Resisting the urge to run away from runners[K'ron]

[Kristin]

Who: K'vin, K'ron
What: K'ron teaching K'vin how to ride on a runner
When: Late afternoon a couple of days BEFORE the touching of the Tasseography clutch.
Where: Starting in the stables
Warnings: None

((Pardon the terrible title. I just couldn't resist ))

K‘vin jumped when a runner nearby positively snarled at him. The weyrling had a bad feeling about this, and judging by this one runner, the runners did too. He had reluctantly caved in to K‘ron after the brown weyrling had asked and begged and blackmailed K‘vin to let him teach the green weyrling how to ride a runner. Oh, who was he kidding. K‘ron had only had to ask and K‘vin had accepted right away, against his better judgment.

It was just that K‘vin didn‘t have that many friends, and was constantly afraid to lose the few people that were dear to him, like K‘ron, L‘cin, Lialla and S‘lain, by doing something stupid. So when someone suggested something, K‘vin just generally tended go along with it. Besides, K‘ron and him hadn‘t done anything together in ages, so he was looking forward to meeting him, even if it had to be in such a setting.

It was not that he hated runners, no far from it actually. He had always admired them, they were no dragons or firelizards, but beautiful they were. It was rather that he was afraid. Afraid of actually sitting on top of one of those creatures while they ran. Maybe it was silly, considering that he had no problem with being on dragonback, but at least dragons didn‘t shake while flying. Or trip over a stone. And if he fell down from a runner, he would make contact with the hard ground, while a dragon would always catch him before that happened, in the unlikely event of not being secured enough to the dragon.

And well, there was that matter of uneasiness because it was K‘ron. His best friend. And he really didn‘t want to make a fool of himself, like he would on his first time on a runner, in front of him. But because it was K‘ron and not somebody else who had asked him, K‘vin was in the stables, waiting for the man. Asileth and Toll had been instructed to stay away, he didn‘t want them to distract him, or worse, the runners. So K‘vin waited alone, with the many runners of Cerulean, who all seemed to be staring at him suspiciously. Couldn‘t K‘ron just be here already?

[Thorney]

((XD Nice one.))

Whistling rather tonelessly as he pulled on a sturdy pair of breeches, K’ron allowed a grin to conquer his lips as his mind wandered over what he had planned for today. He and K’vin were going runner riding. Of course, the young man loved his dragon above all else, but Calzanth listened to his every thought and whim without hesitation, and there was a certain amount of skill and risk involved when it came to the equines. They didn’t hear thoughts, only basic commands, and only reins and knees would guide them. The former beastcrafter had always loved runner riding, and now he was going to share his favorite hobby with his best friend. What could be better?

Just make sure you take care of my favorite sister’s rider. His brown rumbled from his couch, flicking his tail playfully in mock-warning.

Grinning again, the weyrling gave a salute to his dragon before pulling on a tunic and belting it down securely, fasting the buckle with quick fingers. You have nothing to worry about Cal. K’vin is a dragonrider. He can handle a runner blindfolded. Of course, K’ron knew that he would have to give some basic instruction to his best mate, and it might take him a bit, but the brownrider was certain that his friend would master the art in no time. Dressed and ready to go, the young man pulled on his favorite boots and headed out, waving to his dragon and flit as he did. Yumi was going to stay with Calzanth today, just in case she accidentally spooked one of the runners. He doubted that she would of course, as the green had been around the creatures her whole life, but K’ron felt it was better safe than sorry with this being K’vin’s first trip on runnerback.

To be honest, he had been a bit surprised that his friend had agreed so easily, and wondered if perhaps he had always wanted to learn to ride. Or maybe it was just because it was K’ron that asked. Grinning, the young man ran a hand through his hair and shook his head. Nah, probably not. They were best mates and all, but K’vin wouldn’t do something just because he asked him to. Heh. The brownweyrling’s long legs ate up the ground as he walked, his lengthy stride landing him at the stables quickly. Entering, K’ron’s face quickly lit up with happiness at seeing the greenrider already waiting for him. “Hey K’vin!” He said enthusiastically, striding over to him. It had been far too long since they had spent any time together, and the young man was feeling it. “How have you and Asileth been lately? Feels like I haven’t spoken to either of you in turns.”

Clasping the other boy’s shoulder tightly, K’ron smiled at his best mate gestured to the closest runner. “So, ready to go?” He asked, a light appearing in his amber eyes. The weyrling was one of the best wranglers the South had to boast, and he was confident his best friend could learn to ride easily. After all, they had the whole afternoon to spend, and the brownrider knew runners inside and out. Although, K’vin did seem a bit uneasy, but it was probably just nerves. Everyone was a bit anxious when learning a new skill. “Pick your partner, and I’ll see about getting us tacked up.” Striding over to a mostly black runner with three white socks, K’ron patted the stud affectionately on the neck. “This is the guy I usually take out. They call him Jet, but he’s probably not a good training runner. He likes to fight back a little.” Stepping over to another stall, the brownweyrling stroked the grey nose of the dappled mare, her face dished and beautiful. “This is Rain. She’s probably the best one to train you on. She responds quickly to commands and slight touches.” Turning, K’ron had to grin again. “Get to know her for a bit, and I’ll be right back with the tack.”

[Kristin]

Despite the circumstances K‘vin couldn‘t help but smile widely when he saw K‘ron. Sure he‘d often seen him around and chatted briefly with him, but this time they could really talk. And K‘vin had to tell him something. But that would have to wait a bit. „Hi K‘ron! It‘s so good to see you!“ K‘vin exclaimed, forgetting for a moment about runners and that small matter he needed to discuss with K‘ron. „Asileth is as happy as ever and I... I‘ve been doing good. Very good actually and there‘s so much I have to tell you.“ His smile faltered a little bit in nervousness. „But you and Calzanth? He‘s gotten so big! Almost like a bronze really.“

Ready to go? Oh. That. K‘vin cleared his throat nervously. „Yeah, sure. Super ready.“ Not. Although he knew that he was in good hands, K‘ron was good with runners, that he knew. K‘vin walked slowly towards Rain‘s stall. She looked friendly at least, not as intimidating as Jet. „Hello Rain. My name is K‘vin.“ Well K‘ron said to get to know her. A hesitant hand reached over to touch her lightly on the nose, before retreating again. The mare did nothing but stare at him, ears leaning forward in curiosity, so K‘vin started stroking her lightly and then with more determination when he saw that she wasn‘t complaining. She was so soft to the touch and K‘vin forgot himself petting her, a small smile playing on his lips. This he had to share with Asileth

Look Asileth! I‘m petting a runner! Her name is Rain! K‘vin let the green see through his eyes but Asileth was unimpressed. She looks more like food to me. And plus, Asileth was a little jealous of the beast. Asileth! Well, it seemed like he wasn‘t going to share his experience with his darling green.

[Thorney]

((I feel like a moron. I forgot I hadn’t replied to you yet. /headdesk))

At the greenrider’s smile, K’ron couldn’t help but respond in kind, a huge grin stretching across his face. There was nothing like spending time with your best mate to lift up your spirits. However, the boy felt his head tilt ever-so-slightly when K’vin’s voice hesitated for a moment. It must have been something important that he needed to discuss later. Nodding, the former beastcrafter grinned, squeezing the other boy’s shoulder briefly before he stepped away. “We’ve got a lot of catching up to do.” K’ron agreed, unable to keep from chuckling when his best mate commented on Calzanth’s size. “Yea he’s gotten pretty big.” The weyrling agreed, nodding as he patted Rain’s neck. “Trust me, he eats like a bronze, too.” The brownrider grinned, unable to keep from smirking a bit when he received an indignant mental prod from his dragon. “Joking aside, though, Cal is doing great.”

Nodding again, the boy moved away from his best mate, stepping into the tack room to gather some blankets, saddles, and bridles. With the two bridles slung over his shoulder and blankets under his arms, K’ron grabbed two saddles by their horns and rested them against each of his hips to balance out the weight a bit. It was heavy, but the former beastcrafter was used to the burden. Walking back towards the stalls, the weyrling heard K’vin talking to the dappled mare. A small smile finally made it’s way onto the boy’s features, and K’ron grinned, glad to see him getting along with Rain already. She was a good runner, and would be an excellent training partner.

Approaching the greenrider, K’ron suddenly got an idea, and quickly reached out to his dragon. Cal, why don’t you check up on Asileth? She might just as bored as you, and you guys haven’t been around each other much. I know she’s your favorite sister.

Stretching where he lay upon an unoccupied ledge, far more happy lying in the sun than in his tiny barracks, the massive brown lifted his head. I think I will, K’ronMine. He agreed easily, more than happy to comply. The green was indeed his favorite sister, and also his favorite dragon in the weyr, and he hadn’t been giving her enough attention lately to suit himself. Quickly, Calzanth sought the mind of the dragoness, glad to find her awake. Greetings, sister Asileth. He rumbled, deep mindvoice pleased as he spoke to her. As our riders are otherwise occupied, would you like to come fly or swim with me? It is a perfect day. Allowing his invitation to hang, the brown straightened, sitting placidly on the ledge as he awaited the green’s answer.

Smiling at his friend, the brownrider paused beside the other weyrling and lifted one saddle, sitting it across the stall door before rain. He did the same with the other, only before Jet, and then pulled one bridle off his shoulder. “Let’s get rain tacked up for you.” He said amiably, then pulled the stall door open, stepping in and patting the grey affectionately before sliding the headpiece over her ears, slipping the bit into her mouth gently. “So, what has been going on? You said you had a lot to tell me.” K’ron asked, glancing up and grinning at his best mate. The way K’vin had said it, and judging by the tone of his voice, he was indicating something big, and the brownrider had a feeling it had to do with either mischief or romance. And, knowing the greenrider as well as he did, he doubted it was the former. Grabbing the blanket, K’ron settled it on the runner’s back before grabbing the saddle easily, easing it’s weight upon the mare’s back smoothly.

[Kristin]

Before he knew it, K’ron was back with a whole lot of stuff. K’vin was proud to see that he actually knew the name of all the things but when K'ron started talking about tacking up he lost K'vin and his confusion was clear on his face, but it all became clear when K’ron stepped into Rain’s stall and started ‘tacking her up’. K’vin followed him in and observed with interest what the older boy was doing, because it could be that he’d have to do it himself someday. If he liked this riding experience.

And then K’ron reminded him of what he had been putting off for ages and suddenly all of K’vin’s nervous gestures appeared. He gnawed his lip, rubbed his hands together, fidgeted and started looking everywhere but at K’ron, which was made hard by the fact that they were both in a small space.

“Well you know that L’cin and I are friends right? Well for a while we’ve been... more. So I guess I’m trying to tell you that I’m gay. Or maybe you already knew that because... greenriders... And I hope you don’t mind I know that you haven’t been that long in the Weyr so maybe you aren’t used to it, well I’m not even used to it... But I would hate to lose my best friend.” He had rushed everything out without looking at K’ron and held his breath while he waited for a response.

Asileth perked up when her favorite brother greeted her. She was getting bored with being alone in their weyr, doing nothing. Greetings Calzanth. I would love to go for a swim with you. Silver Beach? It was too long since she had seen her favorite brown in the world and like her rider she had missed her friend. Asileth wasted no time in leaving the weyr and in no time was on the way to a nearby beach. Today she would get to see Calzanth!

[Thorney]

Settling the saddle upon Rain’s back, K’ron leaned down and grabbed the girth that hung from the opposite side of the runner. Looping the tie through the saddle, the boy tightened the strap with deft, experienced fingers, so familiar with the whole process that he could likely do it in his sleep. However, as the brownweyrling glanced back at his best mate, he noticed the other boy’s nervous movements, several anxious habits that K’ron had grown used to. Suppressing a smirk, knowing that his friend didn’t need anything to make him even more nervous, the boy waited patiently for K’vin to reply. Of course, the greenrider was looking at everything but his amber eyes, and that alone cemented the former beastcrafter’s belief that this confession had to do with romance. As K’vin spoke, the brownweyrling nodded once, familiar with the other boy. He knew of L’cin, though they had never spoken for an extended period of time. However, as his friend elaborated, K’ron’s brows rose slightly in surprise, a bit shocked by the revelation. He hadn’t expected to find that the two were anything more than friends, but then again, the boy hadn’t exactly seen them together much.

Although, K’ron’s expression quickly changed as the other weyrling continued, still refusing to look at him, and the brownrider shook his head, though his companion wouldn’t see it. “K’vin.” He said, voice firm and his expression almost pained as he spoke, “You can look at me now.” Raising his hand, K’ron clasped the greenrider’s shoulder firmly, fingers squeezing slightly. “You are my best mate, K’vin, nothing is going to change that, I don’t care how you swing.” With a final squeeze, the brownrider dropped his arm, his expression lightening slightly into something more teasing. “Although, you are going to have to formally introduce me and L’cin, now that I know he’s after my best mate. I’ll have to see if he’s good enough for you or not.” Of course, K’ron was only playing, as he knew that L’cin was a good man and K’vin knew whether or not their match was a good one, but he wanted to ease his buddy’s nerves. The greenweyrling was too worried about what he was going to say.

Although, honestly, K’ron had never really put much thought into the sexual preferences of his friends, the thought to consider it never occurring to him. Of course, the brownrider had realized the instant he Impressed Calzanth that he might take a tumble with a male greenrider someday, should his dragon win a Flight. He had come to terms with that, easier than he had previously assumed he would, and was actually…open to the idea. K’ron knew that he was attracted to women, yes, but just being in a weyr had made him curious. What was it…like to be with another man? The boy had been holdbred, and so had never even thought to experiment before, but when he lived amongst such sexual ease, it was hard not to begin to wonder. Patting Rain’s neck, the brownweyrling tossed the reins over the stall door, finished with the dappled mare. Amber eyes focusing upon his best mate, K’ron smiled. “So…what’s L’cin like? He seems like a nice guy, but I haven’t been around him much.”

Quickly getting to his feet as Asileth responded, the brown stretched his massive frame, giving a good shake from his head to the tip of his tail. I will meet you there, sister. Calzanth replied, dropping from the ledge and unfurling his wings easily. Giving a great bugle, the dragon blinked between, eager to get the beach as soon as he could. Appearing above the ocean, he called again, seeing the vivid green hide of his sister approaching. Let us test the waters, Asileth. He rumbled merrily, and quickly pulled in his huge wings, dropping like a stone. Crashing into the deep waters, the brown clicked his protective eyelid down, moving through the ocean easily. Calzanth had missed his favorite dragon, and couldn’t wait to play with her.

[Kristin]

When a hand clasped K’vin’s shoulder firmly in a comforting gesture, K’vin’s whole body relaxed and he obeyed K’ron’s order meekly, looking the brownweyrling straight in the eye. He saw nothing but kindness and acceptance on K’ron’s honest face and his words only confirmed that K’vin had nothing to fear, he still had his best friend. If K’vin had been the sort to start crying at emotional moments, he would probably have bawled his eyes out, but thankfully he only felt really warm inside and a smile slowly crept on his features before K’vin was grinning so hard that it almost hurt.

“So, if you’ve got no problem with me being gay, then you’ve got no problem with this right?” K’vin said mischievously before stepping forward to grab K’ron in a hug. The gesture was meant as a joke but K’vin turned serious when he stepped away. “K’ron, you’ve really got no idea how much it means to me that you’ve taken this so well. Just... Thank you. I mean, really, really thank you.” K’vin couldn’t help thinking about how his folks back at Silver Cove Hold would have reacted and shuddered a little. They would never know if K’vin had something to say about it.

Hi lightened up again, remembering K’ron’s comment about L’cin. He couldn’t help the goofy smile that came every time he thought about L’cin. It was like he reacted still when Asileth and Toll were mentioned in a conversation. “You two will definitely have to meet, my best mate and my... Well I don’t know what we are.” K’vin blushed, he was still too afraid to ask L’cin exactly what their relationship was, but he was still pretty sure that they were on the same page. “And he’s definately good enough for me, much more than good enough. He’s so great. He’s so kind and cute and funny and sweet and just... Perfect.” K’vin almost barfed at his own words, but he couldn’t help it, it was true!

Asileth observed with glee when Calzanth dove into the water and followed quickly, not to be outdone. Yes, let’s play Calzanth! This was so much fun! Asileth didn’t normally play or talk to the other dragons, and didn’t have any desire to, but this was different. This was her favorite brother who was so much more fun than all the other dragons in Cerulean combined.

[Thorney]

Still watching his best mate with gentle amber eyes, K'ron could easily feel the other boy relax under his hand, relieved when the greenrider finally met his gaze. Slowly, K'vin begin to smile, and after a moment, a huge grin stretched across his features. The brownweyrling couldn't help but smile too, glad to see his friend loosen up. It was a rather disconcerting feeling, for your own best mate to be too anxious to even look you in the eyes, and K'ron was more than happy to see it pass. However, as the other boy abruptly stepped forward and grabbed him in a hug, the former beastcrafter blinked in surprise, having not expected that. Yet, his arms automatically returned the gesture, wrapping around the greenrider easily and feeling as natural to him as hugging Riona had been.

Slapping his buddy on the back as K'vin stepped away, the brownrider felt himself sober at the words, a small frown tugging at his features. "Of course, K'vin. Like I said, you're my best mate, and you always will be." The little shudder wasn't lost on the boy, and K'ron suddenly found himself wondering about the greenweyrling's past. There had to be reason that his friend was so anxious about admitting his sexual orientation, and suddenly, he had a feeling he knew why. For just a bare moment, the brownweyrling fisted his hand, nearly angry at whoever was making his best mate so afraid, but just a second later the rage passed, K'ron forcing himself under control. It didn't matter now...K'vin would always have his best mate, and the former beastcrafter would never hurt him.

Shaking his head just a bit, the boy couldn't help but grin in reply to his friend's sappy words, noting the blush that suddenly stained K'vin's cheeks. It was...cute. Really cute. Abruptly, K'ron found himself wishing that he, too, had someone that made him feel that way, but the emotion was soon gone, and the brownweyrling grinned again. After all, he had plenty of time to worry about that further down the road, and right now, he and Calzanth were probably too busy to pursue those types of relationships. They could think about the pretty girls...and maybe the pretty boys...after they had graduated. Right? Of course. "Shards, K'vin." He chuckled, winking at his best mate. "You've got it bad." Still grinning, K'ron again squeezed the other boy's shoulder before stepping out of the stall, entering Jet's so he could get the black runner tacked up as well. After all, they still needed to go riding today. "I'd like to get to know L'cin." The brownweyrling agreed, slipping the bridle on his runner with steady, capable hands. "I can't say I've ever really been in much of a relationship." The boy abruptly mused, amber eyes focused on Jet as he saddled the large, black runner. "There was this girl back on the ranch, Riona, that I liked, but we never really...I mean, I suppose I never made a move." For a moment, K'ron wondered why he was suddenly divulging all of this to K'vin, but in a way, it felt right, especially given how open his best mate had just been. Shrugging, still focused on Jet, the weyrling continued. "Probably for the best, though. I wouldn't have been able to leave her had we become more than friends, and I never would have come to Cerulean to meet my best mate and Impress Calzanth, right?" Tossing a little grin towards K'vin, the brownweyrling ran a hand down the runner's sleek neck.

Rumbling in delight as the green dove in after him, Calzanth banked and swam near her, reaching out to touch his nose gently against hers with warm, brotherly affection. It is good to see you, Asileth. The large brown replied, eyes whirling a content blue under his protective lids. Using his massive wings and legs to backstroke a bit, the dragon then turned and swam deeper. Come, sister, let us see what we can find. He said, enjoying the feel of the water sliding over his hide and knowing that his favorite dragon on Pern was with him.

[Kristin]

Somehow it didn‘t surprise K‘vin that the brownrider responded to the hug with ease and it said something about their friendship that K‘vin was secure in the belief that the angry frown that marred his friend‘s face for a moment, wasn‘t because of him. Well, perhaps it was because of K‘vin, but it was certainly not aimed at K‘vin. He just wished he knew what the weyrling was thinking.

K‘vin had to commend K‘ron for actually letting the green weyrling‘s sappy words slide with only a grin and a few words instead of teasing him mercilessly, but that was just part of the boy‘s easygoing personality. And when K‘ron started talking about his old crush, K‘vin was happy to listen. Because that‘s what friends did, they were supposed to know things about each other that no one else did. „Well, I‘m sorry that you didn‘t have the guts to do something about it,“ K‘vin said with his eyes twinkling. „But I‘m still kind of glad that things didn‘t work out, because as you say, then Asileth, Toll and I wouldn‘t have our best friends!“

K‘vin leaned on the stall, waiting for K‘ron to finish, taking in the quick and well practiced moves. „But you know, she sounds like a really good friend of yours. You could visit her sometime, after all nothing is too far away when you have a dragon. Do you still keep in touch with her?“ K‘vin grimaced a little when he realized that they were nearly ready to go out and ride. Their talking had made K‘vin forget for a moment what they were here for but now he was getting nervous, not sure anymore that this was a good idea.

When the two dragons touched noses Asileth felt a shiver of affection for her brown brother. It was so strange how Asileth cared so much for her large sibling when she couldn‘t be bothered with most of the others, but Asileth spent little time contemplating that thought since Calzanth had already gone exploring and Asileth didn‘t want to be left behind. It is really good to see you too, my brother! And I‘m coming! [/i]