like peas in a pod//kinkade

[Lillian Alexis Keller]

Lily Keller && Romani
don't you wish you were a fly on the wall?

Lily was washing Romani outside, in the warm South Carolina breeze. She was just finishing drying him off. Reaching for the curry, Lily began to brush it over his hide. Romani's ear flopped over and his eyelids drooped slightly. After that, she used a regular brush, and combed his mane and tail. Following that, she rubbed him down with a shining cloth. Romani's white coat gleamed brilliantly, Lily'd always prided herself in keeping him clean. "There you go boy, are nice and squeaky clean." Romani nickered in response.

Lily was cleaning him in prep for her and Kins's ride today, up to the peak for lunch. The peak was one of her favorite places, it had an amazing view. Swapping romani's halter for his hackamore, she had onee of the grooms watch him while she changed in the tack room. Off went the ratty t-shirt cloth shorts, on came her nice jean shorts and soft green one-shoulder tank. Putting her hair back into a french braid, she re-apllied her makeup, light mascara and eyeliner, and a little lipgloss. Checking her reflection, she rushed out to Romani. He always got a little moody when she left him with one of the stable hands, but a girl needed to prep.

[Kinkade Cymir Malixi]

KINKADE
+ NINTENDO

[/b][/size][/color]
_{there ain't no reason
things are this way
it's how it's always been
and they intend to stay.}[/right]

"Aw, quit laughing at me,"Kinkade ordered, speaking to the familiar horse he was sitting atop as he shifted the backpack pressed against his back. But his order didn't do much good- he would have laughed at himself in all honesty.

"If she knew I was nervous to ride a horse again, she'd tease me! I just wanted to get used to you,"Kins leaned toward the horse, comforted by it's mane against his cheek. "So, shh, this is our secret. Don't breathe a word of it to Lily!"

"I missed you. Really, I did, Nin. Told mum about you, even. Dad said he'd check on you for me," For a moment, he was content to just sit there. But after a few seconds the energetic teen remembered he had a schedule to adhere to. So he sat up, checking his watch. Ten minutes shy of eleven. That gave him time to get to the barn, right? He was going to try. Unlike Lily, he didn't put much thought into his appearance. He was wearing the same outfit he'd wore earlier that day- a gray silk shirt and a sleeveless undershirt to go with his dark blue jeans. His hair was the same, too. Gelled up into spikes to show off the blond. Now, however, there was a bit of dirt mixed in from the riding he'd already done, but it didn't bother him.

When he reached the stables, he was surprised to see Lily there. He grinned- all the better.

"Lily!"Just how Kinkade could sound so excited and so surprised was a true testament to his ability. He was excited to see her, though he expected he'd see her soon anyway.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Lillian Alexis Keller]

Lily Keller && Romani
don't you wish you were a fly on the wall?

"Kinkade!" Lily replied excitedly. She noticed he was riding Nitendo, his own horse. She hoped he didn't mind that while he was away, she excercised him occasionally. Seeing Kins made her excitement level rise, this was the most fun she'd had all day, 'cept for when Romani shook himself after Lily had rinsed him.

"So, I've got lunch ready, healthy, compared to you're sugary dessert, I'm sure."

[/b] She teased Kins lovingly, no harm intended. He usually brought sugary stuff when they went on their excursions. Putting Nin on the nose, Lily kissed Nin on his forehead. "So, how was Kin on his first ride? Did he fail? Or better yet, was he nervous?" Lily was teasing Kins, and she gave him a look to let him know that. Whistling to the groom, he brought Romani over. Saying a command to Romani, he layed down, and Lily sat astride his back. Once she was settled, he stood up, it was a new trick Lily had taught him, for when she was riding bareback, which was most of the time. "Race you to the creek!"[/color] The creek was the end of the long flat part of the trail to the peak. From there on it would be a climb to the top. Nudging Romani into a gallop, she turned around, sending up a spray of gravel. Lily giggled, and looked back at Kinkade.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/left]

[Kinkade Cymir Malixi]

KINKADE
+ NINTENDO

[/b][/size][/color]
_{there ain't no reason
things are this way
it's how it's always been
and they intend to stay.}[/right]

Had Lily verbalized the question, Kins would have told her he didn't mind at all. He doubted Shi took the time to (he did promise he would, but Shiloh was secretly afraid of horses.) No matter. Her excitement alone lifted Kins' spirits.

"Oh, certainly so.

[/color]"Kins nodded. One of these times he was going to bring vegetables just to prove to her he was capable of more than desert (but, keep in mind, he'd still prefer to bring something sweet and would likely tuck away a peanut butter and jelly sandwich to chase away the icky vegetable taste.)

"Hey now![/color]"Kinkade's tone was indignant as she tried to pry secrets from his horse, but he was grinning all the while. "Proprietary information between teen and horse, madame! Plus, I didn't fall, thanks much.[/color]" He specifically didn't deny being nervous. That would have been a lie.

Kinkade had to admit- Romani's new trick was amazing. He smiled, watching with interest, even leaning slightly until his chest was against Nin's mane, as if he didn't want to miss such an amazing feat. She climbed on, Romani got up, and like that, it seemed, off they went.

"Huhh,"Kins mumbled, sitting back. A race, and he was already behind. That was okay; he'd let her win any day. Now there would be sport to his inevitable defeat. "Right, Nin. Let's catch 'em.[/color]" Kinkade wasn't actually familiar with competition, truth be told. With Lily, sure, but it was never something that brought him much gratification. Anyway, didn't matter. He grasped tighter to the reins as the horse moved swiftly in pursuit of Lily. [/center][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Lillian Alexis Keller]

Lily Keller
don't you wish you were a fly on the wall?

Joy swept through Lily as she and Romani raced through the trees. Peeking back, she slowed Romani down until she was next to Kinkade and Nin. It was so much fun to be galloping along the trail, the wind whipping her braid back and forth across her back. Lily had her helmet on, and she knew that if she fell off at this speed, without it, she might be injured badly. Romani was determined to win, and he surged up past Nintendo. When he was about eight lengths from the other horse and rider, a rabbit streaked in front of him.

Romani suddenly reared up, throwing Lily off-balance, who let out a cry. Fear swept through her, and she threw her weight forward, clinging onto Romani's neck. Letting out a large whinny, Romani pawed the air. Landing with a thud, Romani calmed down again, leaving Lily shaken. Romani had never done anything like that before, usually nothing fazed him. Lily stared ahead, still in shock. She'd hit her cheek on Romani's neck hard, and she felt it starting to bruise. Grandfather would kill her, blaming it on her for being so reckless, in his opinion. It wasn't her fault, and it wasn't Romani's fault either, not even the rabbit was to blame. they'd simply been in the wrong place at the wrong time. Lifting a hand to the injured cheek, Lily grimaced, the skin was hot, very hot. Not good at all.

[Kinkade Cymir Malixi]

KINKADE
+ NINTENDO

[/b][/size][/color]
_{i can't explain why
we live this way
we do it every day.}[/right]

Kinkade watched in horror as Romani raised up into the air. He couldn't seem to breath or move, which would have made him feel useless had he not been so scared. Even if he'd wanted to, he couldn't have caught up. Nin kept the pace, not seeming nearly as scared as his rider was. When Lily settled back on the ground, Kinkade didn't feel any better. But Nin had reached them and was waiting patiently, knowing Kin didn't want to race.

Kinkade didn't give it much thought. He just slid off his horse before stepping toward Lily's, one hand stroking it's side lightly as he murmured softly, trying to coax the once frightened horse. With his other hand, he held it up for Lily to take.

"Get off,

[/color]"Kinkade ordered. Normally he would have made it a request, but there were certain times- like now- that Kinkade wasn't providing an option. If she refused, his anger was hardly rivaled. But he wasn't trying to upset her, and he didn't want to be angry. It was easier to be angry over something silly than to admit how scared he was. Either way, he was going to make sure she was okay, and he was going to keep her from any further injuries. Maybe they shouldn't have brought both horses. That was it. He wanted to ride with her, to hold tightly to her and keep her safe.[/center][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Lillian Alexis Keller]

Lily Keller && Romani
don't you wish you were a fly on the wall?

Silently heeding his command, she slid off Romani. Lily gripped him in a tight hug, trying to ground herself. Tears poured silently down her face, she was still terrified. If I hadn't hung on the tight, thing could have been much worse, she thought. Lily buried her face into his shirt, breathing in his scent, her nerves were still wound up. "Oh my god, that was so close," she whispered. Romani touched his nose to her shoulder, as if he were trying to apologize. Lily did not turn around though, Romani already knew she forgave him, she always did.

Romani nickered this time, more adamant. Turning around slightly, she rubbed his nose, trying to send positive thoughts to the stallion. Looking up at Kinkade, she whispered, "Thank you for being here, for helping me." Momentarily forgetting her bruise, she pressed her injured side against his chest. Wincing, Lily switched sides, Romani was looking at her with large brown eyes, full of concern. Sometimes he was almost human the way he acted around her. With the back of her hand, Lily rubbed his forehead.

[Kinkade Cymir Malixi]

KINKADE
+ NINTENDO

[/b][/size][/color]
_{try a little harder than before
if you ever lose a battle
it doesn't mean you've lost the war.}[/right]

Tears. They broke his heart, truthfully, but he wouldn't say so. Kinkade held her close. Having her in his arms was making him feel better, too. That had been close. Too close. And if he had anything to say about it, Shiloh was going to make sure she was okay. He trusted his father with things that were this important. But he didn't want to scare her by insisting they return to the school immediately. In fact, as rare as this was, he found himself arguing with himself over what he should do next.

He had no right to be mad at a horse, but he was. So mad. Especially when the horse nudged Lily for her attention. No, no, Lily was his and she wasn't getting back on that cursed horse yet. Or ever, if he could somehow convince her of that. Yet was probably more likely. He smiled to himself as she stayed close to him rather than turning. The persistent horse, however, won the battle as she turned her attention to him.

Kinkade smiled at her as she whispered to him.

"Of course,

[/color]"he agreed. After she switched sides, he tightened his embrace slightly, wanting to ensure she stayed close to him. "Lily, can we take the horses back? Just for today. Let's just go- you and me. I missed you, and it'd be nice to have some time just to catch up.[/color]" Kinkade's offer may have seemed fairly innocent, but the truth was, he was silently planning an elaborate scheme to keep Lily off the horse. It wasn't really fair, and when his anger subsided he'd probably give up on it (after all, Lily loved Romani, and he knew it) but right now, it made him feel a whole lot better about the situation.[/center][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Lillian Alexis Keller]

Lily Keller && Romani
don't you wish you were a fly on the wall?

"Yes...I'd like to have some time with you without worrying about the horses wandering off. But I'm warning you, in the safety of the b=school yard, I will get back on Romani/ I refuse to leave our ride on a bad not. And don't be too mad at him, it wasn't his fault, Kade." Lily replied firmly. She would never, ever leave a ride on such a bad note. She didn't care what Kinkade thought, she would get on Romani and walk him slowly around for a few seconds.

"And while we're there, I'll have John take a look at my face and Romani,"

[/color] commented Lily. John was the head of the stable, and had a vetinary degree, he saw to the horses. He'd be able to tell her if her face was anything bad. Pulling slightly away from Kade, she still held onto his hand. Grabbing Romani's reins, she began walking back to the barn. Luckily, it'd only be a mintute or so before the reached the barn.

Coming up to the barn, she called out for John. When she came out of the barn, and saw her face, he rushed over. Sometimes John was a little overprotective, almost like an uncle. Examining her face, he declared it fine, only tp put some ice on it later. Turning his attention to Romani, he checked his legs, neck and back. Unijured, Romani had fared well. Asking John for a leg up, she sat on Romani for a minute, silently stroking his neck. John led the pair around for a second, before having Lily dismount. She walked in front of Romani, and breathed into his nostrils, and he breathed back. It was a familiarizing excercize, and a bonding one. Kissing his velvet now, she led him into the barn and put him into his stall. Walking back out, she leaned against Kade, with one arm around him, for support.[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/left]

[Kinkade Cymir Malixi]

KINKADE
+ NINTENDO

[/b][/size][/color]
_{it will get hard, yeah
'cause life's like a jump rope.
up, down, up, down.}[/right]

Kinkade was smiling at first. She was agreeing to do just as he wanted. But, she went on to basically refuse to give into the primary motive behind the request. Well, that was kind of ineffective, wasn't it? Of all the emotions in the world to feel as Lily stood up to him and defended the horse, he felt anger. Not so much that she was standing up to him, but that she didn't seem to realize how foolish her choice was. Right now he wanted nothing more to march straight up to the Founder himself and scold him for giving Lily a horse in the first place. Stupid man. Stupid horse.

Kinkade turned his attention from her long enough to grab Nin's rein with his free hand so he could guide him back, too. He didn't offer a single word, which was probably for the better. He doubted she'd understand his anger, and he really didn't want her to. Sometimes it felt like his power exaggerated his emotions. It was best to keep them to himself.

When Lily got on Romani again, Kinkade's grip tightened on the reins- not pulling Nin, just clutching the rein against his palm rather painfully to keep his anger in check. What was she doing? His eyes never left her because, while he was undeniably angry rather than facing his fear, he knew he needed to watch her, to make sure she didn't fall.

Her dismount was relieving. It seemed to take an eternity, at least in Kins' mind, but once she was off, he was suddenly downright cheerful again, as though the anger from before had never happened at all.

Kins followed quietly behind her, leading Nin to his own stall. There was a moment of affection, too, where he stroked from his forehead down to his nose and offered a smile along with a warm emotion, but that was just habit between the two. Once that was done, he made his way out of the stall with Lily, slightly smiling when she leaned against him.

"So, where do you want to go now?

[/color]"Kinkade questioned curiously.[/center][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Lillian Alexis Keller]

Lily Keller
don't you wish you were a fly on the wall?

Lily had noticed Kins tensing while she rode Romani for those few seconds. Walking up in front of him, she put her hands on his cheeks. "Relax, Kade, don't let this ruin our day together. Okay? I'm fine, Romani is fine. No one got hurt, we were lucky. I can see it in your eyes that you don't want me on that horse again, but please, for me, just relax,"

[/color] Lily pleaded. She hugged him once more, her arms wrapped around his neck.

"Well, we can steal-I mean borrow- the school's Gator. There's an old maitenece track that comes out near the peak. You can drive it up there, and we can still have lunch up on the peak?"[/color] Lily suggested. The peak was really the only place she could think of that had some privacy, unless they wanted to go to her room on the fifth floor, or go to the solarium. Lily was still a little on edge from the accident, but she wasn't going to let it ruin her date, er, lunch with Kade.
[/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote][/left]

[Kinkade Cymir Malixi]

KINKADE
_{it will get hard, yeah
'cause life's like a jump rope.
up, down, up, down.}

Kinkade found it hard to stay mad when Lily placed her hands against him. It was hard not to just smile at her. When she pleaded with him to relax, the smile did form. For her, he would. Her hug helped immensely.

"Yes! The Gator! Perfect.

[/color]"Kinkade agreed cheerfully. What a perfect idea! He wasn't going to refuse the opportunity to drive a motorized vehicle. And the peak still seemed like a good idea, anyway. Trusting Kinkade to drive wasn't a sure thing, but it'd make him a very, very happy teenager. And he would be careful to keep Lily from getting any other injuries; now, when he was on his own... it was a wonder he hadn't sustained any lasting injuries from his 'daring' feats. Shiloh had him a small dirt bike the year he spent with him when he was nine, but that was off-limits to him less than a week later because Shiloh didn't trust him not to do something dangerous.[/center][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Lillian Alexis Keller]

Lily Keller
I will rain down silver and gold for you.
I will shatter the black night, and pour out a million stars.
Turn away from the darkness, the madness, the pain.
Open your eyes. And know that I am here.
That I remember and hope.
Open your eyes and look to the light.

Lily smiled when she saw his anger fade away. She knew letting Kinkade drive the Gator wasn't neccessarily the smartest decision, but it would make him happy. "Alright then, the Gator is this way. Follow me."

[/color] Grabbing for his hand, she started around to behind the barn, where the Gator was. Once she'd reached the Gator, Lily grabbed the key from under the driver's seat.

Somewhat reluctantly, Lily handed the key to Kinkade. Smiling, she looked at Kins, "Let's go,"[/color] Lily said. She climbed into the passenger seat of the Gator. Lily had brought the diary that she'd found earlier along, and wanted to show it to Kins, he was the only other person she trusted, other than her grandfather, of course.[/left][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Kinkade Cymir Malixi]

KINKADE
_{it will get hard, yeah
'cause life's like a jump rope.
up, down, up, down.}

Follow? Oh, most certainly. He kept up right behind her, excited as ever. And when it came to view, he smiled as though it were Christmas. And when he had the keys in his hand, it was all he could do not to respond with some overly excited exclamation.

"Okay! This'll be fun.

[/color]"Kinkade stated, sliding into the driver's side of the Gator before starting it up. The sound of it's engine left him chuckling happily. This was awesome!

"What way is the trail?[/color]"Kinkade prompted as he eased his foot on the gas pedal. Much to the surprise of those who knew him he resisted the urge to press the pedal down to see how fast this Gator would go. See, he was a good kid after all. Well, part of the time.[/center][/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Lillian Alexis Keller]

Lily Keller
I will rain down silver and gold for you.
I will shatter the black night, and pour out a million stars.
Turn away from the darkness, the madness, the pain.
Open your eyes. And know that I am here.
That I remember and hope.
Open your eyes and look to the light.

Lily's gripped tightened on the handles of the Gator as Kins began to drive. The edges of her smile may have seemed to be a little tight to the more observant person, but anyone else would have seen a calm, sedate Lily. Pointing to a break in the trees, "In that opening you will find an old two-track, it's going to be over-grown but we should be able to use it. After we get on that trail, it should only be a few minutes until we reach to top."

[/color]

Lily made herself relax, everything would be fine. Kinkade and her would have a wonderful time up at the peak, eating lunch and catching up. Just relax, Lily. Kinkade wouldn't hurt you, calm yourself. It'll be alright. It didn't help that Lily hadn't yet fully calmed down from Romani's freak out. [/left][/blockquote][/blockquote][/blockquote]