Matt didnt look up as he heard the door open, though he guessed it was Eleanor mainly by the slam of the door that followed just a few seconds afterwards. He stared at his hands, playing with a ring on his forefinger absentmindedly, that being the only thing he was able to focus on as worst case scenario thoughts flooded through his mind. He struggled enough with losing focus into unwanted thoughts, constantly zoning out, let alone with something as major as this happening. Eventually though, he tore his gaze away from his ring, sliding it back onto his finger as he looked up. Eleanor looked distraught, understandably so, and that only made him feel that bit worse. Her love for Dutchess was evident any time her and Matt were paired together, anyone with eyes and one brain cell could see that, and he could barely grasp how she felt. Sure, he was in the exact same boat, but he had a hard time even getting to grips with his own feelings. Somehow, they didn't feel real.

-

Once again, his attention was only brought back from multiple thoughts by her speaking, and he could have silently cursed himself for constantly zoning out, especially in a situation like this. Any other time and sure, it wouldnt have been an issue, he hadnt cared much for them conversing. But of course, it was different now. "Right, and they'll believe that. Joe, the guy that was putting more effort in than anyone else at the academy to find Ranger." Matt mumbled, watching a water droplet drip from his hair and onto his lap. Well, that sounded a little too harsh for what he meant, or the situation. Without thinking, Matt looked at Eleanor, speaking again. "Sorry, I didn't mean..." His voice trailed off. So much for keeping it together huh.

-

Matt pinched the bridge of his nose, standing up and ducking under the small archway to the kitchen, grabbing a glass so he could get a drink. He could still see and hear Eleanor well, he just wasn't too keen on sitting still. "Look, even if we did tell them, everything starting from the tack room the night we were both down here, I doubt they'd believe us much. Clearly the CCTV isnt working, or they would have seen him taking the tack, Ranger and...Falcon and Dutchess." The last three words felt bitter on hs tongue, and his voice noticeably dropped in volume. He focused on the task at hand, filling the glass up with water. Without really thinking, he filled another up and made his way back to the sitting area, placing it down in front of Eleanor. She didn't ask for a drink, nor did have to drink it but it felt kinder anway. Especially after he snapped at her.

-

"The academy principal is the issue." He said eventually, his voice quiet as he took a small sip of water, placing the glass down. "Val."

For a principal, Val was barely ever seen, leaving it up to the regular staff to actually run the place. She was more interested in handling the finances of the academy from abroad, or if she wasn't, she kept herself thoroughly locked away from the students and staff. Some of the riders often joked about her "not being real," or "being a spectral figure,| because she just never seemed involved. But when she was, it never usually ended well for the riders. "If she catches onto us accusing a staff member, especially one as highly...respected as Joe, we likely won't be here much longer, Eleanor." Matt's tongue rolled around her name as if it was the most foreign thing in the world, and he caught her gaze. "But I have no idea what else to do."