Video

[everysecond]

[Riley’s giggling can be heard even if her face can’t be seen. It seems she’s currently sneaking through Needle in a Haystack to where there are a bunch of voices. With a snort, the giggling stops as she aims the view around the corner to show…

A bunch of shirtless Assassins in various stages of irritation over the fact. It’s so funny to her that she has to share this with the world.]

[Altaïr’s arms are crossed over his chest (not that that does anything to hide it) and irritation is written all over his face.]

They just disappear? Nothing will stay on any of us?

[An Italian accent chimes in, and Ezio turns his head towards the group, back to the camera, and actually trying not to smile. Okay, so in between all of this war, it’s funny to him, despite the irritation he may feel.]

I have only tried once- and as much as I wish to see if it would work, I am not certain I wish to sacrifice more of my clothes if Asgard demands we remain this way.

[A second equally Italian accent chimes in, far less entertained sounding.]

Is this a regular occurrence in this city then? People’s decency revoked for… amusement?

Come now, padre, you make it sound as if we are treated like barbarians. [Ezio can’t really hide the smile he’s wearing. Oops.] I do not mind the attention so much.

Your madre will have me up by my thumbs for parading about in public!

So will my wife. [Altaïr hesitates, as if he’s not really sure.] Most likely.

[ In the midst of the Assassins' kerfuffle, Desmond hurries in from the summer heat, equally shirtless and equally vexed. ]

Does anyone have a spare- oh.

[ If he wasn't bewildered before... ] Really?

[ It seems like Natasha is always last to know these things - but it was really inconvenient, to be honest. She’d been at work at the bar when her shirt had suddenly decided to take a vacation to god-knows-where. Now she’s come to join the cavalcade, hands propped on her hips once she spots the predicament of everyone else. Her bra has decided to stick around for the party, at least so far. ]

I liked that shirt. And I liked the rest of you with shirts, no matter how .. interesting .. the view. [ She sighs slightly, not ashamed of being sans-shirt but definitely very far from pleased. What’s next? Their pants? ]

[Connor wanders by Riley’s hiding spot about that point, utterly unruffled by his current state. He pauses briefly and glances in her direction.] Good morning, Riley. [And moves on with his day. These boxes won’t unload themselves!]

[Immediately everything falls silent as everyone but Connor turns to look at the Novice Assassin with looks that say she had better run.]

You should be impressed I was here this long without you noticing? She does look better than all of the rest of you though.

[That doesn't help the problem and she bursts out laughing as the angle changes to show Riley laughing her ass off as she runs as fast as she can because she is in SO MUCH TROUBLE.]

FUCKING WORTH IT!

[ooc: Welcome to the shirtless curse brought to you by Altaïr, Giovanni, Ezio, Desmond, Natasha, and Connor. It's an Assassin shirtless party! Well, most of the Assassins. Riley, for example, did not get hit and made the most of it.

Network responses very welcome but there will be an open thread for people to visit Needle in a Haystack if they want to see all the shirtless Assassins in person! Enjoy!]

Comments

[secondborn]

[Alastair's eyebrows raise.]

Stuck like this? Really.

[He sighs deeply.]

Well that makes things tricky.

[sicarius]

Sì, anything we wear for a top disappears as soon as we finish putting it on. [His smile grows wider.]

I would not be opposed to walking around, but I fear it will bring more questions and unwanted attention if I were to do so.

[secondborn]

[Well that's... very strange.]

Huh.

[Give him a moment to get his head wrapped around that.

Okay.]

Yes, I suspect it would.

[sicarius]

[Alastair, you are so precious. Ezio laughs again, amused at all of this.]

It seems you will have a lot of work on your hands, Alastair. I hope you are ready for it.

[secondborn]

[Alastair smiles and shrugs.]

I've had to do more difficult things in my life.

[Like try to keep a dying world from falling apart. That was probably the hardest thing he's ever had to do.]

Honestly, I appreciate the challenge.

[sicarius]

Good. I am certain you will do well.

[He knows. Working a store is almost like child's play compared to what they do at home.]

And I am sure the natives will lend a hand, should you need it.

[secondborn]

I know they will.

[He smiles.]

We'll be fine. Do me a favor, though, and just take the day off, please? You need a break.

[sicarius]

[Ezio mockingly makes a face at that, as if he's truly thinking of debating it.]

I might. But on whose orders?

[secondborn]

[Alastair raises his eyebrows, squares his shoulders, and gives Ezio a Look.]

As the Keeper of the Balance of Life and Death I hereby order you to take a damn break.

[He relaxes and smiles.]

There you go. I outrank you.

[sicarius]

[That is going to get a hair ruffle, the Italian far too amused by being outclassed by one of his family.]

Well, if it is by the Keeper's word, than who am I to argue?

[Teasing, of course, but it's a friendly banter, if anything.]

[secondborn]

[He rolls his eyes.]

I mean it, though. You so rarely stop and relax. I know there's lots to do, but... just today, don't do any of it. Just for today.

[sicarius]

[He can only chuckle in response, waving his hand to show that he understands.]

Va bene, va bene. I will stay put and not do my usual work. [A pause.] It will be interesting enough to figure out a way to deal with this problem until we can return to wearing tops once again.

[secondborn]

[Alastair thinks about this.]

I suppose it depends entirely on how long it lasts. If it's just today, that's one thing, but if it lasts a whole week, that's another situation entirely. And since we can't be sure... probably should just take it day by day.

[sicarius]

Then let us hope it is not for long. We are not of much use in this war if we cannot keep anything on.

[Said firmly at first, but ny the time he finishes, it's with a slightly cheeky grin. Ezio is taking this seriously, but still enjoying the thought all the same.]

[secondborn]

[Alastair nods, then shrugs.]

Who knows. Does it extend to anything that touches your skin? Because it might turn out you're all impervious from the waist up.

[sicarius]

[A shrug, and a sigh.]

I have tried shirts, but I would rather not risk suddenly losing other things should they simply touch me.

[He's already lost one to this curse, he doesn't want to lose any more.]

[secondborn]

[He smiles a little.]

Fair enough. It was mostly a joke anyway.

[sicarius]

Capisco. Be sure to ask others for assistance if you need it.

[That may just be him shooing you off to work, Alastair. With a little grin attached.]

[secondborn]

[Alastair grins and rolls his eyes a little, saluting.]

Yes, sir.

[And he's off.]