Connor let out a long sigh as he opened the door. He shuffled through the entryway, ignored the weapon room, and just fell onto the couch in the living room.

He vowed to never, EVER, go on a triple date again.

"I see you made it home safe."

Connor almost fell off the couch. "Jesus!"

"I'm not him, but it was a good guess," Haytham replied, setting his book to the side.

Connor sat up, looking at him incredulously. How did I not notice him?! I'm losing my mind.

Haytham shifted in the armchair, smirking a little. "So, I take it that Valentine's Day didn't go too well for you?"

Connor groaned and buried his face in his hands. "I'm never doing that again, no matter what Ellie or Desmond says."

"I warned you."

"I know."

Connor recalled how Haytham told him that anything over a double date was "nothing but a big, shoddy disaster".

"So, how was the night ruined?"

Connor's brow furrowed, wondering how to explain what happened.

It really was a disaster. Adam's presence was awkward and strange and he kept asking Desmond and Connor personal questions. They all had decided to just go out to eat at the nearest Olive Garden and Adam only got creepier there. Connor was starting to feel suspicious of Adam toward the end of their meal.

Connor was just glad that Ellie convinced everyone to go their separate ways, but she made Claudia get a ride home from Connor. Connor didn't mind. Claudia's house was on the way to his and Ellie's neighborhood and he was glad that she didn't get a ride from Adam.

Claudia had also burst into tears on the way and that didn't help anything.

"The guy Claudia brought was weird."

"That's it?"

"Yeah, it was just weird. He kept asking Desmond and me creepy questions and he completely ignored the girls."

Haytham leaned forward. "Define creepy questions for me."

Connor stiffened. Could Adam be a guy to be suspicious of?

"Dad, it's not what you think-"

"You promised me Connor."

Connor sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "I don't think he was being that kind of creepy. I think there is someone out there more awkward than me now, that's all."

Haytham tried to hold back an amused grin. "That…is impressive."

"Yeah."

They sat in silence for a few moments. "I remember when your mother dragged me out on a date like that; she hated it as much as I did."

Connor perked up a little. He honestly enjoyed the stories his father told about his mother, since his mother never told him any involving Haytham.

"What happened?"

Haytham looked up in thought, mouth twisting a little. "Oh bloody hell, we decided to help a friend of hers out and I asked some of my friends to come along and it was horrible."

Connor leaned forward, waiting expectantly.

Haytham shook his head. "Trust me, you don't want to know."

"Did Mom do anything dramatic?" Connor asked. He could care less about anyone else in the story.

Haytham shrugged. "Your mother was actually a laid back person. The only time I saw her do anything dramatic was around my sister."

Connor grinned. It didn't surprise him. His mother was a level headed person, after all.

"Besides the awkward sixth wheel, how was your night?"

Connor's grin widened when he thought about how Ellie held his hand as he drove. She also did wear the pink dress she tried on when they went to the mall last week.

"It was good."

Haytham smirked knowingly and stood up. "Well, I'm going to bed. Unlike you, I can't stay up late very easily anymore."

"Is it because you're as old as some of the weapons in there?" Connor asked, gesturing to the weapon room.

Haytham frowned. "Watch it," he growled as he walked by the couch, smacking the back of Connor's head lightly.

Connor laughed a little before lying down on the couch again. "Grouch."

Haytham just closed the door to his bedroom when his phone started to ring.

He looked at the ID and he frowned immediately. William Miles' number was flashing on the screen. He pressed the call button, bringing the phone to his ear. "What do you want?"

"I'm not calling to ask you to bring in Jenny again. Christ."

"That's usually the only reason you call now Miles."

Haytham heard papers shuffling in the background. "Anyway, I called because of that guy you told me Connor has been seeing. Desmond told Altair about how the guy just happens to be around where the kids are hanging out or something."

Haytham stiffened. Could this man have been watching the kids as they were out tonight?

His stomach curdled thinking about it.

"What did you find?"

More paper shuffled. "Well, I asked Altair to follow the kids around and I told Desmond to point out the guy. Altair was able to get a picture and he followed him but the man somehow lost him. It turns out that his guy is an ex-FBI agent. I worked with him once even."

Haytham frown grew. He didn't like the idea of Desmond being directly involved with the FBI's investigation like that. "Who is he?"

"Do you remember when you convicted a guy named Daniel Cross? He was accused of compromising evidence and was possibly behind the deaths of many agents."

Haytham pinched the bridge of his nose. "Yes, I remember that case all too well. Do you think Cross is working for the main trafficker?"

"Possibly. We're going to keep a close watch on him and see if he leads us anywhere. I've told Desmond to call either me or Altair if he sees him again. I suggest telling Connor to do the same."

Haytham curled his lip. "Fine. And I would suggest not using your son to find felons anymore either."

"Don't patronize me Haytham." Miles growled.

"I know that I wouldn't get my son that involved with my work," Haytham retorted.

"And who made you the expert on being a parent? Last time I checked you didn't even meet Connor until this year."

"I suggest closing your twat mouth before I decide to come over there and close it for you Miles," Haytham snapped, clenching his teeth.

"Whatever. Just tell Connor to be careful." Miles hung up.

Haytham brought his arm up to hurl his phone toward the window, but he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

He limply tossed his phone on the bed and he leaned against the wall, slicking some stray hairs back.

He would have been lying if he said that what William stated didn't hit a soft spot.

He slowly sunk down to the floor, burying his face in his hands. He looked up at the ceiling, trying to get his thoughts together.

"Goddammit Ziio, why did you choose me? I should have been the last option!" he growled.

He reached for the shoebox he kept under his bed, tossing the lid to the side. It was funny- before Connor moved in, Haytham would have pulled this box out at least twice a day. Now that Connor was directly in his life, he hardly pulled it out anymore.

Haytham searched for a particular picture, holding it up when he finally found it. It was a picture of Ziio and Connor. Ziio was kneeling behind a four-year-old Connor, her arms were wrapped around his little waist and her chin was resting on his shoulder. Connor was holding up what appeared to be his first fish, grinning broadly.

Haytham sighed, wishing that the past could have been different. He wished that he was in that picture as well, smiling next to them.

He shook his head, tossing the picture back into the box. He put the lid back on and he shoved the box back underneath the bed.

He had to think of a way to tell Connor that a felon was watching his every move.

That should be easy.

hr

Ellie stepped out onto her back porch, grinning up at the sunlight. Finally, a warm day had arrived, causing the snow and ice to slowly turn to slush. She looked around her backyard, hopping off the porch.

She hopped over the fences into Connor's yard and quickly made her way to the other side.

She hurdled over the fence and ran up to Achilles' back door. Connor was waiting for her.

He opened the door and stepped aside. "Hey," he said with a grin.

Ellie reached out and grabbed his hand, getting on her tiptoes to kiss his cheek. "Hey."

She took off her coat, looking up at him. "So, we get to help in the attic?"

Connor shrugged. "Achilles hasn't told me what he wants us to do exactly, but he said it was important."

He took her coat and hung it up next to his. She moved to walk toward the stairs, but a firm grip on her elbow stopped her. She looked at him, arching a brow. "What is it?"

Connor opened and then closed his mouth. He looked at a loss for words. He finally exhaled deeply and looked her straight in the eye.

"My dad told me that the FBI found out that a felon has been following us."

Ellie stiffened. "Was it that guy from The Den?"

Connor nodded. "Yeah, Des and I saw him in the mall and I told my dad. Mr. Miles called him last night and told him that he was an ex-FBI agent."

She gulped down the lump forming in her throat. "Does it have to do with…" she trailed off, not wanting to think about the danger Connor, Mr. Kenway, and Desmond could be in again.

"Yeah."

They stood in a tense silence.

"My dad told me not to tell you, but I felt like I should."

Ellie wrapped her arms around him, trying to keep her composure. She calmed down a little when he hugged her back.

"I'll understand if you-"

Ellie looked up at him, furrowing her brow. "Don't even think about it!" she huffed, stepping back and putting her hands on her hips.

He blinked in surprise, opening his mouth to argue.

"No buts! I don't want you to have to deal with this crap alone again," she said before he could even get a word out.

He finally grinned and shook his head. "I'll never win an argument with you, will I, takohs?"

Ellie crossed her arms, arching a brow. "Nope. And you never told me what that word means."

Connor smirked, and Ellie's stomach flip flopped in response. "And I'll never tell you what it means."

Ellie pouted. "Unfair!"

"Too bad, so sad."

"Jerk."

His laugh told her that the previous subject was temporarily forgotten.

Achilles hobbled in at that moment. "Good, you're both here. Miss Johnston, I invited you over as well because you and Connor just had so much fun the last time I asked you two to do this."

Ellie smiled. "Are we painting?"

Achilles chuckled. "Yes, you're painting."

"Yay!"

She saw Connor roll his eyes, but a small grin was there.

She tugged on his sleeve. "Come on."

Achilles held up his cane in front of them. "You both must promise me that you won't get in a paint war this time."

Ellie elbowed Connor lightly, grinning wickedly. "As long as he behaves."

Achilles tapped Connor's shoulder with the cane. "Behave."

Connor sighed. "You always gang up on me."

Ellie pinched his cheek. "You make it too easy. Now come on."

Connor rubbed his cheek, following her up the stairs. "No I don't."

"Yes you do."

"No I don't, takohs."

"Lumbering bovine."

"That one's new."

She laughed and made it to the top of the stairs.

She loved this about her and Connor's relationship. She loved the fact that they still acted like good friends as well as a couple.

And she hoped it would never change.

The next few weeks flew by. The warm days kept coming and the snow left quickly, letting the outdoor sports finally practice outside.

Connor forgot how exhilarating and fun it was to just play baseball outside.

He stood next to Desmond at the pitchers mound. The whole team was crowded there and Coach Putnam just stared at them, gnawing on some gum. At least, Connor hoped it was gum.

"Alright ladies, I have good news and bad news," Coach called out.

Connor saw some of the boys' eyes widen.

"First of all, the bad news is that you boys will run a foul pole for every error. The good news is that if someone makes just an absolutely, amazing hell of a play, I'll take away an error. Our first game is Friday and we can't mess it up. I know you boys are one hell of a team and we can make it this year," Putnam explained, spitting on the ground.

It wasn't gum.

"Alright starters, get to your spots!" Putnam barked, walking toward the plate.

The boys sprinted out to their spots and Connor quickly loped to his. Big Dave nodded at him from the mound.

"Here we go, girls!" Putnam barked, tossing a ball in the air.

He hit a grounder up the middle on the left side. Desmond was there in an instant and lasering the ball toward Sam at first.

"Nice one, Miles!"

Coach hit enough balls to make it about nine innings worth of defense. They only had one error and that was because Petruccio hit the fence and dropped a Popfly.

"Last one, boys!" Putnam shouted, looking around.

Connor saw everyone tense up and get ready as their coach looked at each and every one of them. Putnam suddenly threw the ball up in the air in foul territory between third and home.

Connor threw his helmet off and saw that Clipper would never reach it in time. He sprinted a few steps and dove forward, barely catching the ball before it hit the ground.

The team started to cheer and Connor heard Putnam say, "Well, I'll be damned."

"Connor Kenway strikes again!" Desmond laughed, giving Connor a noogie.

Connor couldn't help but puff out his chest in pride.

"I guess that counts as a damn good play. Bring it in!"

Everyone put their hands in. "Team!"

Everyone started to walk their separate ways.

Putnam clamped a hand on Connor's shoulder. "So glad you joined the team, boy."

He stuck some more tobacco in his mouth and walked toward the dugout, leaving Connor alone with Desmond.

"So excited for tomorrow man, we're going to kick the other team's ass. I can feel it!"

Connor grinned and nodded in agreement, picking his helmet up. The early March breeze came through, causing both boys to shiver. Even though the snow was gone and the sun was out, the baseball team was still forced to wear under armor under their practice uniforms.

The boys walked out to the parking lot together. Connor threw his bag into the backseat of his car, leaning against the door after he closed it.

Desmond threw his own bag into the back of his car and looked at Connor. "Dude…I think I want to ask Lucy out."

Connor quirked a brow. "Seriously?"

Desmond rubbed the back of his neck. "Yeah, she's pretty cool, so whataya think?"

Connor shrugged. "Well, if you like her, go for it."

Desmond sighed. "Dude, I'm not going to have it as easy as you did."

Connor frowned. "What's your idea of easy? That was definitely not what I would call what I did."

Desmond rolled his eyes. "Shit, you just walked up to her door with a frickin' DVD of Beauty and the Beast and you gave her a puppy dog look to go along with it!"

"I don't make puppy dog faces! And I don't think you were there so how can you know what I did?"

"Connor," Desmond said with a smirk, "I was watching from your damn window. I saw every detail." He wiggled his eyebrows.

Connor growled and punched his arm before getting in his car. He poked his head out as Desmond walked back to his own. "Des, I think just asking her out will work still."

Desmond shook his head and waved the comment off. A smile was still on his face though.

Ellie blew wayward bangs out of her face as she pulled into the baseball field's parking lot. She and the girls had just got out of practice and they hurried over to the field as quickly as they could.

She almost groaned when she couldn't find a parking spot. "Shoot!" she growled, trying to find a place to pull her little bug into.

Claudia was on the look out, thankfully.

"There!" she exclaimed, pointing out the window.

Ellie quickly pulled into the spot, not caring how she parked. The girls quickly jumped out and they hurried to the bleachers. They paid the person at the gate and kept moving.

Lucy was looking around in curiosity as they tried to find a place to sit. Luckily, there was still ten minutes till the beginning of the first game.

Ellie glanced at her and grinned. "So, how did you convince your stepdad to let you come?"

Lucy shrugged. "He thinks I'm in study hall right now," she said with a mischievous grin.

Even though she didn't approve, Ellie couldn't help but grin too. She turned her gaze to the bleachers, trying to find a place to sit. She perked up when she saw Mr. Kenway sitting at the middle of the top row of the bleachers behind the backstop. He was all alone and separated from everyone else.

"Come on," Ellie said, walking up the steps.

She strode up to the second to last row and moved toward the middle. "Hello Mr. Kenway!" Ellie chirped, waving as she set her bag down.

Mr. Kenway gave her a little grin. "Hello. Miss Johnston," he looked at Claudia and Lucy, "I take it you girls just got out of practice?"

Claudia nodded; a little blush was rising on her cheeks. "Yeah, we hurried over as quickly as we could."

Ellie stared at her friend, shaking her head a little. So much for being over Mr. Kenway.

"I hope you don't mind us sitting here," Ellie said, plopping down on the bench.

Mr. Kenway shook his head. "I don't mind."

The other girls sat down as well and they started to scan the field for their friends. Claudia kept looking at her cell phone. "Where is my family?!" she growled, muttering other curses in Italian with the question.

Ellie looked around for the Auditores. She was sure that none of them would miss Petruccio's first game.

"Claudia!"

Ellie peered around Claudia and grinned when she saw the Auditores coming their way.

"And here I was thinking I would be alone," Mr. Kenway muttered.

Ellie glanced at him over her shoulder. "We can move, if you want," she said quietly. The last thing she wanted to do was stress Mr. Kenway out even more. Connor had told her how worried he was about everything.

Mr. Kenway shook his head, waving his hand. "I didn't say that my being alone was a good thing Miss Johnston," he said with a small smirk.

Ellie grinned back and turned back around, just in time to have Ezio plop down next to her.

"How's my other little sister?" he asked with a smile, dropping an arm on her shoulders.

"Doing great," she replied, poking his side.

His smile grew wider at the comment. "I heard you started dating a certain someone as well?"

Ellie felt a blush creep up on her face, clearing her throat. "Yes," she said quietly, super aware of the very certain someone's dad behind her.

Ezio looked forward at Federico, who took a seat in front of him, and lightly kicked his back. "What did I tell you?! I told you he liked her," he laughed.

Federico smirked over his shoulder. "I never doubted you!" he laughed.

Ellie buried her face in her hands. She heard Mr. Kenway chuckle behind her.

She elbowed Ezio and whispered, "His DAD is behind us!"

Ezio's brows rose and he snickered. "Seriously?"

Ellie nodded and elbowed him again, looking for Connor.

She found him warming up Big Dave. She felt a goofy grin form as she watched him catch. Claudia leaned over, bringing her lips to her ear. "Don't stare too much now," she whispered.

Ellie looked at her. "I can all I want," she retorted.

Claudia laughed aloud, turning to Lucy. "So, has Desmond asked you out yet?" she asked.

Lucy stiffened and her eyes widened. "W-what do you mean?"

Claudia and Ellie gave her a look.

"N-no," Lucy continued meekly.

Ellie and Claudia shared a look.

The speakers buzzed before a familiar voice blared out. Claudia covered her ears. "Oh God, he's announcing, "she hissed, trying to block out Shaun Hasting's voice.

Ezio leaned forward, looking around Ellie. "Who's that?"

Ellie rolled her eyes. Shaun was a foreign exchange student from Britain this semester and he annoyed the living crap out of everyone with his know-it-all attitude. Connor had told her about a time he corrected Mr. Washington in American Government, shocking everyone. He also almost got in a fight with Desmond because he called Desmond a twat.

"A know-it-all," Claudia grumbled, crossing her arms.

Ezio shared an amused look with Federico.

"Hello and welcome to today's game. And now for our starting lineup," Shaun announced, sounding bored.

He read through the opposing team's lineup. "How did he get this job?" Ellie asked aloud to nobody in particular.

"Maybe they assigned him to it for the experience," Lucy suggested.

Desmond started to run toward the shortstop position. "And now for the bloody home team. First up, Shortstop Desmond Miles. Who is kind of a-"

"Shaun!"

Ellie grinned. Good thing Rebecca Crane, the person who usually announced all the sporting events, was up there. Ellie couldn't remember one game that her classmate didn't announce. This was a first.

Ellie, Claudia, and Lucy started to cheer, clapping along with everyone else. Desmond waved at them from his spot on the field.

Claudia elbowed Lucy, wiggling her eyebrows, causing the blonde to blush. "Shut up, Claudia."

"I didn't say anything!" Claudia laughed.

"Next up is Centerfielder…how in the bloody hell do you say this?"

An exasperated sigh and some jostling noises followed his question. "Next up is Centerfielder Petruccio Auditore!" Rebecca announced, pronouncing his name perfectly.

The Auditores were the loudest human beings on the planet as Petruccio ran out to his spot on the field.

Ellie glanced apologetically over her shoulder at Mr. Kenway. He rolled his eyes, causing her to laugh.

"And batting third is first baseman Sam Adams!" Rebecca said, doing her usual amazing job.

Ellie wondered when Connor would show up in the lineup. He said that he was going to be in the beginning part.

"And batting fourth is the one and only Connor Kenway, who will be catching for us today!"

Rebecca sounded super excited about Connor for some reason. "I think she's looking at your man," Claudia said out of the corner of her mouth, giving Ellie an amused look. Ellie rolled her eyes, focusing on Connor again.

Ellie and the others cheered as Connor ran to his spot. He looked up at them and shook his head in amusement. Ellie could hear his soft, breathy laugh he usually did with the action in her head. Her stomach started to flutter with the thought. She honestly loved that laugh.

"Oooh, there's Ellie's boyfriend!" Ezio teased, tugging on the end of her ponytail.

Ellie rolled her eyes. Ezio could keep being an idiot, for all she cared.

"Did you promise to kiss him if he got a homerun Ellie?" Federico asked, wiggling his eyebrows.

Ellie spluttered, feeling her face heat up. She wouldn't have minded if Mr. Kenway wasn't sitting right behind them. Rebecca's voice blared in the background.

She heard him laugh aloud at that one. "Oh, please. He would combust if she did that," he commented, leaning back against the railings.

Ellie peeked at Mr. Kenway over her shoulder while Ezio and Claudia cracked up. He looked amused with the whole situation.

"And that's the lineup for tonight's game! Now let's rise for the playing of our National Anthem," Rebecca said as Revere ran out to his spot.

After all of that was done, the game finally began.

"Claudia! I swear to God I will hurt you if you dont let go of my arm!" Ellie hissed later.

It was the last inning of the second game and the teams were tied. There were two outs and Desmond had just got on with a hard grounder up the middle. The first game was won when Connor hit a line drive to right field, bringing in Desmond to score the winning run.

Petruccio was up to bat with three balls and two strikes on him. Desmond was creeping off first and the atmosphere was tense. The opposing pitcher finally threw the ball and Petruccio bunted it toward first, sprinting down the line.

Ellie had to give it to him, the little guy was fast. He wasn't as burly as his older brothers, but his lean frame helped with his speed.

Maria and Giovanni were standing by that time. "Go go go!" Maria shouted, shaking Giovanni's arm.

Ezio shared an amused look with Ellie.

Petruccio touched the base right as the ball got there. The home crowd cheered when he was called safe. "That's my boy!" Maria exclaimed proudly, still shaking Giovanni's arm.

Sam Adams walked toward the batter's box as his walk-up song played and Ellie glanced around at the crowd. She did a double take when she saw someone familiar in the front row.

She nudged Claudia. "Isn't that the guy from The Den?" Ellie asked, pointing at the said man.

His dark blond hair stook up at strange angles in the front, adding to his haunted, tired look. He glanced back at them and quickly looked forward again. Ellie glanced down at Lucy, who looked a little pale. "You okay Luce?"

Lucy shook her head a little. "Y-yeah, I'm just nervous about the game," she said shakily, running her fingers through her ponytail.

Ellie frowned. She wasn't convinced- something else was bothering her.

"Is that guy the stronzo that bothered you?" Ezio asked, looking at where Claudia's glare was directed to.

"Yes!" Claudia hissed, paying attention to the game.

Ellie bit her lip. Could that be the guy Connor told her about? Or was it all just a coincidence?

The crack of the bat pulled her out of her thoughts and she paid attention to the game again. Sam got on with a single to left field, loading the bases.

"And now our Catcher Connor Kenway!" Rebecca cheered, playing Connor's walkup song. The refrain of Radioactive started to blare through the speakers and most of the students were singing along.

Connor waited for Coach Putnam to give him a signal and he stepped in the box. Ellie grabbed Ezio and Claudia's arms.

"And you were talking about me holding your arm?" Claudia teased.

"Shh!"

The pitcher threw the ball. The umpire called it a ball. Connor stepped out again and took a couple practice swings. Ellie tried to relax by just staring at him. He was the only one on the team not wearing Under Armour and she could see the sweat running down his arms and face. Her gaze traveled over his broad shoulders as the pitcher threw another ball. He stepped out of the box again and looked at Coach Putnam. Her gaze traveled lower and lower.

She loved baseball uniforms.

He stepped back into the box, waiting for the pitch. Another ball. The count was 3 balls, no strikes.

The atmosphere buzzed with excitement. All of the runners crept off their bases a little, anticipating either the walk or the hit. Connor stepped back into the box.

The pitcher finally pitched and Ellie tensed up. The crack of the bat sounded out throughout the stadium and the ball was flying toward the right field fence. Ellie and everyone else stood up as they watched it fly.

The ball finally started to descend and everyone seemed to hold a collected breath. The ball finally disappeared over the fence.

"Homerun! Kenway saves the day with another amazing hit!" Rebecca's voice shouted through the intercom.

The team was crowded around home plate by that time, dog piling over Connor.

Ezio slung an arm around her shoulders again. "I'm curious, did you promise him anything if he hit a homerun?"

Ellie gave him an angry pout, causing him to laugh.

"I promised him cookies."

"Cookies?" Ezio asked, giving her an incredulous look.

"Yes, cookies. He loves my baking."

Ezio scratched his head, sharing a bewildered look with Federico. Claudia gave her brothers a smug look. "I told you they weren't like that, idiotas."

Mr. Kenway's now familiar chuckle sounded from behind them, causing Ellie to give him another sheepish look for the umpteenth time that night.

She looked at Claudia. "Kill them for me later," she grumbled, jerking a thumb toward the Italian next to her.

Claudia smirked. "Gladly."

Everyone started to walk down from the bleachers. Ellie stayed near Mr. Kenway as they waited near the dugout for Connor. Lucy stood next to Ellie.

"He'll probably come out singing praises to Connor's name," Ellie said, imagining Desmond doing just that.

The Auditores had already crowded around poor little Petruccio.

Ellie grinned, remembering why she wanted to be Italian sometimes. Connor's tall frame finally walked out of the dugout, followed closely by Desmond.

"Say hello to our new star!" he crowed, dramatically waving his arms toward Connor.

Connor looked uncomfortable with the attention, shifting his grip on his bag. "Desmond, you got on both times," he said quietly.

"I didn't hit the winning runs in both games, though!" Desmond replied, punching Connor's shoulder playfully.

"You both got a lot of runners out too," Lucy reminded them.

Connor had gunned the ball down to Desmond four times, getting the runner trying to steal each time.

Desmond puffed his chest out proudly with the comment. "Hell yeah, we did. I can hear State calling our names!"

Lucy shared an amused look with Ellie. She bit her lip and looked up at Desmond again. "Hey, Des, can you give me a ride home? I don't want to bother Ellie, since she lives out of the way."

Desmond quickly picked up his bag, looking ecstatic. "Sure! See ya guys!" he said, hurrying toward his car.

Lucy winked at Ellie over her shoulder and followed him.

Connor looked at Ellie and shook his head with an eye roll. Ellie took that moment to step forward and give him a big hug. "You were great," she said as she pulled away, craning her neck to smile up at him.

A little blush rose on Connor's cheeks as he rubbed the back of his head. "Thanks," he said softly.

"You were brilliant. I think I'll actually enjoy watching baseball, for once," Mr. Kenway commented, giving Connor a small grin.

He clamped a hand down on Connor's shoulder. "Are you coming home right away?"

Connor looked at Ellie and then back at his father. "Yeah."

Mr. Kenway leaned forward and said something quietly that Ellie couldn't quite pick up. Connor suddenly looked very serious. He nodded grimly as Mr. Kenway stepped away.

"Good night, Miss Johnston. Don't keep him too long," he said with a teasing smirk.

Ellie planted her hands on her hips. "Mr. Kenway, you heard Ezio tease me all night, and you're going to do that?!"

Mr. Kenway laughed aloud at that and walked away toward his car.

"What did Ezio tease you about?"

"Everything."

"Like what?"

Ellie pulled him down and stood on her tiptoes so her lips could reach his ear. "They were betting on what I would do if you hit a homerun."

She stepped back and she giggled when his entire face turned pink.

"O-oh," he stuttered. He suddenly frowned. "Hold on. These were the same guys who were giving me threats when we were still friends?"

Ellie rolled her eyes. "They like you. And Claudia didn't tell them about your Square moment so they still like you."

She started to walk away. "I'm just wondering what kind of cookies to bake now."

Connor hurried to catch up with her. "Cookies?"

Ellie looked up at him with a grin. "Yes. You get cookies for hitting a homerun. What would you like?"

"Any kind. And what do I get for line drives?"

Ellie looked up at him in mild surprise. He was staring straight ahead, avoiding her gaze. She could see the blush on the tips of his ears.

She grabbed the collar of his uniform, pulling him down again. "This," she said before giving him a little peck on the lips.

He blinked in surprise before clearing his throat.

"Oh wait, didn't you hit two?" she asked, cocking her head.

Connor's face turned pinker as he nodded.

She gave him another kiss, wrapping her arms around his neck as he pulled her closer to him with his free hand. She pulled away, grinning up at him. He grinned back and they started to walk toward her car again.

His fingers intertwined with hers as they slowly walked across the parking lot.

Ellie's stomach fluttered the whole way to her car.