Just a little Flitwick [open]

[Onzy]

• I WANT YOUR HORROR I WANT YOUR DESIGN CAUSE YOU'RE A CRIMINAL •

YOU AND ME COULD WRITE A
* - - - BAD ROMANCE

Gareth hadn't even been at the College for three hours and already he was eager to find out if he had been assigned a horse just yet. He had no pets, his boxes could wait to be unpacked and he was only starting class the following day. What else could he do to prioritize apart from horses. There was still excitement flowing in his veins of starting a new school, so the homesickness hadn't hit him yet. It was also going to be his first time in a boarding school. Who had known that Gareth Ward would end up in a boarding school? He hadn't planned the out come to be like this, but then again, neither had his late mother. If it hadn't been for that driver, then she might actually have still been around. Now he was living with his father and step mother and had a little sister. How life changed.

The barns were quite easy to find, and between the hustle and bustle, nobody quite noticed the male. Story of my life he mused, but he was grinning like an idiot despite everything. Dressed in pale grey skinny jeans with a black button down shirt and lime green converse, he made quite a statement with his clothing. "Excuse me," he said to a passing groom, "Can you please point me to the office?" he carried, thanking the girl with a smile as she did so. He whistled the tune of Little Arrows as he walked towards the office, but found the door to be closed and locked. So the manager wasn't in, but he could wait a few minutes.

Across from the office there was a bay gelding who seemed to take notice of the whistling. "You like that don't you?" Gareth asked, scratching the horse behind the ears. Flitwick the name plate read, and he was quite taken by the pint sized horse. Maybe he would be the gelding's assigned rider, because judging from the height, the horse seemed to be perfect. There was also something about the bay's eyes that caught his. A certain amount of human intelligence. "More than just a pretty face," he crooned.

"this is you talking!"

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tagged open
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[Sync]

Finn groaned as he noticed who he had to bring in from the pastures next. Cop and Cirque loved to test the young groom, and their expressions lit up cheekily whenever they saw him coming. Sighing slightly, he picked up their respective head collars and carried himself lazily back out to the pastures. He'd only just returned from bringing in a couple of the other college horses. The walk to the pastures was quiet, as well as peaceful. It wouldn't remain that way as soon as Cop and Cirque were with him, so he relished in the time he had left. Their pasture was the furthest away from the barn, they shared it with Orian, who was being ridden by one of the full time grooms. The pair spotted him instantly, Cop whinnying excitedly at the sight of his favorite groom. Cirque tossed her elegant cranium, trotting over to the fence line with Cop hot on her heels.

Cirque was surprisingly easy to catch today, obviously wanting to get inside. Cop, sadly, was the complete opposite. Every time Finn went to slip the head collar over the geldings nose, he tossed his head up. Grumbling, Finn moved quickly and managed to sling an arm around the neck of Cop, holding his head down and wrestling the head collar onto him. Cop protested noisily, and tried to wriggle free. The action caused pain to seize in his shoulder, but Finn ignored it. Finally, with the 14.3 Mustang cross firmly in the head collar, he gathered the lead ropes of each equine and led them from the pasture. Cirque now chose to act up, dancing excitedly on the end of her lead rope. Finn frowned, casting a glance at the sulking Cop. At least the gelding was following quietly.

The walk back to the barn, as Finn had predicted, was no where near as peaceful. Every now and then, Cop would stop and refuse to budge. Then, as Finn would give up, he'd shoot of into a sudden trot. Cirque never let down her prancing movements, whinnying at every equine and human they passed. Other students and staff members shot the stressed out Finn sympathetic, yet amused glances while he walked by. He just smiled tightly in response, gritting his teeth as he yanked on the lead rope attached to Cop once again. Eventually though, they managed to get to the barn.

Cop finally cheered up a little, knowing his food would be waiting in his stall. Leading the now overly enthusiastic pair to their stalls, which were thankfully side by side, he let Cirque in first. She lowered her head for him to remove the head collar before dropping her cranium lower to munch on the food in her bucket. Closing the door, with no help from the impatient Cop, he locked it and then unlocked the one beside it. Letting Cop inside, he quickly slipped off the head collar of the gelding and sighed in relief. Leaning against the door, he closed his eyes tightly as he regained his breath after the pairs antics. "Sam or Ethan can work with you pair tomorrow." he grumbled, finally opening his eyes and straightening up.

He'd only walked a few steps before noticing a figure outside Flitwick's stall. The bay gelding was a lot more pleasant than the pair Finn had just been handling, and he'd admit to a soft spot for the Quarter horse. He also knew that the equine finally had an assigned rider, some new kid supposed to be arriving today. Finn looked at the person with the bay and tilted his head curiously. The male was obviously a newbie, Finn definitely hadn't seen him before. "You wouldn't be.. Gareth, would you?" he asked the boy as he drew nearer, hiking the two head collars he was carrying onto his shoulder. He bent down to pick up another that had obviously discarded by a rider, before returning his gaze on the new kid. "Being assigned to a horse today?" he asked, a friendly smile lighting up his expression. Though normally shy, he'd gotten over it a little while attending Park. With all the students he dealt with due to their equines, he had no chance to be anymore.

[Onzy]

• I WANT YOUR HORROR I WANT YOUR DESIGN CAUSE YOU'RE A CRIMINAL •

YOU AND ME COULD WRITE A
* - - - BAD ROMANCE

Gareth hummed a few more tunes that he knew, most of them coming from the sixties and varying from the seventies and eighties. It seemed that Flitwick was enjoying the rich melodies, and even bobbed his head in time to the music once or twice. The gelding had by now stolen his heart and he was smitten. Hopefully the horse didn't have a rider just yet and Gareth was to be assigned to him. Approaching footsteps made him look up, and saw a male heading towards him. "Gareth I am, " he answered, wondering how the heck people knew him already. He would have understood if it was a few days from now, but three hours. Scary stuff that was.

The male bent over to pick up a head collar and when he came up, had an easy smile on his face. "Well, I hoped so," Gareth answered, returning the smile, " But it seems that I will have to wait a while longer," he carried on, indicating the locked office. He sighed in a dramatic fashion, and crossed his arms, putting his weight on his left leg. It was the most comfortable stance that he could muster, but was almost unbalanced as Flitwick shoved him for attention. Turning to the horse, Gareth pondered. "What would you like to hear? Some Andrew Lloyd Weber or something Top 40?" he posed the question to the equine. Flitwick bobbed his head twice, forelock flipping up and down. "Top 40 it is then," he said. Thinking a moment longer, he came up with the perfect song. He cleared his throat and began singing in his rich, clear voice. His audience was the horse.

I let it fall, my heart,
And as it fell you rose to claim it
It was dark and I was over
Until you kissed my lips and you saved me

My hands, they're strong
But my knees were far too weak
To stand in your arms
Without falling to your feet

But there's a side to you
That I never knew, never knew.
All the things you'd say
They were never true, never true,
And the games you play
You would always win, always win.

Performing was in his blood. His mother had always sung around the house and now he was just making his own dreams come true.

But I set fire to the rain,
Watched it pour as I touched your face,
Well, it burned while I cried
'Cause I heard it screaming out your name, your name!

When I lay with you
I could stay there
Close my eyes
Feel you here forever
You and me together
Nothing gets better

'Cause there's a side to you
That I never knew, never knew,
All the things you'd say,
They were never true, never true,
And the games you play
You would always win, always win.

But I set fire to the rain,
Watched it pour as I touched your face,
Well, it burned while I cried
'Cause I heard it screaming out your name, your name!

I set fire to the rain
And I threw us into the flames
Well, it felt something died
'Cause I knew that that was the last time, the last time!

Sometimes I wake up by the door,
That heart you caught must be waiting for you
Even now when we're already over
I can't help myself from looking for you.

I set fire to the rain,
Watched it pour as I touched your face,
Well, it burned while I cried
'Cause I heard it screaming out your name, your name

I set fire to the rain,
And I threw us into the flames
Well, it felt something died
'Cause I knew that was the last time, the last time, oh, oh!

Gareth finished off the song, and flushed a light shade of red when he realised that he was in company and had forgotten. "I am so sorry. I just sometimes forget when there's people around me," he apologised, hoping that at least someone would try to understand him.

"this is you talking!"

words how many? tagged Sync!
notes blah blah rahr
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[Myssi]

*Hello. Mind if I cut in?*

The slender, muddy, spotted legs of the mare tapped the floor in a dance to the beat of her own music as she pranced at the end of her bridle. He nostrils still heaved air from her exercise work on the cross country course with her rider, who was currently leading the steaming animal through the barn, his expression dull and rather listless.

Rhyme's own face however, clashed with her owners. She was excitable and her strong, defined muscles twitched with energy, and she tossed her head a bit, as though trying to transfer her energy amount to her owner. Chris, however, just offered the mare a raised eyebrow. "Y'know, after a workout, horse, you're supposed to be tired. Hasn't anyone told you that?"

If Rhyme could scoff, it was obviosu she would have, for she ignored Kurt's words by swinging her head around to look around the barn with interest, as though she'd never seen the inside of the building in her entire life. The appaloosa blew a huff of air through her nostrils at other horses as Chris quickly removed her bridle and attached her to the cross-ties before starting to remove her other gear. A quick glance at her legs revealed a whole lotta work, because somehow the horse had managed to step in every single puddle of mud known to man on the course.

With a sigh, he hefted the saddle off the mare's sweaty back. Today's attire was a simple tee-shirt and jeans tucked into half-chaps and paddock boots. He planned on working with his other horses in the round pen later, and didn't feel like doing so in breeches. His short sleeved shirt revealed the scars of his cutting, something he obviously didn't care about shielding. Anyone who cared to notice him knew he wanted to die. It wasn't a secret anymore - the secret was the reason.

He made his way to his locker, pausing slightly to nod at Finn before his eyes slipped to the other male. He gave a nod, his eyes gazing out from behind his cutrain of banhs before flitting to Flitwick. He gave a half-grin. "Flit's new rider, eh? He's a charm. Though slightly crafty." He glanced down at the equipment in his arms, then looked back at the new male. "I'd shake your hands, but mine are full. I'm Chris Evans. Welcome to Park."

The mare down the aisle made an impatient noise and he turned to give her a look before offering the men another nod. "I should attend to my beast before she tears down the barn. Apperantly she's in to good of shape for her own good; no Cross course will tire her out." He then went to god and put his things in his locker, becoming sullen and silent again, mulling over his sudden friendliness, wondering if Finn had noticed it. Chris almost never reached out to anyone. So why had he done so with the new student?

[Sync]

Finn noticed the confusion on Gareth's face as he questioned the boy, and he mentally facepalmed. He did seem to come off a little creepy, and cursed himself for not introducing himself first. A smile tugged at the dark skinned boy as he watched Gareth's theatrics, following his gaze toward the office and back to Flitwick. Parting his lips to speak, he was immediately cut off by the bay geldings impatient shove of the new boy. Both males attention snapped back to the horse, Finn's dark eyes widening in surprise as Gareth broke into song. His shocked expression didn't wain as the other boys voice filled the relatively empty barn, surprised that he could reach notes that high. He had no idea that was possible for boys. Blinking once, he watched Flitwick's reaction to the singing. He found himself smiling once again at the equines clearly enthralled expression, already knowing that the horse and his new rider would get on just fine.

With a wave of his hand and a grin, he batted away Gareth's apology. "It's no problem." he offered sincerely. "Anyway, I probably should have introduced myself. I'm Finn Brady, part time groom. You'll be happy to know that I can tell you your assigned horse." Finn beamed, already pleased to be able to help Gareth. He was that sort of person, and he was also just thrilled that Flitwick would finally have a regular rider. "Flitwick here will do the pleasure of being your steed. You're already acquainted, from what I can tell. And he obviously likes you. " He racked his brain for anymore information to tell the boy, his mind whizzing over pointers for him. "He has the odd lazy day, where he just can't be bothered to do much. But usually he's a pleasure to work with. He can also be quite cheeky if he feels like it, but is usually harmless." Finn grinned, reaching over to pat the bay's neck affectionately. Flitwick pressed his muzzle into the boy's cheek before returning his attention back to Gareth, causing Finn to chuckle.

He looked over his shoulder at the sound of approaching hooves, his expression curious as to who may be coming in. A smile over took his expression when he recognized the spotted pelt of Rhyme. He'd met the mare, and her rider Chris, a few times on the cross country course. He had usually been on Fever, his own mare, but there had been occasions when he'd bumped into the boy on Cirque, Cop, Orian and Flitwick himself. The younger male made his way up to where Finn and Gareth were stood, pausing to speak. Finn's brows shot up, knowing that Chris usually kept himself to himself. His gaze flickered between the two males curiously as they conversed, not really sure what to make of the situation. He was still more than a little surprised. When Chris excused himself, Finn snapped out of it. "See ya later Chris." he replied absently, looking along the line of stables to see who he had to deal with next. "I better leave you too Gareth, got a few ponies to feed." He grinned, thinking of Ripple and Pet. The two mares were easily his favourites of the college horses. "Great to meet you." he offered to the newbie as he turned to leave, making his way over to the feed room.

He'd managed to put the head collars and collect Ripple and Pet's feed in no time, and was currently walking back down the aisle of the barn nearer to where Chris still had Rhyme in the cross ties. "Nice kid, isn't he?" Finn offered nonchalantly to Chris as he opened the door to Pet's stall. The shy Welsh Section B greeted him pleasantly, waiting patiently for Finn to put down the feed bucket before tucking in. He ruffled her forelock before vacating the stall and entering Ripples. "Friendly." he added with a small grin. Hey, maybe he could help Chris get a little more light into his life. He'd been so down recently. A nudge in Gareth's direction would probably do well for him. Slinging an arm over Ripple's back as she ate, he looked over to where Chris was stood, still smiling."You should offer to show him around Park. He's not been here long." His brow rose a little, almost challenging Chris. He was pretty sure Chris would agree on the idea. Or he hoped so anyway.

** Rushed and a ramble.. o.o

[Onzy]

• I WANT YOUR HORROR I WANT YOUR DESIGN CAUSE YOU'RE A CRIMINAL •
YOUR IMAGE HERE
YOU AND ME COULD WRITE A
* - - - BAD ROMANCE

Gareth was glad when the other male batted away the apology. "Pleasure to meet you Finn," he said with a friendly smile. Then Finn broke the news that Flitwick was his assigned steed, and he a large grin spread onto his boyish looks. "Put it there boy," he squealed, yes squealed, raising his palm in front of the horse's nose. Flitwick got the point and raised his muzzle to the boy's hand. Laughing, Gareth listened to Finn as he detailed the horse to him. Flitwick sounded just right for him, and he was glad that there was some intuition on the staff's behalf. "Sounds fantastic!" he enthused, almost completely bouncing on his feet. Too much energy for someone who was starting a new school.

Looking up at the sound of hoof beats, Gareth couldn't help but look for slightly longer than was deemed normal. Of places to land up in, it was most likely the one with various cute guys and a small likelihood that they were like him. The male approached the two man, one equine group and introduced himself. "Pleasure to meet you Chris. Gareth Ward." he returned with a dazzling smile, the one that he gave everyone when he was having a good day. Just as soon as Chris had come, he had gone again. He raised a hand in a wave, before Finn was making his adieu as well. "See you around," he said, and returned his attention to Flit.

"Down the rabbit hole into Wonderland," he mused. Slipping into Flit's stall, Gareth fussed more over the gelding, before deciding that he could sing again, after all, he was a born performer and there was nothing like singing to a horse who enjoyed it. "My choice this time," he teased the animal. The song he had chosen was one that he had always enjoyed, and always brought a tear to his eye.

Night-time sharpens,
heightens each sensation
Darkness stirs and wakes imagination
Silently the senses abandon their defences ...

Slowly, gently night unfurls its splendour
Grasp it, sense it - tremulous and tender
Turn your face away
from the garish light of day,
turn your thoughts away
from cold, unfeeling light -
and listen to the music of the night ...

He lived himself into the music and Gareth saw himself as the Phantom, singing to his Christine, but he wasn't really looking for a chick.

Close your eyes and surrender to your
darkest dreams!
Purge your thoughts of the life
you knew before!
Close your eyes,
let your spirit start to soar!
And you'll live
as you've never lived before ...

Softly, deftly,
music shall surround you ...
Feel it, hear it,
closing in around you ...
Open up your mind,
let your fantasies unwind,
in this darkness which
you know you cannot fight -
the darkness of the music of the night ...

Let your mind start a journey
through a strange new world!
Leave all thoughts
of the world you knew before!
Let your soul take you where you
long to be !
Only then can you belong to me ...

Flit nosed him as he sang and settled down in the sawdust. Like a big dog, but with hooves.

Floating, falling, sweet intoxication!
Touch me, trust me savour each sensation!
Let the dream begin,
let your darker side give in
to the power of the music that I write -
the power of the music of the night ...

You alone can make my song take flight -
help me make the music of the night . . .

Lilting the last vocals, Gareth finished the last songs to his audience who had become the eager equine faces from other stalls as well. It was a good day for him so far, especially because it seemed that he had found his dream horse.

"this is you talking!"

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[Myssi]

As Chris set about to sponging off his mare, he noticed Finn approaching the stalls near him to fee his horses. The older male didn't know Chris extremely well - no one really did - but he knew Chris well enough, he guessed, to know that speaking out was rare. So when Finn initiated another conversation, he winced a little inwardly. Hadn't he talked enough today?

Apperantly not. Finn was speaking, challenging him. He offered a steely eye in response, but nodded. "I guess I could do that." Not really. He didn't want to, but at the same time, he knew he desperately needed a distraction. Otherwise he'd entertain himself by carving a razor into his flesh.

He would take Rhyme out to the pastures. Gareth could follow him out there, then Chris could show him the classrooms, and even the dorms if the other boy needed to see where they were located, The could also map out the Cross course with him if it was so desired. He fiddled with Rhyme's mane, gathering his courage, eyeing the red slashes marring the skin on the insides of his wrists with his dark oracles. He took a deep, sighing breath, filling and exhaling his ribcage. Then he unhooked Rhyme and began to lead her over to the new male.

Chris paused at the sound of a musical voice filling the barn. Park had a fair share of musically talented people, but the countertenor voice was unlike anything he'd heard before. He was quiet as he waited for the song to finish, Rhyme becoming impatient partway through, but calming under her rider's touch. As soon as the song ended, the lanky, bruise-eyed male ventured toward the singer.

He paused awkwardly outside the stall, clearing his throat to get Gareth's focus. "So, um, Finn says you still need to be showed around... I'm gonna be putting up Rhyme then I'm free. Wanna join me?" In his head, he argued that no one would want to join him, he was a freak, he was ugly, he was a cutter, who would want to join him? He was too gross, too depressed, to far gone. No onw would want to be around him and his black cloud of despair, why would they?