I Don't Need A Reason

[Gemma Dove]

Messy, blonde curls fell over Gemma's face, the girl blowing upwards in order to ruffle them. At least it wasn't as unmanageable as it could become; Humid climates caused her unruly locks to frizz and puff up something awful and thankfully the climate in Montana was far from humid... She just had to avoid getting caught in the rain, otherwise she'd end up looking like a poodle. She pouted a little as the curls flopped back over her face, quickly brushing them behind her ears before pulling her quilt tighter around her form.
She'd pulled it up over her head to create a makeshift hood, holding it in place with her hands under her chin. She wore a nightdress underneath, her feet bare; She was sat on the floor, her back against the side of the bed, turning her head to look towards the door with a bright, awaiting gaze. This wasn't her room, but she felt perfectly at ease within it despite that fact; It was the dorm room of Oliver King, a boy who seemed to install unease and anxious nerves in almost all who came across him... And who took the title of one of her best friends. Gemma's sunny heart had remained untouched by the boy's darker personality traits, never wavering in her adoration and positive opinion of him. Oliver King was... Oli, her  best friend O.J. She simply couldn't see this dark hearted, almost cruel young man everyone else seemed to think he was. 

It was late, the clock she's passed in her quick, tentative walk from the girls' dormitories displaying nearly midnight, long past the curfew for the younger students... Yet when she'd arrived, her quilt trailing behind her as she wore it like a cloak, Oliver's room had been vacant. The door had been pulled to but a small push and revealed it to be open, implying that he'd merely left for some quick errand or other. Curfews had never held much restraint for her friend, so Gemma wasn't too concerned that he wasn't in his room at such an hour.

She took a moment to look around the room, sighing as she slowly brought her legs to her chest; She'd been unable to sleep, a touch of homesickness infiltrating her usual sunny disposition. On the occasion it flared up, she always found seeking out Oliver or Sarah quelled it near enough instantly... While Sarah had been notably closer, Gemma felt... As though she'd rather Oliver's company this time. She shifted her eyeline to the door, a bright smile forming on her lips knowing that her friend would surely walk through the door at any moment.

[Oliver King]

He'd only run out to get something to eat and perhaps something to snack on from the kitchen beyond the cafeteria. His own dorm contained very little, which meant that Oliver - or one of his roomies had to go grocery shopping sometime in the nearest future. As annoying as it was, he supposed he didn't mind awfully much. After all, there was worse ways one could spend their time than shopping for groceries. It was merely a tedious task, and a very simple one that that.

He returned from the kitchen with a bottle of orange juice, some salty chips and a bag filled with dried fruits. He hadn't expected to find anyone sitting in his room and it caused him to halt in the doorway before he recognized the friendly face of one of the few people on this earth that Oliver genuinely cared about.

"Evenin' beautiful," he greeted her as he closed the door with the back of his heel. He made his way straight for his bed where he dumped the various snacks he'd gathered before slumping down next to the gorgeous blonde. There was something in that usually cheerful expression of hers that had his brows furrowing and without hesitation, his arm slipped around her shoulders and he pulled her in close. "Couldn't sleep?" he asked offering her something of a smile as he used his free hand to reach for the snacks and orange juice.

"Good thing I brought refreshments enough for the two of us then," he added quickly with a smug grin. Opening both the bag of dried fruits and the bag of chips, he put the bags in front of them, making them easy to reach. He put the bottle of orange juice next to it and reached for his night stand to open the small door and pull out two plastic cups. He loved these moments shared with the girl he considered to be one of two people he held closest to his heart. The only two people who could see past his dark facade and see the kind, caring boy hiding underneath.

[Gemma Dove]

Gemma looked down at her feet a moment as she waited, wriggling her delicately painted toenails which were painted a bright pink, before she looked back over towards the doorway. She blinked at the figure stood there, her pouted lips striking up into a bright smile as she was greeted by the room's usual occupant. "Evenin' handsome," She replied brightly, giving him a light hearted wink, watching as the boy closed the door with little effort, placing what he'd been carrying on the bedside table before taking a place beside her, pulling her in close. Gemma gave no hesitation, sighing a little as she pulled the quilt even tighter to her chin as she allowed Oliver to pull her in, pouting slightly as she rested her head gently on his shoulder. "... If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were psychic, Oli," She spoke cheerily, looking up at the boy from under her lashes, before her usual sunny smile lit up her lips.
There was no need to further explain her reasons for coming; He understood. Oliver had always been perceptive of others, but Gemma knew the way he could read her went beyond mere observation. It didn't take much for any of the trio of friends to pick up on one of the other's emotions; To each other, they were open books, and Gemma could not be more comfortable in his presence. He calmed her weary homesickness, with nothing more then a playful greeting and a moment of close comfort. She nuzzled her cheek against his shirt a little in a manner that perhaps could be described as kitten like, before lifting her head up as she heard the rustle of food packaging.

"You know, I think you actually are psychic," She grinned, lightly poking the boy in the cheek. "Because you always know how to cheer me up." She then pulled the quilt down so that it sat on her shoulders, letting her wild hair free; It's obvious bedhead state, sticking up in odd angles, showcasing her attempt at rest before she'd ventured out to Oliver's room. She watched him take out the two cups, then tilted her head slightly to one side, blinking at the boy. "... You couldn't sleep either? Or did you just fancy a snack?" She doubted any problem he had in regards to inability to sleep stemmed from finals or any other academic test... He swept through education as though it was a breeze; He always had.

[Oliver King]

Tapping his temple with his index finger, Oliver grinned. "That's because I am. It's my second superpower," he winked at her. Or rather, it was easy to pretend that you were when you thought you knew the person sitting next to you inside and out. It was easy to make comments like that, considering the fact that Oliver had known Gemma for such a long time and he prided himself in noticing the little things, such as small changes and differences, whether that meant in someone's demeanor or someone's appearance. He smiled as her head landed upon his shoulder and issued a small chuckle at the gentle nuzzle, which reminded him oh so much of some small cutesy animal.

Oliver's eyebrow arched in an amused manner as the girl continued and he issued another laugh. "Yeah? Glad to know I'm useful for something," he grinned. He poured some of the orange juice into the cups; he'd always adored orange juice. Even from an early age. It was his go to drink.

"A little bit of both," he replied as he handed over one of the now filled cups. "Sleep seems like such a waste of time sometimes. There's so much to do, and so few hours in a day." He tossed her a quick grin before continuing. "But I suppose that's my own fault." He gestured towards the laptop sitting on the night stand. "I kept myself awake reading stuff on the internet, and before I knew it, the time had gotten so much, and I'd gotten less tired, and whaddaya know; I suddenly got hungry." It surely didn't help that Oliver was the kind of person who liked keeping his mind constantly busy. He got easily bored and easily restless, so he often needed something to busy himself with.

[Gemma Dove]

Gemma knew the reason Oliver so easily knew just how to brighten her mood was obvious; The boy could read her like an open book and the blonde was more then willing to allow him to do so. She had no secrets, and even if she had, she felt perfectly comfortable knowing her best friend, along with Sarah, would figure it out with little effort, and she was certain she'd feel truly at ease with knowing, regardless of what it was. She was fascinated with the way he could read her.

With a nod and a bright smile Gemma took her drink in hand, sipping it a little as she watched her friend with a little concern evident in her expression as he explained his reasons for being up as late as she was; Oliver had always... been someone whose brain never seemed to stop, and he had no intention of letting it. He would push himself to his physical limits, going without sleep, if it meant he could spend the time learning some new skill or some new highly important piece of information. "You'll burn yourself out," She replied, pouting her glossed lips a little before sipping her beverage again. "If you keep skipping out on sleep, I shall kidnap your laptop and come in here every night to make sure you're resting." She arched a brow as she took another sip, the almost child like delight on her lips indicating that she had every intention to do that if her best friend didn't comply.

A thought then dawned on her, a query she'd been musing on for some time... Ever since the return of a certain well known and wealthy young man to the Academy, things had became... Well. Gemma had noticed a few changes. Before he'd left, back before the SPECTRE incidents occurred... She'd noticed the same similar things. Rumor of test scores being changed, drugs, information being exchanged... For profit. Underhand dealings in some Academy underworld. Now... Now that he'd returned it had all flared up again, and if anyone knew anything about it, it would be Oliver, with his vast capacity for picking up information about others.
"... Ollie," She spoke, holding her cup with both hands and sipping it again, before looking back at the boy, blinking her bright green eyes. "Out of curiosity... What do you know about Drew Conner?"

[Oliver King]

Chuckling softly, Oliver shrugged his shoulders innocently. "Burn myself out? Nah." He wasn't worried in the slightest. Besides, he was like a cat. He slept whenever he felt the need for it - which more often than not meant he could be found sleeping around campus. Preferably outside, in the sun. "Make sure you wear somethin' really sexy and revealin'. That way we could make a show out of it," he winked at her. Though, he'd more than likely be furious if she ever did something like that. He was insanely overprotective of the people he held close, especially someone as innocently naive as Gemma.

Wincing slightly at the nickname, Ollie tossed the girl a sideways glance. There was only two people in this entire world he allowed to call him that - well, two people and his mother, but his mother seemed to do whatever the hell she wanted. A common family trait, it seemed. The question puzzled him, and he wondered why on earth Gemma wanted to know about the famous Conner boy - then he had to remind himself of what, exactly, it was that Gemma did. Shrugging he pursed his lips. "Aside from the obvious, rich kid with too much money and too much time walkin' 'bout? Hmm," he began as he tapped his lower lip.

Then, it was Oliver's business to know about everything going on about the school. He was nothing if not a source of information.

"Him and his sister does a lot of "illicit business". Such as changin' people's test scores, gettin' their hands on information usually just available for school staff, sellin' drugs to those who need it, importin' various stuff that people need, bettin'-- you know, the shady kind of stuff. He's also a mind reader-- or rather, some kind of telepathic perception. He's also datin' Erika Bellefonte-- ya know, the "princess"." He looked over at Gemma, shrugging his shoulders again. "His family owns quite the large business establishment. Mostly puttin' their hands into the military and what have you." Reaching for his juice box, he took a sip from it before continuing. "He's a shady guy, just like his sis. Not the kind of guy ya wanna get mixed up with."

"Why do you ask anyways? Ya have a crush on 'im or somethin'?" he grinned.

[Gemma Dove]

Gemma kept her brow quirked, giving him a mockingly judging stare as he dismissed her comment on him burning out, before she suddenly gave a bell like laugh, waving a hand at him. "You have to try harder then that to get an honest girl in lingerie," She replied with a playful return wink, still giggling a little as she closed her eyes and took another sip of her juice. Oliver was always making jokes that perhaps had it been with anyone else they might have deemed them inappropriate; But they merely amused Gemma. She was used to it from him, these playful, suggestive comments; She often took great delight in returning them. "Although if you wear nothin' but your beanie, I'll reconsider your offer." Her almost child like delighted expression then shifted slightly as she saw him wince a touch at the nickname, mentally deciding to try and avoid using it; Her expression then turned more serious as her friend began to delve into his mental library of information, reeling it off with as little effort as though he was reading it from a piece of paper in front of him. He always did have a fantastic memory.

She furrowed her delicate brows, listening to the boy as he revealed a extensive amount of information, all of it distinctly unfavourable, confirming the young reporter's suspicions. Drew Conner... Was certainly not a decent man, a shady dealer making profit on the vulnerable... The desperate. A virus. People like that were a virus, feeding on and slowly destroying the establishments they infected; It was no different then a corrupt cop on a force, or a sleazy chancellor in congress... Gemma cared about this Academy; It had become like home... And to think some upstarted little tycoon wannabe was poisoning it from the inside for nothing more then the sense of power... Well, he certainly didn't need the money... Upset her.

Gemma was brought from her thoughts by his comment, the girl pulling a face and sticking out her tongue as she grimaced. "Ew, no. Have ya seen him? He oozes sleaze and self absorption," She pouted, before her expression became a little more serious again, more concerned. She blinked at her friend slowly. "... Oliver, he can't be allowed to continue. Why has no one called him out yet? Just because him and his sister have a fat wallet?"

[Oliver King]

"In that case..." He said as he jokingly tugged at the bottom of his shirt. He didn't fully remove it of course. Oh no, Gemma - in his opinion - was meant to remain innocent and pure forever. She was the kind of girl he expected would end up with someone who truly cared for her, and not lose her innocence until then. He might have been a touch biased, of course, but that came with the territory.

It was a good thing Oliver couldn't read the girl's mind, because even if his own dealings weren't nearly as bad as Drew Conner, Oliver too did his own fair share of "illicit work". It mostly resolved around getting stuff people needed and collecting vital information, but he could in no way place himself above the law, because at the end of the day, he was just as bad as the rest of them.

At least Oliver owned up to it.

"You're hangin' out with me, aren't you?" he chuckled. After all, Oliver was one of the most arrogant, self absorbed people there was around school. Then again, just like him, Gemma seemed to see him in a much better light than their fellow students. "I don't know," he answered truthfully. "Maybe because at the end of the day, fewer people gets hurt than those who have somethin' to gain from it, or maybe there just isn't enough proof." After all, the Conners were both good at talking their way out of things, and as long as people got what they wanted, he didn't see anyone being willing to really call him out on his shit.

"Though, from what I've seen, I don't think his girlfriend is involved." That made sense though. "I don't think she'd be too pleased if she knew her boyfriend steals information from the school," he shrugged. It was obvious that this really bothered Gemma, and that didn't sit quite right with the boy. "I'll look around and see what I find," he promised.

[Gemma Dove]

Gemma raised both brows at his action, wiggling them in joking anticipation before she again gave another sunny, bell like laugh. She knew it was all in good nature... Gemma knew she was quite naive when it came to matters involving... Well, affairs of the bedroom; And she was quite happy being that way. She wasn't looking for love, but was instead waiting for it to find her; It would, she was certain... It had a habit of sneaking up on you when you least expected it. She did know, however, that any such suitor would have to go through being checked over by both Sarah and her dear Oliver. It would be the same for the both of them on Gemma's side if they found their hearts stolen. Well, she couldn't let just anyone walk off with them.
"Aww, you? You're not self absorbed," She joked, implying that he was sleazy, nudging his shoulder with her own; She then gave him a warm, adoring look, which would tell him all he needed to know about how much she cared for him. He was seen as arrogent, standoffish and generally a bit of an uncaring ass by many... But not to Gemma. His heart shone more then perhaps he realised... You just had to take the time to look.

Gemma bowed her head a moment, her smile leaving her as she looked down into what was left of her juice, her brow furrowed as she listened to Oliver continue.
Gemma had grown up idolising her police officer older brother, admiring his resolute stance on the world, his firm view that people who had the ability to take up defending the innocent and the meek, had the responsibility too. The world was a mess of these dark viruses, undermining and twisting the world to suit their own means, regardless of who it harmed in the process. They got away with it, too... Because most were too afraid to challenge them, to take on their position of power and change the status quo for the benefit of those that actually deserved it. The students here deserved an Academy free of the vermin of such exploiters as Drew Conner... And Gemma was not afraid to stand up and take that mantle. It was her duty, as a journalist.

She looked to him when he mentioned Erika Bellefonte, her eyes saddened. "... She loves him so much too... You can tell, ya know? If he truly cared for her, he wouldn't steal from somethin' as important to her as the Academy." She sighed, before sipping up the rest of her juice thoughtfully. Gemma then looked to the boy when he offered his help, a bright smile eclipsing her lips as she leaned in close and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek. "You're a star, Oliver!" She declared, before winking at him. "You watch, this girl's ganna clean up this joint."

[Oliver King]

Nodding slowly, Oliver tended not to meddle into the personal affairs of other people, such as their relationships. He honestly cared less about what Drew's girlfriend knew or didn't know. Or if she loved him, or how sad it'd make her. Though, it had been made clear that Gemma had the biggest heart of their trio, and she rarely stopped at nothing to ensure that everyone around her got the respect they deserved. Sighing softly, Oliver tossed a smile in her direction. "Yeah," he replied thoughtfully.

His expression softened slightly as the blonde's lips met with his cheek and he issued a low laugh. "If anyone can, it's you." Besides, he was practically the blonde's lapdog. He couldn't have said no even if he wanted to. Though, it did sadden him somewhat that he was part of these kind of people she clearly detested so much. Though, technically, he'd yet to do something actually illegal thus far, but it wasn't beneath him.

"Just be careful, aight?" His expression turned more serious. "These people are dangerous." He looked at her, studied her face for a moment. "They might be students just like us, but that kind of money comes with a great deal of power. Don't get mixed up into anythin' you don't wanna finish." It might have been a tad dramatic, but he wanted her to understand what she was really getting herself into. Which also meant that Oliver would have to stick around and watch her every step.

Sighing, he lifted his hand and rubbed the back of his neck. Sometimes he wished she'd just mind her own business.

[Gemma Dove]

How anyone could claim they were in love with someone only to be creeping behind their back and stealing from a place so personal, so dear to their hearts... Bellefonte shared her family name, for goodness sake! Yet Drew Conner clearly could not care less. Gemma didn't know Erika personally, but she felt some level of empathy for the poor woman... Hopelessly in love with a criminal. She didn't want to hurt the innocent girl... But if bringing down Drew's little Academy operation harmed her relationship with him, it was his hand on the knife, not hers. He chose to be what he was, just as she chose to take a stand against it.

Gemma's smile had returned to it's usual sunny disposition, inspired by the notion that Oliver was going to use his skills to help her cause. His compliment installed an even greater faith in herself, and she giggled, putting her empty cup down and putting her hands to her cheeks. "Oh, Oliver, I'll blush, and you know that looks ridiculous when I blush!" She pouted at him jokingly. Her power, while she could control it perfectly the majority of the time, it on occasion would flare up when she felt high emotion; Oliver had seen it a number of times throughout the years. His expression then changed, and Gemma found herself blinking at her friend slowly, removing her hands from her face as she watched the concern in his gaze. To have Oliver actually warn her...
The Conners must truly live up to their reputation; Even more reason for her to follow her heart and do what needed to be done.

"... People have a lot of money at their disposal and all of a sudden they think the world answers to them," She replied softly. "I'm not afraid of them, Oliver. It's them who should be concerned... The media is a powerful thing. Truth even more so. I won't let this Academy be bullied by some sleazy little gangster in a cheap looking suit." She didn't want him to worry about her... But she couldn't stand by and let the Conners continue on unchallenged.

[Oliver King]

As much as Oliver understood that Gemma was passionate about this, and wanted to help, she was still very much naive. He didn't think that the Conners was stupid enough to get rid of a student just like that, or actually do anything to harm her - at least he hoped not, but he also knew that it was easy to get carried away when there was something you were passionate about, and if there was something Gemma didn't lack, it was passion.

Smiling ruefully, Oliver nodded slowly. "That's not the problem, Gemma. It doesn't matter what they think, but what they're capable of." He looked at her, his brows furrowing. "And the media might be powerful, but so is money." The world was a dark, corrupt place often ruled by greed. People followed the stream of cash, and that was just how it was. It was obvious that she'd made up her mind, so Oliver saw no other solution than helping her as best as he could and make sure that no harm was done towards her.

It was a good thing then, that Oliver had eyes and ears around the school and that he was as capable at getting information as he was. He just hoped that the Conners wouldn't turn their watchful eye towards the girl. Maybe it was better if he made sure their attention was pulled elsewhere while Gemma did her thing?

[Gemma Dove]

Gemma did have an very naive view of the world. She honestly believed in the good of people, and although she knew the world was a harsh, cruel and corrupted place... She couldn't help but focus on the desire to sweep away the grime and find the heart underneath, something pure; A flower after a storm. She'd didn't think the Conners would dare try to make some physical move against her, since that would be far too public, far too easily traced back to them. If they did try to dislodge her investigation, it would be in a far more subtler manner... She'd have to remain vigilant.

"Capable of? What has the big bad Drew Conner got to worry about from a ditzy blonde school reporter?" She spoke, pouting before quirking her brow with a smile. The guy was an arrogent, self obsessed type; He thought had had the world at his feet and everyone at his beck and call; He surely wouldn't think to even bother making a move against her... She knew she came across at times as ditzy and obviously naive, and if she had to amp that up a touch just to hide how good she could be at finding out the truth... Well. It would be easy enough. "And I know the only two people I would trust with all of this, he couldn't buy for all the money in the world." She then lightly poked the boy's cheek again, smiling warmly. "You're smarter then he is, Oliver. I know we can do this, together... And when the time comes, we bring everythin' into the light and show this Academy who Drew Conner REALLY is."

She believed firmly that Oliver far exceeded either Conner on the intelligence level, and that with both of their abilities for gathering information and then proving said information... Well. Gemma had never felt so sure of herself, so certain that they could truly do some good for Bellefonte.

[Oliver King]

Oliver's expression grew somber and he looked down to the floor. "His business is mainly secret for a reason," he answered simply. He sincerely doubted that the Conner boy would take too kindly to his business being pulled out into the shining light like that. His expression didn't lighten much even as Gamma poked at his cheek. Something about all of this didn't sit quite right with him, and it could even have been as simple as his overprotective nature shining through. Sighing, his head shook slowly. "Yeah, I guess you're right." He didn't like the sound of this. Not one bit.

Not often was the off chance that Oliver King felt uncertain about anything. Heck, he was so sure of himself most of the time it almost felt as this sudden new feeling hit him in the face like a brick. He cared deeply for his friends, and he couldn't even consider the thought of anything happening to either of them.

But he also knew how this kind of thing worked. Someone like Drew Conner wouldn't at all take kindly to having someone snooping around, swearing to take him down. Despite their differences, Oliver did know that Drew Conner was not your normal rich snob. He was not the kind of person you messed around with, and this was undoubtedly going to start a war. "Just be careful, alright?"

[Gemma Dove]

Gemma's expression softened, her smile fading, her eyes no longer displaying the positive gleam they usually did. It was replaced with a faint sadness, a gentle concern, as she looked to her friend. She knew how serious an undertaking the task she was taking on was,and she knew taking down any amount of Drew Conner's operation in the school wasn't going to be anywhere near an easy feat. From what she'd seen, he was highly skilled at covering his tracks; Hiding... Like a coward. It was going to take more then rumours and hearsay, more then a few screen captures of obviously changed grades. But Gemma was willing to bide her time, build her case then present it with such provable certainty that it could not be disputed... But such a thing wasn't going to happen overnight; Far from it.

She reached out, gently placing one of her hands over Oliver's own, smiling warmly as she gazed at him. "... I'm not going to rush into this blindly," She spoke, trying to reassure him. "I know it's goin' to take time, a lot of time. But everythin' will be fine... I have you."
She gave her friend's hand a gentle squeeze and donned a brighter smile. "And you keep me grounded, Mr.King. I won't go rushing into calling the Conners out without proof." She then looked away a moment, her eyelashes fluttering downwards. "... But I can't let it go. This Academy, the students who come here... It should be a place of safety, of respite from the rest of the world. I can't just let someone exploit it for nothin' more then their own ego." She then shifted her gaze back to Oliver, before removing her hand from his slowly. "I'll be okay."