umbrakinesis

The dynamic between mother and daughter was peculiar compared to his own upbringing. He watched with subtle curiosity. They made it obvious they cared for each other which was a good thing to Jiro, but the edge that lined the woman’s words still had him sitting on the edge of his seat. Her comment about his name has a sharp breath of hair blowing from his nostrils, his body sitting up straighter instead of laying in a relaxed position.

“My father is cruel. Jiro means second son so perhaps I’ve always been destined for a short life,” his Japanese accent thickens, distaste lining his words as his lip crinkles. It had never bothered Jiro that he was the least favorite, the black sheep. He could care less for such silly things, but did Hattori not have a better sense of humor? Or honor? The blatant disrespect and doubt is what settled an inky black feeling in his heart toward the male.

His eyes flicker to Xina for a moment. Jiro couldn’t deny the slight possessive tinge he already felt for the fireball. Entertaining her on the walk over had been easy. Acting annoyed and insulted by her quips and sass had been easy, even if he could care less. Even if he knew he could easily stomp her into the group if he so wished. “If she wishes, I shall.” Jiro levels his gaze with Absinth, a brow raised slightly at the implication that Xina was capable of protecting herself.

“What use is that she appears far smarter than to waste her own energy fighting her battles when she could have someone do it for her. Is that not what a true princess would do?” His lips tease upward into a smirk as his silver gaze moves to Xina, to se how she reacts to the comment. How far could he push the limit before she snaps? Showing her true colors?

When Absinth turns her attention to Xina for a moment, Jiro takes this moment to stand. At his full height, he nearly has roughly eight inches on the older woman, forcing his chin to tilt downward when he looks at her. Waiting patiently, his form relaxed and lazy as usual, he listens to their short conversation. Hm, maybe that was why Xina had been so keen on taking him? To one up her brothers? Made sense.

Absinth turns her attention back to him, he lifts a brow in response once more. “What shall you have me do? I already insinuated I don’t specialize in fighting,” he inquires, head canting slightly, curious about so many things.