Losing a battle, but winning a war

Jenny ignored his expression and got up from her seat. After that she lifted James up in her arms and turned to face Jason to formally introduce the two. This caused Jason to raise his brow and made his expression turn a bit unhappy. Though he knew that it was just a kid, he didn't like another guy getting so close to Jenny. Even if that guy was only four years old and about 1 meter tall. Being the bigger man, literally and figuratively, he pushed the thought aside. "Jason meet James. He is the little boy who got cake on my dress at that event a few weeks ago. And James, this is the prince I was talking about, meet Jason." Jason relaxed his expression a bit after finding out who the boy was and he tried to be nice for Jenny's sake as he held out his hand and said, "Hello little boy, nice to meet you." James rejected his hand and turned away with a 'humph' "Who are you calling a boy? I am a man!" Jason chuckled as he ruffled his hair and said "Yeah, yeah. My bad. Little man then."

This seemed to anger the little boy even further, bringing the project of Jason gaining his approval in jeopardy. James glared at Jason, not fearing the man who could silence entire rooms just by stepping inside. In the arms of his big sister Jenny, he had all the courage in the world. Seeing the fire in the boy's defiant eyes, made Jason feel like bullying him a bit. He stepped closer to the both of them and snatched him from Jenny's arms. As the boy was flailing his arms and legs around to get free from his grasp, Jason said with a low-spoken voice "Well if you are a man, you don't need to be carried by a woman, right? Especially not one that is already engaged. Real men can stand on their own two feet." After saying these words, he placed the boy down on the floor. Jenny pushed Jason's arm to get him to move aside and picked the boy back up. "Stop it Jace. Don't tease him. I like holding him." Jenny said as she defended little James and as she smushed their faces together for a moment. "Hmph, did you hear that. Big sister likes it." Jason gave the boy a condescending look as he made a 'chè' sound and turned towards the plate of unfinished pancakes on the table. "Sorry, I thought he was old enough to walk on his own. Guess a little shrimp like him still needs someone to carry him so that his little legs don't get tired."

This made the little boy upset as he looked at how tall Jason was and how small he still was. "Yeah...well...that is just because you are older than me. Just wait. Once I grow up, I will be just as tall. No, I will be even taller, humph." "Exactly. I am older and that is why Jenny is mine and you are just the little brat she has to hold because he can't walk by himself." Under her breath Jenny hissed at Jason, "Why are you responding so seriously at his words. He is just a child." However, these words were loud enough for the boy to hear and this gave Jason a reason to give a sideways arrogant smile at the boy to show off his victory and put salt in his wounds. Having a terrible first encounter, both guys looked at each other with unhappy expressions and had an unfriendly attitude. Jenny tried to salvage the situation by saying "James did you know that Jason's second name is James as well? How do you like that for a coincidence."

James ignored Jenny's trivia and instead changed the topic to the invite from before. "Sis, didn't you say that we were going shopping? We should go now, before it becomes too late." Jenny glanced at her watch and said "You are right! I am already much too late. Let's get going." Jason turned around surprised and walked back towards them as he asked "Are you leaving? Where are you guys going?" "I am going shopping for some school supplies and James said he would accompany me. After that I have agreed to meet up with the girls." "Oh, in that case, wait for me. I still have some shopping to do as well. I can go with you guys." This caused James's eyes to grow large and he quickly turned to Jenny. "Can't we go without him big sis? I want to spend some time alone with you. He gets to see you every day. Can't he go shopping with you some other time."

Seeing how unwilling the boy was to go with Jason and already being quite late to get all her shopping done before meeting up with the girls, she turned to Jason and said "Sorry Jace. Mind if we go shopping together tomorrow. I already promised James that I would take him and after that I am meeting up with the girls. You aren't going to join for that anyways, so why don't you sit this one out." Now James was looking at Jason with a smug, cheeky smile. Making Jason impressed at how skilful he was at such a young age. He looked at Jenny's pleading expression and decided to let this one slide for now. He didn't really feel like getting dressed and he would have to rush his breakfast as well. He shouldn't fight over her attention with a little kid. Feeling quite mature, he whispered in Jenny's ear "Fine. Go without me. But tomorrow I expect your undivided attention. Go have fun and ditch the brat before tomorrow." before placing a kiss on her cheek. Jenny gave him an angry glare for the last few words before turning her face back towards James. As James watched this interaction, he understood the meaning of losing a battle, but winning a war. It appeared like Jason had demonstrated that just now. He looked a bit forlorn but cheered up quickly when Jenny asked him "Well let's go then. Are you ready James?" He nodded his little head and they went on their way, leaving Jason behind.