Inevitable//SYNC||OPEN

[Onzy]

Bella knew the meeting was inevitable. There was no reason that she knew of that she had to be called into the office of the principal, unless. Unless Kian had something to do with it. She knew the boy was trouble, but he honestly intrigued her. Bella felt that there was a good side to him, and he just needed someone to bring it out, but she wasn't about to get romantically involved. That was indeed bad news, and it wasn't something that she was about to get her hands dirty with.

Her pace was somewhat subdued, a visible limp in her step after she had taken a fall from Manor early that morning on the sand track. She had lightly sprained her ankle and wrist was wrapped in ace bandage. Her arms were lightly grazed, but that was thankfully hidden by the sleeves of her jacket. The secretary gave her a warm smile, which Bella returned. Samson trotted in behind her, and for once she was happy that dogs were allowed. Samson panted, and as Bella sat in the waiting room her nervousness grew. She honestly had no idea what Dayfdd would want, and it was an odd occasion.

Her wrist twinged again, and for once Bella regretted her early morning workouts. It hadn't been Manor's fault. Bella hadn't exactly paid attention to the surroundings, and he had spooked at a bird or it could have been his own shadow. Painkillers helped, but she couldn't exactly take them before school. Samson was happy enough to lay at her feet, but her nerves grew every few minutes. It wasn't like at Blue Ridge when she popped in when ever she felt like a talk, but now she had received a note, without any explanation why. If Kian had said anything that wasn't true, then she would wring his neck for him and save anybody else the trouble.

The dark haired male sat in the back of the cab, a sleeping retriever next to him. It had been about an hour since he had landed, and was now making his way to the place he would call home for the next while. He pushed the sunglasses back up to the bridge of his nose, and unlike the usual bulky things people wore, he had picked a pair of stylish Aviator glasses. He felt the awkwardness from the driver, and a small smile crossed his face. People always seemed unsure about what to do around him, and it always made him laugh.

He had the window open, and smelt the air to create a picture in his head of what the area looked like. Alexi always thought that his scent pictures were always more elaborate than what it might actually be. He smelt the pine needles, melted snow and fresh air. He smelt exhaust fumes, and stale tobacco in the cab. He had a feeling that they were close to the Academy, because it started to smell more farm scented than the town. A thrill of excitement ran down his backbone, and sent goosebumps to his flesh. Once they had stopped, Alex shook the lead gently, and Casey woke. The retriever was first to exit, and waited patiently for his master to follow.

Can you please unload my bags at the dorms? he asked the cabby, who mumbled a quick yes. They had thankfully parked in front of the main office, and was a few slow steps, before Alex felt steps beneath his feet. There were only about three or four low ones, and he pushed the door open. Various smells accosted him, and he drew in a breath. His mother had said that he must go see someone, indicating the principal, about his timetable, and which classes he could be taking. He knew music was one, and he would also be joining the swim team hopefully. Otherwise he would find out.

Bella looked up when the door opened, and a happy grin spread over her features. So it was true, Alexi had come to Park. She stood up, and made sure to walk quietly, but her friend had trained his ears to anyone coming. He turned his head at even the slightest footstep, cocking his head at the familiarity. Bella, if you are trying to avoid me, it's not working so well, he said, his slightly accented vocals said, a smile playing at his lips. Casey gave a happy bark, forgetting for the moment he was a guide dog. Bella laughed, and linked her arm through Alex's. The secretary just nodded, and gave a small smile.

Bella walked towards the seating again, and waited for Alexi to say something. Alexi waited for the same thing. What the hell are you doing at the Principal's office? he asked, feigning surprise at the fact. I'm asking myself the same thing, she answered, a frown crossing her face. Knock it off. It's not like I'm here everyday, she said, faking her serious tone when Alex rose his eyebrows, clearly visible. Casey settled next to his friend, Samson, and soon the two dogs were quite happy in being asleep.

Tag: Sync
Words: TLTC
Notes:
Outfit: Here
Credit: This template was created by DAN at CAUTION 2.0

[Sync]

Dafydd strode out of the barn silently, two canines flanking him faithfully. Today he'd introduced Icey and Cedar to Andy formally. The emaciated gelding had accepted them with ease this time, much unlike the first time when he first arrived at the college. Dafydd's lips were pulled into a happy grin, glad at how far the horse had come in two short weeks. He knew he had Remii Locke to thank for that too. He whistled quietly as they walked, causing Cedar's audits to perk in interest. Icey's tail also twitched in appreciation. Both dogs adored seeing their master in a good mood. It had been around more frequently lately. Of course, they were also happy that they were no longer cooped up in the halls with Kristin while Dafydd was out and about. He knew they were driving everyone insane, they weren't used to being deprived of following their master around while he preformed his duties.

The three drew closer to the office, Dafydd's whistling had evolved into singing. The words to Sweet Home Alabama slid off his tongue easily, suiting his gentle, husky tones. He opened up the door, still singing, and let his two canines bound inside. He cast a quick glance at his watch and realized he had an appointment that started about.. ten minutes ago. Oops. He was glad it was with Bella though. Hopefully the girl wouldn't hold it against him so much. He also knew there was another student arriving today, but hoped it would be a little while until then. He rounded the corner to go toward the corridor that led to his office, flashing a quick grin to his receptionist and then cut off his singing. He stepped into the waiting room to see Bella, along with the new student. No such luck of one thing at a time. Cedar, immediately recognizing the girl, bounded toward Bella. He grinned his wolfie grin, and butted his head into her hand. His attention then fell on the two sleeping dogs, Samson and the guide dog belonging to the new student. Icey looked indifferent, staying close to his masters side. He wasn't as sociable as his companion.

"Afternoon Bella," he nodded at her, a warm smile on his lips. She had no idea why she was actually here, he hadn't bothered to specify. He honestly wanted to just check up on her, he hadn't been able to speak to her properly since arriving. Of course, there was the issue of Kian. His features clouded with distaste briefly, before smoothing it out and looking to the new arrival. He knew the student was blind, it was his duty. But he flashed a smile anyway, albeit not with the same familiarity with the one he used for Bella. "Mr. Killian. I'm Mr. Rees, and I'd like to personally welcome you to the College. And yes, I'm aware that greeting is very clichéd." he chuckled softly. Looking between the two students, he realized they looked very comfortable with one another. "It seems you both know one another, so I'm sure you wouldn't mind me dealing with you both together?" he questioned, walking toward his office door. Opening it, he watched as Icey and Cedar entered, going to either sides of his desk and flopping down lazily. Rolling his eyes, he held the door open for Bella and Alexi. "Come on in. The sooner we get this over with, the sooner you can go back to doing whatever it was before. And that means class Bella." he said, looking at her pointedly. Many students seemed to decided after coming to see him, that they wouldn't have to go to the remainder of their class they left. After they had both entered, he closed the door and went to sit at his desk.

Looking from one to the other, he decided to start with Alexi. "Alexi, I trust that you had a good trip?" he asked easily. "Right, down to business. We need to sort out your timetable. Do you have any ideas what you want to take? Did you read over the options booklet?" he asked, knowing they'd had a special braille edition made up for him. Sitting back in his chair, he awaited answers. His oracles flickered toward Bella, flashing her a reassuring smile. He didn't want her to think she was in trouble or anything. He truthfully just wanted to make sure she was doing okay, and make sure Kian kept his hands to himself. He mentally reminded himself to have the boy called into his office again later. A meeting he wasn't looking forward to in the slightest. His attention returned to the other student, awaiting his replies.

[Onzy]

I'm sorry to hear about it, Alexi said, after Bella explained about her parents splitting. He had only heard the gossip stories, but he didn't believe any of them. They were the same type of stories that had wreaked so much havoc in Bella's life and he hated them with a passion. Hearing the true version was what he valued, and of course he felt sorry for his best friend, but there was nothing that could be done about it, and they both knew it. Onto a happier note, how was it crossing the big ocean? Bella asked, changing the topic easily, not wanting to talk any more about her parents. It was hard enough thinking about holidays, and the Christmas that had passed. Couldn't have been better. I should really thank your father for the upgraded tickets, he said, knowing that this was a familiar tactic.

Round about then, Alexi heard the sound of someone singing and dogs. He felt Casey raise himself of the ground, and the dog moved to his master's side. Bella fussed over Cedar, waiting for a few seconds. Afternoon Mr.Rees, she greeted back with a nervous smile. The moment of reckoning had come, but first it was Alexi to receive the attention, a small thing that she was quite happy about. Pleasure to meet you Sir, Alex greeted back. Bella gave a small chuckle at the next question. If only Dafydd knew that he didn't have to worry about her and Kian with Alexi around. Alex wouldn't have it any other way, she answered easily, referring to both the comment about them being in the same 'meeting' and class.Bella hooked her arm into Alexi's again and the dogs walked in front. She allowed him to find his own chair however, and she seated herself next to him. The principal seated himself, and then so it began. I did thank-you, Alex answered, before frowning slightly. I know that I am definitely taking music, but I am unsure of any other classes. I know any Equine classes are out, but I am thinking of taking Psychology and maybe English, he answered the question. Frankly, he had no actual clue about the subjects he wanted.

Bella received the reassuring smile with a touch of sceptimism. If nothing was wrong then why was she here? She waited for Alex to stop speaking, and unable to control herself, blurted out, It's about Kian, isn't it?. There was no hint of accusation to her voice, in actual fact just slightly panicked. Alexi turned to her, raised an eyebrow and tried to stay calm. Who is Kian? he asked, measuring the amount of calm he wanted to project.

Bella groaned and looked at Dafydd before replying. A friend. Nothing more. Nothing less. she answered shortly, knowing now that Alexi would be watching her like a hawk, excuse the pun, and so would Dafydd. Especially now. Bloody brilliant. He's also on probation, and was recently released from prison. He murdered someone, she said softly, but Alexi would have heard her, and in that same context Dafydd. She looked sheepish, and ducked her head, waiting for the blow out. And this Kian is a friend? What the hell were you thinking?! Alexi said, having no reason to shout. He did feel bad though about being so overbearing, but it was an instinct to him.

[Sync]

Kian dropped the paper as if it had burned him, his expression one of undoubtable horror. Why now? Just when he thought his life was getting sort of on track and he was beginning to enjoy it, he'd have to get in touch. He hadn't heard from him in years. Not since he left when Kian was in jail. But now he had. Kian's hands shook involuntarily as he stooped down to pick up the letter once again, his mind reeling as he wondered how his father even knew he was at Park. He let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding and it slid through his teeth in a ear splitting hiss. Had Dafydd told him where he was? Kian shook his head. No, Dafydd would never tell him that. But his probation officer might. Kian sucked in a deep breath once again, and then let his pained blue oracles fall onto the letter once again.

Kian,

I am aware that you have been in prison over the past few years on many more occasions than the one when I was still around. I'd been keeping tabs on you for a while, but then lost interest. But now I see that you've fallen under the care of that damn do gooder Rees, and now I think it's time for you to come back with me. You may disagree, but sadly you have no choice in the matter. I will be arriving in about a month or so. I need to prepare some things before I come. Until then, get all of your stupid antics out of your system. You won't have time to sedate them when you get back.

--Father.

The paper crumpled in his hands, his form now shaking out of pure rage. He needed to hit something, so he settled for the wall opposite him. His knuckles gave a sickening crunch, but no pain struck him. He felt a little better after assaulting the wall, but rage was still pumping through his veins. He needed to speak with Dafydd, and fast. Without a second thought, he stormed out of the room and made his way toward the main office.

Dafydd nodded at Alexi's choices, certain that not one of the teachers would have a problem with the boy joining their class. But then Dafydd shook his head. "The equine courses aren't exactly ruled out, Alexi. I'm sure we can make a few exceptions if there is something you really want to do." Dafydd told the boy reasonably. Before he could go onto questioning the male about any further subjects, Bella's outburst occurred. He fought the smile threatening to rise. She could see straight through his little facade. Sighing, he sat back in his chair and watched as she and Alexi conversed. She looked at him when Alexi asked who Kian actually was, and Dafydd shrugged a little. He wasn't going to step in until they had finished talking. He was a little humbled by the brotherly affection and protectiveness the boy showed toward Bella, but he did bristle a little at Alexi's last words. Kian wasn't all that bad, in fact, he'd been a lot better over the past week or so.

Dafydd parted his lips to speak once again, but he was interrupted. Yet again. The door to his office flung open, and Dafydd locked eyes with a panic stricken Kian. Incoherent babbling spewed from the young male, obviously unaware that Dafydd had other students with him in the office. "He's coming here! He.. h-" the male finally shouted clearly, before looking around. He cut off his words when his eyes fell on Bella, his shoulders sagging instantly. S**t. he thought, backing out of the room slowly. Dafydd tried to call him back, but Kian held up a hand and signified that he'd wait outside. He didn't really want Bella, or the other student whom he'd just noticed, hearing what he had to say. That was for his and Dafydd's ears only. Closing the door behind him, he sat down heavily in one of the chairs, placing his head in his hands. Thoughts swarmed his mind as he attempted to regulate his breathing. He knew he had to calm himself a little more before he even attempted to explain things to Dafydd. He hoped that the meeting he did have going on would draw out for a little while longer at least.

[Onzy]

Alexi completely forgot what Mr. Rees had said about the equine courses when Bella had bought up Kian. He calmed himself by taking a deep breath, and looked at Bella. Her gaze had turned into one shooting daggers, which just mean't that it would be his turn to receive an earful, but not quite yet. Just as she opened her mouth to speak, the door burst open, and Kian started saying something completely nonsensical. Bella's head shot up, and she stared at him. Alex's reaction was similar, but not quite. He just kept his head in position, and wondered who it was that was in the room.

Bella then watched as the male proceeded out the room, and she was stuck about what to do. That was Kian, she told Alexi, her vocals a little sharper than intended. She rose from the chair and exited the office, finding the male with his head in his hands in a chair. You look like crap, she told him, taking the chair next to him. So who's coming? she asked softly, wondering if she should honestly be so curious. She rubbed her wrist, thinking that perhaps she may have done more than sprained it, but the hospital didn't appeal much to her.

If Alexi could see, then he would have stared, but that didn't help. He recoiled from Bella's tone, shook his head and sighed. Do you perhaps know the number of the tack shop? I think I owe her one. he joked, but not really meaning it. They had various spats over the years, and it always ended up in one of them walking out of a room.

Casey licked his master's hand, and Alex was glad for the comfort. He wondered if the meeting would go back on topic, and he sighed. I read that there is Endurance classes? he sort of asked, interested in the class already. He did a lot of it back home, and Cody was due out of quarantine in a week or so. He was glad that he had kept back his sarcastic remarks, knowing that it would most likely not help the situation.

Worry gnawed at Bella's mind, wondering what was actually wrong. In her short life she had experienced various things, some that people would never have in their whole lives, but Kian had been worse off than she was. She didn't know his family history, and he didn't know about hers. Most of the time they were throwing around insults, and glaring at each other. The only time she thought that he was nice was when he was talking to her horses. Bella liked him enough.

Alexi kept listening for the door to open, but it never came. He was worried, he was sorry, he was a mixture of emotions. Some days Bella still managed to confuse him, even after three years, and now was one of those times.

[Sync]

Kian groaned when he heard the door open again. He should have expected it. She placed herself down beside him, and he couldn't help but flinch away. "Please don't be all concerned and nice Bella, I'd much rather hear a sarcastic remark or a dig about me becoming insane." He looked up and flashed her a slight grin. "Well, more insane. " The grin faded as quickly as it had arose. He contemplated telling her about what was going on, but quickly suppressed it. "Nobody's coming." he lied to her, in a tone that warned her not to press it. In this state, he was pretty sure he'd lash out at her if she pushed his buttons. That was something he really didn't want to do.

He still held himself away from her, keeping the distance. He let his oracles survey her carefully, noting that she was rubbing her wrist. A jolt of pain chose that moment to shoot through his knuckles which reminded him that he still had the letter clutched in his hand. Ignoring this, he reached out for her wrist and tenderly lifted it. His touch was so gentle, you'd never expect it to come from him. "What did you do to it?" he asked softly, trying to distract himself from his thoughts. A flash of surprise danced across his expression then. He actually cared for this girl, and it frightened him a little. And it wasn't just because he wanted to 'get in her pants', it was protective. Sure, they argued and threw insults at one another. More often than not they were locked in an intense glaring battle. But it amused him, and kept him grounded. Well, as much as he could be. His head snapped up at this. A growl of frustration left his throat. All of this, Ieuan, Dafydd, Bella, were going to be snapped away from him within the month. "F**king B**tard." he hissed, looking down at the ground as he did so.

Dafydd watched in astonishment as Kian left, quickly followed by Bella. Shaking his head in dismay, he clearly hadn't realized how close they had become. Did they even know how close they were? Teenagers. he thought with a sigh. He replayed what Kian had said in his mind, his brow furrowing deeply as he tried to make sense of it. Before he could analyze it any further, Alexi's vocals snapped him back to the present. He chuckled softly. "She won't hold it against you, she knows you only reacted because you care about her." he told the boy sensibly. As the words left him, he knew they were true. Bella was a smart girl, she wouldn't hold a grudge. At least, he hoped not. Otherwise he'd have a bit of groveling to do too.

Alexi's next words caused Dafydd to straighten up a little. He did have a job to do after all. He couldn't spend the whole of his day running after angst ridden teenagers. Though, that was actually what he was usually doing. "Right, yes. Back to business. Endurance.." he tried to pull up the name of the Endurance teacher, and was pleased when it popped into his mind. "Miss Drache would be more than pleased to have you joining her class. If you would like, I can ask her to have a few extra sessions for you and herself, as well as your horse, to be comfortable with one another. Though, if you prefer not to, that is no trouble at all." he offered slowly, pretty sure Miss Drache wouldn't mind. Noticing the boy seemed to be focusing on the door, not much passed by ole' Dafydd, he parted his lips to speak again. "She'll be back soon." he reassured him quietly, before smoothing out his expression. "Right, any more questions then Alexi?" he asked, leaning back into his chair once again.

[Onzy]

Bella merely watched Kian, her eyes staring intently. A smile merely played across her lips as she listened to him. She returned his grin, but she wondered what was really going on with him. When he said that nobody's coming, she wanted to say something that was really not necessary, but restrained herself. How can I help, if you won't tell me, she thought, wanting to ask the male. She honestly did care for him, and it hurt her to see him in this condition. It were at times like these that she felt really helpless, and she hated it.

A flash of shock passed through her frame when Kian gently picked up her injured wrist. Manor decided he was scared of his own shadow in the middle of a gallop, she answered, hoping that the caution she was feeling didn't come through in her voice. Kian was so gentle that she wondered why he wasn't always like this. Because he doesn't want to be used, her mind answered for her. She heard him hiss, his words hardly audible. Dude, seriously. Who are you talking about? she asked once again, knowing the gentleness of before had been lost.

The mind was a powerful thing, and once those memories consumed you, then there was very little that anybody could do. Bella knew. Even know she had the same nightmare she had after the accident, and the only thing she could actually remember were the bright head lights and the darkness after wards. She didn't want to go into the depths of anyone's memories. Sometimes it wasn't for others to delve into, but with Kian it was different. She had grown close to the male, and he really was a friend.

Alexi wondered how true the words were of Bella not holding a grudge. Highly unlikely. He gave a wry smile at the thought. You should ask her about her browband collection. Every time we have an argument the one who was wrong owes the other a brow band. I must say that I have only gotten one once, and that wasn't even for an argument, he said.

Cody was the only one he really rode. Pan was a special case, but Cody was the one he trusted with his life. I just need to get used to the trails. Cody will be fine for now, he said. Alexi frowned slightly, wondering when Bella would be back. He breathed deeply, and relaxed his features. You never know with her, he answered before carrying on, When can I start? he asked.