I've been absolutely fascinated by the idea of Ziio and Haytham staying together through her pregnancy and Connor's birth for a really long time now. I actually have the majority of this story written, but I'm splitting it into parts for now because it got...really, really long, haha. It started out as a small idea but it just kept growing. So there's quite a bit more on the way, whenever I get a chance to edit it!

Today

Today Ziio told me of her pregnancy.

She came to me with her hand across her belly, with a strange look in her eyes. It was one of the first times I had seen her worried, and perhaps a bit unsure - but not afraid. No, Ziio was never afraid. Not even this could upset her.

"Are you sure?" were the first words out of my mouth, and I immediately felt the fool for them. There was a time, very long ago, when I had fancied the idea of being a father, though I knew it would be near impossible in my line of work; and my reaction in those fantasies never began with anything along the lines of "Are you sure?", but rather an embrace, or a kiss, or some sort of enthusiasm appropriate for the situation.

I deserved the expression that Ziio gave me. "Of course I am," she said.

"Do you know how far along?"

She looked down to her belly. She wasn't showing, not yet; but still, for a moment I was gripped by the urge to reach out and press my hand against hers.

"It is still early."

"...What are we going to do?"

Her eyes snapped up to meet mine. "We?"

"Well, of course," I began. "Or... It...is mine, isn't it?"

"You're asking me that now?"

"I'm curious-"

"You are. Don't be ridiculous. You are the only man I have been with."

A weight left my shoulders. "All right," I breathed. "All right. We're presented with several choices now, assuming that you want to go through with this."

Ziio looked as though she was about to slap me.

"What?" I asked her, eyebrow raised.

"I am keeping this child, no matter what you say," she told me. The tips of her fingers curled around her stomach, almost protectively.

The ridiculous fantasies of my youth suddenly filled my mind, and I was at a loss for words. Haytham Kenway, a father. It sounded so strange. I could barely imagine myself in the position now, though I'd thought about it several times before. I wondered, briefly, if perhaps this was some sort of dream, and I would wake up in Boston, alone and disoriented.

But Ziio was still watching me with that calculating gaze of hers. I cleared my throat and tried to start again.

"As I was saying. We have several options to choose from now."

She reached forward and put a tentative hand on my arm. I stared down at it, stared at her.

"You are going to stay?" she asked. Her voice was so low that I had to lean closer to hear her.

"Well-"

"What of your men?"

Ah. Yes. I sighed quietly.

"They can be dealt with later. This takes priority."

She regarded me with a strange look then, one that I didn't recognize.

"You make this all sound so... I don't know," she said, shaking her head. "Like it is just business to be dealt with."

"It's not. I am just..." I stopped myself again. "It's a lot to take in. I apologize, Ziio."

Her hand gripped me just a bit tighter.

"It will be okay," I said, though I was not completely sure of it myself.

Today I found myself back in Boston.

Making arrangements with Ziio was...trying, at best, when everything I suggested was immediately pushed aside. She refused to come back to the city with me, but of course I was expecting that. Joining her in the village was also out of the question; there I would never feel accepted or comfortable.

This left us with one final option: we could build a place for ourselves in the frontier and raise the child here.

We were both hesitant for our own reasons: I was reluctant to be so far from the Colonial Order while it was still in its relative infancy, and Ziio did not want to be away from her village during this vital time. I argued that she had spent entire weeks with me in the wilderness, but she replied that those were temporary stays.

In the end, I returned to Boston and she went back to the village, both of us under the pretense that we would take another week to think things through. I had spent the entire ride back thinking, wondering if it was all worth it... And when I thought of her raising a child - our child - on her own, I knew it would be. Could be, rather.

"Welcome back, sir." Charles's greeting was warm but curious when I returned to the Green Dragon.

"Will you be back with us for long, or...?" William let the question trail off, and I nodded.

"I have no further business to attend to for some time," I told them, hoping to stave off the questions for just a while longer. They nodded, though Charles looked suspicious and Thomas didn't even bother to hide the mirth in his expression. I knew that rumors of my activities outside the Order were circulating like wildfire through the group; and I should not have cared, but it still irked me that they were so interested in my private affairs.

I spoke with my Templar brothers for some time, informing them of my plans for the precursor site ("Let it be for now") and what I wanted them to take care of instead ("See if you can procure more information from the natives in the area") before I dismissed them and returned to my own paperwork. There was already so much of it before I left for the frontier and now the pile seemed even larger since I'd come back.

"Sir, a moment?"

I turned at the sound of Charles's voice. Our other brothers had already dispersed, but he was still waiting at the table. Watching me.

"Yes?" I asked, hoping that my voice would not betray my apprehension.

"I know I've already spoken with you about your absences-"

"And I know that I've already made it clear what I thought about that."

Charles stared at me for a moment, caught somewhere between fear and anger, but he reined himself in with a long breath before he spoke again.

"I merely wanted to ask if you've been all right. You seem addled."

Addled? I thought I'd covered up as best I could, but apparently not. Or perhaps Charles was just unusually observant. I had spent plenty of time emphasizing the importance of that particular skill, after all.

"I suppose I'm just tired. That's all. The last few days have been...trying," I replied after a moment's pause.

Charles hesitated, like he was waiting for me to say more. "I...also felt that an apology might be in order," he said, clearing his throat. "For the things I said before. When I found you and your...woman in the woods."

I felt my expression darken. "Really, now? You seemed so convinced when you said them."

"You can hardly blame me, sir. You disappeared for weeks just to-" He stopped himself there, took another breath, and continued. "We missed your guidance. It was so strong in your first few months here."

"Like I said, I wanted to be sure that you could lead the men sufficiently. I trust you, Charles. You have good judgment. You're intelligent. And, most importantly, you learned what you know from me."

Charles brightened for a moment. "I understand, sir. I was just... It felt like you...abandoned us."

"Never. You know how important the Order is to me."

"I know, but-"

"I won't be abandoning you or it any time soon. You can be sure of that."

The words were out of my mouth before I could really consider them. How much time would I be able to devote to the Order if Ziio agreed to stay together? If she agreed to allow me to help raise our child?

I brushed the thought away. That could all be dealt with later. For now I had to secure Charles's trust again.

And, much to my relief, Charles nodded - reluctantly, and perhaps a bit defiantly, but he nodded all the same.

"Yes, sir," he said, before he turned to leave me to my work.

Today Ziio told me what she had decided.

We are going to live together in the woods, close enough to her village that she could return if she needed.

We were rather far from Boston and the bulk of the Order, but still. I could not complain, given that I was surprised she'd acquiesced to this at all; my initial thought was that she would stay in the village and ask for me to move closer.

It would take a long time to scout out a place that fit both of our needs. I was already thinking over various sites I had come across in my travels when Ziio interrupted me.

"You are sure you want to do this?" she asked. There was no fear there, like before; only trepidation, concern.

"Quite sure," I told her, though I wasn't. I was thinking again of the Order, of my promise to Charles.

Ziio seemed to sense this. She furrowed her brow and scowled.

"Your thoughts are elsewhere."

"It's a lot to take in."

"You said that before."

"And can you blame me? I knew there was a possibility that you could become pregnant but I still never expected for it to happen!"

I regretted the words as soon as they left my mouth. "I apologize," I said briefly, though Ziio seemed more irritated than upset.

"You haven't considered that perhaps I have felt the same?"

"Ziio, I-"

She held up a hand to silence me. "You're not the only one being affected by this. We both are. This child is mine - and yours. You say you want to help raise it? Then help. But don't come to me to complain about how lost or confused you are, because I have felt the same...and perhaps worse."

I said nothing for a moment. She was right, of course - as always. And it made me guilty.

"You have your...brothers to contend with, and I have my village. My people. Our child's people."

"We don't have to give those up," I told her quietly. "The Order will continue to run. I will return to them from time to time, but-"

"And what of my people? I will not be living with them."

"You can do the same. Return to them from time to time. Visit. Teach our child their customs and traditions."

"I don't know if we can stay with a foot in each world like this," she said, softer this time.

I stepped forward and put both hands on her shoulders. She stared up at me, her expression one of worry. Hesitation. Anxiety. I had a feeling that those same emotions were echoed across my face.

"It is possible, Ziio. Others have done it. Perhaps this will allow me to become more familiar with your people so that the Order can better help them-"

"No. Please. We can take care of ourselves."

I bit my tongue. This was the same argument that had almost broken us apart several months before; I did not want to come that close to losing her again. So I started over.

"Men of the Order do not always devote themselves entirely to it. It's possible for me to be with you and to keep them in line as well. And as for your village-"

"I can still visit when I can."

"Of course."

She eyed me seriously. "And do you plan to put your Order before your child?"

That brought me pause. My first reaction was to tell her No, of course not, but I thought again of Charles, of the looks on my mens' faces when I returned to them after a prolonged absence in the woods...

No. This was important. Even I knew that. I thought of my own father, of the attention he gave me, of his obvious care...

"They will do just fine without me constantly breathing down their necks," I answered after a moment. "I will return to them occasionally, but my attention lies with you and the child."

Ziio's smile was thin.

"That is good to hear."

Today I woke up in a home that smelled of the pine forests and summer grass.

I also found that Ziio had already gone, though her side of the cot was still warm. I really wished that she wouldn't disappear like she was, especially at this point in her pregnancy. She was not fond of the home at all, and much preferred to stay amongst her people when she could.

I suppose I couldn't blame her. But at the same time I wished that she would stay closer to me.

...I was jealous, in all honesty. And worried. I had never dealt with a pregnancy before, and I wanted everything to go as smoothly as possible.

But of course Ziio did not want to be doted on or pampered. Again, I was not surprised.

I spent that morning as I always did: dressing, preparing a bit of a meal, and going over the documents I'd collected from my last meeting with the men of the Order. For the moment, they were tasked with visiting the precursor site and the area surrounding it - and though I'd told them numerous times to be gentle, I was sure that they had not heeded my warnings at all. I was beginning to wonder if perhaps I should accompany them on one of their expeditions into the woods when there was a knock at the front door.

I frowned. It couldn't have been Ziio, or any of her villagers. So I made my way to the door, opened it, and was completely surprised to find Charles standing there.

"Well," I said, quite lamely, once I'd recovered. "Is something wrong?"

The corner of Charles's mouth quirked. "Nothing's wrong. I wanted...to see you, sir. It's been a while."

"Ah."

"And we've heard the news."

"News?"

"Your Mohawk woman. And her, ah...condition."

My heart leapt up into my throat. I had expected this to happen, of course - though later rather than sooner. Perhaps after the child had been born. Perhaps-

"Come in," I said after a moment, pushing the door open wider. Charles did so, albeit reluctantly, casting his gaze about as he passed the threshold and stepped into the hall.

"She's not here," I said, and he straightened up immediately.

"I was not-"

"It's fine."

I beckoned him to my office with a wave of my hand. Our wooden home was very small - a big difference after growing up in the Kenway mansion and Reginald's own house - but I'd made a point to afford a room of my own. Ziio did not disagree.

"Where did you hear this?" I asked once we seated ourselves in the office.

Charles fidgeted for a moment. "Hickey," he said after a beat.

"Of course." I sighed, running a hand over my face. It was just barely past noon and I was already feeling exhausted. "Did Johnson send him, or did he do this of his own accord?"

"Well, we...we were all curious, sir, what with you building a home so far from Boston-"

"And you did not think to simply ask me?"

"I did, sir," Charles protested, irritation slipping into his tone, "and you told me that it was so you could be closer to the precursor site. Even though you've expressed so little interest in actually accompanying us on the expeditions."

He had me there. I backed down for a moment, considering my options, but Charles continued on.

"Why didn't you trust me - us - enough to tell us about this? We're your brothers. The Templars stand together."

"It was all rather unexpected, truth be told," I said, "and very personal, on top of that."

"She is...keeping the child?"

"Yes."

"You plan to raise it with this woman?"

"For the moment, yes."

"What of the Order?"

"Things will continue as usual. As you can see, I have all of my documents in order-"

"But we need you, sir. It's not the same without your guidance."

I faltered for a moment. "You've done just fine until now. I trust your judgment, Charles."

"You are our leader, Master Kenway. There is no replacement for that."

Well. I certainly wasn't disappointed by his praise, but...

"Charles. I need for you to understand that circumstances have...changed for a time. I am still your Grand Master, and I still fully intend to lead the Order, but-"

"But what?" he demanded before I could finish. "You're abandoning us for this woman?"

"I am not abandoning you," I said through gritted teeth. "I've already said countless times now that I will continue to lead. I will return to Boston when I can to issue orders and hear reports. If any of you have something pressing to tell me, you are more than welcome to come here."

A vein bulged in Charles's neck. "The rest of us have remained in Boston, and we have completely dedicated our lives to the Order and-"

The back door opened and slammed shut. Charles swung around, his fury ignited - until he found himself face-to-face with Ziio and the full force of her glare.

I took some pleasure in the myriad of expressions - anger, confusion, fear - that crossed his face.

Charles began to stand. I followed in suit, my gauntleted wrist prepared to flex, glad then that throwing on my hidden blade was still a habit that refused to die.

"Perhaps it is time for you to go, Charles," I suggested, my tone taut and thin.

He stared at Ziio for a moment longer. She stared back at him, her fury giving way to a cool, calm sort of anger.

"This conversation is not over, Master Kenway," he said, though he gathered up his things and returned to the front hallway. I followed him, arms rigid at my sides, until he reached the door and threw it open.

"Good day, Charles," I said only moments before he slammed it shut.

A tense silence fell over the house. I could hear Ziio's gentle footsteps behind me.

"What did he want?" she asked.

"For me to return to Boston."

"Are you?"

"Of course not. Everything's going just fine without my constant presence. I don't understand why he's so adamant about my coming back."

She was quiet for a moment. Thoughtful.

"They are not happy that you are here with me."

"No," I admitted.

"Ignore them. They will get over it."

"I hope so."

I doubted so.

Today I convinced Ziio to allow me to accompany her into the woods.

Truth be told, I probably could have asked her long ago and she would have agreed. I'm not entirely sure why I waited until now, when her belly was so swollen that she could barely walk.

"Are you sure this is safe?" I asked her as we walked a short dirt path from the house.

Ziio glanced at me over her shoulder. "Of course. We won't go far. I want some fresh air."

I watched her as she walked, with one hand over her stomach and the other hanging at her waist. I reached over without thinking and slipped my fingers through hers, drawing her closer to my side. She tightened the grip.

"We have a long road ahead of us," she said.

"Indeed."

"Have you ever thought about being a father? Before this?"

"Several times, I will admit. It was more of a passing fantasy than anything else. With all of my responsibilities with the Order, all of the traveling... I suppose I never thought it would happen."

I saw Ziio looking up at my from the corner of my eye. Her gaze was curious.

"Do members of your Order often marry? Have children?"

"They do, from time to time. My father was not of this Order - he was part of a different one - and he managed to have me, as well as my sister."

She raised an eyebrow. "You have a sister?"

"Stepsister. Older. I have not seen her in years."

"Was she part of this...order that he was?"

"No."

Ziio nodded faintly, fingers twisting around mine. "I need to sit," she said suddenly, and I helped her to a nearby tree stump. She sat heavily and took a long breath of the cool forest air. I kept close to her side.

"Do you usually return to your people on these walks?" I asked.

She nodded. "Yes. To make sure that everything is all right, but also for guidance."

"Guidance?"

"This is my first pregnancy. We observe certain customs that your people do not." She ran a hand over one of her braids, looking more tired now than I had seen her in a long time. "I am taking good care of myself and the child, Haytham. There is no need to worry."

"Ah. Of course."

I found myself circling Ziio and the stump, too restless to stand still. Of course she would seek the comforts and familiarity of her people at this point in her life; I certainly could not blame her for that. And yet...

"Do you not feel safe with me?"

Ziio gave me a strange look. "Why are you asking me that?"

"Curiosity. Little more than that."

"Mhm," she hummed, a smile gracing her lips. "I do. And I know that I can take care of myself. But the men of your Order are...questionable."

"They would never hurt you. I'd never allow it."

"I know that. But I also know that they are...less than happy about this arrangement."

I circled the stump again, searching for the right words. How could I help Ziio to feel more at ease in our own home when I still found myself worrying about my men? I doubted that they would take drastic measures, but still. I was beginning to realize that I did not have as much control over them as I once thought.

"My men will not do anything without my direct orders - and they would most definitely not cause you harm because of this. I would do everything in my power to keep you and our child safe. That I can promise."

"Don't go making promises you can't keep."

"I try not to," I assured her. "And besides, I have seen you cut the throats of several redcoat soldiers. I'm sure you could handle yourself in any given situation."

Ziio was looking up at me again, with that half-grin of hers.

"If your men want you back that badly, they will have to fight me first," she said, taking my hand again to pull me back to her side.

Today the real difficulties began.

Ziio's birthing pains, to be exact.

I followed her doggedly, wishing alternatively for some way to help and for some way to escape. I could see the pain clear in her face, in the way her lips drew taut and her brow furrowed. There was so little I could do, aside from bringing her water and trying to massage her back.

"Enough," she said after some time, sounding more tired than irritated. "The women of my village go out to the woods - alone - when they are ready to give birth. I will do the same."

"Alone?" I parroted. "But what if something happens? What if there are complications and-"

She put up a hand to silence me. "I will be fine. If the women of my village could do it - if my own mother could do it - then so can I."

"This is your first pregnancy, Ziio. I can't let you go by yourself."

She gave me a look. That look.

And then she put a hand to my cheek and pulled me forward for a gentle kiss.

"I will be fine," she promised me, our face only inches apart. Her breath was warm against my lips, and despite all of my trepidation, I longed to kiss her again.

"I am...worried," I told her. "What if something happens and I'm not there?"

"I know what I must do. Please, Haytham. I will be back."

"May I at least come to check on you?"

She hesitated for a moment. One of her fingers stroked the back of my neck, slowly, rhythmically.

"I suppose," she said after some time. "Every hour or so. No less than that."

She started to draw away, but I kissed her again.

"I know there's little I can do to stop you. So please, be careful."

Today I was more of a mess than I have ever been.

The only other time I was that nervous was when I was a teenager, and I was still training to become a Templar. Reginald had sent me out on a mission, and for the first time, I was alone in the streets of an unfamiliar city, looking for an unfamiliar man. In the days before the mission I had fancied myself a fearless young man, though I see now that I was arrogant and cocky.

The mission was a success, of course. I should never have doubted myself.

And now, I should not have doubted Ziio. Yet I found that I could not help myself.

For the first hour I paced the halls of our home before I went out into the woods and called to her. She refused to let me see her; not until the birth was over, she said. Her voice was strained, but otherwise she claimed that she was fine.

I returned to the home, but I could not bring myself to go back inside. I sat on the front porch and fiddled with the hidden blade at my wrist.

Another hour passed. I found Ziio once more and confirmed that she was all right.

This went on for several more hours. How long would it take for our child to be born? I wanted it all to be over with, for Ziio to be back inside where I knew she was safe and warm.

I needed to find something to do with my hands. So I cleaned my pistol. My hidden blade. The sword I still kept at my bedside, just in case. I circled the outside of the home twice and found myself picking at all of its flaws and problems.

The sun was beginning to set and I was just preparing to venture back out into the woods when I heard a gentle cry. A gurgle.

And Ziio's voice.

"Haytham."