DISCLAIMER: I don't own assassin's creed or its characters except my own: Rozalina, Alexei etc

I know it's moving a little fast but you got to have some awkward, intimate moments and of course some cock blocking! I love you guys seriously.

Chapter 4: Sailing Through

"CAPTAIN!" A loud knocking rapped against the door as I awkwardly rubbed the back of my neck and turned away from Connor as he attended to the business at hand. I shall remind myself to curse the god damn crew of the Aquila for every awkward moment since I walked upon this ship. Connor strolled off behind me, seemingly a little annoyed.. He opened the door as I looked over my shoulder curiously.

"What is it?" Connor addressed the much smaller lad. He looked at me and looked to the ground, I'm not that scary am I?

"Sorry to interrupt" Bit too late for that..."We have hit a slight storm Captain, Faulkner has docked at Boston while he suggested we wait it out for now.."

"Thank you, you may go" Connor shut the door as he dismissed him. "Are you hungry at all?"

As if on timing my stomach grumbled. I hopped off the desk and laughed. "It seems so, I would appreciate some food"

"I shall pay" He said lightly.

"Thank you, shall we?" I pulled my hood up as I went ahead and onto the deck. The sky was dark, a batch of grey and black clouds surrounded the skies which hung over the ocean. I'm glad we stopped at Boston when we did or else we'd end up on the sea floor with Faulkner's stupid ship logics. I sighed as I looked across the docks at Boston. Boston, this place had caused me much trouble. I had nearly gotten raped and ended up in prison but I guess fate had wanted me to save Connor and join me up with him. I waved at Faulkner as I stepped off the deck and down onto docks.

I stopped next to Connor as he sent me a puzzled look. "What? I don't know Boston well, lead the way Captain!" I nudged his shoulder slightly and teased him.

"I have a feeling you are going to continue amusing yourself with my ship title" He raised his eyebrow at me.

"I will continue, it suits you very well..Captain" My amused tone made him groan and rub his hand across his forehead. His cheeks tainting that red shade once more, his tanned skin failing to hide it. "Come, let's find somewhere to eat"

Connor walked ahead, his broad shoulders and hat being the only thing I could follow properly. Lightning flashed across the dark skies as thunder rumbled seconds later, I jumped a times at the sound but became less tense after a while. He lead me toward a lit up tavern, music, laughter and cheers could be heard from outside. The windows flooding squares of light onto the ground and figures breaking them up as they passed to and fro. Connor stood by the door and waited for me to return to reality as I finally smiled at him. He opened the door as the laughter, music and cheers suddenly became louder and light burst into my vision as I stepped in with him. We sat near the fireplace, I lowered my hood and took my hair out of the tie, shaking my head lightly so the locks would untangle and flow down my back. A barmaid came over and smiled at us. Her dress making her chest look like it was nearly bursting from her corset like an over filled pastry. "What can I do for you and your lady friend Connor?" She winked as Connor tried to hide another blush, I personally ignored it. "Two meals and a round of ale eh?"

"No ale for me" Connor spoke up but I simply nodded. I hadn't had a drink for a while and wanted to indulge in it for once. The barmaid smiled and left for the other tables.

"Not a drinker I suppose?" I asked, he obviously had a reason.

"I do not wish to drink as I am afraid I would get carried away and lose my focus on the importance of my work" He reasoned.

"So you never have tried a drink, I don't blame you. If you get too carried away you either don't remember your night or suffer the next morning" I laughed to myself, memories of drunken nights in Moscow flooded my mind. The laughter, the swaying and then waking up in a place of no knowledge.

"So why do men and women drown themselves in such a cruel drink?"

"It brings out confidence in some who wouldn't do certain things when sober like kiss a girl and brings out the terrible in some who continue to drink in barrel loads without a break, who aim to do something stupid" I tapped my nail against a crack in the table. "I guess it helps people forget certain things they'd rather forget"

Two plates of hot food was placed in front of us as the barmaid handed me a mug of ale. I nodded with a smile and took a sip, the warmth of alcohol eased my mind. I continued to eat but we kept silent, Connor was deadly silent as I finished my food and gulped down some ale. I looked up at him and wiped my lip in fear of something on my face from how he stared. His arms were crossed over his chest, his hat casting a shadow so I could only see his lips which were tugged into a smirk. I pushed the hair off my face and looked around for a moment, I could feel his gaze on my face. I looked over at him again. "Do I have something on my face Captain?" I wiped my cheek confusedly.

"Eh, no you do not" He cleared his throat slightly at my sudden question.

"Curious, I thought you were staring because of something upon my che-"

"Ahh Connor, long time no see my friend" A man with black curly hair approached patting Connor's back slightly as Connor looked up and met his gaze. The man seemed extremely cheerful and talkative and when he set his eyes upon me his eyes seemed to portray a slight affection. God, knows why he would. He held his hand out and I did the same but he did not shake it he flipped my hand, palm down and kissed my knuckles before releasing my hand. "Samuel Adams at your service"

"Rozalina, as am I at yours" I smiled.

"Ahh a Russian beauty. Why might I ask does a beautiful flower allow the ever stoic Connor to take her to a tavern for a romantic evening?" I widened my eyes, why does everyone think Connor and I are courting... Connor blushed slightly and I put my forehead against the wood of the table and inwardly groaned.

"I think you misunderstan-" I sighed and looked up again before being interrupted.

"I am sure if I planned to take Rozalina on such an evening, it would not be here Samuel" Connor scowled at him and I looked at Connor slightly shocked at his outburst.

"Well since that's not the case, I suppose Connor wouldn't mind if I steal you away for a minute" He turned to me and held out his hand. I didn't have no reason not to talk to him so I took his hand.

"Only for a minute Mr. Adams" I added sternly. I bent down near Connor, "I'll only be a moment"

Samuel pulled me over to a separate corner, I leant against the wall and crossed my arms over my chest. Samuel also leant against the wall next to me but faced me. "I'm sorry if my assumption about you and Connor upset you, I have never seen him alone with a female and came to a conclusion"

"It is alright Mr. Adams, it's not the first time. General Putnam also thought the same back in New York" I smiled slightly at his apology, a decent man for once.

"I'm not surprised, it's not an average thing to see Connor in the company of a female. Especially a pretty one such as yourself" Oh god, I'm starting to blush again. Was it that unusual to see him with a woman? Oh god.. he is only a member of the brotherhood. He has to be around you to work, co-worker. That's all he is. I closed my eyes, all this thinking about Connor made me feel messed up.. ohh god.

"Is it really not that average? He only sees me as a co-worker" I reply.

"Ahh, don't doubt yourself. It's really not average for a man like Connor to have female co-workers" Oh god..what is he saying?

"I don't think I understand Mr. Adams?" I looked him in the eyes and he smiles.

"Stoic as Connor is he does not usually wear his ship attire in taverns, if you get my meaning, I think he's trying to impress you" I wanted to looked round but I couldn't, I'm in shock at the words spilling from Mr. Adams' mouth.

"Why would he try to impress me? He is a man of his work" I hiss at him. "He does not have those sort of feelings for me.." I start to doubt myself, what if he does like me? Mr. Adams seems sure he does and I keep denying it.

"When it comes to feelings I am of no use with Connor," He pauses and looks over my shoulder at Connor. "He isn't known to show his affections to many, close friends maybe Achilles but never a woman. I am curious.. what are your feelings towards him?"

My throat feels dry, I can't speak. I open my mouth to speak but nothing comes out and I shut my mouth again. I rub my forehead, how could one native man make my mind so confused, make my stomach knot and make me speechless... "I..I Oh it's none of your business what sort of feelings I have for him!"

Samuel grins excitedly. "Well whilst you're deciding what sort we should keep in touch!" He handed me a piece of paper, I looked at it. An address with his name above.

"You want me to write to you?" I ask slightly puzzled, why would people be interested in me? I'm just a Russian girl for god's sake.

"Yes, I have a feeling we'll become good friends! Don't forget to write to me when you reach the Homestead" Samuel seemed lovely, maybe we would be friends. He held his hand out again but instead of shaking it once again he kissed my knuckles. "It was a pleasure meeting you Rozalina, I hope to receive your letter soon"

"Thank you. I will write you soon Mr. Adams" He bowed to me before walking back to Connor, mumbling something before he went. Hopefully he didn't tell Connor the result of our conversation. Connor wasn't blushing so I assume that's a no. I walked back to the table where Connor still sat, I sat down opposite him.

"I am sorry if Samuel is over friendly" Connor said suddenly.

"It is not your fault, he means well" I assured him. I take another sip of my ale and close my eyes for a second. I opened my eyes again, he's staring at me curiously. "Captain, you're looking at me again.."

"No, I am not" He looked down, his reddened cheeks betraying him. He pulled the tip of his hat over his eyes.

"I think someone's lying!" I sung in a theatre like voice. Oh teasing him is going to be good.

"I am not lying.." He glared at me, his cheeks still red. This is too priceless.

"Says Captain Red Cheeks..." I muttered in my mother tongue.

"Did you say something?" Connor raised his eyebrow. The sounds of the tavern must of made my words unrecognisable.

"Oh no. Nothing to concern you" I won't be insulting him in my language anytime soon. I stood gulping down the rest of my ale and looked over to him. "Well I guess we should be getting back to the docks?"

"Yes, I guess we should" Connor stood placing some coins on the table, nodding towards the barmaid as his thanks. He opened the door, the storm opened the heavens as darkness and rain showered down.

I groan inwardly and pull up my hood over my head. I walked along side Connor feeling grateful for everything he'd done for me. "Connor, I just want to say thank you. For the food, taking me to the Homestead, for letting me join the battle here.."

"You have confirmed that you are useful in our trade, you are more than welcome here" His eyes were set forward the whole time. I looked up at him but he did not meet my eyes, I looked forward again as the rain really started to smash down on us.

"Oh curse this rain!" I cursed picking up an empty crate and holding it over my head to keep my hood a bit drier.

"You are definitely a strange woman Rozalina" He knocked his knuckles against the wood. I lifted it a bit to peep up at him and grinned.

"I'm considered normal compared to other Russian girls at my home" I laughed at his expression. A mix of fear, confusion and shock. "Don't make that face Connor or it'll stay like that forever" I laughed as he tapped the crate harshly with his hand.

"Let us go back quickly or a fever will kill us both" Connor stated as we walked in silence. That's cheery, not. I didn't mind silence, it helped me think about everything in my mind. I wonder what the Homestead will be like, will Achilles be happy to see me? Would I gain any friends? Would Connor let me be his friend... I don't think he would. He has no time for a silly person like me. The patter of the rain against the wooden crate was relaxing and after a while my arms began to ache so I placed it down and let the rain drip down my hood.

The sound of the rain splashing as it met the waters by the dock sounded off. The storm had settled better but I wasn't sure about the waters, would it be safe? I was no expert so I'd follow Connor's choice since he's Captain. The Aquila came into view as Connor stepped on board followed by myself, it was truly a beautiful ship. I ran my hand across the lacquered railings as I admired the ship in its beauty. "Are we going to the Homestead now or when it's safer?" I asked without looking at Connor as I made my way up the steps towards the wheel.

"The storm has calmed, the waters will allow her a good trip" Faulkner spoke up as Connor agreed. The ship suddenly moved and I watched as we left Boston, the clouds slowly allowing the sun to shine. It was like the clouds did not want the sun to see the streets where misery seemed to hang, protecting the sun so it could smile and warm us up. I yawned, my exhaustion finally showing but I wanted to stay on top deck and see the waters. The way the Aquila moved made me feel even more tired as I struggled to stay awake.

A hand gripped my shoulder as I looked to see Connor smirk at me. "You look exhausted, go rest" I blinked and gave in. "You may rest in my office, I do not mind"

"Thank you, inform me when we arrive at the Homestead" I yawned out my thanks as I headed towards his office. I took my assassin robes off and draped it on the back of the sofa as I laid down. My eyes closed and I was lost to the world of slumber.

I opened my eyes, my throat was burning. "I..can't b-breathe" I clutched my neck, blood dripping through my fingers as I tried to crawl away from whatever had slit open my neck. I was choking, blood was filling my throat and I tried to spit it out. It kept coming back. It's not stopping.

I could feel myself fading and rolled onto my back. "Why.. why is..this happening?" I coughed as blood spilled over my lips. I closed my eyes for a second and reopened them as I felt exhausted. Connor was there. He looked concern, I reached out to him and he grasped my hand.

"I should not have left you..." He sat me up against his front and looked at my neck. I relaxed a bit, he would help me. He withdrew a dagger, I panicked. I wriggled and fought but he was much too strong. "Do not struggle, I should not have left you. I should have finished the job"

"No plea-" I was cut off as he plunged the dagger into my heart. I screamed.

I shot up, sweat dripping off my forehead. I felt around my throat, no blood, no pain. I rubbed my eyes and my cheek tightened as I realised I had cried in my sleep, tears had dried on my cheeks. I shook my head. "Just a dream...just a dream" I repeated trying to convince myself I was safe. He wouldn't hurt me like that, he wouldn't finish me off like that. I looked around the office, everything was how it was left. I looked towards the desk as I slipped my robes on, my music box was still there. I hurried over to it and cradled it in my hands, I looked around the office. No one was around so why not? I wound up the mechanism as the two figures started to rotate as they danced, the melody twinkling out in an almost haunting way. I smiled at the tune, it was relaxing and beautiful. I closed my eyes and listened to it as the melody ended, I opened my eyes. I picked up the music box tracing the swirls of gold and the face of my mother before closing it and placing it back in my pocket.

The door creaked open as I turned around to see Connor peeping in. He spotted that I had awakened and fully stepped in. He had changed into his assassin's clothes and like in the prison I could see his face."We have arrived at the Homestead, I hope you had enough rest"

"Yes, plenty.." He probably saw through my lie but I wasn't going to tell him about such an awful dream. Connor turned and left to the top deck as I followed. I slung my bag over my shoulder and took in the scene before me, beautiful forests and a deep blue sky. It looked like the definition of perfection, I looked up at the cliffs and spotted a manor with stables near. Was that where I was going to live?

Faulkner shouted out to the crew "Anchor down boys!"and let the crew walk off onto the dock when the ship was weighted down at the dock. I approached him and gave him a smile. "Thank you for letting me aboard Faulkner, I appreciate it" I shook his hand and turned to walk off onto the docks. I stood on the dock as I waited for Connor to finish his business on the ship; I took my leather tie from my pocket and fish plaited my hair, finishing it off with a bow from the tie. I ran my hand over it, feeling the pieces of hair that were woven neatly. I pulled out my silver dagger from my weapons belt letting it spin and rotate around my wrists and fingers in a rhythm.

"Rozalina what are you doing?" I turned to see Connor as I finished spinning my dagger around my wrist; I flicked it up into the air catching the handle and sliding it into my weapons belt.

"Just a trick I learnt when I was younger" I looked up at him, I was reminded how handsome he was. Tanned skin, dark eyes, raven hair which looked like silk and a smile which would probably light up a room if he smiled more. I was surprised that he wasn't courting a woman already, he seemed to be the type any one would have a crush on...even me. What was I thinking? I can't let myself like him, he's dedicated to his work!

"Shall I introduce you to everyone?" Connor suggested. People who are not Connor? YES OH THANK GOD ALMIGHTY YES! I won't have to spend all my time with him.. well I didn't mind spending time with him but I need space and time to control my blushing.

"I'd love to" I said calmly which covered my mental screams of joy.

Connor introduced me to an array of people. Myriam the huntress was strong, independent and seemed absolutely lovely, she seemed to like me after I promised to hunt with her sometime. She patted my shoulder with a firm hand as she strapped her gun to her body and left to go hunting. Lance had a beautiful eye for crafting furniture and structures, he was bubbly and friendly. His eyes lit up when I complimented his craftsmanship and thanked me. Prudence and Warren were just adorable and so generous, they both had African heritage and their accents were so interesting. Prudence was lovely, telling me I could visit whenever I wanted and how she could use more females like me around. I laughed, she was so lovely and reminded me of a mother figure. Warren had a look in his eyes so full of love for his wife, they were so in love and I envied their true and strong affection. I have to say Godfrey, Terry and their families will forever entertain me when I'm blue. The two men would banter which soon escalated to full on insulting which set me off laughing. Diana and Catherine were their wives who seemed lovely and also told me to visit whenever I wanted to, I knew as soon as they had offered me such invitation that I was going to be happy and safe on the Homestead. I loved them all, their personalities and their trades had really benefitted the Homestead and themselves. I bid them goodbye as Connor led me to the Manor.

"Thank you for introducing me to everyone, they're all so friendly, generous and they seem to adore you" I smiled, I couldn't wait to see Achilles and hopefully have him accept me into their Brotherhood.

"It is no trouble, they all seem to have taken a liking to you" He commented still looking ahead as I looked up at him. "They are all good people"

"Indeed they all are" We walked up the steps to the manor, the outside was beautiful. Huge white pillars, windows and fencing decorated the land and a stable full of strong horses was to the side of the it. The smell of the sea was relaxing as I remembered we were on a cliff. Connor opened the front door, the inside was clean and shining. The hall showed a lovely staircase and rooms splitting off from the hall. Connor led me further down the hall to another room, Achilles was sat reading and looked up at our presence.

"Ahh Connor, you've returned and also with Alexei's apprentice" He turned to me, getting up and using his cane to hobble over. "I believe we met at the execution Rozalina, you did well and saved this ungrateful boy" He prodded his cane into Connor's leg and scowled at him.

"It is lovely to see you again Achilles" I replied, "I would like to join your Brotherhood if you'll have me, sir"

"Of course we'll have you, you've proven you're reliable by saving Connor's skin and showing your loyalty by trying to help Connor get out of prison" Achilles voice wheezed with a chuckled as he sat down again. "I am curious, how did you end up in prison?"

"Well, I got off the ship but my instructions were ruined. I could only make out your name and the location Boston. My naivety led me to some Red Coats which refused to help me get to Boston as they all dragged me into an alley for 'payment'" I swallowed hard, trying to shake the memory. "I killed one of them before running away, Hickey intervened and handed me over. I was charged with assault and murder of officers on duty. I still managed to get out alive so I'm okay"

"Hmm, idiocy of their King. Those red devils have no respect for women or their dignity" I laughed at Achilles comment and smiled. "Connor, show Rozalina to her room"

"Thank you again, sir" I said as I turned towards Connor.

"You are welcome, child" He sounded like a father, I think the Homestead would be like my family. Since I never really had a family apart from the Order.

Connor lead me from the room and up a flight of stairs. He opened a door to the right and let me in. The room was cosy, with a bed, desk and mirror which was perfect for me. I slung the bag from my shoulder and placed it on the sheets of the bed. The weight lifting from my shoulders as I turned to see him leaning against the doorway. I looked down at my hands, fiddling with them as silence fell over us. Connor straightened up, "I guess I should leave so you can get comfortable.."

"Er, yeah.. yeah. Thanks" He turned and shut the door. I fell to my knees and muttered, "Why am I so awkward? Why don't they teach us social skills in the Order? Oh, I remember because we're not supposed to have friends..fuck"

I growled at myself. I'm too awkward for this.. I huff as I chucked the contents of my bag onto the bed and shoving the empty bag onto the floor. I slung the blue velvet dress over the head board and took my weapons belt off flinging that onto the floor as well as I started to shrug off my robes. I let it fall to the floor, my robes, my blouse, my trousers, all of it. I shook my boots off and unstrapped the blades from my arms. I took out the plait from my hair and shook it out as I huffed at the curls. I fell onto the bed as darkness took me to sleep. I just prayed for no more nightmares.

Hey! I hope you enjoyed that? I like making it awkward and adding some banter into it. Sorry its moving a bit fast but trust me you're going to enjoy this story line. I couldn't resist with Samuel's part, you know what he's like! Thanks again guys!