Tales of Emerald Steel

The science fair

Oliver would have given anything to be somewhere else at the moment. Anywhere but this convention where his mother had dragged him. Yet four years that he had come back and his mother still treated him like a little boy, controlling his every action.

And now, he was dying of boredom in the science fair where he had learned that he would be giving the prize to the winners of the 11-13-year-old category. As he was currently strolling in the alleys, looking the projects over, trying to find something interesting when he heard someone's attempt to argue discreetly two stands further.

"You do not get to tell me what to do!" was a blonde-haired woman saying to the guy in front of her

"Of course I do! You're my girlfriend and I won't let any son of a bitch eat you with his eyes. Let alone talk to you!"

"Oh well, thank you for your trust! Sounds like I would be the kind to jump in bed with the first man that says something nice to me!"

"It's not-"

"Than what is it? In who do you lack trust? Me? Or yourself? Because it's not normal for you to threaten Winn when all he did is give me a hug! I haven't seen him in ages and now he'll probably be afraid to talk to me!"

"Good. At least he'll keep his hands to himself now"

"You know what? I won't tolerate this any longer. I could bear with you being hostile to my ex-boyfriend who clearly has still feelings for me, but this time, you went too far. It's over. We're done." announced the woman, turning to leave.

However, her now ex-boyfriend grabbed her hand, his face almost already red with anger. "Hey! You do not get to do this!"

"And why not!"

"Because you're mine!"

"No, I'm not! Now let me go!"

"No. You're coming with me. I'll have to teach you some manners!"

"What!? No! Let go!" she said, using her second hand to try to loosen his hold on her wrist.

"Diggle, block his way. Just in case." Oliver asked, already walking toward the scene. He didn't need a vocal confirmation, for his brother in all but blood walked passed him, circling around the two.

"Mike! Let me go!"

"Shut up and come with me!" he sneered, lifting his free hand. 

His blow, however, never reached her face, for Oliver caught his forearm. Surprised, the so-called "Mike" apparently let go of the woman, who lost balance and felled on the ground. 

"What the hell man?"

"I think she said clearly enough that she didn't want to go with you."

"Mind your own business! This is between me and her!"

"Really?"

"Yes! She's my girlfriend! And I have some explaining to do to her!"

"I don't want anything to do with you!"

"Shut up bitch! You're coming with me!" yelled Mike as he moved toward her, only to have Oliver's shoulder bury itself in his chest

"I don't think so. Let her alone."

"Or what?"

"Or I'll stand in your way. And if you ever tried something, my bodyguard behind you would have to intervene. You know, to ensure my security."

Mike suddenly looked behind him and paled a little when he saw Diggle look at him with an expecting look. He roared lowly and stormed off. When he was sure the clown had really gone, Oliver turned toward the woman, only to find her already getting up.