The book holds secrets...

            doesn’t mean i’ve gone SOFT

                             i have RESTRAINT

If you are ever scared to send me a meme, remember that I am a nerd who does this every time someone sends me the thing. 

“Whatever do you mean Jace?”

Haruka immediately noticed the reaction to his greeting, eyebrows furrowing faintly. Had he said something wrong? He thought that it was just a simple introduction, but the newcomer appeared somewhat offended. He clearly rubbed this sylph the wrong way, watching as the other began talking about him, like he wasn’t even there. He glanced over at Ciar as he continued to maintain his friendly tone and optimism, either not realizing that his kin was being accusatory or simply ignoring it.

When he was referred to as a ‘human pet’, he didn’t even react to it. He was unphased by the insult, just staring at the sylph. This Drake fellow, as they had now been privileged to know his name, was undeniably furious. More furious with Ciar or him, he wasn’t sure. But, he was indeed angry and bitter over the fact that they were close companions. He stole a brief glance at his friend when he defended him, happy that the other had done so, even if he didn’t feel the need to be defended. Drake could insult him and ridicule him to his heart’s content, until he felt better. The graduate wasn’t weak to petty tactics, such as childish name calling.

As the angry accusations and harsh words continued, he found himself starting to get angry. In part because this guy had rudely interrupted their time together and caused drama, but, more than that, the fact that he was being so awful to Ciar. He realized that he and the sylph shared the same ability: able to keep calm and not lash out, no matter how horrible someone was being to them. He was proud of his friend for handling this situation so well. But still, he didn’t like hearing such rude things said to him.

He blinked as Ciar began speaking to him, but kept his gaze on Drake. His eyes narrowed faintly. Oh, right. How could he forget? The majority of the sylphs despised humans, so it made perfect sense for this violent and nasty behavior. He gave a slight nod to show that he understood, staying silent.

He had been advised to remain behind Ciar and stay out of it, but he couldn’t stand to see his friend being spoken to in such a cruel manner, especially when it was uncalled for. He didn’t want to stand by while the sylph received this verbal abuse and wait around for a fight to break out, which was a likely possibility. He had to say something. His voice was soft and calm when he found the courage to talk, however he was almost speaking to Drake as if he was a child, “… Would you like me to prove that I am not a 'cruel, filthy creature’? I’m not sure how, but… I will give you proof if that would put you more at ease and calm you down. Would that make you less hostile towards us?”

Ciar visibly tensed when Haruka spoke, his posture becoming quite rigid. It was a stark contrast to his normal fluidity, but he feared for his friend’s safety. All too many sylph were unfamiliar with humanity, or believed them to be something to avoid at all cost. He watched Drake warily, self consciously placing himself more firmly between the warm wind sylph and his young friend.

Drake stiffened, finally looking at Haruka directly. He seemed almost shocked at the interjection. “Hostile?!” He snarled, hands clenching into fists. “If I am hostile, it is only because /your kind has done more harm to mine than can ever be repaired, human. Though I highly doubt this bleeding heart will have ever told you.” His angry gaze flitted back to Ciar.

“My friend, you are overstepping your station.” Ciar spoke softly. “I ask you to take your leave. I am certain you have more important things to do than challenge me.”

“Your very existence is overstepping your station, Ciar.” Drake growled in response.

Ciar simply gave a cool smile, tense. “I believe it has been established that your perception of my station and mine are quite different. Your concerns have been noted, but I mus-.” Ciar cut off as a flurry of embers appeared in front of him, recoiling slightly and sending a cold breeze forth to carry them away. Distracted, he didn’t realize Drake dashing toward him until the warm wind sylph was almost upon him. His first thought was of Haruka’s safety.

The sylph swiftly grabbed his aggressor’s wrist and flew as hard as he could to the side, Drake’s momentum causing him to crash into Ciar in mid flight. They crashed to the ground a ways away, in some bushes, unable to maintain flight. The landing dazed Ciar briefly, but it was long enough for Drake to strike him sharply, fueled with rage.

“Perhaps. It is calm, but what was that old saying? All things in moderation?” He glanced back to Tatsumi. “There is a reason I drag you out of here for lunch most of the time. I don’t understand how you can stand it for the length of time you do in a given day.” 

An angry voice penetrated his concentration, bringing reality crashing back to Tatsumi. Yes, the fight was over due to end. Ducking away from another punch, Tatsumi neatly swiped his foot behind the man, making him fall backwards on the floor. He breathed heavily as he straightened up. Tugging at is jacket he noticed the blood on his hands. Was it his or the other? He hadn’t actually drawn blood, had he? Taking a quick look, Tatsumi felt relief wash over him. It was probably from his own nose with the second punch the stranger had thrown at him. He would be fine soon enough, so ignored the blood to at the one who asked them to break it up.

Tatsumi had seen the man before. The owner of the bar if he recalled correctly. Cringing mentally, Tatsumi was prepared for the worst. He would probably have to find a new bar to drink at after this.

She jumped. “I- I- uhm, it- it wasn’t his fault.” She squeaked, looking to the regular briefly before casting her gaze downward. “The other guy- he was-, I-.”

“That’s all I needed to know.” Iolar gritted his teeth, stooping down and grabbing the man’s collar and one arm, pulling him to his feet. He struggled against the owner briefly, but Iolar’s grip was firm as he dragged him to the exit, tossing him out. “Consider yourself banned from my bar. Don’t ever come back.” He growled, slamming the door shut. The former thief took a deep breath, closing his eyes and trying to temper his anger before turning back to the bar.

He glanced briefly to the woman behind the bar. “Perhaps you’d be better suited to waitressing than bar tending.” He drawled, before looking to the man, fairly calm considering his bar was in shambles and the fact he’d just thrown out several of his patrons. The regular’s- Tatsumi, he thought his name was- nose was bleeding, and it likely looked worse than it was, but it was still shocking to see.

“... Apology accepted.” Iolar slowly quirked a brow, staring at him analytically for a moment before walking closer. “You’ve never started trouble in my bar, so I’m inclined to believe you were justified, at least in part, in engaging in this brawl. But it appears you took a few bad hits.” He stopped in front of Tatsumi, noting the small height difference between them. It was never that noticeable before, but standing toe to toe, the couple inches caused him to look up slightly. The owner glanced around the bar, at the wounded nursing their wounds or slowly filtering out. 

He gave a hmph. “Eva, do me a favor and start organizing cleaning this mess up.” Iolar called sharply, folding his arms as he looked back to the regular. “Come on, you’re coming with me. You should get that nose looked at.” He stepped past him, toward the back. “And given how pissed your friend was, I don’t think you’re going to want to go out the front door.”