[hr][hr] [centre][h1][color=Orange]Barca Ashur Xavier[/color], [color=E4A44D]Naevia Udaku[/color] and [color=0C4791]Jason Tiberius Stark[/color][/h1] [img]https://i.imgur.com/Nfh8RYV.gif[/img][img]https://78.media.tumblr.com/ba7f1119ce835171104346b7d16e93fc/tumblr_nnou0gxmRR1ti5goso1_250.gif[/img][img]https://i.imgur.com/RZrYrjU.gif[/img] [b]Location:[/b] The Courtyard; The Academy. [sup][b]Interacting With:[/b] Each other.[/sup][/centre] [hr][hr] As they approached the small jet Barca frowned softly, watching both Jason and Naevia. Now that he had assured them he wouldn’t be reading their minds- although he might dabble just a bit to learn the language but that was a bare flash of a reading- he had to rely on other cues. While he could have just read their minds anyway, it became a trail to make sure he didn’t let slip that he had read their minds, and he’d rather not waste the effort in case he did slip however slim the chance. He was rather perturbed by what he saw using those cues. And yet, he wasn’t entirely sure why. His perception shifted slightly. He’d come to the school that morning thinking nothing would be a challenge and suddenly, here was one. Being social. Without the use of his powers. He felt a little helpless, but he’d never backed down from a challenge before. He wasn’t about to start now. [color=orange]”Seems like that holds more luggage than what you need?”[/color] Jason glanced over as Smalls began to stir before shrugging. [color=0C4791]”Well, since it’s got mine, Dad’s, Con’s, and mom’s extra stuff in it, it is a little large.”[/color] The small cat mewed and Jason wasted no time in setting the carrier down and letting the calico out. Deciding that that was probably reasonable, Barca shifted slightly moving Glaber’s cage somewhat, watching the cat. [color=orange]”Ah. I see.”[/color] He wasn’t particularly good at this small talk thing. He searched for another topic, at a bit of a loss. Turning his gaze to Naevia he quickly searched for anything to say, not enjoying his self-imposed restrictions. [color=gold]”Have you been out of Africa before?”[/color] [color=E4A44D]“..only when I have need.”[/color] A smile playing upon her lips upon catching sight of the familiar feline, her feet moving her closer towards the cat and his owner, Naevia reached out a hand, completely unfazed about whether or not the animal was going to accept her as she ran her fingers gently through his fur, her head tilting ever slightly to the side as she gave a light scratch behind his ear, seeking to give the small creature comfort as she spoke, [color=E4A44D]“..I find the savannah’s of my homeland to be more of a comfort… though I have been welcomed into the house of Stark on more than one occasion...”[/color] Smalls purred as Naevia pet him and Jason smiled. If there was one person who’s opinion he trusted, it was his cat’s, since the animal was a pretty good judge of character. [color=0C4791]”Most of the time it was while our dads were off saving the world, but there was the odd visit here and there.”[/color] He looked around and noted that two new arrivals had come through the gates and, almost immediately, noticed that one of them, the girl, had a fancy contraption over her mouth. Walking with her was a man that his dear Uncle Thor had been equal parts proud and disappointed in, Loki Laufey, the God of Mischief. [color=0C4791]”Suppose it was too much to ask that his kids not be allowed here…”[/color] Barca found himself a little envious. There had been no point sending him to school, and so he hadn’t had much contact with people his own age. The mere fact that others would have close friendships had never occurred to him and he didn’t like it. He’d be starting from scratch with everyone. Well. Nothing was ever too challenging for him. Shifting Glabers cage once more, not trusting the cat, [color=orange]”Sounds pleasant.”[/color] he said, trying to be polite but sure he failed, glancing towards who Jason was speaking of. A quick search of their minds told him who they were and he made a small sound not unlike a scoff. [color=orange]”Why not? They have every right to be here, just like you. It is a school to teach us control so we don’t destroy the worlds and judging them because of who their father is is a little unfair, don’t you think?”[/color] he shook his head, a little disappointed. But he supposed that was to be expected. [color=orange]”How would you feel if you were told you couldn’t be here because of who your parents were?”[/color] he asked both of them after a moments silence, glancing back to them. Jason shrugged, drawing his sword from its sheath to inspect the edges as he spoke. There was a good chance that he needed to sharpen them again before classes started. [color=0C4791]”Suppose I wouldn’t much care personally, though I’d be confused since my parents helped fund the building of this place. Con would take it hard though.”[/color] Assuming a stance that would seem familiar for him to the casual observer, he practices a couple of quick jabs. [color=0C4791]”I’m here mainly for World Studies and the offered tactical classes, Connor’s here for Ben and to learn how to actually run his suit.”[/color] Barca knew that he could be opinionated, however he found that he disliked this sort of… self importance. Barca imagined if he had asked anyone else that sort of question they might have imagined what it would be like to be in the exact same position. He let his gaze drift a moment, before shaking his head [color=orange]”Strange that he can’t learn that from you.”[/color] he looked away from Jason, to Naevia. [color=Orange]”I’m sorry. We’re leaving you out of the conversation. Let’s turn to different topics. Since classes have been mentioned, what ones are you thinking of taking?”[/color]. Satisfied with the way he had handle it. Perhaps he didn’t need to rely on his mind reading to succeed. That was oddly satisfying. And toying with Jason seemed like it would be fun. Her gaze having flicked briefly to the object of their attention, an annoyed growl emanating from somewhere deep within her throat at having been ignored, Naevia had long ago taken the cat into her arms, cradling it lovingly against her chest as she stepped away from the two men, and instead closer towards the carrier that had delivered the Stark’s luggage, the larger feline following after her, curiously sniffing about the smaller one held within her arms. Tearing her attention from the cat’s, both big and small, at the sound of Barca’s voice being directed once more in her direction, Naevia quirked a curious though annoyed brow. So now he believed her to be of some interest to him..? Another growl, though this time issuing out like that of a scoff or chuff, falling from between her lips, she turned away again, giving both men her profile, and the felines both her full attention as she gave her answer, more out of politeness, though it was clear there was a slight bite of bitterness behind her words. [color=E4A44D]“..zoology and marine biology…”[/color] A little uncertain- an not liking it one bit- Barca tried to think what he had done wrong to deserve that bitterness. He didn’t think asking about classes was a social no no, and he tried to think what he- or rather they- might have done. Here Barca was limited, as he didn’t know Naeva that well. And he found himself unwilling to defer to Jason in this. He could- and would- figure it out for himself. She had been quiet. Why? Had they offended her in some way? He thought back over the talk so far, but couldn’t see anything that would have caused her to be annoyed. Unless she thought they hadn’t been including her? He was almost tempted to read her mind. If he didn’t think that that would offend her more, he might have risked it. Talk about a challenge. Watching her a moment, he tried to figure out how he could charm his way out of this. [color=orange]”If I have annoyed you in anyway, I apologise.”[/color] He shifted Glaber’s cage to his other hand the owl stirring slightly but not waking, tucking his head further under his wing. [color=orange]”I may have gotten distracted, I am use to relying on mind reading for conversations.”[/color] he admitted, giving her a smile, [color=orange]”A challenge sounded like a fine idea, although I wish it hadn’t made you annoyed.”[/color] he contemplated a moment, [color=Orange]”I’m sorry, Naevia.”[/color] he said, a little surprised at the sincerity in his tone. He normally didn’t let such things slip through. Jason noted the shift in Naevia’s stance as he and Barca conversed, but also didn’t feel like like she wanted to be bothered by the pair’s nitpicking at each other. He moved in to a vertical slice that moved from the ground up, he paused when he heard the son of Xavier move on to the topic of classes. He’d only shared half of what he wanted to take, mostly because he wanted to know what Naevia wanted to take. [color=0C4791][i]Zoology and marine biology huh? That couldn’t be horrible to learn…[/i][/color] The bitterness in her voice when she’d answered though...he had a feeling he knew where it came from, but he wouldn’t ask her here. But if he was honest, the apology from Barca was a surprise, and also probably a good idea. [color=0C4791]”I’m sorry as well, Naevia. If what we were talking about is causing undue duress, I’ll drop it.”[/color] So now they saw her; both of them. Dark eyes narrowing, flicking from one to the other as each extended her an apology, Naevia remained stone-faced; her expression giving nothing away as she regarded them both, a flicker of jealousy behind her iris’ the only hint given to what was going on behind her guarded manner. [color=E4A44D]“..forgiven… though I shall not burden you with my company any longer; not when it is clear that your interest lies elsewhere.”[/color] Arms relaxing, the action causing the calico feline to stir in annoyance before moving from her hold, Naevia turned on her heel, the change in attitude causing the lion still roaming by her side to stiffen, the deep growl slipping from its lips filling the air as she took her leave, the creature following in her step as she moved to put space between her and the two men. More than a little thrown off balance, Barca had no clue what to do. He’d thought they’d been having a conversation, but apparently not. It didn’t make sense… but he supposed right then it didn’t have to make sense. He started after her, replies rapidly flowing through his mind as his gaze flicked to the lion and back to Naevia as she retreated from them. [color=orange]”Naevia!”[/color] He called, staying just far enough away that he could see if the lion turned towards him, [color=orange]”Your company is not a burden, and if I wasn’t interested I wouldn’t have approached you to begin with.”[/color] Was there anything in the vast store of information he held that could help? It always seemed to come to him at the most frustrating times, and yet when he wanted access to it, he couldn’t find the answers he wanted. Although he suspected that even all the information he carried wouldn’t unlock the secrets to women. So he would have to figure it out for himself. What was causing such a reaction? The topic of conversation hadn’t really been distressing… As his mind worked on that problem, Barca continued trying to get as close as he could. Had there been any other cue? He flicked through facial expressions and emotions in his mind, frowning slightly. Seeing that he was now close enough to reach out to her, Barca set Glaber’s cage down, reaching out to grab her arm and stop her. [color=orange]”Naevia.”[/color] Well that hadn’t been his intention when he mentioned Loki’s children, but then he realized that Loki did have a daughter, which meant that her response was…[color=0C4791]”Son of a bitch…”[/color] He reached out to stop Barca as he went after the Wakandan Princess, but it was already too late. She was angry and that was that, she’d just need some time to calm herself, otherwise someone would end up getting eaten...or at least maimed. Smalls approached and meowed at him and Jason picked up the small calico. [color=0C4791]”I know buddy, I know. Think I should try and catch her now?”[/color] Smalls purred a bit before mewling and jumping down, chasing after Naevia. Sighing, the oldest of the two Stark boys followed, though at a much more reserved distance than Barca. He had seen what could happen when the Wakandan Princess was angry or felt spurned and the person responsible hounded her. He’d also learned the lesson the hard way once. Still, he approached her and waited until Barca was done to speak with her. The threatening and rather animalistic snarl that ripped through the air was deafening. Her iris’ narrowing, becoming more like that of a feline, Naevia turned almost instantly, the sound passing from her causing her lips to part slightly revealing the sharp canines that stood in place of her normal pearly whites. He dare touch her..? Though the reaction was that of her own, the lion remaining dutifully, if not almost completely silent at her side. Did Crixus not deem such action a threat..? Or perhaps it was the boy he believed to be of no harm. The mere thought causing an annoyed chuff to fall from between her lips, emanating from somewhere within her chest, she tensed, the muscles in her arm growing taut under his hold for what felt like a lifetime before eventually, they relaxed, her voice still holding that hint of venom to it as she spoke, [color=E4A44D]“..what..?”[/color] There were many things in the world that Barca knew he could predict. His own death was not one of them. At Naevia’s reaction Barca quickly ensured that his expression was neutral, even as his heart beat fast. He knew that if she did attack, there would be little he could do. Assured of his own ability to defend himself, Barca had never explored other avenues of doing so. Perhaps that was an oversight that he should fix. As the silence seemed to stretch a lifetime, Barca began to wonder if it would just continue forever. As she spoke, he relaxed slightly, although he wasn’t foolish enough to believe any sort of danger had past. Keeping his gaze on her, Barca deliberated for a few seconds on what to say, before speaking [color=orange]”Well, I couldn’t simply let you go. Especially not when you are mistaken. My interest is what brought me over to you to begin with. I’d rather like a chance to prove that.”[/color] He kept a hold of her arm, as if unwilling to give her the chance to continue away from him. Jason watched Barca attempt to talk his way out of the highly dangerous situation he had landed himself in, but noted he hadn’t let go of Naevia. [color=0C4791][i]Oh that’s a grand way to get yourself hurt, buddy.[/i][/color] The young man approached the pair and carefully removed Barca’s hand from Naevia’s arm, despite the protests of the former. Smalls, during this walked up to the Wakandan Princess and meowed at her before rubbing up against her legs, purring. Jason looked between the pair. [color=0C4791]”Naevia, Loki’s kids held my interest in so much as I’d hoped that their dad’s sense of superiority would keep them away from here and I was mentioning it was all.”[/color] He leaned in closer so that Barca couldn’t so easily overhear the next part. [color=0C4791]”You know you’re the only person I’ve cared about in that way.”[/color] Stepping back, he turned to Barca. [color=0C4791]”First rule of calming an angry Wakandan Princess, don’t touch her unless you plan on losing an arm. Trust me, it’s a valuable lesson.”[/color] Barca resented being treated like a child, and he shot a glare at Jason as he was manhandled. He contemplated punching the Son of Stark, decided that Jason would be more skilled in the physical arts, and went with what he was strong with. Smarts and words. He tilted his head, studying the older boy, as if weighing how much he was worth. Then sighed, as if disappointed. [color=orange]”Just because you are afraid of doing so, Jason, does not mean that everyone has to be.”[/color] He paused a moment, thoughtful. [color=orange]”I’ll fight for what I want, Jason. Perhaps you should learn that lesson… and by doing so, learn to be a man.”[/color] He turned away from Jason, back to Naevia. [color=orange]”I apologise once more if I insulted you in anyway.”[/color] Jason bit back his seething reply, knowing that the Psion was simply trying to bait a reaction out of him. He instead turned his attention back to Naevia. [color=0C4791]”I, uh, need to go take care of some things. Find me in the sparring ring later, OK?”[/color] Turning away from the pair, he made his way over to get his stuff, double checking to make sure he didn’t forget anything in the process. After a couple of minutes, he went off to find his dad.