I'm Done Holding Back

Chapter Twenty-Five: Fights

     "Okay, if that's really what you want," Varian replies. "But, if you need to talk, you know I'm here for you."

The truth is, she doesn't want him to leave. She wants him to stay, even if it is just to offer silent moral support. But she wouldn't dare admit this to him. She is used to handling things on her own. Alone.

Varian hesitates for a moment, but then finally leaves. She hopes that he goes to his own room, instead of confronting Abhu like she's sure he is dying to do. She can't handle any more drama tonight...

Varian is furious. Livid. How dare Abhu speak to Cassandra like that?! What is that guy's problem, anyway? Varian has always felt there was something off about him, but now he knows that Abhu has some serious issues. He is being this judgmental of Cass, and he doesn't even know about her past. What would he do if he knew about the things she has done? Not that Varian cares, but it is evident that Abhu would...

Speak of the devil... Varian thinks, as he catches sight of Abhu storming out of the shelter. Varian glances back at Cassandra's room briefly, and then chases after Abhu.

"What the heck is your problem?!" Varian yells, catching up with Abhu just within the jungle of palm trees.

"Leave me alone!" Abhu shouts back, still stomping forward. "I don't have to answer to you."

Varian grabs his shoulder, stopping him. "You have no right to treat Cassandra that way!"

     Abhu spins around to face him. "And what gives you the right to tell me how to act? You have no idea what it's been like for me!"

     "Do explain," Varian says with a sneer.

     "My life feels like nothing but a hazy memory," Abhu says. "The only thing that has ever felt real was her. From the moment I met Cassandra, I felt like my life had meaning. Had purpose." He shakes his head. "But I guess it's all been a lie."

     "You claimed to have feelings for her," Varian says. "If you truly love someone, you love everything about them, even their faults."

     "I loved who I thought she was," Abhu says. "How can you love someone when you find out they were pretending to be someone they're not?"

     "You stick with them, and figure out why they felt the need to hide who they are," Varian replies matter-of-factly. "Otherwise, how can you say you truly loved them at all?"

     Abhu shakes his head. "Again, you just don't get it."

     "You're right, I don't," Varian says. "I don't get why you can't see how incredible and strong and inspiring Cass is. She has weathered more storms than you can imagine, and despite everything she's been through she continues to see herself in a negative light. She needs someone who can lift her up, to help her see her own beauty and worth. She does not need someone else to make her feel like she doesn't deserve to be who she really is."

     "I guess that's the difference between you and me. You don't mind having low standards."

     Varian has had enough of this guy disrespecting Cassandra. Rage bubbles inside of him like a volcano preparing to erupt. In the past he has always let his alchemy or inventions do the fighting for him. But without any tools to use, he throws the first punch of his life. His knuckles collide with Abhu's eye, and Varian has to immediately cradle his hand from the onslaught of pain.

     Abhu stumbles back a few steps from the blow, his hand covering the spot where Varian struck. For a moment he seems dumbfounded, in disbelief.

But his urge for retaliation kicks in, and he hits Varian in the jaw with such force that it knocks him to the ground. The pain is so excruciating, that for a moment Varian wonders if his jaw may be broken. But he simply rubs the area in shock and anger as Abhu towers over him.

     "Leave. Me. Alone," Abhu says gravely, and then he disappears into the night.