just wanted to take pictures of horses

[Slade Konrad]

"I've never been to England." He commented idly, slinging the saddle he'd taken atop his chosen steed. "Always wanted to visit, though." He smiled lightly as he watched the girl heft the saddle up. "Was that rough?" He asked after she'd confessed the reason for her family's relocation. "Moving to a new country, I mean?" Slade wasn't going to press for details about her parent's separation but he was curious to hear more about the girl. His attention briefly turned to his own horse as he tightened the saddle before patting the animal on the forehead again.

"That's alright." He answered. "Most people don't equate horses with modern combat. You're forgiven." He peeked into the next stall just in time to watch her tumble into the hay. A brief flash of panic touched his face until he discovered she was unharmed. "Here..." He pulled the saddle off her with one hand while offering the other down to Zoe. "Are you okay?"

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

Zoe remembered England fairly well, or, well, at least London very well. She hadn't exactly traveled very much outside of there, not really needing to and all. "It's wet," she offered, smiling, "so they got that part right. And moving wasn't too bad. Americans aren't that different," though Zoe supposed that now that she'd spent as much time in America as in Britain that she might as well count among them. She had dual-citizenship though, and she would likely forever sound British. she might head back there, someday, if only to visit.

Though such thoughts and journeys would have to wait. For one thing, Zoe had a saddle on top of her, though not for long, as Mr. Konrad managed to lift that easily enough. She nodded at his question, reaching for his hand for a moment before realizing that such a gesture would involve touching. so instead she scrambled backward, running hard into a stall wall. Zoe winced at the sudden jarring pain, but pushed herself against it and got to her feet.

"I'm alright!" she insisted, waving her hands. 'Everything's fine," she didn't want to admit to having nearly panicked at almost touching someone. Instead she walked back to the horse, keeping her eye down. "Sorry, I um, just sort of lost my balance there," she reached out for the saddle, figuring that she should continue preparing her horse herself. At least the animal seemed fine, that was something.

[Slade Konrad]

"Holy shit!" Slade didn't intend for the curse to slip out but her reaction to his offer for assistance. Tossing the saddle aside he moved forward, closing the distance between himself and Zoe, again going to help her up until she scrambled to her feet of her own volition. "Are you okay?" The expression on the big man's face was one of pure concern for his young charge. "That looked like it hurt." He did his best to look her over and make sure she hadn't cut or bruised anything when she became closely acquainted to the solid, wooden wall of the stall.

Slade had been briefed on Zoe's mutation before he'd arrived. Hell, he already knew where she was from, it was more to make the conversation between them. They left out her reluctance to touch people because of her power. "It's alright." He said, his voice taking on a faintly softer tone as he spoke. "You don't have to panic." He then scooped up the saddle. "How about I take care of this?" His brow furrowed as he looked her over again. "Are you sure you're not hurt?"

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

Zoe was used to that look of pure concern, and she flushed with embarrassment, realizing that she'd yet again added to Mr. Konrad's load. She nodded, then shook her head, not to disagree with herself, but because she realized she wasn't quite sure which the most appropriate nonverbal response to the question was. She opened her mouth and forced words out, talking in a near squeak: "I'm fine! Really! It was just a small bump!"

And that happened with alarming frequency for Zoe. She just couldn't help it: she didn't want to touch people, so she made certain to get out of there way. Better a few bruised elbows and such than someone twitching on the floor, or unable to breathe. Both the images of the two girls Zoe loved flashed through her mind, nearly causing the old feelings of panic surging up inside. That was in the past though; she wasn't going to send Mr. Konrad twitching any time soon.

He'd taken the saddle, and Zoe did take a step forward to try and help, then realized that perhaps it would be better if she just moved to try something else. He could easily handle the saddle; she probably should've just let him hoist it upon the horse in the first place. "Thank you,' she mumbled. She then moved to try and help, though she obviously still wanted to stay as much out of the way as she possibly could. "I'm fine though, really. See?" she smiled and gestured at herself. Like he'd have been able to see a bump on her head or something, since she did still have hair, if not an overabundance of it.

[Slade Konrad]

Content that she hadn't hurt herself, Slade went about securing the saddle atop the horse she'd chosen. He did back off a little, though, when Zoe went to help, allowing her to contribute in preparing the animal. "Must be rough." He commented quietly, casting a glance to the girl while he buckled the saddle beneath the horse. "Your power, I mean." It wasn't pity he offered, but a sympathetic ear. The military long ago taught him the importance of mental health along with physical.

Once they'd finally finished and the two horses stood at the ready Slade took a couple steps back to look over the animals. "Not bad." He said, nodding approvingly. "This should be fun." Indeed, he was looking forward to getting on a horse again. He remembered enjoying it when down range and wishing he could experience it when he wasn't expecting an ambush at every turn. He glanced to her to make sure she was able to mount the animal by herself.

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

Zoe heard the comment, remaining silent for a few moments. She eventually nodded, a small motion, not likely to be overly noticeable, adding a nearly whispered; "it is." she helped Mr. Konrad, moving to get the bit into the horse's mouth and get everything else ready. Zoe patted the animal's side, moving to look at her name. Roanoak, which sounded pretty. Said horse was a pretty roan colored mare, so it fit.

"I'm looking forward to it too," she said. Zoe then flushed, moving alongside the horse. "I mean, I guess you already know that, since we're here and all," she paused for a few moments, rearranging her skirt and clothing, making sure everything was situated. Once she was ready, Zoe raised one booted foot, sliding it into the stirrup. She pulled herself upright, managing to get into the horse with only a little trouble. Once there she had to move around a bit, rearranging clothing and making sure that both horse and rider were as comfortable as they could reasonably be.

"See, I told you," she said, looking over at Mr. Konrad and smiling, "I've done this before," and she flicked her reins, giving the horse a slight kick. It moved easily enough, obviously well trained and willing to let Zoe guide it into the riding pillock behind the stables. It wouldn't be a large area, meant just for some simple riding and all, which was all that these two should certainly be doing about now.

[Slade Konrad]

Slade couldn't help it. As much as he tried (and largely succeeded) in keeping his personal feelings (ALL of them) away from anything that had to do with work he couldn't resist feeling a certain sense of satisfaction as he watched Zoe sit atop the horse. It actually warmed his giant, muscle-bound heart to know what had originally started out as a meek request to take pictures had turned into a full blown riding session.

After Roanoakn trotted off at Zoe's urging Slade returned to his own chosen steed. "Mister Tickles McPherson." He read the horse's nameplate and blinked. "You've got to be kidding me..." He grumbled, leading the horse out into a more open area. Obviously Slade had opted for the largest horse he could find, a big, chocolate brown specimen with a black mane and tail. "Alright... Tickles..." He said quietly to the horse as he prepared to pull himself up. "Don't make me look like a jackass in front of the student." He whispered to the animal and jerked himself up and into the saddle.

With a bit of a satisfied nod he settled onto the horse. His attention shifted to the riding equipment he'd secured onto the animal as he did yet another check to ensure everything was in its correct place. Finally content it was, he goaded the animal to start forward, heading in the direction Zoe already had a head start in.

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

{so much kudos for that name; I literally burst out laughing}

Zoe urged her horse onward, displaying an actual talent for guiding the animal. It probably helped that she respected the animal and, for some reason, didn't seem to fear it like she did people. Soon enough she was out in the enclosure, moving about. The horse seemed more than happy to prance about. It wasn't as though it had to carry much, seeing as Zoe wasn't exactly very large by anyone's definitions. She was, however, smiling as wide as she ever had, moving the horse about to face Mr. Konrad as he came out.

"You keep insisting you're not a knight, and then you do chivalrous deeds," she pointed out, smiling at him. "Thank you," she said again, before moving the horse. She managed to work Roanoak into a trot, guiding her with reins and body movement. It had been ages since Zoe had done this, but in many ways, it felt like riding a bike. She wasn't sure she wanted to go wild with it, but she definitely felt comfortable guiding the horse into a trot up and down the length of the enclosure. She gave out a little giggle as passed Mr. Konrad again. Clearly someone was just a little happy with the situation.

[Slade Konrad]

Slade's horse didn't have it quite so easy. The broad shouldered, hulking phys ed teacher's weight hovered at just under 300 pounds. Nonetheless, he spurred his steed on to catch up with Zoe. His mouth opened to respond to her assertion of his figurative knighthood but it closed. The words never formed, though, as his big, burly heart now was nearly melted at the sight of the girl's happiness.

He zig-zagged his Mr. Tickles this way and that, testing not just his own capacity to guide the animal, but the horse's ability to listen and the ease in which it lugged Slade's large frame about. Content that the animal was capable, he spurred the steed onward. Mr. Tickles was able to get a good amount of speed up before being slowed to a halt near Zoe and her horse. "Remind me to go through the Academy safety course for this." He said, a wide smile spreading across his face. He'd forgotten how liberating (and fun) riding was.

His eyes shifted to watch as Zoe trotted on ahead of him. He paused a moment, simply watching the girl who'd looked so troubled when they first met. Her timid, meek nature had almost made Slade as nervous as she was when they first met. It was as if he would have to handle her in the same fashion one would fine China. But sitting atop a horse seeing her opening up and seemingly letting go of her troubles, at least for the moment, was a feeling Slade had rarely experienced.

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

Zoe was a little too wrapped up in her own riding to really pay that much attention to Mr. Konrad. She did cast a look at him every so often, but there was just too much joy to be had in the actual riding. No need to worry, as there was plenty of horse between Zoe and anyone that she could touch. At least for these few moments, she could forget about her power, forget about being a mutant, forget about the internet and its hate, and just be a girl riding the horse.

She did slow as she saw Mr. Konrad plodding along. She directed her horse to come alongside him, slowing its trot into a more steady motion that better fit Mr. Konrad's burdened steed. She reached over to give Mr. Tickles a few pats on the neck, smiling at him. "Are you enjoying yourself too?" she asked, looking up at Mr. Konrad. "I imagine it must be rather tiresome, having to play guardian for people like me," a tinge of that sadness returned to the smile and she broke her gaze, looking about the pin. It did make sense for the place to have a good area for horses; Montana was pretty much made for horse riding and the like. Zoe patted her own horse again before picking up the reins.

Even going slow like this, riding alongside someone else, gave her some pleasure, though part of her was now wishing that she had her camera. Well, she did have her phone, come to think of it. She dug into the pocket of her skirt now, figuring that she could manage to pull out the device easily enough.

[Slade Konrad]

"I'll take it easy on ya." Slade said to his steed, giving the animal a gentle pat on the neck. He knew the horse wouldn't have too much trouble hauling his weight short distances, but it wasn't as though Mr. Tickles was a Clydesdale or similarly built animal. Slade still wanted to be as gentle with the horse as possible. He was pretty sure the Academy operated on a 'you break it, you buy it' policy with their animals.

The most enjoyable aspect of the moment wasn't his own enjoyment that came from riding a horse for the first time in what felt like forever, rather it stemmed from the look of unbridled joy that came from Zoe. Slade probably slowed his horse too much and stared a little too long as the sight of the girl pulled him into his mind. As a man who'd been asked to cause so much pain and suffering in his life, to get such a pure, innocent reaction out of a small gesture was an alien, but welcome experience.

The sound of the girl's voice as she guided her steed alongside his pulled Slade from his own little world. He glanced toward Zoe and offered a faint shrug. "Tiresome?" He repeated then shook his head. "Not at all. It feels..." He trailed off a moment, his eyes shifting downward as he searched for the right word. "Normal." He finally finished with a small smile. Indeed, as a soldier he was called upon to protect, regardless of what many media accounts would indicate. Protect a given area. Protect innocents caught in the crossfire. Protect the guy next to you. The world around him may be drastically different than when he was in the military but there were some things inside the large teacher that would never change.

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

The "not at all" made Zoe stop her digging and look up at Mr. Konrad, confusion crinkling her brow for a few seconds. That sounded almost promising, and she nearly felt a little hopeful at those words. He then followed it with something even better: normal. Zoe had to outright laugh at that, shaking her head. It lasted a bit, mostly coming out in short little bursts that she tried, in vain, to smother with one gloved hand. "Sorry!" she squeaked in between them, managing to squeeze the word between bursts of merriment and her own confining fingers. "it's just," she lowered her hand, sighing, "I don't think anyone's used that word in combination with me since I got here."

She sighed again, her smile taking on a bit of sadness. Her horse shifted though, and Zoe remembered to grab hold of the reins with her hand. That then reminded her that she'd been digging for her phone a few moments ago. She dug again, this time locating the device a little quicker. She soon had it out and between her hands. It needed unlocked, and there was a text message from Devyn to respond to with a quick "I'm riding." She then moved it up to get a quick picture of Mr. Konrad.

"Sorry," she said, again repeating her favorite word, "but I just wanted to get at least one picture of you on a horse and, well," she tweaked her face, then motioned subtly with her head toward the stables where she'd left her camera.

[Slade Konrad]

"I think we've established by now my sense of 'normal' was busted long ago." Slade replied with a bit of a smirk as he watched the girl burst out in laughter. It wouldn't take much convincing to assure anyone of Slade's unique outlook. Even though the term 'war' got tossed around far too much to Slade's liking even given the threat of the SPECTRE Initiative the big man was still the only member of the staff he knew of that truly understood what the word meant. Maybe this was what had forged his sense of duty and caused him to volunteer to keep an eye on the girl. And maybe, just maybe, it was the reason he didn't feel much of this was out of place.

"Don't worry about it." Waving off her apology. "Take all the pictures you want. I'm not shy." He looked out over the sequestered riding area and took a deep breath. It wasn't quite the outdoors he preferred given how close they were to civilization, but being outside beat being stuck in an office any day of the week.

"And you say 'sorry' too much." He added after a pause. "You shouldn't apologize when you have no reason to."

[Zoe Wallerstein-Smythe]

Zoe actually giggled as Mr. Konrad admitted to having a skewed view of normal. "I think we all do," she offered, smiling up at him for a few moments. Normal for them did involve dealing with people who, well, could paralyze other people with a touch or read minds or who did who knows what. So maybe they just had to start thinking of themselves in terms that were slightly different from normal. Then again, Zoe had often heard people say that normal was just a setting on a video game, so maybe that was just how they should start thinking about it?

Zoe was thinking more about taking pictures. She had her phone out and was soon shifting it into "camera" mode. Take all the pictures she wanted. Zoe wasn't sure what she'd do if someone actually told her she couldn't, probably stare and stutter and awkwardly fidget. For now, she settled for halting her horse just long enough to take a few snapshots of Mr. Konrad. Once she had that, she had a rhythm down and could start taking them while riding too, easily rolling along with the motions of the animal beneath her and still managing to take snapshots every so often.

Mr. Konrad told her not to say sorry though, and Zoe found herself looking down. "um, sorry--" she said, then she smiled an embarrassed smile. "I guess... I'm just used to it by now," she shrugged. "It happens when you mess up a lot. I'm betting you don't apologize that often," she meant it as a compliment, and she tried another smile. Then, feeling a little puckish, she snapped another few pictures of him, then of the horses just because she could manage it. She wondered if she should try bringing the horse to a gallop. She couldn't very well challenge Mr. Konrad to a race; that would be too much for his horse, but he probably wouldn't mind if she galloped a little... right?

[Slade Konrad]

As timid as she may be, Slade was sure there was more wisdom to Zoe than she may exude at times. He looked to her with a mix of curiosity and quiet contemplation. She had been dealt a bum hand by the Mutant Power Gods, that was for sure. Maybe that was the root of her meek nature, maybe it just added to it. In spite of it she seemed to be doing alright. At least she could still enjoy herself and hadn't been utterly consumed by circumstances beyond her control. He'd seen that happen to bigger and stronger people than Zoe.

Mr. Tickles did an admirable job of lugging Slade around without showing too much fatigue. Occasionally Slade would pat the horse's neck and mutter a few quiet words of thanks and encouragement. It didn't do a thing to help the horse's performance but it made the big man feel better. He pulled the reins to turn the animal toward Zoe's. "I've made decisions that got good men killed." He confessed with a nearly visible wince. "I apologize everyday." He continued without much pause, wanting to get through the depressing portion of making his point as quickly as possible. "Only apologize when it's something within your control."

Slade took a moment to turn his gaze back to the lush, Montana countryside. He did enjoy the scenery here. There was no comparison between the natural beauty surrounding the Academy and the sterile, bland environs of his past duty stations. A short glance back to the horse and Slade brought himself back to the present. He'd have to stop drifting off so much. His eyes shifted to Zoe and he gave a bit of a smile. "You look like you're debating something." He said. "What's up?"