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The Crow: Unforeseen Duet (Alvis Alendran & darkangel76)

Once again, Lucy took a sip of her tea. The warm liquid tasted so good and felt so nice as it dripped down her throat. She'd missed this...this simple interaction with someone who didn't seem to mind taking a moment, relishing the little things that life—oh, the irony—had to offer. What's more, he was choosing her, if even just for a little while over what she knew was beckoning him, reaching into his mind with every tendril it had.

Lucy blushed under Jacob's gaze, wishing the moment could last. But the crow let out its call. It...it disapproved. She knew it in her gut and it hurt. Her green gaze shifted toward the large bird and she nodded, lowering her head as a sadness began to fill her, causing her hands to tremble.

Life was too cruel. But she was beginning to learn her place in it.

Setting her cup down, Lucy looked back at Jacob, her eyes not quite reaching his, and tried not to let on her awareness of things—of the crow, his desire. She gave him a smile and touched his hand. "We should finalize plans," she stated. "In the morning—early—we can go to Aleena's." She paused. "We can go from there and if we find someone along the way..." Her eyes moved up and locked onto his. "We'll adapt. And I...I'm sorry we're not out there now."

Lucy frowned slightly. She was slowing Jacob down. Searching herself deep inside, she knew she was. And with the way she felt the crow looking at her with its sharp eyes...she was sure the bird knew it too.

But those dreams...she couldn't let them go. She wouldn't.

"J-just let me sleep a little? Before we go?" Lucy asked, her eyes glimpsing the crow and then going back to Jacob. Her expression was both hopeful and apologetic. She just hoped he wouldn't leave while she slept though she certainly knew he'd be there in her dreams...
 
"it's all about...time. I can search the city for days, and maybe never find them. Or learn why they did what they did. You...you might know, or help me know. We take the time to trust you now. And save the time later. It's...all going to work out. Sleep Lucy. I'll...be here. When you wake. And in case...anythign goes wrong while you sleep." HJacob spoke quietly, but clearly, not talking to the floor, but not able to proeprly look her in eye either. The thought of going to Aleena's was a hard one, a lot of time and memories tied in that plac,e and it frightened him to be there. But it had to be done. Aleena might have some information in her place, maybe even a reason that she was meeting with Ben.

Jacob reached out a hand, and rest it on her shoulder, this time without a hesitation. Whatever he saw, he saw. She needed a moment of comfort, a confirmation that he didn't blame her, hate her, wouldn't just leave her. She wanted to help, and he needed all the help he could get. And if he was being honest, he wanted her help. A sense of humanity, normalcy. It wasn't fair for him to lean on her like this, ue her presence as a reason to be human, to be...not what he was when he found the men that had done what they did to him.
"Sleep well." He all but whispered to her.

When she'd gone, he sat on the chair, looking at the crow. He stared at the bird, seeing the inky darkness of it's eyes, taking it in. The crow didn't waver, didn't make a sound, just stared at him. Jacob closed his eyes, falling into the sight of the bird, seeing himself, seeing the ragged weight that was pressing down on him. he was sure at this point he didn't sleep, would never sleep again. The dead had no need to return to that half-state, no need to dream.
She slows us down. You keep her out of a sense of emotional attachment, to the one you lost. You torture yourself, and you torture her. Why do you do this to you both? The sound didn't come from the bird, yet it was the bird. There was no doubt it had to be, for the sound and tone in his mind was nothing like what he sounded like to himself.
"She's...all I have to hold onto now." He breathed, speaking as calmly as he could, fighting tears, fighting a release of the break-wall in his mind, the emotional dam that kept what little was left of him intact.
She's all that who you were can hang onto right now. All that Jacob Kelvis is holding onto. But Jacob Kelvis is dead. He died last week. Let him rest.
"I can't. He couldn't rest. It followed him. It was supposed to be over bird. It was supposed...to...be over." Jacob buried his face into his hands, fighting back a wracking sob that set his body to trembling. He couldn't stop seeing, couldn't not see himself in the eyes of the crow. He saw himself larger, knew the crow had come closer, felt it's feet on his knee, felt the hard beak press into his arm.
Ah kid. I can't give you the answer to that. Jacob shook again, the sob almsot a full body convulsion that slid the chair back a few inches from the motion. He clenched his fists until he swore he heard the knuckles creaking. He got the barest scrap of a handle on himself, and wiped his eyes, looking up at the window. The dam was back up, the break-wall in place, but both were more frail than before, and he knew that they wouldn't hold any better than the last ones.
 
Lucy looked to the crow and then to Jacob. She gave him a nod, her eyes suddenly feeling quite heavy. His words eased her mind a little, though she could tell a part of him still wanted to run out into the night—to hunt. He was a predator. That much was clear. But he was willing to put things on hold—to wait—despite that gnawing instinct she could sense emanating from him from every pore. Was it for her or for something else? She wasn't entirely sure, but she was grateful and a part of her liked the idea of pretending that she was the reason. Even if she wasn't.

"Thank you," Lucy whispered, her green eyes having trouble staying open. She raked a hand through her nearly dry hair, wild red curls falling in front of her eyes before she pushed them away. She let out a soft sigh just then, Jacob's hand on her shoulder feeling quite nice—the weight of it, the warmth. For a moment, she imagined reaching for his hand, resting her cheek against it as her lips pressed against his palm.

But it was something she'd never do. Not when she felt so unsure, so...vulnerable and lost.

Slowly, Lucy pushed herself up from the chair, all contact suddenly lost. How she wished she could get it back, if only for a moment. A shiver ran along her spine, her hands rubbing along her arms through the thin material of the button down she donned. Giving Jacob a groggy smile, she stumbled off to the bedroom and waved absently making her way toward the bed. She left the door ajar and snuggled deep under the blankets, letting the darkness of dreams swallow her whole.

Thunder and heat...it was nowhere to be found. Not this time. Lucy walked through the blackness, the sound of shattered glass crunching beneath her feet. In the void, she saw the shadow, that silhouette she'd come to know so well. His face...that beautiful face. Her gaze was drawn to his eyes—it was the eyes that always called to her first. They were dark and mysterious, hidden in shadow against the paleness of his face. Then his mouth...that mouth that said her name over and over. She could hear him whispering it, urging her forward, calling her to him. She would follow. She always would. Those shadowed lips showed her a smile, a promise. Her heart began to race, her body almost floating as she moved closer, arms stretched. She could almost touch him, feel him! The desire was so strong! Tears filled her eyes, the air swirling and cold as their lips almost met...

Lucy's eyes shot open and she sucked in a breath, her eyes damp with tears. The dreams...so cruel and twisted, a vice on her heart, her mind, yet she'd never give them up... She sat up, unaware of time or anything, and felt her body shaking. She swallowed hard and licked her lips, the images so vivid in her head. It had almost felt real—his breath against her lips, all of it. Then, all of her dreams of Jacob felt real and she knew in her heart...they always would.
 
There was no hunger within him. No thirst. The dead needed no such things, and he was coming to know what his limitations would be. He had every instinct that any food he might eat would do nothing for him. better to save himself the effort. Still, he was going to be venturing out with Lucy this morning, and she was still breathing, still needed to concern herself with mortal needs. And he could help her with that.

The kitchenette was a simple place, and he hunted through it, looking for a tea that would help keep her awake. He found a box of Zest, and smiled, having more than a few memories of that tea for himself. Many a late night he'd had a pot of it on hand, and it had kept him going. Ben had been mre traditional, ssticking to coffee. But Jacob had always claimed that he was a journalist, wanting something more excotic just made sense. That and coffee had always tasted vile to him. Whoever owned this place had decent taste. The Zest was Apple Cinnamon, and he started to brew the tea. The sun was coming up, and he wanted to make sure that there were as few delays as possible. He went into the fridge, finding eggs, and set to work. He'd been a poor enough cook for anything elaborate, but Breakfast and sandwiches he was hell on wheels. Eggs, they were simple, but provided a solid foundation for the day ahead. A plate of them, a side of sliced ham to add to the mix, and it was the best he could do without some additional resources that he didn't have. With some luck, Lucy would be good with it. He hoped she wasn't a vegan or the like.

Jacob set the plate in the microwave, closing it, sealing in the heat. It would keep it warmer for her. As he saw the sky brightening, he head to the bedroom to wake Lucy.

She was sprawled out, looking peaceful as she slept off her day. And it had been a trying one to say the least. He hesitated a moment, before looking over at the table beside the bed, and finding the crow sitting there, staring him down. Was it guarding her? Keeping an eye on her so he would be able to know she was all right no matter where he went? He turned back to Lucy, seeing her again, seeing how much she looked like Aleena, poor lost Aleena. He knelt beside the bed, moving closer. All it would take was a single nudge, he could wake her, but he did find himself reluctant to do so. Closer to her, almost there now. Not realizing what he was about to do, finding himself inches from her, close enough to breathe in the scent of her, his lips scnat inches away, what breath he had mixing with her own and-

Boy, what are you doing? Will this help her? Will it help you? The voice of the crow rang in his mind, and Jacob closed his eyes, moving silently away from Lucy, knowing the bird was right. So it was there to protect her in a fashion. Just not to protect her from outside threats, more to protect her from him. The crow was a better soul that he had thought. He tread back to the door, and instead of how he'd been about to wake her, he rapped hard on the door, seeing her nearly wake on her own without it.
"Hey. It's morning. And...there's food for you if you like." He said quietly from the door. He turned from her in case she wwanted to change, or do anything else that he didn't need to be present for.

He had only a few moments, some time to process what he'd been about to do. WHy was he doing this? Why was he letting his mind track acros Lucy and see her in the same light that he'd seen ALeena? No, not the same light, but one that came fro the same place. Yes, there was a despair in him that he wanted to bury underneath the weight of any other emotion. If the crow had not spoken, if he had kissed her again...He thought about it, still felt the tingling on his lips from the last time that he had kissed her. But in his state he had no idea what he might have done this morning. Fragile was a good word for what he was. And that fragility would make him dangerous to be around...and not for the reasons that he would normally associate with.
 
The light was faint, but thin slivers filtered into the room through the drawn curtains. Lucy stared at them, her body still trembling from the dream. Absently, she touched her lips, eyes closing, remembering how it almost felt...how it did feel the other night.

Only Jacob hadn't meant to kiss her when he had that one time. Lucy knew it, hell she felt it. He'd been thinking of Aleena, a lost soul brought back from death to wander, to find purpose. There was no way such a man could see anything in her. It was damn cruel she'd had the visions—nightmares, dreams—and all of them revolving around Jacob. He had a higher purpose, a darker one and she was an extraneous piece of that puzzle.

Somehow fate pushed her to him. Why? Lucy could only guess...

As Lucy pushed the blankets off, she heard Jacob's voice just outside her door. Turning her head, she smiled. "Good morning. I'll be out in a minute," she answered. Slowly, she swung her legs over the side of the bed letting them dangle for a moment before sliding off the soft mattress.

Lucy padded over to the closet and opened it. Surely Layla had something else she could borrow. Going through the girl's things, she finally settled on a pale green t-shirt and black leggings. She didn't bother with the door, but turned so that her back faced it. First, she removed the old gray leggings, sliding them off her body only to put the new ones on in there place. Then, she unbuttoned the shirt and slipped it off, letting it fall to the floor. Bare on top, she sucked in a breath and reached for the t-shirt and pulled it over her head. Once done, she headed toward the door.

The scent of food wafted into Lucy's nose as she exited the bedroom. Smiling and raking a hand through her mussed, red curls, she found herself both impressed and grateful for the meal Jacob had prepared.

"Wow," Lucy whispered, green eyes going wide. "This...this looks fantastic." Her cheeks flushed, goose bumps forming along her arms. The t-shirt she wore revealed more than she realized as she averted her gaze. "Thank you."
 
Jacob smiled at Lucy's words about the food.
"Not my best I'm afraid. But...best I could manage with what I had." Jacob said with a half apology. He set a fork on the plate, adn slid it closer to her on the table. He took in the sight of her in the current outfit, and had to look away. not because he didn't like what he saw, but quite the opposite. He knew what you could do with a body like that if you dressed to impress. Aleena had shown that more thn a few times. But Lucy...what she had was an almost effortless kind of presence about her. A very firm every-day girl-next-door kind of look to her. And if he was being honest, he was starting to realize the way Lucy carried herself was actually a way that he might have preferred in a woman. But that was not a direction he was allowing himself to explore right now. Maybe not ever. Likely not ever.

"I...I'm just going to clean up a little." He told her, making a steady retreat, but not a hasty one. The bathroom was simply appointed, and he turned on the sink. Hot water poured out, and he leaned down to gather it in his hands. He scrubbed at his face, driving away the last of the detrius from the previous night away, the small flecks of asphalt, and other, less wholesome thigns. He had to get his head in the game, keep himself sharp. He needed his old instincts awake when they reached their destination. He needed to find out what the hell was going on. Why they'd come for him. Why Ben and Aleena had been brought down with him. Knowing why was at least as important as setting it as right as it could be made. His hands still felt like there was a layer of grime on them, but he knew why, and knew it was all in his head. But he still felt like there was blood on his hands. He turned off the facet, and dried his face. The heat had been scorching, and it almost brought some colour back to his skin. He leaned on the wall, looking at himself int he mirror, and thinking of what was outside this room. THinking of Lucy, he noticed somethign odd. His colur seemed to imporve, flushing back to something that resembled normal. Focusing on that instead of her had him fade once more. But that was a curiosity for another day he thought. He rehung the towel, and head back out of the bathroom.

"As soon as you're ready, we'll head out."
 
Lucy stepped closer to Jacob, peeking at the food he'd set out for her to eat. She smiled, her eyes shifting between it and Jacob's face. Licking her lips, she dared to take another step. Slowly, she tilted her head causing tousled red curls to fall over slim shoulders. Arching a brow, she watched Jacob, his face expressive yet somehow unreadable. Still...he looked uneasy, on edge. She gave him a nod as he suddenly excused himself, darting toward the bathroom. His pace wasn't rushed, but she sensed his need to leave, to let her be alone while she ate. Letting out a soft sigh, she picked up one of the plates of food and brought it to the table so that she could eat.

The food was delicious. It was simple, but so very good and exactly what she needed after everything that had happened. Lucy's entire world had gone topsy-turvy in a matter of moments. One minute she'd rushed out into the night, nightmares trailing her every move...the next she was being rescued by an angelic man—she refused to see Jacob as anything else—from the horrors that skulked in the shadows, people that worked for her father and others like him.

When Lucy finished, Jacob still hadn't returned from the bathroom. Though she could clearly hear the sound of water rushing from the faucet. Not wanting to dwell on what he might be doing, she padded over to the sink with her empty plate and began to wash everything up. There was something pleasant about doing dishes right then. Jacob had made breakfast and now she was tidying things up. There was a sense of normal, a sense of right about it. As she placed the rinsed dishes in the drying rack, she looked up, Jacob standing before her.

"Ohh..." Lucy whispered, somewhat startled, but happy to see Jacob had returned. She gave him a nod and dried off her hands. She looked at around the place. Everything had been cleaned up. All she'd needed to do was make the bed she'd slept in. "Just a moment and I'll be ready," she said. "By the way...breakfast was delicious." Her cheeks turned pink, her gaze moving to the dishes she'd just stacked as she smiled.

Lucy then headed into the bedroom and quickly made the bed. She decided to leave her old clothes, which were still a bit damp for Layla in return for the clothes she was taking. She found a pair of sneakers and socks and another hoodie in the closet and snatched them up. She left the room and put on the socks and sneakers and then slipped her arms into the sleeves of the hoodie, leaving the thing unzipped.

"I'm ready whenever you are," Lucy replied as she rummaged through her still wet hoodie from the night before, which she'd left out for Layla. She removed the last of her cash and her spare key and shoved it into the pocket of the hoodie she now wore. Looking up at Jacob, she gave him a nod, her insides twisting and fluttering. "Let's go."
 
It wasn't about what was easy, it was about what was right. It would be easier, probably for both of them in th long run, if Jacob left Lucy here or the like, and soldiered on alone. But it wasn't about easy. And leaving her behind wouldn't have been right. Not really. He shifted slightly, unlocking the door, gettign ready to head out of it, but still waiting for Lucy. When she reappeared, she was once again clad in a hoody which both helped and hindered his thoughts of her all at once.
"All right. Let's go then." He opened the door, held it for her, old instincts of something that resembled chivalry kickign in again. You held the door for a lady. He closed it after they left, gave Lucy a moment to lock it behind them, before they left the building.

Aleena's. He was quite certain that neither of them wreally wanted to go there. But it was the place to go, hopefully to find something that they could use. Jacob knew the way. It was going to rain again. You could smell it in the air. The clouds had been rolling in steadily. THe sun tried it's damnedest to shine, but the clouds were just too heavy to manage it. Still, there was a twilight feel to the day, and enough light to keep the street lights off. It was actually a shorter walk than he'd thought, especially by taking a shortcut through some of the side streets.

When they reached the building, Jacob looked up at it, taking in the firm, hard lines of the place. Aleena had a loft apartment, the top floor. It was a large place, he remembered that clearly. ANd when he moved to the front door of the building, he unhesitatnly punched in a code to the door buzzer. The door popped open for them. Jacob held the door for Lucy again, before following her inside.

Aleena's door had an X of police tape over it, showing that the place was still under investigation. Jacob knelt, and slid a finger along the bottom of the door. Sure enough, the spare key was still stuck there, adn he pulled it free. The unlocking was quick, and he pushed the door wide. Taking a deep breath, he went within.
 
There was an odd feeling of reluctance settling in Lucy's tummy as she and Jacob left Gabe's apartment. To think she'd originally felt strange bringing him there. But the thought of going to her sister's—Aleena's—it just wasn't setting well. Of course, she'd brought it up the night before, knew there was a good chance going would help Jacob with...whatever mission he was on. Still, a part of her—a large part—feared what would happen once they got there.

The walk seemed shorter than Lucy remembered. And she hated that, each step increasing that impending sense of dread. But she wouldn't let it show. She couldn't. Instead, she kept her eyes fixed on the black asphalt and tried to keep her mind free of thoughts.

Too many lingered on the man she followed.

As they approached that all too familiar building, though one Lucy hadn't visited in well over a year, she felt her hands begin to shake. Without further thought, she shoved them into the pockets of her hoodie. She glanced up, her eyes catching sight of the window she knew belonged to her twin. She took a deep breath, slowly letting it out. Running her fingers through her hair, she gave one of her red curls a tug and steeled herself for the inevitable.

Though Lucy remembered the place from the outside, it was amazing as to how much she'd forgotten on the inside. Or was it just that things had changed? It was hard to say and it didn't help that the closer they got to Aleena's door, the more apparent it had become that her place had become a crime scene. Her tummy lurched, her heart pounding as the reality began to sink in. She glanced at Jacob, desperate to know his thoughts, but terrified at the same time. Once they arrived at Aleena's door, he knew how to get in.

Why did this surprise her? Why did it...hurt?

Shaking the thought and trying to push the emotions down, Lucy just followed Jacob inside. Everything seemed to be in order, nothing out of place. But that was Aleena. Her sister had been the epitome of perfection.

"Where do you want to start?" Lucy asked, her voice soft, unsure. "I..." she continued, trying to find her resolve, "Do you know what you're looking for?"
 
There was only one thing that Jacob was here for, and he knew it well.
"Answers." He said quietly, eyes tracking around the oh so familiar place. Which was, in and off itself, odd. This was a crime scene, the dwelling of a murdered person. Why was nothing out of place? It was like they hadn't gone through the place at all. But then, there were two other murdered people in the incident. Maybe they just hadn't gotten around to Aleena's place yet. Unlikely, but possible. Jacob ran his hand along the wood of a cabinet in the living room, expecting flash after flash of memory. But it didn't come to him this time. There was a faint tapping at the window, and he moved to it quickly, opening it wide. The crow fluttered in, croaking faintly.

Jacob moved across the living room, seeing an envelope on the coffee table. He lifted it, and looked withing. Pictures. Pictures of Aleena.
"What..." He all but whispered, looking at them closely. These were not pictures taken to commemorate a moment. These were surveillance photos. And what was more, he recognized the style. "Ben, why were you watching her?" He asked aloud. Aleena was typically sitting at a table, usually across from various men that Jacob did recognize. Mostly city officials, which made sense, he knew that Aleena did some high profile work. She didn't answer him directly with what she did exactly, but he knew it had a lot to do with running the business side of the city. Her father was a major player after all.

He set the envelope down, more confused than he'd been before.
"Why? Ben what were you doing?" He asked no one in particular. He looked back to the envelope, blinking as he saw that there was a small ntoe within it. He snatched it up, and read it quickly. It was Ben's meticulous scrawl of writing, a number to contact if Aleena wanted to meet about the pictures, and what else was involved. What else was involved? What exactly had Ben gotten involved in? What had Aleena gotten involved in? He touched the writing on the note, hoping-

Ben scribing the note, moving hesitantly. In a lot of trouble if this goes south. Comitting to it with this one gesture. No way back if he did it. And knowing that he would be telling Jacob, hopeflly before ti all went down. But no promises. Had to do this right. Could all go south in an instant. Packed the envelope, sealed it, dropped it in his outgoign mail box. waited. Only time would tell.

Jacob gasped as he snapped from the vision. Ben had known. Known that he was risking everything on this one blind gamble of hope. had been into something. Jacob wracked his brain. They had been working on something. A case. Something to do with one of the local businesses, and that business being teid up in a lot of illegal activities. Ben ahd been on point for it, but Jacob had been working a few connections that were mroe likely to talk to a journalist than a PI.

Jacob turned, his fingers brushing along the couch, and-

Darkness in the room, faint glow of a movie on the TV, warmth, warmth all around him. Blanket over him, laying on his side. Aleena on her side as well in front of him, nestled close, head resting on his arm, his free arm draping over her, figners tracing faint lines under her shirt on her stomach, and her smile at the moment.
"Movie's terrible." Her voice languid, easy, filling the short space between them, making him smile.
"It is." His voice in agreement, not wanting to lose the moment of being close. Her head turning to him, a smile that is both playful and wicked on her face, leaning in, her lips on his, her hand reaching for his, sliding it further up her body-

"No!" His voice was raw, naked, torn, the sound ripped from him like it was a physical pain. He staggered, falling over the arm of the couch without a second thought to put him on his back. His feet clawed at the floor, pushing him back tot he wall, head in his hands, tears in his eyes, fighting to push the memory away. It wasn't working. He could still taste her lips, still smell her hair, his hands even stil tingled from the feel of her skin. He grit his teeth, fingers moving to either side of his head, pressing, the pain of the action trying to center, him, this time not working at all. Too much around him, too much reminder. His voice gave a ragged sob as he shivered from it all.
 
Lucy nodded. Really, what more could she expect? She had no idea why her father wouldn't inform her about her own sister's death. Sure, the two hadn't been all that close over the past year or so and the man knew she hated him, but...would he really keep that sort of information hidden from her? It just seemed too cruel. But as she looked around, Aleena nowhere in sight and the tape blocking things outside the doorway, she felt as if she'd had her answers. At least in that regard. It stung, hurt badly to know that such people were her family, her blood.

Nothing looked out of the ordinary as far as Lucy could tell. All the furniture was well kept and in order, no papers were strewn on the floor or anywhere odd. Everything just looked perfect. As it always did whenever she went to Aleena's. She watched Jacob as he slowly paced the room, his hand brushing along things as he moved. She felt a pit form in her tummy as she watched, knowing that he was somehow seeing things, feeling things. Ugh, she thought she was going to be sick.

As tears welled in Lucy's eyes, she heard Jacob mumbling to an envelope he picked up over on the coffee table. He began to thumb through what appeared to be a series of pictures. From the glance she got, she knew some of them were of Aleena. The shock of red was clue enough. Absently, she reached up and tugged on her own hair, stretching out one of her loose curls before finally letting it go. The place felt cold. Colder than it ever had and she didn't like it. If it hadn't been so important to find out why Aleena had died—and Ben and Jacob—she'd have left the premises immediately. But too much was at stake, too many had died and her own family was somehow involved. Deep down she knew her father was also a part of things. But what was his role?

Lucy remembered the thug that had been watching her, the one who'd...she didn't want to finish that thought.

Slowly, Lucy walked through Aleena's place, just staring at everything. Remembering.

"You could have a place like this, you know," Aleena stated, a smug grin on her face. "Daddy would see to it."

Lucy just shook her head and stretched out on the couch. "I'd never be happy in something like this."

"Are you kidding me?" Aleena scoffed, her eyes widening. "I don't know how you manage in that hole you call a home."

Lucy frowned, but then smiled. "Well, I like it."

"Don't know how." Aleena walked over to the window and looked out onto the city.

There was a silence. Lucy shifted and sat up a bit, her fingers tracing the floral tattoo over her one arm. "I'm not like you Aleena."

Just then Lucy jumped, her head turning to see Jacob shaking, falling over the couch and onto the floor with a hard thwack. Immediately, she raced over to his side and placed a gentle hand on his cheek. "Shh..." she whispered. "Are you okay?" Her expression was all worry and concern, her eyes desperately pleading with him, begging that he let her help. It was clear something was tormenting him. A memory? A realization? It was so hard to tell. "D-did you find something? I...I..." she was stumbling over her words, her heart aching as she watched him suffer. "What did you find?" She glanced over at the envelope he'd been looking at earlier. Perhaps talking about that would distract him, help him a little. She'd do anything to ease his pain. "I saw you looking at an envelope."
 
Too much. Remembering it was all too much, he couldn't balance it wirthin himself, find a way to hold it all together. Jacob was flying apart. The last time he'd been like this he'd had to kill someone to blot it all out, drown the despair in blood and violence. But now the only person around was Lucy, and he knew he certainly wasn't going to hurt her. That would be the last thing he did. Even without looking he knew she was there. The change in the light, the fact he could just feel her thee. Her hand was warm, soft, and her palm on his cheek made him almost jerk away. So like Aleena.

But then...that wasn't true. He had expected a flash of memory to drill into his mind, but instead it was just a normal recollection. Aleena had never been tehre as a comfort like this. Her hand never touched his face like this. It was always fingers, two at a time, on his chin, turning his head. Directing him to her. A silent command, directing him to look her in the eye. Not a comfort, not what she offered, she offered a way of dispelling what was bothering him by cold logic and intruction. Almost denying that he should be feeling like he did. The commanding presence was a big part of her, but what was there now, with Lucy was so very different. It was a comfort, a desire to be there. And that warmth was a comfort to him, more than he expected it to be. His eyes squeezed shut, willing himself to feel that warmth, to let it help him.

He could imagine it, the warmth surrounding him, pressed to him, filling that void in him, letting him find a place to let go, to find a differetn center to keep focused on things. He let out a shuddering breath, and opened his eyes. The warmth didn't dissipate, and now he knew why. At some point he'd stopped paying attention, and dragged Lucy to him, had wrapped his arms around her, was holding her tightly to him, had embraced her as though she had been the only lifeline that he could find. He loosened his arms, but didn't push her away. That...wouldn't be right. Or fair, and while a part of him screamed to get distance beteen them before she got the wrong idea, before he got the wrong idea. But being close to her was...nice. It made him feel human again. But he wasn't anyore. He was something else. He closed his eyes, adn sighed, hands coming to her shoudlers to lightly push her away, but not far, only so far as to be able to look her in the eye.
"I'm sorry about that. But...thank you." He said quietly, eyes blinking back another few tears.
 
Something wasn't right. Lucy could see it plain as day as she watched Jacob, her hand gently resting against his cheek. She swallowed hard, hoping her words might snap him out of whatever hell he might be in. But it was no use. He had to endure it, let it run its course and she'd stay by his side while it did. She inched closer, daring to lean over when he reached out, strong hands grasping at her tiny body and pulling her close.

For a moment, Lucy was lost, her senses reeling as she let her body mold to Jacob's. His arms felt nice as he held her, familiar, right. She closed her eyes. They stung as they pricked with tears threatening to fall, to mar her cheeks with stains of something she feared would be taken away, something that could never be.

Lucy sucked in a sharp and shuddering breath. Life was so unfair! Why bring her to him, why?

Just then, Lucy felt the 'push'. The inevitable end as Jacob moved away from her heat and everything else she had to offer. Her heart ached. He was thinking of Aleena. She knew it in every fiber of her being, her soul. He'd loved her sister...and she couldn't compare to that—even if she didn't understand how someone as wonderful as this man got involved with her twin.

Ugh! What was she thinking? Lucy suddenly felt so selfish, so horrible! How could she think these things of her sister just after she'd died? Sure, they had a past, she'd abandoned her for power, money... But she was still her sister. Her twin.

"Y-you're welcome," Lucy said softly, sniffling a little. She noticed Jacob's tears, her heart wrenching all the more. How could she have such hopes and expectations when it was clear he was missing Aleena? Still in love with Aleena?

She was a fool...a selfish fool.

"You have nothing to be sorry about," Lucy continued. She tugged on a stray red curl. "I..." her voice trailed and suddenly it was too difficult to hold Jacob's gaze. "Maybe it's me who should be apologizing." She looked up and bit down on her lower lip. "I...I'm confusing you. I..." Again, she looked away, the dreams she had night after night pounding against her skull. "I just wish I could help you more."

If only I didn't look like Aleena...maybe then it would be different. Only Lucy wasn't so sure. She was nothing like her sister and never would be. It was probably why she was still alone and why, she feared, she always would be.
 
"Confusing...?" Jacob muttered a moment. "No..not..." He trailed off, his mind searching through what was actually happening to him, what kind of emotion and thought process he had. "Sometimes yes." He had to be honest, admit it. "But not...not in the ways you think. I see you, and have to remind myself who I'm looking at. I watch you move, listen to you speak, I don't have that problem. What I just did...I needed someone to be there. A touchstone to remind me that I'm not alone that there is something that needs doing and I can't just hide from it. I..." he looked away a moment, before movnig his hand to hers, bringing it back to him, placing it on his cheek, feeling that flush of heat from her, though not as much this time. He could see his own hand show decidedly less pale, almost normal. "I didn't need her. She wouldn't have been there like that. She'd have done something to force me to put it aside, change my priority. You were there to...support. Let me get through it. I needed you. Lucy."

It was odd to be telling the twin sister of his murdered girlfriend that he'd needed her, and knew that on some level there was all kinds of wrong impulses firing through his brain. He smiled at her, and stood up, keeping a hold of her hand to pull her to her feet. He stood a moment before making a conscious decision this time. He put his arms around her, and hugged her, tightly, for a moment. he let her go, and stepped back.
"I don't know if I'd be able to do this without you. So thank you for sticking with me." He said to her with a genuine smile. He shifted slightly, but arrested his momentum. He didn't want to get too carried away. "Let's...keep looking. And I'll try not to freak out again." He said the last softly, the look in his eyes when he saw her being one of gratitude, but there was nothing of regret in them.

He stepped away from her, moving towards Aleena's office. He needed something. Some kind of hard lead to follow. The office wasn't locked. He found everything in meticulous order. He nudged a picture on the wall, tilting it slightly. Aleena had been driven mad by the little ritual he had with that, but it had always made him smile. Little things. He saw a folder on the desk within and sighed. He closed his eyes, and reached out his hand, touching it-

Aleena looking at the folder, phone pinned between her shoulder and neck.
"Yes. No. No, I can't do it. Fine, have Carlos and Brusier meet up at the Industry. Yes I know it's a halloween dance, that's why they're going there. It's loud, and no one will notice them. I'll try to be there, but just make sure they make it, no matter what." She was barking into the phone. Half heard agreements came. Aleena shifting her head, phone falling onto the desk wher she could hang it up. Sighing. Work work work.

Jacob withdrew his hand, this time no snap from it. Whether he was getting used to it, or it was just not as painful a memory, he didn't know. Bruiser. He knew in his mind, from one of the memories he'd taken from a thug that was the name of one of the men who had killed him. Not an imaginative one, for certain, but one of them. Jacob scoured the desk, finding what he'd been looking for. The address. The Industry was a club, and they were indeed holding a Halloween dance party. He looked at the information, and scowled. A couples dance. So he'd need help just to get inside. He felt himself actually smiling. He moved back to find Lucy.
"You said you wanted to help more. I need your help tonight." He started. He felt his face stretch into a wide grin. "Do you have a outfit? We're going to a party." He said with a glimmer in his eye.
 
Liquid heat washed over Lucy's skin as Jacob spoke to her, his words like a soft caress. It was what she'd wanted to hear, needed to hear—though a part of her knew it was wrong. She should be mourning the loss of her sister, not feeling things for the resurrected soul of her lover, boyfriend...she wasn't sure what he was to Aleena. The longer she spent with Jacob, the harder it was to swallow that the two had anything in common at all, that Aleena would give him the time of day, that...

That Jacob would want someone like her twin.

Lucy felt awful for thinking and feeling such things. But she was human and it couldn't be helped. Logically, she understood this, but... She supposed it was her lot in life to suffer for having such thoughts and desires given everything that had happened to Aleena. But what about her own suffering? Being abandoned by her family? Wasn't that worth something? She just wished life, for once, wouldn't choose to spit in her face.

"I'm glad I can be here for you," Lucy whispered, her heart thumping hard in her chest as Jacob brought her hand back to his cheek. "I...I want to be." Jacob seemed content in the moment, letting it linger before finally moving to stand up, pulling her along with him. She wasn't sure if he knew, but she'd gladly follow him anywhere. Yes, the dreams had started it all, allowed her to find him. But somehow she knew in her heart that had they crossed paths, she'd be feeling the same way despite it all. Just then, he hugged her, interrupting her thoughts and causing it to become a swirl of color. She took in the feel of him, letting herself rest against his body in a way that felt more than right. "You're welcome," she replied when he thanked her and she gave him a nod at the suggestion that they resume their search of the place.

Lucy wasn't sure what more they would find. As it was, things just felt off somehow though she wasn't sure how to explain it. She was still curious about the pictures Jacob had found, what they meant exactly. Maybe Jacob would remember eventually, but only time would tell and she didn't want to press him if he wasn't ready to relive that memory. It would come to him when it was time. She knew that. In the meantime, they could continue looking around and seeing what else might be lurking in the perfectly pristine corners of Aleena's place. She watched Jacob stalk through the main room and head toward the office. Without further thought, she followed. He touched a few things, but stopped short when his hands settled on a folder.

"What is it?" Lucy asked inching closer.

Jacob turned toward Lucy, a grin plastered on his face. She thought she might melt right there as she stared into his eyes, full of dark mischief. He had a plan. She could sense it. Something had been revealed and it was something that would allow him to fulfill his purpose. That was the only thing that seemed to give him that special gleam in his eyes, that one that showed purpose, determination. Vengeance.

"A party?" Lucy stated more than asked. "W-well, I can definitely go to one, if that's what you need." She tilted her head a bit unsure as to what Jacob meant. Glancing over his shoulder, she read the paper he was holding. It was information about one of the local clubs—Industry. She'd heard of it. It was a rival establishment to one owned by her father's. As such, she knew he sent his people there to spy on their operations, sometimes to even sabotage or steal. It was the way of their corrupt corporate world and she hated it. "And, um, my place probably isn't safe to go to for me to get an outfit, but..." her voice trailed. "I can use something of Aleena's though." She winced, unsure if doing that was even appropriate. "We're the same size. Always have been." Biting down on her lower lip, she took a tiny step back. "What kind of outfit are we talking about? Industry is a goth club typically. Is this the Halloween Party they've been advertizing?"
 
Jacob nodded as she spoke.
"It is the Halloween party. If it's mainly gothic, we'll want to blend in to things. Let us move around inside without calling attention to ourselves. And then...do what needs to be done. And..." He swallowed, knowing that what he was asking her to do with this wasn't a sinple thing. He was asking her to go through her recently dead twin sisters things and pick out something. His recently dead girlfriends thigns. But needs must, and his need was high. "...thanks again for being willing to help." He smiled at her, and walked past her, hand on her shoulder a moment, silently thanking her again, the grin melting away to an honest smile, one that seemed less...manic.

Jacob moved back to the entrance, checking the closet there. He'd left a few thigns here over the last few months, and Aleena hadn't seemed to mind really. There it was, the long black coat that he'd needed one night, but iot had been too warm the next morning for it, so he'd just left it. He lifted it out, and folded it over one arm. Step one taken care of. A long black coat was almost wardrobe enough for a gothic club, but he did want to make sure that he wasn't going to be instantly recognized by anyone. He might enjoy having one of the men he was looking for know who he was, know that their sins had come for them.

You shouldn't be involving her like this. The voice was reproachful, displeased.
"She wants to help." Jacob replied quietly.
You are putting her in danger. And you know it. I...you were not brought back to endanger innocent people.
"She wants to help. And it's not my place to tell her how to live her life."
Is it not your place to tell her how to co-exist with your own life? Admit to yourself that you want to keep her close to you for not altruistic reasons.
"I want to run from her and never see her again crow. And I want to keep her close so I know she's safe. I never want to hear her speak again, and I want to hear everythign about her all at once. I want so much from her, and nothing at all. Until I can sort out how I feel I'm going to keep doing what feels like the right thing."
You could make it into this club without her.
"Not quietly. I could storm in sure, but that would likely make me kill a lot of people that might not deserve it, and I likely still won't find the man I'm looking for. No, I need to go in quietly. I need Lucy's help for that. I want Lucy's help for that. And she wants to give it."
"Be it on your head. This will end in tears. The crow fluttered away from Jacob, landing on the counter in the kitchen , pointedly ignoring him.
 
Lucy could still feel the warmth of Jacob's hand, the weight of it, on her shoulder after he'd walked past. She longed for more of that...simple contact, the closeness. But she felt his hesitations, the reservations and knew a lot of it had to do with Aleena. How could it not be? No doubt he was suffering from confusion and a slew of other emotions since returning. And she was no better. Though she also knew what she felt.

Pushing her feelings aside for the time being, Lucy began to search through Aleena's clothes for the perfect outfit to wear to Industry. And not just to the club that rivaled one of her father's, but one that would be hosting a Halloween event that would more than likely going down in infamy. She needed to dress to kill.

Ironic thought...those were Jacob's intentions.

A shiver ran along Lucy's spine and she shuddered. Though it wasn't out of fear. It was something else, something she couldn't explain. Shaking it off, she went back to her search and found a pair of skin tight black leather shorts. Her cheeks flushed at how short they were, the things not covering much. It definitely wasn't her usual choice of attire, but it would work for a place like Industry. She then found a low cut black top with sheer sleeves. Like the shorts, it was quite revealing. She wondered how Aleena even had such clothing in her closet. Her twin didn't strike her as a gothic sort...perhaps she knew less about her sister than she realized.

That thought cut deeply, though given the way of things, Lucy knew that could very well be true.

Not wanting to dwell on it further, Lucy looked to see if Aleena had shoes to finish the ensemble off. She did—a pair of black boot that went up to the knee. She also found a bag, one she could use to put her other clothes in for later. There was no way she'd stay in that get up longer than she had to. Or, so she figured.

Setting her jaw and feeling a bit embarrassed, Lucy began to change. She wasn't sure who she was as she slipped out of the leggings and into the goth-wear. It was Aleena's, but it felt off somehow. She just couldn't picture her sister in such things. Ever. Yet here they were and she was putting them on her own body. Tiny goose bumps formed on her skin as she stripped off the layers and replaced them with something else.

Once changed, Lucy looked at herself. She tilted her head from side to side. "Not Aleena..." She whispered. Everything in her heart told her that what she saw wasn't something Aleena would wear or do, that looks were deceiving. She knew it, felt it, sensed it. Raking her hands through her red curls, she took a deep breath. She was ready. She had to be.

Lucy then turned and shoved the clothes she'd been wearing in the black bag she'd taken. It was now or never. Nervous, terrified, yet never more ready in her life, she exited Aleena's room.

"I found this," Lucy whispered as she stepped out. "Do you think it'll work?"
 
Jacob nodded to the crow. He knew the bird wasn't wrong, but there was nothing he could do besides what he thought was right. And this was right. It had to be. The alternative was not one he wanted to entertain. He let out a breath, and focused. A job to do. A man to kill. And Lucy to keep safe if he could. No, he would keep her safe. He had to. If he was involving her, then he had to guarantee her safety. He nodded to himself, and heard the faint sound of her steps. He'd heard her shuffling around in the bedroom, wondered if she was getting changed, and when he heard her asking if she'd picked something that would work, he looked up.

His face froze, and his head cocked to the side. The woman he was looking at was not Lucy. Or Aleena. At least not any version of either woman he'd ever seen. But there she was, bold as brass, staring right at him. I took him a few seconds to realize that she was wating for a response. He had a response or two suddenly coming to mind, so he forcibly amended that she needed a verbal response.
"Um...yes. Yes, I think that would work just fine Lucy." he managed. He used her name, purposefully, making sure she knew that he was aware of who she was, there was no confusion. Not on that front anyway. Why Aleena had owned clothes like that, and how Lucy had managed to convince herself to wear them was a mystery in and of itself, but Jacob felt a sense of gratitude to her even so. It was clear she was uncomfortable. And it was equally clear that she was willing to tough it out. For him.

The loyalty, devotion even, was unsettling on some level. But on another, it was flattering. He was worth this to her. And to him that meant he had to live up to that. Three was a pair of boots that he'd left here before, nothing fancy, but they were black adn would serve as foot wear. The boots and the coat would make an effective outfit for him, but he needed more to hide himself. he twinged a little as he came close to Lucy. He gave her a smile, appreciation in his face, moving past her to the bedroom. Making sure that he didn't bump her his hand trailed along her side.

He specifically didn't let himself think about the feeling of her skin. He couldn't let himself. He saw Aleena's vanity, and moved to it, setting his coat on the bed. He picked through ti a little, finding a huge variety of different make up. He also realized he had no idea what to do with it. He smiled a little sheepishly to Lucy.
"Um...I don't want them to recognize me. And Halloween, so I thought...maybe I could do something with my face? But...I don't have a lick of artistry in me when it comes to that. Could you...help?" He asked her with an apologetic smile. "I know I'm already asking a lot from you..."
 
By the way Jacob looked at her, Lucy was certain that the clothing she'd found in Aleena's closet had come as a bit of a surprise to him just as it had to her. No doubt her twin had been harboring secretsts...and not just from her, but from him! But what were they? And why? She must've been planning to go to Industry's party event. That had to be part of it and this was her undercover get-up—only Aleena would be bold enough, confident enough to pull something like this off. How her sister could manage such things and not let it faze her, she'd never understand.

As Lucy took a step closer to Jacob, she wondered just why Aleena would've been going to Industry herself and not leaving things to their father's men. It wasn't like her to get mixed up directly, to 'dirty her hands'. That would be admitting she was expendable and there was no way her sister would lower herself. Would she? Or was there more to things that she just didn't understand. After all, her twin had been killed...along with Ben, with Jacob. She furrowed a brow as thoughts swam through her head. Ugh! Just what had Aleena done and gotten herself into?

Trying not to dwell on things since there wasn't much she could do on it in the moment, Lucy focused on Jacob. He moved past her, barely brushing her body as he headed toward Aleena's bedroom. Quietly, she followed him, watching as he began to rummage through her sister's make up. She smiled inwardly, having an idea that he probably wanted to use some to help disguise himself better. It made sense. He'd caused a stir when he'd rescued her. If anyone had noticed him in the streets...if any word had reached her father... She didn't want to think on it.

Lucy gave Jacob a nod and moved toward the make up strewn on top of Aleena's vanity. There was a lot to pick from. Her sister had a bit of everything and some things she had no clue what they were. But she was an artist. It was what she did and loved. Carefully, she began to pick up various items, her hands somehow knowing what she needed—black eyeliner, black lip liner, black lipstick, white foundation. It was all there. She held onto them tightly and set them aside.

Taking a deep breath, Lucy stared into Jacob's face. As she looked deeply into his eyes, her hands just knew what to do. She saw the images from her dreams—his mouth, his eyes. Her heart skipped a beat as her hands did their work, slowly applying the foundation first. His skin felt soft. She wanted to feel more. But she remained rooted, her eyes never leaving his as she painted. Once his face was covered with the white foundation, she grabbed the black eyeliner. The liquid liner went on smoothly as she lined his eyes. She swore they pierced her soul even more, making her breath catch the moment she finished, dark shadows covering his lids as she drew what appeared to be black tears dripping from his eyes. Next, she picked up the black lip liner. Carefully she traced his lips and then she filled them in with the black lipstick.

Lucy had all she could do to breathe. Jacob was exactly as he'd appeared in her dreams, as he'd always beckoned her to come to him. It was haunting, terrifying and filled her with more longing than she could describe. She averted her eyes for the first time since she'd begun administering the make up onto his face and felt a warmth radiate along her skin. Looking back up into Jacob's eyes, she smiled. "Finished," she whispered, knowing she was exactly where she was meant to be, where she wanted to be.
 
She didn't speak as she worked. He'd expected her to honestly, but now he was simply waiting. He could get an idea of what she wanted from him during hte process, knowing that when she started painting around his eyes, he'd need to close them, to let her cover all that she had to. Simple really. He kept his breathing even. he wasn't sure he even needed to breathe anymore. After all, he was dead, wasn't he>? Still, if nothing else it was a habit that he wasn't inclined to try and break. Lucy being this close to him, her hands that close to him...his breathing hitched more than once at her touch. He reminded himself once again what he was doing here. he was here to avenge the deaths of Aleens, of Ben, of himself. He wasn't here to make moon eyes at the twin sister of Aleena.

When she was done, she comfirmed it with a single word, and he looked at the mirror by the vanity. He had to do a double take. he barely recgonized who he was now. The makeup called attention all away from the points of his face that most people would be relying on to recognize him. A closer examination would reveal him, but a cursory one would let him through. Exactly what he'd wanted, but not something he could have managed. The best he could normally do with a situation like this would have been to paint his face white and claim to be a ghost.

His hand came up to rest on her arm lightly. The sheer sleeve was only partly a barrier, he could feel her skin beneath it, feel that soft texture that make him wonder about her. He wasn't wondering anythign that he should, and pushed that aside. he left his hand there a moment before trailing down her amr to take her hand in him. As he lifted her hand higher, he had to take a moment in that process to appreciate those hands. Long fingered, and dexterous. An artists hands to be certain, you could tell without knowing anything about her. He placed a light, gentle kiss on the back of her hand, knowing as he did it that he was likely making a mistake. He was indulgiing himself, and that was a dangerous thing to do when you were dead.
"Thank you. Better than I could have hoped for." He told her, once again knowing that what he was saying was not something that could be taken back, and also something that was open enough to the interpretation that she could read into it. He was playing a game that he knew the crow would not approve of. But if he tried to justify his actions, they were supposed to be posing as a couple. Anything that he could do to make her more cofortable with that idea waas a good one.
 
His lips were soft...so soft. Lucy let out a tiny whimper, her eyes fluttering shut for a moment as she tried to still her emotions. They were roaring just beneath the surface, desperate to be unleashed. Oh, it just wasn't fair! She was in knots, tortured by the closeness, the desire she felt inside. She longed to be in his arms, to be fully his, but...

Aleena.

Somehow Lucy knew it always came back to her twin. She looked like her, but she was in no way her. It was an ever-present confusion, she was certain. Despite that, she wasn't going to let it ruin things...not fully. Trying her best not to think on Aleena, she relished the tender kiss Jacob had given her as he slowly brought her hand away from his lips. "That was for me," she told herself...not Aleena. Oh god, she hoped that was true! She stared at his mouth and wished that it was pressed against her own. She knew it was foolish, indulgent. More than likely all kinds of wrong. But she could hardly help it as a heat swept over her body and caused her skin to flush a deep shade of pink.

"Y-you're welcome," Lucy whispered, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Lucy was glad that Jacob appreciated what she'd done, that he approved. It was exactly as the dreams had told her. But seeing his face, the way he looked at her right then...it just made the whole moment perfect. She focused on the weight of Jacob's hand as he touched her arm, the warmth of his palm as it rested against her. If only he knew just how frequently her thoughts dwelled on him, his little touches. All of it. Being close to him made her feel whole, like she had purpose. Her own family had never made her feel this way.

"You'll have no problem getting into Industry," Lucy commented. "No one will recognize you." She tilted her head, red hair falling over her shoulders. "It's a bit of a trek to get there. But the club is along the river." She looked out the window in Aleena's bedroom, the sky dark with clouds. "We can walk there and stop for food on the way. I've a friend who owes me one," she said with a smile and reaching for the small black leather backpack-like purse in which she'd stuffed the clothes for changing back into later.
 
It was impossible not to notice Lucy's reactions to things, she not only wore her heart on her sleeve as it were, but she was, of all things, a blusher. And pale enough to make it extremely obvious that it was happening. He smiled at the thought of it, though the smile faded a little. He'd never been one to poke fun at a person for blushing. ben, on the other hand, would have been right into her for that, poking and needling her to make it all worse, and accelerate the process. He looked away from her, just for a moment. His thoughts might wander, but he did know that the demands of the moment took precedent. Still. he missed his brother. Missed his easy humour that had been as much bane as boon, but it had always been worth it to Jacob.

"Yes. Food. That might be a good idea." He agreed with her. If they had to make it down by the river, then they should get moving. Wouldn't do to be any more than fashionably late. "Just...let me suit up, and we can go." He nodded ot her, reaching for the coat. He slid it on, and the long black coat settled onto his shoulders with a kind of finality that he found soothing. He rolled his shoudlers to loosen them a little, found them good and ready. He slid on his boots, laced them up, and stood, ready to face the world. The way the clouds were looking made him wonder if there was more rain on the way. He'd prefer not, since he had every thought that the rain would wash Lucy's handiwork off, and he wasn't ready for that yet.

He head for the door, opening it and holding it for her. Teh crow squawked indignantly, but lit from the counter to his shoulder, hitching a ride. Once they were outside the building, Jaco let Lucy lead. She knew the way after all.
 
Lucy led Jacob outside, the sun desperately trying to peek from behind the thick gray clouds. But it was no use. They weren't going to see any sunshine as they made their way along the river walk. The streets were littered with trash, remnants from the lurkers who only came out at night. A shiver ran along Lucy's spine. She was well aware of the sorts that came out when the sun dipped down below the horizon—brutal people, people that worked for her father.

"I always get my way," came that gruff voice as his cold eyes stared down into her face. His hands were rough, man-handling her body as he tugged and pulled. She heard the rip as he tore her shirt, exposing flesh to those greedy eyes. His grin only broadened...

Lucy shook the memory from her mind. The inevitable fate of that night had been altered. Glancing over her shoulder, her green eyes fixed on Jacob causing her breath to catch, her heart to skip a beat. Quickly, she turned to face forward again. He'd found her, saved her and now she'd never leave his side. It wasn't only brutal people who lurked in the shadows...though she knew damned well just how vicious Jacob could be. Still, she knew he'd never be vicious toward her and that was all that mattered.

The scent of the river was strong as the wind blew across the water and whipped Lucy's fiery hair about her face. She'd decided to wear the hoodie for the time being to cover herself. No sense in drawing attention with her attire as they meandered about. It was unneeded and she already felt more than exposed. She heard river birds calling out as they flew overhead. A part of her wondered if the crow understood their talk, if he even cared. Why she thought on such things? She wasn't sure. After a while, they finally reached the diner one of her friends worked at.

"Hey, Artemis," Lucy called out as she pushed open the door—a tiny bell tinkling—and stepped inside. She gestured Jacob to follow.

A lithe brunette, her hair streaked with purples, peeked from a doorway behind the counter. She had several piercings and an infectious grin. "Luce?" she squeaked. "It's been ages!" The girl lunged forward and ran around the counter, throwing her arms around Lucy, giving her a squeeze. After a moment, she backed away and arched a brow. "What's with the get up?" she then asked, a lopsided grin plastered all over her face. Her brown eyes sparkled and then moved to Jacob. "This because of him?" she laughed and Lucy blushed.

"What? Uh...no! Well...yes...but no! Er..."

Artemis placed her hands on her hips, a knowing smile on her face as she just nodded. "Right," she said.

"No, really. It's not quite what you think," Lucy amended, though she wished the part where Artemis clearly thought that she and Jacob were together was true.

"Never is," Artemis stated. The girl cleared her throat and went back behind the counter. "Anyhow, what can I do for you?"

"Well, just wanted a quick bite," Lucy spoke, her expression sheepish.

Artemis nodded. "No problem. I owe you one," she said with a wink. "What'll it be? The usual?" Lucy nodded. "And you?" she asked, her gaze shifting to Jacob. "How about you? What would you like?"
 
Jacob needed to find his focus again. He knew that. But Lucy made it hard. The main thought that was crossing his mind as he followed Lucy was that there were worse places to stand than behind her. He knew that the outfit was causing her some discomfort, but he had the idea that she ahd never before really dressed to try and emphasize what she had. And after seeing it, he had to wonder if it was just nerves, or if she was worried about about being mistaken for Aleena. How much did her sisters influence reach into Lucy's everyday midset? How bad was it really? And what was more, was it deliberate? Or had it been? Had Aleena specifically tried to undermine Lucy's confidence with her choice of activites? There seemed to be a fair amount about he that he didn't know, and what he was learning was...unsettling to say the least.

They stoppoed as they were getting close to the river, close enough that you could hear the birds in the air, smell the water. Jacob had spent so many hours near the river in his life. He got a lot of his best work done while in the area. He knew it well, from the tourist traps, to the hidden gems that you had to dig for to gert. But this place, in and of itself, was new to him. He'd favoured his time a little closer to the water than here. As Lucy preceded him into the place, he did take a moment, He felt the crow nudge his face as he took that moment, knowing that it had nothing to do with keeping tabs on the situation, and everythign to do with taking a moment to admire Lucy's legs. The hoodie could only cover so much.

Lucy was being greeted by what could only be descibed as a perky punk. The insinuation of them being together rattled around in Jacob's head a moment before he nodded to himself. They had a role to play after all. He stepped up behind Lucy, and smiled at the other girl.
"Maybe not exactly what you think, but for tonight at least..." He rest his hands on Lucy's shoulders, gripping them firmly but gently, and his thumbs seemed to work into her muscle a little to ease the tension that he found there. "...maybe not entirely wrong." He added the last with a smile. A little more than a head taller than Lucy, it was easy for him to get a good look at the place they were in, and he did make sure to pick out the surroundings that they were in. At her question though...

"Just a water for now. I've...been going through some changes, and I'm not sure how food will sit with me. Don't want to cause a problem for myself. Big night and all." He found a knot of tension, and pressed his thunmbs to it, and worked it loose from Lucy as he spoke. It felt rather natural to be honest, not something he was forcing. He justified himself once again with something to help Lucy adapt to the idea of being out with him, try and get her more comfortable with what they were doing.
 
"You got it," Artemis said with both a wink and a smile. The vivacious girl tucked a streak of purple behind an ear and went to fetch Jacob's water.

Lucy just smiled and leaned into Jacob's touch. His hands felt nice as they gently touched the back of her neck, working down along the expanse to her shoulders. She felt her heart flutter, her breaths shaky as she tried her best to stay focused. But it was hard. She was more than aware of how close he was and just how much closer she wanted him to be.

Artemis set the glass of water down with a thunk causing Lucy to start. She hadn't even realized that her eyes had closed, that she'd lolled her head to the side. Blushing, she bit down on her lower lip and could help but stare at the young girl's crooked grin.

"The order's in," Artemis informed. "Wil will have it up for you in no time."

"Thanks," Lucy said, her cheeks still warm, her body responding to Jacob's touch.

"So, did she tell how we met?" Artemis asked.

"No, I..."

"Psh...of course not," Artemis laughed. " Not our Lucy." Her dark eyes fixed on Lucy's green. "Well, see," she went on, turning to look at Jacob. "My parents are gone. Split. Left a couple years back. Never knew my dad and my mom? Guess she had better things to do." She heaved a sigh as the bell rang. "Ah, that would be Wil. The bastard is fast."

Artemis ducked through the door and came back out with a tray—a grilled cheese with tomato and an unsweet tea. She set the food out for Lucy and brought the tray back from where she got it.

Once back, Artemis leaned on the counter and looked back and forth between both Lucy and Jacob. " Anyway, she found me trying to lift some junk food off one of the peddler stands and..."

Lucy was squirming. But Artemis just grinned.

"And rather than turn me in, she marched me here." Artemis was beaming. "Got me a job and now Wil looks after me."

"She's exaggerating. It wasn't much," Lucy added as she reached for the food and began eating her fill. "Tell Wil this is delicious."

"Sure," Artemis said. The girl then looked back at Jacob. "Cool make up," she nodded with approval. "Hey Luce, you sure you're boyfriend doesn't want more than water? I make a bitchin' smoothie."
 
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