A/N: I don't own anyone in the AC verse…Wish I did…

Two years later

Daniel wasn't a heavy sleeper.

Years of feeling as if there was a snake coiled deep inside of him waiting to get out had taken its toll on his mind and body. It didn't help he had punished every cell with any drug and liquor he could get his hands on. The visions had not ceased, they continued to haunt him, pervading his mind with the painful images of his heritage. Of course slaying the Mentor in Dubai only compounded the toll.

But they had shifted into tolerable episodes over the last few years thanks to the constant regiment of medication and regular visits to Dr. Sung. His life was taking on new meaning however now that Subject 17 remained at large along with the Piece of Eden to which Abstergo heavily leaned back on their top operative to hunt the rogue down.

Then two years ago the fucked up path that so far is his life took an interesting turn.

It appears she will pull through.

Will she remember anything?

No

Now he was being greeted with an empty side of the bed. His open palm slapped the mattress before sitting upright and tossing the comforter aside.

Not this shit again!

His inner voice snarled at this latest incident. Daniel need not guess where she had gone.

"You really need to pick a better place."

The seated figure on the ledge didn't move as he sat alongside her.

"Sorry if my choice in perches inconveniences you Princess. I couldn't sleep."

Her knees were hugged tightly against her chest with arms comfortably secured around them. The night was a little too warm but Daniel ignored it. Off in the distance a narrow finger of lightning fanned across the Roman sky. Thunder rumbled with the ferocity of a landslide.

"Besides it's peaceful out here. I feel…..free in a way." Her shoulders shrugged at the final syllable but the hints of melancholy didn't go unnoticed.

Daniel snorted at her sentiment but wouldn't admit it was tranquil out on the roof. Perhaps it was the company but he wasn't exactly the touchy feely kind of man who would willingly sit and listen to someone moan and piss. After Kelly died he had fallen apart inside and once he was out and on meds he dedicated his life to Abstergo and the Templars, training recruits and hunting Assassins like the filthy dogs they were. Relationships had consisted of drunken one night stands that were propositioned in seedy bars located in Rome's underbelly; if he didn't get booze tossed in his face or laughed at. But those pathetic ventures ceased two years before.

"And I know you are not the let's get in touch with our feelings kind of guy so I won't divulge. I could get more out of a rock."

Daniel fished around his pockets until his fingers closed around the remains of the pack of cigarettes in his possession. He took one to his lips and offered the last one to her. She was reluctant initially but plucked the cancer stick from her partner's offering fingers and snatched the lighter.

"You're a bad influence Daniel," she muttered while balancing the cigarette between her lips.

"You're now noticing Skye?" An eyebrow elevated with slight amusement.

"Apparently the sarcasm switch is all the way on," she took a drag. "Then again I shouldn't expect any less out of you. You could've stayed inside."

"Nah," he shook his head. "I couldn't sleep."

"I still can't remember a lot. Dr. Sung said I could relapse if I try pushing myself too much or hard. She said it was best if I let things return to me; whatever that's supposed to mean."

Daniel was silent. The last thing he or any Templar wanted was for Skylar to remember. Everything they worked for over the last two years would fall apart. But Warren reassured him repeatedly that wouldn't happen.

"What if she remembers Warren? Then what?"

"She won't Daniel. Remember how we were able to create the Animus based on a replicated Piece of Eden?"

"Yeah…." He was uncertain of where the conversation was going but played along.

"Same idea; a chip was implanted at the base of her skull which keeps any unwelcome memories neatly locked away never to see the light of day."

Vidic cast an arrogant grin as he recalled the success with the blonde. In that instance it was programmed for him to execute the Mentor when opportunity arose. But with their newest member, it was to make her forget among other commands.

"How can you be so sure it won't fail?"

"It's under continuous monitoring Daniel. Dr. Sung is lead in this project. If anything is triggered the chip works as a switch, turning off what we don't want lit up. Remember when she came to us? Her body had suffered serious trauma. We need to do this in steps."

His fingers slid down the back of her neck, lazily playing with the faint raised sliver of tissue. Skylar continued smoking, letting the attentive pressure trace the mark. The slow outlining of his fingertips harbored a peculiar sensation but nothing ominous. Daniel was the only person who could get away with that. He and the others had lied about its origins when questioned, saying she had gotten injured by one of the recruits during a training session gone awry.

He didn't have to be told of the scar that ran diagonal on her chest.

"What happened here?"

Daniel spied what her finger was running along. She was standing in front of the mirror with her mouth jutted into a pout as her eyes strained with the attempt to recall where it had come from. Sadly that fragment of thought didn't obey, continuing to keep her guessing. Daniel got up from chair he was reclining in and came alongside her. His larger rougher hand caught the slim finger and replaced it with his own. Such beautiful skin disfigured was tragic indeed. When his eyes had landed on that hideous mark, Daniel had felt a sense of pride but a stab of disgust quickly severed that feeling. But he didn't know then they would be here like this.

"The Assassins nearly killed you in Brazil, one by the name of Desmond Miles. You had something he wanted and he almost stabbed you in the heart with his hidden blade."

"He did this to me. But what did he want and why did he do this!?" She spun around with eyes flashing angrily with icy gold. He envied her for possessing the trait and found the look hot; especially with the raven locks that cascaded around her shoulders. But that very gift had been beneficial to Abstergo.

"I was there but the bastard got away. He wanted one of the artifacts, a Piece of Eden."

"Remind me to return the favor."

"You'll get your chance. I can promise you that."

"I guess we should get back inside before it pours down on us." Skylar flicked the butt over the ledge and purged her lungs of smoke. Daniel felt the first fat drops splatter across his cheeks and bridge of his nose and jogged to catch up.

Skylar stretched out beneath the sheets, staring straight at the ceiling. Lightning would streak through the blinds every so often, casting random shadows across the opposite wall. She couldn't shake the feeling something was wrong with her. It had been TWO years! Two painful years and Skylar was nowhere closer to recovering what had been lost. Would she remember? Would or could she remember ANYTHING?! Skylar felt helpless lost in the haze but it didn't matter what direction she attempted because it ended at the same dead end.

Daniel was watching from the corner of his eye. Clearly she was waging war with herself and losing. It was in Abstergo's favor and best interest for Skylar to lose this battle.

"Do what is necessary Daniel; after all it was you she saw after waking up and spoke YOUR name."

The blonde had kept himself at a distance, refusing to allow a single emotion to surface. Emotions were weak and distracting, allowing the enemy to exploit it in battle. Of course he had loved Kelly but that was in the past and the past was dead. To invoke her name conjured the agonizing trauma of watching her body being carried away on the gurney as he was led away in cuffs in an orgy of lights sirens and uniforms. Neighbors sadly shook their heads while some cast sympathetic stares. The trial had been brief as he had been committed to a psychiatric ward with an added slap of court ordered medication and seeing an idiot shrink that had NO idea what he was really dealing with. He had allowed himself to open up, albeit slowly, to Hannah. Hannah, the same Assassin who championed him despite objections from Paul Bellamy. Hannah, who stayed behind when the Great Purge began, meeting her end with his hidden blade. Things could've worked out differently he supposed but…

"That's it," the shift in the mattress and rustling of blankets snapped him back while Skylar sat up. "I can't lay here! I'm going to go train."

Before her body lifted from the bed, Daniel's hand shot out, grappling her wrist. His calloused fingers closed tightly around the narrow strip of skin bone and muscle.

"You're not going anywhere," he leaned over wrapping an arm around her waist drawing their bodies together. His breath coated the bare shoulder and neck with steamy puffs that sent shivers down her spine and created knots of anticipation in her stomach. Skylar arched her back in an attempt to escape but Daniel went for her neck, knowing the spot just behind her ear would destroy any resistance. Her chest heaved hard jutting the perfect mounds against the taut tank just begging to be touched. Daniel continued nipping and sucking the soft warmth, moaning slightly as his hands gathered the hem of the obstructive garment. He felt her arms rising up letting him slip the top off and fling it away.

Her back revealed its faint trails, scars from battles past. Daniel couldn't but help to lean in, shamelessly massaging her supple breasts as his tongue swirled around the outer shell of her ear. She shuddered against him moaning softly in response. Daniel grinned at her reaction, reveling in the way she surrendered to him so easily. It wasn't always this simple.

Skylar shifted her body until she was on her back, pulling the blonde on top. Her hands jerked hard on the white shirt demanding nothing between them.

"Well, someone's wanting it," he wiggled out of the worn layer of cotton hearing her hiss at the chilled rings of gold brushing across her nipples. Skylar couldn't recall a time when she thought nipple rings were a turn on but the tiny hoops latched into his dusky buds were simply arousing. Daniel groaned into her mouth at the teasing pressure against his chest, finding his hips grinding hard against hers. The thin layers between them heated up as the delicious rutting continued teetering on painful as skin rubbed against clothing.

Skylar caught his mouth with hers, sucking hard on his bottom lip for a moment before consuming the rest. Her hands slipped down his spine, lightly raking the planes on either side with her nails. Her lover growled but not out of pain at the burning cutting down his skin. He bucked his hips harder to hers earning a sharp smack on his ass for the effort.

"These have to go," her voice was saturated with lust and arousal which didn't go unnoticed by the rigid prick that twitched between her legs. Daniel eagerly helped, tugging the dark blue shorts over his hips until they came to rest around his knees.

"Skye," her name slipped between his lips in a heated whisper. The soft warmth of her hand closed around his weeping erection and slowly stroked up then down. Her palm and fingers became slick with the beaded offerings of precome creating a heavenly friction against him. Her thumb swept over the throbbing vein before dancing around the slit and circling around the slickening tip.

"FUCK!"

She grinned with her teeth biting down across her bottom lip in a mischievous display. He thrust his hips hard, feeling her hand gliding across him with each push, spreading the dribbles over the solid member. If that skilled hand continued the deliberate pulsing against his cock he wasn't going to last!

Gathering his will, Daniel fisted the top of her pants and tore them down and over her hips, thighs and knees. She kicked them the rest of the way down liberating her body for him. He sized her up and licked his lips before casting a devious grin. Skylar felt his hands gliding down until they covered the burning flesh. Daniel nudged her legs apart, licking his lips as she silently obeyed. Skylar watched with partially lidded eyes as his mouth tenderly teased her aroused nipple. One hand massaged the supple mound as the other manipulated the swollen bud protruding from the smooth inviting folds.

"Daniel…." The way his name rolled off her tongue made his cock twitch harder. He increased her pleasure by slipping three fingers into the tight entrance. The hot cavern of her body clamped around the thick digits, coating them with the slick essence. He knew she could take it and snapped his wrist with firm hard flicks, striking that spot with the tip of his middle finger.

Skylar arched her back and fisted the wild blonde locks, digging in his scalp with every jab. She felt it building in her lower abdomen, gathering like a summer storm. Just a few more strikes…..

As suddenly as the pressure invaded it was gone. Her eyes flashed open with confusion and frustration, earning a light sadistic smile from her lover.

Daniel withdrew pulling her off the mattress and onto his lap, impaling her with his rigid prick. Neither one moved for a moment as she felt her body accommodating no welcoming him. He watched with hungry eyes as her hips rolled up and along, grinding his cock harder into the burning velvet.

"Amazing," he groaned with his mouth brushing across her breasts. Daniel couldn't but help to have allowed the lust and need evolve into an addiction. "Harder….."

Skylar quickened her pace, grinding harder against him. The room echoed with the steady rhythm of skin slapping skin. She felt the thick head of his cock stimulating her, sending the familiar tightening through her lower body. This time she wasn't going to be denied. He hissed at the sharp pain of her nails digging into the tops of shoulders earning a smile from her.

"Mmm, that's it….." Daniel carried on, keeping his mouth against her skin. "I love it when you're rough."

Craving more of it, Daniel gripped the smaller globes of her ass, lifting her higher before drawing her down on top of him.

"Daniel….I-I…."

Her hips began to thrust and jerk erratically; his cock and thighs slick with the essence spilling from her body as the fluttering contractions rocked from head to toe. Skylar moaned and went faster, almost out of desperation as she continued riding out the powerful orgasm. Tears rolled over her cheeks and chin, drawing out a deep victorious grin across Daniel's mouth. He reveled in the beautiful sight of the younger Templar writhing on top of him, calling out his name like a sacred prayer.

The hurried snaps began to calm as her trembling body began its descent. Daniel found his body meeting hers pulling them both down into the mattress then in a strong pivot of their bodies rolled them over with him on top. His body was coiling like a snake, tightening at the base of his cock and lower body. He felt the slender hands running through his hair bringing him down to the full pouty lips that waited. Skylar was slow and deep in the kiss, running her tongue over his not in a battle of dominance but need. Daniel didn't object and sunk into her embrace, savoring the taste of her lips upon his tongue. He quietly sighed, letting her take the lead.

The sudden jolt jerked his entire body, sending charges through nerve and vein alike.

"Skye," he panted along her lips as his body shuddered, relenting to his own release. His hips were frantic in movement, like a teen who was getting laid for the first time. It was such a feeling, such euphoria saturating ever part him right to the bone! It was a sensation that he would never grow indifferent or tired of. He could feel his arms fastening around her, entangling their bodies like two serpents as her legs fiercely locked around his waist. Skylar felt the thick waves cresting inside, gasping at the welcomed invasion. Her back bowed up, pushing her body tighter to his, burying him deeper inside. Daniel's body calmed but continued shaking.

"Beautiful," his voice crackled. Daniel could feel his heart hammering against his ribs, rattling the bony bars with each collision. Both were covered in sweat and the room carried the scent of sex, sweat, and semen. Skylar simply shut her eyes and mindlessly ran her fingers along the ripples and valleys of muscle, letting them waver in reaction to her touch. His body wasn't large or built like some of the Abstergo personnel but Skylar didn't care. As far as she was concerned her partner was ideal in body. The sharp ravines of muscle and skin deepened in response to her touch, contracting then relaxing.

"I'm going to take a shower; you interested?"

Amber flecks sparkled in the lightning. How could Daniel turn that down? Images of her naked body beneath the steamy jets were going straight to his cock.

"Why do ask me that?" He rested his chin atop his fingers.

"Because I can." She purred in his ear. Daniel couldn't but help to smile at this. "Because you can't say no to me."

She was right. Cross never could say no; not to her.

"Come on," her hands firmly tugged on his, bringing him to his feet before leading the way towards the beckoning shower.

"How's he doing?"

William paced impatiently across the main room. Desmond was locked up in his room, refusing to see anyone. He had not touched his food or come out for training.

"Considering what today is I think fine wouldn't be the wisest answer." Rebecca rubbed her eyes, fatigued over the last 24 hours. Another group had to go dark because of a possible mole. This time the group was Johannesburg.

"When is he going to understand? She's gone Rebecca." His tone was cold, void of emotion.

"Gee Bill can you be any more sensitive? Desmond took it hard after Alex died. She was his partner after all. I mean you don't work with someone for almost two years and not get close to them."

"I'm well aware of that Rebecca but Desmond's behavior is unhealthy! He's clinging to the past while our very futures are in jeopardy! He needs to snap out of it!"

"You don't understand!"

Rebecca and William snapped their heads in tandem to see Desmond hovering in the door way. His clothing was wrinkled and soiled as they hung on his brooding shoulders. His eyes were hollow and skin pale. The once youthful rings bordered by aging crescents of black and purple.

"All you care about is the fucking Templars and Order! Have you once stopped and thought about anything else?! Hell did you ever give a damn about me?!"

"This is not the time for some goddamn pity party Desmond!"

"No because Alex is just collateral damage! Just like Clay! Just like me!"

"Now you listen to me," William growled and angrily approached his son. "We need to continue moving! We have to stop them! Alex would want us-"

"You have no idea what she would've wanted!" Desmond spat out. "You should've left me there! But no she had to die ALONE!"

"Have you lost your mind Desmond?! Are you listening to yourself?!"

"Do you hear yourself talk?! Two years you never ONCE showed any bit of giving a shit about losing her! You just tossed her memory aside like a piece of trash! You expect us to carry on like good little soldiers; obeying orders without question! That's what got her killed! Listening to YOU!"

"That is enough! I will not stand here and listen to your immature spouting!"

"Fine because I won't stand here and listen to your bullshit! I won't listen to you speak less of Alex!"

Desmond stormed off, letting the hallway echo with the thunder of his anguished stomping. His fit was complimented with the slamming of his door. His dad didn't care! He would give his life to the Order before laying down on a blade for his own son!

He collapsed on the bed face first, feeling the remaining energy escaping his debilitated form. His chest constricted as his breathing escalated to short shallow hyperventilating. His tears were absorbed by the scratchy blanket grating his face but Desmond didn't notice nor care.

"Hey Des you okay?"

Rebecca poked her head just inside the door. Desmond remained silent but the muffled sobs couldn't be suppressed by the thin cotton barrier. He didn't hear the door clicking shut accompanied by the even footfalls across the creaky boards. The shifting mattress made him look up with blurry eyes, seeing the friendly but sympathetic face above him.

"He could care less Rebecca."

"I know your dad could've been more sympathetic or at least acknowledge you're hurting."

"That's asking for a lot where he's concerned. Did he even pay respects to Lucy? Or did he spit on her grave because she turned Templar?!"

Rebecca knew he continued to blame himself for Lucy's death in Rome. At first she and Shaun were stunned and even angered at shocking action. Why?! Lucy was on their side!

"Is it true Bill? Did Lucy betray us?"

"I'm afraid so Rebecca. Cutting her off from the Order like I had produced unforeseen consequences. Warren figured out she was our mole and manipulated her, used her to get to us."

"But why!?"

"I suspect it was her isolation from us all those years. Perhaps she was alone and felt abandoned by us."

Hearing the de facto Mentor confirming Desmond's claim destroyed the image of the former Assassin. Lucy had deceived them all; convincing them she was on their side the entire time she was working with Abstergo. It was no wonder Alex didn't snap, especially after Clay had died under her supposed care.

"We were all shocked by Lucy's actions Des."

"I miss her." Desmond blurted out. "She refused to give up on me when I wanted to quit."

"I know you miss her," Rebecca ran a hand soothingly across her friend's back. "We all do; even Shaun. He's not as snarky; not like before. He won't admit but he does."

"Why didn't I just hold on?"

The fresh tears were stinging the corners of his eyes, deepening the wound in his soul. While Rebecca had shed her tears of mourning, her pain lingered though the young Assassin continued coping in more productive ways. Working on Baby and reviewing the memories of Desmond's ancestors numbed but never really silenced it. It was laudanum for the mind; temporarily distracting the body and brain from the source of its affliction but refusing to grant true release.

"Des you gotta quit blaming yourself."

"No you don't understand! I had her and we were right there! We both could've made it!"

Rebecca wasn't sure what she could say to counter that. She had not been there where the building collapsed though the screaming and gunfire had been plenty in igniting her imagination.

"Look I need to be alone. I'm sorry Rebecca-" The abruptness of her hand cut Desmond off before he could finish.

"I can't leave you like this Des. You shouldn't be alone."

Rebecca decided she was going to stay until Desmond fell asleep. He could complain and protest as much as he wanted but Rebecca was NOT leaving him by himself. Desmond needed a friend despite the angry façade he was putting on.

It felt strange without her there. Two years had taken on the sensation of decades; time seemed to be dragging its feet, refusing to move with the fluid grace before the mission. The quick wit of her jabs against Shaun never failed to bring smiles to their faces; well except for William who was in a constant dour state.

Sighing sadly, Rebecca took on the task of stretching the now sleeping assassin on the mattress. Her fingers affectionately ruffled the partially disheveled locks of chocolate before grappling his ankles.

"Ah Skylar please do come in."

Rikkin was residing comfortably behind his desk when their newest recruit slowly waltzed in his office. Skylar couldn't dismiss the sinking feeling collecting her stomach the second her foot crossed the threshold.

"Please have a seat. Tell me how have you been feeling?"

The masculine hand gestured to the vacant chair positioned across from him. Skylar eased into the seat, keeping an even gaze with his steely one. His broad shoulders pressed the back of the expensive designer chair which was sign the CEO was at ease. The last time Skylar had come face to face with Rikkin he had been demanding answers about a failed mission into South Africa.

"I've been fine thank you."

"I've been reviewing your progress and I must say I'm highly impressed. Each marker in your road to recovery exceeded expectations."

The immaculate rows of pearl caused for Skylar to think of a predator about to close in on its prey.

"If it's so great like you say it is then why can't I remember anything before the blast?"

"Now Skylar we have discussed this repeatedly," Rikkin sighed with mild irritation. "Your mind has to heal on its own. Dr. Sung has explained this to you on countless occasions. Besides your body remembers *ahem* everything."

Skylar felt her skin tingle then burn as the flush tinge crept up her neck and rippled across her cheeks.

"Yeah," she awkwardly rubbed the back of her neck. She knew Daniel didn't let anything slip as he wasn't one to display personal matters; it was probably one of the staff that may have wandered by the apartment door. Fucking gossip queens didn't know when to keep their damn traps shut.

"Look I am not one to pry into your private business though it seems some view otherwise. But anyways we are here to discuss the next mission."

"Yes of course," she could feel the stinging subside now that the conversation was shifting directions.

"Surveillance has indicated a large release of energy located around Odessa, Ukraine."

"Is it another Apple?"

Rikkin could see the interest lining her eyes. The amber specks illuminated at the mention of an artifact.

"I do not know my dear that is why you and Daniel shall locate and procure it before the Assassins can."

"Of course," she nodded in agreement. "But why is Daniel not here then? If he is going he should be here."

Rikkin held up a hand effectively killing any further questions resting on the tip of her tongue.

"Daniel is well aware of the mission. He has been summoned to prepare the others that will be accompanying you."

"Oh," she slumped in the seat. It wasn't that Skylar liked having the extra bodies it was well she operated at a higher efficiency when it was just her and Daniel. The lower ranking agents had a bad habit of getting gutted or blown apart.

"The additional assistance is necessary Skylar as it would appear our enemies have discovered this as well and will be en route."

"Fucking great," she muttered. Rikkin simply chuckled at her disdain.

"Now my dear there is a bright side to this." He clicked on the mouse calling up the audio file received hours before.

"William? William it's Harlan. I don't have much time but they found another one."

"Where?!"

"Somewhere in Odessa in the Ukraine; the nearest Order isn't but three days out."

"Damn it! Fine we'll go in and secure it. Do they know what it is?"

"No, no not yet."

"I'll get the next flight out."

Rikkin tented his fingers together, observing the silent cold rage burning inside of her.

"This is your chance my dear. The so called Mentor of the Order being delivered gift wrapped to us. I don't have to remind me what this would signify."

"No you don't. But what about HIM?"

"As of right now we can't say for sure. They have been more discreet in communications though their tactics aren't infallible." He added a coy smile. Skylar wasn't basking in the same confidence. Desmond Miles had eluded her twice and she was determined to NOT let the bastard go for a third. Rikkin watched the ticking in her bottom jaw from the scraping of her teeth against one another.

"Patience Skylar as you will have your day."

"So when do we leave?"

"Your flight will leave in 8 hours. You have an appointment with Dr. Sung I understand. I hope your sessions are working out."

Skylar snorted but said nothing. Rikkin knew of the sessions and what they entailed.

"So is it true?"

"The levels of DNA are astonishing!"

"What does that mean for us Doctor?"

"The initial results show she possesses IT."

"You mean the vision?"

"Precisely; though I am unsure if she holds any further abilities. We cannot push her Alan."

"And I do not want to see this project falter either. She's beginning to accept what we're spoon feeding her. Daniel's making inroads with her. Alex- I mean Skylar needs to be ready for duty. She HAS to be ready."

"I suppose I'll go pack and get ready."

"Yes of course," Rikkin waved dismissively. Skylar felt a migraine settling in as she exited the office. The joys of recovering from a head injury: Sudden headaches at the worst possible times. Hopefully they wouldn't turn into a hindrance before they left. One migraine had been so debilitating it left her bedridden for two days.

There was no fucking way the opportunity to get to Desmond Miles was going to slip between her fingers. There was no fucking way a goddamn migraine was going to stop her.

Apologies about delay...I struggled writing this chapter