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!.
aron was surprised to hear that June invited him over. The two started bonding over more that just tattoos - it seemed as if the two were slowly becoming friends. He dressed up a bit, not wanting to show up in sweat pants and a hoodie - they weren't at that stage in their friendship yet.
He had taught in the morning, having the afternoon off on that particular January afternoon. Aaron spent the majority of his time at home, marking music theory exams he had given the day before. Giving grades was his least favorite part of being a teacher, but it all had to be done. He checked his smart watch and seeing that it was almost time to leave, he closed up his file and placed it up high so the cats wouldn't get to it. The man headed towards the front door of the flat, putting on his shoes and throwing aA jacket over his shoulders before heading out the door towards his car.
Aaron had saved June's address in the contacts of his phone, pressing on the text as it flipped over to the Maps application, giving him directions on how to drive there. With the press of a button, the engine of his car roared to life and he drove off. The man had no idea what to expect, other than to hang out with June and have a chat. After about a twenty minute drive, he parked his car on the street - seeing that another car was parked right in front of her house. A group hangout? Alright, not really what I was expecting from her. He thought, pushing the button again to turn the car engine off after putting it in park.
He unbuckled his seat belt, grabbed his wallet and got out of the car - glancing at the house numbers before heading up the walkway to the correct one. It seemed that the front door was already open, a smile gracing his face before it quickly faded - he wasn't expecting a man opening the door for him. "I'd like to ask you the same thing. I'm looking for June? She invited me over to hang out. And who the hell are you?" It wasn't like they were dating, but Aaron felt he was starting to get closer to the tattooed blonde woman.
aron wasn't even expecting how many costumes there were to choose from in a tiny store. He couldn't believe he was invited to Halloween parties this year - happy that he was able to make friends who wanted to spend time with him during the holidays.
The blond wasn't sure who would answer him, though he was hoping for an employee. He was clueless about what the trends were in terms of costumes. "All black? That's not exactly what I was thinking the trend was. What about a superhero? Is that in style now?" He could always choose a famous musician. The man already had a guitar, which would be the most expensive item he would need.
"Do you know what you are going to be yet? Or what are you looking for here?" It was quite obvious, though there seemed to be more than just costumes around. He was lucky one of his students had suggested the store - starting to glance at all the different options.
aron wasn't much of an athletic person, but he knew how to compete. There was more to Sports or any sort of competition than winning. He didn't understand why people were so invested in winning, just doing well with the skills a person had were good enough for him. "I need to remember you have brothers and I don't. That must have something to do with your competitiveness, don't you think?" He was actually happy he just had a younger sister - brothers would have been too much to handle in his mind.
He felt his eyebrows raise. Nash had made him feel old. Aaron knew he was still pretty young for a teacher, his colleagues being at least in their 30s by now. "Ha, to be that young again. By your reaction, I feel like you want to be an old man already?" He knew kids often wanted to be adults faster than the year went by, but there were adults that wanted to be young again. It was a never ending cycle. "I don't know, I've heard some strange baby names. Mister wouldn't be as bad as the ones I've heard." His friends were off having babies back home - deciding on some more modern names than he was used to.
"As long as you get called Nash. Do your siblings call you something weird or bad though?" He was lucky his sister had always been kind and loving towards him - granted, he was much older than her to begin with. "I wasn't expecting that answer from you. My mind thought that you'd enjoy doing more modern acting pieces. So you've done Shakespeare then?" Aaron glanced at his watch, realizing he would have to leave soon to return to marking projects from his students.
aron felt his eyebrow raise. It sounded like June had a very specific clientele - and not one that he fit into. "So was I just lucky you were free when I called to book?" His back tattoo had already been done before he left America. It had taken him awhile to decide what to have, but he was able to decide on a mishmash of ideas.
He sat on the tattoo table, getting himself comfortable for what was to come. Aaron was used to the pain of being poked by needles, but it was always a better experience if he was sitting in a comfortable position. "Freehand is fine if that's what your comfortable with." It was partially a way for the decision to be made for him. The tattoo artists often knew what fit best with the ink that was already there. "Have you been tattooing long then? Did you go to school for it then?" Aaron was musically creative, but his art skills were lacking. He had respect for those that could draw - it took talent just like anything else.
eing dragged along to yet another party by Harper and Gwyn was something he was finally getting used to. The Lounge was hosting a Halloween party, which both of them insisted he go to. After the party with his class, he really just wanted a night to himself. He had forgotten how draining it was on him, but he also needed a night to let go and have fun.
It had been awhile since Harper and himself had hung out with Gwyn, so it was also time for a catchup session. He got himself ready after work and headed out the door, agreeing with both Harper and Gwyn that he would meet them there. He had made himself their DD, knowing that he wasn't going to drink much. Ever since his hard core partying days were over, alcohol didn't taste the same. His costume was something he came up with while shopping at the store - glad he had someone younger to help him out.
Once he arrived, he pushed the door open. The music was already going strong as he glanced around for either Harper or Gwyn. It wasn't long before he recognized Harper's bright hair and he headed over to her. "Hello, looks like everyone started without me. How's it going here so far? Gwyn shouldn't be too much longer." He had gotten a text from her before he left saying that she was late leaving her place.
all was in full swing in Hickstead, which meant Aaron was back teaching. His new class wanted to throw a Halloween party as something fun to do after their hard work preparing for the Fall Concert. The whole class did well, even getting compliments from most of the parents. They all had convinced him to dress up as well - and that was his mission - to find a costume for himself. He also had planned to attend the R&R party, meaning he'd need a costume for that as well.
He now found himself walking down High Street, somewhere he didn't frequent often. He stopped at the new bakery store and bought himself a latte before he headed down the street. He knew Halloween wasn't as popular in the UK as it was back home, but he was up for the challenge. His Internet search led him to a local costume shop, which is where he was headed now. Aaron didn't know what to expect, though as long as someone could help him he would be fine.
As he arrived, he pushed the door open glancing to see the large plastic skeleton greet him as he entered inside. He took a deep breath, having startled him at first. Aaron glanced around for the men's section, heading for it as soon as he read the signs, stopping to glance at the different ones. Aaron was someone who tried to be hip, but he didn't know what the trend was this year. He approached someone who looked like the same age as his students and glanced at the costumes she was also looking at. "Hey, would you happen to know what the popular costumes are this year? For men obviously. I have two costume parties to attend and I have no idea where to to start."
aron raised his eyebrow, he didn't think Nash was someone who was cocky, but he also didn't know the student very well. "But you do know you have to learn how to lose before you learn how to win." That was cheesy of him to say, but it was something he had learned. Winning wasn't everything, despite some people thinking that. He wasn't much of an athlete and when it came to music - he was just happy to play. "Yeah, that's not something I'd like to be called thanks, just Mr. Stonehouse or even Mr. S." He had to be professional - being a teacher meant it came with the job - even though he swore his Father went by that name and he never would.
"You are sixteen aren't you? I'm more than ten years older than you." Asking a teacher's age wasn't exactly appropriate either, but they weren't in the classroom right now either. He wasn't going to admit his age as it would make him feel old. "Ah, I get your joke now. I sure hope my parents didn't call me Mister." He didn't know what to think about the name Aaron either, but at least it was something not as common. "Yeah, I heard about that. You know you have help at school if you need help. Grieving can take longer than you think. Do your siblings call you that too?" He sympathized with him - Megan had died almost three years ago now but he was just now getting over it.
He was amazed that movies weren't something he had thought about. "So musicals then? or more traditional pieces?" Aaron hoped it was something musical as Nash was in his class, but that didn't mean anything. "If you really want money, more than one show would be your best bet. I know it means more work, but the money will be flowing."
aron nodded, of course most of his students were dreading the classical pieces. This year's students seemed to be more for the modern songs. "I know, I know. Most of you are dreading this but it's only one song. It's part of the curriculum of marking from the government and there isn't anything I can do about it." He really didn't enjoy it either, but it was also part of music. It was all part of a broader musical education - or that's how they put it to him when he raised his complaints about it.
"That's a great suggestion, it's something upbeat and hopefully less boring for everyone." Aaron knew some of the parents would be excited about their children playing classical music - though he didn't also want his audience falling asleep. "Maybe the Linus and Lucy score from Peanuts? I can look and see if that counts." It would work with their potential movie music score theme too - if that's what the class decided on. He moved and wrote down the options on the board - glad that there were quite a few options for people to choose from. "Yes, Nutcracker would work. There are many pieces to choose from though, any in particular?" He didn't know if the class thought that Sugar Plum Fairies was too much associated with Christmas, rather than Winter.
aron glanced down at the tattoo. He had gotten it done just after he asked her to marry him and she said yes. It was still hard from him to imagine she was gone, but life was slowly starting to get better and easier for him. "Oh, just basic box letters. I was thinking of just the months and the two years." People who knew him knew who she was and what she meant to him.
"Do you specify in any particular tattoo types? Or do you agree to do pretty much anything?" He didn't know the tattoo parlor that well - but like anyone else's line of work he assumed that the staff had their favorite things to do. "March 1994 and a dash and then November 2020 for the tattoo, please." He made sure his sleeve on his shirt was rolled up enough not to interfere with June and her work. His blue eyes blinked, feeling the sad emotion wash over him briefly. "Sorry about that, it's been awhile but it still brings up some emotions." If he could make it without crying, he'd call it more than a win.
aron could tell his students were getting tired of Mozart - though as some classical pieces were required by the curriculum, there wasn't much wiggle room. He did try his best to add more modern music into their concerts. "True, and it does take place during Christmas. Alright, I'll add it to the list of potentials." He saw the bored faces in front of him, until he mentioned the possibility of doing a movie score theme. Aaron smiled, glad the boredom was starting to go away.
"Those are two great options. Now, not to burst anyone's bubble but we do have to have one classical piece as part of everyone's grade." The principle would have his head if they didn't - it seemed to be a true tradition now. Thankfully, he had his options. "There are a few songs we can choose from. But yes, we can do a vote on which one later in class." He turned back to the whiteboard, writing down the three suggestions.
"What does everyone think if we put the classical piece at the front of the show as a warm up? or at the end for the big finale?" He found each class wanted something different. Most of the time he found the vote at the beginning as the students wanted to get it over with.
hanging his tattoos or getting rid of them was the last thing he wanted. Each one of them required a lot of thought and meaning behind them. "I'd have a hard time choosing which one to change. Do you have experience doing removals?" He often wondered what he would look like without them - having gotten his first one at seventeen, with the permission of his parents.
"Just black ones then? I have a few of those myself, though it seems to have evolved into some color pieces as well." It all depended on what it was - or if he thought it looked better in color rather than black and white. "Have you ever thought about getting a color one though?" Aaron then followed June to her station - taking a glance at the inside of the shop. It seemed to have a darker feel to it, but not every artist enjoyed the bright and cheery work environment. He waited until the area was sanitized before taking a seat. "I had no idea they switched owners recently. Are the new ones treating you okay?" He didn't know the previous ones to compare - but as long as there wasn't too much drama that's all that really mattered anyway.
He rolled up the sleeve of the sweater on his left arm, revealing various pieces - stopping when he hit just above the inside of his elbow. "I just need the two years added underneath the name." Having anything added to it wasn't expected - though he had honestly left room to add their wedding date, which never happened. "With just a simple script font would be great." His eyes glanced down at the tattoo before looking over at June - getting a better look at her. He could see that she was pretty much covered in ink herself.
Haven't you heard, it's not all about winning. Learning to lose and accept it is more difficult." There was his teacher advice for the afternoon - he realized quickly after moving to Hickstead that he wasn't like the other teachers. Some of them were just plain harsh to their students and as his school days weren't exactly easy - he decided to be different. The impish smile that graced the younger man's face made made the bleach blond smile. He didn't know what Nash had gone through, but it was nice to see some emotion. "The dude? Maybe I'm not ask old as I think I am. I remember my friends calling each other that when I was in school." Maybe he didn't feel so old after all. "Nash might be more unique though. What do you want to be famous for anyway?"
His wanting to be famous days were over - though he was happy helping his friend's back home become famous through their music was much more his speed. "Your parents call you that when you are trouble, don't they?" It sounded like it was a huge reason why most people didn't like their name - though it could be easily changed. "I don't exactly like my name either if that helps." Aaron was boring - it didn't suit him. His friends all called him AJ back in school. That was much cooler in the eyes of his younger self.
"I do hate to break the bad news. But sometimes that opportunity never really comes. You could focus on acting and theater classes." He eventually realized that he needed a real job, and teaching music was the next best thing. Teaching was a lot more steadier than making music in terms of financial income. "What kind of movies do you want to be in anyways?" He tried to be more curious about the futures of his students - there was always something he could help with outside of class.
aron turned from the whiteboard, starting to feel dumb for remembering not everyone celebrated Christmas. "Right, yes. We can call it a Winter concert if that makes people more comfortable." He picked up the nearby eraser and cleaned off the portion of the board - writing the word winter instead. It made sense as they called their other most important concerts of the year after the season, rather than the Holiday associated with it.
He quietly laughed at the next student, shaking his head. "Do you all really think Die Hard is a holiday movie? I know it takes place during the season and all but...what would your parents seriously think if I allowed that?" Some parents were very strict on what they allowed their children to play in music class.
"How about we compromise and maybe do a movie score theme for the whole evening? Does anyone disagree with that?" He put the marker back down on the ledge of the board. It wasn't a theme they had done in the past and he was always a fan of mixing in something new every once and awhile. There was only so much classical music all of their brains could handle, though it was always good to go back to the regular program.
aron chuckled, the joke was quite funny to him. "I don't think anyone would want them after being covered in ink. Must poison my blood or something." He stepped closer to the counter, carefully leaning on it. Aaron pulled a pen out from the cup and waited for the paperwork - certain it was the usual spiel when it came to waivers for tattoos.
"Thanks, I should have come in here sooner. I've walked by a few times thinking I should make an appointment but I needed to come up with an idea first." He also needed time to grieve his fiancée's death but the tattoo started to feel incomplete. With a thorough glance of the paperwork, he initialed and signed where needed.
"I have a fair share of tattoos. I feel like I'm running out of room though. Not really a face tattoo kind of guy." That and being able to cover his tattoos during parent teacher conferences or during concerts. He wanted to still feel professional while at work. "You are covered yourself I see. Have you had any of the artists you work with work on any yet?"
aron laughed at the dude comment. "Alright. You win. I'll call you Nash. The dude sounds a little not professional." He tried to be relatively respectful of the nicknames of his students. They were all old enough to know if they liked their legal names or not. He didn't mind his name though his true friends all called him AJ.
"Oh come on. Your name could be a lot worse. Nicholas James sounds nice." He knew of a lot of people who had names no one could pronounce. If that happened, he did try his best to talk to the student and get as close to the proper way as he could. "Do you not like it or something?" Names were hard - parents having to give names to their children before their true personalities came out.
Aaron shook his head, assigning no grade would be easier but that wasn't something he could control. "There has to be some sort of scale so that Universities know how well you did in your courses. If that's what you choose to do." It wasn't something he thought he would do, but being a musician full time wasn't feasible financially. "I appreciate you enjoying my class. I had the same problem as you, though I wasn't much of a drama person. Honestly, you just have to suck it up and chug through the material." He shrugged his shoulders, lucky that his teachers were understanding and helped him through the subjects he struggled with.