Welcome to Hickstead, home to both Seven Oak Stables, and Blue Acre - two rival stables. Both offer opportunities for their clients to reach the highest level of excellence. Each stable differs from the other, so choose wisely and never forget, loyalty is everything... Meanwhile as the stables battle it out, there's trouble brewing at the university. Be careful, if you don't pick a side you may get caught in the cross-fire...
This is an chilled out rpg with a super friendly and relaxed atmosphere! Remember to sign up with your characters full name in all caps and don't forget to do your claims! Thank you and Welcome, we've been established since 10th March 2009 but unfortunately have had to close guest view of our boards due to multiple sites ripping off our hard work, such a shame! Come chat to us in Discord before joining if you like!.
"I don't know why I'm so afraid to lose you when you're not even mine."
Ky gave Kenz a soft tap on her leg when she began piling her plate. There was something about her feeling comfortable, or at least somewhat comfortable eating with him. Even though the introduction was a bit odd. But with the work his brother did and his sister-in-law – there could’ve been weirder.
As Ky was gingerly trying to shovel some onions that fell off his taco, he couldn’t help but widen his smile at Kenzie’s request. When she whispered to him, he leaned in close. “You’re doing fine, love. My grandpa will refuse the cheap stuff to you. So don’t hammer it too fast,” he replied.
The mention of whiskey always got his grandfather-in-law to have a drink himself. Nothing more than two as he liked to nurse the richness. Nat, knowing the look – agreed and got up to get two crystal-cut highball glasses from the freezer. She put one large ice sphere into one, leaving the other empty. Finding the right decanter, Nat poured the drinks before placing one in front of Kenz and the other in front of Ama’s father.
“How are classes going?” Ama inquired, like a normal family dinner talk. “Ky said you’re in criminology?”
“No, no – not the waffle house of the people throwing chairs at each other,” he snorted. “I don’t even think they have any here actually…But there’s a small hole in the wall place. More of her vibe where we could be getting midnight waffles without the hubbub.” Granted, Ky never thought he’d be doing the whole answering the phone at midnight for his girlfriend. But he was. She hadn’t done it in a minute, but he was always prepared for it.
The burgers finally were letting themselves be released from the grates, and Ky flipped them easily, the other side giving a small searing sound. “Yeah! Siblings seem to like her, same with Ama. I just hope Nat doesn’t bother her too much at school. Classic sibling answering the dossier of a million questions. Talking about family, have you heard from yours at all? Are they hounding you come back at some point?”
if it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.
“Ah you’re a bit of a dog then? Or a rake, depending on who you ask,” Ky laughed, as he placed the burgers onto the grill. He washed his hands before adjusting the flame as the meat began to sizzle. “Well, wouldn’t that be considered a power play of some sort anyway?” Maybe that was getting too into the legalities of everything. If anything Ky, didn’t know if Charlie was considered an intern anymore due to the paralegal title. But he would allow his friend some slack, as Ky was already pressing a bit too close to home.
“Not much at the moment,” he smiled. “She’s been busy with work and some family stuff.” Ky didn’t want to delve into details of what he considered family stuff. As Kenzie’s secondary life was well…different. “There’s a new waffle place in the city that I’m hoping to take her to.” He gently tried to flip a burger, but opted not to as the crust was still forming,
if it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.
"I don't know why I'm so afraid to lose you when you're not even mine."
Ky smiled when Kenz decided to stay. He was trying to get better at voicing what he wanted when they were together. Nothing to be pushy, of course – but he was still struggling to find a way to say things. She hadn’t exactly been too open to him, but Ky was patient. They were still both young and trying to figure things out. Nat had said he was dumb and in love. Only someone sick in love would allow themselves to get beaten up by some goons. Maybe Nat was right.
He took a seat next to her, scanning the food that was placed out. “Looks like we have birria tacos, shredded chicken, and the classic ground beef. Various toppings and such. It’s hard to find some solid Mexican food around here, so we try to recreate it as best we can,” he laughed, as Ama grabbed the plate in front of him. It felt a bit odd having his plate be set up by his considered sister-in-law.
“Can Nat get you anything to drink, Kenzie?” Ama asked, placing some meat into a hard shell. The youngest St. Croix looked like she wanted to roll her eyes for being voluntold but put on a polite enough smile.
Kyler couldn’t help but pick up on the words that Charlie was releasing. There was something defensive. Not in a bad way, but in a way that Kyler wasn’t expecting out of him. Was it possible? No, probably not. Right? The two seemed to always butt heads. Kyler didn’t believe he ever heard them have a conversation without a jab at something. Maybe it was the old school thing, of he’s picking because he likes you.
He didn’t know that there was a playful smirk running across his face, as the idea ran through Ky’s brain space. What was he to do now? Ky finished his preparations – and grabbed some utensils to begin cooking outside. “Yeah, Teddy is a dolt. I mean – I don’t know how much easier Nat could’ve done the hints. Oh, probably. School is a good distraction and she’s been avoiding the art department too. Rumour mill is that he allegedly likes someone else. His loss, don’t you agree?”
Was that question a bit too obvious? Kyler didn’t know, but the shovel had pierced the ground now. There was no going back. “Talking about crushes..anyone you’ve been eyeballing? I’m sure there are some people at your law firm, at least?” Ky pried, grabbing everything he needed for the grill and making his way to the patio.
if it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.
"I don't know why I'm so afraid to lose you when you're not even mine."
Kyler lifted an eyebrow when Kenzie mentioned a pet goat. A satanic quip was on the tip of his tongue, but his nieces and nephews were there so he held it in. If anything, the laser glare that Natalie was shooting towards him was what made him stay silent. Despite Natalie being younger, she still made sure that she was down to throw punches if needed.
“Are you sure?” he asked. “You can at least take some food home? Or eat downstairs?” Kyler wasn’t in the mood to have Kenzie leave just yet, but he understood that his family was a lot. Even to those who knew him. If it wasn’t for the people, it would be the home itself. With the luxury it provided, but with humble inhabitants.
“Gosh, a year already? I feel like we just started…” Kyler forgot how old he was sometimes. Not that it was an issue or anything, but he was getting closer and closer to thirty it felt. Granted, he didn’t have all the schooling that Charles had to do. There were times Kyler considered a doctorate, but he didn’t think he would want to remain a professional student. Even if his boss suggested it since Kyler had the brain for it.
“Trust me, the museum staff is quite similar. Granted, we have a lot of attractive staff there too. I don’t know what it is about history…since we’re kind of known for looking nerdy,” Kyler laughed, as he began making the burger patties.
“Ah, Tyler is still in rehab…has been for a while now. But he’s been improving quite a bit! Nat’s been busy with clinicals, and I think Baby Cakes has surgery coming up. I’m not sure. But I know she’s been a bit stressed.” He held his tongue for a moment, but it was Charlie. “I think she was rejected by Teddy too…or something happened between them.”
if it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.
Ky rolled his eyes at the exchange that was had between Natalie and Charlie. His sister really knew how to piss his friend off. “Bagels will be great buns!” Ky gave his friend an apron in case he wanted it, before returning to the ground beef in front of him. Okay well, a mix of beef and venison because Christian got it as a gift from a boat client.
“Summer has been going great! Work has been keeping me busy, so I’m looking for a slower season. I know, right? I thought about it, but I think Kenzie might’ve found a way to hide in my luggage.” While it could be a joke to a few, Ky would’ve been surprised if she didn’t find a way to sneak away with him. “What about you? Found any places to work under yet?”
“So you got the hots for the professor?” Ky teased, waggling his eyebrows. He reached for the seasonings he needed before adding them at eyeballed measurements. Something he knew bothered people, but that’s how he grew up cooking. “To be fair, you wouldn’t be the only one,” he laughed. He wouldn’t be lying if he thought that she was a beautiful woman. But Ky wasn’t going to simp over her, that just felt…weird.
if it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.
After the massive party, that was with his family and a few friends – Ky was looking forward to just a chill time. There was nothing like just playing some video games and having grilled food. He had asked, well…more of forced Charlie to come over. At the larger party, he understood his friend was not quite like him. Ky’s family was…a lot. They were nice, and super laid back – but their energy could suck the life out of people.
Ky had gotten some steaks and some asparagus and potatoes. The summer weather was too good not to enjoy the outdoors a little bit. He had no idea if the talk of schoolwork would be avoided, but Ky had learned that it was okay. Maybe it was because of his museum background. The intellectual talk was common and he enjoyed it.
As he was prepping the meat, Ky heard Nat’s voice come through. “Unicorn boy is here!” Ky couldn’t help but roll his eyes. If there was one person that knew how to push Charlie, it was Nat. Maybe it was because she liked seeing his reaction.
Ky washed his hands and met his friend in the foyer. “Charlie! Glad you could make it. I’m prepping the food. Mind cutting up some potatoes?” he asked, bringing his friend into a bear hug.
if it scares you, it might be a good thing to try.
"I don't know why I'm so afraid to lose you when you're not even mine."
“What? Why? I like seeing you and I like buying you waffles,” he smiled. It was true. She didn’t need to know that he had a small little account called Kenzie’s waffle fund. It was some silly little thing, but waffles and chocolates were the things that allowed them to see each other. Not recently, of course, but the late nights and all that. While Ky would feel dead tired after it, it was worth it.
A frown crossed his face, well a partial one – before doing his pathetic-looking half-smile. While it would’ve been nice to not beat up, there probably wasn’t anyone else that he’d do the same for. His family, obviously, but outside of that – no one really. Ky rested his hand for a moment before lowering it. “It’s over now. Just call me next time before you have any more dark alley meetings,” he joked.
“But c’mon – I’m sure we’ll both be better after we eat!” He was hungry now, and Ky knew Kenzie could probably handle the onslaught of questions. Mainly from his younger sister. Chris, Ama, and the grandparents didn’t really mind too much. Their questions would happen later.
Ky draped his good arm over Kenzie’s shoulders and gently dragged her to the non-formal dining room. Where everyone was sitting and just starting to serve themselves. Ama looked up and smiled before standing up. “Oh, if I had known we would be having a guest - I would’ve set up the other dining room!”
“No, it’s fine,” Ky smiled back. “Everyone this is Kenzie! Kenzie this is everyone.” The whole lot of them looked from their plates, all polite and warm smiles. If it was a horror movie, there would’ve been a concern. But everyone here was genuine.
"I don't know why I'm so afraid to lose you when you're not even mine."
Ky stopped in his tracks and looked at Kenzie who had a face that he hadn’t seen on her before. Maybe it was because she had this sarcastic look. He had seen her smile a few times, and fear on her face that day in the alley. He opened his mouth but closed it when she began speaking again. In front of her, she held some chocolates. Incidentally his favorite too.
“Oh, well thank you. Honestly, I’m just glad to see you.” Maybe it was cheesy, but it was true. It hurt him that he couldn’t reach out to her the past few days, but she was here now. He smiled, well, kind of. It was more of a half-one but was still a smile. Ky took the chocolates, gingerly holding them in his casted arm.
“Do I have toothpaste on my lip?” he asked, trying to lighten the mood. Ky didn’t like having Kenz look at him the way she was now. Not that he wasn’t grateful for her worry, but he much preferred her usual face. Judging him, teasing him, joking with him.
Her touch took him by surprise, but he didn’t flinch. It felt comforting and he didn’t move, letting her hand rest there. “How are you doing? How’s your cut? I owe you a lot of waffles,” he chuckled. His free hand reached up to her face as well, cupping her cheek. “Sorry I couldn’t prevent you from getting hurt,” he whispered, his thumb gently caressing the highest part of her cheek.
"I don't know why I'm so afraid to lose you when you're not even mine."
Kyler really couldn’t look at himself in the mirror. His face looked like a lopsided turnip. Both jobs had thankfully allowed him two rest at home until he was ready since his injuries weren’t going to be healing quickly anytime soon.
A minor concussion, a shattered right elbow, and a face only a mother could love. He honestly couldn’t remember what had happened. He knew he had seen Kenz in an alley, but that was it. Honestly, how did he even make it home? Ama was the one that had driven him home from the hospital. She said a coworker found him in front of the museum and called Christian – who in turn called Ama since he was out on the water.
He didn’t think he’d ever seen Ama’s face contort the way that it had. It wasn’t out of anger, at least he had hoped not. Worry? Sadness? Maybe it was anger at the people that did this to him.
The activity in the house hadn’t really changed. The kids were still loud and his sister bopping music. In times like this, he was thankful that his room was in the basement. The darkness was needed. Ky only felt a bit humiliated when his siblings or Ama had to help him wash his hair. Being in a cast was awful. He could’ve dealt with it being on a leg since it allowed more movement in his hands. At least he was ambidextrous from an early determination to do so.
Nat had helped wash his hair this time after he finished dressing into his lounge clothes. She teased him of course, as all younger siblings do. But she let him be. He had wanted to continue being in the darkness, and he hadn’t been able to contact Kenz since screens were off-limits. His stomach said otherwise and dinner was needed.
Everyone was in the dining room, preparing for Taco Tuesday. Carnitas and chicken were cooked in the slow cookers the whole day. His nieces and nephews were in the kitchen helping grandma and grandpa. “How are you feeling Ky?” Ama asked as she finished setting up the dining room. Well, the non-formal dining room.
“Still sore...I’m convinced my eye will be shut forever,” he joked.
“You took a heavy beating. That’s for sure.” Ama would’ve continued on, but their doorbell went off. “Nat, can you get that please?”
Ky could hear his sister scurry off to the front door. He didn’t hear anything else for a few minutes until his sister’s voice called out, saying some girl named Kenz was there. Ky jerked, regretting the movement right away – but he made his way to the front door, forgetting he was shirtless and in athletic shorts. He shooed his sister away, a soft smile crossing his face. “Hey…uh..I don’t remember giving you my address. The spirits tell you?” he teased. “Family is just prepping dinner. Come on in.” Ky stood aside, to allow Kenz in – and closed the front door after she was. “I hope you’re hungry. Classic Taco Tuesday.” .
Kyler arrived to the fundraiser a bit later than most people. He had worked some long hours at the museum the night before and wanted to sleep in a bit longer. Ama and his nieces and nephew left earlier in the day. The house was quiet for a bit as Kyler got adjusted.
His stomach growled as he stepped into the line of tents. It looked like a war camp from Lord of the Rings with how many people there were. He found the closest food line, just some basic burgers and hot dogs. Kyler didn't care what kind of food it was. The line was longer since of the time, buy it'll be worth it.
