak at it's centre, and that's exactly where we were being led. Eventually, Jim turned to face us with a huge grin on his face. " It's in there! " He said, pointing towards a dark whole hidden behind some branches.
" You should not have gone in there on your own. " Haytham scolded him, frowning deeply. " You could have gotten killed by a wild animal or fallen into a pit and gotten stuck. "
" Just go in! " Jim sighed, his shoulders falling.
Connor sighed and went in first, and I followed eagerly with Jim and Haytham on my tail. The cave was small, barely big enough to hold the four of us at the same time. It was dark inside but enough light shone in for me to make out a large wooden chest with two golden locks sat on the far side of the cave. Just as Jim had said, the name 'E. Kenway' was engraved onto the side of the chest. There were a few other small crates but they looked unimportant next to the chest. I looked up at Haytham as he quietly stepped towards it, gently brushing his hand over the name.
" Who is 'E. Kenway'? " Connor asked, not understanding.
" He was my father. " Haytham replied calmly, still amazed. He gripped the chest and lifted it up into his arms. It was a big chest, so I quickly grabbed one end so that we could carry it together. " I want to open this. " He said quietly.
" I know. " I smiled softly, knowing that this could change a lot of things for my husband. Haytham had known his father was an Assassin, but that was all. He never spoke of his life before settling down in London, and Jenny had always refused to say. Haytham hadn't even known that his father had been in the Caribbean, let alone on this deserted island. I myself was intrigued to see what lay inside, lost and forgotten.
Whilst Haytham and I went back to camp, Connor and Jim stayed behind to look through the small crates but I doubted they would find anything interesting. Haytham led us to a secluded area of the beach, further away from the rowdy crewmen who were in full party - dancing, drinking and singing to their heart's content. Nora was among them, arm in arm with Khan as they cheered and laughed together. " It's nice to see them so happy. " I commented as Haytham placed the chest down on the sand. " Especially after everything they've been through. "
" I could say the same about you. " Haytham replied, giving me a meaningful look. But I could tell he was nervous about what he would find in the chest, and he proceeded to pull out his pistol and use the butt end to hit the locks and break them. I saw him swallow before opening the chest, and I rubbed my hand on his back in support as I stood behind him as he kneeled in the sand.
He opened it and together we took deep breaths. Inside the chest there were many, many gold coins, gold necklaces, gold bracelets, rubies, diamonds, and many other precious jewels. But there were also several old, dusty maps and a journal. Haytham's hands immediately went for the journal which he carefully removed from the chest and stared at it long and hard.
" There was nothing else in there. " Jim's voice said, breaking me out of my thoughts. I turned around, leaving Haytham with his father's journal, and faced Jim and Connor. The two seemed to be getting along well, as Jim was standing proudly in front of Connor whilst the native assassin had a hand on my son's shoulder. " What's in the chest? " He asked, trying to peer behind me.
" Some jewels, maps and a journal. " I told them. I looked round to see Haytham staring at the first page of the journal, where there were only a few words written down. I couldn't make them out but by Haytham's reaction, I knew it was important. " Connor could you take Jim and… Do some brotherly bonding or something? " I asked him.
" Of course. " Connor nodded, having also noticed Haytham's unusual attitude. " Come to find me if you need anything. " He added before ruffling Jim's hair and beckoning him to join him.
" Can we go on an adventure in the jungle? " The young ginger asked, and I heard Connor laugh before he responded, but they were too far away for me to hear the answer.
" Haytham? " I asked as I sat next to him on the sand. " Are you alright? " He didn't answer so I took the liberty of reading the first page of the book. 'This is the journal of Edward Kenway, pirate captain of the Jackdaw and assassin. Lay your eyes upon these words and loose them.'
I knew Haytham's father had been an Assassin but a pirate? Even Haytham hadn't known that and it obviously came as a shock to him. Barely a few days ago he had voiced a desire to see all pirates dead. " I did not know him at all. " Haytham whispered. " I thought I did, but this proves how wrong I was. " He breathed, looking up at me.
" All parents hide things from their children. " I reassured him, bringing a hand up to caress his cheek lovingly. " And you lost your father when you were young. I'm sure he would have told you much more as you grew older. "
" But I am surrounded by Assassins. " He replied, his voice shaking for the first time in over twenty years. " My father, my son, my wife! " He said angrily. " All of you are assassins, all of you share a penchant for the open sea. It seems I am the only one who is different. "
I didn't know what to say and my heart broke as I watched my husband fight back tears as he gritted his teeth angrily. I knew he had always felt like he was excluded to some extent, but this was the final straw. " I should have been an Assassin. " He muttered. " It is what my father wanted. It is what my sister wanted. And things would have been so much easier between you and I if - "
" No. " I interrupted him firmly. " Don't say that. If you had been an Assassin, we would probably have never met. And even if we had, I wouldn't have been attracted to you. " I said.
" Why? " He whispered.
" I only followed you around because you intrigued me. You were the enemy yet I saw a semblance of decency in your eyes and I wanted to understand. I wanted to know what the Templars were like, why you were so different. " I explained. " And if you had been an Assassin, I wouldn't have paid any attention to you. "
This seemed to catch him off guard and he was silent for a few seconds, staring off into the distance. Then he suddenly dropped his father's journal and flung his arms around my waist, sending me backwards so he lay on top of me in the sand as he hugged me tightly in his arms. " I love you. " He whispered, pressing his soft, warm lips against my neck and sending shivers down my spine.
" I love you too. " I smiled, letting my hands roam over his back, finding their way underneath his red waistcoat and white shirt. Even after all these years he was still fit and muscular, his skin soft and ever so enticing. He continued to kiss my neck, going down to my chest and he pulled slightly at the hem of my shirt to reveal more of my chest as I wrapped my legs around him. " Haytham. " I moaned lightly. " We should stop, the others aren't far away. " I said. I didn't really want him to stop but I didn't want everyone to watch us.
Haytham sighed heavily and kissed my chest one more time before lifting himself up to loom over my face, a small smile tugging on his lips. " I wouldn't change anything if it means loosing you. " He whispered. " Not even if it meant having my father by my side. "
I smiled sadly, not knowing what to say, but luckily Jim chose that moment to come running back to us with Connor hot on his tail. " Mama! Dad! " He exclaimed. " Can I go on Connor's ship so that he can show me his Homestead? He wants to teach me how to hunt and how to hide in bushes and trees and lots of other really great stuff! Can I mama? Can I? Please dad, please! "
Connor rolled his eyes at the boy's excitement and mouthed his apology as he sat down with us. I frowned deeply, not really wanting to let my twelve year old son leave home just yet, even if it was only for a while. " I'll think about it. " I said.
" We will have to talk to Connor about it. " Haytham agreed with me.
" But he said it's alright! " Jim pouted.
" I said I would like to speak to your parents first. " Connor corrected him. " Go and have some fun whilst we talk it over. " He continued and surprisingly, Jim nodded and ran back down the beach to dance with the other sailors.
" How did you do that? " I asked Connor. " He never takes orders without complaining! "
Connor chuckled, something I had never seen him do before, and shrugged. " He has a lot of life in him. " He said. " He will be a good man when he grows older. "
" Of course he will be, he's my son. " I winked.
" Our son. " Haytham corrected me. " I appreciate you looking after him Connor. Thank you. " He continued, nodding his thanks to his eldest son.
" I enjoy it. " Connor said. " I never had a brother before. "
" This is so sweet. " I grinned, making the two men look at me quizzically. " Look at you! You have no idea how many years I've been trying to get you two to be friends. If I knew Jim would do the trick, I would have locked the three of you in a room long ago. "
" Jim only exists because I was locked in a room. " Haytham commented in his deep, rough voice. My mouth dropped in embarrassment as Connor raised an eyebrow and looked from his father to me whilst I slapped Haytham's stomach.
" He doesn't need to know that! " I cried, giggling as I blushed.
" Ella, he's twenty one and living with Nora. I'm sure the two have already - "
" Shut up, shut up, shut up! " I cried, getting on my knees and pushing him down onto the sand and covering his mouth up with my hand. " I don't want to know what Nora gets up to! "
Haytham was laughing underneath me whilst I straddled him and started tickling my sides, making me roll off of him as he turned around and climbed on top of me to continue his assault.
" You two are no better than children. " Connor said, making us pause and look over to the native. He had a small smile on his face as he watched us. " Nora always told me how calm and serious you are, but I see now how wrong she is. "
" I am afraid my wife has a bad influence on me. " Haytham replied as he stood up, suddenly reverting back to his calm demeanour. " I was a serious man full of ideals and look at me now. "
" A loving father and husband, co-captain to one of the best pirate ships in the world and a very, very sexy man. " I grinned, kissing my husband's cheek.
Connor chuckled as he watched the exchange. " I was wrong about you. " He got up to stand next to his father, looking much more serious. " I would like to apologise father. I realise now that you are not the man I thought you were. I am proud to be your son. "
I grinned ear to ear at the statement but of course Haytham remained calm as ever. " As I am proud to call you my son. " He replied, extending a hand to Connor, who took it and they shook hands. I rolled my eyes and jumped up and pushed them together so that they were forced to hug. Haytham hesitantly wrapped an arm around his son's back and patted him, and Connor seemed to freeze at the contact for a second. Just as Haytham was about to pull away, Connor enveloped his father into a giant bear hug which Haytham gladly returned, and I was grinning so hard that my cheeks hurt.