center of attention. [onzy]

[Sync]

His eyes followed the paint mare as she trotted elegantly through the pasture, making a beeline for the little gray pony on the other side. A fond smile tugged at his lips as he watched the pretty mare greet her cute counterpart enthusiastically. Puzzle instantly settled beside Question, shaking her whole bodice once violently before dropping her cranium to graze peacefully. Question soon followed her example, not before calling his greeting to his curly headed owner. Sandy stood not too far away from the content pair, grazing silently without even acknowledging Jay's arrival and now departure. Hiking the saddle a little further up his arm, Jay turned on his heels and took off toward the barn to put away the tack and retrieve his school bag.

As he walked, his mind grazed over the ride he and Puzzle had just completed. The nervous mare had done well today, only spooking twice on the trails. It was a massive improvement. Grinning at how comfortable she now was passing other riders on the trails, Jay couldn't help comparing the rides to the first ones he'd experienced on the paint x arab. Letting his expression become a little more cold as he entered the stables, he refused to meet eyes with any one he passed. The familiar burn that alerted him that people were watching his movements caused a brief smirk to tug at his lips, as well as his chin to lift a little arrogantly. He loved the attention, and practically demanded it when he entered a room. It didn't help that everyone seemed to oblige with what he wanted. With the exception of Melissa, Spencer, Hayden and even Simon on occasion. Those were the four people he couldn't help but become more relaxed around, more himself.

Jay now found himself walking at a leisurely pace toward the library, a drastic change to his usual brisk walk. His posture was looser, more relaxed. His expression pulled in a slight scowl as he thought over some homework he had to complete. He'd fallen a little behind in his science work, of which he was admittedly awful at. It was the one subject he could never seem to get to grasps with. Nodding his thanks to a younger student who had held the door open to allow him inside the main building, he found himself almost immediately inside the large, welcoming library. The warm, inviting dark browns and lighter reds that coloured the room immediately brought a smile to the short males' face. As much as he hated to study, he did really enjoy the atmosphere of the room.

Breathing in the musky, yet somehow pleasant scent of the library, he swept past the front desk without so much as a glance at it and immediately carried himself to the desk situated in the middle of the room. Many students sat on adjacent tables, eyeing Jay hesitantly as he sat down. Some tensed as he passed by, causing the boy to smile slyly. He'd never get sick of that reaction. It was priceless. If anyone, though they never would, saw the way he interacted with Spencer and Melissa when they were alone, they'd never take him seriously again. But, for now, his reputation was still in tact. Settling quickly, he pulled his science text book and exercise book from his bag as well as a pen and flipped to the page of his assignment. He soon found himself glaring at a complicated equation, unable to make heads nor tails of it.

[Onzy]

Connor realised that if he was going to finish his physics project and equine business assignment he was going to have to escape the craziness of his house and find somewhere quiet. That would mean the library or his death. The library seemed to be the better and safer option. Grabbing the satchel that contained most of his books and notes, he made his way towards the library. In the recent rush of a new term and everything that went with it, Connor was falling behind drastically with his work, meanwhile Simon just carried on as always. It made slightly jealous, but at least Simon had a solid relationship with Hayden. After the holidays, there was just something different between him and SJ, like they were drifting apart and Connor didn't know what to do.

The walk to the main building was pretty chilled, but it seemed that there was a lot of traffic coming and going. Brilliant! It meant that the place was going to be packed with students, but at least it was going to be quiet. Entering the place that was filled with knowledge, Connor searched for a place to sit quickly. He found one, but it was opposite his least favourite person. Jay seemed to be absorbed in some sort of chemistry thing, but Connor was more opposed to taking the seat opposite the male. There hadn't ever been a time that the two had met without words being exchanged.

He had no choice but to sit, but he did so with reluctance and distaste. Robinson, he greeted, before unpacking his text books. The physics was easy enough and he breezed through the required questions. It seemed though that Jay was struggling with chemistry. Need any help? he asked, as much he hated to even associate with the Australian.

Hate this, but
it will get better.

[Sync]

Jay looked up suddenly when he felt a presence standing near him. The sight that greeted him caused him to immediately scowl. "Greene." he offered coldly, his nose scrunching a little as if he were smelling something disgusting. How Simon turned out to be so lovely while his twin was pretty much a douche, he'll never know. But then again, the same could be said for himself and Hayden. At least they had the excuse of being half brothers. Promptly going back to ignoring the world around him, Jay became quickly absorbed in his homework once more. The more he read, the more convinced he grew that he hated chemistry. With a passion. Frowning deeply at the equation in front of him, he lifted the well used eraser from beside him and erased yet another wrong working out. Damn stupid required science. he thought in disgust, tapping his pencil furiously against the table as he thought.

Reluctantly, he looked up again when he heard Connor speak. The question made him bristle a little, a firm no already trying to break through his gritted teeth. Instead, he thought for a second and recalled something Hayden had mentioned to him in passing a few days ago. A sly, evil smirk over took his expression, his oracles twinkling dangerously. "No thank you," he started curtly, before leaning forward a little and dropping the volume of his vocals a little. "But, a little bird tells me you are the one in need of some help." he finished, a smug ring to his words. "I heard there is trouble in paradise. One Sarah-Jane has finally had enough of you. Is it officially over yet?" he asked darkly, enjoying the upper hand he currently had immensely. "She always was too good for you." he mused aloud, leaning back in his chair and tapping his chin thoughtfully. He became aware of the attention they were attracting, many students gazes flickering between Connor and Jay nosily. Jay didn't deter them, he loved an audience. "Good riddance to bad rubbish." he delivered finally, malice finally slipping into his vocals. The smirk stayed in place though, infuriatingly strong and unwavering.

[Onzy]

Connor was not in a mood to be messed with, but it seemed that the perfect person to take it out on was Jay, but that exact same one was intent on annoying him as much as possible. His features darkened and his eyes had fire burning in them. Just because he didn't have red hair didn't mean he didn't have an Irish fury in him. There was no point in asking Jay about how he knew about SJ and him, because that idiot seemed to know everything. The source of the info he could confess in knowing. Simon would have confessed to Hayden that he was worried and Hayden might have just talked mouth past. There was only so much Connor could take until he snapped, and Jay was very close to crossing that line. Damn you Robinson, Connor whispered fiercely. His relationship with SJ was a private matter and it had nothing to do with the rest of the College. If it wasn't for the gossips, then they would be fine, but thanks to Jay and his lot, things were not going well.

Slamming open his Equine Business textbook, he received a harsh whisper from the head librarian. The comments kept coming though, and Connor snapped. He got up from his seat and connected his fist to Jay's face. If it did any damage though, he wasn't sure, but in the red haze that formed, he did manage to get in his own words. Your village called Robinson. They said they wanted their idiot back, he said vehemently, leaving the library. His hand hurt like hell, and if he knew Jay, the male would be working out a way to get back at him. He hadn't made it to the door of the book room before it hit him from behind. Quite literally actually.

[Sync]

Jay grinned when the textbook connected with the table, glad that his comments had made the impact he'd gone for. The students around them had completely forgotten the work they'd come to the library to complete, and now were enthralled with the confrontation happening in the center of the room. He noticed when Connor snapped though, causing his eyes to widen. No matter how many times Jay had wound up Connor, he'd never seen him grow this angry. Luckily, he saw the fist coming before it could cause any serious damage and turned his head in time for the fist to catch his cheek. He flinched, ignoring the collective gasp from the onlookers. Fury over took his expression, laughing harshly at Connor's comment. "That was pathetic, even by your standards." he spat back, rising from his seat and glaring at Connor's retreating form. Tracing the already bruising cheek, he winced as the pain shot through it viciously. Thankful that the other boys fist hadn't connected with his nose or his eye, Jay's expression scrunched up angrily as he threw his books into his bag and stormed after Connor, leaving the frantic whispers of his fellow students behind.

Jay would be the first to admit that he couldn't physically hurt anyone. Mentally, yes. But physically? No. At 5'4, and though lithe he wasn't the most muscled. So, his battles had to be fought verbally. That way, he always kept the upper hand. Connor proved this theory not two minutes ago, pretty much immediately resorting to violence. "Y'know Connor, if you carry on being that impulsive she won't stick around much longer." he bit out, his expression cold and detached.

From what he gathered, SJ didn't think much of Connor's quick, not very thought through reactions. True, Jay lived for these sort of meetings with Connor, but he could understand SJ's frustrations with him. Even Spencer got annoyed with Jay's antics sometimes, and he had a whole lot of tolerance. He knew this meeting would reach Hayden and Simon's ears pretty soon. Then he'd be screwed. But, an unhinged Connor was just too much a sweet opportunity to pass up. Seeing the boy had paused outside the door, he shut it behind them. Remaining behind Connor, more for his own safety than anything, his mouth ran away with him once again. "And, I honestly do not think there is anything you can do to keep her now." He smirked at this, his words firm even if he wasn't sure of it. His form leaned casually against the wall behind him, his expression still furious. He didn't smirk as he had earlier, he didn't need it to infuriate the other boy. He'd done just enough already.

[Onzy]

Connor listened for the click of the door closing. His martyred side was seeking more ways for him to release his anger and pain that was in him. His violent side however had been ebbing out since he had punched Jay. Just because he had a high tolerance for the scathing remarks, doesn't mean that he didn't take them to heart. As it was, SJ wasn't going to be sticking around much longer. She had gone to London for the week to visit her parents. She didn't want to go during the summer holidays as she had wanted to spend it in Ireland with him and Simon. If she would just talk to him, then maybe, just maybe, he could fix all this. Connor took out his phone and texted Simon. Tell Hayden I am the reason for Jay's blue eye. The comment from Jay though, he had no answer for. I know, he said tiredly, for once not in the mood to fight or bandy around scathing remarks.

Connor grinned at the next comment though. Jay really did not know SJ well enough to say something like that. I would never have been able to keep her. She's too much of a free spirit and I love her enough to let her go. You should know about letting go Jay, seeing that you took to cutting when Spencer left. he retorted, and knew that wherever Spencer was concerned, Jay had a sensitive spot. When he and Simon had left the States, his twin had been shattered at the idea of leaving Hayden. He hadn't been involved with anyone, so the move hadn't been a big thing to him, he instead took on Simon's pain, the same way he had always done or always tried to do. Years of separation from Simon had made him over protective but not possessive. At least he had Liam to look after now.

The blonde haired male hurried towards the library. Liam had received a panicked text from Simon asking to find out what happened between his twin and Jay. The quiet corridor didn't deceive him though, mainly because he knew that Connor had a vicious temper. It didn't take him long to find his cousin, but with some company. Years of abuse and molestation had turned Liam into a selective mute, talking only to his cousins. Any other company freaked him out completely. He took out his notebook which he carried everywhere. What happened? Simon is frantic. he scribbled quickly and showed to Connor. The other merely shook his head in the negative. Liam still had to give Simon an answer, but with Connor refusing to answer he had to make something up that would sound credible. "Your brother is fine, but Jay looks some sort of raccoon," didn't exactly sound helpful, even by his standards. He was the type that avoided violence at all costs, mainly because he had grown up with it. Why he had said yes to Simon's request was beyond him.

Connor had stopped walking when he no longer heard Jay's footsteps behind him. The shorted male was leaning against a wall, beginning to develop a blue eye that anyone could be proud (or not so proud) of. The moment was broken when his cousin made an appearance. So Simon had dragged the boy into the confrontation, because Liam didn't willingly seek them out, and for a moment the anger flared up again. At the question he shook his head. Jay's face would explain enough, but Simon was going to take a few chunks out of him that evening. Not a good thing when it came to angry Simon. "Jay, this is my cousin Liam," he introduced the blond haired teen, knowing that he wouldn't do it himself.

Liam just nodded at the introduction and stood around looking awkward. Couldn't Connor just give him an answer so that he could leave already? This was just not cool, and he hated it. If Connor couldn't reassure his look then how would Liam achieve it? It was a good question to ask and ask he did. The answer he got to the written question was a laugh and a, "You'll find a way." Liam decided he was going to leave, because the answer wasn't going to get much better, and the tension in that small area extremely palpable. He wasn't keen to be caught in another argument between Connor and somebody else.

So Robinson, intent on ruining somebody else's life? Connor asked, hinting at the situation where a bunch of Jay's crowd had gotten the wrong end of the stick and had run away with the story. SJ had been furious when she heard what was going around about her. No wonder she wanted leave.