Welcoming Warmth [Reserved for Steve]

[Kathleen Hartley]

The weather was so cold; it had snowed again last night and only stopped shortly before I chose to go out. Despite many travels, I was not very used to weather like this; my parents had always preferred warmer countries to visit when it was the winter season and England had always been more wet than snowy. To make matters worse, my so called waterproof boots didn't seem to be working; my feet were so cold I was certain that some of the snow had somehow managed to find its way in.

‘If I was riding Ridge snow in my boots would not be a problem’ I thought, knowing that the stubborn horse was the real reason for this exploration. I didn’t feel like sitting indoors with nothing to do, and so had wandered down to the stables in hopes of coaxing Ridge out this morning. He did not co-operate with my plans at all, in fact he ignored me. I was starting to think that a talking horse was not so great and that I should have chosen one of the ‘quiet’ horses that probably would be perfectly happy with some type of exercise.

But then, looking back at when we had first met, I realised he’d seemed perfectly, normal wasn’t the right word really, fine. We’d gotten along alright, though I still didn’t appreciate his Mouse, Kat joke, which fortunately he’d left in the Whisper Stable; unless of course he’d simply forgotten about it with our little disagreement.
I could see that this horse was going to take a fair bit of work; I had been warned of that fact though when I informed the instructor that he would be my horse, or me his rider. I still didn’t understand this whole choosing thing really. Ridge claimed that he’d chosen me, but I still could have picked another horse couldn’t I?
‘If he picked me though’ I suddenly realised. ‘Then surely he can accept my requests as his fault his stuck with me’ I didn’t really mean that though, that we were stuck with each other, he seemed like a nice enough horse apart from his stubbornness and the uneasy look that seemed to remain in his gaze, I just wish I could understand him.

I continued walking though I was not entirely sure where I was going. I'll admit this wasn't the greatest of ideas; I hadn't even learnt my way around the Academy yet and already I was taking on the challenge of working out the rest of Grantbury. As I passed the coffee shop though I paused, taking in the scene and looking through the window at the shop; Java Latte as it was called. I removed my hands from my pockets, rubbing them together in hopes of getting some warmth that way, but even then a better idea was forming.

A nice hot drink; surely that would warm me up, even just getting inside for a little while. I let out a small sigh of relief at the thought, mostly that I’d finally found somewhere useful at this moment in time, and without embarrassing myself. I let my hands fall to my sides as I made my way towards the door, and attempted to push it open, only to bump my head on the door. With that, I stepped back, rubbing my head lightly.
"OK, that's a pull door" I muttered to myself, and just then noticing the sign that in bold black letters clearly read 'PULL'.

[Steve West]

The shop was unusually busy that day. It was probably because of the freezing weather outside - the Java Latte was a great escape from the icy cold world. The room was buzzing with warmth as I sat in the corner of the room. My hands, feet, brain - everything felt artic and glaciel - I'd just trekked over here in my white t-shirt, thick dark blue jeans, comfy brown boots, my only slightly fluffy large coat and warmest black jumper. Oh and underwear. Especially the thickest socks in the world. I still had my coat on now, even though I'd been in the shop ten minutes or more. Service was slow on this wintery day, probably because of the huge mass of customers. I sighed, and slipped our a small, well-used notebook out of my coat pocked. From my other pocket, I fished out a similar pencil.

I got to work, scribbling out three large ovals. One was smaller than the others, and higher up. I continued to sketch happily, and soon my doodling came to a conclusion. I smiled as I looked down at the page. Loco was looking up at me, his eyes shining in excitement. I cast my mind back to why I had come out here in the first place. I could have tried to put a bridle on Loco, but the crazy dun mustang would have protested a heck of a lot - and I really wasn't up to it in this weather anyways. At least I'd managed to get him used to his saddle pad and saddle now: he'd been wearing them on the correct tightness for riding for a few days now and seemed to be coping well. I was determined to break (that's such an awful word, don't you think?) that horse, if it was the last thing I did. Which it probably would be.

Finally, a slightly overweight woman in her mid-forties rushed over to me. She was wearing the company uniform, cream and brown to match the colours of the things they served. She was holding a thin silver tray, and she lifted off a large, plain white cup and placed it on the wooden table in front of me. As she did, a few droplets of liquid flew out and stained Loco's tail, leaving it dark brown. She apologised quickly, before dashing off to complete the other customers' orders. I grinned gently before pushing my sketch book aside and slipping my hands around the china cup, The warmth flooded into me, and for I moment I just held it, not bothering to drink at all. After a heartbeat or two, I slowly lifted it up and took a sip of the delicious liquid. The coffee flavour enhanced my tastebuds, and I licked my lips contentedly.

I heard a small 'bump' to my left and I looked up to see what it was. Seemingly, a girl had just walked right into the door, expecting to be able to push it open. I chuckled nervously, before leaning over to see if I could reach it. By that time, it was obvious I couldn't so I got up and walked over. grabbing the handle, I pushed the door open, and stood there, grinning slightly. "The idea is to pull the door," I mumbled nervously. I hope she didn't mind. She could probably have figured that out herself (well, obviously) but I just wanted to help, and hopefully meet someone new. I glanced around the shop, soon realizing that there wasn't any spare seats, apart from the table I was sitting at. It was packed, as I mentioned before. "There's some room where I'm sitting," I announced quietly, looking at her through the corner of my eye. I wasn't quite brave enough to look her full in the face just yet.

Uncomfortable, I slided across the sofa-chair-thing until I reached where I was sitting. If she wanted to, she could have sat next to or opposite me. Either way. I took a sip of my (still boiling hot) coffee and waited for her to make her decision.

ooc:; Sorry about the wait. D:

[Kathleen Hartley]

And so I spoke too soon. Apparently I couldn't do things here without embarrassing myself after all. I approached the door again, this time ready to pull it open when I saw someone else standing their holding it open. For a moment I half expected him to walk out, he was after all wearing a coat. Instead though he spoke to me, a small smile on his face and sounding somewhat nervous.
'I should be the nervous one, who knows what I'll do next' I mused but smiled back and laughed lightly.

"Yeah, I think I've established that now. Thank you." I stepped inside, moving past him as let the door shut and moved over the the nearest table. Evidently he had noticed my clumsiness and got up to help. I smiled again, it seemed coffee was a good time to make friends. After all I'd already had Rachel buying me a drink, which I recalled I still had to pay her back for, and now here was this guy, opening doors for me to prevent any further accidents or humiliation.

I put those thoughts to one side as I scanned across the shop, attempting to spot any kind of available space, even to stand. I didn't care, so long as I got hold of something warm.
"There's some room where I'm sitting," His voice awoke me from my thoughts and search and I turned to look down at him again as he slid over, still avoiding my gaze. And here was me thinking I should be the nervous, embarrassed one.
"Thank you" I said, debating on whether to take the opposite seat or the one beside him. Opposite would probably end up with us both staring at the tables, but I wasn't sure if I should sit next to him or not. Eventually, with a little assistance from a clearly annoyed customer shoving his way to the door, I collapsed into the seat beside him.

Already I was starting to feel warmer now I'd found shelter and left the bitter wind outside. The number of people in this place as well had to do something to aid the warmth, after all it was pretty hard to work your way around the shop without bumping into someone else, actually I think it was pretty much an impossible thing to do. I was becoming more and more grateful for seat I'd kindly been offered, and as I thought back to him, I realised I hadn't introduced myself at all. I tended to be timid, and evidently he wasn't the boldest of people either, but an introduction was the polite thing to do.
"I'm Kat by the way." I stated simply using the shortened version of my name that seemed to amuse some, or just my horse.

I glanced away again, mostly for the comfort of us both, and looked back to the table where I spotted the notepad and the sketch that was inside it. I briefly thought back to Ridge again, but this picture was certainly much more cheerful than my so called loyal companion.
"Did you draw that horse?" I questioned softly, pointing shyly towards the book. I didn't pick it up, mostly as I didn't have the permission to do so and had already noted the coffee stain on the tail; I hoped that my stupid door skills hadn't made him spill his drink.

[Steve West]

It was incredibly comforting to hear her laugh quietly. It was only a small sound, but enough to calm me down. She wouldn't have laughed if she was seriously offended or something like that. I continued to grin as she thanked me. This was going quite well, even for me. Mister Unpopularity. I hoped she wasn't too embarassed - I certainly didn't think anything bad about her... I mean, it's not exactly like she'd accidentally walked off a cliff or something idiotic like that. Pull, push. Oh, what the heck. I almost laughed at my own thoughts. Almost. I do amuse myself sometimes. I narrowed my eyes slightly as a guy about my age, with short black hair, stormed through the crowds and through the door. Talk about annoyed customers! I wondered whether I'd need to jump to her assistance again, but she seemed to simply slip into her seat. Whew. Another accident avoided.

"Oh, it's fine, it's fine," I murmured lightly in response to her second thanks. It wasn't really a problem, it wasn't exactly hard for me to make a little more room I cupped my hands around my warm cup of coffee, taking a sip. I savoured the taste, slowly lowering it down. I watched quietly as several different members of staff at the small shop dashed around, serving as many people as possible. There was still a steady line of customers coming in and out, too many for the family owned Java Latte. It was odd how many people were busy and seemingly in a rush, choosing the 'Drink 2 Go' option than rather sitting down for a relaxed drink. Nevertheless, the three or four tables were crowded too, nobody wanted to miss the oppurtunity to stay and warm up in the comfortable coffee shop.

I glanced over to the girl as she began to speak, introducing herself. "Kat? I guess that's short for Katherine, or Kathleen? I like it though, reminds me of my own kitty," I said quietly, saying the first things that popped into my brain. I didn't really have much time to think, and it seemed reasonable sensible. I soon realized Kat didn't know my name, so I quickly added. "Oh dear, where are my manners? Steve West." I hoped she didn't mind that I'd mentioned my second name too, and I bit my lip. My brain was screaming 'Why would she?!' but I was still slightly nervous. I'd die if I somehow managed to offend her... Living with your dad, and generally not talking to anyone your own age doesn't exactly make you super socially condifent. Haha. Confidence. Something I seriously needed to find some more of.

I realized she'd noticed my doodle, and my heart leapt at the chance to engage in an interesting conversation. "I did, yes. Shame about the coffee though," I paused for a minute. "It does look slightly like the shading on his tail, though." Feeling like a complete weirdo, I dipped my finger very lightly into the coffee, and lowered it down gently onto the notebook. Silently, I shaded in the darker parts of his pelt. The four dark socks, slight colouring on his head and his long flowing mane. I decided the tail needed some work too, and curled it into a more realistic shape. Proud of my efforts, I felt myself instinctively puffing out my chest oh so slightly. "There. Kind of matches now, doesn't it?" I looked at her subtly, through the corner of my eye, wondering what she thought.

I soon came to my senses and realized she didn't have anything to eat or drink, and I decided to offer. "Do you want me to buy you a coffee or something? Just in case you've left your cash at home or something," I spoke quietly, smiling. It was fine if she wanted me to, because, I'll admit it, my family are quite well off now, and it wouldn't be a problem. I'm considering getting a job soon, too. Something small, to start off with, but who knows. Small things can grow big enough to change your life.

ooc:; Sorry about the wait. I'm bad. DX

[Kathleen Hartley]

It seemed that he was still quite nervous, though eased up a little after my introduction, no matter how small it was. I was thankful for that really, as otherwise it would have probably been a little awkward the two of us sat here like that.

"Thank you, and yes, it's short for Kathleen." I nodded as he took a few guesses at what my full name had been. I smiled at his comment on the cat and for a moment considered telling him about Ridge's preferred name for me. Thankfully somehow I managed to hold my tongue. He would have thought I was mad, suddenly stating that my horse could talk to me, in fact, sometimes I believed I was going mad.
"I'm going to guess that Steve is short for Steven" I responded after he'd introduced himself. For a moment I wondered whether I should have mentioned my last name, but then would we even meet again. I hoped so, Steve seemed like a nice guy, even if he was a little shy. I certainly couldn't hold that against him though, I was no better myself.

I looked back to the picture as he answered my question about the drawing, watching carefully as he continued to use the coffee to shade his picture. It was certainly a new way of making art that I would have never thought of. I felt like complimenting him in some way on the work, but then sat back, not wanting to disturb him. The fear that I caused the stain in the first place still lingered in my mind and I certainly didn't want to cause him to mess up in anyway.

Instead I waited for him to finish, which didn't actually take all that long. I leant forwards again, leaning on my hand and I peered down at the horse and smiled again, at the coffee-creativity and the face that just seemed to smile, an expression I didn't think I would ever see from Ridge.
I looked up at Steve again as he spoke and gave a small nod. I wasn't sure if he meant it matched the actual horse this picture might have been based on or the previous stain and the new shading, though agreed anyway, not wanting to offend him.
"It's a very good picture, and he looks like a happy horse." I stated with a smile before glancing down at it again. The horse did look quite familiar actually, probably like one of the ones in the stables back at the Academy. However I made no connection, thinking nothing of the similarities and didn't mention it either.

It was a moment before Steve spoke again and I looked up, once more feeling the awkwardness starting to come back, if only to me. I didn't really feel like saying yes and seeming greedy or anything, after all I had brought some money out with me. However I also didn't want to turn down the offer in case I seemed rude or hurt his feelings in anyway. I didn't know him well enough to know which was the better option really.
He seemed to be quite the gentleman; no one else had gone rushing to the door to help me inside. I could always do the same as I had done with Rachel, and buy him a drink back at some point. The only problem was I knew I would see Rachel again at some point, something told me that we wouldn't make it through the next few years without meeting each other again.
Realising I had to say something I looked back up to him, but even then my mind was battling for something to say and the fear that whatever I said might end up backfiring.
"Well I have got money." I said simply at first, slightly hesitantly even then. I searched my mind for something else to say, feeling that I couldn't really leave it at that.
A sentence. Just Words. Anything?
"However I'll leave it up to you."
Maybe I should have said nothing.

[Steve West]

I listened calmly as she explained that her name was actually Kathleen. I nodded, I had seen it a couple of times before, but it wasn't as common as, y'know, Steve. Sometimes I do wish I was called something more inventive. Well, sometimes I wish I was more inventive. I'm nothing special, you see. Anyways, she soon continued in asking me if my full first name was Steven. "Yeah, but only the teachers call me that," I said, grinning. And it was true. Only they did. And it wasn't long until the classes started again... So I guessed that I'd have to get used to being Steven once again, even though I much preferred Steve. I realised she was watching as I added the finishing touches to Loco. I didn't mind at all, I was kind of used to it. Even if the someone watching me was my cat, Osprey. He usually likes to watch me draw. I'm not certain whether he understands what I'm doing, but he's good company all the same.

I was pleased with this sketch - it was quite good for me and my current skills. I've had a bit of a history of drawing, it was mainly what I'd do for fun when I was much younger. Most of the other young boys played sports, but I had to be the different one in an odd sorta way. I took a sip of my coffee, the liquid warming me up once more. I was surprised as Kat complimented my masterpiece, but I grinned nevertheless. "Thanks, he's my mustang, Loco. He sure suits his name," I said, thinking about my crazy little equine of supreme fun. "Have you found that special horse just yet, Kat?" I asked, calmly. There didn't seem much point in my question. Just, y'know, keeping the conversation going.

Kathleen seemed slightly unsure after I offered to buy her something. I, of all people could understand her nervousness. I'm kind of shy myself, although that seems such an awkward word to me. I nodded as she replied, comforting her as much as my personality made possible. "Don't worry, I don't mind either way. It seriously is your choice, it's no problem at all." I continued to smile. Today had been a good day. It was really odd how I'd managed to find a couple of people I could get along with so far... During my years at the Academy, I've only had one or two friends, who have either ended up leaving completely or abandoning me to find someone more interesting. I don't know why, I just find it harder than the average guy to talk to new people. Plus I can never stand any younger males, especially if they joke around, fighting each other and generally disrespecting everyone around them.

They make me sick.

ooc:; I'm SO sorry for the delayed reply! D: Oh and more apologies if none of this makes sense, I'm half asleep. -_- Plus, I've been really busy with a ton of homework, so I'm sorry if I'm not that quick with getting replies in. DX

[Kathleen Hartley]

I was a little puzzled as to how Steve managed to work out about the horse, or the academy. I assumed that was what he was on about by the mention of 'special horse' it wasn't exactly common to ask anyone that kind of question otherwise.
I decided not to ponder upon it for too long though, maybe it was simply a case that most people only came here for the academy. It was probably fairly easy to guess that I was new around here; the strong English accent could only make it all the more obvious. I guessed that there weren't too many British people arriving in this little town just for the sake of it.

I realised then, that the earlier statement about Ridge's nickname for me, wouldn't have sounded so mad. Not if Steve attended the academy as well, which seemed fairly likely as he brought it up first. At least I was pretty sure he had done. Why was I so nervous? Making a good impression had already gone down the drain. You couldn't really look all too bright after walking straight into a door.

"Yeah" I nodded my head, thinking back to Ridge once again. He suited his name in some ways too I suppose, when you thought logically about it. After all mountain ridge's were the cosiest of places and he certainly didn't seem to be ready to warm up to anyone. "His name's Ridge. He's stubborn I suppose, though I think its more of a nerves problem really. He's a bit uneasy with strangers." I wasn't quite sure why I was explaining about Ridge so much. Steve had offered a little bit of information about Loco, well simply that he suited his name which had to mean he was quite hyper and mad, something like that.

"I don't mind either way. It seriously is your choice, it's no problem at all." That wasn't a very helpful statement really. I was too polite to press any further though and realised I'd simply either have to make him choose, which seemed pretty unlikely, or I would have to choose; that was slightly more likely.
Once again I found myself weighing up which would be the most polite option, or at least how to respond and prove that I was only being polite in my choice.
"I'll get it myself" I responded, my tone was still fairly warm and soft, though was a little quieter than our previous conversation. "I can't really expect you to pay for it. It's hardly fair for you to buy a drink for someone you don't know." I explained, rambling on a little bit. I probably didn't need any sort of explanation, but I felt for some reason that I had to justify my choice, maybe it was just to put my own mind at ease.