Recent Posts

There was something on this man’s posture and general attitude that put Jacob on edge, especially now that he was done torturing the man and there was no more distraction of someone screaming in pain to keep the big guy occupied. The casual tone, the seriousness of his expression, the looks he kept shooting, it raised Jacob’s hackles. Like a rabbit looking at a predator and not being sure if it was going to attack or not. “How interesting indeed. Always nice to start things with common points.” His tone had a false lightness to it, and he made a point to still appear casual, even if he was having second thoughts about staying just to watch a little bit of torture.

Sometimes he had the impression that dealing with the Bianchi and their associates had a lot in common with going to fancy parties. There was a lot of fakeness involved, false smiles and wearing masks, show not your true intentions, but what’s convenient for the other person to think you’re feeling. It was quite exhausting to have to keep it up every time he dealt with them, Jacob didn’t expect that when he started working for them. Not that he thought it would be easy and everyone would be friends, but he’d rather not have to watch his back all the time with the allies as much he had with the enemies.

It was too late to back away now. He realized he knew things the family would be displeased to be divulged, a very real possibility if Jacob decided to ditch everything with how things were now, meaning Jacob having a grudge against the man running the family business. He wouldn’t be allowed. This man in front of him only served to confirm that. The words were sharp, but not very nonspecific, he could be talking about the knocked out victim, or he could be talking about Jacob. “Is that so?” The mercenary narrowed his eyes behind his mask, a displeased frown no one could see. Was this man threatening him? How much did he know? Jacob didn’t know how under wraps Shaun had decided to keep the Trenchmen meeting. “I suppose it would take a special brand of idiot to go against the Bianchi family and expect no retaliation.” He almost felt like flinching when the man suddenly threw his cloth on the bucket, but held back, no showing weakness, that could very well mean Jacob’s death.

He stepped away from the cooler, going back to the kitchen, half because he figured the big guy was done with the cooler, half because he suddenly felt trapped inside the too small room. He stopped by the kitchen door, the same spot he was before going inside the cooler. “Does it happen often? You having to remind people of their… loyalties.” He hadn’t heard such things before, but he knew it must happen from time to time. It wasn’t something Jacob payed much attention, other’s mistakes were of no concern to him, except now, he was the one with the shaken loyalties, it wouldn’t take much for someone to decide he needed a wake up call.

This strange man who may or may not be cannibal was rather unique. He didn’t seem to be of many words, and Jacob first thought he was being ignored when the man didn’t offer an immediate answer to his questions. But maybe that was because the stranger wasn’t used to people inquiring after corpses and victims as casually as Jacob was doing. He didn’t know how long the man was working for the Bianchi, but it was possible he had only met the groomed and well behaved part of the family. Jacob certainly hadn’t met him before. The man put his dishes in the sink, before turning around and leaning silently on the counter. Jacob was beginning to think he wasn’t going to speak, and was ready to just leave the man be. Not everyone appreciated a little friendly curiosity in this business.

But the man finally reached a decision, making a gesture with his hand for Jacob to approach. The mercenary was wary, the man seemed so very serious and grumpy. But the only immediate threat was the cooler that was being opened, and Jacob expected to see mangled bodies and gore inside, instead, he only found a single man, beaten and bloodied, shivering in cold while bound in a chair. Jacob thought the man should be grateful that he hadn’t lost any limbs for the big guy’s sandwich. “He’s pretty alive, I gotta admit. Which only make things more fun, really.” Corpses can’t scream after all.

The victim was feisty, glaring and showing so much anger to his captor. Jacob felt like he was invisible while the big guy tried to talk some information or another out of the man. Jacob had no idea what the objective here was, so he did not interfere, this was the ‘maybe a cannibal’s’ business, he was there only to watch and enjoy the show. He would hate for some stranger to butt in in his mission and start ruining everything. He watched as the big guy went to fetch a hose, steaming with Jacob assumed to be hot water, but not even the threat to his safety made the victim open his mouth and spill what he knew. Jacob could appreciate a hard to crack egg, but in the end, it never mattered.

Screams in pain were like a sweet music to Jacob’s ears. He smiled behind the gas mask as the captive man gave out his secrets in the midst of pain and desperation. It was a very nice idea to mix hot and cold, It caused a lot of pain, like burning his skin off, but didn’t do as much damage as actual fire, and the victim couldn’t bleed out as when using a knife to cut body parts. Jacob would remember that for future reference. As soon as the important information was given, the big guy knocked the bound man out with swift punch, Jacob was a little disappointed it lasted so little. “That was nice. Are you just gonna leave him there to die of exposure?” It was like trapping squirrels in holes in the middle of winter. He was not even a little fazed by the display of violence or the blood coating the big guy’s hands and clothes.

Curse until the end of time his inability to keep his emotions from showing on his face. It was ridiculous how much of an open book he was. The worst part was that it had never been an issue until he met Max and Ruby. He had two main ways of dealing with people, they either met him as the mercenary, or as just an IT tech, and on both occasion there was no need to hide any kind of emotions. But now Ruby was messing with his mind and Jacob refused to show how much it affected him. But she liked to play games, knew exactly how to tone her voice to make it effective, her smooth words, coming from behind made him gave a brief pause, tensing up and swallowing dry before he continued on his way. It was just a moment, if you weren’t looking you’d miss it, but he would bet Ruby was watching attentively.

He had no idea what Ruby hoped to accomplish with those actions, if she was planning something or if these was just her mind games turning against him since Max wasn’t around right now. It didn’t matter, he wouldn’t let her play him like that, he had a job to do, and that’s what he was going to focus. Focus on the target, or in this case, the target’s room. Even in the dark he could see it was a mess to rival even Max’s apartment. He suspected the only reason there weren’t leftover food rotting was because the man had no time to do that yet. “The file said he should be alone, though it certainly looks like he makes a mess for two, or five.” He didn’t touch any of the stuff thrown around, to avoid anything looking suspicious when people came to investigate, but the urge was strong.

Ruby closed the door when she entered, leaving the room in complete darkness, and they couldn’t turn on the lights since they didn’t have the key with that card. It was hard to see, and with all the things on the floor this was turning out to be a death trap, maybe Jacob and Ruby wouldn’t even need to do anything and the target would trip on his own stuff, bang his head and die by himself. He heard Ruby shuffle around the room, her form only a vague silhouette. “No? did you? I can’t see anything here.” He tried to walk forward, his foot catching in some cloth on the floor that he had to shake off.

Suddenly there was a hand grabbing his shoulder, the sudden contact made him stumble back a bit, one of his hands went to try to hold the window frame to keep his balance, the other went around Ruby waist so she would fall and bring him down with her. He wouldn’t have complained, he understood it was hard to see and the room was full of things to trip, but her words struck him, and he let an indignant huff. “How is this my fault? Look where you’re going!” his voice was snappish, even if he knew she couldn’t do as he said.

Every scare was a good scare for someone, in their trio, it was usually good for Jacob and Ruby, it all depended on perspective. Max’s words made sense, pranks and jokes were not rare among the three of them, and Ruby and Jacob were not afraid to hurt someone, even if they are considered a friend, Max’s hesitance was understandable, but still, he could pretend the cop’s action hurt, even if he did have a point. “That’s a detail, Max. We didn’t want to wake you up.” The fact that they would have picked the lock even if Max was awake was irrelevant. He smiled cheekily at Max, fully aware that he had no reason to trust their motives, but really, even if they were planning something, it would be only to improve the cop’s day.

Max was not used to gifts? How sad was that, the thought of how lonely Max must be made Jacob frown, it was funny to think it took two criminals to give this cop a thoughtful gift, at least he had them now, and Jacob would make sure to spend any kind of celebration with the man, and Ruby as well, like makeshift family. A very disturbing, extremely dysfunctional one, but a family nonetheless. “Yes Max, you can keep the dog. Yours to train, love and to keep you company when Ruby and I are too busy.” He gave the man a genuine smile, the puppy sniffing his hand as Jacob continued to pet it. “His name is Max, by the way.” He said with mischievous smile, waiting for the cop’s protest eagerly.

The accusation was hilarious for some reason, it made Jacob burst out laughing. Why would either he or Ruby bother to steal someone’s dog? That sounded like a headache to him, too many variables. “We bought the dog, Max, all properly, with real money and all that. Figured you would not want an illegal dog. I have the papers and everything…” He looked at the empty box, realizing belatedly that he did not have the papers on him. It was probably still back on his apartment on some table, and it didn’t cross his mind to pick it up. He hadn’t thought Max would doubt the dog’s legitimacy. “Well… I do have them, except not here.” He added sheepishly. “I’ll give them to you later.”

Puppies were known for their infinite energy and love. This little German Shepard certainly seemed to have lots of love to give, he seemed ready to receive the unconditional affection from anyone willing, even from Jacob, who had trapped the pup in a box for about an hour. As he Watched it bounce around happily, it striked him as odd, animals weren’t usually fond of him, for reasons related to holes on the ground. He shot a look at Ruby, her words rung so very true, but love was a strong word, and Jacob wasn’t exactly ready to admit such sentiment existed in regards to the two, not even to himself. He swallowed dry shifting away from Max and crossing his arms, going quiet.

Max shot them a deeply grateful look, it made Jacob more uncomfortable and he looked away, all this showing care and having feelings finally getting to him, it was a bit overwhelming. He watched the puppy be free, sniffing around curiously now that it had the mobility to go around. Jacob would have stayed quiet for a bit longer, to try to gather his thoughts and let Ruby chat a bit, but Max had other ideas, grabbing both Jacob and Ruby in group hug, one in each side of him. The man’s words showed how happy he was with this situation. Jacob opened and closed his mouth a few times, unsure to what to say, he did not fight the embrace, even if he was still feeling uncertain. It took him a few moments before he gathered the courage to respond to the hug, but eventually he wrapped his arm around Max’s back. “Yeah, well… it’s no-, I mean, we ha-, it’s just… someone… has to” And now he was flubbing his words, great. He closed his mouth embarrassedly, deciding to shut up.

It was one thing to know Max and Ruby had something going on between then, it was another completely different to witness they being caring to each other. He shot an odd look at how Ruby tenderly run her fingers through Max’s hair, a caress as the man slowly woke up. On one hand it interesting to see her showing a softer side, Jacob saw it as sign that she trusted not only Max, but also himself, like one of her walls were taken down without anyone noticing. On the other hand, it was weirdly personal, like something he shouldn’t intrude (but he always did, didn’t he), like he was a third wheel to their relationship.

He didn’t do anything beyond giving them a look, it was their relationship, and Max birthday, he supposed he could let them be cute and touchy with each other, as long as it remained innocent enough. Ruby was ready to jump to Max’s defense when Jacob got too pushy, while the cop still struggled to properly wake up. “I guess if he really wants it…” he stopped pushing the man, Ruby was right, Max should be allowed to enjoy the day however he wanted, even if Jacob was of the opinion he should get up early (Not that early, but it was already 10 AM) and enjoy the day. “Fine, then. You make the rules today, Max. I hope enjoy it.” He smirked, letting go completely of the cop and lifting himself from the bed.

But he didn’t have to say or do anything else to convince Max to get up. The man got out of bed soon, feeling exposed because of a combination of Ruby’s habit of recording stuff and the perhaps the surprise of seeing the two criminals there, ready to improve his day, going as far as bringing him cake. “Please, we just want to celebrate.” The cop was so suspicious, like Ruby and Jacob were planning something terrible. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

Good thing Max wasn’t planning anything special, though the way he described how he expected his day to go sounded pretty lonely. Not that Jacob usually did something grand for his birthday, but he did have a family who called, and sometimes he went to see them. I sounded like Max didn’t have that. “Well, that sounds boring, good thing we’re here then.” The excitable smile never left his face as he waked to the bedroom doorway. “Yeah, we’ll be your today” He smiled amused by the way Max worded that “What do you want to do first? Breakfast? Cake for breakfast? Gifts? Laze around and talk? Your day, your choice.” Even if Jacob was being pushy for him to get up not five minutes ago, it was truly his intention to let Max decide what should be done during the day, but he hoped the man didn’t put off the gifts for too long, who knew how long the puppy would stay quiet inside his box.

Some things grow on you, like dogs, cats, mold. friendly criminals. Ruby was right, it would just be a matter of letting Max grow close to the dog, then, they would be inseparable and somehow cause jealousy on Jacob and Ruby. “What? You disliked me when we met? I’m shocked and slightly offended.” His voice showed anything but. In truth he didn’t really care for Ruby when they met, he wouldn’t go as far as calling it dislike, but if she was shot on the head and fell dead, he wouldn’t think anything of it. Max on the other hand, he disliked immensely when they met, first the fact that he was a cop, and later when Max unmasked him on the harbor only served to solidify that. What happened exactly to change things so much, that now he was excited for said cop’s birthday only a few months later, he could not say.

He shot an odd look at the party hat on Ruby’s hands when she approached him. He hadn’t seen those before, but she must’ve bought them along with all the cake ingredients. It was so silly, he never saw party hats being used for birthdays for someone older than ten, but it somehow fitted the mood and their relationship. He smiled amusedly when Ruby pointed the camera at him, and waved a little hello to her. Whatever was going to happen, it would be recorded for posterity, a little reminder of what was supposed to be the best day in Max’s life, or at least since he came to Chicago.

Sleeping Max was filmed, and Ruby placed the camera in the night stand to record everything that was happening, before going to the side of the bed, opposite from where Jacob was standing. She made some strange movements, trying to say something, but he wasn’t sure what… Was she saying Jacob should lay down with Max? Yep, that’s exactly what she meant. She did a silent countdown, and slowly wiggled herself into Max’s bed, Jacob hesitated only for a few moments, before following, feeling a bit uncertain.

He sat on the bed gently, trying not to jostle the sleeping cop too much, his arm going around his chest in a half hug. Ruby settled down on the other side, placing a gentle kiss on Max’s head that Jacob couldn’t help but find it cute, in a very odd way. He had never seen this soft side of her, hugs, innocent kisses and kind gestures. He didn’t have time to think much on that subject, as Max stirred, his breathing pattern changing as he slowly woke up. Jacob made sure to smile widely when Max looked at them, a fond laziness of someone who just woke up to his friends breaking into his apartment for his birthday. “You mean the best.” Jacob replied easily, an excited smile on his face. “Happy birthday! We brought cake.” He didn’t know if Ruby wanted to keep that a secret for longer, but he just wanted to say something, it was either the cake or the dog, he figured the cake was the most obvious one.