Looking for someone. [onzy]

[Sync]

Her arms folded around herself as best she could with a cast sat heavily on her wrist. Her head was hung low, her dark locks shielding her face as she walked. A single backpack held the possessions she’d manage to scrounge before feeling, hanging from one shoulder clumsily. Angharad Landeg had escaped to Park in hopes of freedom. She was looking out for a half-brother she’d never bet but heard so much about. Kian had been living in Park for a year according to what her father had said. He’d escaped the control of the man three times apparently, whereas Angharad had to suffer the vicious beatings of the man. The broken wrist she was currently supporting and the finger shaped bruising on her jaw where her father had held so tightly two days ago proved so. She had many more scars to support her past too, a particularly horrid one slashed across her midriff from when he’d come at her with a broken glass. She shuddered violently at the memory, her green oracles darkening slightly. They were the one feature that wouldn’t tie her to her father. He, and she’d learnt that her half brother was the same, had icy gray oracles that were always cold. Angharad had her mothers warm green eyes, though they tended to be closed off to those who looked hard enough. They gave nothing away. Angharad did have his dark brown locks and angular features. She was also fairly tall for a sixteen year old, already 5’8.

Yanked out of her mind as the bus hissed to signal its halt, Harad rose shakily. Carefully she made her way from the vehicle, smiling tightly at the driver and thanking him. He smiled in response, and wished her a good day. ”I hope so.” she murmured as her feet hit the pavement, glancing around carefully. She appeared to be on the main street, the small town bustling with activity due to the time of the year. Christmas was coming, and evidence of it was all around. Shops were decorated heartily, pleasant little ornaments and tastefully decorated trees sitting proudly in their front windows. Harad gave a slight smile at that, unable to resist the happy atmosphere. That was until someone bumped into her on the right and she cringed away, eyes wide with fright. The man began to apologise profusely, but Angharad didn’t stay there long enough to hear it. She was already making her way around the crowds and down the street.

The lithe girl kept her gaze on her torn up trainers, the ground scuffing under her quick paces. People eyed her curiously as she passed, obviously noticing the new arrival in their small town. They were used to youngsters arriving due to the college, but not this late in the term. Newbie’s always generated interest. She felt they eyes burning into her, causing her cheeks to tinge with a light pink. She disliked the attention drawn to her, always had. Biting down on her lip at an almost painful pressure, she didn’t notice a girl emerge from the shop up ahead of her. She still had her gaze firmly planted on the ground, and was unable to stop herself from bumping into the girl. She gasped quietly as her wrist swung out and caught the wall, her other hand reaching out to steady the other person instinctively. ”I‘m so sorry! I wasn‘t looking where I was going and didn‘t notice you.” she babbled out quickly, looking at the girl apologetically. She took her hand away from the girl and stepped back, not wanting to be in range if the girl was angry. Her wrist was now cradled to her chest protectively, though she ignored the throbbing in it. She’d felt worse. Much worse.

[Onzy]

• •

It was a slow day at work. It didn't help much that Jace had the afternoon off and was texting her to the point of extreme annoyance every five minutes. Sometimes she wondered if he wasn't more like a five year old than a proper teenager, but he did have his moments where he acted his age and not his shoe size. It was usually the moments that forced him to grow up, but she loved her boyfriend. Ruthie texted him back, telling him that she would see him soon and that she would get a cab back to the College. The bike was fun, but not the safest thing in winter when the roads were almost permanently slick. Even Jace had taken to using a car when he could.

Niall wasn't working with her that day either, and she was stuck with one or other adult. She kept to herself and her phone, counting down the minutes until her shift ended. The week had been filled with drama. First Max getting lost on the trails, and then the same day Bella developing early contractions. It had been the week from hell for both Ieuan and Kian, and she wondered if anyone would convince them otherwise. Ruthie doubted they had even been back at the College since the various dramas. Now that she was looking at the clock, time went even slower it seemed. Fifteen minutes dragged by awfully slowly, and there really wasn't anyone that was buying.

Apparently her colleague saw her distress because the woman sent Ruthie on her way. Grabbing her satchel, she slung it over her shoulder and adjusted it. A grin was spread on her features as she texted Jace that she was on her way and she got off early. Ruthie was so focussed on the phone that she didn't even notice the girl until she walked into her. The girl apologised, and Ruthie's easy smile was already on her features. It's okay, no harm done, she said, taking in the girl in front of her. She looked familiar, but Ruthie couldn't place it. The eyes, the features, everything reminded her of someone she knew.

You're new, she said, stating it as fact more than a question. Welcome to town. I'm Ruthanne de Rosier, but everyone calls me Ruthie, she introduced herself, a welcoming tone accenting her French vocals as she welcomed the young and new face to the town.

[Sync]

Angharad tried to smile at the other girl, and succeeded eventually. She was really just pleased that this Ruthie wasn’t angry. She noticed as the girl almost scrutinised her, but Harad forced herself not to squirm. It wasn’t as hard as she thought it would be, which surprised her. In a good way. It felt nice to be fairly comfortable around a stranger. She hadn’t ever been able to. An amused quirk of her lip formed at Ruthie’s assumption of her being new. She guessed it was that small town thing. It was the same in Pembrokeshire. Especially for herself. Her father made it his duty to make sure he, and Harad herself, knew everyone in town. No matter how much she didn’t care.

There was something fairly familiar about this girls name, she wasn’t sure why. She seemed to remember vaguely hearing her name mentioned with Kian’s, causing Angharad’s eyes to light up a little. Would this girl be able to take her to Kian? She hoped so. Because the sooner she knew if Kian would accept her. Or at least help her in any way, she’d know whether to stay in Park or move along to another town. She needed to get away from her father, one way or another.

”Angharad. Angharad Landeg. People usually call me Harad though.” she responded, hoping to spark some sort of recognition by using her last name. Usually she’d avoid it like the plague, unable to cope with the curious or aghast looks she usually garnered when they heard it. She couldn’t handle the questioning of her family life, and the worse thing being them noticing the various injuries she may have upon herself. Her hand reached up to run across the bruising on her jaw, a flinch coming from her in response. She also pulled her broken wrist tighter to her chest once again, as if to defend herself if need be.

[Onzy]

Ruthie got the feeling that this girl avoided people like the plague, and it wasn't just the bruising on her face or the broken wrist that gave it away. For Ruthie, this girl looked really familiar, but she couldn't place her. She didn't want to seem to nosy, but she averted her gaze just in case she was scaring the girl. Moving around a lot, she had first met Kian and Ieuan through Dafydd, and she regretted that day ever since. Well, she wouldn't have two 'brothers' now, but they managed to get under skin and annoy the heck out of her. It was also a day she remembered the most, and it was sure fun when she could annoy them with talk about when they were kids. The embarrassing moments were left to Ruthie.

When the girl introduced herself, Ruthie did a double take. Landeg. So the girl was related to Kian, and by the looks of it, was living under the same father's roof. Wha? she asked, slightly breathlessly when she heard the surname. I'm sorry for my reaction. Are you related to a Kian in anyway? she asked, truly hoping that this was just one big coincidence. Ruthie knew Kian's volatile reactions, and she also knew that there few that could calm him down when he was in a rage. She didn't doubt that he would accept this girl as whatever relation to him, but rather his reaction if the condition of the girl was due to his father.

Ruthie had never met the man, but had heard stories from Ieuan and Bella. Kian never talked about it, and she didn't push. Do you want to go talk somewhere more private? People talk, so the pub or coffee shop is best, she said, knowing the effect of gossip had on people. If someone caught the wrong end of the stick, it would spread like wildfire and then who knew what damage could be done.

[Sync]

Angharad’s eyes widened at the girl’s response, sensing that the female was almost unhappy with Harad’s revelation. At Ruthie’s question, Angharad simply nodded. She wouldn’t need to say much more. Glancing around nervously, she saw various people watching their interaction nosily. She cast her eyes downwards, before looking up and nodding gratefully at Ruthie’s next words. ”Coffee shop, please.” she mumbled, following Ruthie at a slight distance. Once inside the shop, she settled into a seat at the table Ruthie had led them too. ”Umm.. So yeah, I am related to Kian. He‘s my half brother.” Harad offered quietly, glad that nobody in here was paying attention to them. She bit down on her lip, before continuing on. ”I uhh, left home yesterday after this,” she gestured to her wrist. ”I found out that Kian was here and was hoping that I‘d be able to get away from dad like he did.” Angharad finished quietly, eyes cast down again.

Her plan seemed stupid now, and she suddenly became aware of how much of a burden she would become for a brother she’d never even met. Hell, he didn’t even know she existed. Tears momentarily filled her eyes before she blinked them away. ”I was just fed up of being smacked around by him. I needed to get away.” she told Ruthie, frustration finally showing in her vocals. She looked at the girl opposite with a tired expression. ”Kian probably won‘t want me here, but I had to try something. If not, I‘ll move on. I can‘t go back to him though. I really can‘t.” This time the tears wouldn’t stop. She had no idea why she was pretty much spilling her heart out to this girl, but she felt comfortable enough to do so. And she was the only lead she had to Kian. Hopefully she’d take her to him. Or at least tell him of Angharad’s existence.

[Onzy]

• •

Ruthie nodded at Harad's request for the coffee shop. Milly's wasn't far from the bookshop, so the walk was short, but Ruthie's mind was mulling about breaking the news to Kian. Obviously, she was going to be there, but another worry was how Bella was going to take the news. Hormonal Bella, not such a pretty sight. Ruthie walked to a table in a back corner, away from prying eyes and ears. Her eyes widened when Harad confessed her relation to Kian. Wow. And you say you found this out recently? Wow, she repeated, a slow grin forming on her face. This was going to be fantastic, because finally she would have Kian off her back.

As Harad spoke further, she winced slightly. Kian was going to kill his father after this. There was no more doubt about that. Ruthie stayed quiet, not letting her pity show. She felt so sorry for the girl across from her and she could offer no words of comfort. She hadn't been in that position before. Her family was perfect, well perfect in her eyes anyway. Kian is going to be shocked, but don't worry. He's not the same guy that he was a year ago. He'll accept you in a heartbeat, she said, reassuring the girl in that aspect. Kian had changed a lot, she had seen it happen over the last few months.

The tears just broke Ruthie's heart, and she shifted her seat to take the girl in her arms. In some ways, Ruthie also felt like she had garnered a sister to protect. The College will welcome you with open arms. It's become a sanctuary for so many of us, she said, knowing that if things did happen to go wrong, she would remain with Harad. Kian would have to get over himself. One thing though. Kian hasn't left the hospital for days, she started, sighing quietly.

You see, his girlfriend was taken up a few days ago, and I doubt he's been eating or sleeping. What you see there isn't the real Kian. More like the Kian that has been worrying too much and thinking of worst case scenarios, Ruthie explained, letting go of the girl. Do you want to go to the hospital now or later? she asked, wondering how the whole thing would go down with Kian and Bella. Ieuan would probably not be around, and that was a nut to crack on a different day.

[Sync]

Harad looked fairly confused by the grin on Ruthie’s face when she spoke, but didn’t acknowledge it further. ”I‘ve always known that I‘ve had a brother. Just not where he‘d disappeared to after he came out of prison.” she replied in a soft, matter of fact, tone. It was true. She’d always known that she was the ‘secret’. The mistake, in other terms. She’d heard tales of Kian’s antics while growing up, her father told her them often. He’d always been proud. Up until Kian arrived at Park. She’d often heard the rants about how the boy had changed for the worst, which was only their father’s opinion. She also knew about the trip up here to try and get Kian back. The unsuccessful trip. It was what she’d been eaves dropping on a few days ago. She at least managed to hear all the of the information about Park she needed to get here. Thankfully. ”I‘ve heard that he‘d changed. Dad things it‘s for the worse.” she offered in monotone. She really did hope that this Ruthie was right.

She couldn’t help the flinch as Ruthie wrapped her arms around her, and she stiffened in her own seat before eventually relaxing. She listened silently to what Ruthie had to say while trying to stop the tears. She eventually succeeded, just in time to focus on the mention of Kian’s girlfriend. Angharad bit her lip, looking concerned as she looked at Ruthie again. ”Is she okay?” she asked, genuinely worried for the girl she’d never met. At Ruthie’s question, Angharad paused to think. She felt she hadn’t had enough time to prepare coming face to face with her half sibling, so part of her wanted to answer with ‘later’.

But, on the other hand, if Kian dismissed her she’d need to get out of Park as soon as possible. She had no doubt that her father was already looking for her. And it would only be a matter of time before he came to the conclusion that she’d come here. Heck, he probably already knew but was just giving her time for his own amusement. ”I think I need to go now, get it done with. Because if Kian says no to helping me, I need to get out of here as soon as I possibly can. As much as I‘d love to stay at the college, there would only be so much to be done to protect me from my dad.” Again, her words were matter of fact. There was little emotion in her tone, something she had grown extremely good at over the years. It helped her survive this far, emotions just got in the way. She was far too good at shutting herself down.

[Onzy]

• •

Ruthie was curious as to the new arrival in the small town. So Harad knew about Kian, Kian just didn't know about her. Which meant that while they caught up, she'd be able to escape the suffocating confines of one 'brother.' Jace was going to enjoy this, she knew that, and it meant that maybe they'd have more than a few minutes in each other's company before being interrupted. Then she remembered that Ieuan was spending almost every waking minute with Max, and she almost crowed in delight. I've known Kian since we were knee high to a grasshopper, as my grandpa would say, and he has not changed for the worst. I actually prefer him now, she said, scowling slightly at the mention of that man who was the spawn of satan himself.

Ruthie laughed at the concern for Bella. She's fine. Bella hates Kian smothering her, so she's snapping at everyone. She also has him so whipped it's hilarious. He doesn't show it, but he worships the ground she walks on. They aren't the most conventional of couples, she said, grinning at the thought of the two. To think that the relationship started with a death threat and stubbornness. The story was actually pretty funny when Kian told it.

Ruthie nodded when Harad said she wanted to go to the hospital now. She would do the same if she was in the situation, but the girl's words worried her. For Ruthie, there was no place safer than the College, Dafydd had made sure of that. His fierce protectiveness of his students was admirable, and he had made so much difference in the student's lives. If there's one place that can keep you safe, it's the college. After all, having 24-hour security and with your father not allowed in, it has it's perks, Ruthie said, nonchalantly. She wondered how much Harad knew about the situation between Kian and his father.

I wasn't here when your father first came to get Kian, but I do know that he rubbed everyone up the wrong way. Dafydd was pretty pissed, and Bella's twin brother almost had coronary, and Kian's hatred was pretty much solidified when he wanted Bella for his 'business', she said, getting up from the small table and waiting for Harad to follow her. With such a small town, the hospital wasn't that far either. It was however a great medical centre with fantastic doctors and staff. Staff that knew Ieuan and Max all to well. If it wasn't one in the hospital, it was the other or even worse, both of them.

[Sync]

She couldn’t help but feel a little jealous of Ruthie when she mentioned how long she’d known Kian. She’d always craved some sort of relationship with her sibling, but had never had it granted. It was comforting to know that Kian had not suffered the same isolation as she had though, she wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. Angharad did quirk a smile at Ruthie’s words about Bella and Kian, glad to have some sort of insight to her brother’s life. She was fairly amused to hear that he had someone keeping a tight leash on him, especially after hearing the stories about him. She was under the impression that he would be more like her father, than someone fairly submissive and willing to commit to another person. ”You have no idea how nice that is to hear.” she smiled genuinely.

Harad didn’t really know what to say when the girl spoke of the college. Sure, it would be nice for her to stay there. And that was what she really wanted. But, if she was in danger, and putting others in danger also, she wanted to flee. Ruthie soon went on to speak of her father’s visit, something she knew about but hadn’t been listening long enough to hear what had happened. She cringed at the mention of her father’s business. ”My mum was part of the merchandise.” she mumbled, her cheeks flushing a light pink at the admission. ”I haven’t seen her since he threw her out when Kian’s mother left him.” She’d risen from her chair by now, and was following Ruthie from the shop. ”And yeah, he doesn’t really know how to make friends.” she added humourlessly.

Apparently everything was pretty close by within town, because in no time they were at the hospital. The walk there had been fairly silent, and Angharad’s nerves had kicked in. She shook visibly, her eyes wide as she followed Ruthie inside. She glanced around with no real interest, but noticed the curious glances even here. She dropped her gaze almost instantly, using her hair to shield her face from the people around them. When Ruthie stopped outside a room, Angharad narrowly missed bumping into her for a second time. When she looked up, she was met by the curious, but tired, eyes of her half brother.

Kian had been sat silently in Bella’s room, his girlfriend sound asleep in the hospital bed and he wanted nothing more than to be able to close his eyes and drift off as well. Of course, he stopped himself from doing so. Afraid that he’d miss anything. Bella, and an array of others, would tell him that he was being an idiot and get some rest, but he couldn’t. He’d worried constantly for the past few days, and had probably gotten a collective amount of three hours sleep. Scrubbing his eyes, which burned due to the lack of sleep, he looked up when he heard the approach of feet outside the room. Not wanting them to disturb Bella, he stood and made his way over to the door, opening it and slipping out before they could enter.

He smiled at the sight of Ruthie, pleased to see the girl. His attention was caught by a slightly taller girl behind her though, who’s gaze had only just lifted to meet his. He spotted the bruising on her jaw instantly, a familiar pattern of fingers, and also the wrist covered in cast. He noticed how the girl shrunk back under his gaze, and when he looked back up to meet her eyes he was struck by the familiarity of her. He’d never met her before in his life, but there was something about her that was startlingly familiar. ”Who‘s that?” he asked, though not unkindly. His attention had returned to Ruthie by now, knowing she’d be able to shed some light on the situation. The girl behind her had returned her gaze to the floor, and was obviously tense. Even in his exhausted state, Kian could pick up on how uncomfortable she was.

[Onzy]

Ruthie was glad that her family was fairly normal. The worst thing that had happened was the loss of her brother, but that had been a few years ago. She still missed Jean like crazy though, that crazy older brother of hers being one of the greatest people she knew. Ruthie had been surprised that her parents approved of Jace after he pitched up in a leather jacket and motorbike after she invited him for dinner. Must have been his annoyingly good manners, but her father was quite used to Kian and Ieuan by then when they had gone to visit sometimes. The walk to the hospital had been short and Ruthie quite easily found her way to Bella's room. Opening the door, she frowned at Kian, who seemed to have had no sleep between the few hours she hadn't seen him in.

A glance at the bed, alerted Ruthie that Bella was resting, something that she needed, because apparently the contractions had been caused by stress. Thankfully Kian came out, and despite his clear exhaustion, wasn't aggro towards the new arrival. This is Angharad and I think she wants to tell you something, Ruthie said, a slow grin coming back on her face. She brought Harad forward and nodded at her encouragingly. Ruthie was usually the one who slapped Kian if need be, now that Bella was incapacitated for the time being.

[Sync]

Kian’s curiosity grew at Ruthie’s words, completely confused as to what this girl could have to say to him. Ruthie’s grin also unsettled him a little, but he focuses his attention on the dark haired girl who was nervously shifting. Angharad looked up and smiled weakly at Kian. She looked surprised as Ruthie urged her forward, but thankfully kept her gaze. ”I, uhh,” she cleared her throat nervously, but had straightened her shoulders slightly as if to give false confidence. ”I‘m you‘re half sister, Kian.” she rushed out, causing Kian to tilt his head in confusion as the words didn’t register straight away. When they did, his eyes narrowed. Angharad’s gaze had fallen to the ground once again, causing him to frown deeply.

Kian moved forward silently, eyes scrutinizing the girl. Her familiarity made sense now, and it surprised him that he didn’t feel more angry at this new development. Reaching out, he gently lifted her head so that she’d meet his gaze. Now that her identity was revealed, he could totally see the similarities between them. The angular features, the fair skin. They also had almost identical hair colours. Her eyes were the only really difference, though they seemed almost as dead as his used to be. He glanced down at the bruising along her jaw, their origin suddenly dawning on him. His gaze flickered back to hers, anger ebbing into his own oracles. No wonder her eyes were so dead. ”He did this to you, didn‘t he.” he asked, a cold tone to his vocals. It wasn’t directed to her, but to the disgusting creature he had for a father.

Angharad flinched as Kian’s hand came into contact with her chin, but she allowed him to lift her head. The relief that flooded her when she saw no anger in his eyes was immense, he just seemed to be searching for the truth behind her words. As his gaze drifted to the bruising, she flinched again, trying to look down but Kian held her head firmly in place. His question made her freeze, as well as the tone she asked it in. Her mouth opened, and then closed again as words failed her. She simply nodded her answer. ”And the wrist?” he asked next, causing Angharad to nod once again. ”It‘s not the first time either.” she whimpered, tears finally spilling over.

Kian’s heart broke as she began to try, his brotherly instincts kicking in immediately. His arms opened and pulled her into a hug. ”He‘s never going to touch you again, Angharad. I promise you that I won‘t let him near you.” He held her protectively, looking down at her in concern. Angharad pulled away from him slightly, her expression completely grateful. ”Thank you.” she whispered, before pulling herself back completely. Her hands came up to wipe away the tears, frowning at the tears stains she’d left on his shirt. ”Sorry.” she mumbled, flushing slightly as he laughed. ”Don‘t worry about it, I‘ve had worse.” Kian chuckled, before glancing back to Bella’s room. ”Crap.. How on earth is she going to take this?” he asked suddenly, worry etching on his expression. The nervousness returned to Angharad, unsure what to say in response. The fact that Kian was worried unsettled her.

[Onzy]

Ruthie grinned even broader as Kian took in the news, wishing she had a camera to take photo's of the moment. It would come in as useful bribery if it ever needed to be used, otherwise it would be one of those embarrassing pictures the best friend had to show everyone else. Yup, definitely a camera moment. Ruthie indicated that she was going in to see Bella, allowing the siblings some privacy. Even though she considered Ieuan and Kian family, she felt awkward in the moment.

Entering the room, she noticed that Bella was still attached to an IV and that blasted heart rate monitor that couldn't stop beeping. Glaring at the offending device, Ruthie took up Kian's vacant seat and started sponging off Bella's forehead gently. Ruthie honestly didn't know how Kian felt about everything that was being jumped on him at that moment in time, but she knew that he wasn't about to leave either. Or at least she hoped so. Glancing up towards the corridor, she noticed that Kian had discovered the cause of Harad's injuries. It was not a pretty reaction to see in any form. Hey Bella, she whispered when she saw the dark haired girl awakening.

Like crap, Bella whispered, already feeling the rolling sensation in her stomach. Indicating for a tray, Ruthie handed over one just in time for Bella to allow her stomach contents to exit. There wasn't much, and to Ruthie it seemed that Bella was weakening by the day. Every time I eat, I throw up. I can't move from the bed in fear of the contractions starting again. This is a bitch, Bella answered the questioning look from Ruthie. She felt like crap, she wanted to go home and she wanted to wake up with Kian by her side.

It was strange not to see her boyfriend next to her bed, and she wandered where he had gotten to. Kian? she asked faintly to Ruthie, and the younger motioned to the door. Bella looked up and happened to catch his glance. His worried expression didn't look like her own questioning one, and Bella felt very confused by the whole thing.