Well, this was going to be another viral video, wasn’t it?

Dad was going to be so mad.

“Go ahead, try that with me.” Gabriel cracked his knuckles. It had been awhile since he’d been in a good knock-down, drag-out fistfight. He probably wouldn't even need to use his attribute. “I dare you.”

“Gabriel,” August said, steadying him with a big hand on Gabe’s forearm. His thick brows were furrowed, concern written on his handsome features. His face had suddenly grown dour with recognition. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Gabriel Masters.” The guy snorted. “It’s been a decade since I’ve been in the same room with one of your ilk. You haven’t grown an inch, have you?”

“Do I even know you?” 

“Think about it, squirt.” The stranger gave a snide grin. He clearly had money, adorned with a slick, fancy wristwatch and the attitude to match. “Surely your daddy doesn’t have so many friends that you’ve already forgotten who I am?”

White blonde hair, sharp cheekbones, golden eyes…

“Johann?” Gabe’s lip curled into a sneer.  “I see you still haven’t grown up.”

“Pot, kettle.” Johann waved a hand. His eyes glittered with something approaching mischief. “What are you doing defending the Dean’s kid? You some sort of bootlicker now?”

“You'd know” Gabe said, shoving Johann with what he considered admirable restraint. “August’s my partner, as I’m sure you've figured out, and you’d do well to keep his name out of your mouth and your hands to yourself.”

“What a worthless excuse for a Masters you are. You know I could take you apart.”

“You—”

But suddenly Johann was against the wall, his hands pinned above his head. His bright eyes glowed just a little brighter before they slammed closed, his long fingers curling and twitching. “I suggest you rethink what you just said, Mr. Gouten,” August said, tone calm and measured. Gabe watched him with something approaching wonder. His forest green eyes had shuttered, a cold rage replacing whatever Gabe usually found there. “As Guardians in training, it is our duty to remain respectful of our colleagues. You’ve been exceptionally rude and violent with us both.”

“What the hell are you doing?” Johann spat, wriggling fruitlessly. “Why can’t I open my eyes? Since when could you—”

“In circumstances of assault, it is entirely within my rights as a probationary Guardian to act in defense of myself and my appointed partner.” August hadn’t even lifted his hands. He crossed his arms, long fingers tap, tap, tapping. “You continued to behave aggressively with us both. I have simply defused the situation. We will be leaving now. You should regain your ability to move momentarily. I suggest you mind yourself, or we’ll need to come to a more permanent solution.”

“You know this is being taped,” Johann spat.

“Of course I know this is being taped, Johann. Which is why I clearly articulated the specific reasons I was empowered to detain you.” August calmly removed Gabe’s hat from his head, delicately putting it back over top Gabe’s blonde hair.

Johann’s voice was low with warning. “August, you better hope my mother doesn’t see this.”

August took a handful of even, careful steps toward Johann. Gabe was just close enough to hear him whisper: 

“What’s she going to do about it, Johann?”

“CLEAR THIS HALLWAY!” 

The voice shattered the din of the other students, a numb silence falling over them all.

August turned on his heel, approaching the booming voice without another word.

He looked at Gabe, slipping back into a composed persona like a second skin. “You coming? That would be my father.”

Gabriel blinked, scrambling after August’s long strides as the the crowd once again began to murmur.