Opening my eyes just in time {open}

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle sighed, at her question "Are you really okay?" Did he dare tell her the truth? Would she understand? Clearly she wanted to help him but conflicted and confused didn't know how. No, I'm not really okay. Maybe all he really needed was someone to talk to... Maybe she would understand, after all she seemed to want him hanging around. Kyle couldn't imagine why, him usually so quiet now couldn't keep his mouth shut. Just like it had been when his father was around. Maybe he needed to be here, maybe this was the place where he'd finally get over Dad and Mike.

Kyle sighed again, I might as well take a chance on someone now or never. I don't want to bother you with whats wrong with me. I appreciate it though if you wouldn't mind talking. It's just kinda awkward because I'm usually the one who never talks. Like I used to... He noticed he was keeping his voice down as if Mike was still there. Not only had Kyle not liked Mike, but there were a few times where Mike hit him as discipline, not that he needed it. Kyle was leaning on Wonder's stall door again, with his horse's head over his shoulder peering at Aren. Wonder nickered, a low welcoming sound randomly. He was happier here than back home. Back home his mum had been sold along with his brothers and sister. Mike's work no doubt. The horses brought in were all warmbloods and eventing horses. Wonder didn't really seem to fit into the whole play now.

[Aren Haight]

Aren knew it. She knew Kyle wasn't okay. It's no bother, really.

[/color] she said, I've been through similar situations before.[/color] Usually, it would be Luna who was asking what was wrong to her. Now she knew what Luna must feel like whenever she was trying to get Aren to spill. She winced slightly as Kaitou got a hold of her braid and tugged her closer. She got her hair out of the mare's mouth. She then turned her attention back to Kyle. Kaitou wasn't done yet. She nibbled on her master's hand while the ducks climbed onto her head and took turns trying to catch Aren's braid, which was swinging back and forth. apparently they were ignoring her confusion and twirling emotions this time. She must be boring them with such depressing emotions. They were affected by emotions, and usually seemed down when she was down. Obviously they were trying to cheer themselves up, and maybe Aren, too.

Fuzz and bubbles seemed to be enjoying their little game of catch the hair. Bubbles reached out too far and fell off Kaitou's she flapped frantically and quacked loudly. Aren managed to snatch her before she hit the ground. She put the duck and her sister onto the ground of Kaitou's stall as punishment. She knew that her mare would be careful and wouldn't step on the ducklings. Kaitou seemed to sigh as the ducks quacked in protest and waddled through the straw. They hated being down there, they were scared that the horse would step on them. They quacked and ran for a corner of the stall when Kaitou shifted her feet. Aren knew that the mare loved taunting them this way. It was her way of revenge for all the racket they made.[/center]

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle absently stared at Aren. His blank expression seemed to leave himself confused. He sighed again, his stomach was churning and it hurt. Kyle sat down again and rested his head against Wonder's stall door closing his eyes. He swallowed hard, making his Adams apple move awkwardly. Kyle felt sick and totally weak after the encounter with Mike. He didn't know why he let Mike bother him so much, after all why should he care about the dick who sold his father's horses? Okay? What's with them quacking super loud now? Kyle couldn't deny he had a headache, wracking his brain with reasons why Mike did the things he did. Even he couldn't answer that.

Kyle opened his eyes, he couldn't help but notice the semi-worried look on Aren's face. Why did she feel the need to make him feel better? He would be fine wouldn't he? I mean it's not like I'm going to try and kill myself again. Not yet anyway... It's fine, I don't want you to feel obligated to do anything Aren. It really isn't your fault I'm like this. I'm not gunna try and kill myself again. Oh crap. Why the hell do I manage to let things slip? Kyle frowned hoping she'd ignore the last part. He sighed again and smacked his forehead, he was such an idiot. Kyle hated that Mike made him that way, suicidal, and semi-insane. I didn't mean to.. say that. Not that.. ugh sorry... Kyle frowned and looked at Aren, hoping she wouldn't freak out like everyone else did when he was hospitalized for trying to kill himself. He really needed to get over everything and start being the old Kyle.

[Aren Haight]

Aren's eyes widened in surprise. They don't trust Kaitou very much, it seems.

[/color] she said. She really didn't know how to reply to that last part, so she didn't say anything. Instead she opened up Kaitou's stall door and let the ducks out to quiet them. They seemed relieved, and shut up almost immediately. She closed the door and watched them creep up to Kyle curiously. They could sense his emotions, too. Fuzz cuddled up next to him and Bubbles nudged his hand. The girl smiled slightly. The ducks always did that with her when she got distressed. Kaitou snorted softly and rested her head on her stall door, watching her duck buddies. She flicked her ears and let out a big horsey yawn. Aren leaned against the stall door. You'll be alright,[/color] she said softly, as if to herself.

The ducks looked so cute when they cuddled up. They looked so soft and innocent, even though they were the complete opposite when they were hungry. She stroked Kaitou's smooth neck. The ducks were quiet, and she could hear other horses feeding and making noises. Her mare nudged Aren and started nibbling on her hair again. She let it go this time, seeming as she needed a haircut anyway. Yes, everything would be fine here. Maybe Kyle could even begin to heal here, too, like she hoped she would. Anything could happen now, she believed. Hopefully things would go for the best. But of course, Aren knew things would probably get very unpredictable, as was most common with her life.[/center][/color]

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle shrugged and picked up the duck nudging his hand putting the duckling on his head. He looked up seeing wonder snuffle the duck, or try to. I for some reason believe that. I mean If I hadn't left home I know I wouldn't have been. And  I probably would be dead now... Kyle put the other duck in his lap, never really being around ducklings made him feel slightly out of place. Kyle was starting to relax when Wonder let out an angry neigh, and noticed He figured out how to unlatch the stall but couldn't get out because of Kyle. Kyle couldn't help but laugh at Wonder's frustration. His horse was just too odd sometimes even for Kyle.

Kyle sighed again after Wonder calmed down. He was thinking about leaving he stables and going to bed, but that'd be a waste. Kyle though couldn't deny that he was extremely tired, after packing all night and driving all day. He'd gotten little to no sleep the night before. Kyle had his eyes closed again and nearly fell asleep when the duck tried flying off his head, and he jumped trying to catch it before it fell. Instead he lay splayed out with two ducks on his back, how he managed that he'll never figure it out. Wow, Can I be a bigger clutz? Kyle didn't dare move, he didn't want to squish the ducklings, that wouldn't be a very nice thing to do to the first person he met. He frowned trying to grab them so he could sit up and growled when he couldn't reach them. I can't reach teh duckies

[Aren Haight]

Aren laughed at the scene in front of her. She got down onto her knees and scooped up the ducks. It's safe to sit up now. she said. Fuzz sat in her lap while Bubbles attempted to fly onto her head. When she failed and only managed to fall to the ground, she quacked and poked Aren with her bill. The girl smiled and set the duck on her shoulder like a parrot. Kaitou shook her head and disappeared inside her stall, as if bored by the scene. You look pretty tired,

[/color] She commented. She was feeling a bit tired herself, but she could last a bit longer. The ducks seemed to be as energetic as ever, like a 4 year old on a sugar rush, they were.

Bubbles fluttered off her shoulder and on top of Fuzz, squishing her. Fuzz quacked, startled and fought to get free. Aren laughed at the two and seperated them. She felt their soft fuzz and feathers under her fingertips. When they grew older they'd lose most of their fuzz but their feathers would still be as soft as it was now. Kaitou whinnied, apparently wanting attention too. The mare stretched her neck down to where Aren was, begging for some attention. The girl stroked her horse's soft muzzle and smiled. You guys are such attention hogs, she told her pets. Bubbles quacked as if in protest, like she was offended by that statement. Fuzz already knew she was an attention hog, at least Aren thought she did. She lifted both ducks up to Kaitou, who blew on them softly, making their feathers and soft down ruffle. It was funny the way the ducks cringed away from the stream of air coming from the horse.[/center]

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle nodded, he was tired. He then again didn't sleep much anyway, and ran most his life on little to no sleep anyway. Yeah, I am tired. I got maybe an hour or two of sleep last night after packing and heading out to the stables. Thank god I wasn't in the house to see that... Kyle wasn't the only one Mike didn't seem to like. He also seemed to dislike his mother even though he married her. Mike probably still held a grudge against his mother for breaking his heart in the first place, running off with Jonathan and getting married in Vegas. Kyle didn't really feel like moving so he rested his head on his hands. His mind raced with questions not only about Mike, but also about Aren. Kyle owed her something for pretty much saving his life.

Kyle looked at her, the questioning look in his eyes. Aren?... Can I ask you something? He was even wondering how to ask her, as he watched the duckling antics, and hearing the sound of her laugh. Kyle so rarely heard laughter it was very weird to him.. Though somehow it made him feel better, like it belonged. He was almost sad to say goodbye to her beautiful laughter. Kyle let his eyes fall to the ground before sitting up. Everything seemed to hurt, oddly he hadn't noticed he had one arm gripping tightly to the other. The single arm was across his chest and he looked like he was in pain.

[Aren Haight]

Sure, ask me anything. she said. She lowered the ducks back onto her lap and kept her arms around them. their eyes were starting to close, so she knew they were getting very sleepy. there was a certain questioning look to Kyle's eyes, and she wondered what was on his mind. Kaitou's head disappeared back into her stall, though Aren knew she was probably trying to look for something to eat. She noticed that Kyle was gripping his arm, but it didn't look like it was out of pain. It didn't take long for Fuzz and Bubbles to fall asleep curled up in her arms. Their soft touch felt comforting and familiar, as familiar as the smell of horses.

Aren ran her fingers through the ducklings' soft feathery down as she watched Kyle, wondering what he wanted to ask her. She felt perfectly relaxed and comfortable right now, she might even have the courage to answer a question about her past. The fact that she had practically saved Kyle's life today was something she was glad she did, but she didn't think that Kyle owed her anything. Anyone could have saved him, and maybe he would've done the same if she had been the one in trouble. Fuzz was snoring now, which Aren always thought was weird. She never knew that ducks could snore. Bubbles sometimes quacked in her sleep, though, which was funny most of the time. She didn't know if Kaitou did anything, since she was never around when her horse slept. She thought that her mare deserved her privacy. Aren had to remind herself to practice before bed. She practiced her gymnastics everyday, usually with Luna, but sometimes she did it alone. She needed to stretch her stiff muscles that were cramped from being in a car for a good portion of the day.

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle finally managed to calm down enough to ask his question. He cleared his throat slightly. Well this is totally awkward and random, but your not gunna like um.. I don't know how to say this any other way but I already consider you a friend... and I still think I owe you something for you saving me and all... Kyle laughed like an idiot. He felt like an animal trapped in a corner here, none of this was easy and he had no idea why he was doing it. Kyle thought he must have a thing for pain. He seemed to take refuge in it oddly. Pain was also something he couldn't define. Kyle couldn't define the way it made him feel, it wasn't bad or good it was in between for him, being so used to it.

Wonder started to walk around his stall looking for more food. That horse seemed to never stop eating, at least to Kyle. If they weren't in an arena Wonder was trying to eat something. He could be annoying sometimes but he was a good horse. Kyle's arm had found its way to the same position and this time pain was stricken across his face.  Some of his muscles seemed to be cramping up, and he didn't want to move. The floor was uncomfortable sure but it was something. Ugh, Wonder I'll feed you in like five minutes so calm down. He sighed relaxing a bit more when his horse stopped fidgeting and chuckled quietly when he realized the duck was snoring.

[Aren Haight]

Aren shrugged. It's alright, you don't owe me anything. I kind of consider you as a friend, too.

[/color] she said. She was happy to hear that he considered her a friend, and she vice versa. She could tell that he was nervous and not used to saying this kind of thing. When Kyle started to grip his arm again and pain flashed through his face, she had a thought. I have some Advil in my bag, do you want any for the pain? she asked. Bubbles quacked softly in her sleep and Aren smiled. Fuzz was still snoring softly. Kaitou snorted, clearly impatient for food. Just a little bit longer, and then she'd feed her mare. Hopefully she wouldn't try to chew on her stall door or anything. It could be pretty bad for her health.

Aren pulled her ducks closer to herself. She had to decide whether or not to let the ducks sleep in the stall or take them back to her home. Then again, when the ducks woke up they'd probably start making a whole lot of racket and annoy all the other horses. She rested her head against the stall door and shifted the ducklings in her arms to a more comfortable position. Her muscles were starting to get stiff, so she stretched out her legs into the aisle of the stable. It felt good to stretch. Bubbles quacked again, softly, but stayed asleep. Fuzz opened her eyes halfway but then let them close again. The girl smiled at them and looked up as Kaitou stuck her head out of the stall door and blew air on her face. She giggled softly and looked away from her horse.[/center]

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle shook his head. He smiled though and got to his feet walking into the feed room and got a hay net for Wonder. Kyle quickly went into the stall and hooked it up, vaulting over the door after. He managed to hit his foot on the top of the stall and fall over it hitting the aisle laughing. Looks like I can be a bigger clutz Kyle tried latching the door with his foot and fell over again. He groaned this time, that one hurt more than landing in the aisle from a high altitude. Oh that one hurt, nah no advil for me, I can't take it...

Kyle heard Wonder kick his back leg, something he always did, and the reason for him getting out of the stall so fast. He started laughing, his head hurt so bad  he thought it would explode, but he kept laughing. Kyle hoped this time she wouldn't see past the facade. He held his stomach, it hurt because he was laughing, something he didn't do often. Ow... too much laughing. God everything hurts. Kyle frowned his head was still throbbing as he lay on the cool floor. Aren seemed pretty stiff sitting on the ground, maybe he should let her go? She also seemed pretty tired which wasn't surprising. Maybe Aren got here a few days ago too? Well not too but you get it. Kyle looked at the ceiling the lights seemed to dance in circles. Oh my maybe its from that stupid medication...

[Aren Haight]

Aren got up and gently placed the sleeping ducks onto Kaitou's back. The mare flicked her ears and stopped walking around so that she didn't do anything to the ducks. She walked over to Kyle and looked down at him. Need any help, clutz? she grinned and had to stop herself from laughing. I don't think it's very comfortable down there... she said. She could tell that he was in pain, even though he was trying to hide it. Kyle looked a bit dizzy, so she offered her hand out to help him up. She didn't hear any loud quacks, so she guessed that her mare was being careful with the sleeping ducklings.

Aren needed to get home soon so she could get something to eat and so she could do some practice before she passed out from lack of sleep. She was going to build a pen for the ducks so that they didn't destroy everything in her house. This would be the first time she slept somewhere other than in a stables. If worse came to worse, she could always drive back here and sleep in Kaitou's stall or in the tack room. She was used to it, and it would make it easier to sleep. Though, a soft bed would be much more comfortable. Just thinking of it made her sleepy. Hopefully she'd be able to stay awake long enough to drive to her new house. She couldn't afford to be in an accident her first day at her new home. That would just suck badly. She so didn't need any physical injuries to go with her mental injuries.

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle grabbed her hand and let go of it quickly, it was like he'd been shocked. He got up himself quickly and almost tripped again over his feet. Kyle grabbed Wonder's stall, it wasn't a bad shock but it was definitely there. He laughed passing it off as just static. I'm thinking maybe it's time for me to head home. I dunno about you but you look pretty tired. I could drive you home if your afraid your gunna be in an accident? Kyle smiled slightly, he used to do this when his dad was around. His friends who had to go home late and had their own cars were tired so he offered to drive them most the time.

Kyle latched Wonder's stall farther this time, hoping the horse would leave it alone. He didn't feel like chasing down a horse late at night when he could easily get lost. Kyle was happy he knew the way back to town, and could easily find the buildings and apartments. Most of them seemed to have big signs a little ways away from the building, or right next to it. He was just waiting on her answer now, wondering if he drove her, if the ducks would come along? If they do I hope they don't crap in my car. Not that I'd mind driving them, they're cute and fluffy. They're also kinda loud but maybe they'd just sit in her lap quietly until we got wherever. Kyle grinned at the sudden thought of her thinking of him as some weirdo stalker. That'd be funny.

[Aren Haight]

Aren felt the shock when he took her hand. She passed it off as just static.I am pretty tired, so sure, just let me feed Kaitou, first.Aren said. She quickly went to the feed room and fed Kaitou, putting a little extra grain in as a reward for being good. She carefully picked up the ducklings and cradled them in her arms. They didn't wake, but then again, they had had a pretty exciting day. She stifled a yawn and groaned inwardly when she remembered she hadn't been to her new apartment yet. Her friend had taken all her boxes and stuff and put it in Aren's apartment, but she hadn't even opened them yet. She just hoped her carpet was comfortable. If not, she could always sleep over at Luna's.

The two yellow ducks in her arms squirmed and Fuzz stopped snoring. Aren said good-bye to her horse and turned back to Kyle. We'd better hurry before the ducks wake up, they can get pretty grumpy,

[/color] she said. She knew that what she was probably doing was wrong, seeing as how she had just met the guy. But she was utterly to exhausted to care. Tomorrow was going to be a long day, what with all the unpacking she had to do. She also needed to build the duck's pen and get all of her tack and things out of her truck and bring them here, to the stables. She planned on doing nothing after she got everything done. Just a whole day off, or maybe a trail ride with Kaitou. This time, she couldn't hold back her yawn. Man, she really was tired. Kyle was grinning like he thought something was funny.What's so funny?[/color] she asked. She brushed her bangs away from her face, careful of the ducks in her arms. Aren was amazed that her arms weren't sore yet from holding the ducks so long, though they couldn't way more than a pound or two. Maybe she was just getting used to it, or something.[/center]

[Kyle Smithe]

Kyle shrugged it off. He stopped grinning, maybe she thought he was laughing at her? Who cares anymore? Jeez Aren looks tired. I should get her home right away. Uh are you gunna be awake to tell me where to drop you off? Ah nothing just forget you saw me grinning. Kyle said tiredly. Maybe if he was lucky they'd  be in the same building? He'd probably crash on the couch tonight after all he was exhausted. Kyle smacked his forehead again, completely forgetting about poor dixie. Dixie was his beagle that his father gave him three years ago. He groaned hoping she didn't take his being gone long to use his apartment as a bathroom and free for all fun house.

Kyle sighed and began walking toward the doors, pausing at the open door to wait for Aren. He looked out over the parking lot of cars, and up at the dull gray sky which hung gloomily over the stables. Kyle sighed again. What was up with all the weird gloomy weather? On the drive down, and the past week, and now the stables. The clouds must like to hang around me. He reached his hand out as the water started to slowly fall from the sky. Kyle watched as the raindrops ran off his hand and down his arm, seemingly dripping off his secret like blood. He threw his sleeves down and kicked a rock to hold the door open as he stormed outside. Everything just reminded him of something painful it seemed.