Connor let out a huge breath as he dragged his new catcher's bag behind him. After two weeks of practice, Coach Putnam forced him to use one of the team's until he could buy his own. He let out a grunt when Desmond flung an arm around his shoulders.

"I need a nap, man," Desmond groaned, leaning heavily against him.

Connor nodded in agreement. Coach had made them run for their errors and Connor was almost ready to pass out by the time they were done. Desmond looked at his watch. "Hey, I bet track is still practicing. We got out early, after all."

Connor shrugged and the boys started to make their way toward the other gym.

"So, Mr. I-Actually-Have-A-Girlfriend, what is Ellie going to force you to do on Valentines?" Desmond asked, pulling his arm back to his side.

Connor almost groaned. Valentine's Day was in one week and Connor didn't even want to think about the teasing his father had given him. "I don't even know…I was just going to let her drag me into whatever she wanted to do," he admitted with a shrug.

Desmond wiggled his eyebrows. "Anything?"

Connor shoved playfully on Desmond's arm, causing his friend to lightly bump into the wall. "Asshole."

"Hey, we're all hot blooded teenagers! Don't tell me you never think about it!" Desmond laughed.

Connor rolled his eyes. "You're starting to sound like my dad."

Desmond laughed again. "But come on, be serious. You honestly never think about her that way?"

Thinking back to what happened a few months ago, Connor inwardly flinched. "We just started dating…"

Desmond waved the comment off with a small chuckle. "Whatever you say, man."

They reached the door to the gym and peeked in, slowly walking out onto the balcony. Connor scanned the crowd to find Ellie and the other hurdlers in one of the corners. Ellie appeared to be practicing starts next to a blonde.

"Who's the blondie?" Desmond asked, pulling a protein bar out of his bat bag.

Connor rested his arms against the railing. "Her name's Lucy. She's a junior and she moved here at semester. Ellie thinks she's cool."

Desmond bit into the protein bar, tilting his head a little. "She's hot."

Connor shook his head. "Of course you would say that."

"She is!"

"I can't comment."

"Why not?"

"I have a girlfriend, remember?"

"Like Ellie would care!"

Connor shoved him again, refocusing on the hurdlers. They all took off for about twenty feet. Ellie was in the lead. Connor couldn't help but grin. Ellie really was determined to go to state this year and at this rate it looked like she would.

"Damn, Ellie's fast."

"She is."

They sat down on the concrete and Desmond tossed Connor a protein bar. "So, how's your dad?" Desmond asked, crumpling up his wrapper.

Connor tore the wrapper on his bar. "He's a little stressed when he's not teasing me, why?"

Desmond suddenly looked serious. "Dude, my dad's been freaking out. He told me that they were really close to finding the leader of that gang and stuff and he's nervous."

Connor's face fell at the comment. "My dad made me promise to tell him if I saw anything suspicious after my visit. The next thing I know, a weird guy is bothering the girls at our practice and he happens to end up at The Den with us."

Desmond shook his head with a heavy sigh. "Fuu…why can't this shit just be over?!"

Both boys let out long sighs and focused on the hurdlers again. Desmond fidgeted a little.

"What?" Connor asked around a mouthful of his protein bar.

Desmond cleared his throat. "You know how we were all going to hang out tomorrow at the mall?"

Connor almost groaned. Haytham and Ellie had finally bullied him into going shopping for his bat bag and various other things he needed. Desmond and Claudia decided to join he and Ellie on their trip tomorrow. "Yeah, what about it?"

"Do you think Ellie could invite the new girl along?"

"I knew it."

"What?!"

Connor just shook his head in amusement. "Ask Ellie yourself, dude."

"Hey, asshole, you forgot who had to shove you out the door to ask Ellie out!"

"Fine, I'll ask her."

"Jesus, was that so hard?"

"Shut up, Desmond."

"You shut up!"

Ellie took a deep breath before stretching her arms over her head. "I don't think I'll be able to walk tomorrow," she grumbled, shaking out her limbs.

"Me either."

Ellie looked at the girl next to her. Lucy Stillman was a little taller than her and she looked more built, but Ellie knew not to let the size fool her. Lucy had proven to be almost as fast as she was in her short time there.

Lucy's bright blonde hair was pulled back into a neat ponytail and Ellie wondered how she managed to keep it that way even after their practice. She tugged some fingers through her own hair, pouting a little at how her wavy locks got tangled easily.

Some movement in the bleachers caught her eye and she almost laughed when she saw Desmond hopping up and down, waving his arms. Connor looked like he was trying to stop him.

"Who are those guys?" Lucy asked, quirking a brow.

Ellie chuckled. "The giant is my boyfriend, Connor. The strange one is Desmond."

"What is that idiot doing?" Claudia asked, huffing as she walked up with her bag.

Ellie shrugged. "Trying to get our attention, I would think."

She waved her own arms and laughed when Desmond fist pumped. She turned her gaze to Lucy, an idea popping into her mind as she looked at the boys. "Hey, Lucy, you said you didn't know Saratoga that well. How about you hang out with us tomorrow? We're going to the mall to pick up a few things."

Claudia clapped her hands. "Yes! Another girl would be great."

Lucy gave them a small grin. "I would love to, if my step dad says it's okay."

The trio started to make their way toward the gym doors. The boys were waiting for them. "What were you trying to do Dez?" Ellie laughed as she walked up to them.

Desmond grinned. "I was trying to get your attention, Connor here is too shy to," he replied, jerking a thumb toward Connor.

Connor frowned. "Yeah, and you almost fell off the balcony in the process."

Ellie rolled her eyes and tugged on Connor's sleeve. "I don't know about you guys, but I want to pass out right now, let's get going."

"Whoa Ellie, you're being rude," Desmond said, causing everyone to look at him.

Ellie quirked a brow. "Connor, Desmond, this is Lucy Stillman. Lucy, this is Connor and Desmond," she said, gesturing to the boys as she said their names.

Lucy looked at them. "You weren't kidding, you are dating a giant," she said with a teasing wink.

Connor spluttered and Ellie had to hold back a laugh. "Nah, I wasn't."

"Giant?"

Ellie looked up at Connor's unamused face. "Yes, Giant. You freaking tower over me. Or would you rather go back to being called an ox?"

Connor's brow furrowed more. "I'll stick with Giant."

Desmond started to snicker.

"Can we get coffee or some food? I'm dying here," Claudia suddenly whined, walking toward the doors.

Ellie shook her head. She had learned one thing over the years, and that was to never get between Claudia and food.

"So, Lucy, where did you move from?" Desmond asked, holding the door open for the blonde.

Ellie looked up at Connor in surprise. Desmond was being... polite?

"Albany," Lucy replied, giving Desmond a small smile as she walked out the doors. Claudia was close behind.

Ellie and Connor shared a shrug and followed behind. This time, they all piled into Desmond's SUV. Ellie was squished between Connor and Claudia in the back seat while Lucy took shotgun, per Desmond's request. Skrillex started to blast through the speakers. Claudia leaned around Ellie, holding her hand up by her face. "What's with him?" she hissed at Connor, pointing at Desmond.

Connor leaned close. "He's trying to impress her."

Ellie rolled her eyes and tugged on his braid. "Obviously," she said into his ear, trying to ignore the dubstep. She always found that music slightly annoying, and was being reminded why.

"I better not become an extra awkward fifth wheel," Claudia growled, sitting up and crossing her arms with a pout.

Ellie looked up in thought for a moment. "What about that one friend of Ezio's? He's not too much older than you."

Claudia rolled her eyes. "Are you talking about Yusuf or Antonio?"

"Antonio."

"How 'bout no?"

Ellie shrugged. She tried. "Claudia, you'll never be an awkward wheel for us," she said, reassuring her friend.

Connor nodded in agreement.

Thankfully, they made it to The Den shortly after that and Ellie's ears stopped ringing. She wiggled a finger in her ear as Connor helped her out. "Crap Des, were you trying to make my ears bleed?"

Desmond pointed at her. "Hey, don't diss the Skrillex!"

Ellie pointed a finger right back. "I can when I have to shout to hear myself afterwards!"

She walked away when Desmond couldn't splutter out a comeback. Connor and Claudia's laughs followed her into The Den.

"Shut up!"

"I like dubstep, if it makes you feel better," Lucy cut in.

"Can I marry you?"

Ellie rolled her eyes. Yup, Desmond was clearly on the prowl now. She walked up to the counter, waiting behind a man who was standing at the counter already.

"Kadar? Where is your brother? I have the check for our rent," the man said.

"Hey, it's Agent of the year, Altair!" Desmond laughed.

Ellie looked at Desmond in surprise. This was Altair? She looked up at Connor, who gave her a slight eyeroll.

The man turned and Ellie stepped away a little. His cold stare and broad build intimidated her, his strange eyes seemed to bore right through her own and see everything.

Altair sighed, frowning at Desmond. "And here's the biggest pain in my ass."

Desmond rolled his eyes. "Douche."

"Brat."

Kadar and Connor held back snickers.

Altair suddenly looked at Connor. "Maria told me about your visit. She was surprised that we knew each other."

Connor's eyes widened in surprise. "You know Maria?"

Desmond punched Connor's shoulder. "You met Altair's girlfriend?! I haven't even seen a picture!"

Connor's eyes widened. "Girlfriend?"

Altair pulled out his wallet, showing the boys a picture. "Yeah, I actually met her over in Syria. She was there for a study abroad thing."

"I really like her," Kadar commented, setting a cup on the counter.

Altair nodded and put some money on the counter. "I'm glad you do," he said with a small smile.

Ellie relaxed a little. He wasn't as intimidating when he interacted with Kadar.

"Still, Connor MET Maria before I even saw a Godda-"

"I'll have the macchiato again, Kadar!" Ellie cut in, stopping Desmond's tirade. She really didn't like his choice of words sometimes.

Ellie turned to Lucy. "You're next!" she chirped, stepping aside so the blonde could look at the menu.

Altair's eyes narrowed. "Have we met?"

Lucy looked up at him and Ellie stiffened. She looked scared, really scared. "I-I don't think so," she said with a polite grin.

Altair shrugged and grabbed his coffee. "I'll get out of your guys' way."

He looked at Kadar again. "Give that check to your brother, and tell him that I'll probably be in late or tomorrow sometime."

"Will do! Good luck!" Kadar said with a little salute.

Altair lazily saluted back with a grin before walking out of the coffee shop.

Desmond immediately turned to Connor. "What was she like?!"

Connor shrugged. "She was nice. She and my dad talked about London a lot too."

Kadar motioned Ellie and the girls closer with a crook of his finger. "She's actually a grouch sometimes. And she's super smart. Don't tell Desmond, it's funny to see him be in the dark," he whispered.

Claudia laughed aloud, but Ellie and Lucy tried to hold back their snickers.

Ellie had to admit that seeing Desmond in the dark was hilarious.

Connor turned off the key in the ignition, sighing at the bright signs in the mall parking lot. Shopping, he thought, curling his lip at the building.

Ellie tugged on his sleeve, pulling him out of his silent hatred. "Come on! Knowing Claudia, they're here already.

Connor rolled his eyes and finally got out. She was already walking toward the doors with a quick pace. Connor had to jog to catch up with her. "In a hurry?"

Ellie gave him an unamused look. "I honestly hate shopping with Claudia. She takes forever. I'm just hoping that we can get in and out today. Maybe we should look up movies for all of us to go to."

Connor was just happy that Ellie wanted to get this over with a quickly as he did.

Once they were inside, they quickly made their way to the food court, where they all had agreed to meet.

Sure enough, Claudia and Lucy were already there. Desmond was nowhere to be seen. "Where's Des?" Ellie asked as they walked up.

Claudia frowned and pointed.

Connor looked and almost laughed aloud. Desmond was playing a racing game with a little boy in a nearby arcade. Desmond was also proving his video gaming skills and the boy was winning.

Ellie arched a brow. "Who is the kid?"

Claudia shrugged. "Well, we were waiting and the kid started crying so Desmond offered to play the game with him."

"He was alone?" Connor asked, feeling a little concerned.

"Yeah, but he said his mom was in a nearby store. I was about to look for her," Lucy said, tilting her head a little.

Connor shook his head. He NEVER remembered his mother leaving him alone anywhere.

Desmond finally finished his game and he handed a few more quarters to the kid before walking back over to them. "Man, that kid was good!" he laughed as he walked up.

"Or you just suck," Claudia retorted with a teasing smirk.

Desmond frowned. "Okay, so I might not be the best gamer, but at least I have fun."

Connor shook his head in amusement and opened his mouth to make a smart remark, but Ellie was already pulling on his hand toward Dick's. "Come on, Mr. Catcher! You need a bag."

Connor rolled his eyes at Desmond and the others before paying attention to where Ellie was dragging him again. They finally made it to the store and Desmond took over, dragging Connor over to the various baseball equipment.

"Okay, I would suggest this type, but then again you have a lot of stuff so I would probably go with this one," Desmond said, pointing at the bags.

Connor looked to see which one of the bags was cheaper.

"Of course they go and look at clothes," Desmond grumbled, gesturing to the girls.

They were crowded around a sales rack with running shorts on them. Connor rolled his eyes. "Des, they're girls."

"Yeah but-"

"Just don't question it."

"Fine. Whatever. So, which bag are you getting?"

Connor picked the cheaper one off the rack and lugged it toward the cash register. He used the card his dad lent him, inwardly flinching at the cost. Throwing the bag over his shoulder, he made his way towards the girls. "I'm going to take this out to the car really quick," he said, putting a hand on Ellie's shoulder.

She nodded. "We're thinking about going to JC Penny's now, so meet us there."

Connor nodded and started to walk toward the entrance, Desmond following behind. "You didn't have to come with me," Connor said with a grin.

"I need to talk to you about something really quick."

Connor halted near the entrance, narrowing his eyes. It was the guy from The Den that the girls recognized. "Does he look familiar?" he asked, glancing at Desmond.

Desmond followed Connor's gaze and his face fell. "Oh shit. Isn't that the guy from The Den?"

"I think so."

Connor tugged on Desmond's coat, quickly walking out the doors. "I already told my dad about that guy. We need to watch our backs for the rest of the day, man."

Desmond sighed, digging the heels of his palms into his eyes. "Jesus, why is this happening again?"

"It's to get to your dad, most likely."

Desmond barked out a laugh with no humor. "Yeah, right. My dad only gets bothered about work. I don't know why mom stays with him."

Connor gave him a sympathetic look as they approached his car. He really didn't like how Desmond talked about his dad sometimes, but he knew that talking about it wouldn't help.

He put the bag in the trunk and he and Desmond hurried back into the mall. "By the way, how should I talk to Lucy?"

Connor looked at him in confusion. "Uh...just talk to her?"

Desmond sighed in exasperation. "I want to ask her out on a date man, how should I do that?"

Connor had never felt so clueless. "Just ask her."

"Dude, how do you have a girlfriend?"

"I still don't even know."

"Of course," Desmond laughed.

Right as they reached the door, Connor slipped on some ice. He yelped as he fell on his side.

"What the-holy shit!" Desmond laughed, holding his sides as Connor got to his knees.

Connor frowned and swung his leg out, remembering what Achilles showed him. Desmond yelped as his feet were swept out from under him and landed on his rear as well.

"Jesus!" he wheezed as he sat up.

They looked at each other and they burst out in laughter. "Holy shit, man, you need to show me some of those moves."

Connor got up, still laughing, and helped Desmond to his feet. "I'll have to introduce you to my neighbor. He used to be a Marine."

They walked back into the mall and started to make their way toward JC Penny's. "I think if you just ask her, you'll be fine," Connor said, commenting on what they were talking about earlier.

"I'm doomed."

Connor shrugged and walked into the store, looking around for the girls.

They finally found Lucy standing next to a dressing room. Desmond nudged her with his shoulder. "Miss me?" he asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

The corners of her mouth lifted a little as she tried to hold back a smile. "You wish."

Desmond grinned back and Connor really didn't know what he was worried about.

A creak from the changing rooms caused Connor to glance toward them. He felt his eyes widen and he had to stop his jaw from dropping.

Ellie had on a light pink dress that ended just above her knees.

Connor could feel the blush crawling up his neck.

"Dang, dressing up for a hot date?" Desmond teased.

Ellie put her hands on her hips. "At least I have one."

She pursed her lips and did a Z-snap before walking back into the changing rooms. Connor gulped and hoped that the dress will be leaving with her later.

Desmond spluttered and looked at Connor. "Did that just happen?"

Connor shrugged. "She was telling the truth," he said with a tiny smirk.

Desmond scratched his head and looked at Lucy. "Would you like to fix that problem?"

Connor rolled his eyes. Now it was Smooth Miles in action.

Lucy just grinned and tucked some hair behind her ears. "You would like that, wouldn't you?"

"He would like what?"Claudia asked, walking out in a floral printed dress. Ellie was close behind, back in her jeans and sweater. The pink dress was hanging over her arm.

Lucy giggled. "He asked if I would fix his lack of a hot date problem."

Claudia rolled her eyes, looking at Ellie. "Well, you told me."

Ellie shrugged with tiny smirk. "Well, she's a blonde bombshell. Why wouldn't he like her?"

Desmond spluttered and Connor snickered into his hand.

Lucy crossed her arms. "What are you planning to do while we are fixing the problem?" she asked, looking down her nose. A small grin gave away her amusement.

Desmond looked pleadingly at Connor. "Double date?"

Connor looked at Ellie, eyebrows raised in question.

Ellie smiled and shook her head in amusement. "I guess we can."

"Can we make that a triple date?"

Everyone looked at Claudia in surprise.

Claudia cleared her throat. "Ezio introduced me to another friend of his last night and he asked me out on a date for Valentine's. What do you guys say?"

Ellie leaned forward. "What friend?"

Claudia smiled. "One of his MMA students, actually. He's my age and he drives from Albany to get lessons from Ezio."

"What's his name?" Ellie asked, cocking her head suspiciously.

"Adam."

Ellie looked at Connor and shrugged. "I guess we're all going on a triple date next Friday."

Connor shared a glance with Desmond. He looked like he was about to jump around in glee.

Connor just hoped that Ellie wouldn't tease him in front of everybody when the time came.