Assassin's Creed One Shots

Show Off (Arno X Reader)

Unedited

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You were used to that barn smell, on another note you actually liked it. It was more healthy than all that musky smell that lingered in the city, away from the harbor and was breathe-free for you, it was also less crowded and had less ornery people. Of course mucking out stalls and carrying bales of hay wasn't the most fun thing in the world, but it kept you busy and it paid well, plus you had a good time because you were around your favorite companion, (horse name). (He/she) was a beautiful animal, a coat that was pure black and shined when it hit the sun, white socks on each leg and a long mane and tail; you had been given the animal since it was born, training it and earning it's trust as it grew, you were the only person (he/she) would accept to ride (him/her), unless you were there when someone else rode your horse.

Today you had finished your chores at the stable rather earlier than usual so you decided to spend some time with your friend (horse name), giving (him/her) a good brush and talking quietly to yourself and your horse at the same time. You weren't aware of the barn staff that passed since you were so focused on finding every piece of dirt on your horse's coat, not that it would matter anyway since (he/she) would roll in the dirt the next time you took (him/her) outside into the paddock, but you knew your companion liked the attention. Dust flew from (horse name)'s coat and into the air, making you cough slightly and swatting it away. It wasn't until your horse moved slightly that you looked up and over it's back to see a figure standing just on the other side.

"Are you alright?" It asked, a familiar and silky voice ringing through your ears.

"Yeah, yeah. I deal with this almost everyday."

Arno chuckled and patted your horse's neck, then proceeding to go around the front of the animal to meet you directly. He wasn't wearing his normal attire, the fancy clothing that had nearly ten different layers; instead he was wearing just a loose shirt with a vest, some pants and boots. In all honesty he looked better now than he did whenever he wore his more expensive clothing. You continued to brush your horse and flashed the man a smile.

"I thought you were off to see Elise today?" You say as you see him lean down to grab another brush.

"Thought I'd come see you first," he said as he began to brush your horse with you, "I haven't seen you in some time."

You can feel the hotness in your cheeks burn as Arno once again smiles at you. It was one of the things you really loved most about him; that smile could charm one of the most important and crude people if they were to ever meet him in person, it certainly hooked you when you first met him.

Arno continued to brush your horse and gently speak to it as he worked, sending more dust your way and making you cough. The two of you chatted for a while before you finally put away the brushes. Arno watched as you went around him to the tack room.

"You're going for a ride?"

"Oui." You say cheerily as you hold the riding blanket and English saddle in your arms. You watch as your horse eyes the tack in your possession, knowing it's time to go for a ride, one of (his/her) favorite things to do, especially on a good day like today.

Arno helped you saddle up your horse, fixing the height of the stirrups and adjusting the strap that goes along under the horse's stomach. He watched as you pulled your hair up into a bun and re adjusted your riding boots; this was something he really liked about you, you weren't afraid to get your hands dirty, and this horse riding can get really dirty if you don't know what you're doing. You've fallen off so many times but always keep getting back on, he loved that determination.

You eyed him and thought before you got on your horse. Flashing him a smile, you get his attention and nod your head towards the rest of the stalls with the many horses inside.