Cleanliness is Important.

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Hands moved, using the rake to soften the dirt up within the stall. Feet moved and the rake dropped before Violet went to grab the wheelbarrow full of fresh hay next. Hands grabbed and hay was spread out, filling up the floor of the stall. A smile formed as Violet listened to the music coming from the small radio sitting outside the stall.

She was enjoying herself. Others might no understand how, seeing as she was covered in dirt and sweating slightly. Still, a smile had formed and contentness filled her heart. Eyes scrutinized before Violet nodded and headed out of the newly cleaned stall. Feet moved and a new stall approached before Violet halted in front of it. Eyes glancing in, Violet smiled upon seeing the familiar sight of her big horse Beau. Hand extended and felt the nose press affectionately into her palm.

A wider smile formed before Violet giggled. "Don't worry, Beau. I'll take you out t' the pasture in a lil'." She promised. The horse huffed, almost as if to say "You better" before it pressed further against Violet's hand. Affection built and hand pat before Violet withdrew and continued on her way. New hay filled the wheelbarrow before Violet had the feeling someone else was there.

Head turned and eyes searched, landing on a figure within the stables. A kind smile and a friendly wave before Violet finished up filling her wheelbarrow. "Howdy! Need somethin'? Did you come'ere to ride one've the horses?" She asked, glancing back up.

[Callie Montgomery]

As she headed towards the stables, Callie tousled her blonde hair and brushed it all over her right shoulder. She began separating it with each step she took and eventually finished her signature messy side braid. It wasn’t that she couldn’t do it neater, she just didn’t really have a preference as long as her hair was restrained and out of her face was all that matter. Callie was excited, the project she had been working on was near completion and she had taken the past couple of her days to unwind and relax.

Since the new school year commence she hadn’t been to the stables. It was something she was itching to do. So, here she was, heading as fast as she could to the stables. The college student made the hard decision to leave her beloved pocket cam in her room, there was no way she’d be able to ride and film. Plus, she had really wanted to spend some time with Echo. It had been too long.

When she arrived to the stables, she heard someone else talking. Just as Callie had spotted the person, she spoke. Callie began playing with the tips of her hair and nodded her head at the woman. “Yes ‘em. I wanted to take Echo for a ride.” She drawled as she walked over to the stall that Echo was in. She gently placed her hand on the horse’s face and it let out a puff of air in acceptance. It really had been too long. “How you doin’ girl?” She asked the horse, almost half expecting it to answer. Echo just swayed her head instead. Callie was smiling ear to ear.

---

Tag: Violet "Vi" Coustic

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

A smile grew and widened as Violet took in the girl's accent. A nod given, Violet finished up her current task before moving over to get the saddle and everything else for the horse so the girl could ride. Feet moved and ears listened as Violet fetched the equipment. Approval grew as Violet heard the girl talk to the horse. Eyes observed as Echo seemed to like her.

Well would you look at that?

Feet moved back and the saddle dropped as Violet placed it on a hook with the mat over her shoulder. "You two know each other long?" She asked, nodding with her head to indicate the horse as she unlocked the stall and headed in. A hand raised and moved as Violet pat the horse fondly and led her out of the stall. Hands moved and the mat was placed before Violet grabbed the saddle.

"She's a real beauty." Violet complimented, smiling at Callie and Echo.

[Callie Montgomery]

Callie’s blue eyes remained on the horse. Every so often she’d feel Echo push her hand a little, letting her know not to stop. She couldn’t help but feel a bit relieved. She wasn’t sure how Echo would react, but was glad that her companion had forgiven her. In retrospect, she should have brought her brother for a ride when he came to visit. He would have been happy knowing that Callie had another horse around, even though she missed shadow.

Callie noticed the woman’s accent, similar to her own, but she was too preoccupied with the horse to even mention it. There were more people around her from down south than she thought there would be. It was oddly comforting.
 
“I’m sorry it’s been so long. I promise it won’t happen again!” She said to Echo, giving the horse a nod, who responded with another huff. While she was paying most of her attention to Echo she did not ignore the sound and movement that the woman was making. She was getting the riding equipment. How kind.

The blonde glanced over at the woman, and smiled thinking back to when she had first met this horse. “Mhm. She was one of the first friends I made when I got sent here.” She said, stepping back as the woman was preparing the horse for her to ride. She let out a soft giggle, “I tell her that all the time.” She said as she crinkled her nose at the horse. She leaned away from Echo and placed her hand next to her mouth, almost as if she was about to tell a secret. “I think it might ‘ave gone to her head.” She whispered, letting out another giggle.

“You like ridin’ too?” She asked. It may have seemed like a silly question, but she had met her fair share of people who loved horses, but disliked riding them.

---

Tag: Violet "Vi" Coustic

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Ears caught and smile formed as Violet heard the girl apologize for not visiting Echo and promise to come more. It was a sweet thing to say, and Violet hoped the girl would make good on her promise.

Here's hoping she does.

Hands moved and ears caught while Violet grabbed the straddle and started putting it on. A soft chuckle, Violet flashed a smile at the girl. "Might have'ta change her name to Diva then." She commented, voice slightly teasing and playful. Feet moved and bite grabbed before Violet fit it into the horse's mouth with a soft pat.

"Yes'em." She answered, words warm and a soft smile. "Beau's mine. I take her out t'pasture n' ride often as I can." She said, hand pointed to indicate the stall containing the large Shire.

[Callie Montgomery]

Another giggled escaped Callie’s lips. Diva. Now that would have been a perfect name for the horse. She had stepped aside, watching the woman at work, getting Echo ready for a ride. She thought back to her days at the stables at her house. It was smaller than the one here, and the equipment wasn’t as nice. No one but Callie was allowed it, her daddy made sure of it. It was the only place that was truly her own. Well, it was also the horses too, but for Callie it was her sanctuary.

A warm smile remained on her face as the woman answered the question. A fellow rider, how lovely it was. Callie took a few steps over to the stall the woman had gestured to, and the horse was gorgeous. “Hey there Beau. You’s a beauty.” Callie said eyes wide glimmering with admiration. She shot Echo a look, knowing she’s be slightly jealous. Such a princess she was. Her blue eyes moved back to the woman. “Where you from?” Callie asked, completely off topic from the horses they had been discussing. But she was curious. Callie cocked her head to the side and started playing with the tips of her hair again as she waited for an answer. She should have brought her pocket cam. Damn.

---

Tag: Violet "Vi" Coustic

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

A smile formed as Violet heard the girl laugh. She seemed nice, and Echo seemed to like her enough. Hands moved as Violet continued her work, listening to Callie approach her horse and compliment her. Beau in question huffed a little, as if in thanks before sticking her big head out a little towards the girl for her to pet. A snicker and a smile, Violet knew her girl just loved attention.

Maybe she should've been Diva. Although Sweetheart's right up there. Think I'll stick with Beau though.

"Kentucky." Violet answered, voice levelly calm and devoid of offense. She didn't mind the question one bit. "Grew up on a farm n' raised animals all my life. Horses especially. Always loved ridin'." She added, tone wistful and warm with memory. Head turned before Violet regarded Callie. "N' you? Seem like you're familiar 'round horses."

[Callie Montgomery]

Callie was mesmerized by the beauty of the Shire. They were gorgeous horses. Her black mane and coat reminded her of Shadow. Although Shadow was all black, Beau had a beautiful white strip going down the middle of her face, as well as her legs. Callie put her hand out to pet the beautiful beast when she had stuck her head out. She was a friendly horse too. She couldn’t help but eye Echo momentarily, she didn’t want to take away the beauty from her own horse, because she too was beautiful. There was, on occasion, a few times where Callie had considered sticking a fake horn on Echo’s head and trying to pass her off as a unicorn. It would never work, and as entertaining as the thought was she’d never dare disrespect an animal in such a way.

Her hands kept moving along the Beau’s face, and when the woman mentioned Kentucky Callie smiled. This was someone who sounded just like Callie. “Yes ‘em. Same as you. Except I’m from Texas.” She replied giving a slight nod. Most people never understood the life of a farmer. Yet, here someone was. Understanding and all. "I was in charge of the stables, no one was allowed to go in there 'cept me." She added, reminiscent of her home.

---

Tag: Violet "Vi" Coustic

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Beau seemed all to happy to push further into Callie's hand when the girl pet her. Tail swishing, the big horse looked as happy as could be from getting pet by the stranger. Smile widened and approval grew, Violet was happy to see Callie was fascinated with her horse.

If Beau likes her, I can too.

Ears listened as Violet finished up her work. Thoughts confirmed and smile strengthened as Callie said she was from Texas and grew up on a farm too. "Texas, huh? Lot more space than Kentucky." She joked, voice playful and kind. "Pa and I were the ones t'work the stables most of the time. My brother would take care'a the fields with Ma usually." She added, tone calm and hands moved to recheck straps.

"Stables is where my recruiter proved I was a mutant, actually. Had me calm one of the stallions we had by myself. Real nasty horse, that one. But it worked n' I came here." She added, the words said easily and memories flooded.

[Callie Montgomery]

The wide smile remained on her face as Beau welcomed her with such warmth and friendliness. Not all horses were welcoming to strangers, and Callie knew better than to approach an unfamiliar horse as if it were her own. All animals and people are the same. They all are unique and have different personalities. Human’s needed to respect that.

Her head nodded in response. Confirming that she was from Texas as Violet repeated what she had said. Callie let out a soft chuckle. “Ya, more space fo’ sure.” She glanced over at Violet who was still attending to Echo. She had a way with horses. Just like she did. “That’s interesting, my mama didn’t work outside much. Most of her time was spent in and around the house.” She said with a shrug. If her mama did come to help on the fields, it probably would have made things easier. Callie never did understand why her mama always was trying to pull her away to work in the house with her. It was silly. She was needed outside, not inside. What really could her mama needed her for?

Still moving her hands around on Beau’s face her blue eyes remained on Violet. Her facial expression remained light and her smile was present as it usually was. Listening as she spoke about her powers, Callie was intrigued. Not wanting to leave Beau, she remained there, but her attention was now fully focused on the woman. “What exactly is your power?” She asked, her head tilted to the side.

---

Tag: Violet "Vi" Coustic

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

A soft chuckle, Violet joined in with the girl and then nodded. She had only been to Texas once or twice with her father to visit some family there. Ears listened and eyes glanced as Callie talked about her mother. "Each family's different I reckon. My Ma hated sittin' around so she'd find work'ta do to keep herself busy." She shared, voice calm and a wistful smile.

Hands stopped, Violet finished her business and instead just pat Echo. Power reacted as she pet the large creature, the hormones she secreted sliding into the creature and calming her down while also making the horse create more oxytocin herself. Ears listened and head turned as Callie asked her question.

"I create a lot more've the hormone called oxytocin. It leaks out on skin contact, n' when I touch a person it make 'em make more'a the stuff themselves." She explained, tone soft and hand still pet. "It calms people now n' makes 'em more affectionate n' the like."

[Callie Montgomery]

Callie continued petting the Shire. She wasn’t even aware that she was still doing it anymore. Her head was oddly still. Usually it’d be bobbing around, like she always did when she was excited, but instead it was unmoving, only when she gave a nod or a glance did it move.

She listened patiently as Violet spoke. “That’s what my daddy would say. My mama claimed she did stuff around the house, but I was never inside to verify if it was true.” She said with a little giggle. For all she knew her mama would watch TV or read books all day, while they were all out working hard. If that was the case than Callie missed out on some lazy times. She began thinking of her family room back at her house. How her daddy always sat in the old dingy chair in the corner that you had to kick the side in order for it to recline back. Her smile grew as her mind was reminiscent of her childhood home.

Her blue eyes shifted between Echo and Violet, she watched as she pet Echo, her eyes then went back to the woman’s face. Callie took a quick glance of the woman, toe to head. When she reached her face, she took her time, carefully observing the girls face. The way her lips moved when she spoke and all of the contours of her face. She wished she had brought her pocket cam.

As the woman spoke about her power, Callie’s eyes were wide with fascination. Her gift was truly special. “Ya, I’ve ‘eard ‘bout that hormone.” She said as she dropped her hands from Beau’s face and walked closer to Violet. “Can you see it on your hands?” She asked, stopping right in front of the woman.

---

Tag: Violet "Vi" Coustic

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

A soft laugh, Violet shrugged. "Maybe she was just pullin' your leg n' catchin' up on shows or somethin'." She said, tone soft and playful. She didn't know what Callie's family was really like though, so she couldn't say for sure.

Eyes caught, Violet noticed how the girl seemed to observe her. Silence kept, Violet only wondered what it was that was fascinating the girl so much about her.

I'm not special or anything. Wonder what's on her mind?

Beau seemed a bit sad when Callie moved away, but the horse soon turned back in her stall to drink instead. Eyes watched as Callie approached Violet and asked her question. Hand moved, Violet held up her free one to show Callie with a soft smile while still petting Echo with her other one. It was a well callused hand, but nothing crazy about it.

"You can't see it, but it's there. It kind've latches out when I make skin contact n' goes into the other person." She explained, voice patient and kind. Hand moved slightly, Violet offered her hand to Callie with a smile. "Want'ta see? I wouldn't mind, n' you can say no if you don't want to. Just givin' you the option." She added, tone gentle.

[Callie Montgomery]

Another giggle escaped the blonde’s lips as Violet spoke the thoughts that had just crossed Callie’s mind. It was totally a possibility. She pictured her mama sitting in her daddy’s nasty chair that he cherished so much. Sitting with her feet up watching some trashy show on the tiny television that was in their family room. If daddy had ever caught her or anyone for that matter in his chair, there would be hell to pay. Callie was careful, making sure to clear her mind before looking at the woman again.

Guilt was only present for a moment when Callie realized that she had left Beau to attend to Violet. As much as she loved horses, she had mastered them pretty well. This woman however, was new, and therefore required much more attention.

Her blue eyes watched closely as Violet’s hand moved. As she revealed her hand, you couldn’t see anything that was different compared to a normal hand. It was for all intents and purposes, normal. Perhaps a bit callused, just like Callie’s too, but nothing out of the ordinary to suggest she had been secreting any substance from there.

Her ears were attentive as Violet explained. It wasn’t visible, but it goes into the other person, interesting. She couldn’t help but in that moment think of her roommate who had to wear gloves to conceal the slimy substance her hands and arms produced. Her smile and eyes grew wider as she offered to show her. Callie had already made up her mind before the woman could finish. “I’d love to!” She said her accent always more prominent when excited. She stepped slightly closer, eager to see how it would affect her. “So you can control it? Or is it anytime you touch somethin’ it just happens?” She asked truly fascinated by the whole idea of it. Even though the school she was attending was filled with mutants each person and their ability never ceased to amaze her.

---

Tag: Violet "Vi" Coustic

[Violet "Vi" Coustic]

Eyes watched as Callie observed her hand with the intensity of a surgeon. Violet had no idea she would so curious, but she smile softly.

It's so strange how interested she is, but I guess every power is different.

A smile, Violet watched as Callie seemed to burst with excitement and thicken her accent. Hand moved, Violet gently took one of Callie's in hers. Contact made and power flowed, the hormone spread from the touch into Callie while the girl's body itself also started making more of the hormone. Violet did not strengthen the power too much, just enough to let Callie feel faster. Feeling spreading, the transfer brought with it a growing feeling of tranquility and affection for Violet.

"I can't turn it off, but I can suppress or strengthen the effects'ta make it take longer or shorter'ta completely calm a person." She explained, voice gentle and warm. "I can make it take five minutes or thirty dependin'."