Step One, Wake Up

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

Hiking; what better way to clear your mind was there? It had been far too long since Erika had had the time to do anything like this. Of course, it had been partially because of the cold winter, but mostly because she'd been so busy lately with everything going on. However, that in itself wasn't the strange part. No, the strange part was who Erika was hiking with. She didn't know the girl all too well, but she had seen her around and talked to her a few times and she knew that the girl enjoyed hiking.

It wasn't like Erika really needed another reason besides that, and really, the girl seemed to be the type who'd offer enough distractions, which meant that Erika wouldn't have to worry about her thoughts drifting away and going to placed she'd rather not have them be in.

The recent events over a course of a week or so was more than enough to send the usually cheerful Bellefonte twin into a state she'd rather not be in. Not again. No, it was far better that she simply pushed through it as if nothing had happened at all. It made things so much easier to deal with, and denial happened to be Erika's specialty.

Turning her head to look at the other girl, Erika brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. She was clad in a pair of black yoga pants, a white singlet, a red, comfortable fleece jacket and her straightened hair was tied up into a tight and high pony tail. Pursing her lips, Erika rolled her shoulders. "It's been too long since I've done this," she admitted with a small smile. "I should do this more often."

Tag: Devyn Solway

[Devyn Solway]

Devyn of course knew about Erika Bellefonte, she knew of the girl and her sister way back when she first came to the school at the age of fourteen. It was true that she didn't know that girl all the well and they had only talked a few times, but that didn't mean that Devyn didn't like her or anything. In fact she had always been interested in the Bellefonte twins; because hello, hot twins. There was the fact that Devyn had always wanted to get the girl's number about a year or so ago when she tried out for that security squad.

Plus Devyn was best friends or at least friends with Ellen so she knew a bit about Erika. However this little arrangement was not to get Erika's number, in fact it was just to get the other girl out for a bit of fresh air and physical activity. It was no real secrete that Erika among a lot of kids at the school had a lot of things that they had been dealing with. Devyn was in the same boat of course, but she always found it easier to go and try and cheer up those around her then it was for herself. So when she had spotted Erika and could tell there were things that were really eating at the girl, she basically made it so that Erika ended up out with her hiking.

"Told you it would be awesome. We have not even reached the top yet." Devyn said as she followed behind Erika and a little off to the side. She was mainly following just to make sure Erika was okay and if she needed to react fast to catch the girl if she slipped or something. Yet, to her surprise Erika seemed actually pretty good at hiking. "Don't need a water break yet, do you?" Devyn asked as she removed her shades for a movement to rub at her eyes. She had opted for camo cargo shorts and matching short sleeve t-shirt. Of course she also had her black shades and her favorite backpack full of drinks and snack, among a few other things.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

"Yeah, you did," Erika smiled. She loved Montana. Not just the school or the people, but the nature. That was what really held her heart. It was what had made her love this place so many times before. The mountains, the forests... Everything. It was so insanely beautiful here it almost took her breath away. It made her wish the school had been located further up into the mountains. Of course, the location of the school was beautiful by its own merits, but out here in the wilderness... It was something else entirely. Erika loved this place. She truly loved it, and yet, she couldn't wait to get out of here. It was funny how that worked.

Shaking her head at the question, Erika chuckled. "No, I assure you I'm quite alright." After all, it wasn't her first hike, and it wouldn't be her last. She spent a lot of time working out and taking care of both her health and body. She could go much further than this without a water break. "Unless you want one, of course?" she asked as she turned her head to look at the other girl. She didn't want to make any assumptions, but she figured Devyn could hold her own. Probably much better than what Erika could.

It was admirable if anything. And Erika could surely admire someone who did something better than her, even if it was something as silly as hiking. It was sort of nice though, finally having someone she could do this with, that wasn't constantly busy or dealing with something here or there. As long as Devyn didn't start nagging her for her number again, she could actually see the two of them being good friends.

[Devyn Solway]

Devyn could not help but grin at Erika basically admitting that she was right. It felt good to be right and she tended to at least be right about things that helped people feel better. She still thought there was something else that she could do to help Erika feel better but no way did she bring that up and was avoiding thinking about it as much as possible. She was not sure which twin it was that could move things with their mind and which one could read your mind.

Either way, she didn't want to piss either of them off and really did want to just help the girl out a bit. Dev might have a pretty bad year, but BA did help her out on some levels and that was all thanks to Erika's family. It felt like she was at least paying them back in some way by trying to make Erika feel better. There was also a bonus of being able to get to see the girl in a pair of tight yoga pants, also a nice view. "Pfft, nah. I can keep going. I'm had us take the trail that should get us up really high and a view of the school; unless that darn tree is in the way still." Devyn said as she moved on.

She didn't need a break not even close to needing a break; this was basically a breeze when she worked out every day. "Thanks for joining me by the way. I did it for you of course, but you could have said no since it was me asking you." Devyn spoke up. Erika must have known of her reputation and there was the fact that Devyn asked for the girl's number every time she saw her. She still wanted it, but she was not going to ask for it yes. She was confident she would be able to get it by the end of the trip, hopefully.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

The girl claimed she could keep going, which had the telekinetic nodding; she wasn't going to even attempt at trying to argue against it. She seemed about as proud and stubborn as Erika was, and if that was the case, there was little point in even trying to convince her otherwise. Not that Erika really doubted her anyways. Besides, she didn't really doubt the girl. She seemed capable of handling herself well enough. Erika wasn't about to test that theory. "Alright," she replied finally, offering the girl a quick smile.

Devyn then thanked her, which had Erika's brows furrowing slightly. "My pleasure," she replied casually. She wasn't entirely sure why the girl thanked her, but at the end of the day, she supposed it didn't really matter. Yes, Erika knew all too well about the rumors swirling around the other girl, which had been strengthened by the fact that she'd kept asking for Erika's number - which Erika hadn't given, mind, but that was all water under the bridge.

As long as Devyn knew not to push for anything more, Erika was more than happy about being around the girl. She hoped she'd come to respect the fact that Erika was both unavailable and not interested.

"You know," she began, her brows eyes moving over the area, "It never ceases to amaze me just how beautiful this place is." It was breathtaking, really.

[Devyn Solway]

It was good that they just both understood that Devyn had no problem with this sort of thing, she was very active. She could even carry Erika and was pretty sure that she would be fine without a break for a while. The other girl was pretty thin and Devyn was confident that she could easily pick her up and carrying around like she was just another backpack. She just gave a nod when Erika said that it was her pleasure to join Devyn. It meant more than the other girl would know when people actually gave Devyn a chance.

That was all she ever really wanted, a chance to show that she was not as bad as people seemed to think she was. Yes, she was very forward and had a different way of doing things but just did things differently. When you were more focused on making sure others around you were happy and shoving down any emotions that were negative, you tended to behave a certain way. Devyn was half tempted to just start running, that was how much she loved to be outdoors and doing this sort of physical activity.

Thankfully Erika spoke up and made Devyn recall that she was in fact hanging out with someone, even if it was on the loosest of terms. She did pause to look around and take a deep breath, fully agreeing with Erika's words. "Yeah, it really is beautiful out here. Makes me not want to leave it all behind sometimes." Devyn said as she let out a deep sigh before moving on ahead again. "So, since you love it so much do you plan to live here all of your life? Eventually take over the school or at least work with mutants as the Bellefonte's do?" Devyn asked, making conversation.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

"Tell me about it," Erika laughed. Montana was, and had always been incredibly beautiful. Even during winter. There was something breathtaking about the snow covered trees and mountains, and that came from someone who didn't even like the cold. But there was something else entirely with long beaches, a hot sun and bikinis that just pulled at her heartstrings. "I don't," Erika replied honestly. She shrugged slightly as she let her gaze wander again.

"I plan on being a fashion designer. I'll most likely move out to L.A or New York after graduation," she explained. In no way did the girl plan on staying at the school. She had put all of that behind her. Once she turned 21 and took over the school, she'd keep her name as the shareholder, but put the council in charge full time. After all, the school would go to her the day she turned 21. Her grandfather had seen to that.

In a way, it was almost a little sad the school didn't go to any of her other siblings, but her grandfather had claimed with her empathy, she was the best fit. She had always been a people person, unlike the rest. Elsa was cold and distant, Abel... Was Abel and Alexis was a spoiled brat.

[Devyn Solway]

Devyn really did love Montana, despite it being out where it was but she had actually grew up pretty close to here. Not many people knew that, but then again Devyn was not one to talk about her past unless it involved her father. Plus no one ever really asked so she didn't feel the need to bring it up, the same applied for this situation. She just nodded in agreement before looked a little surprised when Erika confessed that she did not plan on staying. Well...that was odd to hear. You think someone would want to remain in a place that they loved the view of and what have you.

Devyn listened as she explained what she actually wanted to do with her life and where she likely would end up moving because of it. Devyn would never have guessed. She never pictured Erika as the type to like to make clothing or ever really pictured it at all. Then again she knew very little about the girl other than that she got around. Not like sleeping around; well maybe she did that, but Dev only knew of her getting around in terms of people she kissed or dated. That and rushing into relationships when she was in them, because Devyn was pretty sure she was about to marry or was married to that cook guy and now she was back with her ex.

She was not going to say anything about that and refocused on what Erika was getting at. "Ah, so then is your twin going to take over the school when the two of you become of age. Or is your older bro going to be taking over at some point?" Devyn asked. She knew a bit about the Bellefonte family, mainly because she had been going here for years and they were a bit of a hot topic among the school. After all, you could not expect anyone to talk about you when you were a part of the family that owned the school and started it all.

"Oh, another question too. Fashion design? I would have never guessed honestly, what got you into that?" Devyn asked. She figured now was the best time to actually get to know Erika for who she was and not just what she did with her relationship life.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

"Neither," Erika responded with a shrug. "The school will be signed over to me once I turn twenty-one, and then I'll keep the major share, but give the control over to the same council running the school now." Because it was better that way. Elsa might want to take over, but it was better if the council did it, and the kids got a chance to do everything they wanted. "My grandfather still holds the share until the day I turn twenty-one," she explained. "It was decided a long time ago, and all the documents and arrangements have already been filed." And if he died in the meantime, the council would be in charge until she turned twenty-one.

Another question popped forward then, and it had the brunette smiling. "I've always loved to draw and paint. It has been... A sort of guilty pleasure of mine." Especially seeing as how her mother didn't at all agree with her choice in major. It wasn't fit for a young lady to divulge herself so fully to art and expect to make something of it. "And fashion has been another passion of mine as well, and mixing those two... Making my own clothes. It's something I've always loved doing." After all, majority of the clothes Erika wore was made with her own two hands.

Not many knew that about her. Which was ironic, seeing as how she had to start thinking about advertising herself a little more. Though, then again, she had all the time in the world, to be perfectly honest. It wasn't like she'd ever lack in money, with the fund she'd set up for herself, and the money from both her family, her job, her past job and the school.

[Devyn Solway]

Devyn blinked a few times as Erika explained that none of them was going to be in charge of the school because Erika would be but she would pass it onto the council. Devyn had mixed feelings about that, but she figured it didn't really matter. She just figured if a school was going to be named after a family, and then at least one of them should have been in charge of it. She wondered if the other siblings just were not really into the school or where they lived and so they were just leaving it to another group of people to handle it.

"Are any of you at least going to be on the council?" Devyn asked. She understood the whole having still a stake in the school itself, but was that the same as one of them being a part of the council. Again, Devyn ignored that it didn't matter much in the end because the school could do as it liked. From what she heard, this council was already in charge of the school and nothing had really changed from back when the twins rule the school. Minus the fact that now people were no longer complaining about working for 'children' or whatever.

She actually appreciated the girl wanting to do something that she was interested in and not just doing what was expected of her because of her last name. Devyn could understand that one some levels, even if she personally would have took on the school if she was a Bellefonte, because of that whole family meaning and well it would give her a purpose in her usual purposeless life. Devyn kept walking but it was clear that she was listening as Erika explained what she was actually into and Dev could not help but to be shocked.

Yet, at the same time she could see it in the girl to actual like that sort of thing. "I would have never have guess. Interesting to hear of what your real interests are instead of just guessing." Devyn said as she nodded a few times. "You should have a show at the school sometimes. Let others see what you can do and bring in a new opinion of you." Devyn suggested. It would be great for others to know of Erika's passion and it would get her work out there. Even if that last bit was probably easy with how much money she had.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

"Aside from me? I don't know," she said, shrugging. Honestly, Erika didn't understand why Devyn seemed to intent on all this information. This was like two-three years into the future. It hardly mattered right now. Of course, she would offer all the answers that she had, and she didn't really mind it one bit, it was just curious, really. She supposed Devyn on some deeper level actually, really and honestly cared about the future of the school, and that in turn, warmed Erika's heart. It was nice to see that some people actually did - and hopefully would continue doing so.

She supposed it made sense though, seeing as how so many of them spent so many years of their lives here.

Looking over at the girl, Erika fell quiet as she thought the words over. It was actually quite the great idea. She could even make some weekend event of it and invite a lot of people to help out. "That's... a really great idea," she said, her eyes widening slightly. "I could ask people to join in. Like, we could have various things going on. A fashion show, in which we'd need models-- someone to cook food we can sell, and so many various activities..." She looked over at Devyn again, grinning widely. "Have anyone ever told you that you're a genius?"

Moving over to the girl, Erika's arm went around her shoulders. "We could even make a whole weekend of it. People could make things with their powers, or we could hold various concerts and... and.." How fun wouldn't all of that be?

[Devyn Solway]

"Hmm, well I hope it all works out in the end. The school has done a lot of good, despite things that happened, and I would not want it to like lose funding or fall into the wrong hands." Devyn responded back. She honestly did care a lot about BA, even if so many bad things happened to her here; and to others, it was still another home. A place where they could be themselves, learn to control their powers, and just in general learn how to be a normal member of society. Of course it hard knew that you had something that did not make you like others.

Dev figured that in the long run those who disagreed with the school would come to understand it. This place kept them from experiencing the true awful side to human nature, and she hopes it kept doing that for years to come. This was still her second home, and this talk with Erika made her want to stay behind a little longer, just to make sure the school remained in good hands. She felt like she owed the school that much. Devyn started to smile as Erika voice that it was a good idea and then started to talk about how it could all work out.

"See, you already are coming up with all the plans and I would be happy to help you out with it in what ways I can. I can cook and if you can't get a hold of any males with decent bodies, I can help out there. My friend Vera would likely be game to model for you too." Devyn said as she chuckled a little. Hooking up her friend Vera, she felt like she was a good friend. She scratched her head and smirked when Erika asked if anyone called her a genius before. She just gave a nod, not wanting to have her ego build up too much. She had been told that she could be pretty smart sometimes, but she really had said it for Erika's benefit.

The other girl needed to get herself out there, to show everyone what she could do and where her true passion was. The sort of hug thing caught her by surprise, but she was not complaining. Devyn even gave her a pat on the back, not wanting to fully embrace the girl just yet. Keep things simple, just being friends. That was all Dev really wanted; and that number, but that was more of keeping in touch now than anything else. "I'm sure people will love to check it out. We got a decent amount of them artsy types that would love to be a part or see it. If you need photos taken for it, you could even ask a girl by the name of Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe." Devyn said. There, she was also hooking Zoe up with some potential rich connections. Good friend, right?

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

"I wouldn't worry about that," Erika assured her. Despite wanting to get away, Erika did at the end of the day care a lot about Bellefonte too. She didn't want to see the school rot away either, so at the end of the day, no matter how things panned out, Erika would make sure that whoever was on the council would do the school its proper justice. But this was also years into the future, so at the end of the day, she wasn't too worried. It seemed pointless to think about it all now, considering how Erika didn't even know what would happen tomorrow.

Chuckling softly, Erika nodded. "Our friend, Vera," she corrected her with a wink. After all, Erika knew Vera too - considering they were talking about the same girl, of course, but then again, there wasn't a whole lot of Veras running around to Erika's knowledge. But the help the girl offered was appreciated. "Thank you, by the way, and I'll be sure to keep that in mind." She offered the girl another smile as she ran through various ideas in her mind. It had the potential to be quite fun, after all. She wondered briefly just who she could pull into the whole ordeal herself.

Rubbing her hands together, the telekinetic nodded, "Zoe? I'll keep that in mind too," she said, her head tilting. This had a lot of potential, and it could be quite a lot of fun too. She could only hope that she'd be able to pull enough people into it to make it an actual thing, instead of no one showing up and what have you.

Then again, her last event had gone splendidly, so she didn't see why this wouldn't.

[Devyn Solway]

Devyn relaxed a little on the subject when Erika assured her that she didn't have to worry. She didn't know the girl all too well in person yet, but she was going to trust her. AT the very least it did seem like Erika cared about the school, she just didn't have a passion to lead it. It was at least a good thing that she was aware of that and not forcing herself to take over the school when the time would come. It was best to leave things in the hands of those who really wanted to do it as sopped to someone doing it because it was expected of them. Things might have been good for others that way, but then Erika might not have been happy and that would suck.

"Oh, my bad." Devyn said as she chuckled slightly. "I was aware that she and Elsa had a sort of friendship thing but I didn't know you two did as well. I guess I should have just assumed as much." Devyn said as she felt a little bit embarrassed. Erika and Elsa were twins after all and did live together for some time. So Vera must have met the two of them and become friends with the both of them at some point. It was funny how Vera was close with the Bellefonte family and Dev was closer to the Banks family. "Good. I mean if you got enough help I'll just show up for support, but you know." Devyn said as she gave a small shrug, jumping up on a nearby bolder a little off the path.

Dev was very aware that Erika was rich, so honestly she could buy everything that she needed but in case she didn't want to then Dev was there to help. That and she were pretty sure others would help out as well; lots of people at the school were helpful. Dev just nodded her head yes when Erika said Zoe's name. She left it at that; however, because that subject still made her feel a twinge in her chest. "So, what else is there to know about you? You like animals? What’s your favorite power?" Devyn asked, wanting to keep a conversation going as the hiked on. The goal was the top after all.

[Erika Conner (Bellefonte)]

"Oh nah, don't worry about it," Erika chuckled. "We used to be on the cheerleading squad together," she explained. After all, it wasn't as if she and Vera was best friends. They hung out from time to time, but it was hardly more to it than that, and the relationship Vera had with her sister was complicated at best. One could smell the frustration coming a long way from that place, and it wasn't something Erika was about to touch. Not with Devyn, anyways. Especially as it wasn't Erika's business. "I appreciate it," she said, smiling at the girl.

Turning a sheepish smile towards the other girl, Erika chuckled. Boy, was Devyn prepared to keep them busy. "I'm not a huge fan of animals. Not because I don't like them, but they make me feel incredibly awkward," she laughed. As for powers... "Favorite power? Oh gosh." That was a though one to be sure. There was a whole lot of incredibly cool powers swirling around and picking one she liked the best seemed like such a difficult task. "I don't know, to be honest. I'd say that most powers are incredibly cool in different kinds of ways." None was cooler or better than the other. They were all different in different ways.

"What about you?" she asked as she pushed a branch out of her way, making sure it didn't hit either of them as she let it go and continued forward along the path they were walking. This felt nice, being out in the open like this. It had been far too long since Erika had done something like this.