I do not own any Assassin's Creed characters but I do own James and Moira Haywood!


The next day, Moira had gone over to Jacob and Evie's home so she could pick up studying with Evie. Although, instead of studying, Moira was telling Evie all about Talbot and what they had talked about last night. Moira had a dreamlike look on her face the whole time she spoke about him to her best friend. Evie leaned on her hand while looking at her friend speak.

"Oh, Evie dearest, he's perfect," Moira sighed happily, "Such a gentleman in every way and so kind and so sweet. I cannot wait to see him again tonight."

"He does sound incredible, Moira," Evie replied while smiling, "I would figure you would run into a lecherous bloke but he sounds so sophisticated."

"Very much so," Moira giggled, "I don't usually think or believe this but I think I'm in love."

"That's fantastic," Evie said softly, "It's wonderful to see you smile so much."

"I have never felt anything like this before, Evie," Moira said looking down at her hands, "This is a nice change."

Jacob was sitting on the top of the stairs as he overhead Moira and his sister's conversation in the kitchen about Moira's love interest. Closing his eyes, he felt like his heart was broken. She has found someone else she has fallen in love with. Over the last year, Jacob felt like he was getting close to Moira almost every single day. They would spend time in town with Evie, watch the sunset at their meeting spot and laugh and tell stories about various things. He began to develop feelings for her but he didn't want to act on them. He never felt like this towards anyone before but enjoyed the sensation that Moira made him experience.

As James described how he felt about his wife and how his own father talked about his mother, Jacob realized that he started feeling this way towards Moira. Weak in the knees, his heart beating faster and felt almost breathless. Could that be what love was like? He couldn't seriously be in love with his best friend. He felt stupid now for even thinking that Moira would ever feel the same about him. With the way that they have been working on their friendship and with being more comfortable with each other, he felt like they were growing closer than just friends.

He also tried to be more affectionate with her without trying to pushing their boundaries. He was foolish for not telling her sooner. Now he knew that he has probably lost Moira forever to some other man. Judging from how Moira was talking about the man, she sounded like the happiest person in the world. He couldn't and wouldn't destroy her happiness. He promised to keep a smile on her face so he was going to do just that. Letting out a sigh, he got up and headed towards his room.

Moira was saying her goodbyes to Evie at the door and hugged her friend, "I am glad that we could get together to discuss more today."

"Of course, you seemed distracted yesterday," Evie pointed out, "Was there something that was bothering you?"

Moira bit her lip slightly then smiled at her friend, "There was but it was figured out, Evie dearest."

"You sure?" Evie asked still a little concerned.

"Very much so," Moira replied confidently, "Talbot helped me with my dilemma."

Evie smiled gently and held her friend again, "I hope that everything works out well for the both of you."

"Thank you, Evie," Moira said softly, "I have a good feeling about him."

"Try not to have too much fun," Evie giggled with a wink.

"Evie!" Moira gasped as she blushed.

Evie chortled at her friend's reaction, "Only joking, Moira, but do have a good time tonight with him."

"I will, thank you," Moira said, "I will see you soon, yeah?"

"Yes, though father will be taking Jacob and me on a mission soon," Evie mentioned, "If we are successful, we will finally receive our hidden blades."

"Oh! That is so exciting!" Moira gasped, "I wish you and Jacob the best of luck. I know that you both will do well."

"Thank you, Moira," Evie thanked, "Your father will be doing the same for you soon, right?"

"Yes, in a couple weeks actually," Moira acknowledged, "I am very excited. Soon we will be able to do what we have been taught to do our whole lives, Evie dearest."

"Then we will work our way to bettering our world," Evie started, "and make our way to London."

"We are so close, Evie," Moira said holding her friend's hands in hers.

"Indeed," Evie chuckled, "You better be off and get ready to meet your gentleman."

"Oh! You're right," Moira laughed, "I better be off. I will see you soon."

Evie waved goodbye to Moira as she walked down the walkway of the Frye residence. Evie then closed the door and picked up her books so she could take them back to her room. As she entered the bedroom, she saw Jacob sitting on his bed while sharpening some throwing knives. Evie noticed that there was a different air around her brother at this moment. He also seemed off today since he didn't even come down to say hello to Moira or even bother trying to crack jokes with them. Something was up and the elder Frye twin was going to get to the bottom of it.

"Everything all right, Jacob?" Evie asked curiously.

"Perfectly fine," Jacob stated, not looking up at his sister while still sharpening the knives.

"Doesn't seem like it," Evie replied while putting her books back in their rightful place on the shelf, "Something eating at you?"

"Just preparing for the mission with father," Jacob answered still not looking at her.

Evie furrowed her brows slightly, "It's more than that. You didn't even come down to greet Moira. Did you two get into a fight?"

"No, I didn't want to bother you both," Jacob said.

Evie didn't believe that for one second. He would always come down to bother them even if it was for one second. This wasn't like her brother to be so withdrawn like this. Now she had to know why Jacob was being so moody.

"All right, Jacob Frye," Evie started as she crossed her arms, "What is going on?"

Jacob then looked up at his sister, "What are you talking about?"

"I think you know what I am talking about," Evie said cocking an eyebrow, "You have been very standoffish and giving me an attitude. What is going on?"

Jacob looked away from his sister's intense blue gaze as he didn't want to have eye contact with her. He wasn't going to tell his sister that he was falling in love with their best friend and that he was extremely jealous for Moira finding another man. He closed his eyes as he could feel his chest constrict a little as he thought about Moira being with another bloke. Not wanting to let it linger any longer, he decided to go for a walk. He then got up and headed towards the door.

"I'm going out for a bit," Jacob said as he grabbed his coat.

"Jacob!" Evie snapped at him.

He ignored his sister completely as he left their home, not wanting to listen to her scold him for his behavior as she has done so many times before. Jacob walked along the side of the road to go towards the pub to get a drink since he really needed one. Going to the one closest to his home, he started to walk in but stopped mid step when he saw Moira sitting at a table with a man. This had to be the man that she was seeing. He noticed Moira was laughing and smiling as she engaged in conversation with the man across from her. The man then grasped Moira's hand to place a small kiss on it making Moira look away with a blush.

Jacob's heart fell when he watched the scene unfold in front of him. Again he felt like his heart was being constricted, making the reckless Assassin turn his hazel gaze away. He couldn't bear to watch them be together but he still wished for Moira's happiness. He turned to leave as he decided to head to another pub that was a few blocks away.

May 1866

James, Moira and George were seeing off the Fryes as they would be traveling to Ashford so that the twins could go after their Templar target and earn their hidden blades. Moira was jealous of her friends but was happy that they were finally able to take this step in their Assassin lives. She would miss them terribly as she always did whenever she had to be away from her friends for a long period of time.

Seeing the Fryes off reminded her of the time when they were seeing her and her father off when they were heading to London. She could see the excitement that was on both of her friends' faces as they spoke ecstatically to each other. She was happy for them to finally receive their hidden blades and actually be on a mission. Of course Moira was going to get her hidden blade here soon but she had to wait another week so that she could go on her mission with her father and George.

Moira brought Evie into a tight hug, "You will be wonderful, Evie dearest. I wish you all the best."

"Thank you, Moira," Evie chirped while holding her friend back, "When Jacob and I come back, we will finally be Assassins."

"I am proud of you both," Moira said while pulling away from Evie, "Be safe."

She then walked up to Jacob and smiled sweetly at him. She noticed for the last few days that the air around Jacob seemed different, especially whenever he was around her. He seemed unhappy and Moira tried talking to him but he kept saying that there was nothing wrong or he was just nervous about the mission. Moira would never think he would be nervous for a mission since he had been practicing for so long. She knew there had to be something else that was bothering but if there was, he wasn't telling her.

Moira wrapped her arms around him and squeezed him tight, "Take care of yourself, Jacob."

"You do the same, Moira," Jacob replied loosely wrapping his arms around her waist.

Moira frowned slightly when she felt him hug her. He wasn't hugging her like he normally did which concerned her. Did she do something to upset him and not realize it? She hated seeing Jacob so down in the dumps though he did start acting distant with her recently. If she did do something, she didn't mean to do anything to hurt him. She would and could never do something like that to him. He had changed her for the better and was grateful to him for it.

Moira then looked up at him with concern in her dark blues, "I wish you would tell me what the matter is."

Jacob let out a soft sigh through his nose, "Don't worry about it, Moira. Everything will be better once Evie and I return."

"Promise?" Moira asked softly.

"Promise," Jacob replied, "Keep smiling for me though."

The train whistle wailed in the air to signal the soon departure of the train. Jacob then left Moira's arms to join his father and his sister as they boarded the train. They all waved at their friends then began to walk towards their cabin. Moira heaved a heavy sigh and felt her heart drop slightly from Jacob leaving her the way he did. Even though he seemed distant with her, he still wanted her to smile. Moira smiled slightly at his words since he only cared about her well being. Though she wanted to make him smile too.


During their train ride, Ethan was reading from the paper while Evie was reading a book Moira had let her borrow and Jacob was looking out the window at the scenery. He hated leaving Moira the way he did but he had to do his best to get his mind off of her. He had to push away his feelings for his best friend even if it drove him completely mad but she was driving him mad with all these emotions. First he absolutely despised her then grew to care for her deeply and after an amount of time had fallen in love. He didn't think that this would ever happen.

Letting out a sigh, he got up from his seat, causing his father and sister to look at him. Jacob mumbled about needing to stretch his legs. He left the cabin but Evie wasn't going to have it. She was going to finally find out what has been bothering Jacob. She told her father that she would check up on him. Evie stepped outside of the cabin then walked down the hallway a bit before she saw Jacob beginning to head towards the dining car, probably to get a pint. Evie then approached him which got his attention.

"All right, Jacob," Evie said crossing her arms, "What is going on? Why have you been so distant and moody? Don't tell me there is nothing wrong."

Jacob let out a deep sigh, "Trying to concentrate on the mission and making sure there is no error."

"And that's why you also have been ignoring Moira?' Evie asked, "She's been worried about you, myself included."

Jacob didn't say anything at all as he continued to gaze out the window. Evie then thought about when he first started acting like this. It was right around the time that Moira started seeing Talbot and spending time with him. Then it hit Evie; her brother had feelings for Moira, "Jacob... you love Moira, don't you?"

He then looked at his sister and scoffed, "Don't be daft! Why would I do something so stupid like that and ruin our friendship?"

"That is the only explanation I can think of as to why you haven't spoken with her much!" Evie snapped, "You're jealous of the man she is interested in."

Jacob let out another sigh, "So what if I am? I can't be jealous that someone I care deeply about is spending more time with some bloke than with me?"

Evie's expression softened slightly as her brother said this, "I think you need to have a discussion with Moira when we come back home. If you continue this attitude towards her, then you are back to square one and she will avoid you. Fix it before it's broken again. As for right now, you can't let this bother you while we have to concentrate on the mission. Remember what father told us."

"Don't allow personal feelings to compromise the mission," Jacob said as if he had recited it a thousand times.

"Exactly. For now, put it out of your mind," Evie said walking back towards the cabin, "Things will work out."

Jacob watched as his sister left then turned his attention back to the world outside the window. He could only hope that things would work out. He still vowed to keep Moira happy even if she was to be with another. Even if he was cast aside and she never spoke to him again, he would be content knowing she was smiling. Though he wanted to be the one to make her happy with each passing day. Now, he could only watch from afar.


"You seem distracted, my dear," Talbot said softly as he held Moira's hand in his.

Moira looked up from her lager only to smile gently at Talbot, "Just thinking, that is all."

"What is troubling you?" Talbot asked stroking the back of her hand with his thumb.

Moira lightly squeezed his hand and spoke up, "Just... when I was seeing my friends off at the train station today, Jacob... didn't seem like himself. He has also been quiet and avoiding me for awhile now. I just don't understand what I did wrong..."

"I am sure that you haven't done anything wrong," Talbot reassured, "It probably is best if you forget about the bloke if he treats you like this."

Moira's gazed snapped to his crystal blue eyes, "I could never do such a thing. Jacob is very important to me!"

Talbot gave her a questioning look from her outburst making Moira sink in her seat a little, "I'm sorry... it's just... Jacob has done so much for me and he's a very valuable friend. I owe a lot to him."

"Sounds like you fancy the bloke," Talbot said as he withdrew his hand and then drank from his lager.

Moira blushed and shook her head, "Oh, no no. Not at all. Jacob is just a very good friend. We didn't get off very well but we worked things out and we have grown very close. Almost like Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice."

Talbot sat back in his seat to get a better look at Moira. Moira felt like Talbot was judging her, as if he knew that she had deep feelings for Jacob. Moira was doing her best to try and erase her feelings for Jacob and only focusing on Talbot. Even if she was paying attention to Talbot, Jacob would appear in her mind at times. Even though his hug was very faint as he departed with his sister and father, it still sent shivers down Moira's spine. His simple touch would give her goose flesh and warm her heart. She mentally shook her head, knowing that she couldn't be thinking about her best friend like this when she was with a man she very well could have a future with. Moira wanted everything to go well with Talbot and what she has seen, he seemed interested in her.

Talbot then gave her a somewhat strained smile, "Why not forget him for now, love? Would you like another pint?"

"Oh, yes, please," Moira said softly, "I am sorry if I have caused any trouble."

"Quite all right. We will make this night better," Talbot replied giving her a soft smile.

He got up to grab them another round of drinks. Moira sat there and had a feeling that Talbot was very cross with her for even bringing up Jacob. Also mentioning that Jacob was very close to her made Talbot uncomfortable. She then thought of the comparison she made of her and Jacob being Mr. Darcy and her being Elizabeth Bennet. Thinking back on it now, she remembered that Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth were married by the end of the book, making the female Assassin blush.

Shaking her head, she decided it was best for her not to mention Jacob again but he would not leave her mind. She looked at the wood grain of the table as she thought about him. She hope that he was doing well with the mission along Evie and their father. She missed them all very much even though it has been a day. Letting out a soft breath, she smiled at Talbot as he came back with their drinks.


Jacob laid awake in his bed since he couldn't fall asleep. Tomorrow would be the mission but he felt completely restless. He then sat up and looked his sister asleep in the bed next to him. Their father was resting in the room next to them. Letting a deep breath out of his nose, he knew he couldn't sleep since he was so riled up. Not only because of the mission but because he was thinking about Moira. He couldn't really be in love with her, there was no way. All of this had flustered the impetuous Assassin. He decided to find a pub and have a few drinks to relax him.

He quietly changed into some clothing and slipped out of the hotel room through the window then scaled down the side of the building. He walked a few blocks while taking in the night air since it rained earlier. He hated this feeling that racked his body and drove him absolutely mad. As he continued to walk, he heard someone whistle at him. Turning, he saw a man in the shadows, making the Assassin quirk a brow.

"You seem like the kind of bloke who likes the rough fun," he replied.

"Depends," Jacob answered.

"Want to make extra money with our underground fight club?" he added with a smirk.

Jacob was now intrigued, "You've piqued my interest."

The man chuckled and began to lead Jacob towards a building and down a few flights of stairs. They soon entered a room filled with people who were smoking, drinking and gambling while gathering around a fighting ring. Jacob smirked and couldn't wait to get into the action. This is exactly what he needed to get his mind off the matter as well as make a few extra quid.

Before he knew it, he was already in the ring and glanced over at his opponent who was a little larger than him that look like he already had a few blows to his thick head. There were already quite a lot of people cheering for him and most saw Jacob as the underdog. Jacob knew that this was going to be no problem at all. He has taken on blokes larger than him before. The brute began to crack his knuckles and glare at Jacob.

Jacob mentally rolled his eyes, 'So intimidating.'

Once the match was announced, the brute already took a swing at Jacob which the young Assassin managed to dodge fairly easily. Jacob threw a punches to the brute's gut making him double over for a few seconds but the brute grabbed ahold of Jacob's fist. Jacob grunted out in pain as the brute twisted his arm behind his back. Thinking quickly, the Assassin butted the back of his head against the brute's face. The brute immediately let go of Jacob to hold his nose that was now bleeding profusely.

Angered, the brute ran towards Jacob with his fists raised. This was his fatal mistake since Jacob knew his opponent was going to rely on just his fists. Jacob did his best to duck and weave from the brute's punches but the brute landed a few to Jacob's side. Jacob did his best not to falter and then did an uppercut to the brute's jaw, stunning him. The Assassin then grabbed the back of the brute's head and kneed him in between the eyes. The brute then fell to the ground unconscious, signaling the fight was over. Jacob smirked to himself since he knew the match would be easy.

He then participated in a few fights which he had won easily. Jacob felt so much better after releasing his aggression out on a few blokes while making some money. After collecting his winnings, he began to get dressed back into his shirt, waistcoat and coat. Soon, he felt a delicate hand run up his back making him turn to look at the one responsible. He looked to see that it was a blonde haired woman with light blue eyes. She also had a fair share make up on from dark eye shadow to pale powdered skin and bright red lipstick. Jacob had to admit that this woman was fairly attractive.

"Haven't seen you round here before, handsome," she cooed touching his arm, "Bet you know how to treat a girl right. What say you and I leave this musty place and go have our own fun, hm?"

Jacob was surprised when he heard this, thinking that this woman was very bold. He then thought about her offer and wondered if he should take it. Looking back at her, he looked into her blue eyes only to realize that they weren't the blue eyes he loved. Moira's smiling face then entered his mind causing his heart to sink. He couldn't do this and shook his head.

"Lovely offer, madam," Jacob started then removed her hand from his arm, "My heart belongs to another woman."

Jacob began to walk off towards the exit, leaving the blonde haired woman fuming. Jacob sighed as he began to head back to the hotel. He knew he couldn't suppress his feelings any longer no matter how hard he tried. He hated feeling so weak like this. Running a hand through his hair, he looked up at the night sky. He couldn't lie to himself anymore; he did love Moira. Though, he didn't know how he was going to win her heart now since Moira had found the man of her dreams. Jacob knew that he had to do his best to show Moira that he loved her deeply.


A/N: Things are starting to take a turn now, dear readers! Thank you again for the reviews and favorites on this story, guys! I can't express how I appreciate everyone's support for this fic! You all make this happen!

Also the poll is closed now! With six votes for yes and one vote for no, I will be doing the mini series with Jacob and Moira solving crimes and aiding Darwin and Dickens. This will be posted after this story is finished but I already have an idea for a chapter. Thank you to all who voted, you're amazing!