Wow, hello everyone! I'm so sorry that I haven't updated in so long. So much has happened in life I don't even know where to start. So, I hope you enjoy this chapter. I'm a bit rusty, but this is it I think. The last chapter. It is pretty much some fluff and then closure. I might start on some one shots or a sequel. I'm not sure. Let me know if you'd like to see either. I pretty much listened to "I See The Light" from the Tangled soundtrack the entire time I wrote this. Enjoy! I don't own any part of the AC franchise.

Chapter 15

The sun glittered down along the river's surface, making a dazzling picture. Not to mention it was a pleasant day, the air just warm enough to not require a jacket. Shay sat on a fallen log that lay half submerged, staring out across the river. Her mind raced and tumbled, thinking back to the last few months. Connor had returned severely injured, barely conscious from the loss of blood. It had been a close call, but he had made it, and his recovery time had been long. She had tended to his every need, never going far, until recently.

He had gained back some of his independence, taking small strolls around the homestead to clear his mind. Now that he didn't need her attention, she chose a secluded area where she could be alone for a little bit. Out here it was quiet, peaceful, and the only other living creatures were the wild life. Sighing softly, she reached down and removed her boots and socks, letting her feet dangle into the water.

It was cold, sending little shock waves over her toes. Yet, at the same time, it was refreshing, and the childish side of her swung her legs back in forth. It splashed the water gently, scaring away any fish that were nearby. It also masked the sounds of approaching footsteps, something that was going to interrupt her alone time.

Her name was what caught her attention, nearly startling her into slipping off the tree. Clinging on, she turned her head to see none other than Connor standing at the edge of the shore. The twitch of his lips conveyed his pain, but she didn't mention it as she slid back to land. "You're up," she said gently.

"Corrine said I might find you out here," he answered, holding out his hand.

She gently took it, standing up off the log while trying to not put her weight on him. "Yeah, I just needed some fresh air," she replied. How had Corrine known? Well, Corrine had her ways, and she knew Shay rather well. Corrine was a mother figure to her, taking care of her when she didn't want to take care of herself, so it was only natural that Corrine would know.

The young assassin quickly shoved his hand into one of his pouches, producing a small piece of what looked to be paper. Not parchment, paper, printer paper. He held it out to her, seeing the look of confusion on her face. "I found this while I was searching for Lee," he explained.

Reaching out hesitantly, Shay snatched it away and quickly unfolded the small square. Staring back at her was her family, their eyes bright and smiles wide. "Where did you find it?" she asked, her voice small as her shoulders began to shake.

The assassin hesitated. "I found it in one of the rooms I searched looking for Lee," he said, seeing the sadness seep into her eyes.

"Thank you. Please just don't tell anyone you found it," she said quietly, a stray rebellious tear slipping down her cheek. Her breath hitched as she began to face the harsh reality that she had ruined her chance of going back. "S-Sorry," she stammered, wiping at her face roughly.

Connor murmured a gentle string of what sounded like his native tongue as he rested a hand on her shoulder. Immediately, without thinking, she wrapped her arms around his middle, pushing her face into his shoulder. It elicited a soft hiss, but the assassin didn't pull away, instead wrapping one arm around her body, holding her close. Her tears became gentle sobs as the grief finally released the tight grip it had on her.

"I did not mean to upset you," he said gently against her ear,

"No, no, it isn't your fault. I feel a lot better, I'm sorry," she said, sniffling as she straightened up. "Did I hurt you? I didn't mean to."

"No, I am fine," he assured her. "Shall we catch some fish for Corrine to cook?"

"Yes, let's," she agreed, gently pulling away while setting the picture on the log.

Her mind flashed backed to when they had first started on their adventure, back when they had stopped. Connor had been a lot less tolerant of her then, but it had been fun nonetheless. Now things were better between them, and she couldn't help but give in to the fact that she had fallen for the young assassin. Yes, he was a bit stoic, stern, and stiff, but he had warmed up to be a caring sweet young man.

"Coming?" his voice shook her out of her thoughts.

"Oh, um, yes," she said, offering him a slight smile.

She followed him into the water until it hit her knees, the sand and dirt giving way beneath her toes. "I bet I can catch one with my hands this time," she said jokingly, offering him a playful smile. Turning to the river, she bent low, watching the fish swim leisurely back and forth. With a quick motion, she lunged for a fish only to end up face down in the water.

Sputtering, she sat up, soaked to the bone and fish-less. Frowning, she glared down at the water and fish. "That wasn't what I meant to do," she grumbled.

The assassin laughed slightly, a sound that was pleasant and foreign. She never heard him laugh, but to hear it was refreshing. So, maybe he wasn't as stiff as she thought. In response to his laugh she put on her pouting face, only making him smile.

"We still need to catch something," he said, offering his hand to her.

"Oh, right," she muttered before getting up.

He steadied her before turning back to the river. It took him a matter of minutes to catch a few fish, holding them rather smugly.

"Show off," Shay jested as she followed him back up onto the shore. The young native couldn't help but offer a smug smirk as they walked up the hill towards the homestead. There was so much to prepare, and they were sure to be scolded if they waited too much longer.

ooooo

The fish smelled delicious as Corrine set it on the counter next to the other dishes. She had made most of them, but there were a select few that had been brought by other guests, and among those a few that were questionable. Shay decided to just avoid those. Instead, she selectively piled her plate and moved to sit outside. It had fallen dark, but thankfully it wasn't that cold, nippy at worst. It made it so much more enjoyable to watch the stars as she feasted.

And boy wasn't it a reason to feast. Norris and Myriam had just been wed, of course after a few hiccups, but overall it had been a wonderful ceremony and the new couple seemed very happy. She was happy for them.

With a contented sigh, she sat down heavily into the grass, leaning up against one of the log seats that had been fashioned around the fire pit. There was enough light stemming through the door that she didn't need to light a fire, which made the stars even brighter. They twinkled down at her, comforting her with their presence. It was the little things that were worth living for, and just star gazing was one of them.

"Mind if I join you?" Connor's voice rang gently.

Shay glanced up at him with a soft smile. "Not at all," she said, gesturing for him to sit.

He sat down beside her. "What are you doing out here?" he inquired, taking a small bite of the fish.

"It's so peaceful out here, and the stars are bright tonight," she answered, giving him a small smile.

He followed her gaze to the sky in time to see a shooting star. It meant nothing to him, but he could feel her stir in excitement beside him. Shay seemed to realize this as she glanced back at him. "If you see a shooting star you make a wish," she said, taking a bite of her meal.

"Oh. What do you wish for?" he asked, following her lead.

"Um... I don't know. Whatever you want I guess. Just don't tell anyone or it won't come true," she said, shrugging through a mouthful potatoes.

He furrowed his brow before glancing back up to the sky. His thoughts temporarily drifted away, until her voice drew him back. "What?" he asked, not catching what she had said.

"I said, are you glad it's over?" It was endearing the way she furrowed her brow when she was curious or worried. This look was curious, almost pained, the way her nose was slightly crinkled. The way her eyes sparkled with mischief, even when she was sitting still, made his heart pound. "Connor?" she asked again.

He blinked rapidly, finding he was just staring at her. "Yes, I am," he answered. "But it will never be truly over."

She responded with a sigh. He was certainly persistent, she had to give him that, and stubborn. Yet, that was something about him she loved. The way he seemed so confused by her antics, the phrases she used, the references she made. It was adorable the way he got so nervous when they touched. Even if he didn't say it, or made a face, she could tell by how he tensed. Is this what it is to love someone? she asked herself. The way he looked at her with concern answered that question.

On impulse she gently snuggled into him, resting her head against his arm as they both looked back to the stars. "Well, we'll take it as it comes, right?" she responded.

"Right." His voice was off, almost like he was drunk, the word quiet and unsure.

It caused her to look at him again. Did he not agree? "No?"

"Do you not want to find a way back?" he asked.

That made Shay pause, thinking back to the photo Connor had saved for her while he was away. The images of her family was burned into her mind, but she knew where she needed to be. "No," she said, making his gaze jerk to her. "I think my family will understand. It might hurt at first, but I think they will accept it."

The young assassin smiled. It warmed her heart as it disappeared into a slight uplift of his lips. It was a start, or so she told herself. There was plenty of time to coax the tender and sweet part of him. Setting down her food, she stood quickly and urged him to follow. "Come on, I think I need a moonlight ride," she said, heading towards the stables.

Intrigued, he followed, finding her grabbing their horses. Apparently there wasn't time to saddle up as she hopped onto her appaloosa gelding, using only her knees and reins to guide him. The young assassin mounted as well, urging his mare into a trot behind the gelding. He had no idea where they were going, but it seemed Shay didn't either.

Instead she let the gelding take them along the paths, eventually veering off, navigating around fallen trees and shrubs until they came to a clearing. This was where it ended, Shay slipping off her horse's back onto the soft grass. The wind knocked it around her boots as Connor followed suit. He watched as she stroked her gelding's neck, scratching chin softly. He barely had time to look back and see her come up and press her lips against his. Her hand gently caressed his face, brushing against the stubble he hadn't bothered to shave off this morning.

Naturally he tensed, unsure of what to do with himself. This was the Connor she knew. He was about as romantically skilled as a toad. His hand came up to gently rest on the back of her neck, returning the kiss gently. Her hair felt silky underneath his calloused fingers, smelt like lavender. Eventually she pulled back, glancing up at him with adoration he didn't know she possessed. So defiant, so feisty, he rarely saw this side of her.

Without another word she gently leaned her head against his chest, hearing his strong heartbeat beneath his jacket. Don't ever leave me she thought as they stood there beneath the stars.

ooooo

The moment had been awkward, walking up to a stranger's house. He had no idea what he was going to say, or even they were going to do. Would they welcome him or shut the door in his face? Thankfully it had been the first, and now he sat underneath a large oak tree with an antic wooden box in his lap. Inside of it contained a dozen letters, all dated from various years, some with faded ink and others with stains. It was all he had left of his family, particularly his sister, and it made his chest tighten as he looked down at the letter in his hand.

Wow, it's been a good two weeks since I've written! Connor is back to running over rooftops stabbing Templars. I'm pretty sure he's going to give me a heart attack before I'm old. That man is so reckless when he's on a mission, and if he isn't careful I'm going to break his leg again. He just won't listen, and I can only imagine what that means for our child when she gets here. Yes, I'm confident it's a girl! Only a lady can be this feisty.

Connor doesn't agree with me, but we'll see here in a few weeks! I hope you all are well, and you better be doing well in school, Jack. I also want you all to know that we are well here. Life is great, and I feel like we're making a difference. I miss you guys, and I love you so much. This is farewell for another few weeks, and then hopefully I will be able to tell you all about my daughter.

Until next time,

Shay

She had been so happy, and know that brought him peace, as well as grief. Their parents had passed without seeing her letters, knowing that she was taken care of and well. At least he had this moment of closure, holding the last piece of her to his chest. "Good bye, Shay," he whispered as placed the letter back into the box, letting it fall next to the picture of their family. With that he stood, and Jack walked down the hill to his car.

There you have it! Thank you to everyone! I appreciate those who stood with me, encouraged me, critiqued me, and followed this to the end. Until next time!