Although arguably deserved, Adrian hadnāt expected an immediate psychical repercussion to his actions. The champagne bottle he couldāve irritably dealt with, knowing there wereĀ plentyĀ of replacements behind Barceloās counter. But he wasĀ uselessĀ in a fight, thatās whatĀ guardiansĀ were for. As Benjamin clearly showcased, moving him with ease, causing Adrian to wince as his back collided with the wall. He was thankful, at least, that the alcohol in his system would prevent the pain from lingering. He could do nothing but remain in the dhampirās grasp, venomous words spat in his direction, unable to feel the weight of them in his current state of mind. He was certain to feel guilty later, and the idea immediately made him want a hit of somethingĀ strongerĀ than vodka, because despite his behaviour, Adrian did care about Eli. He was the only one in their group arguably more unstable than himself, which is exactly what had enticed Adrian to invite him in the first place; he wanted toĀ helpĀ him.
Adrian shouldāve known that Benjiās wrath would be the outcome, initial good intentions or not. If Eli was left in someoneās care, and that someone fellĀ short, Benji would be the one to instil the punishment. His amazing level of self restraint had but one exception: his younger brother. The only time Benji had allowed himself to bend his own rules was if Eli was involved, if he felt a need toĀ protect. That was the case here, and although admirable, Adrian found himself infuriated at the accusations that were being fired at him regardless of their reasoning. He felt a need to defend himself, but only did so after Benji had released him, hoping his words werenāt entirely drowned out by the music. āFunny that you callĀ meĀ a child, when you still treat Elijah like one. Little dhampir bipolar can make his own decisions now,Ā Benjamin. Heās drunk in the bathroom, not dead in aĀ gutter. Heāll beĀ fineĀ tomorrow after some water and a Tylenol. He was having a goodĀ time. ForĀ once!ā
Adrian sighed, wiping a hand over his face, the collision having knocked a sense sobriety back into him. The room began to swim with colour, peopleās auras shining brighter than the clubās lights. He wanted Eddieās comforting embrace so badly that his chest started to ache, but he couldnāt go there. Not anymore, their fight having made that abundantlyĀ clear. So, muttering nonsensically to himself, Adrian headed towards the bar instead, hoping to cross paths with Rose again on the way.
Knuckles turning white, Benji tried desperately to claw back any sense of control, knowing all of his energy had to be focused on Elijah now. His brother was what was most important, Adrian and Rose and whoever else that encouraged him beĀ damned. But for a man so often in control of his emotions, a stark contrast to his little brother, it was hard to put the lid back on the bottle once it had burst. Years of anger, distaste and resentment that he constantly reigned in only ever reared its head occasionally, but once it did, it was hard to tame. Benji hadnāt even made it ten steps before Adrianās words had reached him, a comeback the guardian wouldāve been able to dismiss as petulant at any other time. But not now.
The nickname had him stopping in his tracks, the sheer rage causing him to turn back to the Moroi, the pace at which he did so and the expression on his face arguably frightening. āYou sayĀ oneĀ more word against my brother, and IĀ swearĀ by the Angel, I will drag you out into the spotlight and get you sent back home. And you will goĀ alone. I donāt care what it does to this group, I donāt care if you donāt evenĀ makeĀ the trip,ā he spat, pointer finger extended in accusation. āYour family will be privy toĀ allĀ of your behaviour. They will know that you are a complete fuckingĀ disgrace.ā With the outburst done, Benji finally turned heel and stormed off, feeling the rage pulse in his chest. He was frustrated by Elijahās behaviour, frustrated by Adrianās, and even more so frustrated by his own, that he had allowed a member of a royal family to completely get under his skin. It would come back to bite him, no doubt, Adrian far above his station in life. But as he reached the bathroom door, Benji managed to put the dismay aside once more for the sake of his brother. He was all that mattered.
//.













