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This day is truly inspiring.
You and the guys decided to take a break, a day off, a pause (whatever you like) to recuperate for further work with the Animus. There are no global problems as such, but it doesn't mean the work is completed. On the contrary, this is just the beginning. You all need rest.
Desmond needs.
And he invited you to walk with him (he claims this's not because Lucy and Rebecca left for the bar until evening and he didn't even dare to ask Shaun, but because he wanted to go with you).
You go in an almost deserted park. It's strange, so few people go to such a beautiful place. Probably because this place is located outside the city. You and Desmond used rented bicycles to get here. It looks like the air is cleaner and fresher here than anywhere else in the city.
You have found a lovely spot in the shade on the grass near a large tree. Desmond lies on his back, hands under his head, eyes closed. His face is relaxed and overall he looks calm. The rays of the sun, breaking through the green foliage of the tree, play on his face and he sometimes squints and frowns cutely.
A truly magnificent sight.
You took up a sitting position beside him with your legs folded. The wind caresses your skin and makes your hair messy, but it doesn't bother you. You can rarely afford to sit around in a park like this.
Together.
You don't take your eyes off his face, looking around every stuff. Full lips and a scar on them, a straight nose, long eyelashes, quiver from blinking, thick dark eyebrows and a wrinkle between them from a constant frown.
Then you see a faint smile, touches his lips and, without suspecting anything, you admire it. Desmond looks cute, with those lines around the corners of his mouth from a smile. He smiled so rarely. Either because didn’t want to, or because there wasn’t much to smile about, since your affairs were bad before. You definitely like it anyway.
«I know, you're watching me», you jump up in surprise and look at Des with wide eyes. He, apparently, is not going to open his own, «but I don't mind, 'cause I'm handsome enough.»
Yes, you are, you think.
«Idiot,» you say, nudging him in the side with your elbow. «I was looking... not at you.» Lie. But you're too embarrassed right now to tell the truth. You pray to all the gods, he doesn't open his eyes now and doesn't see your red strawberry face. You don't know where to hide your eyes.
Desmond laughs slightly.
And this is the most pleasant sound.
He knows he's right. And you know you cannot deceive him, but your blind pride cannot remain silent. You lift your head up and meet green foliage, through which the clear blue sky flashes. Hands rest on either side of your thighs on the soft, dense grass.
Out of your peripheral vision, you see Desmond stirring. But only for a few seconds. Your hand suddenly feels the pleasant warmth of someone else's hand. Butterflies turn everything in your belly.
This is so nice.
You turn your head in his direction and find no change, except, he pulled out one hand and squeezed yours with it. His other hand remains behind his head. Such a soft touch puts you into a stupor.
The last time he touched you so softy was when you both came injured from a failed mission. He didn't get much, but you got a pretty serious injury. He personally volunteered to help you with that.
Needless to say, what then did your heart in your chest and butterflies in your stomach.
But you knew, it didn't mean anything. Surely he didn’t put any special meaning into it, he just didn’t want to harm. And with that it was all said.
But this is unexpected.
You lower your eyes to the place where your hands are together.
Looks beautiful.
Oh no, don't think about it... You more sharply than you wanted to, pull your hand and press it to your chest. Part of you wants to feel the warmth of his hand again, and part of you realizes it's wrong. You should not.
Desmond opens his eyes and looks at you. He looks insulted. For a second, sadness flashed in his eyes, but then he takes his usual serious look.
«Sorry,» he says and lowers his eyes. «I'll go... um, climb that ledge. And immediately back,» he smiles slightly (most likely not at you, but to calm himself down).
He rises from the ground and you, faster than you can think, you grab his wrist.
«Wait,» he looks at you in bewilderment. And you haven't figured out what to say to him yet. And you are silent, unable to withstand his gaze. Desmond returns to his seat, this time sits down next to you. You only now realize, you're still holding his hand and letting it go with embarrassment.
«Look, I'm sorry, ok? I just... I felt relaxed with you... and here. And I also thought your look at me... means something and.. in general, I'm sorry if I...»
«No,» you interrupted him. For the first time in those few minutes, you find the courage to raise your eyes and look at him, «don't apologize, I just didn't expect it. Actually... I like it.» You feel the heat stick to your cheeks and look away again.
Desmond laughs.
He really laughs, so sincerely, so his fun is passed on to you. If you look at the whole situation from the outside, it really looks ridiculous. You two are like teenagers in love.
«Then I don't mind doing it again,» Desmond gets to his feet and holds out his hand to you, «Shall we take a walk?»
You of course accept this and grab his hand.
The rest of the time you walk together holding hands.
Like a couple.
Desmond tells you a lot of funny stories.
And you laugh.
And he's watching you.
«Also, I love you,» he blurts out.
«What?»
«What?»