Mission Impossible

[Steve West]

The weather wasn't too bad, I guess. The picturesque scene, beautiful sandy beaches; the stunning waves lapping against the land; the cute little row of tiny shops selling a variety of beach rubbish, like spades, buckets and sandcastle building kits; spoiled only by the grey mass of rain clouds, hovering menacingly above my head. I hoped that it would hold back until we'd gone - we had about a 50/50 chance of that happening. I glanced over to my right. A 15h dun stallion was pulling hard at his reins, trying to break free. He flicked his legs about, not seeming to care about the fact that he should be dead by now because of all this energy he was using up. He'd been like this ever since I'd taken him from the barn, which seemed completely odd. They usually tired much before this - I know. From experience.

Loco was still living up to his name whilst I was planning out my tactics. First, I addressed him simply. "Loco?" "Yup." What would you like to say about one of these?" I produced a saddle from my oh-so-huge horse backpack. He whinnied loudly and did a little dance - picking up his feet and trotting on the spot. I shook my head and chuckled. He was used to saddle pads, he'd been introduced to them when he was younger. I slipped a white and blue one from my bag, and tied him to a nearby pole so I could fix it onto his back. By the time I was finish, he'd managed to untie himself by using his tongue to unravel the knots. I smiled. "That's new." I made a mental note to use the hardest knots to untie in future. I managed to dart forwards and grab his reins before he bolted away, and he hung his head in shame.

I reached up and scratched his forehead, so he soon cheered up. "Now, I guess you've never been ridden before?" I asked, presuming he hadn't he was only just over four years old. "Nope. And I never want to. Riders are smelly things that hit you with spikes on their feet, don't they?" I smiled and replied, simply. "Do you know what a 'rider' looks like?" I asked, and he shook his head. I stroked his neck as I explained. "Well, a rider is a human being, just like me, who rides horses, like you. So, I'm a rider. And I'm not going to hit you with spiky things and I'm certainly not smelly." I stared him in the eye, still smiling, daring him to object. He didn't he responded with a simple: "Oh".

This felt like Mission Impossible. How could I manage to get this horse to a point where I could ride him? Thinking deeply, I clipped a longer lead rope onto his halter and let him walk around for a bit. There. That would keep him busy, He dashed around, bucking like crazy whilst I set up his saddle. It was slim and black, lined with white and blue. I'd got the set specially made for him - I'm not exactly poor if I do say so myself. I called Loco over, but he didn't seem to want to be obedient, so I went and grabbed his halter and lead him over. Tying him (with a range of ultra-complicated, super-tight knots) to a nearby fence I slowly lowered a saddle onto his back. His eyes widened and he shook himself, trying to throw it off. I slipped my hands under his belly and attached it, very lightly so it wouldn't press much and could slide around a bit.

"There you go. That's a saddle. Say it. Sad-dle," I murmured, grinning. It was like teaching a four year old. "Sad-dle," he murmured bored. "Very good, You can run around and get used to it for a bit now." He didn't refuse, and tried to bolt off in a random direction before realizing he was still tied to the fence. I laughed, and untied the knots for him. Happily, he rollicked around, now ignoring the useless piece of material on his back. That wasn't going to stop him! I could faintly hear the "Woo hoo!"s and the "Horray!"s in my mind, but I happily ignored them, lifting myself up to perch on the fence. I glanced around, somewhat content. All I needed now, was some company.

Other than my beloved, ultra-hyper, super-crazy horse of course.

[Rachel Corrigan]

Hey, you know this is the first time since I got here that I've gone anywhere with you? I was happily walking Rosco towards the beach, bag in hand. Back at the stables when I went to get him, Rosco and I had an agreement to leave off the saddle for a couple days. Of course I know! I've been here the whole time ya know! It's like I'm a pet or something! Jeez. He finally stopped ranting when we reached the edge of the trees. I looked over at the stubbornly gorgeous animal beside me, and smiled.

If we go for a quick ride, you promise to behave good? Rosco gave me the "You're acting dumb again" look, so I shrugged and set down my bag in a little cubby of trees. The two of us were walking closer to the water when Rosco stopped abruptly. Everything okay Rosco? The concern for him spilled out of me like a flood.

I'm sorry but I can't. It's just. Sorry, Bad memories. I could have just been going crazy but Rosco truly looked scared. I looked around a little and saw a guy and his horse nearby.

It's no problem Rosco. Here, I got an idea. Gives you a chance to lose some energy and me a chance to meet someone different. It took him a couple seconds to figure out my sneaky voice and when he did, he shool his head and lead me to the others, not afraid one bit of the situation. Then again, with him next to me, neither was I. You want me to tie you up near the other? Once he nodded, I reached over to catch his reins, slipped on some wet sand, and fell flat on my face.

Yep, I got the clumsy queen!

[/i] I could hear Rosco laughing in my head and once I managed to get up, I was laughing too, I finally got the reins to a cruel Rosco and tied him up. Still laughing to the point of my stomach hurting, I looked up to see the tall guy watching his own horse, but smiling.

[/blockquote]

[Steve West]

I was glad I decided to head down to the beach. I mean, it's so pretty out here, even though the weather is a little bad. But it can be forgiven for that. It was Winter, after all. On that cold, breezy day I was incredibly happy. I know my luck couldn't last though - because things would be harder from now on. I had a new horse, and I'd recently lost my room-mate when he left to try and find a job. Hmm. That was a task I'd have to complete sooner or later. I watched as a fluffy black figure began to approach, walking (completely balanced) along the tall wooden fence that I was sitting on. I grinned as I recognised my own cat, Osprey. That cat had an uncanny ability to find me, wherever I went. When I first decided to come to this academy I had planned to leave my Ozzy with a friend, but, two weeks later, he turned up at the academy and I couldn't exactly send him back after that.

I raised my hand and he pushed his charcoal head into my hand, before twisting around and sitting down not far away. I knew better than to expect him to be completely friendly - Osprey wasn't just that kind of cat. My large brown eyes fixed on the cat's round orange one for a moment, before I distracted my attention towards Loco. He was still bucking and running around, looking incredibly crazy, still with limitless energy. I knew I wouldn't be able to catch him, his speed was much higher than mine. Instead, I slipped my hand into my pocket and fished out a small treat, a Polo mint. Placing it in my hand, I called him. "Loco! Come here, boy!" He completely ignored me. "Food," I added. Instantly, his ears pricked up and he darted towards me.

The mustang quickly swiped the polo from my hand, crunching it loudly in his mouth. Before he had the time to bolt off again, I grabbed his halter and tied him to the fence. He scowled at me and tried to pull away. It was pointless of course, but he was a heck of a fighter. Osprey watched quietly as I tightened Loco's saddle slightly. He protested further at this, but he calmed down when I released him again. I let him frolick around the beach, kicking up sand with his hooves. A flicker of movement caught my eye, and I turned my head to see a girl walking her horse along the beach. The horse seem to hesitate when he grew closer to the water, and I didn't really blame him. The majority of newly-broken or untrained horses are scared of large amounts of water, but my Loco seemed to be completely different.

He was playing a solitary, pointless game, trying to see how close to the water he could get without getting splashed. I smiled and turned around to see the girl swiftly slip on the wet sand. I leapt down to my feet, wondering whether she needed help. I was about to grasp the reins of her horse and help her up, but she managed to regain her balance by herself, and I backed away slightly. "Are you alright?" I asked, still smiling. Osprey made his way along the fence until he was facing the girl. I tracked the muscled black tom with my eyes, and bit back a small laugh as he opened his jaws and hissed at her. I jumped up and tapped Osprey with the side of my hand. He glared at me, before getting out of the way. "Don't worry, he won't bite. He's just a little... Urm... Grumpy, that's all," I said, glancing up at her. I bit my lip, hoping I wasn't making a fool of myself. I'm not exactly a people's person.

I took the time to examine her properly. She was younger than I was, she'd probably not started college yet. She had longish blonde hair and light blue eyes. Quite pretty, really. But that didn't really matter to me (as it would to most men of a similar age). Her horse was bay, with a brilliant black coat and a black mane. He seemed taller than Loco, and a lot more serious. "You've got a nice looking horse there," I murmured, nervously,walking up to him. I hovered my hand over his nose for a second requesting to stroke him. If he didn't protest, I would. I whistled loudly, and showed Loco another polo. Somehow, he managed to spot him from the other side of the beach. It's amazing how animal's senses are so much better when it's useful for them. He cantered over, jumping up and down on the spot. "Don't you have any shame?" I asked loudly in my head, wondering whether Loco could hear me.

"Sheesh, no need to shout. Anyway, why would I be embarrased? I'm just happy happy happy!" His voice grew higher and higher as he spoke, and I chuckled and ran my hand down his slim neck. I glanced over to the girl, my eyes somehow shining, glittering even with happiness. How did I know that? Mwuahaha. I'll tell you later.

ooc:; About the eye thing in the last few sentences, don't worry. He's making it up. xD

[Rachel Corrigan]

After I managed to regain my balance, I looked up to see the very tall guy (at least to my little 5'4") standing in front of me. "Are you alright?" I was shocked that he asked, but I did manage to nod my head in answer like an idiot. After that, he moved a hair closer, amused that his cat didn't like me. Grumpy, right. He probably smells Japedo on me. Oh yea, cause that lint-catcher smells so great.

[/b] At the mention (even mentally) the furball in question popped up beside Rosco, watching the Grump intently. The guy moved a little closer, hand hovering just high enough to questioningly pet Rosco's nose. Hmm...he smells nice. Yea fine, I won't snap at him. Yet.[/i] Rosco, being a big-mouth, couldn't keep his trap shut of my head.

"You have a nice looking horse there"[/i] he looked nervous, and I felt weird not saying anything this whole time. Thanks. that one word managed to sprout a few more. He's a little rude and very stubborn, but all in all, he's okay. Once I closed my mouth again, Rosco nudged me with his own nose and growled into my head.

I could feel the guy staring at me so when his horse ran up, jumping around like a crazy thing, I took the chance to get a good look at him. I finally took the guess of about six feet tall and a bit older than me. He was okay looking in my own opinion, my best friend back home would have fell over for him though.

Okay, I have to ask out of curiosity, what did you name your horse? He seems like a fun one. I laughed at the really irritated look the horse gave me at my unexpected statement. If that one attacks you, I dont't know you at all![/i] Rosco grumbled, his voice reverberating through my skull. Oh, um...my name is Rachel. I just started here this year. I gave the older brunette my all-too-common sheepish smile that I couldn't restrain at all, hoping that Rosco wold get hit with a frisbee or something with how much he was mocking me.
[/blockquote]

ooc: be careful with what your character knows and what you know lol I know that its hard to keep in the timeline...=D sorry i kinda of lost touch with my writing...im trying to get back to writing really long posts =/ lol

[Steve West]

Thankfully, the rain seemed to be holding back, at least for now. The two humans, two horses and the particularily grumpy cat were standing on the beach, a little way away from the sea. The tallest of the two people, who just happened to be me, a twenty year old man with scruffy brown hair let his eyes flicker over the roaring waves for a minute, before glancing back over to the girl and her horse. I let out a short, amused laugh as she talked about her horse. I wanted to think up something interesting to say, but I decided to save it for later when I had thought about it more. I turned back over to Loco, who was still oozing with limitless energy. That could be my new years resolution. Tire out Loco at least once a week. As I drew my attention away, I couldn't help feeling that the girl was looking my up and down, trying to evaluate me.

Although it was perfectly normal human behavior and I was entirely used to it, it was a bit uncomfortable. I couldn't help wondering what she thought of me. Stupid? Scruffy? Ugly? However, I cast these thoughts aside and let my mind relax. So what if she did? I didn't really mind... Did I? I was jerked out of my thoughts as she spoke up again. Okay, I have to ask out of curiosity, what did you name your horse? He seems like a fun one. "He is!" I agreed, brightly. "His name's Loco. Which suits him perfectly, as you ca probably see." I smiled slightly, and bit my lip, thinking of her horse. "So, what name have you bestowed on this magnificent equine?" I asked, grinning as I dared to stroke the stallion's muzzle.

I nodded, and blinked in understanding as she explained she had arrived recently. "Rachel? It's nice." I murmured, unsure of what to say. "You said your horse was stubborn? Reminds me of my last horse, but of course, you'll know all about him, everyone does." My eyes softened a little in sadness before I realized my idiotic mistake. "I'm sorry, I'd forgotten you're kinda new." I apologised quickly, trying to pretend that I wasn't incredibly worried about the stupid things I'd just said. But hopefully, my worry didn't show - I'm not a bad actor when I put my mind to it. Inside, despite how well this was going apart from that tiny flaw, I was nervous, afraid of messing this situation up or offending the girl in any way. I paused for a moment, before swiftly extending my hand. "Steve. West. Steve West," I murmured, smiling gently; carefully. I hoped she would shake hands, but maybe she wasn't used to this gesture? Surely not everybody shook hands? But the majority of people did, and I was confident that luck was on his side.

I sighed. Sometimes I do worry too much. It comes from being so alone most of the time.

ooc:; I'm so sorry about this post! It's pretty awful and I messed it all up halfway through and had to completely rework it - that's why it doesn't make much sense. DX Sorry for the delay as well - I've been totally museless.

[Rachel Corrigan]

Steve.West. Steve West I couldn't tell very well but he seemed uncomfortable. Loco huh? It does suit. After he spoke of his horse, it seemed like I was supposed to know something about his old horse. Not knowing what I should say to it, I let it slide for the time being. This brute is Rosco. He's a lot grumpier then he looks. I looked up at Steve, smiling as normally bright as I could. Humph. Brute? Grumpy? I feel like a character in a bad play!

[/i]

I almost started laughing at Rosco. If there was one thing to be said for that horse, he amused me to bits. Oh calm down, this is more like a bad movie. That or a weird book. And You are a grump! In my pocket I had some carrots that I had originally brought for Rosco and me to share but I figured that it wouldn't be a problem to share. So I was ready to hand Steve a couple when I noticed that his hand was a little fidgety, like he was uncertain. Oh! He don't know if I shake hands. DUH! As naturally as I could make it, I pulled my slim right hand out of my jacket pocket towards Steve, to see if he would take it. I was still fingering the carrots in the other pocket. Waiting to see what would happen.

Wow you got food don't you? You gonna share or just dangle it in front of my nose? Cumon! Hand it over...hand it over or I'll snap at your prissy jacket. I had never known that he liked carrots that much. I started laughing at the image of Rosco snapping the carrots out of my jacket. You can be patient! I was gonna be polite and offer to share them. By the way, my jacket ain't prissy! It's leather, deal with it.
[/blockquote]

[Steve West]

I'm not exactly a very confident person. I mean, I love talking to people but I find it hard because I become really twitchy - and it tends to creep people out slightly. So I was glad to see that Rachel had noticed this and was dealing with it well. Better than some situations that I'd (because of some wild stroke of luck) managed to overcome. I tried to settle down as much as possible - but I was kinda hard. I'm usually quite comfortable with people I know and trust, but this Rachel was someone new so I didn't really stand much of a chance. I tried to keep the mood light and bright, trying to banish out those subtle signs of an approaching awkward silence. Keep the conversation going; or the other person would be there one minute and gone the next. Magic. Completely magic.

I listened as she spoke once again about her horse. I knew that he could understand what she was saying, I could tell by his body language and the fact that horses could understand humans at this wacky place. I couldn't help noticing Rachel's hand dive into her pocket, but she soon withdrew and held her hand out to shake. Smiling as softly and calmly as possible, I took it and shook it slightly, before slowly pulling away. It would be seriously creepy if I held it for any longer - I didn't want to risk anything. I caught a glimpse of orange vegetable and saw Rosco eye them as if he was about to steal one right out of her pocket. I slipped my own hand into my denim jacket and fingered my almost-full packet of Polo mints. I considered my options for a few seconds, before pulling them out and displaying them on my outstretched hand.

In an instant Loco was by my side, hopping up and down at the idea of food. He looked like he was grinning widely as he stared at the open packet, and I sighed and allowed him to have one. I signalled to Rachel that I'd just be a minute, before I twisted around quickly and tightened Loco's saddle slightly as he was eating. He was almost at the stage where it was at the normal tightness used for everyday riding. He protested slightly. "Hey... What are you going with that?" 'Well, this thing on your back is what us humans sit on when we're riding. It needs to be tight so it doesn't slip off, sending us humans to our painful deaths,' I explained in my mind. He seemed to understand, nodding slightly. "More food now!" It wasn't a request - more of a command! But I shook my head slowly, and murmured in his ear. "Aw, come on, Loco! We need to share with these two!"

The dun stallion snorted and cantered off in his zany fashion. I smiled a quick apology towards Rachel, before speaking again, adressing her this time. "How about a trade? A few of those carrots for some polos? I'm sure Rosco would love a couple." I know Loco would - he'd eat pretty much anything. He'd eat his own tail if he could reach it: knowing Loco.

[Rachel Corrigan]

Wow. He ain't a thing like the guys back home. He's actually nervous huh? Well. Anyone would be nervous around me! I'm so fierce looking that I would make everyone scared witless!

[/b] When Rosco finally stopped "talking" to my head, I got the chance to say something. How about a trade? A few of those carrots for some polos?[/i] I swear my jaw literally dropped. How...But...Whe...How did you know I had some carrots? I was ready to ask if ya'll wanted some but how'd ya know? Rosco gave it away huh? He's a bit of a...a...theres no word for it. Wow. Good eyesight.

Just then, after my horrid babbling, and some laughter, I realized that I was kinda nervous too. I doubt that he is nervous because of you. Then why, praytell, would he be nervous? Because of you? The situation? Ha! Yes he did scoff. Oh please, missy. Everyone knows that he would be scared of a devilishly handsome stud like me! Then it was my turn to scoff at him.

Well I found the word I'd been looking for. Arrogant I began laughing so hard that my nicely shaped abs hurt so bad. You are going to pay for that. Badly[/i] Naturally, I shot Rosco a well deserved dirty look. After I was sure that Rosco had gotten the message, I turned to Steve and gave him a friendly, reassuringish smile.
[/blockquote]

[Steve West]

I held back a small chuckle as I noticed the surprised look on her face. How...But...Whe...How did you know I had some carrots? I was ready to ask if ya'll wanted some but how'd ya know? Rosco gave it away huh? He's a bit of a...a...theres no word for it. Wow. Good eyesight. I smiled and explained quickly. "Well, I spotted some orange in your pocket and when Rosco started trying to eat it I kinda guessed it wasn't an oddly coloured cell phone." I lifted up my hand to flip my fringe out of the way of my eyes. I turned around to see Loco - he seemed to be coping well with this new 'saddle'. I knew how to break a horse now, and this was a giant step on the path to him being a perfectly trained riding horse. I stroked his neck and he cantered off again.

"Look at me, look at me, look at me!" I turned to see the young stallion rearing up on his hind legs before darting off again. He didn't seem to have any problem moving around, even with such a light saddle. Well, the next step would be a bridle - but he probably wouldn't take to that, so I'd leave that a day or two. Just so I could get him completely used to his saddle. I'd broken (I hate that word) horses from scratch before, so I'm sure Loco wouldn't be too different. If a bit of a challenge. I watched him 'dance' along the shoreline for a while, until I turned back to Rachel. I was glad to see that re-assuring smile. "Is it alright if I...?" I began, dropping a polo silently into the palm of my hand. I offered it to Rosco, but Loco was there in a heartbeat.

Determined to not let my mustang eat any more, I softly pushed his head away, and he moodily stomped off. He didn't seem at all glad that I was 'sharing'. I glanced at Rosco again, and looked him in the eye for a moment. Not agressively, I was just wondering what emotions were hidden there. I felt myself beginning to relax a lot more now - I was coping well and Rachel seemed nice enough. Feeling a little more confident, I decided to speak again. "Is he ride-able? Rosco, I mean. I think you can tell Loco's not yet, he's just starting the process of being broken." I glanced over, to see the horse stood completely still, staring at something a short way away. Hey - you're not moving! That's a first. Steve! Steve there's a monster! It's gonna eat ME!

His voice showed genuine fear and I looked past Rosco to see what he was staring at. The evil, malevolent, monsterous, tempestous beast was none other than... A seagull. I let out a short laugh in my head and comforted Loco. That's just a seagull, silly! It's not gonna eat you. It's just a bird, don't be afraid, come over here if it make s you feel better. The mustang bolted over to me, and swerved behind me as if hiding from the seagull. I stroked his forehead and ran my hand down his back. His saddle seemed to fit really well - I could jump up there right now if I was stupid enough to.

[Rachel Corrigan]

Hmm...maybe I should get an orange phone...naw I like my midnight blue one too much. It looked like Steve was getting Loco used to his new saddle. Good luck with everything else. What are you babbling bout in your mind? Oh great, now you decide to jump in huh? Well, someone has to make sure you're focused. Ha! Yea, like a really gruff voice in my head will keep me focused. Very funny Rosco That wasn't supposed to be funny Shrimp. New nickname? Ok, I can deal with that. Good. you don't have much of a choice. Aww shucks boss, I didn't realize that! I snapped my fingers to show disappointment.

When I noticed that I had just endured an entire conversation with Rosco, I looked at Steve in time to see that he wanted to give Rosco a polo, and he was fighting with Loco on that one. He asked to give one, and I nodded my approval.He can have it if he'll take it.

"Is he ride-able? Rosco, I mean. I think you can tell Loco's not yet, he's just starting the process of being broken." Yea, I guess he is. He seems comfortable with a saddle and everything. I was gonna take him for a ride today but he decided against it. That makes sense though since he disagrees with me a lot.

I didn't think you'd want me to tell him that you was afraid of the water.Good shot Shrimp I pulled out a couple carrots, smiling at the thought of them being my cell. LOCO!! My usually quiet voice carried over to the stallion and I guess he smelled the food because he bounded over, jumping up and down. Okay boy, stand still. Look at my eyes. Good boy. Now take them gently please? I'd like to keep my fingers. He carefully snipped the carrots out of my hand and Rosco groaned in my skull so I handed him a couple as well.

[Steve West]

I smiled softly and blinked my thanks to Rachel, holding my hand out flat to Rosco. The polo was lying in the center of the palm of my hand as I offered it to him. I hoped he wouldn't bite me - he didn't look like he would, but I've been wrong before. I glanced up at him, before drawing my gaze away, awkwardly. Awkwardness around a horse? Now I was going crazy. At least I was quite used to him now, at least. "Oh right, that's good. I guess it's a lot easier than having to completely train them, like I'll have to do with this crazy little rascal!" I giggled quietly, and extended my hand, running it down the legnth of his neck, before patting him quickly. I was glad Loco was my horse - I had chosen well. Well, we had. My equine companion had quite a big say too.

I watched as Loco obediently approached Rachel, requesting (rather, demanding) a carrot in his fun little way. I grinned as Rachel talked to him, before sharing them with Rosco. Loco, obviously wanting more polos, sidled up to me, looking up with those big black eyes. I denied him another treat, even though it wouldn't affect him because he was burning so many characters. I leaned over, poking his shoulder with my finger. "Steve! What are you doing?" Loco whined in my head, and he stepped away. "Good. You need to learn to move away from pressure. It's kind of essential if you ever need to be ridden." He looked at me quizzically, but I just rewarded him with another polo. He happily licked it up into his mouth. I wondered what I was going to do next, but I decided to talk to Rachel again for a while.

"So, do you think the horses would like to play or something? Loco's reasonably well behaved when it comes to not killing others," I said, calmly. "Yay! I wanna play with other pony... Who is he anyways?" A much less calm voice exclaimed in my head. I gave Loco a hard glance. "That's Rosco. He might be able to play with you. I don't know yet, we'll see what him and his owner think." He wasn't satisfied with this answer, and nuzzled me with his nose. "Come on, I wanna know now, please, Steve!" He looked up, innocent as always, before darting off again, rearing up on his hind legs before toppling back down again. "This place is pretty weird, don't you think, Rachel?" I asked absent-mindedly, watching Loco. "It's not to bad for me because I've been here so long, but I can remember what it was like in the beginning, Talking horses, crazy people, what next?" I let out a small chuckle, remembering the good old days.

It's amazing how I can 'forget' my nervousness when I put my mind to it...

[Rachel Corrigan]

I watched Steve and Loco as they communicated to each other. I shifted my gaze over to Rosco when I felt like I was staring, and blushing. While they took care of their own little thing, I gave my stubborn Azteca a couple more pieces of carrots and took in the beautiful scenery.

So, do you think the horses would like to play or something? Loco's reasonably well behaved when it comes to not killing others

[/i] I busted out laughing at Steve's assessment of his horse playing. When I finally stopped, I quickly nodded my head, afraid to say something stupid (which was stupid itself), and turned to take the saddle and other equipment off of Rosco.

I'm free? Really Mommy!?[/i] His sarcasm was thick molasses. [/i]Yeeea. Would you rather not play with Loco? Or play with all of this stuff on ya? Ok fine, I won't call you Mommy. Can I still call you Shrimp? Do I have a choice? Nope[/i] I could have sworn that I saw Rosco smile from ear to ear. While I pondered why Rosco felt the need to call me Shrimp, I finished unloading him and let hm go play.

This place is pretty weird, don't you think, Rachel?[/i] I waited until he finished talking to really answer. As I listened to Steve's soothing voice, I watched the two horses prance around and be crazy. Once I noticed that Steve had stopped speaking, I chose the words to anser his question.

Yea it is odd. I dunno bout weird but in its strange way, it's homey. When I'm here, even if I'm just walking around, I feel like I'm supposed to be here. Does that sound stupid? I let out a little giggle at the end, wishing I had something to drink but forgetting that while I watched the horses again.
[/blockquote]

[Steve West]

I couldn't help grinning as I watched Rachel laugh. It wasn't that funny, was it? Well, whether it was or not, I'll never know, because laughing sure is contagious. I began to giggle along, before it escalated and I was just as bad as her. When the laughter subsided I responded to her nod with a nod of my own. At least we seemed to be getting along so far... Better than in some cases! Blinking, I subtly watched as she undid Rosco's saddle, removing it so he could move freely. I flexed my fingers and nimbly worked on Loco's own saddle, unclipping everything that needed to be unclipped and untying... Well, you get the idea. Loco seemed to be happy to be free of this dreadful object. I grabbed his halter before he could dash off and I slipped a light blue and gold rug onto his back. "Just in case you get cold,"I murmured in my mind.

"Ohh, I'll be fine, Steveh!" He cried in complaint, trying and failing to shake it off. But then once Rosco was released, he dashed off, flicking up sand as he ran. His black eyes were momentarily fixed on a rock ahead. It was large, quite flat and smooth grey. He glanced over to Rosco, increasing his speed to a quick canter. Now. This was a race. I watched my hyper, yet competitive little dun push himself to move faster than the other, larger horse. Craze-zee. I listened as she responded to my previous question, and I nodded. "Weird in a good way," I confirmed. It wouldn't be anywhere near that great if it was a normal academy. "Yes... I get it. I kind of feel that I'm meant to be hear too. I'm glad I came but crikey, it is such hard work at times!" I smiled slightly. And it was.

"You've seen nothing yet. Wait 'til the classes start in a few days, they'll work you to death," I murmured solemnly, as if it was an evil and menacing place. Like school. I waited to see her reaction, before adding. "Kidding!" In a happy sort of tone. I was quite pleased now, despite the fact that there was a cool breeze blowing my hair all over the place. It's slightly longer than an average guy's, I seriously need to get it cut. Eventually. But at least it keeps the back of my neck warm. The wind was generally repelled by my warmish clothing, but I was still beginning to get cold. "Wow, it feels freezing, with the wind!" I rubbed my hands together to try and warm them, before blinking my warm brown eyes deeply, wondering what to say. Hmm. What to say. Come on, Steve. Think of something!

How I hate awkward silences... Well at least I had the horses as an excuse. I turned to them.

ooc:; Oh my gosh. Sorry about the extreme lateness and badness of this point, I'm suffering from an extreme lack of muse. -_-

[Rachel Corrigan]

Steve took care to make sure Loco didn't get cold. Turning back to Rosco, my thoughts shifted straight to him. now, if you get the least bit cold, come straight back and I'll put the blanket on ya. Got it? Is that genuine concern I hear from you Shrimp? Yea brute it is. I haven't had an animal yet get sick from the cold under my watch. I would love to be able to say that later too. Fine. But in the mean time, here. I have yet to have a human get sick from the cold under my watch. Humph There was obvious sarcasm in his voice as he picked up the blanket and stretched it around my shoulders. All I could do was stand still and wait for him to burst off after Loco.

I watched them go for a little longer before turning back to Steve. He seemed so casual beside the calm beach. His relatively short hair swaying in the breeze. Oh did that sound cliche or what? Done with my laughing fits, I lowered myself to the warm ground, leaning my back against the wire fence.

In the pocket opposite from the carrots, I had a bag of homemade cookies. The ones that all you need is a giant tub of cookie dough, an oven, a cookie sheet, and a sthingy. I had recently bought a tub of the chocolate chip ones. Most of the batch was in the dorm room that I shared with Maxine. Aimlessly, I pulled the bag out, grabbed a couple cookies and held one towards Steve who was still watching the horses. My smile widened at his apparent concern for Loco's warmth. He'll be fine with Rosco. Who knows, maybe he'll calm down with someone to run around with. Here, you wanna cookie? They're fairly fresh. I made them last night so they ain't quite gooey enough but they're still good. Am I seriously babbling about cookies? Oh well. So where ya from Steve? I looked back down at my bag of cookies and nibbled on one as I waited for the answer.

[Steve West]

I realised Rachel was probably talking with her horse when she turned to him for a few seconds. I smiled as he lifted a blanket onto her shoulders. Horses can be so adorable at times. They usually strike me as more majestic creatures, but they are cute every now and again. If I'm going to be honest, Loco isn't that majestic. Haha. The thought of Loco being majestic! Anyway, he seemed to be having fun. Rollicking around with Rosco; racing, probably. I've noticed his liking to that recently. Every now and again, he has a race with another horse, usually from Nightingale. But now Rosco was a new challenge, probably bigger than any horse he'd raced before. Sometimes, Loco's enthusiasm ends in some stupid accident though, he was a bit too eager while racing a chestnut mare once. That was only a couple of days ago, but even though he had quite a trip, he wasn't injured.

I beamed as Rachel held out a cookie. I love cookies, and I was more than happy to accept her offer of food. If you think about it, what man can resist an oppurtunity to eat? I carefully took it from her hand and took a cautious bite. "Wow!" I exclaimed in surprise. "Did you really make these?" Because I'm the greedy guts I am, I took a few more joyful bites, and soon there was only crumbs where the delicious treats had been. I looked slightly surprised as she asked where I was from. "Can't you tell from my accent? Well anyways, it's kinda subtle. I'm from Australia! You know, kangaroos?" I put on my best Australian accent (which was incredibly easy for me, considering where I came from) and said: "I came here a few years ago after seeing an advert on the internet. I've always loved horses and I thought this was a perfect oppurtunity." I grinned.

"So what about you? I'm presuming you're not a Aussistralian like me?" I asked quietly, using my silly pet name for Australians.

ooc:; Sorry about the legnth and badness and lateness, I had to go. D: