restless [open]

[Onzy]

Bella was feeling restless, and it was the first night either. Ever since coming home from the hospital she had been unable to sleep through the night. The baby had also been much more active, also moving about, reassuring Bella, but also causing her to stay awake. For once, she didn't just lie there, but instead pulled a pair of paddock boots over her socks and grabbed a jacket to keep her warm. Winter was in full swing, and with Christmas a few weeks away, she was waiting in expectation for the first snow to fall. A thought occurred to her as she dressed, and that was that she had met Kian almost a year ago. The thought brought a smile to her face, except then she had doubted that she would ever go out with him, much less be carrying his child.

Bella already had a baby bump, but at four months of pregnancy, it was that pronounced as of yet. Samson was fast asleep on his blanket, and as she unlocked her room door, made sure that the other occupants were also sleeping. Hunter had taken residence when Kian had decided that she shouldn't be alone. Both were also sleeping, and Bella slipped out of the room, making her way to the stables. There was a chill to the air, but she ignored it. Only one place could provide her comfort and that was Manor's stall. A look at her phone showed that it was well past one in the morning. For some reason she grinned at the thought. Often, at her old riding school, when she was unable to sleep she went to sit in Pan's stall, but Manor had taken over that role.

Once she reached the stable block, she found an extra winter blanket in Manor's box and entered his stall. The black horse was lying down and raised a sleepy head at her intrusion. Sorry boy, she whispered, lowering herself next to him and pulling the blanket across her. She snuggled next into Manor's side, thoughts racing across her mind. If anybody caught her now, then they would most likely go to Dafydd. Ever since she had gone into premature labour, horses had been something she had been looking at from a distance. Doctors orders forbade her from riding and now, even being close to them.

Bella played with Manor's mane, gently undoing any tangles that she may come across, or removing sawdust when she chanced upon it. Hearing muffled footsteps outside of the stables, Bella paused in her breathing slightly, keeping a weary ear out for the one that was now also in the same place as she was.

[Sync]

The flood lights illuminated the indoor arena, making the rider visible to all those who passed. Sweat rolled from both rider and his equine, the air steaming around them due to their harsh breathing. A single jump, of about 6ft 2, sat stationary in the center. The pair lined up for it once more, concentration etched on both of their faces. Lurching into a canter, the bay Arabian edged forward without encouragement from his temperamental owner, they came up to the jump in no time. Muscles coiled in both master and beast, the gelding's hind legs sprung him easily over said jump. Unfortunately, his hind legs clipped the pole a little too hard, causing it to wobble and eventually fall. The rider winced, his horse bucking out in surprise at the thump. Both flinched when a voice rung clearly out into the arena. "Bit late to be using the arena, don't you think Ieuan?" Jay offered lightly, but Ieuan didn't trust that tone at all. The blue eyed Welsh man snarled in disgust as the lithe boy came into view, causing his company to smirk in amusement. "Oh grow up Ieuan, I know you don't actually mean that." he rose a brow in challenge, but Ieuan just turned his head stubbornly. Dismounting Laurence swiftly, he gestured for Jay to take the reins. "Make yourself useful while I put away the jump." he growled making his way over to it tiredly, his brow still slick with sweat and his shirt clinging to him annoyingly.

The clatter of hooves was the only thing to be heard as the two boys and the gelding made their way back to the barn. A stony silence had fallen over Jay and Ieuan, though Jay looked more amused than anything. They were just entering the barn again when Jay decided to speak up. "Have you told lover boy yet?" Ieuan's gaze shot to Jay instantly, a look of alarm concealed by anger flashing in his oracles. Jay snorted, his smirk widening. "I'll take that as a no then." he chuckled, stepping away as Ieuan clipped Laurence onto the cross ties. He decided he wouldn't be that well off if Ieuan decided to resort to violence. The boy had a reputation, and it was mostly true. Ieuan's expression was still stony as he began to un-tack his horse, glaring at Jay menacingly. The other boy looked unaffected. "He'll find out eventually, you know that right?" Ieuan looked reluctant as Jay said this, but eventually nodded slightly. If Jay hadn't been looking for it, he would have missed it. "I'm going to give you three days to tell him, or I'll tell Max myself." With that, Jay turned and left the barn before Ieuan could retort.

Anger welled up inside Ieuan as he stormed toward the tack room, though he kept as quiet as he could so not to wake the sleeping horses. As soon as he had placed the tack down, he slammed his fist into the wall, his anger finally getting the best of him. "F**king Jay." he snarled, cradling his hand as he left the tack room again. Laurence peered at him curiously as he returned, the bay gelding too tired from their ride to be annoyed with Ieuan as he usually would be. They had been riding since around ten, and now it was well after one, nearly 2 in the morning. Ieuan usually rode late now, with so much to do after Max's accident, it was the only time he had free to do so. It also meant that he gave up a lot of sleep. Wincing as he reached out for the sweat sheet to throw over Laurence, he thought over what Jay had propositioned him. He was really hoping that he could have left it dead and buried, but no. Apparently the curly headed boy wanted to make Ieuan's life even more of a nightmare.

[Onzy]

Bella kept quiet as she heard a very recognisable voice as well as another pair of footsteps and strangely enough a pair of hoofbeats as well. Jay was obviously talking to someone and from the sound of it, was blackmailing him or her as well. She was thankful that she hadn't turned on the stable lights when she had come in, the situation curious to her. A few minutes passed until Jay spoke her final sentence and then it her. He was talking to Ieuan, and basically blackmailing him to tell Max something. Bella bit on the inside of her cheek, ideas already flourishing in her mind about what Ieuan and Jay had in common that Ieuan hadn't told Max. It was strange, but she was going to find out. The footsteps faded away, and once there was the all clear in her mind, she looked over the stable door and unlatched the door quietly. She saw the shadowy figure of Ieuan making his way to Laurence's stable.

Sticking to the shadows, Bella made her way to the stable, worry etched on her face. Now, she wasn't caring about herself as much as she should have been, especially when Ieuan was involved but she was more than worried. What's wrong Ieuan? What was Jay talking about? she asked, looking at him with a mixture of worry and curiosity. After Max's accident three weeks ago, everybody was worried about Ieuan going off the rails, and in a way he did, but there wasn't much anybody could do about it. Ieuan had become like a brother to her, and she now hated seeing him in pain or uncomfortable. Glancing over him, she noticed that his hand was once more red and raw.

Sighing, Bella entered the stall, rubbing Laurence's sweaty neck. Taking Ieuan's hand gently in her own, she inspected it and gave Ieuan a reproachful glance. This isn't one of those 'I should see the other guy,' moments is it? she asked, just trying to add a sense of humour into the tension in the air.

[Sync]

Ieuan jumped as he heard another pair of footfalls sounding in the barn, a furious expression upon his features once again. As he span to face the person, expecting it to be Jay once more, he backtracked when he saw it was Bella. His expression immediately fell blank, continuing to lead Laurence into his stall. Taking off his Arab's head collar, Ieuan chose to ignore the first set of questions from Bella. Of course she would be the one to hear them. She always appeared when he seemed to be having some sort of breakdown. Laurence immediately zeroed in on his hay net, lumbering tiredly toward it. Ieuan turned to look at Bella, noticing her gaze on his hand. The knuckles had split, causing blood to coat them generously. He winced, but still remained silent. There was no way he could tell Bella what Jay was threatening him with. She'd murder him.

Laurence made a noise of contentment when he felt Bella's delicate touch. Ieuan snarled in the back of his throat as she took his hand, snatching it back and holding it to his chest protectively. "It was a wall." he snapped, before sighing deeply. Running bloodied hand through his hair unconsciously, wincing at the action, he looked to Bella apologetically. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap. Just a little stressed." He mumbled quietly, closing his eyes briefly before sighing again. "I've done something completely idiotic. Like, the stupidest thing I've ever done." He told her, his vocals pained. "It was a while ago now, but I know it won't hurt Max any less." He admitted. His blue eyes looked torn between telling her right out, or hiding it for a while longer. Choosing the latter, he let his gaze fall to the ground. He shifted nervously, though anger was once again bubbling in his veins. Jay just couldn't let it go, could he? A snarl formed in the back of his throat, but he managed to cut it off. He had to tell Max soon, but how?

[Onzy]

Bella was so used to Ieuan snapping at her that she just raised an eyebrow and continued to look at him. He usually hit walls when he was frustrated, and it was a habit that Max had learned from him. Bella nodded at his apology, knowing that he had been under a lot of stress lately. Kian was as well, and if she thought of anybody else, then Dafydd had joined the club. A faint grin played at her lips at the thought, and she returned her attention to Ieuan. She decided to keep quiet about Ieuan's confession and retook his hand. Come with me. At least I can patch you up without Max hearing about it, she said, giving him a wry smile. She led him from the stable and back to Manor's. Taking out the first aid kit she kept handy, she forced Ieuan to sit on a haybale. Stay, she warned, grinning at him.

Taking out the disinfectant, Bella cleaned the minor cuts gently, but knew the stuff could still burn. Sorry if it burns, she said softly. Some of the cuts were a little deeper than others, and didn't quite stop bleeding completely. Turning Ieuan's hand over, she cleaned the dried blood on his palm and then went back to searching for the gauze. Finding it, she placed it on the cuts, and then started wrapping it in a bandage. So tell me what you did that was so bad? I promise to keep calm, she asked, also understanding if Ieuan didn't want to tell her. After Alexi, Max was her best friend and she had a soft spot for the male's well being.

Closing up the First Aid kit, she sat back against an haybale opposite Ieuan's and looked at the male. Manor had decided that now was the time to wake up, and snuffled Bella's hair, blowing quietly. She reached up and scratched the horse's cheek, grateful for his presence.