Riding on the Beach (Paris & Karl)

[horseboykarl]

I pull the truck up into the yard at Dave's house . . . although, from what Paris said, that's not entirely accurate anymore. In any case, I start unloading Smokey Joe, yelling for Paris as I go. He had called, suggested riding down on the beach before it got too cold. I was agreeable, I know he's proud of that horse of his and I became fond of Cavalo myself in the two weeks that he spent in my barn. Éomer did all right by Paris with that.

And Sean agreed to let me out of bed for the day. I smile happily . . . it still amazes me how we can't get enough of each other. I consider telling Paris about him, but we've never talked about informing our friends. Viggo found out more or less by accident . . . I could have pretended that Sean and I were just meeting for some friendly drinks, but my possessiveness wouldn't allow it. Viggo's one thing . . . he tends to mind his own business. Paris and Dave are something else and the shifts are mixed up with them too.

I decide I'll wait till Sean's with me before I spill.

Smokey evidently smells either Cavalo or Laurelea and he tosses his head up as I'm trying to get him down the ramp, giving a welcoming bugle.

"Silly oaf. You'll get your play time." I shove at him and he moves reluctantly.

"Paris!"

Paris: I’m round the side of the stables when I hear Karl’s truck pull up, followed by his delicate voice demanding my attention. Cavalo is already saddled, his coat gleaming, so I lead him round as he whinnies in answer to Smokey’s welcome, and tie his reins onto the fence post. I’m glad Karl accepted my invitation. I haven’t seen him since the dinner party and it was just too good a day to miss spending some of it down on the beach with decent company.

“Hey Karl.” I grin as you catch sight of me and lead Smokey towards us. When you get close, I reach up and scratch behind his ears, smiling as he breathes heavily into my hair. “How’ve you been?”

Karl: Smokey nuzzles you affectionately and I had forgotten that you learned to ride on him. I tie his lead rope to the fence and start working on his coat, before getting the saddle on him.

"I've been good," I say, talking as I work. "Between projects at the moment, so I'm taking a bit of a break."

I slide the saddle blanket into place, continuing, "Nothing's premiering for a few months, so I'm home. That's always nice, I wasn't made to be a jet-setter."

The saddle's on and I wait patiently for Smokey to release his breath. Big idiot tries this every time, you'd think he'd learn that I'm onto him. "How bout you? So you and Dave finally decided to give in and live together?”

Paris: I nod as you talk, walking back to Cavalo and running my hand down his neck. Dave told me about what happened on your last project, and I can imagine how upsetting that was, so decide not to ask about it.

“Yeah, well, we’ve both been living between the two places for a year now, and it suited us, but since Cavalo arrived, it just feels right to be out here. I take him out most mornings before work.” I’m not gonna mention the other early morning rides that are a side effect of that, though. “The warehouse’s become more of an office and workshop and I can stay out there if I’m pulling a late one and don’t want to disturb Dave, but that’s not often.”

I mount up, gathering the reins and watching Laurelea trying her best to ignore us and the fact she isn’t coming down to the beach today. I swear, if a horse could pout, she’d be doing it right now. As Smokey finally lets out a deep breath, you tighten his girth, and since we’re talking about living arrangements and stuff, there’s something else that I don’t think Dave will mind me sharing and that I think I’d like people to know about.

“I don’t know if Dave mentioned it, but we, er, kinda made things permanent last year. Not the whole marriage deal, just an arrangement between the two of us. Hedidn’t propose, and I accepted.” I smile at you and shrug. “It’s no secret, we just never got around to announcing it.”

Karl: I don't get that whole permanent tying someone down thing and I've got no idea what you're talking about Dave not proposing. I shrug . . . suppose everybody's relationships look weird from the outside. Besides, as I've told Sean numerous times . . . I know fuck all about relationships.

I smirk, "Like an un-birthday or something? So I'll offer you not-congrats?" But I shrug again. "Whatever works for you."

Smokey shakes his head and stamps, and I laugh before swinging into the saddle. "Ready, big guy? I think he's had enough of me nattering on with you. Lead on."

I follow you down the path to the beach but when we get there, the day's fucking gorgeous and I tighten my legs, urging Smokey on, trilling my tongue in a Kiwi war whoop. "Ayi ayi ayi!"

Smokey flicks his ears at me, but he's used to my shit so he takes off pounding down the sand.

Paris: Cavalo prances and shies at the sound of your war cry, but he’s itching to be stretching his legs, and with a shake of his head takes off after Smokey down the beach. His stride lengthens, powerful muscles working easily beneath his sleek hide and we slowly gain on Smokey’s lead. The sun is warm on my back, the salt air exhilarating, and it whips through my hair as we race over the sand. I bend lower over Cavalo’s neck, grinning at the sheer thrill of riding him.

I often wonder why I’d never thought of riding before, and if I would have got round to it on my own if a couple of horseboys hadn’t egged me on. We draw level and I can feel the spray as Cavalo’s hooves just clip the edge of the foam and send it flying and I know I must be grinning like a loon, loving the sense of freedom I get from giving him his head and letting him run.

Karl: Smokey and I get our freak out, and slow down finally. He's blowing a little, but still prancing. Cavalo kept up with us and I watch you with a critical eye, making sure Éomer taught you well. Then I shake my head, ruefully. I don't know why I'm still suspicious of Éomer . . . it's not like he'd let you get hurt. But you seem totally relaxed on the horse.

Smokey plays with the wavelets, snorting at them. "Big idiot. All right, since this is your beach now . . . where to?"

But your news makes me remember . . . "You know, Viggo and Orlando got married. I ran into Vig a few weeks ago. We should have a party for them, and you and Dave."

I may not understand why you and they did it, but I'm all in favour of celebrating things with my friends.

Paris: “Round those rocks, there’s another long stretch of sand. The water’s shallow enough.” Cavalo knows the way, so we take the lead. The sand is smooth under his hooves and the sea’s not much more than a few inches deep here at high tide. I know he likes to have it splashing around him as he walks and let him pick his own path.

“Yeah, that would be a good excuse for a party.” I grin. “I haven’t seen Orlando for ages, but I don’t really know Viggo.” I think Dave would enjoy that, a celebration just for our friends.

“We’d have to invite Sean too. Bean, that is. I met him while you and Dave … well, Faramir were down in Otago. Seems like a decent bloke. He said you’d been helping him out with his garden.” And then I remember the look on his face when he mentioned you and I glance over at you, wondering.

Karl: I guess you wouldn't know Vig, I think you were dead and gone before he showed up at the Edoras set. Sean didn't say anything about talking to you, but we weren't quite as sure of each other when I was in Otago, so I doubt he said anything more than what you just mentioned.

"Yeah, it was more of a mutual thing. I just suggested a few plants for his place and he helped me design my herb garden. Actually, I was on the verge of calling you about it when he showed up. I'm a good craftsman, but I'm no artist."

Those herbs smell outrageously good, sometimes I sit on my deck just breathing them in. I smile enthusiastically. "The herbs are doing really well. It's amazing how much better things taste when you've put your own herbs on them."

Smokey follows Cavalo around the rocks.

Paris: “Sean did seem very into his garden. He asked me to make some furniture for his so I’ll have to head out there soon and see what sort of thing would suit it. And him.” You seem very pleased about getting yours sorted out, and I decide it’s none of my business if there’s more to you and Sean than you’re letting on. It’s just good to see that the happy mood you were in at the dinner party has lasted, whatever the cause.

Clear of the rocks, Cavalo snorts and dances away from the water, and I wait until you draw along side us before heading towards another outcrop of flatter slabs way along at the far end of the long stretch of sand.

“I never really got into gardening, but Dave’s got a bunch of herbs growing out by the kitchen door, and you’re right, they’re so much better freshly picked.” I glance over at you and grin. “Maybe we should have this party at your place so you can show off your herb garden.” The idea of a party is really starting to grow on me. “That and the famous barbecue skills I keep hearing about.”

Karl: Smokey snorts at a gull, who flaps away, calling mockingly at him. The breeze is coming in fairly stiff off the water, but the sun is warm. And I'm glad you suggested this. It's good to see you so at ease with your horse.

"My place? Fuck, well, I guess I owe you and Dave, since you had me over last time." I roll my eyes. "Now we sound like some sort of ladies-a-plate deal. See what setting up housekeeping does? Turns you into a fucking nance."

The horseshoes clip sharply on the rock slab. "I don't mind grilling for the two of you." And Sean, maybe I should talk to him about this telling our friends thing. Since we can't seem to turn around without our paths crossing somebody we know. I wonder if he talked to you about making furniture before or after he told me he wanted me to take
him over his patio table. And I wonder what you'd say if I advised you to make it extra sturdy.

Paris: Once we’re over the slabs, the beach opens up again and we follow the edge of the water, small waves licking at the horses hooves every now and again. “Okay, we can sort a date out later. I’m sure Dave will be on for it.”

I run my hand over Cavalo’s neck and he flicks his ears. It’s fairly hard to picture you being all domestic, but then an image comes to mind of a Stepford wives version of you in a frilly apron and a big floppy hat and I grin widely. “Or we could pop round for afternoon tea and cakes if you want to get out your best china.” Cavalo prances as I snicker and with little urging, takes off down the sand.

Karl: Tea and cakes? You take off on that one. "Fucking better run, you wanker! I’ll show you good china!"

Smokey follows enthusiastically, enjoying the chance to flat out run, instead of the easy jogging he has to do on the trails around my place. We pull up at the point of another bay and walk the horses through the shallows. I wonder about the tide but from the looks of things we've got plenty of room.

"So how've you been . . . haven't really talked to you in ages. How's business?"

Paris: “I’m fine and business is better than good. Just landed a contract to restore an art deco beach house up the coast. It’s a big project, the biggest I’ve taken on so far and it was Ryssa’s catch. She’d worked for the new owners back in England, and that gave us a chance at it.”

It still hits me sometimes, that I’m a boss with staff. If anyone had told me two years ago that I’d be running my own business by now, I wouldn’t have believed it. When we reach the end of the latest stretch of sand, and I suggest we make our way back. It’s still a good long ride back to the stables, which I think will suit the horses just fine.

“I’ve had to take on another four people and we’re still taking on small jobs too, so it’s ticking over nicely.”

Karl: We turn the horses around, Smokey settling, having run some of his energy off. The tide is turning around too, so it's best we get around the rocks.

"Glad to hear it, gotta be satisfying having your own venture."

We move down the beach at an easy canter. The wind is picking up, blowing our hair around. It feels good to be out here like this, with a good friend to talk to and a good horse under me.

Paris: “Yeah, it is.” I smile as we set off down the sand, thinking that life as a whole is fairly satisfying right now.