London, 1868

"Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny."

~ Lao-Tze

.:+:.

"Ms. (L/N)."

Your eyes turned toward Hector, having heard him walk up toward you in the nearly silent street, you leaning against the wall of a building and twirling a coin in between your fingers absentmindedly.

Your (E/C) gaze was sweeping between the milling figures across the street from you, ever searching for your latest person of interest- a woman, Adelain Hrothgur.

Your attention turned toward him as he stopped beside you, eyes narrowed at his split lip and slightly bruised face.

There was a flicker, a certain fire that rose inside of you in that next moment- anger.

It wasn't so hard to understand that sudden feeling, you considered your contacts and your employees as being under your.... Protection... in a way. And to see one of your more trusted workers, Hector, looking so beaten.... It riled you up, though you didn't let that show very often, and tried not to let it become too obvious now- though Hector could easily see it.

"What happened?" You asked immediately. You stepped toward him, clearing the small distance between you two and completely disregarding your previous interest in Adelain. Hector frowned a little, aware that he had interrupted your observations and aware you weren't going to pick them back up.

He knew why you were following her... And was fairly certain of why you were ever interested in anyone at all, though your true motives were never very certain. And he hated to think you'd drop your own worries to listen to him- but he also knew that what he was going to tell you, that would make you angry.

God pity those who made you truly angry.

He sighed, glancing away and refraining from meeting your steely, cold, (E/C) gaze. He knew there was fire burning in your eyes now, and to be honest.... Seeing you angry was one of the few things in this world that could make a man's heart stop. He knew your anger knew no limits, and he knew you were always quick to react to one of your workers being hurt- your actions... They could be brutal.

And god help that poor fool... (F/N) may not let him continue in his meddling if this would be the result....

"... It isn't that bad." He mumbled. He'd hate to see him killed for this... It was a misunderstanding, an unfortunate incident...

.. He couldn't believe Mr. Jacob Frye had meant any true harm.

But true harm, that may be what he was in store for.

Your body tightened, suddenly seeming taller as the darkness around you seemed to thicken just about your person, your eyes glinting madly in the half light of the lamps, lips pulled into a taught line and anger rising more.

"What happened?" You hissed lowly, clearly not in the mood for him to be dodging the damned question.

Whatever it was that had happened- it wasn't supposed to. Hector, as in accordance with the jobs you assigned him to handle- he was meant to observe and collect the whispers and the secrets passed along the streets. He was meant to keep his ears open and look out for the specific information you needed collected at any one time. He had a talent for eavesdropping, and an even bigger gift for staying undetected- he was never meant to get himself into open conflict. And he sure as hell was never meant to be attacked, nor hurt- not like this, and not by anyone.

Bloody hell... The people of this damned city, they should know who we are, and fear us.

The damned fool that did this- they'll have hell to pay, preferably in blood.

Blood lust, you felt it rising again.

"(F/N)." Hector said softly, seeing your anger though to anyone else they wouldn't be able to see that small fire beginning to build in you. "It was... A small misunderstanding. You really shouldn't do anything rash." He murmured and you frowned, unsure as to why he was trying to talk you down.

"Do I have to ask again?" You growled, patience thin.

He sighed, running a hand through his sandy hair.

"No... Damn it, I'll tell ya.... Just don't kill him, alright?" He murmured, at the mention of 'him' your eyes narrowed. "It'll be bad for business... And for yourself."

.:+:.

Earlier that Day~

"Well, well... Who do we have here..?" Jacob smirked, glancing down toward the opposite side of the street from the building he perched on.

Helping Aleck had been easy, a few dead Blighters, a new toy, and his cables had been returned easily.

Looking into Mr. Athernette however, that had been a bit of a challenge, what little Aleck had told him had only been enough to suggest he may find the man down near the docks of the Thame.

When he couldn't find his quarry the first day, he set off to completely claim Lambeth as his sister suggested- and as he had said, it had been extremely easy.

Again, more dead Blighters, and the Borough belonged to the Rooks.

Jacob's dark eyes landed on the man slowly making his way through the crowds if the docks, his eyes forward and hands in his pockets- not seeming to have a care in the world, but only boredly moving toward some destination he'd rather not go toward.

What caught his eye about this man- it really wasn't clear. There was a small inkling on the back of his mind, a flash of gold- that sixth sense of his flaring in a moment time as his gaze passed over the man. It wasn't Mr. Athernette, he was sure of that- this man was much too young to be the Good Doctor, but he did seem to be heading somewhere in particular.

Jacob smiled slightly, moving after his new interest, moving between people and keeping his distance- he knew well it did no good to be noticed, and he planned to follow the man as far as he could.

Who knows, perhaps he'd lead him somewhere intriguing... That inborn sense of his seemed to suggest so as a flash of gold flickered on the recesses of his vision again.

The man ahead of him seemed unaware of his new follower- rightfully so as Jacob had made a promise to be more careful, especially considering his innate failure in trying to shadow (F/N). A failure he chose to learn from, instead of brood... Though he was still slightly miffed she played him as long as she had. And still- that thought put another quick smile on his lips before he wiped it away.

The man took a turn away from the water and toward the city, hands in his pockets and eyes glancing about as he easily made his way through the throngs of people swarming past continually. Jacob made his own way through the crowds, gently pushing people aside as he continued to follow closely.

For a moment his eyes wandered sideways, toward the street urchin rushing past the throng of crowds milking about- faintly reminded of the boy that (F/N) had been given a note by- the one that had sent him on this trip in the first place.

He had to wonder how many people in the city were under her control and her instructions....

The man stopped, slowing to a halt and beginning to busy himself looking over the curios provided by a street side vendor- just in the other side of the street running adjacent to the river. Jacob slipped in beside two lads settled in a bench in silence, holding his hands in his lap and hunched- receiving just simple sideways glances from the two- but they didn't argue nor question him.

Jacob's eyes settled on the man, not turning his head to give away where it was he was looking- but enough to keep an eye on him.

".... What can I help you with today, sir?" The woman behind the table asked, glancing toward him as the man smiled, shaking his head slightly.

"Nothing, just browsing." He murmured, "Nice weather, eh?" He asked, looking up toward the woman,

From the angle he sat at Jacob couldn't get a good look at the man's face- but something on the woman's seemed to change. Her eyes glinted in a knowing manner, before she smiled and nodded to him with a small smile.

"Indeed it is." She smiled, "Call if you need anything." She told him, before promptly turning to another bloke standing near the stand- striking up conversation with him as she discussed her wares.

Jacob blinked, slightly confused as go why the conversation had ended so shortly... It didn't seem all that our of the ordinary, but for some reason- the exchange struck him as odd.

He sat in stillness for a long while, watching from the corner of his eye the man as he simply gazed over the table, eyes glinting as he looked at each and every bauble. After awhile he thought he may have chosen the wrong person to tail.... Perhaps he had made a mistake, this chap wasn't doing anything even remotely odd. He just seemed rather boring.

.. Then why do I have that feeling...? And why... Does he seem to glow gold..?

His dark eyes narrowed, partly in wonder, partly in growing frustration.

Bloody good job Jacob... You managed to pick a random man from the street.... God, is he going to look at those items for the remainder of the day?

He huffed slightly, unhappy with himself and the lack of interesting qualities he was seeing in the man.

He grimaced, itching to leave- he nearly climbed back to his feet, when a small, sudden, and nearly imperceptible flick of the man's head caught his eye. He seemed to tilt his ear a little, he hardly moved however- and his eyes never left his observing of the items spread out in the table. Jacob's eyes narrowed slightly, recognizing the small action.... It was as if the man was... Listening to something. And doing it in a way as to avoid detection of his actions.

Jacob turned his head a little, eyes falling toward the ground and attention instantly switching from watching the man- to listening to every murmured conversation in the area. If that man was indeed listening for something, he may just be able to catch it himself...

"..... What was it Mr. Athernette wanted?"

Jacob's eyes widened, noticing the pair of men standing close to the alley way entrance nearby. One was propped against a stack of crates, arms over his chest and eyes narrowrd- the other, pacing slightly, his hands in his coat pockets. Both of them wore the familiar red garb of the Blighters...

Well, well....

"... Eh? You hard of hearing or somethin'?" One of the men muttered, the one sitting on the crates, looking rather unamused from the angle Jacob sat.

"No, I heard ya. Question is, how does Mr. Athernette assume we're gonna get our hands on all this?" The other man muttered unhappily, "He's asking for things like he some sort of king with the world at his finger tips, like he thinks all this crap is just gonna pop up out of thin air..."

Get your hands on what I wonder...?

"Quit complaining, or he'll have your head." The first man muttered,

"Yes... Alright, but it ain't gonna be easy." The second sighed, "We'll have to bash a few heads in to get our hands on most of the supplies."

"Some of Starrick's factories carry a few of the items." The first murmured, slowly standing up from his seat on the crates. "We can ask a few of the Blighters in Southwark for 'em. That part'll be easy at any rate."

"I'll head off to request the materials here in Southwark." The second announced, patting his compatriot on the shoulder. "You head over toward Lambeth to get the rest." The other grimaced slightly, the name of Lambeth catching Jacob's immediate attention at the District now ruled by his Rooks.

The both of them split apart, Jacob watching them go silently as the man surveying baubles and bits at the counter suddenly moved off as well- following the Blighter who had been decided he would be traveling to Lambeth.

It would seem he found himself his best bets at finding more information out on Horace Athernette, and he wasn't the only one interested- the man he had been following before was clearly listening in, and now he failed the Blighter as Jacob followed them both.

It seemed that Horace was planning something, something he needed a lot of supplies for and help from the Blighters to do it- which meant he was receiving Templar help. Perhaps this was the reason that (F/N) had been looking into him.

Well, let's see where these lads lead me to, eh?

He moved in between crowds of people until his quarry's made their way toward a more thinned out center of the city- and people became less frequent. The factories lining the Thames became more frequent and hungry, penny less children milled about, soot covered and sallow.

The Blighter was glancing about warily, probably very aware that in Lambeth- the Blighters were no longer in control. He dodged down a side street, heading toward one of the factories in which Jacob had liberated a week prior, and the storehouses near it.

The man he had first come across did the same, artfully breaking into the shadows along the wall and fading from sight- all from where Jacob was standing- having quickly climbed up onto the top of the Building overlooking the alleyway. From where he was standing, that first man seemed to have a bit of a knack of remaining undetected, and he was very good at staying hidden in the shadows while still moving quickly.

He must do it frequently, to be so good at it....

They moved up toward the large, heavy doors of the storehouse- the Blighted moved up along the side, peering this way and that trying to make sure no one could see him moving toward it. When he noticed nobody outside the door, he scurried up to glance inside the dusty window- trying to check if anyone was there.

He leans away, seeing no one inside and paused at the door- fiddling in his coat pocket as he pulled out a folded piece of paper, looking it over with narrowed eyes and muttering to himself.

".... Damned this.... What the hell could he be wanting to do with all this shit...?" The Blighter growled under his breath, looking over the paper- a list, Jacob assumed- before folding it back up and replacing it in his coat. He walked up to the door, fiddling with the chains and lock keeping it firmly shut tight. Jacob moved toward the edge of the building, just above the man's head and dark eyes glinting.

Getting that list might give me a clue as to what Athernette is up to.... Might as well take it.

"Sod this." The Blighter growled, stepping backwards and turning to grab a nearby pole, swinging it down fiercely at the chain to break it apart, and pull open the door.

Jacob quickly made his way toward the open skylight in the roof of the warehouse behind him, expertly dropping down on the overhanging beams stretching across the roof as he caught sight again of the Blighter below him, pulling crates open and milling about trying to find what he was after.

He dropped down, his feet making little noise as he strode out toward the Blighter, a small smirk pulling at his lips.

"Oi! I'd like a word with you." He called, the Blighter whipped about, eyes growing wide and glinting in sudden fear.

"Ah, shit!!"

Jacob swept up in an instant, stopping the man before he had time to try and run from him. His fist swung our across his face, picking him back up before he could fall to the ground he slammed him into a large stacks of crates near them, one fist bunched with his grip on his coat- his other lifting as he flicked his wrist back and his Hidden Blade slid out. He placed the honed edge against the man's throat, dark eyes glinting in a challenge for him to try and move.

"Well, what do I have here? Stealing things are we?" He smirked, the other man's eyes danced in fear- it took little to realize who it was that had just caught him, the same man that had conquered this Borough not very long before then.

"M-mr. Frye..!"

Jacob shook his head a little, not wanting to hear a half-assed apology or the like.

"You're here collecting things for Mr. Athernette, correct?" He asked, voice silky smooth- it was nearly unnerving. The man nodded feverishly, struggling only slightly.

"Y-yes! But I swears, I don't know what for!"

"Are you sure about that?" Jacob asked lowly,

"I swear, I really don't know! He just sends the lists out! Honest truth!"

"Then you know where I can find him, yes?" Jacob grinned, his blade inching closer as the man's eyes began to bulge in fear, breaths coming in harsh gasps.

"N-no!" He nearly squealed,

"What do you mean, no?" Jacob growled lowly,

"We don't... We don't get to see Mr. Athernette! He sends us the lists through someone else, I've never met the man!"

"Lying to me really isn't in your best interests mate," Jacob scowled, moving the blade closer.

"It ain't a lie! I swear ta God, it ain't!" The man yelped, trying to lean away from the blade. "B-but! But..! I... I can tell ya who sends the letters and the lists out... I'll even tell ya where she is!" His eyes were glinting in true fear now, "Just please, don't kill me..!"

"Speak quickly then." Jacob snapped,

"R-right! Her name's Adelain Hrothgur! She's usually running around in London- near the market! You'll find her there, can't miss her- she's the blonde with the scar running across her left eye!"

Jacob smiled, his blade retracting as he clapped a hand against the man's chest a little."Much appreciated mate." His hand moved into the inside of the man's pocket, "I'll be taking this however." His fingers grazed against the fabric inside the empty pocket.

His eyes widened a little, knowing this was the pocket the list had been inside of- he saw him put it there for gods sake.

His lips pulled into a small frown, the Blighters features falling at the unhappy look passing across Jacob's face.

"That damned bastard..." Jacob growled, immediately remembering he had indeed lost sight of that first man he noticed. He'd lost sight of him shortly before entering the warehouse- and somehow, that bastard had managed to steal the damn list without either he or the Blighter seeing him do it.

"W-what..?"

Jacob backed up and swung his fist into the face of the Blighter, the man crumpling to the ground immediately as the younger Frye Twin whipped about and hurried out the front door of the warehouse, eyes burning in anger and agitation.

His eyes swept about the space in front of the warehouse quickly, trying to spot the man from earlier.

He takes off right, rounding the corner of the warehouse and coming out into an alleyway that ran along the side of it- quickly dodging through the urchins and the poor sods withering away in the space, his eyes glinting in anger. There's a flash of gold that flickers in the corners of his mind as the figure of the man swept about the corner ahead of him and our of sight, Jacob sprinted down the alleyway, cursing under his breath as he pushed himself through the mud and sludge that littered the ground about him.

He dare not call out in case he frightened the man and sent him running- knowing all too well that if he lost full sight and sound of him he may never find him again- already having seen him able to melt into the shadows quite adeptly.

He whipped about the next corner, catching onto the back of his target and hissed to himself, sweeping up behind the man at top speed- nor particularly caring if his footsteps were heard- the man didn't start to turn toward him until he was right behind him,

"The bloody hell..?!"

Jacob's fist swung forward and caught him across the face, before he grabbed him by the collar and threw him against the brick wall of the building beside them.

He shoved the man up against the wall roughly, his sudden anger and annoyance fueling him to be a bit more rough than was probably needed, he was always quick to act- fiery as always.

The man hissed, his eyes narrowed as he squinted at Jacob's face inches from his own- a sudden light erupting in his eyes, a bit of blood dripping from his now split lip at the roughness of the hit.

"You bloody braggart! I don't know how you managed to swipe that damned list from under my nose, but that was your mistake!" Jacob growled furiously, anger bubbling quickly at the unwanted interference. "Now, I'll be taking that list back, and I'd appreciate it if you'd sod off. What the hell are you doing, meddling in all this anyway, eh?" He growled, the man blinked at him, eyes glinting in slight confusion.

"Jacob...?" He murmured, looking surprised suddenly, and air of familiarity suddenly igniting in his eyes. Jacob paused a moment, slightly caught off guard at the fact the man seemed to know him in any way. The man let out a small sigh, looking a little exasperated for a moment, before shaking his head a little. "Jaysus..... Jacob, what the hell....? ......... Ya bloody stepped in it now..." The man sighed, his head falling back against the wall, his body relaxing from his tenseness a little.

Jacob tilted his head, eyebrow raising as he simply stared for a moment.

"Pardon?" He said lowly, tone dropping to a dangerous tenor. "Who the hell do you think you are?"

"Name's Hector- I'm the man you just unnecessarily hit across the face." He replied, "I work for Ms. (L/N), which would be why I was 'meddling' as you put it." He replied, still seemingly exasperated. Jacob's interest exceedingly peaked at her name, and even more so hearing that 'Hector' apparently worked for her.

"So... (Y/N) has more people other than urchins under her hold, eh?" Jacob smirked faintly, his sudden anger suddenly dissipating as his curiosity began to get the better of him. Hector's eyes narrowed slightly, looking a little surprised for a moment. Jacob grinned as he pulled away from holding the man to the wall and lightly dusted off his coat, eyes glinting. "Now, why is it she's interested in ol' Athernette? She's got you snoopin' about for some reason, eh? So why is it she's interested?"

"... You understand that Ms. (L/N) isn't fond of people sticking their noses in her business, don't you?" Hector replied, similar words as those spoken by Aleck. ".... She's not going to appreciate you budding in- especially not now- and as I understand, she's been very patient with you as is. Are you sure you want to keep intruding?" He asked lowly, and Jacob blinked.

"I've heard as such before, yes. But I honestly doubt she'll do much about it." He smirked, earning a silent stare from Hector. "After all, (F/N) is the one who let me in on her little investigation in the first place." Which was very true- she had been the one to provide him with Horace Athernette's name.

"You're wrong about one of those things." He said plainly, "She will do something about this... You did attack me, albeit maybe you wouldn't have if you'd known who I was.... And you are new to London, so you have yet to understand how things really work here. But none the less, Ms. (L/N) has been known to act... Harshly, in these situations." Jacob's eyes narrowed, "I doubt she'll care very little you are a fellow Assassin once she years about all this..."

"What do you mean exactly?" Jacob pressed, "What is it I haven't learned about how things work in London?"

"... I'm sure (F/N) will be plenty ready to explain it to you- and if you were smart you'd listen closely." Hector replied after a pause, earning an unhappy stare at the lack of answer. "Jacob... You'd better hope she isn't too angry..." He sighed, Jacob simply stared. He wasn't sure what the man meant- would (F/N) truly be outraged at such a thing? Could she be so angry that he would be in trouble...?

And what the hell makes Hector so damned special, anyway? So much so that him having roughed the man up a little could result in some unseemly consequences? Again, he was landed with much more questions than answers on the ever mysterious and unbearably impossible to understand Ms. (F/N) (L/N). And again he felt himself grow more intrigued, and more impatient.

"You'll be running to her to tell all about this little adventure of ours then?" Jacob murmured,

"If I don't tell her now, she will find out. Nothing slips by her easily." Hector replied flatly, "Besides, I still have a list to give to her." He said pointedly, Jacob blinked.

Inwardly he smirked slightly, while he simply shrugged a little and smiled. "Very well- I expect to hear from her soon then, off you go. Make your delivery." He smiled, stepping back from the man and turning to leave- suddenly so seemingly care free.

He wasn't at all fazed by the clear warning that (F/N) may retaliate rather violently against him for his actions and his prying into the business surrounding Mr. Athernette. In fact, he was very pleased with the reply that she may seek him out after learning of this little excursion. She had been absent since that first time having met her, and so long away from her and left in the dark had only strengthened his growing desire to see her again. Now, this way- she would be coming straight to him, he didn't need to track her down.

The idea of seeing her again, prying her and watching her- it was a chance that made his heart race just a little. Excitement grew in him, and he knew he was becoming obsessed- he wanted to understand her and couldn't help himself- she was just so mysterious, it truly intrigued him.

"And please tell her, I do so look forward to chatting with her again. Perhaps we could enjoy a spot of tea?" He smirked slyly, leaving Hector watching him leave with a silent stare, eyes narrowing at the mischief the man could see growing in the Frye's eyes. Hector sighed internally, the ever optimistic and carefree attitude of Jacob Frye he had heard so much about.... He pitied the man, for not quite understanding the fury he may have just promised upon himself. And he pitied the fool for what would come.

Jacob left his sight, Hector slipping away into the shadows and seeming to vanish. Jacob placed a hand in his coat pocket once he was sure he was out of range of Hector, and pulled a folded piece of paper out- smirking, because he had managed to swipe the list from Hector as he had him pinned to the wall. He pulled the note out and unfolded it- his smile dying instantly and lips pulling into a scowl.

"That bloody damned braggart...." He hissed through gritted teeth, fingers clutching the paper angrily. Across the nearly empty page were scrawled two simple words;

'Nice try.'

That bastard's quite the pickpocket, isn't he?

.:+:.

Jacob Frye.... That meddling, arrogant, bullheaded idiot.

You felt fire burning like a wildfire inside of you, the rage and utter anger building inside of you only continued to strengthen as you swept through the darkening streets of London- your legs taking you toward Devil's Acre, not at all perturbed by the wary glances you received from the rabble of one of the cities mist notorious places.

You knew very well that many of them had the sense to not even think about bothering you- in such a place as this, though they may not know your name or you personally- they all knew, they knew you were not to be touched. The whole damned city knew it- they knew you worked to run things in the shadows as you wanted, and they knew you and your organization were a force to be reckoned with. They knew not to touch you- as they should.

Jacob Frye on the other hand, hadn't seemed to grasp that lesson- you were intent on remedying that.

Hector had asked you not to act rashly, nor violently against the younger Frye, but it was nearly no use- once you truly became angry it was nearly impossible to stop you for any reason at all.

You cared deeply for the people under your employment, and you couldn't let Jacob's actions- whether they were meant in true harm or not- to go unchallenged. It was time he came to learn what many in the city already had- that while the Templars and the Assassins were at one another's throats, and now that the Blighters and the Rooks were clashing for power- there was still one other faction in the city whose hold was nearly as absolute as the Templars.

He'd learn he had no place meddling in your affairs, or the affairs of your organization any longer. Though he was sure to disagree.

You hadn't given him that note thinking he would dig into things that didn't concern him, in all reality you'd done it to confuse and perhaps even drive him a little insane. He wasn't supposed to look into Horace at all... Though you supposed you had somehow expected he would, you just never intended for Hector or any of your people to be caught in the crossfire.

You heard the noise and bustle of the tavern long before you reached it, immediately aware there were several people there already- as there always was, and seeing as how Westminster was still under the hold of the Blighters, the bulk of those in the pub now would most definitely be filled with red. You faintly wondered why he'd be in such a place, but knew immediately Jacob didn't care who ruled the borough or the tavern itself.... Arrogant and cheeky bastard he is.

You rounded the corner, eyes glittering in barely muffled anger as they immediately cast upon Jacob- who was leaning against the wall of the pub, tilted back in his chair and feet on the table as he enjoyed his drink. His eyes glinted in merriment and challenge to the three Blighters standing before him, clearly looking for a fight.

You didn't pause for a second, your hand roughly coming down on the shoulder of the largest of the three men facing the Frye Sibling, you weren't about to let them have the fun of going after Jacob- that honor was owed to you.

The man started at your sudden touch as you pulled him back, "The hell?!" He snapped, rounding on you to face your steely gaze and profuse scowl that would send any man running. He visibly stiffened at the contact, his face pulling into a deep frown before he saw the deadly glare you held onto him- his compatriots beside him turned in your direction as they noticed you there. He faltered slightly, seeing the small snarl pulling at your lips.

"Sorry lads, but I'll be having a word with this one." You growled lowly, your tone cool and dangerous. "Now, best bugger off before anything unseemly happens to the lot of you." You snapped, the two others beside you backed up a little- they all didn't like the look of murder in your eyes, and felt it best not to push their luck. Besides, the dark look on your face told them that you may just hurt Jacob worse than they had been planning to.

The man in your grasp shrugged your hand off, the three of them looked dejected as they backed away, scowling nine the less.

"You're not worth our time." One muttered,

"Got better things to do than bother with the two of ya." Another grumbled as they shuffled off. From the corner of your eye you saw a small smirk stretch across Jacob's face.

"Well, well- good to see you again love. Made quite the impression on the three of them, didn't you?" He said lightly, tilting his drink in your direction. The fire burning in you suddenly burned brighter, "I've been meaning to drop by and say hello- pity I don't know where you usually reside. Perhaps we should remedy that?"

Your movements were quick as lightning, you spinning on your heel and sweeping straight up toward him, fists clenching about his jacket and hoisting him up from his seat roughly- much stronger than he had been expecting, as his drink slopped onto the table as he hastily managed to drop it on top.

You pulled him right up to be inches from your nose, a murderous look passing across your face as he blinked in shock- eyes slightly wide.

He was so wrapped up in his own surprise he hadn't time to react to you easily thrusting him over the low railing marking the edge of the tavern, and into the alley running beside it. He coughed as he hit the ground, rolling to his feet and glancing sideways to see you easily jump over the railing and stalk toward him, your (E/C) eyes frosty.

"Listen well, Mr. Frye." You growled, uttering his name with such venom it took him by slight shock, as he felt a sudden chill pass over him. You kept stalking toward him, suddenly shoving him against the bricks of the wall behind him, your fists clenched about his jacket and eyes seething in fury. "I have been particularly patient and rather lenient with you- but it is time you learn that there are people in this city that you do not cross. You do not ever cross me."

He blinked, eyes glinting as he narrowed them at you- but you were far from done.

"I will tell you this once, and only once. You are not to harm, nor kill, nor interfere with any of my people, or my business unless I give you leave to do so." You hissed through gritted teeth, "You cannot and will not interfere with my organization under any circumstance- if you harm another of my people again- I will kill you. You have been given free reign to play the role as the leader of your Rooks, and to embark on whatever activity you see fit- but when it comes to my business, you stay away from it, and take orders only from me. I am your superior, and you had better learn that quickly- and know that if you ever step across the line again, you will be very sorry."

You shoved against his chest roughly, taking a small step back to out some space between you two- your hand reaching up to pull back the buttons of your jacket, leaving bare a patch sewn into the fabric of the inside of the coat, a silver emblazoned symbol of a tower wrapped in scrolls shown. His eyes widened a little, recognizing this same mark on Hector's person.

"This is the mark of my Faction, The Knights Omnibus. I have people working under me all around the city, inside the Templars, the Blighters, and even your Rooks. If you see anyone bearing this mark- you had best steer clear and keep your blade sheathed- otherwise you will have me to answer to." You growled lowly- too low for anyone but Jacob to hear as the clamor of the Tavern started up again around the corner, your fingers worked buttoning the jacket back up and settling a fiery glare on him. Jacob straightened up slightly, still leaning against the wall.

You had afore mentioned you did like Jacob's brashness in comparison with the near non-action of the rest of the Assassins. His temper and his ability to stir things up really truly amused you. But you didn't like other people meddling in your affairs willy-nilly, or anyone harming one of your own.

You had, by all means- intended to have a bit of fun with him and his sister. There were plenty of things the three of you could get up to, and several things you were sure you could manage together. You knew plenty of the Frye Twins to understand there was quite a bit of potential for them both, they were causing quite a stir in the city already- given more time and a little but of a push in the right (or maybe wrong) direction, they could do great things in the city. And you were very interested in helping them along the way, and stirring up your own trouble.

But your previous thoughts and feelings on the matter of all things Frye were suddenly blurred and overshadowed with your blazing, seething fury at him. In time you may forgive, but for the moment- you were having a hard time keeping yourself from spilling blood.

"Do I make myself clear, Jacob?" You hissed, eyes glinting as he simply looked to you, features pulled tense and lips in a taught line- his dark eyes simply searching you in your anger silently. For a long time he simply looked at you, both your gazes held steady and neither of you moving an inch. For the second time since meeting one another, you found yourselves in a sudden deadlock.

After a long while you started to feel your anger simmer slightly, and your mind wandered to what it was that was going through his head. He didn't seem all that angry toward you, nor inherently surprised either.... He just seemed slightly pensive.

His lips suddenly pulled into a small, pleasurable smirk as his eyes glinted at you.

"Are we calling one another by our first names now, love?" He asked, smirk growing a little wider- you blinked at the fact he called you 'love'. "So very forward of you...." Your eyes narrowed, jaw clenching slightly. You were suddenly battling with the very real urge to clock him across the cheek, and the urge to smirk yourself.

How... How did he manage that? How did he manage to make you want to smile at that? His smirk was nearly infectious... The glint of amusement and merriment in his dark eyes beginning to wane your anger against your own wishes. You were angry, you wanted to be angry because you couldn't let his actions just slide.... And yet, that smile on his face, the cheerful and nearly jesting tone of his voice as he said those words to you, the way he called you love.... You faintly recalled him calling you that before now, but for whatever reason.... It sounded different just this time around.

You can't just let him get away with this.... Don't give into that damned smile.... He can't grin his way out of the mess he's stirred up.

He smiled just a little more, apparently able to sense you were starting to hesitate and calm down just a little.

He's doing it on purpose....cheeky bastard...

"Its good to see our relationship getting along so well," he smiled, stepping away from the wall, just as you took a step back from him. You simply stared, your gaze borderline glaring. "I'd hate to be in row with you love, especially when we could have so much fun together." He smirked, you let out a silent sigh.

The fire inside of you died to a glowing ember in your gut. How could such a sly smirk and easy going attitude manage to simmer you down like that... Someone known for their undying, fiery temper?

How odd...

"This is not a game," you growled, stubborn to the end- you wouldn't give in nearly that easy.

"Isn't it?" He smiled,

"No, it isn't." You grumbled, "My business is too important for you to go around sticking your nose in it." You growled, tone dropping to a low tenor.

"If its so important, why not let me in on all the secrets and the hush, love?" He smirked, stepping toward you. He lift a hand, pointing a finger at you and smirking, dark eyes glinting in the shadow of his cap. "After all- you were the one who said you were looking to have a bit of fun. I'm all for an adventure with you, you need only let me in on all the pleasure and the thrill."

Your eyes narrowed, he didn't need to repeat the things you had said before- you remembered saying as much to him, that day you had engaged yourself in a battle against the rooftops with he and his sister.

"I have so much planned for the both of you. I do look forward to getting into all sorts of trouble with the two of you."

You let out a small sigh, your eyes finally moving away from him. You felt the longer you looked at him and that smirk on his face, the more chance you'd fall into the clear attempt at cheerfulness and mirth he was trying to create with you.

The embers inside of you suddenly grew cold. Damn it... What is that? How can he have even possibly.... made me calm down so quickly?

"I for one- am more than happy to assist in your endeavors." He went on, his hand falling on his chest, a sly smirk still on his face. Your eyes fell closed,

You couldn't say you weren't interested in working with him.... It just hadn't been your intention to allow him to work alongside you in the matter he had already involved himself in. You hadn't been looking for his help with Athernette at all.... But even then, you knew he wouldn't stop it now he had invested himself so deeply. You had the feeling Jacob was just as stubborn as you could be.

... Of course.... There was no guarantee that Jacob would follow your instructions even if you did allow him to help you. From what you had learned about him, he didn't listen all that well. You wouldn't consider yourself a patient person, and wondered if you would be able to tolerate him and his actions in such a.... Sensitive situation. A matter in which was, in all reality- very, very important to you. You'd hate to have Jacob truly muck it up in some way.

Is there a chance... Anything I do will keep him from getting involved?

Not a chance in hell.

... Is there a chance, he won't make things worse, if I do let him help me with this?

You won't know unless you try.

Will he listen to me? Do as I ask..?

I really doubt it.

Can I....... Trust... He will be a help to me...? Can I trust.... Him...?

You felt a cold weight drop into your stomach at that thought.

You can't trust anyone.

You sighed, shaking your head slightly and pinching the bridge of your nose. There was a numbness, a heavy cold pit inside of you that suddenly burned fiery cold. Uncertainty... You hated that feeling unlike any other.

Perhaps... You'd be best served to just allow yourself to take a small leap of Faith..... For a find second the feel of falling and the rush of air around you.

... You simply hoped it didn't all blow up in your face.

You smiled, just slightly at that- nearly ruefully for a moment, still shaking your head as your (E/C) eyes moved back toward Jacob, and the ever present grin on his face. You raised a finger and gestured toward him, a pointed look passing across your face- a firm stare that he blinked at, though his smile didn't fade away.

"Listen, Jacob-" you started,

"So we are on first names then, love?" He interrupted, eyes gleaming. You shook your head, rolling your eyes slightly. Damn that man...

"- I may allow you, to help me in my search for information on my current mark. But I need your word- your word, Jacob- that you will do as I ask you, when I ask you to do it. There is too much at stake here for you to go gallivanting off on your own whims and the like. I need you to do as I ask you to, and need I not remind you- I am not afraid of making you listen, understand?" By god, could that smile grow any wider?

"You have my word, love." He smiled, holding a hand to his heart in what you could clearly see to be mock sincerity. "If following your instructions, is what I need to do in order to assist- then gladly." Your eyes narrowed,

Why is it you didn't believe his words so easily?

You shook your head again slightly, still trying to fight the urge to smile- his was so infectious, it was nearly supernatural.

"So?" He spoke up, "Where do we start? A little bird told me Horace could be found through a Ms. Hrothgur?" He nearly trilled the words, you blinked. You were fairly impressed he had caught up so quickly, in what little time he had invested himself in the matter.

".... Well, you certainly won't be involving yourself with Adelain." You said in a matter of fact tone, his head tilted slightly. Jacob was not known for his subtly, you thought it best to give him a task more suited for his.... Specific skill set.

"... Well that then?" He murmured, his own eyes narrowing at you.

"Meet me at the Cauldron and Stewpot, over in Whitechapel- I'm sure you know the place?" You murmured, (E/C) eyes glinting. "Meet me there, in a day or so- I'll have something for you then, alright?" He paused, and you sighed. "Do we have an agreement?" You said, a bit more firmly- the look on your face was one that reminded him he did just agree to do as you asked of him.

Perhaps he really did plan to make good on his word, or maybe he knew you had simmered down and didn't want to anger you again- either way, he slowly nodded.

"As you wish..." He sighed, sounding a little disgruntled, and you smiled, just slightly.

"Thank you." You said simply, turning away from him.

"Aren't you forgetting something, love?" He called you back, his cheerful and slightly playful time reemerging once again. You paused, glancing back toward him, eyes narrowed.

He smirked slyly, producing a smooth, sharp blade from his pocket- the dark metal etched along the sides. You blinked, immediately recognizing one of your throwing knives- but outwardly, you didn't let yourself react. After all, you had already decided he wouldn't know you had been present during his row with Cletus- you were, however, a little amused he had held on to it at all.

"Hmm?" You hummed lightly, feigning a look of confusion so convincing, that you made him falter a little.

"I think you lost this, love." He said, his composure returning slightly. "In the spine of one Cletus Strain, perhaps?"

You smiled, just the ghost of smirk on your lips for a small moment- before you turned your back on him again.

"I'm afraid you're mistaken, Jacob." You said lightly, waving a hand behind you as you started off again. "I'll see you in a days time."

He held the blade in his fist, eyes glinting in slight wonder and faint amusement- though you out on a good act, he still just knew... It was your blade, though you seemed intent on denying it. Mysterious as ever I see....

"Look forward to it, love." He called lightly, his smirk still gracing his lips. "You won't be able to keep away... I assure you of that." He added under his breath, just as your figure rounded the corner and he lost sight of you- a part of him didn't like you leaving so quickly.

He was still faintly shocked at the amount of anger and rage he had seen burning so passionately in your eyes upon first appearing- he hadn't seen so much anger in anyone like that before... and for a moment there, he was a little worried what you would have done to him had he not gotten you to calm down. He understood now what it was Hector had tried to warn him about, about your anger. He clearly saw you could have really hurt him- if you had gone over the edge, though you hadn't. You may have actually tried something violent..... he'd keep an eye on trying not to really make you angry from now on. He felt he dodged a bullet- and he had no idea how true those words were in that moment. But that hardly bothered him now- he was pleased, pleased he seemed to have enough of a hold on you to get you to simmer down- and now, now you would be working with him. Working with you would allow him to understand you better- watch you work, and act.... which in all reality, is all he had wanted to do since meeting you.

This is going to be fun... Very fun.

"... so, now the Game truly starts, eh?"