don't you ever tame your demons

“I don’t need to.” Aki responds shortly. It’s probably. uncalled for, he knows, but he’s not exactly the most patient person these days, especially when people are very clearly trying to mark something. He just can’t put his finger on it, he can’t quite pinpoint exactly what it is he can sense, what he can smell, but he doesn’t trust it. He doesn’t trust his own senses today, today’s not a good day so he can’t rely on the weird feeling of familiarity that doesn’t make any sense because he doesn’t know her. All he knows is there’s something about this girl and he doesn’t know what it is - and the unknown is just something he can’t help but be cautious of. “You don’t exactly hide it well.”

Mei was used to people making snap judgements about her, but that in no way meant she liked it. Maybe she had a gratitude problem, or maybe she’d learnt the hard way to be wary of anything that came her way. Demon, freak, mutie, it was only ever a matter of time before a little slip up on her part was reason to hate her based on what she was. So, even here, where it was more than likely that anyone person she talked to was powered, she was suspicious. Especially when a random guy gave her a strange look and told her what her flaws were before they even knew each other. Her defenses were raised, on guard and ready. “Is that so? Then why even say anything at all?”

The cut on her lip stung, but not as much as what had sparked the fight. freak. mutie. The names tasted bad on her tongue. She’d heard worse, but years had taught her never to let an insult go unpunished. Some might argue that she was only proving them right, all the politicians and protesters and assholes. But she didn’t care; it felt good, and it shut up at least of the thousands of voices. And even if she’d pay the price for it now, in the dean’s office, it would be worth it. Thalia looked up as someone walked in, mentally bracing for a shitstorm. “Before you say anything, he had it coming.”

“That’s certainly one way to put it, personally I’d say it’s all that kind of sickeningly cutesy that everyone seems to go crazy for.” N’Lani didn’t mind the cold too much, it could be worse, she supposed.

Rex hated how useless his powers were, how he had to conceal his hands so he didn’t accidentally kill anyone. Rex enjoyed the market, loved the concept of the holidays, but he blinked at the fire that sprouted from her hands, knowing full-heartedly that he would never have that advantage. “I think it’s supposed to get colder,” Rex mentioned as he tries to avoid showing his sparked interest. “That’s a cool trick though like, it’s useful.” 

“Yeah, I’m not really used to this whole WINTER thing.” Kyle had lived in California his entire life so this was such a major adjustment for him. “God, I miss warm weather.”

“Isn’t it? Dangerously cute really, I’ve bought way too many things because they were cute and the market just… puts you into a good mood.” She gushed, before turning to see who had been talking. “That’s pretty cool.” Gesturing towards the other’s hands, before gesturing around them both. “I’m sure there’s a few people around who’d be jealous of that ability.” 

It had been years since Mei had been home to Australia. Although when she thought of home there, she didn’t think of the small house in the suburbs that she grew up in most of her life. No, after everything that happened there, that place held too many bad memories. Instead, she thought of the expansive outback, and the farm she’d lived on while her parents fought out their divorce. Feeling free out there. But she didn’t often think of it these days.

Seeing him though, seeing his face, it brought it all back. It had been years, and he’d changed a lot, but Mei still recognised Jasper Harkness. On another continent, in this strange town’s winter market, she still recognised him.

 “Never thought I’d see you this side of the world.”