one of those days [open]

[Onzy]

She's your sister! shouted the frustrated vocals into the phone, the slightly German accent becoming so much clearer with anger. There was a slight pause on the other end of the line, before a sigh of amusement cam through. And she's your mother. Max, she hasn't seen you in months. Your summer wasn't exactly spent at home, came the annoyingly true words from his Uncle. There were days when Max couldn't stop wondering if they were actually related, but then he realised that it wasn't that they weren't related, but the people they loved that had changed them for better (or worst). Summer was a good influence on Chuck, a much needed one, but Ieuan. Ieuan was one of those guys who could head you in one direction, and Max had obediently followed it. Now he wasn't as naive as he used to be, and had definitely lived a lot during the few years that he had known the love of his love. Not that the relationship hadn't had its ups and downs. It was only about six weeks after they had reconciled after the last break up.

Max's mother had decided she was going to visit after he hadn't even bothered to make a stop at home. She had informed him of her visit about a week ago, and there wasn't any way that he could get out of it. He was known for his random leave of absences during term, but he had a feeling that Dafydd was not too impressed with them after having put up with them for about three years. Over the last few days, Max had become increasingly grouchier, but had hidden his mood to the best of his ability, and there were a few individuals who could see that he wasn't himself. Now, he was on his way to the airport, already late because he had been spending time with Ieuan. His mother could wait a few minutes, and it wasn't as if there wasn't enough duty free shops to keep her busy for a while.

The Land Rover was already breaking the speed limit, and Max only slowed down once he had reached the town. The airport was small compared to Heathrow, but dealt with enough flights internationally to be known. Parking, he made his way to the arrival hall, and was greeted with a fairly unpleasant site. It was not only just his mother waiting for him, but also his father. The man that was supposed to be in jail for fraud and embezzlement. Max didn't really resemble his parents. His eyes came from his father, the shade and shape almost identical, but he had his mother's shade of hair. Not really a resemblance to any of them, but it was there if you looked closely. Mom, he said cautiously, What is he doing here? he carried on, his stance hostile and so was his gaze.

Well, your father got out for good behaviour about three months ago. We talked things through, and decided we were too hasty with the divorce. We wanted to come make things right Max, his mother answered his question, and he read the pleading in her eyes. His father nodded, and a rare smile graced the man's face. Max wasn't so sure anymore, maybe his father had changed, but he couldn't be sure. His mother knew about Ieuan, after all he had nearly died because of the heartbreak and distance. Max had been proof of that various times over the last few months, but then it was more of his own conscious torturing him. Well, erm, thanks. I think we should get going. After all, you did say you wanted to see the horses, he said, unsure of the whole situation.

Once the 4x4 was loaded with luggage and his parent's done arguing about where they were going to sit, Max pulled out of the lot. This called for a cigarette and he pulled heavily on it. Bart gave him a disapproving glance, but said nothing. It was not quite the same reaction that he got when told his parents that he was gay, but that is a story for another day. Ieuan had not met his parents, and his parents had not met Ieuan. Something that he was highly thankful for because with his father, Max's being gay was something he could accept at face value, but the application thereof he could not. If anything, Max hoped that his boyfriend was not at the stable block. Pulling into the College, he presented his student ID and was granted access.

Bart gave a low whistle at the initial view of Park and Max just smiled at himself. After all, it was the family funds paying for his education. The horses were what Bart and Susan were interested in, and Max did not hesitate to take them to the stables. All of his beasts had been brought in, and it was an impressive bunch. Please don't let Ieuan pop out, please. Max prayed silently, knowing that with Ieuan's horses a few stalls down, meant that he could easily be seen. On the outskirts of the conversation, he just looked worried.

[Sync]

Ieuan was bored, and nothing ever good came from this mood. The young male wandered aimlessly around the yard, annoyed that Max’s presence had been taken from him. His boyfriend had left without an explanation as to where he was going, which hadn’t really worried Ieuan. The pair had separate lives; they didn’t need to know the others every move. What annoyed him most was the fact that he had nothing else to do. Suddenly he paused mid stride, scrambling for his phone from his pocket frantically. Trail ride. Meet outside Campbell stables, you have half an hour to get here. he typed swiftly, before sending the text to Niall and Kian. Niall’s reply shot back almost instantly. Kay. was all it read, and Ieuan hadn’t expected much more. Kian’s reply appeared just as Ieuan came to a stop outside Maddie’s stall. Shove off. Ieuan decided to take that as a yes, especially when he saw his best friend appear around the corner with a grin on his face. Ieuan chuckled and rose a hand in greeting, awaiting for Kian to appear at his side before the pair made their way to the tack room.

Not five minutes later, the two emerged with arms full of tack. ”Are you aware that Awyr’s tack is almost the same size as you?” Ieuan asked conversationally as they made their way to their horses neighbouring stalls. Kian nodded solemnly, before looking thoughtful. ”I think he’s grown.” he announced, before returning Ieuan’s amused grin. ”Or you’ve shrunk.” Ieuan chuckled, dodging Kian’s elbow aimed at his side. The two slipped into their respective horses stalls, and quickly began to tack up their equines. Maddie looked at her owner with a slight look of distaste, obviously not up for a trail ride. Turning swiftly on her heels as Ieuan approached her with the saddle, she was surprised to see that her owner had countered the movement perfectly and now said saddle was perched perfectly on her back. Ieuan smirked at her smugly, before softening the expression and tickling under her chin affectionately. ”Better luck next time, sweetheart.” he murmured, slipping the bridle onto the now willing mare.

The two males, who had been absorbed so absorbed in their equines, failed to hear the approaching vocals and footsteps of new arrivals. Kian was the first to emerge from his stall, leading an always placid Awyr. The large brute peered around curiously; his intelligent oracles by passing the three new humans and falling on a bay mare, stood outside the stable yard just up ahead with a familiar human on her back. He whinnied in greeting to the mare, causing Kian to look up to catch Niall’s eye, signalling that he’d be a few more moments to which the curly headed boy tipped his hat in acknowledgement before trying to sooth his impatient mare. Kian’s eyes then found Max and two unfamiliar people. His head tilted curiously, wondering if Ieuan knew of the two people. He certainly hadn’t mentioned that Max’s parents, who Kian assumed the two older people had to be, were visiting. Shrugging slightly, he walked his Clydesdale over to the mounting block and hauled himself quickly up into the saddle, waiting much more quietly for Ieuan and Maddie to appear than Niall and Mist out in the yard.

Finally, after adjusting the stubborn saddle bred mares girth, Ieuan and Maddie emerged from the stall. ”You know Maddie, it would make both our lives much more pleasurable if you just chose to co-operate with me occasionally. I’m not asking for all the time, which would just be boring, but 3 times out of 10 would be nice.” he spoke amusedly to his pretty steed, patting her neck affectionately. She gave him a look that clearly questioned his sanity, causing him to throw his head back as he laughed. ”I’ll take that as a no then.” he chuckled, finally looking up. The sight that greeted him caused his oracles to narrow, his happy expression falling. Kian frowned. ”This can’t be good...” he murmured to his quiet steed, who snorted in response to his owners vocals. Ieuan cast a cold glance at Kian before returning his gaze to Max and the two other people who were obviously his parents. He got the fact that Max may not want to introduce him to his parents, heck he got the disapproval of sexual preferences, but what he didn’t understand was the fact that Max felt the need to hide their arrival from him. What did he think Ieuan would do? He wasn’t that much of an embarrassment, was he? Straightening his posture, he turned into Maddie’s side and swiftly pulled himself up into the saddle. ”After you, Kian.” he muttered coldly, gesturing for his friend to lead the way to the entrance of the yard, where a wide eyed Niall was waiting for them.

[Onzy]

This was not going to be good. His parents were happily fussing over Hawk, his mare who underwent a colic op, and Bart and Susan weren't really paying attention to him. He had an apprehensive feeling about the whole thing, not really understanding his father's intentions about coming with his mother. After the divorce, his mother had sworn that she wanted nothing to do with Bart anymore. Max made his way to Scotch, playing with the mare's silvery forelock. He was so immersed in his thoughts, that he didn't even notice that the usual trio had arrived. It was by chance that he looked up to catch Ieuan's cold gaze. Shock and guilt registered on his face, but he couldn't leave. Not now at least. Erm, mom, dad, I've got to go. Can I leave you two here with the car? I'll be back in an hour or so? he asked, hoping that they fell for his rather lame excuse.

Susan looked at Max oddly, knowing that something was up, but Bart couldn't care less. All he wanted was back into the Bass/Carter fortune, and he was going to get it. Sure. I'll let you know where we are, Susan answered with a small smile. Max nodded thanks and went to the tack room to go fetch Scotch's bridle. The four year old hadn't been started under saddle just yet, but Max had ridden her bareback a few times on the trails. He led the mare from the stall, and to the mounting block. Riding in jeans wasn't the most comfortable for him, but he had to make things right with Ieuan. Now, before it got ugly again.

He didn't have far to go to catch up with Ieuan, but trying to explain the whole thing was going to be difficult. Ieuan, I'm sorry! he called to the backside, not wanting to force Scotch faster than a walk. I didn't know they were coming, he paused, thinking over the last sentence. Well, I knew mom was coming, but not dad. If he wasn't here, I would happily introduce you to mom, but I don't know what his agenda is, he carried, knowing that it was sounding more stupid by the minute. He shook his head, knowing that Ieuan would have to come around on his own.

Max turned Scotch around, and headed back towards the stable. The mare was confused by the short journey, and pranced, her hooves clattering on the paved courtyard. Max could still see his parents at the stables, and came to halt outside. He dismounted and led Scotch back to her stall. Mom, dad, I have a boyfriend, he exclaimed suddenly, quite surprised with himself. I knew it would only be a matter of time until your fag behaviour was applied in more ways than just one, his father said quite loudly, darkness shadowing his eyes. Max stood there stunned, unsure what to say or do, and looked to his mother for guidance. She lowered her head and stepped back from the situation.

Wha- What? he asked, still unsure that he heard correctly, and if he was right, most of the stable block did as well. He was too stunned to be angry, and for once, he wished that he could just remove himself from his family forever. You heard me Max, Bart said coldly, and returned back to fussing over Hawk.