|
|
Post by Shane Joseph O'Malley on Mar 18, 2011 23:23:23 GMT -5
It was late, but no matter how hard he tried and how many times he rolled over or punched his pillow, Shane couldn't settle his thoughts enough to find sleep. Even strumming a gentle tune or three on his acoustic did little to calm him. So he grabbed no particular hooded sweatshirt and pulled it over his messy hair and then zipped up his thermal windbreaker over that. Judging by the frost climbing across his windowpane, it was rather cold outside. Not to mention the trees were bowing and bending in the wind. At least it was a warmer wind, southward and carrying with it the tiniest hint of spring.
He turned out of the narrow corridor from the boys dormitory and made another turn towards an outside door. The chilly air felt good after being wrapped in his jacket in the heated building, but not for long. The wind started biting at any exposed skin it could find, and though he had laced up his insulated boots, cold had still found its way in somehow and was tickling his toes. He started regretting this nighttime walk until he found a building to turn into and get out of the wind.
Breathing in, his nose defrosted a bit and the sweet musty smell of hay and horses greeted his senses. He looked up to see ten stalls on each side of the aisle he was in lit by a few cozy lanterns hanging on either wall. Most of the horses were sleeping, but one of them had nosed its head over its stall to stare curiously at Shane, it's big brown eyes examining and it's nostrils flaring in search of the hint of an apple slice hidden somewhere in the folds of Shane's coat. Shane decided this horse seemed friendly enough, and walked slowly up to it.
The copper plate on the stall door read "Benny". When he got closer, Shane could see that Benny was a bay, sporting a deep red-brown coat with dark hooves and mane and tail. His left hind leg was white, and the corresponding hoof a lighter color as well. Benny sniffed Shane's outstretched hand halfheartedly as he saw no treat, and promptly began sniffing at the pockets of Shane's jacket.
"Whoa boy," he said with a laugh. "what're you lookin' for there?" He smiled, maybe for the first time since coming here, and scratched the nosey bay behind the ear. "All I've got is some peppermints, and I'm not sure you'll like those." But Shane thought, what was the harm? And so he pulled out one of those mints that can be found in a dusty bowl by the register of a middle class restaurant and untwisted it. Benny's ears turned forward and he let out a soft snort. When Shane offered it to Benny, Benny lipped his hand gently and took the mint, which he seemed rather pleased with.
"There ya go," he patted the horse, "now your breath'll smell good too. Good for pleasin' the lady horses." Shane winked at him and let himself into the stall, grabbing the grooming bucket hanging on the wall and pulling out the body brush and gently pulling at Benny's coat in the direction it grew, letting his thoughts trickle away one at a time.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mizumi Halna on Mar 22, 2011 6:17:37 GMT -5
There was really no reason as to why Mizumi was still awake. He couldn't even properly think of an excuse, but who was there to say it to? No, instead he just played peek-a-boo with the security around the hallways. A clean record of no isolation, and he liked it that way. So there was soft steps, light and careful as he possibly could.. which was not too hard for the asian male. Mizu had spent years tip toeing around his house, slipping past doors and light sleeping fathers. However, this night was nothing like at home. The boy was not moving into his room, into his lonely sheets and waiting for the next day. No, he was quickly walking through snow, arms tight around his body as he hurried to his destination -- the stable
There was a cute little mare that Mizumi seemed to have grown attached to, one that he was currently sneaking a few carrots to. However, it seemed he would not be doing this visit alone. As the boy stepped into the stable, the heavy door closing behind him hard.. his eyes were locked on the other body in the building, the one not on four long legs. It was another boy -- some student. Seeing as it was not a teacher.. it was easy fro the boy to relax, to ever smile. They did not look like anyone that Mizu had ever seen.. and it made him rather excited~
His sneakers made dull steps against the hard ground as he crept over, before arms tucked behind his back. The loose, open over shirt barely moved to expose the tank top -- not the best clothing choice. His steps had a bounce to them, the bits of his hair pulled back in that odd pony almost bounced as well. Perky, like everything seemed to float from this androgynous child. Oh yes, Mizumi was well aware of his appearance, hence the girl clothes adoring his body. So very comfortable. At the moment though, it was the appearance of the other he was curious towards, the face he had yet to see before. So finally, those lips so lightly curved into a smile parted, a light voice finally uttering words. ".. Well, aren't you a sweetheart.. He seems right happy!" [/size]
no idea ._. || shaaane || outfit || >w>; I hope this was okay |
|
|
|
Post by Shane Joseph O'Malley on Mar 22, 2011 11:35:45 GMT -5
Shane finished with the body brush, tossed it back into the bucket, and was leaning down to pick up the softer face brush when he heard a few scuffles from the aisle. He looked up to see a curious stranger watching him.
"...Thanks." He said with an awkward half smile, reaching up to scratch the back of his neck with his free hand. This could not be a teacher, so there was no way he was in trouble. He rolled his eyes and sighed at the thought of being in trouble. Already. At an institution for the troubled. Where he did not belong. He turned back to Benny, taking his halter in one hand and brushing his face slowly.
"Um, what... uh," He stopped, finally seeing what she was wearing. Her? Was it a girl? He had no idea. Looked like one... "Aren't you freezing?? It's like two degrees out there. Maybe thirty-two in here, tops." He said, noting the water trough being unfrozen. Benny had started stretching towards the person, his nostrils flaring hopefully and his ears pricked forward, one swiveling around occasionally.
"You don't happen to have peppermints hidden on you somewhere, do you? I haven't known this guy long," He patted the horse's shoulder, "but he sure has one helluva sniffer on him." Again, the awkward ghost of a half smile creased his lips.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mizumi Halna on Mar 26, 2011 4:05:07 GMT -5
The concern was cute, but Mizumi knew it was probably just curiousness, rather then true concern. So he smiled, shaking his head. "That is why I came in here! It is way warmer.. sucks, gotta run back in when it's time~." With a hum.. the boy slowly reached out a hand, slender fingers moving to softly stroke the animals long nose. That smile remained, bright and rather.. perky as he shook his head softly, peeking at the other boy. At the words though.. he slowly reaching into his pockets and pulled out a few carrots from the small bag. " There are for one of the horses! Stella.. I bring these to her every so often... "
As his words trailed off, he layed his hand flat and out.. cooing at the creature as it nibbled away the veggies.. and reach to stroke his nose again, before taking a quick step to the other, holding out a few of the baby carrots. "Want some~? I am sure those are better for him then peppermints! ..though he smells lovely~" The worsd were overzelous, perky, even for this time at night. Even with the red slightly on his skin from the cold, the boy seemed.. just too happy. That was something about Mizumi though, he was always everywhere. He blamed those acting classes.. infectious. "Mizumi, by the way.. and who amy you be, my fellow night dweller?" [/size]
no idea ._. || shaaane || outfit || >w>; I hope this was okay |
|
|
|
Post by Shane Joseph O'Malley on Apr 2, 2011 16:47:47 GMT -5
"Mizumi... That's an interesting name?" Shane questioned with a slightly raised eyebrow. "I'm Shane."
He let that sit for a moment. It was so normal to introduce oneself, but Mizumi might be the only person who actually asked as opposed to just noticing his name being rallied off during attendance for classes. It was nice, to have someone who cared even a little what he might be called. Some time had passed since Shane had had any normal interaction with a peer.
"What brings you out? And in hardly nothing? I mean, it is Alaska. People don't usually plan vacations here because of it's oh so sunny beaches."
He still wasn't sure about this person and still hadn't quite figured out exactly what gender they were but he shrugged the thought away. Though Mizumi's ever-present, never-fading smile had become a point of interest. Normally people didn't smile quite so much. Especially here, in what approximated a detainment camp, where everything done or thought about seemed to have to be done so secretively or behind hidden doors. Even then, there were cameras stuck on the walls and in the corners. How did Mizumi find anything to smile about? Why was MIzumi here anyway? Would it be inappropriate for Shane to ask? But then of course the question would mirror back to him. A scowl sculpted his features at the thought.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mizumi Halna on Apr 3, 2011 1:28:25 GMT -5
The teenager had to admit, he was enjoying these reactions. They were all so interesting, and the boy made him laugh. All the questions, so light and impersonal, the one knew how to keep things to the point and off the records! Still, he gave a slow hum.. letting his hand slowly run down the horses nose as his eyes flickered back the other, watching those features. He had a face that one could not forget, that was sure. Handsome, and his words held a friendly charm, how cute. Mizumi wasn’t looking at that persay though, instead it was the eyes. They seemed ot have a curious – no, a confusion to them. Was Mizumi really that perplexing? Well, he supposed. Those who knew his secret often had that confused look when he proudly and rather well, if he might say, wore his usual drag around them and blended so well among with the females of the school. So well, that few really knew his gender. The teachers did, but they never said a word. The only ones who knew his real gender, were four. Two of which are just too observant for their own good, and the other two.. one from knowing Mizumi a long time, before ridgestone, and the other through a terrible fight and surprise grab. The mere thought made Mizumi shivered, he hated that day.. but he covered the shiver by rubbing his eyes, a awkward grin.
“ I am Japanese~ foreign name.. “ He gave a bit of a laugh, slowly moving to hug himself around his waist, his eyes falling to silently watch the horse a moment, slowly shaking his head. It was a good question, why was he out here? Well, there was an answer. “ uh.. curfew.. I was seeing a friend and lost track a time. I slipped out here cause the guard almost saw me!~ “ He grinned now, looking at the other for a moment.. waiting a moment before taking a step towards him, unfolding his arms so a hand could rest on the stable door, just resting there, while he stared at the other.. “ I get very anxious when people get so thoughtful! I feel like there is a test I didn’t study for.. “
As it fell silent, his fingers gently gripped the stable door, watching him silently, his own confusion in his eyes.. before softly biting his lip and shifting on his feet weakly, both hands now moving to toy with the knot of his loose jacket, a slow sigh. He hated awkwardness, he wanted ot break it, but didn’t want to drive the other away. It was nice to see a friendly face..so.. “ You look interesting – I mean.. you don’t look very bad! This place must be pretty awkward huh..? the big scary guys only seem to never get worried! “ There was that lingering laugh again, but his hands were still nervously touching the knot, worried he said something wrong. He wanted the best at first impressions.
[/size]
no idea ._. || shaaane || outfit || >w>; I hope this was okay |
|
|
|
Post by Shane Joseph O'Malley on Apr 27, 2011 12:05:29 GMT -5
Shane found himself being studied a bit, just a glance from Mizumi that traced his jawline briefly. It made him feel a little self-conscious just because Mizumi was girly, but he was beginning to think she might be a he? Shane couldn’t really stand the confusion anymore. If Mizumi was a girl, she was sweet and he’d be feeling things far from self-conscious. He’d probably be holding her to ‘warm her’ or…heat things up in different ways. Hell, he could use some distraction like that. But again, a mental sigh ricocheted in his head. Touching or thinking about touching another person in this concentration camp was probably against the rules too.
“Look, Mizumi, this is strange and not normally asked in normal conversation, and-“ He put out his hands as a sign of peace and to signal he wasn’t trying to judge or start anything “look I don’t mean to offend or upset you, it’s just, you’re…very girly…” He raised one of his eyebrows slightly, trying to ask the question without flat-out saying “Kid, what sort of parts you got down there?” That, would definitely have been awkward. Not that this wasn’t…
“Yeah, it doesn’t sound like any name I’ve ever heard before.” Shane chuckled. She was cute. Though his face said shy friendliness, he was grimacing slightly inside. She??? Still he wondered. If Mizumi was a she, then she was cute. No doubting that. “Oh, well I’m glad you made it here!” Shane said, tensing a little at the thought of those d*mned guards. “And, hey, don’t be anxious, okay? I’m just making conversation.” He smiled for the first time, starting to become more comfortable. “Even if this were a test, I’d say you’re doing well so far. Now, how many questions do you have left before the timer runs up? Or rather, before they do morning rounds and check to see that we are indeed in our beds where we’re supposed to be.”
Shane saw the fingers at the door, studying them, feeling himself being watched. A wave of slight discomfort shoved him so that he reached again for the back of his neck and dropped the brush back into the bucket. He took out a hoof pick. He needed to look away from Mizumi, he was having too much fun with him/her. And “fun” wasn’t a word Shane remembered well. It set him on edge, the smell of impending danger flitting by.
As he tapped Benny’s right rear hoof, signaling to the horse to lift it, he thought about what Mizumi said.
“That’s….well….I’m not. This place is beyond awkward. I can’t say being trapped here is really what I had in mind for four years of my life. I always wanted to come to Alaska but I don’t even think I’ve paused to enjoy any of it. It isn’t the way I imagined coming here is all…” He cut himself short. Too many details in the wrong hands had never helped him before, and though he was settling down, he was still cautious.
|
|
|
|
Post by Mizumi Halna on Apr 28, 2011 6:56:44 GMT -5
Mizumi almost wasn’t sure what to say. It was obvious to a blind man that the other was starting to feel awkward – through his tone in actions. Not that a blind man could really see these actions, but more so hey could since the boy’s awkwardness, feel the tenseness that was surrounding the boy. It was almost as if Shane was holding back, how interesting. Mizumi hated when people held back, merely because being more in love with the theater then life.. h he felt people should always express themselves openly, grandly, present themselves in a way that others didn’t dare to judge cause it was so bold. That was only a figure of speech though, of course they judged. However it was silently, to themselves or in whispers, never as bold as the one they were belittling mentally.
Slowly, he moved beside the other, the smallest hum on his lips a moment before staring at the other’s actions. Hesitating, a knee rested on the ground as Mizumi leaned towards the animal and bucket, staring a moment.. before just slowly smiling, whispering a moment. “You are gentle – have you worked with horses before?” As the other rambled, then stopped and fell silent, Mizu felt the urge to flinch but held it back and instead. “Four years..really? I am here for a while too.. Everyone here seems to have fucked up in the worst ways… but you can enjoy it, I promise! There are tons of nice kids here and .. you are damn nice ya’ self!” A soft laugh escaped the boy as he lowered his head so slightly, letting his hair brush into his face a moment. Those dark eyes were not closed, but locked on the ground a moment, frowning.
He had stalled long enough; avoiding the subject he didn’t want to talk about. Rubbing the palm of his hands against his jean covered knees, teeth pressing against his lower lip rather hard before lifting his head. He gave a meek glance at the other.. and smiled so softly, almost shyly. “uh- a’bout before.. you know! If I am a girl, it’s horrible to ask if I am a male! I would hope not to be that ugly-” He stopped a moment, then let his eyes fall, holding back his sigh, thinking a moment. “’m.. a guy- but.. how could you tell..” He tried hard to hid it, he was almost always being caught lately. However, in this moment, it was pretty obvious why. He was lacking the usual make up – it was rare to be seen without them on. He liked his cover up, just the brief layer that made his skin seem softer, made him seem more docile.
Actions and clothing were not enough. Being part of theater taught him tricks with the art of disguising himself.. but he lacked it at the moment. He had not been back to his dorm since the morning, and merely staying with a friend who was quite all man, who by no means had the things Mizumi needed for his little act.. it didn’t matter. This boy seemed nice – hopefully he couldn’t be like the others. If he was, it wasn’t hard for Mizumi to merely excuse himself. He seemed to do it often here, and frankly he grew use to it. At least the students here were kinder – they allowed him to excuse himself and leave theim alone – they didn’t bring him harm like those back home. It was something he never understood, how could people who were ignorant towards the ways of others, only find violence as a way to react..? The thoughts made the boy frown.. but it was turned to the almost smile as his fingers tugged at the sleeves of his loose hanging jacket, and then to the bucket. “Do you think it’s warm enough to give this darling a light wash? I bet a nice coat would be lovely..”
[/size]
No word cooount || shaaane || outfit || >: I hope this was alright! |
|
|
|
Post by Shane Joseph O'Malley on May 15, 2011 11:55:04 GMT -5
Shane decided he was done feeling awkward the second Mizumi’s actual identity was revealed. Yeah, it was a different sort of question to ask, and maybe some would consider it rude. It wasn’t that Shane meant any harm, he just really liked to know these things. Especially when the unknown/unidentified person(s) were being friendly to him. Maybe he was jumping to conclusions by thinking Mizumi being so sweet had..other…motives, but it was possible. And Shane was not into guys. Plain and simple. So his heart beat settled into a normal pattern instead of a hesitant one.
“I, well yeah. I used to go to summer camps and spend a lot of my time in the stables. Everyone else was pretty occupied swimming in the lake, but I feel horses are more romantic and fun. They aren’t freezing cold half of the time, you don’t have to get half naked to be around them, and you don’t have stupid teenagers splashing you in the face with seaweed. Besides, you take someone on a date horseback riding and there’s no telling where the night will lead.” A confident smile accompanied the end of his sentence. Shane had a few nights floating around in his thoughts, the memories caressing him and prompting the smile.
“Yes, four years….I got in some ‘big’ trouble, I guess.” Shane shrugged. He was past thinking he did wrong, more so they fucked up in ‘convicting’ him. He wasn’t the bad guy here. But there was no going back either. I hope to enjoy it…damn I’m stuck here for the next four years. he thought to himself, letting the comment that he was nice just roll past.
“Look, you aren’t ugly. Promise.” Shane flashed another smile and he even reached to rub Mizumi’s shoulder in compassion. “Hell, you almost had me fooled. If you were a girl I definitely think you’re pretty. See, I’m just not…that..way so…I had to clarify the facts for myself. I seriously didn’t mean to offend or anything. And, I guess, I could tell because…well. I’ve spent a lot of time with girls.” A glimmer lit the irises of his eyes. “They walk and stand a little differently than you, but you’re damn close so hey don’t worry about it.” Another smile.
Shane shook his head. “I don’t think so. Benny here’d have a pretty cold night ahead even if we did rub him down after. They need time out in the pasture to let the extra moisture dry before getting cooped up in their stalls for the night. I don’t want him to catch a chill.” Shane looked over the contented horse with slight concern. Maybe he’d go riding soon. He’d love a day out on the trail. Though, it was always more fun with a friend…or…a girl… He got to thinking.
What Shane could see of the east horizon outside showed that morning was well on its way. But he wasn’t yet tired. The company and chores had kept him awake and alert. He wondered if Mizumi cared to continue their visit?
“Mizumi, I don’t know where you’re headed but did you want to meet for breakfast after the hall sweeps? We can head back so we don’t get caught, but say meet at the cafeteria in.. an hour?” He knew he was going out on a limb here, taking a chance. He’d probably offended Mizumi and not only that but had pretty much told Mizumi that he would have no romantic interest in him and maybe the hope for that was what had kept Mizumi around as long as he’d stayed in the stables to chat. Or perhaps not. Not to draw any conclusions, Mizumi could well have a healthy relationship with someone else. What did he know? Very little it seemed.
__________________________________________________
i can't seem to edit any text when i'm posting, not the color, not the font. i dunno why that is but... here's the post nonetheless:)
|
|
