He watched her, her expression a mixture of sadness and resignation. "I understand," he said quietly.
She looked at the ground, not meeting his eyes. "I'm just going to go. I'll see you later." Her voice was low, and she disappeared without another word.
Jack was quiet, ignoring the sinking feeling that was occurring in his gut. He pinched the bridge of his nose. Finally, he straightened up and left the library, heading to a bar.
Once Avice got outside, she looked around, unsure how to feel. After a moment, she found a way to the rooftops, and climbed, going to clear her head.
Jack frowned as he knocked back another shot of whiskey, the expression unfamiliar on his usually joyful face. There was a tap on his shoulder, and he turned and raised an eyebrow. "You're in our place," a man growled, his breath stale and warm. Behind him were two other men, cracking their knuckles intimidatingly. Jack sighed and turned back to his drink.
Avice entered from the back, not quite seeing Jack yet. Instead, she looked around. Drunks were always the easiest people to steal from.
The man grabbed Jack's shoulder, and wrenched him back. "Hey!" he said loudly. "We're talking to you." Jack frowned, turned back, and socked the man in the face. The man fell back, and when the other two surged forward. Jack kicked one in the legs, and ducked as the other one tried to hit him. He wrenched his arm back, and the man cried out. Jack shoved them both into each other, and they fell to the floor. They didn't get up. Jack returned to his drink, unphased.
Avice noticed the commotion, and walked over. She saw Jack and considered leaving, but felt badly. Instead, she approached, lightly placing a hand on his shoulder. "Jack?"
Jack turned and frowned at her. It took a moment for him to place her in his drunken state, but he quickly grinned. "Avice!" he slurred. "God. You get more and more beautiful every time I see you."
She frowned, her eyes a bit sad. "I like you, too. We should probably leave the bar before more fights start, okay?"
"No, but I really like you," he insisted. "You're so pretty, and you could totally beat me up, but you're so funny and smart. Your nose crinkles when you laugh. I love that about you."
