Round and round we go! [open to all]

[akia]

Hiki was quiet. Too quiet. Aso stared at her from outside of her stall, observing how she just stood there, head down, tail lightly swishing back and forth. He bit his lower lip trying to figure out what was wrong with the mare, but everything seemed…fine? The head pain from last week was gone, work was good, and Hiki went through a major mood swing throughout the week he couldn’t ride. Well, they had a week left before he could get back on, and he had a feeling Hiki knew it was her fault, again. He had just found the lunge line, and it was on the ground at his feet, but he just wanted to sit and observe her.

The mare lifted her head, a piece of hay sticking out from her mouth, and stared at her owner. She walked over, pushing her muzzle through the bars, wanting to be scratched. Aso shook his head and gave her muzzle a tiny scratch, before he grabbed the halter and lead line from it’s place, opened her stall door, and walked in. He put her halter on, attached the lead line and led her out into the aisle. After a quick brush and hoof picking, he grabbed the lunge line, and led the mare out to the round pen. He opened the gate, unattached the lead, and let her run around for a second.

Hiki trotted lightly around the outside of the pen, head down, tail swishing back and forth. Aso closed the gate while the mare did her thing, making sure it was locked good. He didn’t want her to freak out and then burst through the gate to run towards the road and get run over or something. He already had that scare. He turned his head, just in time to see Hiki freak out over something, the mare rearing up and letting out a high-pitched squeal, turning on her heels and galloping away from whatever it was. He sighed, making sure she was staying away from him before he went over and investigated.

It was a black snake.

Well, a black racer to be correct. Harmless. Aso bent down and grabbed the snake by it’s tail and held it up, keeping it away from his body. The snake twisted around, before he gently tossed it over the railing, watching it slither away in the opposite direction. Little did he know, Hiki was looking over his shoulder, and jumped back when he turned around, racing away. He let out a laugh and whistled. “Hiki! Get over here!” he called, holding his hand out. The mare shook her head, before trotting towards him and placing her muzzle into his hand. “Good, now calm down. Nothing’s going to hurt you in here…” he patted her neck before grabbing the lunge line. He attached one end onto Hiki’s halter and got into the middle of the pen. Hiki followed…of course.

“Agh…away!” he said, pushing against her shoulder. The mare neighed and trotted around him, getting the line wrapped around his legs. The man shook his head, detached himself from the line around his legs, and pushed Hiki once more, adding a slap on the rump. The mare did a little buck and was now away from him. “Finally…” he clicked twice and lightly shook the line. Hiki trotted around him, doing as she was supposed to, head down. He changed directions every five minutes, before he picked up the pace to a canter, and then slowed her down to a walk. So far, so good.

[atlas]

BEFORE
A metallic click click could be heard as Atlas two front shod feet strode down the aisle way. He wasn't spectacularly tired, but he was done jumping for the day. Or at least for now. He was breed for endurance, but Alexis had worked him today.
Galloping him mostly to train him to run collected. He knew that he would be tossed into his paddock, and he was looking forward to kicking up his heels and then enjoying some Kentucky blue. In the cross ties he was slowly stripped of his tack. Stir-ups taken off and the girth un-done on each side. The lesson saddle was pulled off and the wither pad and saddle pad where stripped as well. He really started to feel cooler when his leg wraps were gone as well.
Spitting out the bit, he happily shoved his nose into his leather halter and as always, jumped away from the cold water even though he knew he could never actually avoid it. Being set free from the cross ties, he pranced out of the wash rank and down the aisle way.

AFTER
Atlas wouldn't prance ahead of her, so Alexis kept him at a loose hold and he piaffed his way side ways. He was so looking forward to running around loose that you could imagine he disgust when he was told to stop next to the round pen. He was still busy prancing when the line stopped.
Squealing harshly, he whipped around and bounced on his hind legs a tad. Alexis pulled his head to the side and told him to get over it. He would, but not without a few minutes of pawing and whinnying. When he was done, he snorted loudly and scowled dropping his head to her knees and pouting.
She rubbed his forehead in apology and he lipped at her jeans sadly. Leaning forward, Alexis crossed her arms over the railing and leaned against it. Watching the man work his spotted mare. She raised a head as a sorry for Atlas's commotion but not to mind them. He was done acting up anyways. They had stopped just after the snake scene so the mare was running around like a wild young thing. She was found of how well the mare trusted him. After showing her that the everything was fine she calmed down just fine. Fallowing around what was apparently her man.
She looked young, or maybe she was just being silly when she fallowed him around, not wanting to go out and lung again. Alexis smiled at the pair, a wide toothy form of happiness. She loved seeing people work with their horses. She always found it fascinating to see how different pairs of horse and rider worked together. She always thought the mare and the man were cute together. Atlas and her didn't really have that. They were more of a stubborn but efficient couple.

[akia]

Hiki lifted her head at the sight of the other horse and the girl. She let out a tiny neigh towards Atlas, letting him know she knew he was there. She gave a slight buck, being a show off, and continued to listen to Aso’s instructions.

Aso blinked. He thought he had been alone, but apparently he wasn’t. He looked over to Alexis and noticed she had given him an expression to continue what he was doing and ignore her. He decided to, but continued to keep an eye on her, even if it was subdued. He called out towards Hiki, getting her to slow down to a walk, before he pulled her towards him. “That’s a good girl. Shame I can’t ride you for another week,” he muttered and scratched the mare’s forehead.

Hiki pushed her head against him, before she got curious of the others. She stared at the human girl and the horse, her nostrils flaring as she took in their scents. The stallion made her a bit uncomfortable though. Aso noticed and gave her a tiny pat on the neck. “Calm down Hiki, they only want to watch,” he said, looking back at the pair. He gave them a wave, and a smile, to add charm, before he unhooked Hiki from the lunge line. He’d let her have her fun now.

The mare didn’t move, much to his disappointment. She just stood there, staring at the pair. “Hiki…for the love of, come on, you’re free. Get it? F-r-e-e…” he muttered. Hiki just looked at him. “Ugh…mares!” he muttered and slowly coiled the lunge line around his hand. He looked back at Alexis. “I’m sure you don’t get this that often,” he called, nudging at Hiki with his head.

[atlas]

The mans spotted mare looked good. She responded nicely to his instructions so that was defiantly good in her book. You wouldn't think so, but half of the horses out there didn't even look at the person they were being lunged by.
Atlas acted like a wild thing in a round pen. He'd run around throwing his head nostrils flared, with his head at you the whole time, running at a diagonal.
She had good springy lose gates as well, but she wouldn't be able to really see if she knew anything unless she was under saddle. For now all she looked like was a pretty prospect.
Before she had finished lunging, Atlas picked his head up and propped it on Alexis shoulder. He lipped at the hair that hung over her shoulder and breathed in deeply, taking in their scent curiously. He didn't typically act stallion-e. Alexis wouldn't tolerate it. He'd prance around showing off, and flirt, but he'd keep his head on straight. His ears flicked way forward when she stopped and look at him though.
Alexis rubbed his bare mane line, and smiled back. She could tell Atlas was expecting the mare to do something when she got let lose. She could sense his disappointment. Oh well. "Cry me a river, sweets" She cooed, blowing in his ear and he chewed on her hair more. He snorted and spat it out.
The guy had a nice smile. She'd give him that. “I’m sure you don’t get this that often" She laughed at that. A rich, musical, giggle. She always had a manor of being vaguely a girl and a tomboy at the same time. She the closet man she saw on a regular basis was the butt next to her, it was hard to giggle like she just had mind you.
"Oh this one would of crazed. Actually he's always like that..." She prodded him in the neck, and than paused for a moment of brief thought. "He'd probably jump the fence actually. Something about small enclosures!" She laughed again. Flashing a warm smile for Atlas and the stranger she was talking with.

[akia]

He’d probably jump the fence actually. Something about small enclosures!

Aso had never experience Hiki jumping a fence, he wasn’t sure she could jump that high, even if he did do show jumping and cross country on her. He expected she could, if pushed, but he was too nice to her to not try that. If he ever wanted her to jump, it’d be in the show ring, whenever the next show was. Her laugh was very interesting. It was nice to hear, and wasn’t obnoxious. Finally, a girl whose laugh was actually nice.

“Alright then, we are in the same boat. Almost. Hiki only freaks out if something spooks her. There was a snake in here earlier and you should’ve seen the way she shied. Her head just went…WOOSH! Up and she high-tailed it away from it,” he said. He found himself laughing at the image again. It was too cute. Unlike her laugh, Aso’s laugh was kind of high-pitched for a guy, but it showed that he meant that whatever was said was funny.

Hiki’s nostrils flared and she finally pulled herself away from Aso, after making sure the stallion and the girl weren’t a threat. She actually went over to investigate. Stopping in front of the stallion, she reached her neck out and snorted lightly at him as if in a greeting. She also eyed the girl, watching her in case she made any movements towards her.

Aso also came over, but stopped in front of Alexis. He made sure he was a good distance from the stallion, since he knew that some stallions didn’t like men. “What brings you out to the round pen? Just passing by?” Aso asked, leaning against the fence, one foot propped up on the lowest board.

((ooc;; sorry for the late reply, something came up in rl xD))

[atlas]

Atlas flicked his ears far forward as he saw the mare sneak over. He tapped his nose to Alexis's shoulder and stretched out his neck and fluttered his breath curiously. Giving her a brief 'yeah?' and than proceeding. He wouldn't take a step forward, he'd only crane out his neck. And he gave Alexis a quick har-ah before he did. He figure he wouldn't get yelled at this way. And it was true. She gave him a cold scolding glare, but than went back to the man in the arena. Alexis laughed as Aso explained his mare. Atlas didn't really spook at anything. He kind of equaled out the flight instinct with the stallion instinct.
And for the most part it was for good. He'd stand up to what startled him instead of bolt. "I guess thats the stallion in him. He tends to want to scare things off than bolt."
She ran her hand down his silky neck, and for a moment he pulled his head back and pushed his nose into her hand. His attention than changed to the man. His ears laid back. And if a horse could scowl he just did.
"I think theres a few things they could learn from each other"
A sharp prod to his neck made him snort, annoyed. Yeah, yeah, yeah. He'd give the guy a chance.
"He wont do anything by the way. I'd give him to much hell if he did"
She said, giving Aso permission to reach out and introduce himself to Atlas if he liked. She herself would wait for his spotted mare to come over closer if she liked. She didn't want to startle her.
"I was just going to put him in his paddock. You guys caught my attention."
She answered his question with a curious smile. She was quite the curious cat, always fallowing what caught her interest.
Alexis looked around, processing her environment.
"And what were you doing stranger? Just running your girl?"

OCC: dont worry about it, haha. I was just worried you had forgotten about me

[akia]

Hiki noticed that Atlas was only going to reach his neck out, so she moved closer to the gate, her chest barely touching it, to sniff at him more. He was strange looking. What happened to his mane? She had never seen a bald horse before, so she suddenly got curious and wanted to investigate. Was he some magical being? Did he grant wishes? She snorted and nudged him lightly, as if to gain attention from him, and if a horse could smile, she’d be smiling.

Aso noticed that Hiki was flirting with the stallion and thought it was kind of cute. Like owner like horse, he guessed. He turned his attention back to Alexis. “Well, of course, he’s probably bigger and stronger than most of his enemies, but I don’t think she understands that part. She still has the flight instinct in her. I can’t blame her though. I don’t know what happened to her in the past, but she’s been like that since I can remember,” he explained.

He blinked. Did the girl catch his expression after seeing the horse? He didn’t realize it had shown on his face. Reluctantly, he stretched his hand out towards the stallion, palm down to let the stallion sniff at him. He just hoped the stallion wouldn’t bite him, because he knew that it hurt a lot, from experience. The culprit, none other than Hiki. She likes to bite for attention. Well, she’d do anything for attention, but that’s a different story.

Hiki moved out of the way to let Aso get closer to the stallion, so she bent up her curiosity towards Alexis. She greeted the girl with a tiny nudge in the shoulder, lightly blowing against her neck. Aso smiled at the two, and continued to get himself introduced to Atlas. “Hello, I’m Aso. My, you’re a handsome boy aren’t ya? Cuter than me no doubt about it! No competition when you walk into a room,” he said, truthfully. He had admired the Akhal-Teke breed from the moment he had heard of them, which was quite recently mind you.

Too bad he had a thing for spotted horses instead.

“I’m glad we’re attention catching people then,” he replied, giving a tiny laugh. “Usually people walk by without noticing,” He scratched the back of his head after he let Atlas sniff at him. “Me? Yeah, I was, because I can’t ride for two weeks. Last week I got into an accident, this little mare here shied and threw me off on the trail. I smacked my head against something and luckily for me, someone came along. She and I got to know each other while she took me to the hospital. Her name is Jenn. Do you know her?” he asked.

Well, he didn’t want to start talking about another girl like he liked her or something, which he only liked her as a friend, since she did help back then. “Anyways, so the doctor said I can’t ride for two weeks, cause I might knock something out of place…but I’m fine, my headaches are almost gone!” He was excited for the next chance he could ride.

((ooc;; nah how could I forget something I saved on my favorites? XD))

[atlas]

Atlas defiantly liked the attention he was being granted from the mare. He felt her nose snooping around on his neck, but he wouldn't be able to understand what she was looking for. He had never really grown a mane. His breed was all about staying cool. I guess he didn't know what he was missing. He lipped along her neck, nibbling at her mane. Wasn't it pesky? Alexis already hated him enough when he rolled around in mud. If he had a carpet of this stuff on him when he did so... Here, he'd nibble it off for her.
Alexis looked at Atlas and laughed at him shortly, making sure that he didn't get all the lime light. Atlas was fascinated by Aso's little mare. Well, she really wasn't little. He was just tall. Alexis looked a little silly on him at first glance. "They seem like perfect opposites. Mane or lack there of, included. "

Atlas flicked his ears back again as he noticed Aso reaching out for his attention. Not threateningly, but he made it clear he was just letting Aso do so out of the respect Alexis demanded of him. He turned his attention from the man's mare to the man himself. He craned out his nose disgustedly, and breathed against his hand. He trailed along down his arm and to his shoulder, huffing in his ear letting his curiosity get the hold of him.

Alexis carefully slide her hand down Hiki's neck. Trying hard not to spook her. She flexed her fingers and scratched under her mane neck to the top of her head. Her pony didn't have a mane, but she knew the exact spot where every horse liked to be rubbed. Alexis tapped a spot on the mares forehead lovingly and said,
"Maybe it's just her. I know paints are crazy, maybe appys are just scarred. Genetic thing. She sure wouldn't blend in anywhere."

She slide her hands down her face and carefully moved her nose away as she breathed against her neck before she'd start liping. Alexis for one defiantly didn't need a horse biting her today either. She rubbed her cheek bone's, almost hugging her head but not. "Oh, thats a lie! He's just got a big head that he lugs around. Nobody wants to see this silly boy as he walks into the room"

Aso, his name, was pretty cute. Atlas had been with her for years. They knew each other pretty well. Aso was the one sparking her interest now. And Hiki for her stallion. "Jenn?
I don't think so. Good thing she came along! This one was probably no good." Her attention changed to the mare, "Geez girl, try not to kill him will you!"

"You should try ponying her. Let her learn from a confident horse? Her eyes glanced to Atlas as he drew his head back, nibbling on Alexis' shirt like he knew he was talking about her. "Well, regardless, we should go riding together when your head is safe. Maybe with a helmet next time? " She said with a knowing smile. How else would he have hurt his head if he didn't have a helmet? It was a little hypocritical of her. She never wore them unless she was jumping.

[akia]

Hiki blew lightly as Alexis gave her attention. Somehow, the human had found a very good spot to scratch and she enjoyed the way the girl’s fingers flexed and released on the tender spot. She was a little taken back when Alexis moved her head back, but relaxed when she noticed it was because the girl was getting enough of the same stuff from the stallion. Once Alexis was done with Hiki, she moved back and walked out into the ring, eyeing Atlas. She neighed to him, flicking her tail at him, being a tiny little flirt. She then put her head down and trotted around the ring a couple of times.

Aso was glad that Atlas took to him, even if it was a tiny bit or that he had to because of Alexis standing there, but it was a start. He watched Hiki leave for the ring and moved back over to Alexis. “Really? I guess they could be opposites,” he said and grinned. Well, for a matter of fact, Hiki was white and spotted, while Atlas was black. If Hiki wasn’t spotted, he could’ve said they were actual opposites. It was quite amusing.

“You really think so? I know that some solid colored horses get that way too, but I guess it’s mostly due to bad owners, or something,” Speaking of the mare. She just freaked out again, due to a leaf landing in front of her, and was now racing away from it. Aso looked back at Hiki and shook his head. “It’s just a leaf!” he called, sighing. “Example A for you,” He was almost embarrassed for the mare, and she freaked out in front of a stallion too. That was bad for her self esteem.

“Nah! Not him. I’d turn my head if I saw him come in. He’s got that look, that makes you want to notice him, I swear it. He’s like…a super model!” Aso wondered if he was like that. Did girls, or guys, turn their heads when he walk into a room. Well, he noticed he might just be the only Asian around, so maybe he did…and deep down, he was being conceited again and hoped it was true.

He thought about ponying her. That would work, really. She would probably spook less if she had another horse with her, a calm horse at that. He noticed that Alexis was hinting towards using Atlas, and then she said what he was thinking. “That would work, totally wearing a helmet!” he laughed and noticed that Hiki came back, almost hyper ventilating. “That leaf was so going to eat you,” he said, patting the mares neck. Yeah, the whole thing without a helmet…the doctor gave him a huge lecture about it. Personally, he should’ve known that if he was doing anything with her, he should’ve worn a helmet, but he trusted her to not freak out.

Well, look where it had gotten him. “Maybe, we could try that ponying thing when I get better. Sound good?” he asked.

[atlas]

Atlas pulled his attention completely away from Aso. He posed no threat, and he wasn't that interesting to him. He snorted. As Hiki skimped away he pouted a tad. Resting his head back on Alexis' shoulder and sighing. The spotted mare neighed and he bobbed his head oddly, struggling with his throat on Alexis' shoulder.

His nostrils flares and he breathing in and exhaled a low nicker. His tail lashed against his sides and he shifted his wait. She was rather the tease. And by now she must know that he couldn't do anything. Alexis was even proud of him. He was normally an ass on the ground.

Alexis tugged on Atlas' mouth as he deepened his nicker. "None of that studly."
She said, flicking his nose away, off her shoulder. He was getting bored easily. And Aso's mare was taunting him.
"I had a solid bay paint gelding once... must of been... 14 or so..."
Her voice trailed off for a moment. Thinking about that time. It wasn't long before the plane crash...
She picked her voice back up, strong again, acting as though she had never paused in the first place.
"He had a habit of rearing for no reason. No fright, just purely because he wanted too"

Hiki spooked at a leaf and she laughed softly at her, not making fun of her but just thinking about how she was living up to what her owner had said about her.
"I don't think thats her problem though. She's just scared of life"

Atlas wickered to her, another low tune. This one wasn't the same as the last though. This was more of a 'hey, calm down love. Just a leaf'
"Nah, he's to much of a dork"
She said. Swinging his lead line over his withers and letting it sit. He wasn't going anywhere.
Hiki had first caught her attention when they were passing by. A leopard mare moving between the rails. But after that she noticed Aso. She probably wouldn't have stopped if he looked like and seemed like just anybody. He had caught her eye for sure.

Alexis kneaded the stallion's shoulder, and he groaned, pleased. "Come on big boy" She said quietly, placing a hand on his wither and rump. Bouncing her weight, she heaved her bulk across his back and straightened herself. She was a pro at mounting bare back. Atlas squared off, his head turn to appraise her. She pushed him with her knee so he'd shift closer to the round ring.
"I'd love to go riding sometime, when your heads better of course"
She smiled.

She had been holding back on introducing herself, but now she just figured why not. She liked the guy in front of her. Why hide her name like a cold stranger?
"I'm Alexis Atlas by the way. He's King of Kings, but I call him Atlas"
She laughed at her words.
"Is it odd to find a horse whose nickname is your own?"

[akia]

Aso was feeling a bit better once he noticed the stallion had become indifferent towards him. That was a very, very good sign for him. It meant that maybe he and Alexis could get to know each other more, without the worries of having a stallion try and trample him in the middle of it. That was a very amusing thought, but he kept it to himself, just so Atlas wouldn’t get any ideas for the near future.

He noticed her voice trailing off and guessed she had a bad experience. Every one did, so he wasn’t going to ask her about it. It was kind of rude since they just met, and he didn’t want to turn their relationship with each other down the wrong path. “Some horses are like that, they do it because they gain something out of it. Who knows what, but they gain something,” he said and watched Alexis jump onto Atlas’ back. He admired that, for some reason. It must’ve been his liking for girls who could mount without trouble.

Oh wait…that came out wrong…

He felt his face flush and shook his head, getting that thought out of his head. Bad Aso…

Hiki came back over, and put her head down. She was tired of getting spooked, especially in front of Atlas, that was just horrible. Not only that, the heat of the day was wearing her out and she was starting to wonder when Aso would give her a soak or something. He did take notice of her tired looks and guessed that it was time to separate from Alexis as well.

“Yes, we’d have to plan a ride then. I’m open almost everyday. Can’t do night rides, because of work, but if I get a free night from there, we can do one of those,” he said. Finally! An introduction. Alexis and Atlas. Pretty funny way of nicknaming your horse.

“Nice to meet you Alexis, and Atlas. I am Aso Tozawa, and this is Hikiukeru, or Hiki, which ever is easiest to pronounce,” he said, his Japanese accent coming out when he said his name and Hiki’s. He patted the mare’s shoulder and noticed how hot it was. She was a white horse, and didn’t get hot too easily, but when she was hot, she got tired and wanted to sleep. Bad for when Aso wanted to do something with her.

“I don’t think it is. Sometime’s it’s easier to name a horse that way, but interesting nonetheless,”

[atlas]

Alexis brushed off Atlas' shoulder and felt how it too was getting hot. His black skin attracted the sun. He never seemed to mind the heat though. I guess coming from Russia, one couldn't complain.
"You know, for being born in Russia I always imagine him to have a grumpy British accent?"
Atlas snorted, sensing that he was being talked about. 'Oh do shut up'. Exactly. She would never be able to envision him with a husky Russian accent. She could pronounce his Russian name (His papers were Russian, as was his real full name), but she liked the way King sounded in English more than Russian.
"I got him when he was about 5 from England. They were already calling him Atlas, honestly!"
She said, holding her palms up in mercy and laughing. It wasn't until after she knew that she wanted him did she find out his name. After that it was just fate. And besides, King was an old over used name. Good for his show name. He really did act like a king among other stallions. But Atlas was worldly. It wasn't just a king, it was a scheme of things that came together to make him.

She liked it.

She approved.

Besides, it was her last name anyways.

"Tozawa..."
She tasted the name in her mouth, letting it sink in for a brief second.
"Japanese?"
She didn't have his accent, that was for sure. But she could pronounce his name rather well in her natural Northern accent.
Alexis shifted her weight and allowed the bulky black to drop his head and snag a few stray blades of grass growing around the fence. He pulled his head up, reaching out to Hiki (It suited her more) and nickered an supportive tune for her. She was starting to look a little miserable.
"I work at night too, but I'm sure I could ask off every now and then"
She pondered how many jobs there were in this town where you worked at night.

Benefit of doubt.

Maybe he worked at a restaurant.

There were enough people working at the bar that she probably could ask off just one night or so. Trade shifts or something.

[akia]

Aso looked towards Atlas. So, he was a Russian horse. That was pretty interesting. All he knew about Hiki was that she was raised a state lower, in Tennessee. Though, he never actually pictured his horse with an accent before. She seemed to just give off her attitude with actions, more than noises. Maybe she was a mute horse. Wait, that was wrong, because she was making noise earlier. What kind of accent would Hiki have?

“Really? That’s interesting. I got Hiki…two years ago?” he said, almost having to really think about it. How long had he been moving around since buying her? He lost track, but he had a feeling that he was going to be sticking in Kentucky for quite some time. Which was good, considering he had a pretty interesting job. Yeah, bar tending, that was interesting.

He smiled at Alexis as she tried to pronounce his last name. It seemed she got it, almost perfectly, but with a slightly different accent. “Yeah, tried and true. Born and raised in Japan, came here years ago. Not enough to actually become a full blown citizen, but I’m close,” he explained. He suspected he had another five or six years before he could qualify to becoming an American citizen.

Hiki flicked her ears at Atlas, noticing he was trying to comfort her, and pushed her muzzle out towards him as well. They met in the middle. She snorted, because his whiskers tickled her muzzle and she shook her head, as if laughing.

“You too? I’m going to have to start guessing about where you work now. I’m sure I can guess it,” Aso said and grinned. How many jobs were at night? Let’s see, there was the Tailgate, the…Tailgate, and…the Tailgate. Wow, so many choices.

“I’m going to assume you are working at the Tailgate. Surprisingly enough, I do too. Bartender,” he said, hoping he got where she worked right. He would be even more surprised if she was a bartender too. Maybe they worked different shifts. He knew he was working every night this week, and some of the next.

[atlas]

Alexis smiled and as he thought about how long he'd had Hiki. After the first year or so, you kind of forgot. At least she did. She had to really think about how long she'd had Atlas as well. For her, the first couple of years were blurred because he was still young and in training. Those three years were just smallish verticals and horrid ground training. She considered his ground training now good for him, and that was saying something.

Her face lightened up when she got it right.
"Japan? That is so much more interesting than this fussy boys breeding!"
She said, excited. She loved traveling, she just typically couldn't afford it. Unless her uncle demanded her somewhere.
"I've always wanted to go, how is it?"
She knew Japan was a smaller Island, not much for having horses. She hopped something like that would be the reason. She hadn't thought much before she asked.

Atlas tossed his head, Hiki tickling him too. Alexis only shaved off his whiskers for shows. Other wise she let them grow out, so right now he was growing out a whiskery stubble again. He snorted back at her, a kind of grow up kind of thing. Though he hardly meant it. He lipped at her cheek and nipped at it playfully. Not meaning harm. He too was trying hard not to spook her and scare her off. Probably for different reasons though.

She laughed again as he correctly guessed her work place, nodding her head with a pursed smile.
"I was giving you the benefit of doubt. Maybe there's a late open restaurant or some motel I didn't know of"
But no, neither of them were particularly sly. She was hoping maybe there would be more than one guess out of him. Gosh, this really was a small town wasn't it?
"I'm a bartender too, seems like we'll be seeing each other a bit, yeah?"
She had been told she'd be working with a few people 6 nights this week. She had Thursday off. Which was good to know. Drunk guys tended to harass a gal giving them the drinks a tad. It'd be good to have maybe a few people on her side. She had done her training already.
"When do you work my friend?"

[akia]

“Well, I wouldn’t really call it interesting,” he muttered, trying not to stray onto a topic that was touchy feely for him. Talking about his family was a very, very touchy topic. It always made him feel worthless and like dirt. Though, she seemed to be very interested in Japan, which wasn’t a surprise to him. A lot of women in America were interested in going to Japan. Maybe it was to get a cool hair cut…

“Japan is…busy. Like, if you’re not living in the country, you’re in the city and everything is fast paced there. If you’re too slow, you just get caught up in the wave and sent to the other side of the city. But, out in the country, I heard some people raise horses, but not a lot. Usually people just eat them over there,” he explained. A sad topic, but true. People had to eat, though he couldn’t really see himself eating Hiki. He knew his dad liked to eat horse, but only at the expensive restaurants. Ew…it’s like…eating your cat or something…

Hiki let out a tiny whicker, as if laughing again. It seemed as if she was getting more comfortable with Atlas and had decided to flirt with him a bit. Gosh the attention whore. She lifted her head and put it over the fence, lightly lipping at his maneless neck. She still couldn’t believe that he had no mane.

“I’m sure there is, but those didn’t come into my mind, darn..” Aso smiled again.

“Oh yeah, I’m sure we’ll have some shifts together, which is scary because I see us throwing shots with one another and becoming useless,” he was teasing now, trying to get some flirting in before they went their separate ways. It was good to know that he didn’t have to worry about introducing himself to another employee. Plus, they might be working together, so that was an added bonus. Give people what they want, and then chat to a very pretty lady afterwards.

“I’m working the rest of this week and up until Wednesday next week. The boss gave me Thursday to Saturday off, so of course I’m missing the big nights next week, but I was thinking of doing some night riding with Hiki then, because I’d be allowed to ride again,” he explained.

[atlas]

"I have Thursday off this week. I guess it's like a break before the real work days"
She said, and she didn't mind that. Being a bartender by trade wasn't horribly hard. Just working most of the night every night was. Working any job every night of the week was hard. It was good if you needed the money, but currently she wasn't saving up for anything. She had enough clothes, a show and exercise tack and grooming supplies. A decent living place, and so far there was nothing wrong with her car.
"I'm not sure about next week, worse case I'm sure I can come in and see you Thursday, buy you a something nice"
She said with a smile and a wink. Her smile just looked like a laugh, but a serious one. She actually would of course, if the boss would let her. She tired not to go back on her word.
She too, could imagine them goofing off at the work place. She figured Aso was the kind of guy she could have fun with. Quite the change from guys that just wanted in her pants mind you.
"Oh, come on! I'm very serious in the work place. I'd only hide things from you, like, once or twice. Three times max! Scouts honor!"
She actually did the three finger girl scouts thing too. Way back in the day she was a brownie for a week or too. That and making smores in the microwave were probably the only thing she learned.
"Japan sounds like New York. I lived in the city with my uncle. Plenty to see and do, like an organism. A hostile one. No one really smiled or seemed happy. Fascinating though. But that could just be me"
Another smile. She loved finding new things. Meeting new people, decent ones. Going to new places and seeing how they operated. That was probably the big thing with her. Figuring out the nuts and bolts of life. That was her favorite part of her college's equestrian team. You could three different horses a week. You didn't get a lot of time to work with them, so in a short period of time you had to try and figure them out. The same could be said with people too.

Beneath Alexis, Atlas arched his neck and dipped his head under the railing, nuzzling a spot on her chest. He had never seen a horse covered in so much dirt! How did she get them in such odd circles too? Odd mare for sure... But he didn't mind, she was liping at his fake mane line and it felt good. He might like this cat a little more than he expected after all!

[akia]

Ah, so she was working with him almost every day. Interesting, he was almost anticipating seeing her there tonight then. They’d probably make a great team, and probably devise mini shows for the customers, if they really cared to watch instead of just drink the night away. “Yeah, it kind of is,” he replied. For him, he needed this job. It not only helped him gain money, but it was money to put forth for a place to live, his basics, and spending on Hiki. He wasn’t the richest person in town, and was probably one of the poorest, though why he had a horse was kind of beyond him. He just…bonded and didn’t want anyone else to own the mare. She was special and he’d do anything to keep her.

He grinned at Alexis’ idea.

“I’d appreciate that,”

Luckily for her, Aso wasn’t really interested in getting into her pants. He was starting to see her as a friend and would love to see their relationship grow into best friends, almost like siblings. She was pretty, yes, but friends were usually a better way to start with girls, as he was learning.

“Sure, sure. I see how it is. I’m sure I’ll get you back, once everyone leaves and we have to close. I see a bucket of water on top of a door and you opening the door,” he laughed and held up his hands. “Kidding, of course, I’m not that mean,” Yeah, he could see them becoming likes siblings. Aw, the scouts honor thing was kind of cute, it suited her.

“New York…I believe I have yet to visit there. I heard that ‘once you make it there, you can make it anywhere’. Is that true? Or is that just another American thing to sike out the rest of the world?” he asked, curious to see if she knew. Personally, he thought it was stupid. New York was like…Tokyo. Except more racial, and less crowded. A lot more blondes too. You rarely see a blonde in Japan, that’s for sure.

Hiki snorted lightly and looked at Atlas as he lightly nuzzled her chest. He seemed confused, almost asking something. She was amused and lipped at his hairless neck again before she pulled away. She shook her head, her bi-colored mane flapping from side to side. She almost seemed to be saying ‘look what manes can do! Are ya jealous?’

[atlas]

"Well if you really make it, pretty much. I mean, you're not a world power or anything. But if you're know in New York, New York, than your known. Its hard for someone to live there. I don't know about you, but I live off of my pay check. I couldn't live a day on my own in down town for a day with that."
She tasted what she said and found it to be true. She could live with her uncle as long as she liked. Granted, she wasn't seventeen anymore. She knew she was welcome, but she'd never stay for much longer than a week end there. It was a vacation. Not a home.

"Oh gosh, just make sure I'm not wearing a white shirt. Oh, and warm water. And no good shoes. And not if it's a bad day"
She laughed, setting terms for the pranks he could pull.
"So as long as you meet those guide lines..."
She liked him. I mean, not 'liked' liked him yet. There was potential, but she'd rather have a brother figure than a fluff buddy. And she couldn't just use him that way. She already liked him to much. She'd probably be creeped out of the idea of kissing him in a couple weeks anyways. She didn't have a brother, but there is a first for everything! She could defiantly see herself tackling him if she saw him outside of today. Maybe not during working hours. That could make a good mixer though..

"You think if I tackled you and you had a mixer in your hand...would the boss still yell at us?"
She considered it. Aw, how could anyone hate him?

Atlas snorted at her and pulled his head out of the arena with a short squeal. He pawed the ground, spewing up a dry dust. At least I don't have spots of this all over me! His coat glistened in fact. Alexis had scrubbed him down after their ride, bubbles an all. He didn't know what this Dove stuff was but it made his coat shine nice.
Alexis squeezed him with her thighs and he tossed his head, standing up on his hind legs and spun around. This would be a perfect example of letting him sit to long. He would be great riding as long as you kept his attention. Now it was his time. Alexis kicked him with her heels to get him down, and he lunged forward until a sharp inside leg made him spin around. He was sensitive to leg cues. He had nerves like crazy. He wasn't really challenging her, he was just saying he didn't want to keep standing here. Alexis still had a great seat and strong thighs from breaking him from challenging her when he was younger. This was just a small fit. When he was 5 he meant it. I'm done. Get off. He breathed a little harder but than stood still, collecting as his riders seat told him.

"Figure we should put them up now?"
She said with a weary smile, brushing curly strands of hair behind her ear.

[akia]

“Oh, so that’s what it means. Alright, I kind of get it now. It’s just an awkward thing to think about once you learn a new language, like some of the humor gets lost if you translate something from Japanese to English,” he explained. “Well, I do too, but be glad you aren’t the only one,”

Yeah, living pay check to pay check sucked, and he wish he could save some, but as mentioned before, he used the extra to spend on Hiki, or on basic necessities. God, why don’t you like him?

Aso grinned and nodded. “I’ll make sure of that. Don’t want to give the perverted old men ideas do we?” he laughed at the mental image that popped into his head. Here would be Alexis, who’d be minding her own business, with a white shirt, and down came some cold water. She’d freak out and scream, knowing who did it and come and beat Aso up. While she was out there, the old men who drank their hearts out would stare, getting a nice view of her bra, if she would be wearing one. Aso bit his lower lip, trying to stop laughing.

He thought for a moment before shaking his head. “Well, I don’t think so. I mean, if it gets the job done, mixing wise, then I’m sure he’ll be like ‘As long as it’s for show…don’t break anything,’ or something like that. Though, I don’t think you can push me down,” he grinned slyly at her, before watching Atlas rear up. He wondered if Hiki made him do it, but he was more worried for Alexis’ safety. He was about to jump the fence, when the girl took care of the horse and put him in his place with a leg signal. He breathed out a sigh of relief and nodded.

“Yeah, I assume we should,” he said and grabbed at Hiki’s halter. “Come on, let’s get your lead rope,” Hiki glanced back at Atlas, and flicked her tail. Nice going hot stuff, and they are natural spots. I’ll prove it to you somehow! She let out a tiny whinny of laughter, as it could’ve been called, and let Aso lead her back towards the middle of the ring. There, he hooked the lead onto her halter. He was kind of surprised that he was still holding onto the lunge line, but all was well. He waited for Hiki to stand still before he jumped up onto her back, right leg first, and got settled. “I’m sure the doctor wouldn’t mind if I rode just a tad!” he called to Alexis, and grabbed hold of Hiki’s mane.

Yuck…her back was sweaty. Not going to look too good once he dismounted. But, she needed a bath and that was where he was heading next. He lightly nudged her to a walk and rode her over to the gate. “Ready to go?” he asked, reaching down to open up the gate.

[atlas]

Something along the lines of Aso's mental image flashed into her head as well. Plain white tank top as always, except this one night she would of ran out of tan bras and had a white lacy one on. Drunken, aged men would hoot and cheer at her practically see through shirt and exposed bra. She's shriek and somehow manage not to drop what ever she was holding until she did. She'd find Aso who wouldn't be to far away laughing real hard but trying not to laugh at the same time and lunge at him, jumping on his back and shaking her wet hair, punching him and what not. He'd somehow fall to the floor and she pour what ever was close at the time on him... probably vodka. Aw damn... she'd probably want to lick it off.

Oh tisk tisk, Alexis. Fine line between joking and perverted eh?

"You'd probably enjoy it"
She said with a snort, arms crossed, nose pointed up.
Under her, Atlas scowled and tossed his head, nipping in the direction of Hiki. You just wait! Some how he didn't feel like much of a stud right then. For all he wanted was to be free and jump into the round pen, nipping at her flank and chasing her around like he did when he was younger, playing with other yearlings. The last thing on his mind was, oh golly, you're a mare! He always thought studs that were like that were dumb. Use some higher level of thinking will you? Don't get him wrong, he'd kill if someone or something ever really threatened anything he was close to, but he wouldn't go mating crazy in the sight on a mare. And not this brat. Brat! He snorted.

Alexis narrowed her eyes cunningly at his last bar comment.
'Honey, Atlas weighs about 1500 pounds. And even HE respects me. Now, I'm not one of the 'be your horses best friend' kind of trainer. I demand respect if you get my drift. I don't think you have it in you"
A wicked smile crossed her lips at the sexual pun as well as the actual statement. He wasn't her brother. She could make these kind of jokes, right?

"Not if no one tells him!"
Though the doctor would probably be a little peeved. An apple a day... Stay-off-a-horse-that-just-tried-to-kill-you-for-a-week-so-your-head-gets-better. You know, those kind of things that no one ever listens too...

"I was born ready!"
She stuck her tongue out at him, saying the phrase her father always used. And it was probably true. Her dad and lead a fast paced life and when he died, everything was taken care of and already handled. It's like he was ready to die...
She wished he hadn't be ready...
Atlas settled right back into a head set, knowing that the head toss and nip wouldn't upset Alexis. And it hadn't. It didn't affect anything she was asking, so thus it was fine in her book. Shifting her weight, he walked on, a little peeved when he realized he still wasn't going to his paddock.

[akia]

“Me? Why would you assume little ol’ innocent me would enjoy it?” he asked, leaning over as Hiki walked beside Atlas, his arms crossed over his chest, the lead rope and lunge line hanging lazily over Hiki’s neck. “Yeah, you’re a girl, and yeah I’m a guy, but don’t just think that I would enjoy something like that just because I’m male. It’s a matter of fact that I like both genders, thank you very much!” He was very open about his bisexuality, but sometimes he could surprise a few people, and he hoped that wouldn’t turn Alexis off on their growing friendship. Even if he liked guys more, it was just a preference, but he enjoyed having girls as friends more than guys. Just a little pet peeve of his. Girls were more understanding…definitely.

Hiki’s nostrils flared a bit and she tossed her head. I will, watch me! She was getting competitive now. Something about Atlas just drove her to be better than him, no matter if she would freak out at the nearest thing that moved. Attention was something she enjoyed getting and competition was just one of those things that let you gain it. She took a slight offence at him calling her a brat, but she wasn’t going to let it show. Instead, she flicked her tail as if brushing it off. Hey, she had a mane. What more did she have over him?

Aso grinned. Oh dang, she was a feisty one that was for sure. “I’m sorry little lady, I promise to give you so much respect, your horse would have nothing’ on me!” he said, trying to fake a Texas accent, but the Japanese accent got in the way, making it an epic failure of an attempt. “Wait…that sounded weird…dang my epic Asianess!” he said and shook his head. Oh yeah, it was definitely his epic Asianess.

“Hey, hey, who said anyone would tell him? Unless it was the drunk guys and gals watching, than I wouldn’t know who. I sure as heck won’t, believe me on that. Scouts honor!” He was teasing her again, and even put his hand up, and his other one across his chest, as if promising her. Laughing, he adjusted his weight and lay back on Hiki’s back, hands behind his head. She knew where to go, and hopefully nothing would freak her out on the way to the wash rack.

He glanced at Alexis and laughed again. Playfully, he stuck his tongue back out at her and stared up at the sky. “Some people aren’t, it’s amazing that you are,”

Hiki looked back at Aso and how he was laying on her back. For a second, she thought he was listening to that deranged music player, but noticed he wasn’t. Usually he was if he was laying like that. She lowered her head and kept a good pace with Atlas.

[atlas]

"Can't blame ya"
She said with a shrug, she could never be a lesbian. She could easily kiss a girl, for she easily kissed men. What was the difference? She could maybe even love a girl, though she's never tried. But she could never, ever, have sex with a women. Maybe if she was a guy...
"Lady parts freak me out, and besides you're to nice and interesting to be a straight straight man"
Him announcing that he was bi didn't surprise her or alarm her. New York had a lot of colorful people to say the least. One of her best friends was a flaming homosexual. She remembered he would always scoff at what she'd wear...

Atlas snorted and arched his neck, walking tall. He had what, almost two hands on her? He flicked his ear back as Alexis' roaring laughter. Huh. He may never completely under stand her...
"Even Texans don't talk like that!"
And she knew Texans. They used Aint, and Broke too much.
My truck aint broken, its broke!
Sigh...
Alexis could feel how Atlas was showing off. His strong back was even tensed and flexed under her seat bones, which was an impressive and awkward feeling , mind you. She shifted the lead over his withers and nudged him into a canter, making a wide, long legged gait around Aso's spotted mare. Letting him express his own ha ha, catch me if you can you stocky mare!

Part of their circling was in response to him mocking her scouts honor. Geez, jerk.
The canter was for sure her favorite gait. Atlas' natural gait was a great rocking horse canter. She held on with her knees and thighs and letting the rest of her body flow to his movements. The whole time she looked over Aso curiously. Watching him and wondering what he was thinking. She fallowed his gaze and tilted her head up. It was a nice cloudy day. Heck, it was beautiful. She stretched her arms up over her, and then dropped them limply at her side. She felt Atlas come to a sharp, but careful stop. He flicked his ears back, confused when she dropped her tall english pose and stopped directing him as what to do. He turned his head around and looked at her, nudging her shoe curiously. You ok?
"Sorry boy..."
She muttered, leaning down and hugging his neck tightly. The anniversary of her parents death was coming up soon. Was today as beautiful as the day they died. Did her parents hold each others hands as the plane went down, did her prized gelding scream as their plain rolled through the air?

[akia]

Aso laughed. Wow, Alexis was definitely starting to rub off on him. In a good way, of course. He glanced over at her and stared at her like she was crazy. “How can you not like lady parts? I’m sure you have some. Don’t you like…feel them up? I’m just playing, but lady parts are very complicated, almost too complicated for me,” he sent an evil grin towards Alexis. Now why was the conversation starting to take the wrong turn? Did he say something or did she? He didn’t know anymore.

Hiki snorted back and lifted her head, trying to look taller than she really was. She failed, of course. She wanted to try hopping, but that’d knock Aso off, and she remembered his fall and how she practically ran a half of a mile after he fell off before she returned. He looked like he was in a pain, and it then reminded her of when she shied and he fell off into a jumping, having the jump scratch his back. Wow, she remembers a lot.

“Really? I thought they did…maybe it was the fact the old western movies I used to watch were translated into Japanese, and they couldn’t even produce a good enough accent,” he muttered and tried to get comfortable on Hiki’s back. There was only one really good position to lay on her back. It was so…spiny. At the moment, with her walking, it was hard to get into that one position. He gave up and sat up just as Alexis and Atlas took off at a canter, moving around the two of them in a circle.

“Oh? What’s this? Showing off now?” he asked and grabbed a bit of Hiki’s mane. He would so top that. He signaled for Hiki to stop and grabbed more mane, tightening his legs against her sides. Hiki had a feeling he was going to try something, and she pinned her ears back to listen to him. He gave her an odd signal, but it was one she recognized. She pushed her head down and then kicked off with her forelegs, and reared, Aso hanging on tightly. Next, while she was on her hindlegs, Hiki did a mini hop and then landed on all fours again.

It was just a small trick he had taught her, when they were slowly making their way up to Kentucky. They were a sideshow at a circus before, and the trainer taught the two of them how to do impressive dressage movements that Andulsians and Lipizzaners were usually taught. Hiki had trouble with some, but the rearing thing was something she was good at. The trainer said it was possibly due to the fact that Appaloosa’s had some Mustang in them.

“Ah ha, beat that Alexis,” Aso said and Hiki gave the same words towards Atlas, with a huge flop of her head to accompany it.

[atlas]

Snap out of it!Alexis pushed the thought of her parents out of her mind. A silver glimmer caught her eye, it was her bracelet. She had a funny look on her face, one she didn't show a lot. Trauma. Her eye brows pulled together, her eyes closed but clearly wide, and her lips trembling faintly. She still had her face pressed into Atlas' neck and she couldn't imagine showing Aso this side of her yet, and she was sure he couldn't see. She pulled herself quickly and sat back up. Patting her black stallions neck like nothing had happened.
Sorry again boy, stop worrying
Alexis rolled her eyes at Aso.
"Feel them up? Psh, I mean don't get me wrong, I touch my boobs all the time, but isn't that was pre-marital sex is for?"
She laughed at that. It was true though. Her boobs were like C sized limbs. They bounced when she ran, had to be strapped down when she rode, and got in the way at looking down at her ankles. All good fun really.

Alexis had to say, she was impressed with Hiki's little trick.
"Impressive."
See?
It took a lot to train a horse to do that. And Hiki didn't seem like the type to rear and face something. She seemed like the type to spin around a book it. Maybe not though.
"Well, I didn't teach him to rear and jump or anything. But he's a great jumper"
She leaned forward and tapped Atlas' chest with one finger and he pulled his chin toward here hand like he'd been taught.
This was so not what she was about to show off, by the way.
She grabbed the lead and tied it to the other side of his halter and clipped the shank to the other side as well.
The round ring's fence was what, five feet, six? It was supposed to discourage horses from trying to exit it. Big enough for a horse to canter in it that was Hiki sized. This big boy would of needed to tighten his gate.
"Ok, I don't have a saddle so I'm going to need you to go a little slower and not run off after ok?"
She whispered her words quietly into the flicked back ears of Atlas. He was horridly curious of what she was about to ask of him.

She turned him around so there was a few good strides between the pen and themselves. She urged him into a normal, Atlas stride, canter. She pulled into a jockey pose, or two point and counted his strides until the jump. Urging him on as he got unsure if she meant it. She did.
He pulled up his knees and coiled his hind legs, lunging over this fence that would be horribly unforgiving if he thought to knock a rail. He wouldn't though. He'd land, take a single stride and jumped over the other side with near to zero effort. He ran forward, and Alexis sat deep and asked him to slow and spin back around. He loped back to Hiki, his ears perked being very happy in his element.
"Yeah?"

[akia]

[[ooc;; agh I was going to reply earlier, but my post got erased…blah sorry for the wait]]

Luckily for Alexis, Aso wasn’t very observant. This always happened when he got comfortable with someone being around him all the time. At first, he would always pay attention to what they were talking about, taking in expressions and the way their eyes darted about, but once he was used to them, he could care less about what they were doing. He glanced over at her as soon as she perked up.

“I guess? Oh, I bet you get a kick out of touching your own boobs than. I don’t see whats wrong with you and lady parts then,” He stuck his tongue out at her, grinning at the same time. He laughed loudly, which gave Hiki a small fright. She jumped to the side, and almost unseated the Asian, but luckily he had grabbed hold onto her mane and kept his seat. “Ugh…note to sound, never ‘lol’ again,” he said and shook his head. “I’m alright! I swear. Maybe just a tad crazy!” he called to Alexis and let out a softer laugh.

Hiki was not amused, not one bit. She flared her nostrils and glanced back at her owner, almost in a glare. She then turned her attention to see Atlas getting pumped from something. She was curious and twisted her body to watch, giving Aso a view too, even though he didn’t signal for it. She was pretty amazed at how high Atlas could jump. She glanced down at her stocky legs and compared them to Atlas. Gosh darnit…

Aso crossed his arms over his chest and nodded slightly. “Hm..hm…impressive, I dare say, that was pretty good. But, only a jump. Any tall horse could do that, or the small ones who are trained for it. But nonetheless, amazing. Just cause it was bareback,” he leaned over to Alexis and patted her on the head when she got close enough.

Hiki swished her tail and nudged Atlas with her muzzle. Very good, you’ve gotten me jealous! I can’t jump to save my life, even if I’m trained for it,

“Alright, to the wash rack. I’m tired of sitting on a sweaty mare!” Aso said and grabbed the lead line, pulling it and nudging Hiki with his outside leg to get her to turn back around.