Down Boy! (Open)

[Drew Conner]

The more hectic and crazy his life got the more Drew appreciated the quiet moments he got to spend alone.  Despite having a full gymnasium at home basketball had become less and less of an outlet and release the older he got.  It felt sometimes as though he couldn't go more than five minutes without receiving a text, call or email with an urgent message that needed to be addressed as quickly as possible.  He supposed that's what happened when one stepped into the role as the head of one of the largest international conglomerates in the world.  The fact that he'd pushed himself to the forefront of the recent mutants rights movement hadn't helped matters, nor did the chaos that came with having an energetic two year old son at home.  Through everything he'd endured over the last four years there had been one constant in Drew's life.  His golden retriever, Argos.

It was a brisk, chilly morning that found Drew jogging through the park with his faithful canine companion trotting along at his side.  Instead of his usual suit and tie, Drew was clad in a pair of sweats and a hoodie which bore the black and gold logo of his company, Helios Defense & Security.  After a few decent paced laps around the park, Drew slowed to a stop, chest heaving, hands on his hips as he glanced up to the early morning sky.  He watched his breath as it wafted up through the frigid air, a thin smile touching his lips.  These were the moments he enjoyed most.  The quiet, peaceful times when his phone and computer were a distant memory.  There was nothing but the faint chirping of birds, the light, morning breeze that blew through the trees and the panting of his beloved friend beside him.  At least that was usually the case when Argos hadn't found something far more interesting to investigate and hadn't darted off in a random direction.

With a grunt of annoyance, Drew turned and started after the curious dog.  Even though he was far from the inquisitive pup from a few years ago, Argos still approached the world around him with a certain sense of awe and wonder.  This morning the subject of his fascination happened to be another person.  The canine didn't jump or antagonize, though he did rush up to the stranger, tail wagging, tongue hanging from one corner of his mouth and Drew grumbling to himself in tow.

"Dammit."  Drew mumbled as he approached the dog and the accosted person.  "I'm sorry about that."  He said with a frown as he unfurled the leash he kept in the front pocket of his hoodie.  "He's too curious for his own good."  He explained as a gloved hand came down to pat the dog lightly on the top of his head.  "He didn't jump on you, did he?  He should know better."  Drew turned his attention from the person only briefly as he went to clip the leash onto the collar of the dog.

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Most people would be indoors, enjoying the warm from heaters or fires-- Maybe even sleeping in a bit more and debating whether or not to get out of bed. Head held up and soft smile curving lips, Violet walked through the park and simply enjoyed herself. The cold nipped and tried to invade, but Violet simply held her coat even tighter against her body to keep herself warm. Feet moving and head turning, she enjoyed the quiet of the park.

It really is pretty even when it's empty. Almost reminds me of one of those hidden groves in some sort of fantasy book.

Smile increasing, Violet continued her slow walk through the silent surroundings. Peace settled in her, and she had to wonder if this was what her powers made people feel like. Violet could easily see why it could be addictive. However, thoughts disrupted and faded as Violet realized she suddenly had a fuzzy friend by her side. Eyes blinking and surprise growing, Violet smiled and crouched down to offer her hand to the dog to sniff before petting it. Power activating at the contact, Violet subdued how much it would affect the friendly canine.

"Well hi there, sweet thing." She said, voice soft and kind as her accent colored her words. "Ain't you friendly?" She added, tone amused and a light chuckle following. Eyes lifted once the owner seemed to catch up. Head shaking and crouching ceased, Violet stood and smiled at the man. "He's alright, sir. Didn't bother me one bit, or jump." She assured, words calm and sweet. "He was just curious, weren't you boy?" She added, eyes shifting to the dog and tone fond. Gaze shifting back to the man, Violet was surprised to find someone else up this early.

"I take it you're takin' advantage'a the early morning too? I didn't expect'ta find anyone else out 'ere."

[Drew Conner]

Drew gave a satisfied nod at the woman's response. Even though Argos was remarkably curious and energetic he had been well trained (Drew had seen to that). He couldn't help but lower his hand to scratch lightly at the animal's head. Between his family and business obligations Drew sometimes forgot how wonderful it was to escape out into the peace and quiet the early morning offered.

"You could say that." Drew said with a polite smile touching his features. His breathing steadily slowed as he spoke. There was something about the woman he thought was familiar, though he couldn't quite place it. "More often than not it's the only time to get away." He confessed with a faint shrug of his shoulders. Drew chuckled softly, his breath steaming as it escaped. He glanced out over the quiet around them. "It feels like the calm before the storm."

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Gaze shifting, Violet couldn't help but smile a little when she noticed the man scratch the dog's head. The simple gesture nonetheless told Violet that there was a fond bond between the two. Smile growing, she couldn't help but think back to Beau at the stables. Her and that horse had a bond all their own two, and the big Shire always reminded her of home.

It's nice seeing something similar in another person.

Focus returning and ears listening, Violet returned his polite smile with her own warmer one. Eyes caught as she observed him looking around for a moment before doing it herself. Look returning, Violet felt a little bit of sympathy grow as she digested his words. She thought he looked a little stressed somehow, and his words conveyed that. "I take it you've got a storm comin' then? If you don't mind me askin', sir. You just seem a lil' stressed." She said, words kind and soft. She just had a feeling that something was on his mind and bothering him. Reason pondered, Violet couldn't pin down just what made her think this. However, she was willing to ask anyhow, and hope her question didn't offend.

[Drew Conner]

"I take it you've got a storm comin' then?"

The question was a loaded one, to be sure. It was obvious the woman (who was very much Argos' best friend at this point) didn't recognize Drew's face, which was a welcome relief. In many ways there wasn't a storm on the horizon so much as he'd thrown himself headlong into a hurricane and possibly only made it that much worse. From his vocal pro-mutant stance to his unashamed admission of being meta-human himself, the newly minted CEO hadn't shied away from the public eye.

"You could say that." Drew said as he let the hint of a tired smile touch his features. His guard was down. The entire reason he was out here was to push aside the weight of new found responsibility for just a few, fleeting moments. "We all have our own demons to face." He said, perhaps being intentionally cryptic and vague. "I'm no exception. It's nice to escape once in a while, don't you think?"

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Eyes catching, Violet noted the way his attitude and body language changed. He looked tired and beat like a horse after a long ride. Memories surfacing and images crossing, Violet couldn't help but think of her brother Austin. Smile returned, hers shone with sympathy and a hint of sadness at the sight of his exhaustion. He hid it well, but Austin had been the same.

It's like I'm finding Austin up at the top of the barn all over again.

Head nodding, Violet understood what he meant by demons. Her own slid over her skin with a gentle and soothing touch, while the worst part just waited to taint the peace it brought. Violet didn't need to think very hard to be reminded of what happened when she wasn't careful. Sympathy growing, Violet nodded her head in agreement with a warm smile on her face, although a pinch of sadness was in it from remembering. "It really is." She agreed, voice soft and calm.

Head turning, Violet took a few seconds to let her slight melancholy die before she looked back at Argos. Smile returning, she glanced up at Drew. "Can I ask what breed your friend there is?" She asked, tone polite and curious as she decided to change subjects for the benefit of both.

[Drew Conner]

And in a flash the sense of tired resignation and apprehension was gone. It melted away with nary a flinch or exhale of breath. In an instant the young man standing before Violet was calm, confident and in control. Drew glanced from the Academy official to the dog who was sitting patiently while the two of them spoke.

"Argos, here is a golden retriever." Drew answered with a smile. His canine companion was hardly the most exotic breed, though he hadn't been selected based upon that. The retriever was known as being a friendly, loyal and intelligent animal and Argos had proved to be an excellent example of the breed. "As for myself, I'm apparently void of manners." Drew turned, fully facing the woman and extending his hand. "Drew Conner." He said with a polite smile. "You work at Bellefonte, don't you?" He asked, where he remembered seeing Violet from before finally clicking in his mind.

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Gaze observing, Violet caught how the man's guard had built itself up over the span of a second. She was glad they had changed topics, but sad that he had blocked himself off again behind this face of control. Smile staying, Violet wasn't about to return to the topic if he seemed so exhausted by it.

Still, seeing how tired he is and now this mask...I wonder what happened?

Eyes shifting, Violet's smile grew while she looked at the retriever. He seemed like a very kind-hearted companion. She hoped the furry little friend could be a source of ease for his human companion, although from what Violet had seen earlier that might luckily be the case. "He seems a real nice example've his breed." She said, words warm and kind. Attention turning, Violet chuckled softly and took Drew's offered hand, glad it was gloved. "It's alright. You weren't expectin'ta run inta anyone else." She replied, tone sweet. "Violet Coustic, but you can call me Vi. Pleasure'ta meet you. N' yes, I'm the stable hand at the school. I'm guessin' ya used'ta be a student?" She asked, words curious as her hand dropped.

[Drew Conner]

Drew could never allow himself to fall victim to bouts of resignation, exhaustion or doubts. It simply wasn't something he could do. There was no time to feel sorry for himself when he had so much work to do. Even here, far away from his office or the public's prying eyes Drew had to maintain some semblance of control.

"He is." Drew agreed with a nod, reaching down to gently scratch Argos behind the ear again. The smile on Drew's face didn't waver as he now directed it toward the dog. "Man's best friend wasn't an exaggeration."

Drew gave Violet's hand a firm shake and a nod. "Class of two thousand seventeen." He confirmed her question freely. "My wife still works there so I'm around a lot." His eyes narrowed slightly in thought. "Never made it around the stables much, I'm afraid. How long have you been at the Academy?"

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Relief grew and approval too as Violet registered his words and actions in regards to his dog. "I don't doubt it. Seems a good fit for you." She said, voice sweet and sincere as she observed the two. They really did seem to work for each other, Violet was glad to decide. "Everyone needs a best friend, even if they can be a lil' extra fuzzy." She added, tone warm and softly chuckling.

Head nodding, Violet tried to remember if she had ever seen the boy at the school before. Ears listening and thoughts flying, Violet knew the name Conner was familiar. Recognition finally clicking, she now realized he was the husband to the headmistress. Attitude unchanged, Violet didn't treat him any different when he asked his question.

"Haven't been workin' there long as some. Around three, maybe four years now. I used'ta go'ta the school before a long while back, but I returned home until the school contacted me on account'a needin' a new stable hand." She answered, tone calm.

[Drew Conner]

Drew nodded faintly as Violet told the abridged version of how she came to Bellefonte. He was relieved when it seemed as though she'd put the pieces together in regards to his identity, though didn't feel the need to address it. He didn't actively seek attention in this way and it was his wife whose maiden name was on the huge sign in front of the Academy, not his. He had his own, corporate empire to oversee.

"It may be early on in our interaction to say this, but I believe the Academy is lucky you decided to come back." Drew said honestly. There was a calming presence he found in the woman he found rare in teachers and officials these days. "I'm sure I can speak for the Academy when I say I hope you decide to stay for a while."

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Smile widening, Violet was flattered by his compliment, especially since they had barely just met. Softly chucking, she gave him a nod and a smile full of warmth. "Thank you kindly, sir. I admit I was a might surprised when they wanted me'ta come back, but I didn't mind returnin' one bit." She said, voice sweet and friendly. "I do think I'm goin'ta stay. The people are nice n' I'm glad'ta be there for some've the students." She added, voice soft and slightly sad. The first year she had returned, Violet had run into a few students that had taken the outting particularly bad.

I hope I had helped them even a little.

"I'm glad'ta help any way I can. After that outin' all those years ago, there were a few kids I ran inta that were real upset." She admitted, words calm. "I think my power was another thing that made the school want me back. I was sure glad of it'ta help some of those kids after the backlash." She added, voice warmer and a little happy. "My power calms people y'see."

[Drew Conner]

Drew gave another short nod and a bit of a polite smile. He didn't know if it was the young woman's power or merely the aura of her personality that had such a deceptively calming effect but it was, regardless of the source, a welcome reprieve to the tightly wound company Drew commonly found himself among. It also didn't hurt a quick swipe over the surface of Violet's thoughts garnered nothing more than humility and remnants of hope for those under her care. Drew had opted to take an almost aggressive stance in reaction to anti mutant sentiment but he fully understood the need for a gentle touch in times like these, especially when dealing with scared, frightened children.

"A power like that can be useful." Drew said, glancing down to Argos before turning his gaze out to the park around them again. "Especially now. Why haven't you been picked up by some high powered corporate executive with blood pressure problems?" Drew smirked a little as he looked back to Violet.

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Eyes watching and gladness growing, Violet noticed that Drew seemed to be relaxing just a little bit. It wasn't too much, but she was happy for even a pinch of it to pass on to someone. "Thank you. It's helped me plenty in 'n out've my job. Although mine can cause trouble from time's time." She admitted, words soft and a little sad. She never wanted anyone to be addicted to her ever again.

I'm sorry Drako, wherever you are now.

Attention refocusing, Violet offered a soft laugh in return and shook her head. "Guess I never got the offer is all. That n' I'm just a stable hand, so I don't reckon I'm gonna get enough attention for somethin' like that." She mused, tone thoughtful. "Still, if someone asked I'd be more then happy'ta help. You too, if you ever need it. All I have'ta do is hold your hand for a lil. You don't have'ta take my offer, but it's there if you want." She added, words sincere and sweet.

[Drew Conner]

Drew nodded again and turned his full attention towards Violet. He hadn't taken her for a stable hand. Given her demeanor he thought she would have been a teacher or councilor though he knew inspiration and mentorship for the kids at Bellefonte could come from anywhere. Often it was the officials and staff that were least expected the ones who offered the most help.

"Your secret's safe with me." He replied with a smirk. Drew could only imagine the possible outcomes if the right person were to get wind of such a power, especially some of those who ran in the same circles as he did. Affluent individuals were often eccentric and he'd heard of far more bizarre things exorbitant amounts of money had been spent on.

A brow quirked at Violet's offer. With a light shake of his head he pokiteky waved off the offer. "No, thank you though.". He took a deep breath and exhaled a puff of steam. " I've my wife and son keeping me from going crazy." A hint of fond wistfulness touched the smile on his face.