[open] Confidence is Key

[liam]

Liam's heart was racing as Dippy plunging up and down in a rearing fit.
You had to go bareback, you big, stupid idiot. He thought to himself. If he had a pair of stirrups under his feet, he would have been able to control his horse.
He tried to shout out to Keeli, but when he opened his mouth, he couldn't say a thing.
She's going to flip over. She's going to crush me and I'm going to die. I wonder who'd be at my funeral? Nobody, probably.
The picture of his parent's mangled bodies flashed through his mind. Good God, he was going to end up like they did, he knew it. Dippy reared yet again, hitting Liam hard on the chin. He tasted blood.
And then he saw Keeli.
She's okay, Lee, she's okay...
Keeli grabbed Dippy's flapping reins, speaking to his horse. Dippy's ears flicked forward, and she calmed down. Liam could feel Keeli bump against his foot.
Liam fell off of the other side of his horse. He simply slid to the ground. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to sort out his racing thoughts. He was okay, Keeli was okay, Dippy and Ava seemed just fine. His pride had taken a nasty turn for the worst.
Liam looked up at Keeli.
I know my tounge's bleeding, and that's probably not good. But I don't think anything else is broken. But my Goddamn pride
He shakily got to his feet. He brushed off the seat of his pants. He felt himself turn red. How the hell did I rip my pants? These are my last decent pair!
Liam took a hold of Dippy's reins.
Keeli, you saved my life. Dippy would've fallen on me... He straightened his shoulders and cleared his throat.
Are you okay? He looked directly into her eyes.
Damn, those eyes are beautiful.


((ooc; isn't it sweet? Haha.))

[_Keeli Michaels_]

Keeli sighed in releif when Dippy clamed down. She kept stroking her neck though, she had to keep herself calm, that way the horse could, too. She watched as Liam slid off the end, and again sighed in releif to see that he was fine. But she could see the blood drip from the corner of his mouth, and she really didn't like it. She didn't mind seeing blood, no, but she didn't like the thought of Liam in pain. She walked Dippy over to Ava without asking. But she made sure she was far enough away so Ava couldn't disturb the recovering horse. She went over to Liam, and anwsered his other words.

"Liam, that is nothing you should be thanking me for. You needed help, and I was there to give it to you. I am always here to help." She said it solemnly, looking strait in his eyes. She smiled at his concern, "I am absolutely fine. And man, you really can scare people!" she giggled a little, and then said, "Hold still. I need to take a look at that tongue." And then without asking she took the sides of his face in her skinny hands. She took one off and opened his mouth, and she grimaced a little seeing the huge bloodflow fall out. She puckered her lips, and then took her t-shirt in her hand, and ripped it along the edge. It made the shirt show her stomach, but she didn't care. She had to stop the bleeding. "I'm sorry if it tastes like detergent. But I think that would be better than blood." she smiled a tad, and then stuck it in his mouth. "OK, don't flip, but you almost bit through your entire tongue. It will heal, just make sure you don't eat things that would irritate it." She smiled, and then patted his cheek and stroke it. It was very motherly, but still sweet. Then she backed off, now really unsure of what to say.

((ooc; hehe.))

[liam]

Liam felt his cheek grow red where she had touched it.
Damn, Liam, grow up. Say something smooth, something assuring.
Wow, my tounge hurts.
Damn, not smooth or assuring...
Thanks for the shirt piece. He said with a smile. He pulled the blood soaked cloth from his mouth when he felt his tounge stop bleeding.
Don't worry, I won't ruin the ride. The place that I wanted to show you is just up ahead. If I bite through my tounge again, then we'll head back. He laughed, and walked over to Dippy. He checked his mare's legs to make sure that she hadn't hurt herself being dramatic.
You diva. I was more afraid of that rabbit than you were. You always have to make a show of everything, don't you?
Liam slipped the bridle from her head and unsnapped the reins. He tied them around the base of her neck, so that if she reared he could hold on. Liam tied the rest of the bridle to the makeshift neck strap.
He walked back to Keeli.
Ready to go? I have to show you this place before the moon disappears behind these clouds. And don't worry, I'm not a warewolf by moonlight.
Liam swung himself onto Dippy's back and nudged her with his heels. She set off at a steady canter down the path. He could see Keeli and Ava in pursuit. And then they were at the pond.
Liam stopped Dippy and stared at the pond for a moment. It was just as wonderful as he remembered. The surface was completely still, the light of the moon reflecting on it. Giant weeping willows surrounded it.
If you have a while to talk, I'd like to tell you some things about my life, if you'd like to hear them.
Wow, Liam. Lame. But he did want to tell her the things that he had kept secret all of his life. He trusted her.


(((ooc: Just occured to me...what does ooc even stand for? ><)))

[_Keeli Michaels_]

Keeli smiled at his blush. She didn't mind that since she was, too. She laughed, happy to hear his cute voice again. "I have no doubt about that!" she shook her head, still smiling. Lord, he was so cute. And something stuck her how she helped him, and she noticed that she didn't actually just feel like it, but she wanted to...needed to. And the tecture of his cheek was so soft and warm. She wondered what her cheek would feel like if he touched hers. She would probably be scarlet. She laughed when he said thanks for the shirt peice. "Sorry if it tastes bad. All I know is that it smells good." she giggled a bit, and then followed him to where the horses were tied up. "I never thought you would, Liam." She smiled, and it was true. Being with him could never ruin the ride.

She giggled again when he talked to his horse. He really did love her, almost as much as Keeli loved Ava. She turned and stroked her neck, and Ava turned as well and rested her large, slender head on her shoulder, blowing her nose air at her. Keeli smiled and kissed her nose. "Good girl, Avie." She smiled, and then hopped on his time. It wasn't hard, really.

She giggled again at his joke. "I would certainly hope not!" but she smiled anyways, rolling her eyes with humor. But if you are, then can I at least pet you?"[/b] she giggled. It wasn't much of a joke, but she didn't really care. But part of her worried if he did. She followed him to his spot, and her dreaming mind wondered if maybe one day it could be their spot. But of course he didn't like her, well, not the same way she liked him. She sighed a little, and then smiled at his statement. She made Ava come up right next to him, and she tried to hold his eyes. "Liam, you don't have to tell me anything you don't want to. I won't pressure you in tell me something you don't want to. But if there was anything you did...well, then my ears are open." she smiled, sincere and sweet. She wasn't trying to be pushy, but just the oppisite. SHe just wasn't one to pry.
[/color]
((ooc; out of character, silly!))

[liam]

Liam returned her gaze.
No, He said, shaking his head, I really want to talk to you.
He rode Dippy down to the pond. He swung himself off of her, slipping the neckstrap over her head and setting it on the ground. Dippy wandered a few paces away, beginning to graze.
Liam smiled at Keeli.
This gal won't go anywhere.
He sat down on the grass, pulling his knees up to his chest. He motioned for Keeli to sit next to him.
I think the best place to start would be the beginning. He said, looking out to the water.
I was born in Ireland. My parents, they were the best. We raised the Irish Sporthorses, I think I told you that. When I was thirteen, they were in a really bad car crash. I accidently walked onto the scene where it happened. I was there to see the police cut their bodies out of the car.
Liam shook his head, trying to think clearly. He looked into Keeli's eyes. He didn't want to scare her off.
I was in foster homes until I turned 18. He unbuttoned his shirt and took it off. He traced a finger up his muscular arm and pointed to the oddly shaped scar.
That's where my foster father shot me. He made me take the blame for the whole thing. I went to a new home after that, where they would treat me like crap. He pointed to the scars on his wrists.
Cutting. He said softly, And I tried a few times to commit suicide too. But it never worked. When my foster parents found out I had tried to kill myself, they spread it around town like gossip. From then on, I was the "crazy kid. People would say, "Liam, I'd like to kill you but I know you'll do it yourself.
Liam looked back toward the water. Had he said too much already?
Never mind. I shouldn't have told you that stuff...She's too damn young to understand, Lee. You're gonna scare her.
He looked back at Keeli, suprised to see that she didn't look bored. There were a lot of things that he wanted to tell her. But Liam wasn't one to jump into things, and he knew that she would never be able to like him, let alone love him.

(((ooc: hehe, okay. Out of character, that makes sense!)))

[_Keeli Michaels_]

Keeli smiled when he said he really wanted to talk to her. She liked feeling that she was easy to talk to. Who wouldn't love feeling nice and helpful? When he led her to his spot, she slid off Ava and stared in awe at the beautiful view. "Wow, Liam! It's beautiful!" her voice sounded exasperated, but that was only because of the shock. She smiled and nodded at Dippy, who started to graze. Sadly, she didn't really trust Ava as much. She was honestly surprised she hadn't acted up yet. She was usually a complete nuisance. So she unchooked part of the reins, and tied in onto a tree. That way she had room to move.

She smiled again when Liam invited her over to sit next to him. She didn't mind at all, and she went to sit only about four inches from him. She smiled, and started to listen when he told his story. She wanted to cry and hug him when he told her about seeing his parents in such horrible conditions. She didn't know what to do, she didn't want him uncomfortable or anything...but she felt bad not to do anything at all. So she scooted a tad closer, and leaned her head on his shoulder for a second or two, murmering "I'm so sorry, Liam..." she looked in his eyes, seeing the pain in them. And man, did she hate it. Anything but happiness on his face hurt her, too.

Then he went on, and he started to unbutton his shirt. Woah, what was he doing? It made her confused, him taking off his shirt? Was he hot or something? She herself was freezing. She noticed just now how cold she really was. She had goosebumps on every inch of her skin, and if she left her mouth open to breath she was sure that they would clatter. Then she looked closer at his masculan chest, and saw the horrid scars on it. "Liam!" she said in a sigh, it was so sad she wanted to cry. How could someone do such a thing?! It made her want to kill them for doing something like that to Liam. He was a nice guy, not trash to be hurt for! She watched as he then pointed to his wrists, which were lined with scars, and plenty of them. She took his arm about four inched down from his wrist, and traced the scars. "Oh..." that was all she could say.

Her sympathy was scarred a little when he went in to saying that they spread it around like 'gossip'. It was anger that was put in her face then. "Why would they do that?!" she said. It was horrible...just so horrible... Then he said he shouldn't have told her. She shook her head, "Liam, it's OK. I...well, it doesn't scare me. It just makes me furious. Not at you, but how someone could do such a horrid thing..." she shook her head. How cruel, how evil, how excruciating!

[liam]

Liam hadn't expected Keeli to get so angry. He smiled, dispite himself.
I pity those people though. They're going to hell, no doubt about it.
He sighed and put his shirt back on. He didn't want to see the scars anymore, let alone let Keeli see them more.
It's all in the past. We all have our scars. Me, you, even Dippy. He laid on his back and looked at the moon.
Did you ever wonder what the meaning in life was? Why we're all here. It's something that I've always looked for, never found.
He smiled and sat up.
When Dippy was rearing earlier, I was thinking that I would die, and there would be no one at the funeral. That's probably true... His voice trailed off, and he watched Dippy graze.
He stared at Keeli for a moment. The moonlight made her eyes sparkle and her hair shine.
Keeli? He whispered, taking her hand in his, giving it a light squeeze.
He thought of what he had been about to ask her, but then shook his head.
Never mind... He said, It was a silly question that I already know the answer to.

[_Keeli Michaels_]

Keeli didn't really know why he was smiling, but it made her feel better to see the brighter face. And boy, was it beautiful. So sweet and cute. Lord, it just made her like him more. "Honestly, I don't really pity them at all. In a way, they sort of deserve it, I mean... she took her index finger and traced the strange scar on his chest, "look what they did to you!" she didn't know why she was so infuriated with those people. It was probably just because of what they did to someone that was innecent, but she knew that deep in her mind it was because it was Liam who was the one in pain. And if he was once in pain, she was, too. And she didn't care that she was in pain, but she did when he was.

She almost didn't want him to put his shirt back on when he did. But of course she didn't tell him. "Yeah, we do all have our scars...sometimes people have more than you think..." she was refering to herself and her own past, truthfully. She wondered absentmindedly if Liam would wonder if that was what she meant. "I have always wondered. What was my point in being in this world? It just made me so confused when I never knew..." she sighed, it was so easy to be with him. She looked at him in confusion. "Liam, I'm sure that's not true! And you can at least add one person! I would be there! Don't I count anymore?" she teased a little, trying to hide her sadness. She gently nudged his side with her slim elbow.

She sighed happily as he grabbed her hand and squeezed it. It felt really good, honestly. Warm, since she was completely freezing. She frowned a bit, and then took her index finger to his chin and pulled his face to look at her. She dropped her finger then, and whispered, "Liam, you can ask me anything. I won't laugh and I won't hurt you...I promise." her words went a little deeper than she had put on, and she looked at him with her big brown eyes sincere and honest. She started shivering worse, but she ignored it. It didn't mean nearly as much to her as some other things did at the moment. Then she murmered again, looking dead in his eyes, "I promise, Liam."

[liam]

Well, I'm glad that you'd go to my funeral. Liam laughed softly, picking up a smooth stone and throwing it into the pond. The water rippled out into a million tiny waves.
He looked over to Dippy, busy grazing on a patch of grass. He could hear the whispers of the wind in the willow trees, the chirping of the crickets.
Liam thingyed his head to one side, looking at the stars.
I was going to ask you to kiss me. He said, his voice almost a whisper. He looked deep into her brown eyes, filled with such sadness.
But I know that you wouldn't.
Liam suddenly felt self-concious. He should've kept his mouth closed. He shouldn't have said a thing. Keeli would be offended, she would never speak to him again.
Liam closed his eyes. The image of Keeli's smile rested in his mind. He opened his eyes and looked at her. He intertwined his fingers in hers, feeling more at ease.
When I'm with you, it feels like I don't have any of these scars. It feels like life should feel like.
It feels a hell of a lot like love.

[_Keeli Michaels_]

Keeli looked at him a little sadly. She only wished that she could make him see that she wasn't the only person who would, but of course she couldn't be possitive, and she wanted to at least be honest. So she kept her mouth shut, and watched him look around and finally stare at the stars. Her heart started to thunder when he said those small, quiet words. Her big brown eyes widened. She wanted to tell him 'Of course I would!' but she couldn't put herself up to it. It made her angry at herself. She bit her bottom lip a little, watching him close the walls that hid his amazing eyes. She didn't really like it, honestly. It made her unable to see the wonder and mystery inside them. And she didn't like it one bit. But when he did, she scooted over just a little closer, and listened to his next words, locing the feeling of his fingers twined in hers. It felt so good, warm and smooth...

All she could do was nod in agreement. She couldn't say anything yet. She couldn't. She looked at him for a minute, and went from sitting to being on her knees in one fluid movement. She looked him strait in those beautiful eyes, her pulse throbbing and fluttering like a humming birds' wings. She lifted her frail hand, and cupped it under his chin. She leaned in, ninety percent there, and then touched her lips to his. She held them there for a while, and then caressed his cheek. She pulled away, still lookind deep in his eyes. She could talk now, she was sure of it. So she opened her mouth, and said in a whisper, "I wouldn't be so sure."

[liam]

Liam's heart raced as Keeli's lips touched his.
Electricity He thought, returning the kiss. It was pure electricity.
He savored the moment, his mind cleared of his worries, his only thoughts on Keeli. As she pulled away, he looked into her big, brown eyes.
He was lost for words for a moment. He couldn't think of a single thing to say.
He leaned in toward her again, his lips touching hers. His arms encircled her thin body. He could breathe in her scent, feel her pulse.
I've heard that if you pull a bent breath through the second hole of a harmonica, tuned to the key of Georgia, while a train moves by on the tail ends of dusk, there is a good chance that you will finally know what it means to rest. He whispered in her ear. It was part of a poem that he knew so long ago.
I have not yet rested. He whispered, his lips brushing against her neck.
He wished that he could stay there forever. Forever holding Keeli, forever forgetting every worry. Escaping every bad memory, every flashback.
He turned to look into her eyes. Their eyes were so close now. Normally, Liam would have a hard time looking anyone in the eyes. But with Keeli, it was different. Her eyes reflected everything.
Liam touched her cheek with one hand. He reached out his other hand, gently touching her face.
God, she's so perfect. He thought, running his hands down her arms. "The Time of Your Life" played on a loop through his head.
I know how sudden it is, He whispered softly, But I think I'm in love.

[_Keeli Michaels_]

Keeli watched as he took in her face, waiting for his reaction. When they kissed, it felt perfect. Like they were puzzle peices, and it felt good to have someone like her. Keeli didn't even have time to smile as he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers again. Keeli kissed back easily, and sighed in pleasure when he embraced her. He was so warm, while she was so cold. It felt so good, she snuggled in closer. Keeli smiled a bit as he pulled away to whisper in her ear a familiar poem. She sighed, it was so gorgeous in his accent, his voice. She giggled when he said he hadn't rested, and he whispered back, "Me either." She shivered a bit as his lips swept over her neck. It wasn't that she cold in his arms, either.

Keeli smiled, and kissed his cheek. It was so warm, she wondered how he could stand the chilly night. But if he was holding her, she would be fine, too. Keeli watched him as he looked at her, and he seemed so soft, like she could see into his heart. So gentle, so sweet... She loved the way he looked at her. How she was his world, it made her feel...loved. Keeli closed her eyes when he put both of his hands around her face. So warm, and she rested it in them for a moment. Then he glided his hands down her arms, making them warm too. She wasn't blushing, she wasn't at all embarrassed or anything like that. She was happy, overjoyed, really. The depths of her big brown eyes grew darker at his last words, and they widened. She looked at him, and the truth was right there in his eyes. He really did love her. She felt so warm, though she knew now that her body itself was still cold. But she didn't care. Not at all.

She raised her hand, and stroked his cheek. She didn't say anything for a moment, it felt so perfect and right. She smiled finally, and scooted closer so that her side was pressed up against him. She leaned her head on his shoulder, and whispered in a gentle voice, "Me too." She turned and looked at him, strait in those amazing eyes. How wonderful they were, she was mesmerized easily. She wondered what his reaction would be, but if he really loved her the way he said, then she didn't care. Because she really did love him. He brought out the best in her, and didn't that mean that he was meant for her? He really did feel like it. She leaned her head on his shoulder. "I really do."

[liam]

Liam's eyes widened in suprise when Keeli said that she felt the same. All at once, his heart began beating faster.
He knew that he didn't have to saying anything, she had said those few simple words, and he knew that she meant them.
Liam wrapped his arms around her once again, drawing her closer. She felt so cold, he could feel her shivering. He took off his shirt, wrapping it around her bare arms. A stupid act of chivalry, but one that he hoped she would like.
He felt like laughing and crying all at once. She loved him. He loved her. And damn, it felt good. He looked into her eyes. It was as if she could see her every feeling through those big, brown eyes.
When he was around Keeli, he didn't have to be the suicidal trajedy. He was someone that someone loved.
He bent his head down next to her ear.
That is, I haven't rested until now. He said softly. Wait a minute, Keeli, I'll be right back.
He jumped to his feet, running across the field. He cartwheeled a few times, did a backflip. Shirtless and all.
She loves me! He screamed to the sky.
He ran to Dippy, whispering in the mare's ear, She loves me! She really does!
Liam ran across the field again, doing a handspring.
I love Keeli Michaels! He screamed to the stars. He felt like he could do anything, say anything. Maybe that was what love felt like.
He ran back toward Keeli, grinning and laughing. He dropped down to his knees and kissed her.
Sorry, He said, almost out of breath, I had to get all of that out of my system.

[_Keeli Michaels_]

Keeli watched his eyes widen. How could anyone not love him? So sweet, so adorable, and she then saw that he was hers. Hers to love, hers to kiss...She smiled at that. Hers to just have fun with, to forget all the bad things in life. It made her feel so magnificent she wanted to cry in happiness. She felt so full, so warm and fantastic, she could just about burst. She sighed again as he wrapped his arms around her. She watched as he took off his shirt, confused. Then he wrapped it around her. "Thanks." she said, smiling. It felt so much better than to be freezing in her tank and really short shorts. Really light pajamas didn't work when it was only fifty degrees outside. She guessed it served her right for riding at ten at night. But with Liam there she didn't care at all.

She smiled, and then frowned as she watched him get up, and she didn't like it. She didn't want him to walk away from her, she didn't want him to be less than a foot away. But at least he said he would be right back. Maybe he had to use the restroom? No. She really doubted that. But her sadness became curiousity as she watched him do a bunch of difficult manauvers. She couldn't help but laugh at his happy face, the happiness that went to his core. She worried for a moment if he would get cold, but she was sure that she didn't have to worry. She herself would warm him back up. She smiled a little mischeiviously at that thought. She laughed harder as he screamed in the sky that she loved him. How could something so easy to do make him so happy? She could, and would, do that forever. Would he really be that happy in years to come? Well, she would just have to wait and see.

She kept watching as he talked of his happiness to his own horse, and when he did more maneuvers while she sat in happiness herself. She was as happy as he was, but she didn't have as much energy herself. The late hour was slowly starting to kick in, but she felt like she could stay awake forever. She watched as he loped back over to her, laughing, and kissed her. Of course she kissed back, twining her arms around his neck. She giggled, "I don't mind, at all." She giggled again, and kissed him. "Always will, you know. I promise that."

[liam]

Liam felt so good to have Keeli's arms wrapped around his bare neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist. Inside, he never wanted to let go. He was almost positive that she could hear his heart beating.
He looked deep into her eyes. He could see the same bright happiness shining in them. It made him feel so good- happy and giddy and energetic, all at the same time.
I'll always love you. He said, Forever. And he would, he could feel it in his heart. There was something so perfect and special about Keeli, something that made him happy to be alive.
When he looked down at his wrists, he could still see the bright white scars. But suddenly, they didn't really matter to him. All that mattered was that Keeli was in his arms. He was happy.
For a moment, Liam hesitated. Was it all just silly teenaged love? Would they be together forever? He could suddenly imagine him and Keeli growing old together, and his thoughts subsided.
A song popped into his head.
The smile on your face lets me know that you need me. There's a truth in your eyes sayin' you'll never leave me. The touch of your hand says you'll catch me if ever I fall. You say it best when you say nothing at all.
The words sounded slightly out of place with his accent, but he didn't care. He fell backwards, pulling Keeli back with him. He looked at the stars. Were they always that bright? He had never noticed.
I've never felt so happy in my life. He said softly, turning to look at Keeli. He sighed and crossed his hands across his stomach.