a STROLL [lark]

[♥ poppies]

Slidding over the filly's soft little head and finally her ears as fingers clipped the throat latch. Brown leather felt so good exspecially after it had been in a warmed tack room all night. Chestnut and brown hair were already swirling into one another but the brown was taking over the yearling's body. Signs of a chestnut mane were still gone and a black mane had settled in neatly. Instead of the spikey and young mane, Cocoa's had started to flop a little to the left now and was getting eager on her walks each day. It was two days since Kris had last talked to Westley and she had a feeling it might have been her fault. With that she reached into her pocket as she let the filly stroll the stall for a few seconds before their morning walk on the track. Dialing his number she put the phone to her ear as she got his voice mail. Taking a deep breath she softly spoke into the phone. "Hey Wes, it's me Kris. Uhm, I just wanted to maybe talk but I guess your not there. If you need to find me I'm at the stables with Cocoa. So...bye."

With that she grabbed the lead line off the tack trunk infront off the filly's stall. Clipping it on she clucked and Cocoa sprinted out, something Kris had yet to see. Swelling had started to occur ever since the filly hit her leg on a paddock gate. Cocoa! Bay body moved quickly, Kris's fingers had lost grip of the nylon lead line getting a rope burn. Grunting she clutched her hand as she saw the filly race to the track. It would be a few more months until she was rideable and Kris knew that much. Question really was, was how would she take to being ridden. Well she couldn't think about that now, the filly darted across the driveway as Kris set after her. A brisk jog, without paying attention to anyone on the driveway she was thinking about her filly's safety. Soon they both met, Cocoa had stood in the dead middle of the track pawing the ground and tossing her head. "Cocoa you gave me a heart attack." Her heart raced fast as she looked at the huge brown eyes of the filly and smiled. All though well in shape Kris felt as if she had no shape to her at all.

Skinny leg jeans clutched her legs showing off figure and a long sleeve shirt held her upper body. Brown paddock boots occupied her feet as well as brown half chaps which occupied her lower leg. Thinking back to two nights ago when she saw Westley, the night of their "date", and she remembered she had managed to stay sober ever since he came to Fairfield. With that she chuckled and watched as Cocoa pranced before Kris wrapped her fingers on the lead line. After being worried that Cocoa might have just been hit by a car she realized she had heard the grinding of rocks below wheels. There had to have been a car there but she mustn't of have realized it. "Your a silly girl." Running her hand through the filly's mane she moved slowly down her back and smiled. Another laugh came out of her mouth as she removed her hand and moved it to the filly's nose. Both sighed at the same time before Cocoa pricked her ears and squealed. Kris raised an eyebrow and was wondering. The only times the filly responded like that was with herself or Wes...but he couldn't be there.

[larkeh;]

<sub>A twenty-one year old man was slowly ambling his way around the apartment complex he lived in. Few people were out and about as of right now. He'd passed a man with several dogs and a petite woman beside him. They were somewhat familiar as he'd seen them around Hunting Hill. Even so he'd merely offered a half-hearted smile and kept on his way, not particularly interested in stopping to talk. He looked like he was going to a funeral, or perhaps was going through some weird emo phase, a black hoodie covering his muscular chest and arms. A pair of faded, pretentious, and rather expensive jeans clung to his lovely little butt with fancy blue stitching on the pockets. Nike Air Jordans padded down the dismal gray sidewalk. A deep sigh escaped the young man known as Westley. He was beginning to feel guilty for ignoring his girlfriend over the past few days, but he'd just not had it in him to call her up and try to work things out. He knew he was being a jerk, but he'd really not cared until now.

Brown eyes had drifted to an adorable young woman who had just appeared from the corridor near his and she picked up a jog. His gaze wasn't so much on her as it was on her chest for which he felt little shame. His eyes widened and he looked down at his pocket where his cell phone was vibrating in his pocket, but he didn't notice that at first. All he could think was what exactly is going on in my pants? Finally it donned on him, too late to take the call, and he sighed, pulling it out and finding a new voicemail. He shrugged a bit, probably his winy mother. He slid it back into his pocket, but he started to wonder and he pulled the iPhone back out, his finger making contact with the screen, choosing to listen to the message left.

Kris' voice filled his left ear as he held the phone to it and he melted. He wasn't really being very fair. Maybe they should talk. Darn women and their sweet convincing voices. He shrugged and put the phone back in his pocket, jogging back to his apartment and slipping in for a moment to grab his keys, having left his door unlocked with little concern for getting robbed. It was a pretty safe neighborhood, and quite honestly there wasn't much to be had in the apartment anyway. He moved back out of the apartment, this time locking the door behind him as he walked outside and hopped into his convertible, the top left down. He revved the engine and then backed out, heading toward Hunting Hill.

Within minutes he was driving down the gravel drive, slowed to a mere ten miles per hour as requested by the signs along it. The Mercedes slowly cruised until he had to turn to enter the stable yard and he parked in the little parking lot, taking a look around and spotting the brunette known as Kris with the funny colored filly he had named out on the empty exercise track. He slowly got out of the car and made his way across the grassy lawn, feet squishing in the damp grass. Cocoa caught sight of him and whinnied happily to see him and he transversed the remaining distance a little bit quicker. He reached the pair and patted the filly on the nose with a grin, "Hey pretty girl," he said with a smile before finally looking to Kris. His expression faded and he looked quite serious, "So I think you're right, we need to talk."</sub>

[♥ poppies]

Cocoa immediately tossed her head into the pet and pawed the ground. With a look from Kris that was funny looking yet serious the filly stopped her actions. Her head rose and Kris looked at Westley before dropping eye contact, right now she felt horrible. So far in their short new relationship it seemed like a house, some people were in the attic with the best. Kris felt as if they were in the basement about to dissappear. Falling off the earth would seem a bit more graceful then falling out of something with Westley. Her hands fell over the filly's soft neck as she heard what he said. They did need to talk but Kris knew that each time they did it went south. Sighing she looked at him, full eye contact, before her lips opened and she spoke. "Yeah I guess we do."

For some reason tiny pulses ran through her that wanted the words to dissappear and actions to come forth. This time good actions, ones the meant something to her, and possibly nothing to him. He had said that she mattered to him, that seemed to sum it all up. She wasn't just an object to him, he said it was true himself but something she couldn't always count on him. For that one time when he said he'd take care of her in New Orleans he had dropped his guard one night, godd-damn Adam had become the problem. "So what do you wanna talk about?" Hands were palced neatly in her jean pockets with one still holding the lead line. Heart beat extremely fast as if it would explode any time now.

A jiggle at the end of the lead forced Kris to take her hands out of her pockets as she looked at Cocoa. Then eye contact came back to Westley as she spoke, "If we do speak then we're walking as we do so." With that her hands re-took control of the lead line and she set off at a walk with the filly. Cocoa immediately turned her head as she walked to see the rail, it was a funny thing for her. Letting the lead slide through her hand she let the filly take some control but not all of it. Immediately the bay yearling moved to the railing as she arched her neck over it and praced like a dressage horse. It was a hilarious site as Kris gave a small tug on it and the filly darted in Kris's direction, Kris couldn't help but laugh. A smile on her face ahs looked at the filly and held her stomach with one arm as she laughed.

[larkeh;]

<sub>Westley nodded a bit, eyes watching the filly. A deep sigh escaped; he wasn't sure what to do. He had never tried to make a relationship work in his life. He got scared and he ran, and that was that. This was why he had never had an actual girlfriend, not even in kindergarten. Even then he'd been quite the lady's man, loved innocent little kisses and whatnot, back before he'd discovered the funner more adult activities. He glanced back to Kris, his hands feeling sweaty and he ran them over the butt of his jeans. He didn't know why this scared him, it wasn't like it was anything close to scary, but commitment was still something that scared him half to death. He supposed eventually it would fade, with time, but as of right now he wasn't so committed he was going to go out and buy a ring or something. It was just as of right now he was wanting to be seriously dating her, with the intentions of maybe going somewhere, but already they were strained.

They began to walk at her spurring, the filly on one side of Kris and Wes on the other. His dark eyes looked to her, something still there. He wanted this to work, really he did. He needed to prove to himself that he could be a real adult, and if something wonderful happened in trying to find himself then that was a bonus. He sighed inwardly and then began to speak, "So, I tend to get the feeling you don't trust me for some reason." He wasn't trying to thrust out accusations, but that was his honest interpretation of the situation. She didn't trust him with her body or emotions, or anything really it seemed. She always seemed to recoil and withdraw in situations and he needed some sort of clarity on that.

She really had no reason to trust him, he'd not treated her right the first time. He didn't deserve a second chance, but she'd given him one, a chance to prove himself, and yet she couldn't seem to forget idiot eighteen year old Westley. Adult he may have been, but he was most certainly not mature back then. He hadn't been responsible or caring or anything a good person was, but he'd changed and all he wanted was to be treated for who he was now and not then. The thing was that while Kris was cold at times she made him feel alive and he got so jealous when he thought of her loving somebody else. He would be crazy to let her get away that easily and he'd do whatever it took to keep her as his girl.</sub>

[♥ poppies]

Her laughing softly dropped off the face of the earth as she heard what he said. Yeah she could trst him it might just take a while. Truth was to Kris she wasn't even sure if she could trust herself. Right now all she wanted to do was finish her walk with Cocoa and then find some time to spend with Westley. Kris's newest filly Poppies had already been worked out earlier that morning with a new rider. But it hadn't turned out so well, the black filly immediately dissappeared over the track. Kris fired the man right after that and complained he couldn't hold her back and the filly dropped the bit and let it roll. The filly was a maze in Kris's mind and was hard to figure out but she was filling in beautifully. Her last and third horse of the small herd was Martini a handsome bay stallion who she was re-training as a eventer and trail horse. So far he had suceeded at trail and some eventing but mostly in the jumper division. Westley was his ride whenever he wanted to ride and so far he had only ridden English even when Kris wanted to try Westley with western.

"Ha. I don't even trust myself." Kris looked straight ahead and it took a few seconds to realize how harsh it could have sounded. It seemed like she was making fun of there relationship when all Westley was trying to do was repair it. Anyways it had been her call to try and mend it all back. Sighing she stopped the walk as Cocoa walked ahead before coming short on the lead line. Turning to face Westley she looked down before looking up at him. "I'm sorry that sounded harsh. But I mean it. I trust you, it's just me. Ever since juvi I haven't had anything to make me trust myself. Until now. Once you got here I felt a piece of me come back and slowly I'm becoming me again." Kris did care about him and through that entire speak she had partially started to choke back on words, she had never talked about herself.

Suddenly her entire body make her mind connect with her emotions. Meanwhile Cocoa had been walking in circles around the two before once more coming short of the lead line. Something darted across the track and pulled the lead line around both of their ankles. Kris looked at the filly as she was dragged forward in her spot. A smile overcame the woman's face as she looked up at Westley and opened her mouth but words didn't come out. Cocoa had brought them together at that point in time but something stronger had brought them together after Kris got out. It was just a sad thing that he had to come at that time, but it wasn't a good thing. A piece of her heart and mind had just been re-formed and put back into place.

occ- kiss her! jking. sorry my post is crappy

[larkeh;]

<sub>Wes' brow furrowed at her mockery of the situation; here he was trying to fix things and all she wanted to do was laugh about it. He shook his head and looked away making it obvious she was getting on his nerves and his patience was fast fading. His hands, kept at his sides, clenched with frustration. He gave a deep sigh and was about to try a different tactic when she halted and turned. He moved to face her as well, staring down at her the half foot between them in height. He melted at her words, the harsh aggravated look disappearing from his features and he gave a half smile, "Yeah, me too," he whispered. He glanced at the filly, walking in circles around them. She was such a Thoroughbred, couldn't stay still for a moment. Something caught her eye and she tugged the lead tight, pulling them together.

A grin spread Wes' face and he chuckled, wrapping his arms around her, her body already pressed up against his. He smiled and leaned down, kissing the top of her head with a deep sigh, his strong arms squeezing her a bit. "I say we start over," he said planting another kiss on top of her head, not giving her much of an option. He breathed in deeply, happy that this seemed ok, better. He pulled away after a moment longer before any sort of temptation could creep into him. He looked to Cocoa, "Young lady, now what sort of tangle have you made," he said with a smile, leaning down and starting to loosen the lead with a shake of his head. A few minutes later they were free to walk again, allowing the filly to get her exercise while they enjoyed one another's company. Wes reached for her hand and laced their fingers, not looking at her because he knew he would then be unable to look away.

He smiled a bit, wanting nothing more that to just take her home with him right this very minute. He shook his head, why must he always have unclean thoughts? Well, because he was a man, he knew the answer to that. He rolled his eyes and sighed, a sheepish look crossing his features. He had no control when it came to that, but it was a bit different this time. He wasn't all that eager for simply pleasure, but simply to express himself physically. He shook his head and stroked her hand with his thumb, pushing any thoughts away as he gazed down at her with a tiny smile, "You sure are pretty," he murmured with a nod. He picked her hand up and pressed his lips to the back of it. "So how are you today?"

OOC: Ewww... lame.</sub>

[♥ poppies]

A smile covered her face within the next few seconds and her cheeks flushed a pail pink when he kissed her forehead. Turning to see the bay filly who was already nodding her head as if saying, 'My job here is done.' Although still petite the filly was quickly sprouting into her bones and was already at Kris's height and much taller than her first days at Hunting Hill. Then thinking about height she knew there exsisted at least a half a foot different between her and Westley. Well most jockeys fell in love with guys who were taller, Kris knew she had. Slowly Wes had started to loosen the lead as Kris jumped backwards out of the tangle and laughed as the filly came prancing to her side. "Yeah you sure are a silly girl." With that Kris gave her a whisper in the ear and the filly shook her head up and down.

With that she felt his hand grip hers as she picked up Cocoa's lead in the other hand. A tilt of her head against his arm made her happy until Cocoa yanked on the lead to the rail. Kris's head snapped back up as she felt a kiss on her hand. Right now at that moment she was in-between the two loves of her life, Westley and Cocoa. Thinking of the filly made Kris just so happy to think she would be her jockey in the future and the proud trainer. Westley was the human love of her life and he was like nothing else in the world, no words could describe him. Before she was yanked away by the filly who was now grazing on the inside oval grass, she had caught his question. "I'm fine, I have no more chores after this. Unless you wanna ride Martini. If not then I was gonna go home." A smile crossed her face as she looked at him before turning around to walk to the filly. Once she covered the small amount of distance the filly slowly broke down, one leg at a time. A grunt left Cocoa as she lied there and lifted her head before letting it rest. Kris however decided to sit so she did, on the white railing that made up the inside rail to the track.

It was actually comfortable but it made her want to ride Martini on a long trail ride, the western saddle underneath her. Yet she also wanted to spend time with Westley, he barely knew how to ride so putting horses and Wes together made her happy. After all if he continued with his tiny lessons each week he would be cantering soon. He had learned to sit at a trot without falling off but he still hadn't learned to post, well he had but not without falling. All Kris knew was that he just needed a better horse and Martini was a little green but the only horse she had that was really rideable. Cocoa was not even broken under saddle but would be in the fall. She was going to trailer the yearling to Belmont in December and have her work with a few other prospect racers. One being in the Shennanigans lineage, a large bay colt, and another who was a Silver Charm descent, a seventeen hand chestnut colt. Both were amazing when Kris saw them at the auction and they were huge, their movement perfect. Yet Kris saw something special in Cocoa when she got her, and a great price to. Both of the girls would give all the horses a run for their money, and there was also Kris's last horse. Poppies, a large black filly that ran faster than anything else she had seen before. From Shennanigans who damed Ruffian, a large black filly who ran faster than light. It seemed like Poppies would be the next in that catigory if she continued to turn in times like her short workouts.

Sitting on the rail gave Kris the idea to one day bring out Martini and Cocoa in the future and work them together. All though the bay stallion was a bit older he still had kick in him and had had manners around mares. Well sometimes, he seemed like a great mount but when it came to spring time or summer time it got a wee-hectic. His previous owner had told her that he attempted several times to mount mares two pastures over. Which meant he had to jump two six foot fences but he never succeeded. Kris was going to keep him indoors during the day and outdoors at night to make sure nothing happened. Taking a breath Kris looked at Cocoa who was sunbathing quietly and peacfully. It seemed to the filly it was more fun then running, all Kris hoped was the filly wasn't a lazy horse who ran when she wanted to.

[larkeh;]

<sub>Wes shrugged a bit and grunted when she asked if he wanted to ride Martini, "Nah, it's ok," he said with a nod. It wasn't that he didn't like the stallion, but he would rather spend time with Kris over a horse. He liked horses and all, and it was interesting to learn something new, but they weren't one of his uppermost priorities. More something the wealthy young man did because he got bored at home all day. He could get a job he supposed, but he wasn't a big fan of working for the man. He was the man; the rich guy that ran corporate America. A job at McDonald's just seemed sort of strange in the first place, and besides he didn't really have to work, so why bother? He might as well find his own fun, only this time he didn't have any drinking buddies around to make that kind of fun, and so he was having to try other stuff.

A chuckle rose in his throat as the filly lie down, the awkward jerky motion in which they did it got him every time, but this time something else got him. "She'd better not do that in her races," he said with a cheesy grin and a shake of his head. He could completely see that; some big race like the Kentucky derby, Kris on the filly's back, and a furlong from the finish line she stepped from the pack and flopped down on the track. Of course it would be a huge disappointment, but she'd still make a name for herself as the filly that liked to lie down during races. She could probably get herself in the horse racing hall of fame with that. Westley shook his head and moved to lean against the rail beside his girlfriend with a wink.

He scooted closer, keeping some of his weight off so the rail didn't collapse as he wasn't as tiny as little Kris. He slid an arm around her shoulders, staring at the filly for a moment, but his thoughts weren't there. He was indeed in love with Kris, it hadn't been a hard thing to do, but he didn't want to say it and just hear "thank you" or something like that. Actually he wasn't even positive it was actual love, but it was definitely some sort of strong need toward her that he'd never felt toward any other person. It bugged him, he didn't want to be so vulnerable, and yet it seemed over the last few days especially his feelings had become real. He wanted to tell her, and yet it sort of scared him. He let out a deep sigh as he watched Kris, whom his eyes had gravitated to without control.

He gave her shoulders a squeeze and moved in, nestling his face into her hair and taking in the scent of her shampoo. He kissed her a few times against the side of her head, his lips landing a final time on her ear. "I- never mind," he whispered, and then backed out, not wanting to go on. He shouldn't have even tempted her with it. It wasn't that he didn't want to say it, but he couldn't say it. Not now. They'd just gotten over a fight and he didn't want to tell her at this moment. Timing was everything when it came to relationships and he didn't want to ruin what they had by doing or saying something too soon. He did know he wanted her badly, but he had decided not to work himself up again until she gave him the go ahead. Some night she would and then he'd have his way with her, but until then he refused to even deeply kiss her.</sub>

[♥ poppies]

Quickly the filly stopped her sunbathing as she heard what We said. Pricking her ears she squealed and nudged Kris's knee. "Tell you the truth I can serious see that. She's in her maiden race and right out of the gate she walks and rolls. That would be hilarious but I don't want her doing that." Scratching behind the filly's right ear it seemed Cocoa enjoyed it because she grunted and then leaned straight into Kris's hand. Suddenly she felt an arm wrap around her and she rested her entire body, melting into it. Luckily Kris would have an arm to rest on any day. She was Wes's girl, and Cocoa was her girl, it seemed like two odd relationships but either one wouldn't collide with the other. After all it was Wes who helped name the little bay yearling. With another grunt and a toss of her head it told Kris that the filly was done with the ear scratching. Cocoa was to tall to sneak under the railings and to short to jump it, with that thought Kris unhooked the lead line.

A few steps away the filly looked back and twisted around in circles to see that she was in fact free. Like a bolt of lightning she dissappeared half way down the track at her quick foalish canter. In seconds she was back trotting with her head curved and her tail held high, "Awe, Cocoa thinks she's a parade pony." With a smile on Kris's face she looked at the filly and clapped before smiling and leaning her head on Wes's shoulder. Grin spread on her face she looked up at Westley not realizing the filly was creeping in on her. Seemed like now was play time as the filly tossed her head under Kris's boot and bumped her a second. Snapping her head up she looked at the filly and spoke, before hearing him start and then end something in her ear. What had he meant to say? 'I-nevermind' didn't seem to fit so what really could have and it couldn't be 'love you' because he didn't seem like the type to say feelings.

Cocoa had already started her own trot around the entire track adn was already half way done when Kris turned to Westley. "Where do you wanna go after this? If its public then I have to go home and change." Again a smile covered her face as she looked at him, if they happened to stay there all day Kris had an idea of what they could do to take away boredome. Shaking that thought off of her mind she didn't expect that to come anywhere near her mind. All though memories had started to be her dreams she longed for the real thing. After a fight though didn't seem like a good time, yet what about in New Orleans. That had been there biggest fight about Adam, Kris wanted him to stay yet Wes wanted him gone for good. It had been after Adam had taken advantage and she protected him, she had thrown a few punches at Wes during the fight. The afterwards of it was basically worth a million photos. What if it could happen again?

[larkeh;]

<sub>It was true that Wes didn't talk about emotions. He really wasn't sure how that had even slipped because quite frankly he just didn't say that kind of thing, horrible as that might sound. If people wanted to know what he thought or felt they could look in his eyes and they'd just know. About the most you'd get out of Wes would be some compliment like "you're hot" or something equally simplistic. Then again he'd never had any emotions toward anyone else, not even his own friends. Sure they were his pals, but he honestly wasn't sure if they'd help him if he were lying in a ditch dying. Heck, they might be the ones to put him in the ditch as quite honestly Wes was what could only be described as controversial, either you loved him or you hated him, and depending on his actions those feelings changed fast.

He shook his head, his own version of the story of him trying to beat the life out of Adam after he'd laid his hands on Kris coming to mind. He still didn't understand why Kris had been fine with that, she deserved better than that. Quite honestly she deserved a whole lot better than him if you were to ask him, but if she was happy then he didn't suppose he could convince her otherwise. He shrugged, still unable to believe she'd socked him one, when all he'd been trying to do was protect her. Maybe she didn't want protection. He didn't know now and he doubted he ever would unless he got up the gumption to ask. Wes had gotten sick of dealing with the two of them, partially jealous that Adam would dare touch what he sort of had claim over, and told Adam to enjoy his perverted little power rush and left the room, slamming the door to his bedroom. At some point Kris had showed up trying to play peacemaker but Wes, beds, and pretty girls had never gotten along very well, and so before long they were all over each other. Still quite fired up over the argument his anger had pushed him even rougher than normal, but it had been rather amazing.

He shook his wicked thoughts away and watched the filly as she jogged springily over the mushy dirt of the track. His expensive sneakers weren't looking so good right now, but they could easily be replaced. His eyes pulled off his ruined Nike's and he smiled and shrugged a bit, "It's up to you," he said with a nod. He could eat lunch, he hadn't eaten much in the past few days, but was now starving, or he could catch a movie, or they could just chill at his place or hers. He wasn't sure if being alone in private with Kris was such a good idea as the last time they'd been together with no one else around had completely sucked. He was not making a move this time, no she'd make the first, and the second, possibly even the third, and then and only then would he allow himself the pleasure.</sub>

[♥ poppies]

Cocoa had completed her circuit and Kris's chores for the day were done early. The yearling had walked herself, and Poppies was resting peacefully same as Martini who was dozed in his stall before. Clucking her tongue Kris got off the rail and smiled at Westley before watching as the filly came lazing to them. Seeming unwilling the filly tossed her head several times before Kris grabbed her halter and clipped on the lead. A sharp jerk, Cocoa had torn into a tight circle and squealed baring her teeth. "Cocoa don't do this now." With another harsh jerk the filly shook loose and backed away quickly almost stumbling over her feet. Kris simply let her arms cross on her chest as she smiled and hummed a soft tune. Quietly she started to approach the bay yearling before finally feeling the surge of victor when she snatched the lead line. One last squeal and then a nudge on Kris's butt sent the filly back into a happy mood. Rubbing inbetween her ears Kris walked back up to Westley as she smiled.

"How about lunch at my place?" With that she stood on her toes and pecked his nose with a small kiss. Cocoa obviously was interested as she squealed and tipped her head to the side before walking inbetween the two. Kris immediately looked down to see the small bay head sticking in her stomach basically as Kris backed off. "I just gotta put her away and then we can get out of here." With those last words Kris had already headed for the barn. A prancing yearling by her side, her arms flailed helplessly but stood firmly as Cocoa tossed her head. Another tiny whisper in the filly's ear and in a few more strides the prancing ceased and a smooth, long walk came over her. Smile on her face Kris soon felt the ground change from the grass, to the stone, lastly to the concrete stable aisle. Grabbing a small soft bristled brush she let the lead line hang nicely over the filly's withers as she did a once over on each side. Doing it twice on ear of the filly's legs before grabbing a hoof pick. With each step Kris went away the filly followed happily with her tongue hanging out.

Picking her hooves quickly she walked to the yearling's stall and whistled as the filly trotted slowly and stopped at the entrance. Unclipping the halter from her head she tapped her dock, immediately Cocoa slipped into the stall and moved for the water. "Yeah your thirsty, so am I. Well I'll see you tonight or tomorrow sweet pea." A final look at the finally for the possible day she placed the halter on the hook and walked back out of the stables and looked once for Westley.

[larkeh;]

<sub>Westley's head nodded at her suggestion, "Yeah, but let's get take out," he said with a nod, not giving her a whole lot of option. He wasn't sure whether he should get Chinese or pizza or what, but he supposed he'd think up something. Actually he'd get both if he had his way, but he didn't want to stuff himself and look like a pig. Despite his well defined stomach and abs he still looked a little funky when he ate too much, and if in fact Kris was luring him back to her apartment for some premeditated reason that simply would not do. He shook his head and chuckled a bit; he sure was quite cocky now wasn't he? It was just a guess; he'd seen the way she'd been looking at him with lust ever since he'd come back around. He'd been doing the same but he was a guy. Did one expect anything less? He doubted the young woman could resist him much longer.

As Kris kissed his nose and walked off with the filly he watched her sway as she moved along, admiring her curves before grinning and shaking his head. Boy was his mind in the gutter today. He slowly stepped off, his shoes slipping into the thick mud and he had to move quite slowly as he kept sinking into the sticky dirt that had weeks ago been firm as concrete. He heaved a sigh as he finally reached the gap and was able to get off the track, examining his shoes with a shake of his head; they were hopeless. Once inside the barn he pulled the dirty shoes off and thought nothing of it as the expensive sneakers were casually tossed into the trash. He probably could wash them, but he had enough fun doing his other laundry and was not adding in anything extra he had to call up his family's housekeeper to figure out how to do it. Delia was nice enough, but he hated to bother the woman, not to mention it being rather embarrassing that he was twenty-one, had been living on his own for six years, and yet he still had not mastered laundry.

He leaned near the barn exit, his feet in just his socks, but he didn't seem to care. That was part of his charm; the way he really couldn't care less what people thought of him in many ways. He had a perfectly valid excuse to be running around in just his socks, and it really wasn't anyone else's business why that was. He supposed without shoes though it was better they went to her place thanks to the whole "no shoes, no service" thing. Kris appeared moments later appearing ready to go and he picked her up in his strong arms, one hand supporting her torso and the other her legs as he carried her outside, a cheesy grin on his lips before he set her down in the parking lot. "You go on home and I'll get some food and meet up with you in a few," he instructed, pecking her on the lips and then moving away, not bothering with the door as he hopped straight in.

Within minutes he was pulling up at a new pizza place that had the pies ready to go, but seeing as how they only had pepperoni that's what he took. It had been so long since he'd had pizza with Kris he didn't know if she still liked the same toppings she used to anyway. He paid the cashier and carried the pizza outside and set it on the seat beside him, pulling out and heading toward the apartment complex. Kris had already disappeared upstairs as he had expected and he trotted up the stairs in his socks, the pizza guy having not noticed his lack of shoes. He balanced the pie with ease as he wandered over and knocked on the door calling, "Delivery!" When she opened the door he smiled and handed her the pizza, "There you go miss," he said turning around and acting as though he was going to leave, teasing her with a glance over his shoulder as if to say, 'you just gonna let me leave?'</sub>

[♥ poppies]

Being picked up felt seemed like she was a feather, almost nothing to Wes. Smile spread on her face as he walker her to the parking lot. Nodding at what he said she grabbed her keys from her pocket and watched him drive away. Opening the door she stuck the keys in the ignition and hopped in without thinking. Pulling out quickly she drove out of the parking lot and onto the main road. Within minutes she was at the apartment complex, and parking the huge black pick-up truck. Turning the keys she popped out of the car, with a slow yet long strided walk she arrived at the apartment. Walking up the stairs to her apartment she unlocked the door and headed in. Closing the blinds she walked into her bedroom and stripped from her barn clothes. Tossing them into the laundry basket she grabbed a tank top and slipped it on. Tossing through her drawers she grabbed a pair of shorts and soon heard a knock on the door.

It had to be Westley, if it was anyone else then she had no idea. As soon as she heard delivery it had to be pizza, chinese, or some other type of food. Walking into the living room she popped the door open and smiled. "Well hello there." Looking at him she took the pizza box and then saw him turn away. "Awe come on. I can't eat all this by myself. Anyways what happens if a stranger comes by and attacks me during lunch?" Just that thought made her laugh as she looked at him and turned around herself and walked into the kitchen. Door spread open she put the pizza down on the counter and got out two paper plates. Opening the fridge she grabbed two sodas, one being a Diet Coke and the other being a Sprite. Sadly Kris had started to run out of the fizzy drinks so they were the last two. "Do you want a Sprite or a Diet Coka?" Placing both cans on the counter she opened the pizza box and grabbed herself a slice.

[larkeh;]

<sub>Wes rolled his eyes and grinned a bit, "I have other pizzas to deliver, miss," he complained, "I'll lose my job." He shook his head as she walked away, laughing at himself, and following her inside, kicking the door shut behind him. He followed her into the kitchen, coming up behind her and kissing her neck a few times. "Do you usually invite the help inside," he teased, his arms squeezing her waist briefly before he stepped away, taking in the scent of the greasy New York style pizza. He plucked a slice from the box, folding it in half as though he was actually from New York. Of course he was not, but he'd seen other people do it and he tried not to look ignorant. It was actually a rather tasty way to eat the pizza.

When the sodas appeared he reached for a plate and set the pizza down on the paper dish, looking at his hands disdainfully and looked around for the roll of paper towels, not locating one and popped each of his fingers into his mouth, licking off the grease. He chuckled when Kris shot him a look. It wasn't exactly hygienic, but this was the same young man that had frequently agreed to eat things off the floor and various other less than healthy things for money. Wes thought for a moment over he question, "I'll take the Sprite," he finally declared reaching for the can and popping the tab and then pressing it back down so he wouldn't cut his lip as he so frequently did. He took a sip of the cold fizzy drink, not really a big Sprite person, but he knew Kris well enough to know she'd rather drink a diet soda to keep the calories down so she wouldn't gain weight, being a jockey and all.

He slipped out of the kitchen, plate and soda can in hand, and flopped down on the sofa he'd slept on for several months before he'd gotten his own place. He brought his legs up Indian style and set the can on the end table, forgetting a coaster accidentally on purpose just to see if Kris would notice and scold him. It wouldn't surprise him in the slightest if she did. He took a few more bites and looked over at Kris, "How do you like the pizza? I like it," he stated curious whether she liked his choice of lunch. Within a few minutes the first slice had disappeared and Wes hopped up, disappearing into the kitchen for another slice, that piece practically vanishing into thin air. Wes finished off the last of his soda and set the plate and can aside.

He grunted as he fell back to rest against the cushion, his stomach pushing out just a bit. He shook his head and slid up the fabric to expose his tummy, poking it and laughing, "I ate too much." He shook his head and recovered his defined stomach, leaning his head back and looking over at Kris, silent. He wasn't sure what to do right now, what she wanted to do. He yawned and closed his eyes for a moment before glancing back to her, "So what are we gonna do," he asked, suggesting nothing by his question. Her reply could be Monopoly for all he cared, he honestly just liked spending time with her.</sub>

[♥ poppies]

When he took the soda she smiled and laughed as she popped the diet coke open. The liquid moving down her throat before she grabbed her pizza and took a huge chunk out of it. Truth was Kris hadn't had pizza in a few weeks and it tasted really good. Hot cheese melted in her mouth and down her throat as she devoured the first slice before even sitting down. Grabbing another she opened a cabinet and took some napkins. Walking into the living room she smiled at him as he asked her how the pizza was. "It's really good." Lifting the pizza she took the tap of it off and then set it down. For Kris eating was like something to take her feelings away but she alwasy tried to stop. Pizza was a weakness for her for a long time, it broke down the walls of eating. All though her policy of eating was strict it ruined her defenses. Sitting on the couch seemed like it had become her only real place of sleep or relaxation after Westley moved out. Some how it seemed that her bed had become to uncomfortable that the couch called her.

Looking at him her eyes were twinkling with the satisfaction of him just being there. Recently Kris had rented a bunch of movies which has costed her like twenty dollars all together, she had planned to watch them by herself. Now that Wes was there maybe they could watch a movie but which one? A small groan from her stomach told her easily that she too was full. Lifting her shirt she revealed the perfectly flat stomach and smiled, "I think I did as well." Suddenly her lips opened to released a loud belch as she stopped herself half way through. A smile on her face she laughed and then heard what he said. "How about a movie? I rented a bunch like a week ago and there do tomorrow. You can go pick." She pointed to a bag from Blockbuster near the kitchen as she leaned back and put the half eaten pizza on the coffee table.