Hello/Good evening!
Here is a little story about my favorite character from the Pin series! :)
In Season 1, the characters are between 14-16 years old, in Season 2 between 15-17 years old, in Season 3: 16-18 years old.
So in this story they are between 17-19 years old.
Becky is the youngest and Marcus the oldest, so when Becky is 14, Marcus is 16. Etc. ^^
I hope you'll like this text (if you happen to pass by here, you never know...) ^^
Have a good read!
PS: I also post this story on this site in English. And on AO3 in French and English under the pseudo of Gwalyn!
Pin walked down the stairs from his chamber and into the kitchen, the young man found no trace of his father, only his mug of coffee still in the sink was proving that he had woken up before him. Pin went to the window and looked into the small yard, he didn't see their van either, which probably meant that his paternal was already left to Bright Field. It surprised Pin that his father was not expecting him or else wake him up, but maybe he had been called for something else. Anyway, the young man intended to go to the center with Elvis. The horse was visible in the small meadow, grazing. Pin smiled when he saw him, then turned to have a quick breakfast.
As, he poured the coffee into his own mug, the boy reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a packet of cigarettes. He opened the packet, managed to get one out and stuck it between his lips then put the coffee maker on the table. While his right hand put the packet away, his left hand searched for and found a small black zippo which Pin opened and with a flick of his thumb lit a flame which remained alight while he lit the end of his cigarette. With a flick of the wrist, he closed the check valve, extinguished the lighter and put it straight back in his pocket.
His back against the kitchen's table, Pin slowly drinked his coffee, alternating between his hot drinking and the nicotine stick. When he smoked, he stood still for a few seconds, as if savouring the smoke, and then he slowly exhaled it in a light cloud of smoke which then filled the kitchen. Pin glanced at the wall clock which was already showing 8 AM, he was going to have to hurry so as not to be late, being the owner of the centre did not exclude him from not coming on time, even less now that he had to set an example. This thought made him laugh, he was the Duke, it was a changing of status whose he was not yet used to. Fortunately, his father and Maggie were very helpful in running Bright Field. In addition, his friends who were always teasing him about his title, helped him, in their own way, to keep his feet on the ground, in a way. He looked up at the clock again and swore under his breath when he saw that the time had flown by so quickly. The young rider put his empty cup in the sink next to his father's, finished his cigarette, reached into his jacket hanging on the coat rack and took out a small tin can where he put the butt of his cigarette. He went out, locked the door, and walked over to Elvis to get him ready and leave.
OoO
When Pin arrived at Bright Field, some peoples were already there like Marcus and Mia. He greeted them and went to hang Elvis near one of the stables, and then headed toward the office. Maggie waved to him and then returned to her phone conversation, Pin heard a few words and quickly realised that Zoe's mother was talking to an insurance representative. The young man decided to leave her alone for the moment and come back later to discuss the new changes in the management of Bright Field.
Bit by bit, all the riders come to Bright Field, the morning was a back and forth of humans and horses, sometimes some cats went basking in the sun until they were dislodged to gain access to a few places. In the end of the afternoon, Marcus, while chasing yet another cat that had taken up residence in the saddlery, wondered what the increase in the number of felines in the centre was even due to. He went out of the room and checked that the door was locked, he then went to bring the horse he had taken care of during the day back to the yard. On the way, he met a group composed of Zoë, Becky, Jade, Mia, Susie, Gaby and Alex, the young instructor stopped and talked with them for a few minutes
- The ride was good ?
- Very pleasant, we even saw the wild horses, they were grazing around the castle. - answered Zoe, smiling at this.
- They know that they will be quiet. Now that Pin is the Duke of the Island, he has forbidden us to come to the grounds bordering the castle, they are reserved for the horde. - concluded Marcus.
- Speaking of Mr Duke, do you know if he's finished his jumping session? We said we'd all go for a drink later. You're welcome to join us.
- That's kind of you and why not, if I've finished the programme, I'm putting preparing for you for the next championship. And speaking of Pin, no I don't know. When I'm passed in front of the arena, there was no one there. I didn't notice if Elvis was in the stable yard but go check. Maybe he put him in a stall and went into the office to discuss the changes with your mother. He wanted to do it this morning but couldn't.
Zoe nodded and went on her way with the others, they arrived directly in the central courtyard of Bright Field and started to take care of their horses before returning them to their respective stalls. The young girl gave Raven a final brush, a treat, a kiss which the stallion seemed to return, and then headed for the management office. When she went inside, she saw her mother filling in various sheets of paper, each of which seemed more important than the last. Maggie looked up and smiled as she saw her daughter enter, stopping her task, she turned to her and looked at her.
- So, that ride ?
- Very comfortable, we saw the wild pack. Sorry mum but I thought find Pin with you actually. Marcus told me that we had to have a discuss about the changes of Bright Field…
- Oh yes ! He's gone, fifteen minutes ago, I guess. – replied Maggie checking the time.
- Do you know where is gone then ?
- No, no idea my sweet, I'm sorry but you will have to search him a little time yet.
In respond, Zoe sighed and leaved the office with her mother's slight laugh for accompanying. The young girl gazed around her, reflecting about where Pin could be. Seeing her cogitating, eyebrows furrowed, Becky and Jade went to her to offer their help, the enthusiasm of Bob's owner being so great that Zo didn't have the courage to decline. So, they split up to cover as much ground as possible, hitching a ride on anyone they found in their path. Soon, the entire Bright Field was looking for their friend.
OoO
Far from knowing he was at the centre of the intention and research, Pin walked along the paths that ran alongside the land belonging to Bright Field. The young man was checking the condition of the fences and wires that had been put up, noting in his head the spaces where they would have to substitute the materials. Fortunately, he noticed that there were only one or two rotten beams and a battery had to be replaced, nothing too complicating for him and his father. Pin breathed in the country air, his watch showed 4 PM, the others must have returned from their ride by now. On his way back, Pin took advantage of the summer heat that was warming his skin even in the late afternoon and took out his cigarette pack. As he had done this morning, he took one out, blocked it between his lips and lit it with his zippo. He then put it back in his pockets and exhaled the first puff of nicotine.
In truth, Pin couldn't say when he had actually taken up smoking. It had happened during his travels around the world, he had met many peoples and of course, some of them smoked and he had been offered a cigarette many times. At first, it had been a few puffs, then the puffs had turned into a cigarette, then two, then three and he had finally bought a pack. He wasn't, however, a regular smoker, his packs were long lasting. He liked to have a cigarette on hand when he wanted to smoke one but was far from consuming a pack per day or week. After all, he lived on an island and rumours travelled fast on an island. So Pin enjoyed his cigarette in this late summer afternoon, admiring the landscape before him, the smell countryside, the sounds of the nature, how can you not be able to relax in this setting, he asked himself ? The young man continued his walk, smoking his cigarette slowly, blowing the smoke out in a thick withe cloud that gradually dissipated in the air, and then disappeared. He saw the entrance to the centre in the distance and to make sure he didn't get caught with a cigarette in his mouth, he took one last drag and put it out with the sole of his shoe. He took the cigarette butt and put it in the small metal box. He then entered the Bright Field compound and made his way to the central courtyard, on the way he met Jade and Becky who ran to meet him, extremely happy to see him, which made him frown and take a few steps back at this (too) much love.
- Pin ! Where was you been ? We search you everywhere ! – interrogated Backy
- Hm… I…
- Zoe is freaking out about not finding you ! - continued Becky
- No, I was … - tried to answer Pin
- We called your father who say you wasn't home, we were beginning to think you'd gone for a ride with Elvis and something had happened to you !
- Becky ! Let him answer ! - Jade cut her off
Becky put on a horrified face as she realized that she hadn't let Pin answer (besides yelling at the Duke of the island), putting both hands against her mouth, she looked at Pin and hunched her shoulders, a look of utter desolation on her face. Pin raised a hand to calm her down.
- Don't worry Becky, there is no problems. I was out checking the fences; I took longer than I thought. Are the others still looking for me ?
With both hands still over her mouth, Becky nodded positively, afraid of saying something stupid again. Jade turned to Pin and calmy explained him that everybody was searching him, but that they would probably all come back not having found it. Pin nodded then escorted girls in the yard. Indeed, everyone was present, wondering where their friend had gone. It was Rosie who had to tell them to turn around to see the object of their search arrive with Jade and Becky. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief and took turns questioning the young Duke about his absence. After explaining again why, the tension fell, and a few jibes were thrown in for revenge. Pin let them do it and then joined Zoe, who was looking at him, eyebrows raised, surprised that the young man had not answered anything to this argument.
- I'll have to get used to it. None of them are going to leave me alone with this, - said Pin.
- To go from stable boy to Duke of the Island, you have to do it all the same.
- I didn't ask for anything, it just fell into my lap and I still wonder if it's a good thing...
- Pin, no one is asking you to act like a Duke. Stay as you are, a boy who is extremely talented with horses and a little less with humans. ~
- Says the one who loves this boy. - Added Pin
- Point for you ! But seriously, thank to this title and your grand pa's fortune, you had can bought Raven, Elvis, Bright Field et repaired it for make it even more beautiful than before. With you, Bright Field and horses are in very good hands – said Zoe looking Pin
The boy smiled and hugged the young girl in thanks. They then joined others in the small rest room, Pin went to sit in a vacant chair, Zoe sitting on the armrest, her hand on the young man's shoulder.
- So, who's up for a drink tonight? - Becky asked, in front of their entire group.
All raised their hands to confirm their presences, only Pin didn't raise his hand. He apologised to the others, explaining that him and his father had to stay later today to finish the bookkeeping and others administrative matters that could not wait any longer. Pin promised however, to come to the next group outing to ease their disappointment.
The group of friends then split up, with Pin staying behind and the others all leaving for the city. Zoe approached her boyfriend and kissed him goodbye. They stayed in each other's arms for a few minutes and then parted. The girl waved to him as they left, however, she couldn't help but frown, what was that smell on Pin's clothes?
OoO
Th sun was already down when Pin arrived home, he got off Elvis' back and took off its saddle and snaffle, then fed him in the small yard next to their house. He patted the horse and wished him good night before going home. He was greeted by his father who was cooking, having gone by car, and who had arrived home faster than his son. As a ritual maintained for several years, Pin helped his father to prepare the diner, the young man went to sit at the table after setting it. Ted served his son and then himself and joined him to eat.
The evening passed quietly, father and son discussing the latest events, the changes to be made, each other's progress and many other topics. Naturally, the subject of his mother and grandfather was one of them.
- That's for it that mum was come back… Grand pa had just died then...
- She had to sort out the succession. Your grandfather disowned your mother, so when he died you inherited his title and lands.
- …. Did you know that?
- That you were in the estate? Yes. Your grandfather told us about it. A year or two after you were born, he sent us a letter... he wanted you to come and live with him, so that he could train you to take over.
Pin stared at his father, extremely surprised by this confession, the young man felt a deep unease that he could have grown up away from his father knowing the animosity between the two men. He came to his senses when he heard his father's voice again.
- We of course refused this. We knew he would keep you with him and we would have no way of seeing you. When you were five, your mother left and he renewed his offer. I stood my ground and you stayed with me. I didn't want you to go there and become like him... bitter, haughty, arrogant and above all lonely. He died alone in his castle and if you had been with him, you would have been alone right now. Without your friends, because he would never have allowed you to go there. At best, he would have granted you Holloway while repeating that you are superior to them by this title of Duke - Ted almost spat out this word -, at worst, he would have paid you private lessons at the castle.
Ted stood up to clear the table and ran a hand through his son's hair in a gesture that was meant to be comforting. Pin remained silent, taking in all the information he had just discovered. He could only thank his parents for standing up to his Duke grandfather. For a moment he imagined himself alone in that huge castle, alone, filled with all the old man's propaganda and he shuddered. To chase away these dark thoughts Pin helped his father clear away the dishes and after finishing them he went up to his room.
OoO
Just like the day before, Pin got up to see that he was still alone, far from embarrassing him, he prepared himself without hurrying and then left with Elvis in the direction of Bright Field. This time, the young man agreed to accompany their group of friends on a walk, his father pushing him by accepting. It was true that it had been a long time since Elvis had been allowed a long walk with the other hairs. Pin climbed on his companion's back and followed the group, unable to stop smiling.
The young people walked through the moors and fields, passing by the beach as usual to observe the seascape. Zoe then had an idea which she shared with the others :
- And, if we will reunited us tonight to have a barbecue ? Each bring something and we have a good evening together.
Her suggestion was met with great suggestion, each proposed to bring drinking, cakes, candies, et even a card game. Seeing things going off in all direction, Jade asked for silence then taking out a notebook and pen from her bag, she explained that she was going to write down what everyone wanted to bring to make sure that they didn't run out of anything or that there were too many of the same food.
- So, Zoe you bring the drinks with Gaby. Becky and Alex, you take care of the sweets. Pin and Marcus, you bring the meet and charcoal. Mia and Susie, you –
- We'll get a speaker for the music – Mia cut her off
- Great ! I'll take care of the dishes; we've got plenty of cup and paper plate at home. And don't forget the garbage bag. Don't forget to take a tent and a sleeping bag if we decide to sleep there. – says Jade.
They all agreed and talked to their partners to make arrangements. So, the group decided to straight back directly to Bright Field to have time to prepare the evening. When they arrived, they agreed to meet at the centre at 6 p.m. and then split up into groups of two.
OoO
In the city centre of the island, Pin and Marcus leaved at the butcher, one carrying two plastic bags and the other a bag of coal. The two young man walked in the streets, quietly discussed, making up for lost time.
- How's it going with Mia ?
- Yes, we take our marks back… I really missed… that closeness with her. She'd changed a lot; I think I had too…. But now, she's became again that one that she was before…. but now she's back to her old self... kind, caring-
- Tyrannic – Pin continued with a smile
- Hmm… she knows what she wants – Marcus replied with a slight laugh. – She'd kept her straightforward side, but I like that, and if she didn't, she wouldn't be Mia.
- You're right. We've got used to his character. I'd feel weird if she got all sweet and innocent.
- What about you and Zoe ?
- It's fine, the fact that I left, and she left has brought us closer together. And I'm glad she'd decided to stay here now.
- It's great that she's been able to transfer from the American team to the English one.
Pin nodded his head, that had relieved him, knowing that she was come back and stay. When he had returned from his travels, the young man had been afraid that something had changed between them, but she had quickly disabused him of that fear. The last summer had been eventful with the mayor's problems, the horde's poisoning – and his own, his father kept asking him to get medical tests to make sure that all the lead had left his organism – the discovery of Mia's father's action and most importantly, the letter from the American's team under-18 for Zoe offering her a post. It had been an unexpected chance and she had done well to accept, but secretly, it had been hard for him. She and Pin continued their relationship from a distance, writing to each other as much as possible, but the lack of it had been felt so when she had told him she was going to transfer to the English team, he had been the happiest men.
The two riders continued talking until they passed in front a minimarket, where Marcus stopped and turned to Pin with a smile.
- Would you like to buy some beers ?
- Why not… but I don't know if the others will drink it…
- We will see, if they won't, it doesn't matter. That will make more for us ~
- Us ?
- Don't tell me that you only drank soda during your travels, dear Pin. ~
An amused smile graced Pin's face, few memories of his travels bring back to him. No, he hadn't drink only soda indeed. The young man accepted and came into the minimarket with Marcus and then, they gone out some minutes later with two packs of beer.
OoO
Everyone was at Bright Field by 6 PM, the horses were sealed, Jade was still taking inventory to make sure there were no oversights. When this was done, everyone got on their horses and after saying goodbye to the adults still present (Ted and Maggie), the group left for the beach.
The young peoples arrived on the beach half an hour later, the sun was still shining on the beach yet, it didn't set until around 9 PM in this season. They each got rid of their horses' saddles and tied them to a tree trunk, giving them each a ration of pellets for the evening. When this was done, they quickly set up a small camp, the tents were quickly put up (except the Becky's one) and then the fire was started.
- I'll go and get more wood - says Alex.
Gaby and Marcus accompanied him while the others finished preparing the food. Marcus took out the barbecue grill he had taken from the centre and placed it on two rocks which were placed at either end of the fire. Pine next to him blew on the embers and put in some kindling which quickly caught fire. Jade distributed goblet to each and set up the rubbish bag so they could throw away all their rubbish and leave the beach as clean as they found it. The dishes were brought out and we saw what everyone had brought: coke, ice-tea, orangina and other sodas from Zoë and Gab; cupcake, chocolate cake, marshmallows, dragibus and a host of other candies from Becky and Alex's side; potatoes and many vegetables that can be grilled or eaten fresh from Mia and Susie. Pin took the meat out of the cooler and put it directly on the grill, while Marcus took the two packs of beer out of his bag, surprising a few people in their group.
- You had bring beers ? –asked a surprised Zoe.
- They're really good, try them and if you don't want them, we'll finish them - Marcus replied with a smile
- No, very good idea, you were right - says Zoe with a falsely resigned and amused look
Zoe waved to the boys, as if to thank them for their idea. Becky immediately asked for a beer, very excited at the idea of tasting one for the first time. Alex took one and opened it for her, watching for a reaction of his girlfriend. This one was not long in coming, a grimace took place on the girl's face Alex laughed a little and took the beer from her hand, putting it next to him for later.
- I didn't think that it was possible, but it's even worse than the egg nog !
- What ?! No ! You are exaggerating ! Egg nog is very good ! – Zoe defended
- Zoe, darling, you're American – Gaby said to her smiling and taking a beer in turn
Her friend stuck out her tongue and goes sit down next to Pin who putted his arm on her shoulders as if to support it. The evening passed like this, in a relaxed and good-natured atmosphere. They told each other stories, memories of holidays around the fire. The meat was quickly cooked and eaten, the boys were congratulated for their improvised cooking skills and the cakes brought by Becky were quickly eaten.
The silence of the beach was broken only by the music and chatter of the group of friends. Sometimes, one of them made a stupid challenge, but always realised by the person who was concerned. They saw Zoe doing a cartwheel in the sand, Susie miming a crazy dance, Becky and Jade slaughtering a song of some sort, and Mia having to tell the funniest joke she knew. The beers were well received by the young people, making their ideas of challenges grow as well as their voices.
The only light's source on the beach was the fire, lightening up their faces, Becky and Jade were roasting marshmallows at the end of a spike, handing them out to each person in the group, offering various mixes with them. The braver ones tested and sometimes regretted it, they then passed the taste with a sip of soda or beer for those who still had some. Pin declined the marshmallow, he had no more room in his stomach and the mixtures offered didn't mean anything to him, especially when he had seen Marcus' face spit out the one, he had tasted behind a rock, the young man didn't want to be sick. Pin took a sip of his beer and responded to Zoe's smile right next to him, their shoulders pressed against each other's, both having a great night. He was having a great time with his girlfriend when he saw that she was shivering, despite the fire, the air had really freshened up with the sea right next to them. He looked for his jacket and saw it next to Alex, in front of them. Not wanting to get up, he called to the young man and asked if he could throw his jacket to him. The latter agreed and took Pin's jacket and threw it over the fire.
However, the jacket was not folded properly and when it was thrown into the air, it unfolded and the weight of the sleeves deflected it, causing it to fall onto the sand in the middle of everyone.
- Shit ! I'm sorry Pin ! – Alex apologised
- Don't worry, there is no trouble. She didn't end up in the fire, that's the main thing - answered Pin
- Careful Mister Barber, is that how you treat the Duke of the Island's jacket? - Gaby replied, smiling in amusement.
- She's right, you deserve to be chased away! - Marcus added.
Everyone laughed at this, even the two concerned smiled. Pin picked up his jacket and shook it to remove the grains of sand that had clung to it. However, he shook the garment too hard, and the pocket openings opened, spilling their contents onto the floor in front of everyone. Everyone could see that in addition to Pin's mobile phone, there was a packet of cigarettes, a zippo and a small metal box. Pin, seeing this, closed his eyes and cursed himself in his head for not having paid enough attention. Zoe looked at the contents and then turning her head towards her boyfriend, she finally spoke:
- It's a packet of cigarette and a lighter…. You smoke Pin ?
- ….
The young man did not answer directly, he bent down to get his things, but Zoë was quicker and took the packet with the lighter in her hands. She opened the packet and saw that several cigarettes were missing. To her left, Becky picked up the small metal box and opened it.
- Do you really smoke Pin ?
- There are cigarette butts ! - cut off Becky
The others in the group turned to her and saw that there were indeed a few cigarette butts in the box, the exact number of cigarettes that were missing from the box, confirming Zoe's question.
- I... yes, it happens to me from time to time. - Admitted Pin.
- But why?! This is the stupidest thing you've ever done! And you've done some stupid things.
- I ... - tried Pin
- For once, I agree with Zoe. This completely stupid, why are you doing this Pin? - asked Mia.
- If you have any problems... you can tell us about them, you know... - added Jade
- But I don't have any problems! Yes, I do smoke sometimes, but it's rare! I sometimes have the urge to smoke, it's not so bad.
- Your lead poisoning wasn't enough? You have to poison your lungs with that shit now? - Zoe stormed.
- But that's nothing to do with it! - Pin objected.
- It's exactly the same thing! It's destroying your health except that you're paying for it!
- How long have you been smoking? - asked Gaby, calmer than her friend.
Pin turned to her for a moment, then returned to his original position, facing the group.
- For a few weeks... months... maybe a year already
- What? - Zoë exclaimed.
Gaby winced, offering Pin a look of support for the storm she had unleashed with her question. The others tried to calm Zoe down, but she continued to berate Pin, about his recklessness, about how he'd been hiding this from her all this time. Pin waited for her to calm down, or at least stop for a moment to catch her breath so he could defend himself.
- Zoe, calm down. You're making a big deal out of it. I smoke, yes, but that's it. And I don't smoke every day. I am very far from being a compulsive smoker. I haven't told anyone because... well, you see your reaction. But anyway... I started during my travels and it stayed. But it's no big deal, I'm old enough to know what I'm doing with the risks involved. I'm healthy and I don't intend to damage my health by smoking more. But yes, I will smoke again, but never to excess. Okay ?
No one spoke anymore, only the music broke the silence of the place. After several songs, Zoë nodded, accepting her boyfriend's choice. Pin smiled and opened her arms to him, she went to cradle herself against him, closing her arms behind his back. He lowered his head and kissed her as if to end the argument. Their friends chided them on this mark of affection.
- Oh you are so cute! When is the wedding? - Gaby asked as she lifted her beer bottle.
- Ah. Ah. - Zoe laughed sarcastically before sitting down with Pin at her side.
The others commented in turn and the quiet atmosphere resumed. While he was talking, Pin took out his pack of cigarettes, took one at random and stuck it between his lips. Just as naturally and without losing the thread of the discussion, he took out his zippo and lit his cigarette. He inhaled a mouthful of smoke, took the nicotine stick between two fingers, turned his head slightly to the right (so no one would be embarrassed) and exhaled the smoke. Pin continued to answer Gaby about the trips he had taken without him realizing that everyone had followed his actions which seemed so natural.
- So hot... - Becky finally says
- Becky! - cried Jade and Alex.
- Well, it's true!
And the others knew it, they couldn't deny it, that the same thought had crossed their minds when they saw him do it, including Zoe. She took a sip of soda to keep her composure. Pin, realizing that the talking had stopped, fell silent and looked around, all staring at him.
- … What ?
- Nothing ! - Becky replied, too quickly to sound natural.
- Your lighting of the fag has had its effect ~ - Gaby explained, amused.
- …. Oh.
Pin didn't know where to put himself on the spot, he didn't think that lighting a cigarette would have that effect, he had done it without really thinking about it. He was having a good evening, he had confessed his "secret", so he didn't have to hide anymore, so naturally he had lit one up. Once the surprise was over, the discussions quickly resumed between them. Zoe joined in with Gaby and Pin, each of them sharing their travel experiences and where they would like to go in the future.
- One last question Pin, you said you started smoking while travelling. - asked Gaby
- Yes
- So I'd like to know, have you tried anything other than cigarettes?
- Like what ?
- Hm... weed ...or something else?.
- Yes.
- What ?! Pin ! - Zoe railed against her boyfriend
- I'm sorry...- apologised Gaby.
I hope you liked it, don't hesitate to leave me a comment, it's always a pleasure ;)